If you’ve been thinking about booking your first Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, you’re probably asking the same questions we were.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line worth it?

How does it compare to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or MSC?

Is Freestyle Cruising really better?

After sailing on more than 40 cruises across several cruise lines, we finally booked our very first Norwegian cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway. We intentionally avoided reading too many reviews beforehand because we wanted to experience everything with fresh eyes.

Some things completely exceeded our expectations.

A few things frustrated us.

And one feature was so good that we wish every cruise line would copy it.

This isn’t a sponsored review, and we’re not loyal to any one cruise line. We simply love cruising, and we want to help you decide whether Norwegian Cruise Line is the right fit for your next vacation.

If you’d rather see everything for yourself, we’ve also created a full video sharing our first impressions aboard Norwegian Getaway. Then come back here for all the details, tips, and comparisons we couldn’t fit into the video.

Quick Verdict

If you’re short on time, here’s our overall impression.

Would we cruise Norwegian again?

Absolutely.

In fact, before we even got off the ship, we were already talking about which Norwegian ship we wanted to try next.

That doesn’t mean everything was perfect.

There were a few things we’d change.

But overall, Norwegian surprised us in several very positive ways.

Our Overall Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)

What We Loved

✔ Outstanding crew and customer service

✔ Excellent food quality

✔ Freestyle Dining gives you incredible flexibility

✔ Beautiful Waterfront promenade

✔ Stylish lounges and entertainment venues

✔ Mostly non-smoking casino

✔ Relaxed dress code

✔ Great specialty dining

Things We’d Improve

• Better signage throughout the ship

• Easier tender ticket process

• Entertainment schedules can be confusing

• Daily newsletter print is tiny

Overall?

One of the best first impressions we’ve had on any cruise line.

Why It Took Us So Long to Try Norwegian

People are often surprised when we tell them this was our first Norwegian cruise.

After all, we’ve already sailed on:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises

…and completed more than 40 cruises overall.

Norwegian simply never fit into our schedule.

Eventually, though, curiosity got the better of us.

With so many cruisers praising Norwegian’s relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” concept, we wanted to experience it for ourselves rather than relying on online reviews.

Looking back, we’re glad we waited.

It made every little difference stand out because we naturally compared everything to the cruise lines we already knew.

First Impressions at the Cruise Terminal

Every cruise starts long before you step onboard.

Your first impression begins at the terminal.

Overall, Norwegian’s embarkation process felt organized and easy to follow.

Like most cruise lines, we first passed through security screening before checking in with our passports.

But then Norwegian did something we’d never experienced before.

Instead of simply waiting until boarding began, we received a laminated boarding group card.

Ours was Group 14.

As boarding progressed, Norwegian announced each group over the loudspeaker, allowing passengers to board in an orderly sequence.

We actually liked this system.

Rather than wondering whether it was time to get in line, everyone knew exactly when their group would be called.

Our embarkation happened during a Coast Guard inspection, which delayed boarding for everyone.

Normally that could have become frustrating.

Instead, Norwegian handed out an information sheet introducing us to the ship while we waited.

A Surprisingly Helpful Welcome Guide

This may sound like a small detail, but we appreciated it immediately.

The information sheet included:

• Ship statistics
• Passenger capacity
• Crew information
• Restaurant locations
• Dining options
• General ship information

Since we’d never sailed Norwegian before, we found ourselves reading every page while waiting to board.

It was a thoughtful touch that helped us become familiar with the ship before we even stepped onboard.

Sometimes it’s the little details that make guests feel welcome.

Carry-On Luggage: A Nice Surprise

Like many experienced cruisers, we often travel with carry-on luggage instead of checking large suitcases.

One challenge with boarding early is that cabins usually aren’t ready yet.

On many cruise lines, that means dragging your luggage around for several hours while you explore the ship.

Norwegian offered something much better.

They provided a secure carry-on storage area.

After checking our bags, we received claim tags and were free to enjoy lunch without pulling luggage through crowded restaurants and elevators.

It’s a simple service, but one that made embarkation considerably more enjoyable.

If you’re boarding early, we highly recommend taking advantage of it.

