Norwegian Cruise Line: the back story

About Norwegian Cruise Line: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Norwegian began in December 1966, when the Oslo shipping company Klosters brought the Sunward to Miami for Caribbean cruises. It went on to buy the first private island in the Bahamas and, in 2000, to launch Freestyle Cruising, which ended fixed dining times and brought in resort-casual dress.

One ship and an idea

Norwegian traces its story to 1966, when Knut Kloster’s Oslo shipping company sent the Sunward to Miami and began round trips to the Caribbean; her first sailing left on 19 December 1966 (nclhltd.com). The company was Norwegian Caribbean Line until 1987, when it became Norwegian Cruise Line to match a wider map.

An island of its own

Norwegian was the first line to give its guests a private island in the Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay. Today it has a lagoon pool of 2,601 m² with swim-up bars, beaches, complimentary food, an adults-only beach club, villas at Silver Cove and the new Great Tides Waterpark, with 19 slides.

Dinner when you like, in whatever you like.

Freestyle

In May 2000 the line announced Freestyle Cruising: open seating, more restaurants, longer hours and resort-casual dress, and an end to the fixed dinner sitting. It is still the heart of a Norwegian holiday. On a big ship you choose from the main dining rooms and buffet, which are included, or from specialty restaurants such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro and Onda by Scarpetta.

The new ships

The Prima class brought a new look: more outdoor space, the Ocean Boulevard promenade and the Indulge Food Hall. Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the larger Prima Plus ships, add the Aqua Slidecoaster, described by the line as the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea. Norwegian Aura, the biggest ship the line has built, follows in 2027 with the three-storey Ocean Heights, and Norwegian Bella in 2028.

The Haven

At the top of the bigger ships sits The Haven, a keycard-only ship-within-a-ship with its own restaurant, lounge, courtyard pool, sundeck and 24-hour butlers. It is how families and friends who want space and service sail Norwegian without giving up the energy of a big ship below.

Our advice: compare the package offers carefully, because drinks, specialty dining and Wi-Fi can be bundled into the fare; book Great Tides passes in MyNCL before you sail; and if you have young children, note that Splash Academy runs while the ship is sailing, not in port.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Norwegian Cruise Line: the back story before you go.