Saturday, March 23, 2024

Which Norwegian Cruise Ship Is The Best

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Buy The Specialty Dining Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line | Europe

Get NCLs dining package to save on cost. Avoid paying a la carte prices at specialty restaurants using this package. And also get to sample different meals without the worry of cost.

You can purchase a dining package for your entire cruise period, or just for a few number of meals. The specialty package covers meals from steakhouses, French, Japanese, Mexican, Italian and churrascarias venues.

Enjoy this cost-cutting deal with flexible terms and prices starting from $69 for 3meals to $199 for 14 meals.

River Ship Line #: Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises launched in 2016 with custom-built river ships. The company is dead-set on matching the top-of-the-line service of its ocean ships in this offeringand it’s certainly got readers convinced. The fleet has five river shipsfour of which, Crystal Bach, Mahler, Debussy, and Ravel, are Europes only all-suite, all-balcony river shipssailing the Moselle, Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience, with free butler service, unlimited drinks , WiFi, and fitness classes.

An Introduction To Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, Norwegian has become increasingly known for some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. But as mentioned above, the line doesnt just operate giant ships. More than half its fleet comprises vessels that, by todays standards, are considered almost midsize.

Indeed, Norwegian essentially is two cruise lines in one. The lines seven newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 4,000 passengers at double occupancy . At around 145,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all seven currently rank among the 30 biggest cruise ships in the world .

But Norwegians 10 older ships are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegians four new Breakaway Plus vessels Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape are the lines premier offerings.

One step down in size from the Breakaway Plus ships are the still-quite-large Breakaway Class ships Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway and the one-of-a-kind Norwegian Epic.

Norwegians 10 smaller vessels break down among five classes. But many are roughly the same size and offer similar amenities.

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Medium Ship Line #: Seabourn Cruise Lines

Dont think of Seabourn as a typical cruiseit ships are much more akin to mega-yachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has five vessels, the largest of which carry 600 passengers. Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world . Many of the cruise lines guests are lifelong learners, and they flock to the nightly Seabourn Conversation program, which brings all sorts of intriguing figures, from Steve Wozniak to Elaine Paige, on board for lectures and casual chats. In 2015, Seabourn announced a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, who crafted new menus for the three existing ships and spearheaded new restaurants on the two newest ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.

Small Ship Line #: Australis

Is Norwegian

Some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world can be found in Patagonias Tierra del Fuego, and Australis takes its passengers right into the heart of them aboard the all-inclusive Ventus Australis or the Stella Australis. Each day, passengers disembark their ship and navigate the icy waters in zodiacs, getting up close and personal with glaciers and penguins along the way. It doesnt get more off-the-beaten-path than this.

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Small Ship Line #1: Star Clippers

Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the worlds largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.

Best Solo Inside Cabins: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian’s pint-size studios are found on Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Epic and Pride of America, and they make a big impression for numerous reasons. They’re dedicated as solo cabins , a concept that Norwegian pioneered in the mainstream cruise industry that is largely based around couples and families. The staterooms feature funky, multicolor lighting effects and a round window that looks onto the corridor. Each offers a full-size bed and lots of storage you can hog all to yourself.

But even better is that residency in these cabins gives exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, a hip hangout where cruise travelers can watch TV, hang out with a coffee or beer, and socialize with other solos.

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What To Expect On Board

Food

Main dining rooms serve what is traditionally deemed Continental fare, although it’s about what you would expect at a really good hotel banquet. Health-conscious menu selections are nicely prepared, and vegetarian choices are always available. Where Norwegian really shines

is the specialty restaurants, especially the French-Mediterranean Le Bistro , the pan-Asian restaurants, and steak houses . As a rule of thumb, the newer the ship, the wider the variety, because new ships were purpose-built with as many as 10 or more places to eat. You may find Spanish tapas, an Italian trattoria, a steak house, a pub, and a pan-Asian restaurant complete with a sushi and sashimi bar and teppanyaki room. Most carry a cover charge or are priced à la carte and require reservations. A Norwegian staple, the late-night Chocoholic Buffet continues to be a favorite event. A charge of $7.95 per order has been instituted for room service; however, continental breakfast and coffee are still free.

Why Its Important To Pick The Right Line For You

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship Room With The Best View!

Weve long said that no matter what type of cruise youre taking, its important to do a little bit of research or work with a travel advisor to make sure that you wind up with a vacation thats going to be a great fit. Yes, you can jump on just about any cruise ship and have an amazing time.