Our First Impression of Norwegian Getaway

Walking aboard for the first time, our immediate impression was:

Modern. Bright. Energetic.

The décor felt contemporary without being overwhelming.

Like every cruise ship on embarkation day, public areas were busy with excited passengers exploring their new home for the week.

But despite the crowds, the ship felt welcoming.

One thing stood out almost immediately.

There seemed to be an incredible number of dining options.

Instead of automatically heading to the buffet, we discovered several complimentary sit-down restaurants already open for lunch.

That immediately introduced us to Norwegian’s biggest difference from many other cruise lines.

What Is Freestyle Cruising?

If you’re researching Norwegian for the first time, you’ll probably hear the phrase Freestyle Cruising over and over again.

So what does it actually mean?

Simply put, Freestyle Cruising gives guests much more flexibility.

Instead of assigning everyone:

• Fixed dining times
• Fixed dining rooms
• Formal dress nights
• Rigid schedules

Norwegian lets you decide.

Want dinner at 5:30?

Great.

Prefer eating at 7:15?

No problem.

Feeling hungry at 8:45 after watching a show?

That’s fine too.

Rather than planning your day around dinner reservations made months ago, dinner fits around your vacation.

After experiencing it ourselves, we quickly understood why so many Norwegian cruisers love this concept.

Our Cabin Surprise

Then came something we definitely weren’t expecting.

When cabins finally opened, we excitedly walked to our room.

We opened the door…

…and immediately realized something wasn’t right.

Someone else’s luggage filled the cabin.

Suitcases were open.

Clothes had been partially unpacked.

Items covered the bed and sofa.

Even the bathroom looked like it had already been used.

For a moment, we honestly wondered if we’d somehow entered the wrong room.

We hadn’t.

It was simply an unfortunate mistake.

The Crew’s Response Was Outstanding

Here’s where Norwegian completely impressed us.

Marshall stepped into the hallway and found a supervisor.

Within minutes, multiple crew members appeared.

A supervisor immediately apologized and contacted housekeeping.

Another crew member quickly removed the luggage.

Then our cabin steward arrived to completely refresh the room, replacing towels and making sure everything looked exactly as it should have from the beginning.

From start to finish, the situation was handled in less than ten minutes.

More importantly, every crew member treated the issue seriously.

Nobody minimized it.

Nobody made excuses.

Their only concern was making sure we felt comfortable.

By the time they finished, it genuinely felt as though nothing had happened.

Our Biggest Surprise: The Crew

That experience turned out to be a preview of something we’d notice all week.

The crew aboard Norwegian Getaway was exceptional.

Everywhere we went, staff members seemed genuinely happy to help.

Need directions?

Someone was nearby.

Had a question?

No problem.

Looking for a restaurant?

Someone would happily point you there.

We were particularly impressed by the staffing levels throughout the ship.

Walking through the buffet one afternoon, we counted approximately fifteen crew members stationed along a single section.

Some were clearing tables.

Some greeted guests.

Others answered questions.

Others cleaned continuously.

The level of attention was impressive.

A Crew Member We’ll Never Forget

One crew member deserves special recognition.

Her name was Javelin.

Meal after meal, she greeted us with a smile, found us a table, remembered our names, and somehow always seemed to appear exactly when we arrived.

Keep in mind…

This was only a three-night cruise.

Yet she remembered us after our very first meal.

It’s interactions like these that transform a good cruise into a memorable one.

Exceptional ships are built by exceptional crews.

And Norwegian certainly delivered in that department.

f there’s one thing that can make or break a cruise, it’s the food.

Before boarding Norwegian Getaway, we’d heard everything from “Norwegian has the best food at sea” to “The dining isn’t as good as Royal Caribbean.”

After spending several days eating our way around the ship, we came away with a very different opinion than we expected.

While not every single dish was perfect, the overall quality of the food was excellent, and the dining experience itself may have been our favorite part of cruising with Norwegian.

Our Overall Food Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)

One thing we quickly noticed was consistency.

Whether we were dining in a complimentary restaurant, grabbing breakfast, or enjoying a specialty restaurant, the food was fresh, well-presented, and served by an outstanding crew.

