Norwegian Cruise Line

'Freestyle Cruising'

Based in Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has cut a niche for cruising without cares.

Described as 'Freestyle Cruising', they broke down the traditional understanding of what cruising was all about.

Formality and conformity went straight out the window, with the new emphasis on fun, freedom, flexibility a new-style, more carefree holiday was born.

NCL gave their guests back the choice to do what you want, when you want to and how you want to.

So, wear what you want, eat when you want and play when you want are the backbone of how Norwegian Cruise Line run their ships.

They are also famed for their extremely relaxed disembarkation policy, almost unheard of in mass-market cruising. Their wish is that your last day onboard, is as relaxed and enjoyable, as your first.

Recently, their new ships, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl have pushed the boat(!) out further with their innovative designs as well as more choice of accommodation and more ways to eat.

For Hawaiian cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line is unique in that it offers the only seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises year-round (out of Honolulu). NCL cruises in Hawaii involve a flight to Honolulu or Kahului, where you join your cruise.

Hawaiian ports of call are Kona, Hawai'i; Hilo, Hawai'i; Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Honolulu, Oahu, Lahaina, Maui, depending on the various itineraries that Norwegian Cruise Line offer.

If you choose the right one you van even visit Fanning Island, Kiribati as well!

The Pride of Hawai'i is the largest US-flagged cruise ship ever built.

What's the Food Like?

From French to Italian; Spanish to Japanese. As well as great fare from the good old U s of A, you will be spoilt for choice on your Norwegian Cruise Line cruise.

They offer at least 6 restaurants and even up to ten on some cruises, though you need to check what is available for your choice of destination.

What time do you want to eat? That's easy too - for dinner, any time from 5.30 to midnight will do, with some ships having electronic availability indicators and even when this isn't available, your restaurant of choice will let you have a beeper to let you know when your table is ready!

The dress code is, well, up to you. Want to go casual - well, you can. Want to dress up and dust off your tux, well that's OK too. At NCL you might well have your alter ego sitting right next to you!

Some exclusive restaurants, for that very special occasion, require and additional payment. And most don't!

What's There to Do?

Because of the relaxed atmosphere that Norwegian Cruise Line offers, days on board ship are filled with casual pleasures. You can find a quiet spot on deck and chill or choose from the many adventures the ship has to offer.

For bigger families there are even some three bed cabin combos that work really well.