And yes, the basics of a cruise will be the same on most lines. But the devil, as they say, is in the details.

With that in mind, were going to look at each of the major cruise lines and give you an idea of what they have to offer adult travelers.

From restaurants perfect for date nights to a ship on which no one under the age of 18 is allowed, weve got all kinds of options for you to consider.

Think of this as a Beginners Guide to Adult Cruising.; Lets dive in, looking at what they each offer, in no particular order.

Keep in mind that in some cases, well be speaking about what a cruise line specializes in generalities. Not all of the mentioned restaurants or amenities will necessarily be available on every ship in the lines fleet.

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When Built Norwegian Epic Was The Third

For a decade-old ship, Norwegian Epic isnt shabby, but it was even more glamorous than it is now when it launched in 2010. At the time of the ships construction, it was the third-largest cruise ship in the world.

Just how big is it?

The ship boasts a gross tonnage of 155,873 GT, with a length of 1,081 feet and a height of 200 feet. There are 19 decks, and a capacity for 4,100 passengers and 1,724 crew.

Unfortunately for Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Epic has been far surpassed by plenty of other cruise ships by now. Currently, Norwegian Epic is the 21st-largest ship in the world. The current third-largest is Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, which boasts a maximum occupancy of 6,780 passengers and a gross tonnage of 226,838 GT.

Norwegian Cruise Line Tips And Tricks

You’re going to find all the NCL advice you’ve ever wanted! Read these 30 Norwegian Cruise Line Tips and Tricks to help you out and get you prepared for your next cruise vacation with NCL.

Whether you are a first-time cruiser with Norwegian Cruise Line or a loyal fan. There are some insider secrets that make your cruise a whole lot smoother and thats what I will let you in on today. So here are 30 NCL tips and tricks to help you get the best experience on your next Norwegian cruise.

Please Note: There may be some links below where we could receive a small commission on.

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Plan Your Norwegian Cruise Line Vacation

Norwegian Cruise Line set sail in 1966 with an entirely new conceptregularly scheduled Caribbean cruises from the then-obscure port of Miami. Good food and friendly service combined with value fares established the line as a winner for active adults and families. Innovative and forward-looking, Norwegian has been a cruise-industry leader for decades, and its fleet is as much at home worldwide as in the Caribbean. Several of the line’s ships cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage, including one of its newest, Norwegian Bliss.

Noted for top-quality entertainment, Norwegian combines action and high-energy activities as well as a variety of dining options in a casual, free-flowing atmosphere. Norwegian’s freestyle cruising signaled an end to rigid dining schedules and dress codes. Norwegian ships now offer a host of flexible dining options that allow passengers to eat in the main dining rooms or any of a number of à la carte and specialty restaurants at any time and with whom they please. The ships’ accommodations include some of the largest suites at sea, studio cabins for solo travelers, and a private ship-within-a-ship complex called The Haven, a more luxurious area with personalized service.

From a distance, most cruise ships look so similar that it’s often difficult to tell them apart, but Norwegian’s largest, modern ships stand out with their distinctive use of hull art. Each new ship is distinguished by murals extending from bow to midship.

Creation Of Outdoor Living Areas

GTP Headlines Norwegian Spirit Cruise Ship to Homeport in ...

Rendering of Ocean Boulevard

Norwegian Cruise Line

Although the ship was in the making for some time prior to the pandemic, one striking design element is the innovative use of exterior deck space, which will encourage guests to spend more time outdoors and come closer to the sea. The new class significantly increases the amount of deck space, outdoor walkways and open-air experiences available to guests.;;;

  • Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot reimagined outdoor living concept located on Deck 8, will allow passengers to walk around the entire perimeter without obstruction. Two Oceanwalk glass bridges will offer a surreal feeling of walking on water.
  • The Concourse, an immersive, Instagram-worthy outdoor sculpture garden, will feature six dramatic installations designed by sculptor Alexander Krivosheiw.

Rendering of a Krivosheiw sculpture on The Concourse

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Infinity Beach will offer opportunities to relax at either of two infinity pools located on each side of the ship that are close to the ocean surface.

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The Ship Has Received Expansive Revitalizations Over The Last Decade

Sure, when Norwegian Epic debuted, it offered a lot of glitz and glam to its passengers. For example, at the time, it offered the only tube and bowl water slide at sea. Other interesting amenities included a rappelling wall, bowling alley and an ice bar.