Having cruised on more than 40 sailings, we’ve become pretty picky.

We’re not expecting every meal to be five-star dining, but we do appreciate quality ingredients, good preparation, and plenty of choices.

Norwegian delivered on all three.

Freestyle Dining: Why We Loved It

The biggest difference between Norwegian Cruise Line and many other cruise lines is Freestyle Dining.

Instead of assigning guests to:

• Early dining
• Late dining
• One dining room
• The same table every night

Norwegian gives you the freedom to decide.

Some evenings we wanted dinner around 6:00.

Other nights we weren’t hungry until much later.

Rather than planning our day around dinner reservations, dinner fit naturally into our day.

For us, that felt incredibly relaxing.

Vacation shouldn’t feel like you’re constantly checking your watch.

Multiple Complimentary Restaurants

One thing that surprised us was the number of complimentary sit-down restaurants.

Most people assume the buffet is the default lunch option on embarkation day.

Not on Norwegian.

Instead, we had several choices.

That immediately made the ship feel less crowded because passengers naturally spread out across multiple dining venues.

We loved having the option to sit down, relax, and enjoy table service instead of carrying trays around a busy buffet.

Sometimes vacation is simply slowing down.

Three Main Dining Rooms—Without Feeling Repetitive

Norwegian Getaway offers multiple complimentary dining rooms.

Although they share much of the same menu, each restaurant has its own atmosphere and personality.

That variety keeps dinner from feeling repetitive.

One evening you might choose a quieter setting.

The next night you might prefer a more energetic atmosphere.

The flexibility made every evening feel a little different, even when enjoying familiar menu items.

How Did the Food Compare?

Overall, we’d rank Norwegian’s food among the best we’ve experienced on a mainstream cruise line.

Of course, we have our own traditions.

Marshall has a habit of judging every cruise line by a few favorite dishes.

They’re his unofficial “cruise food test.”

Every cruise seems to include:

• French onion soup
• Bread
• Carrot cake

It’s become our own running joke.

While a couple of those individual items weren’t necessarily the best we’ve ever had, the overall dining experience more than made up for it.

Many other dishes exceeded our expectations.

When you judge the cruise as a whole—not just one soup or dessert—we walked away very impressed.

Ocean Blue: One of the Best Specialty Restaurants We’ve Experienced

If we had to recommend one specialty restaurant aboard Norwegian Getaway, it would be Ocean Blue.

As seafood lovers, we were excited to try it.

It ended up being one of the highlights of our cruise.

The atmosphere felt upscale without being intimidating.

Service was attentive.

Presentation was beautiful.

Most importantly…

The food was outstanding.

Marshall ordered the tuna steak, and it was one of his favorite meals of the entire cruise.

Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Every course felt like something you’d expect in a high-end restaurant on land.

We Ordered Every Dessert

Then came dessert.

Our server mentioned we were welcome to order more than one dessert.

Naturally…

We accepted the challenge.

Instead of trying to choose just one, we ordered enough desserts to sample nearly everything on the menu.

Suddenly our table looked like we were judging a baking competition.

Some desserts stood out more than others, but every single one was delicious.

If you’re celebrating something special aboard Norwegian Getaway, Ocean Blue is absolutely worth considering.

Is Specialty Dining Worth It?

We often get asked whether paying extra for specialty dining is worth the additional cost.

Our answer?

It depends.

The complimentary dining on Norwegian is already very good.

But if you’re celebrating:

• A birthday
• Anniversary
• Honeymoon
• Retirement
• Or simply want one memorable evening

Ocean Blue provided one of the best specialty dining experiences we’ve enjoyed on any cruise line.

We Never Felt Locked Into a Schedule

One unexpected benefit of Freestyle Dining was how much it reduced stress.

On other cruise lines, dinner often dictates your evening.

You might have:

• A 5:30 dining time
• An 8:00 show
• Or vice versa

That can leave you constantly checking the clock.

Norwegian felt different.

Dinner happened when we were actually hungry.

Not when the schedule told us to eat.

That flexibility made the vacation feel much more… well… free.

Nearly Endless Dining Choices

Beyond the main dining rooms, Norwegian offers several additional complimentary venues depending on the ship.

During our cruise we enjoyed having choices like:

• American-style pub food
• Casual dining
• Noodle bar
• Buffet
• Grab-and-go options

Instead of everyone funneling toward one restaurant, guests naturally spread throughout the ship.

That created a much more relaxed dining atmosphere.

O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

One venue quickly became a favorite.

O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill.

Open 24 hours a day, it’s the perfect place when you’re craving something outside traditional meal times.

Want a cheeseburger at 4:00 in the morning?

No problem.

Late-night snack after a comedy show?

They’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re hungry at noon or midnight, having a full-service restaurant available around the clock is something we wish more cruise lines offered.

One Small Thing We Missed

There was one area where we felt Norwegian could improve.

Quick grab-and-go snacks.

On several other cruise lines, you’ll often find:

• Fresh cookies
• Small desserts
• Grab-and-go pastries
• Easy snack stations

Throughout our sailing, we never really found that same casual “grab a cookie and keep walking” experience.

It’s a small detail.

Certainly not a dealbreaker.

But it’s something we noticed.

The Buffet

Like every cruise ship buffet, Norwegian’s buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner during scheduled hours.

One thing we hadn’t experienced before was the afternoon snack period.

Every day from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the buffet transitioned into lighter snack offerings.

We actually thought this was a smart idea.

Not everyone wants a full meal in the afternoon.

Sometimes a light snack is exactly what you need before dinner.

Dietary Choices

One pleasant surprise was the variety of healthier options.

Throughout the ship we consistently found:

• Salads
• Fresh fruit
• Vegetarian choices
• Seafood
• Lighter meals

That made it much easier to balance vacation treats with healthier eating.

Service Made Every Meal Better

While the food impressed us, the service elevated the entire experience.

Servers remembered drinks.

Hosts remembered our names.

Crew members greeted us with smiles.

The dining rooms never felt rushed.

It’s hard to overstate how much good service influences your overall impression of a cruise.

Excellent food becomes even better when delivered by people who genuinely enjoy taking care of guests.

Our Food Verdict

If someone asked us to summarize Norwegian’s dining in one sentence, it would be this:

Excellent food combined with the freedom to eat when, where, and how you want.

For us, Freestyle Dining wasn’t just a marketing phrase.

It genuinely changed the rhythm of our vacation.

Instead of planning our day around dinner, dinner simply became another enjoyable part of the day.

And honestly…

We’re not sure we want to go back to fixed dining times.

By this point in our cruise, we understood why Norwegian calls its approach Freestyle Cruising.

The flexibility didn’t stop with dining.

It extended to entertainment, activities, dress code, and even the overall atmosphere onboard.

Some aspects were fantastic.

Others took a little getting used to.

If you’re sailing Norwegian for the first time, here’s what surprised us the most.

Entertainment: A Different Way of Doing Things

Having cruised primarily with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, we naturally expected Norwegian’s entertainment schedule to work the same way.

It didn’t.

Most cruise lines schedule their main theater production twice each evening.

For example:

• 7:00 p.m.
• 9:00 p.m.

Both performances are identical.

That allows guests with either early or late dinner to see the same show.

Norwegian takes a different approach.

On our cruise, the entertainment schedule looked something like this:

• 7:00 p.m. – Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac tribute show
• 9:00 p.m. – Comedy performance

Unfortunately, we assumed the 9:00 show would simply be a repeat of the musical performance.

It wasn’t.

By the time we finished dinner and arrived at the theater…

We had completely missed the Stevie Nicks tribute.

Needless to say, Crystal wasn’t thrilled.

If you’re cruising Norwegian for the first time, our biggest advice is this:

Check the daily schedule carefully.

Don’t assume evening performances repeat.

The Freestyle Daily

Every evening, Norwegian delivers a daily newsletter to your cabin.

This quickly became one of our most valuable planning tools.