But over time, every cruise ship begins to show its wear and tear. As such, in 2015, Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans for a two-year, $400 million, fleet-wide refurbishment program, and Norwegian Epic was a part of this program, which was dubbed The Norwegian Edge.

Norwegian Epic was the first ship to receive renovations under the program, in October 2015. Changes included the addition of new dining and drinking venues, like The Cavern Club, as well as redesigns of popular restaurants and bars aboard the ship, including La Cucina, Le Bistro, The Manhattan Room and more.

New Norwegian Leadership New Ship

The leadership helm change comes as the cruise line launches its;newest ship, Norwegian Encore.

The ship is the fourth Breakaway Plus-class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line and;has a capacity of 3,998 based on double occupancy.

On Sunday Norwegian Encore began seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries. In April 2020, the ship will move to New York City, and then return back to Miami for Western Caribbean voyages in fall 2020.

Norwegian Encore includes more than two dozen;dining venues, some with waterfront dining experiences;;a racetrack;;a virtual galaxy pavilion;;a laser tag course; and water slides that will take adventure-seekers breath away.

Complimentary dining choices include the main dining rooms with changing menus and impressive service;and The Garden Café, the ships buffet restaurant, which offers bountiful breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Specialty dining restaurants cost extra and are popular with cruisers who want to mix up their dinner repertoire. A trendy Italian restaurant,;Onda by Scarpetta, has its first location on a ship aboard the Encore..

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Medium Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things youll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise lines five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries.

Other Norwegian Cruises To Try

Norwegian Breakaway – 7 Best Things to Experience Onboard

If theres the best and the second-best Norwegian cruise ship, there are also three tiebreakers who made it to our top 3 list: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Pearl, and Norwegian Gem.

We made a quick table for you to compare the next Norwegian cruise you might want to hop on and experience.

Norwegian Bliss
  • Alaska
  • Northern Europe;

A few days or so on a Norwegian cruise ship is going to make your whole vacation memorably enjoyable.;

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Best Accessible Inside Cabin: Celebrity Cruises

Six roomy inside cabins on each of the line’s five Solstice-class ships — Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection — feature cabin doors that automatically open with a card swipe, roll-in showers, grab bars and ramped bathroom thresholds.

Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Edge, has three accessible inside cabins featuring a sleek design, but they’re slightly smaller than those in the Solstice Class. The line’s other ships also feature accessible insides, but they’re even smaller and don’t have the automatic doors.

Medium Ship Line #: Cunard

While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.

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Medium Ship Line #: Crystal Cruises

While many cruises are notorious for charging guests for alcohol and specialty dining options, Crystal practices a generally all-inclusive fare structure covering all drinks , one specialty dining reservation per passenger , 24-hour room service, and a Wi-Fi package. The line has just two ocean-going vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries.

Best Inside Cabin With A Virtual View: Royal Caribbean

The 6 Best Cruise Ship Water Parks

These industry-first Virtual Balcony inside cabins come equipped with 82-inch LED, HD, floor-to-ceiling screens that stream real-time views and sounds of the sea and ports — everything but the ocean breeze — right into passengers’ rooms.

Every single interior stateroom aboard Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas feature the virtual balconies — including the single-occupancy Studio , Standard Interior and Large Interior staterooms . Other ships with Virtual Balcony inside cabins are Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

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Large Ship Line #: P&o Cruises

The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P&O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Three of the fleets five current ships fall into the large category, while its two upcoming ships, MS Iona and her as-of-yet unnamed sister, will be mega-ships.

Norwegian Epic Was Intended To Have Two Sister Ships But Is Now The Only One In Its Class

So lets start out with the most intriguing thing about this ship. While other cruising vessels usually have at least one other ship in its class a ship that shares its vibe, facilities, amenities, etc. Norwegian Epic is all on its own.

But this wasnt intended to happen. Norwegian Epic was planned as the flagship of Norwegian Cruise Lines Epic class. Two ships for the class were ordered in November 2006 , with the option for a third vessel from the same shipyard, STX Europe Chantiers de lAtlantique. However, a dispute interrupted the construction.

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The result of the dispute was that the shipyard would go ahead with constructing the first ship, but that the second and third ships simply would not be built.

And, so, weve ended up with Norwegian Epic in the Epic class all by itself, launching in 2010.

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