It includes:

• Daily activities
• Show times
• Restaurant hours
• Entertainment schedules
• Port information
• Special events
• Dining locations

We found ourselves referring to it several times each day.

The only downside?

The print is tiny.

Really tiny.

For younger eyes, it’s probably fine.

For those of us who suddenly need reading glasses at restaurants…

Let’s just say a magnifying glass wouldn’t hurt.

Fortunately, the Norwegian app contains much of the same information.

The Norwegian App

Overall, we thought the app worked well.

It allowed us to:

• View activities
• Check restaurant hours
• Browse entertainment
• Review daily schedules

Still, we’re old-school cruisers.

Sometimes it’s simply easier to unfold a piece of paper than unlock your phone every few minutes.

Our ideal solution?

Keep the app exactly as it is…

Just print the Freestyle Daily in a larger font.

Tendering: Our One Frustrating Morning

Most of our cruise went incredibly smoothly.

There was one exception.

Tendering.

One of our ports required passengers to take tender boats ashore instead of docking directly.

The tender ride itself was perfectly organized.

Our confusion came beforehand.

There were several different ways to reserve a tender time:

• Through the cabin television
• At Guest Services
• At another designated location

The problem was figuring out exactly which method actually worked.

We tried using the television.

No luck.

We visited the suggested desk.

Nobody was there.

Finally, we simply called Guest Services.

Within moments, the issue was resolved.

The representative politely booked our tender time over the phone.

Problem solved.

Our advice?

Don’t spend valuable vacation time trying to figure out complicated technology.

If something isn’t obvious, call Guest Services.

The crew is happy to help.

Relaxed Dress Code

One thing we immediately noticed aboard Norwegian was how casually everyone dressed.

Unlike some cruise lines that encourage formal nights or “Dress Your Best” evenings, Norwegian’s atmosphere felt much more relaxed.

Guests wore:

• Polo shirts
• Sundresses
• Nice shorts
• Casual slacks
• Summer dresses
• Comfortable resort wear

The only obvious request was avoiding swimwear in dining rooms.

Otherwise…

It felt refreshingly relaxed.

If packing formal clothes isn’t your idea of vacation, Norwegian’s dress code will probably appeal to you.

The Waterfront: Our Favorite Surprise

If there was one feature that completely won us over, it was The Waterfront.

Honestly…

We wish every cruise line had something like this.

Located on Deck 8 aboard Norwegian Getaway, The Waterfront is a quarter-mile outdoor promenade lined with restaurants, lounges, and comfortable seating.

Instead of feeling separated from the ocean while dining indoors, many restaurants extend directly outside.

Imagine finishing dinner while watching the sunset over the Caribbean.

That’s exactly the experience Norwegian has created.

Outdoor Dining Done Right

Several specialty restaurants offer outdoor seating overlooking the ocean.

Even if you aren’t dining, you’ll find numerous comfortable chairs scattered throughout the promenade.

On two different evenings, we simply sat outside watching the sea roll past.

No music.

No announcements.

Just the sound of the ocean.

Those quiet moments became some of our favorite memories from the cruise.

Sometimes the best cruise experiences aren’t activities at all.

They’re simply places designed to help you slow down.

The Perfect Place for Photos

As you continue walking toward the back of the ship, you’ll discover one of the best photography locations onboard.

The aft section of The Waterfront offers spectacular views of the ship’s wake stretching into the horizon.

Whether you’re:

• Watching the sunset
• Taking family photos
• Enjoying a morning coffee
• Relaxing after dinner

It’s one of those places you’ll probably return to more than once during your cruise.

We certainly did.

Every Lounge Has Its Own Personality

One thing Norwegian does exceptionally well is creating unique venues.

Instead of several lounges that all feel similar, each entertainment space has its own theme and atmosphere.

Exploring the ship almost felt like discovering a series of different neighborhoods.

Every venue offered something unique.

Syd Norman’s Pour House

This quickly became one of our favorite venues.

If you enjoy classic rock, you’ll love Syd Norman’s.

Live musicians perform everything from Fleetwood Mac and Journey to Bon Jovi, Queen, and other rock legends.

The atmosphere is energetic, intimate, and unlike anything we’d experienced on another cruise line.

It’s easy to see why loyal Norwegian cruisers rave about this venue.

The Ice Bar

Another unique experience is the Ice Bar.

While not included in your cruise fare, it’s certainly one of the ship’s most memorable attractions.

Everything—from the walls to the glasses—is made of ice.

Even if you only visit once, it’s one of those cruise experiences you’ll probably remember long after your vacation ends.

The Illusionarium

Another beautifully designed venue is the Illusionarium.

Hosting magic shows and immersive entertainment, it feels more like entering a themed theater than simply walking into another lounge.

It’s another example of Norwegian creating destinations rather than just rooms.

Headliners Comedy Club

Comedy fans will appreciate Headliners.

Depending on your sailing, you may find:

• Stand-up comedians
• Dueling piano shows
• Interactive entertainment
• Audience participation events

Like many Norwegian venues, it feels intimate enough that every seat offers a good view.

Norwegian’s Ship Design

One of the biggest surprises wasn’t a restaurant or a show.

It was the overall layout of the ship.

Everything felt intentionally designed.

Rather than simply placing venues wherever space allowed, Norwegian seemed to create distinct environments throughout the ship.

Walking from one area to another actually felt like exploring different destinations.

That made the ship itself part of the vacation.

A Few Signage Challenges

There was one area where we occasionally felt lost.

Finding our way around.

The deck maps near the elevators included two different styles of directories.

One was organized by deck.

The other appeared to organize venues by category.

More than once, we found ourselves staring at the signs wondering where exactly we needed to go.

Eventually we figured it out…

But we definitely think Norwegian could make ship navigation a little easier for first-time guests.

Our Biggest Design Takeaway

After sailing on Norwegian Getaway, one word kept coming to mind:

Intentional.

From The Waterfront to the themed lounges, nearly every public space felt like it had its own identity.

Instead of one large entertainment district, the ship encourages guests to explore.

Every corner seems to offer something new.

That sense of discovery became one of our favorite parts of the cruise.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably noticed a common theme throughout our experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line does things differently.

Some of those differences took us a day or two to understand.

Others had us wondering why every cruise line doesn’t do the same thing.

After spending several days aboard Norwegian Getaway, we left with a much better understanding of why so many cruisers become loyal Norwegian fans.

So…

Would we sail Norwegian again?

Without hesitation.

Here’s why.

The Casino

As regular cruise casino players, we were naturally curious to see how Norwegian’s casino compared with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Overall, we were pleasantly surprised.

The casino felt:

• Bright
• Modern
• Spacious
• Well organized

One feature immediately stood out.

Mostly Non-Smoking

Unlike some cruise lines where cigarette smoke drifts throughout the casino, Norwegian has designated smoking and non-smoking sections.

That made a tremendous difference.

Even while walking through the casino, the air felt noticeably cleaner than on several other ships we’ve sailed.

If you’re someone who enjoys gaming but dislikes smoky casinos, this may be one of Norwegian’s biggest advantages.

Our Balcony Cabin

We were very happy with our balcony cabin.

The room felt modern and efficiently designed.

Features included:

• Comfortable queen bed
• Plenty of storage
• Spacious bathroom
• Mini refrigerator
• Television
• Private balcony
• USB charging ports
• Comfortable seating

One thing Norwegian seems to do well is maximizing available space.

Although the cabin wasn’t dramatically larger than comparable balcony cabins on other cruise lines, it felt open and functional.

Everything simply made sense.

The Balcony

Of course…

Our favorite part was the balcony.

There’s something special about beginning your morning with coffee while watching the ocean stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Likewise, ending the evening outside with nothing but moonlight reflecting on the water reminds you why cruising is such a unique vacation.

No cruise line owns the ocean.

But Norwegian certainly gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy it.

Comparing Norwegian to Royal Caribbean

Since many of our viewers sail Royal Caribbean, this is probably the comparison we get asked most often.

So how do they compare?

Norwegian Wins In:

✔ Freestyle Dining

✔ Flexible schedules

✔ Relaxed dress code

✔ The Waterfront

✔ Specialty dining variety

✔ Mostly non-smoking casino

✔ Casual vacation atmosphere

Royal Caribbean Wins In:

✔ Family attractions

✔ Waterslides

✔ FlowRider

✔ Ice skating

✔ Surf simulator

✔ Broadway-style productions

✔ More activities for children

If you’re traveling with teenagers or younger kids looking for constant excitement, Royal Caribbean still has an edge.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation centered around dining, entertainment, and enjoying the ship itself, Norwegian may actually be the better choice.

Comparing Norwegian to Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers a noticeably more upscale atmosphere.

Think:

• Elegant décor
• Quiet sophistication
• Fine dining
• Relaxed luxury

Norwegian feels more energetic.

There are more themed venues, more casual dining options, and a livelier nightlife.

Neither is better.

They’re simply designed for different types of vacations.

What We Loved Most

Looking back, several things stand out.

1. The Crew

Without question, the crew made this cruise memorable.

Friendly.

Professional.

Helpful.

Every interaction made us feel welcome.

2. Freestyle Cruising

We honestly didn’t expect to enjoy Freestyle Cruising as much as we did.

Not having to plan our day around dinner reservations made the entire vacation feel more relaxed.

It was surprisingly liberating.

3. The Waterfront

If Norwegian ever patented this idea…

We’d understand why.

It completely changes how you experience the ocean.

Instead of occasionally stepping outside, the sea becomes part of your entire vacation.

We found ourselves returning here multiple times every day.

4. Food Quality

The food consistently exceeded our expectations.

Combined with excellent service, every meal became something we looked forward to.

Ocean Blue was particularly outstanding.

5. The Ship’s Design

Norwegian Getaway never felt repetitive.

Each area had its own personality.

Every evening we discovered another venue we hadn’t fully explored.

That sense of discovery made the ship feel much larger than it actually was.

Things We’d Improve

No cruise is perfect.

Here are a few areas where we think Norwegian could improve.

Better Daily Schedules

The Freestyle Daily contains excellent information.

Unfortunately, it’s printed in very small type.

A larger font would make planning much easier for many guests.

Clearer Entertainment Listings

Missing the Fleetwood Mac tribute taught us an important lesson.

Norwegian’s entertainment schedule works differently than several other cruise lines.

Making repeat performances—or clearly indicating when there aren’t any—would help first-time guests avoid disappointment.

Easier Navigation

Although we eventually learned our way around, the ship’s signage occasionally left us scratching our heads.

Simpler deck maps would make exploring even easier.

Tender Reservations

Our tender reservation issue was resolved quickly thanks to Guest Services.

Still, a more straightforward reservation process would reduce unnecessary confusion.

Who Should Cruise Norwegian?

After our first Norwegian cruise, here’s who we think will enjoy the experience most.

Couples

Freestyle Dining.

Beautiful outdoor spaces.

Relaxed evenings.

Wonderful specialty restaurants.

Norwegian is an excellent couples cruise.

Food Lovers

If dining is one of the highlights of your vacation, Norwegian offers outstanding variety.

First-Time Cruisers

Without strict schedules or formal dress requirements, Norwegian provides a relaxed introduction to cruising.

Adults

Although families certainly enjoy Norwegian, we think adults may appreciate the flexibility even more.

Whether you’re celebrating retirement, an anniversary, or simply taking a much-needed vacation, Norwegian creates an easygoing atmosphere.

Experienced Cruisers

If you’ve sailed the same cruise line repeatedly, Norwegian offers something refreshingly different.

That’s exactly how we felt.

Who Might Prefer Another Cruise Line?

You may prefer another cruise line if:

• You enjoy formal nights.
• You prefer assigned dining times.
• You want huge thrill attractions like surf simulators and zip lines.
• You’re traveling primarily for children’s activities.
• You like highly structured schedules.

In those cases, Royal Caribbean or another cruise line may be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norwegian Cruise Line good for first-time cruisers?

Absolutely.

In fact, we think Freestyle Cruising removes many of the stress points that first-time cruisers worry about, such as fixed dining times and strict dress codes.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line expensive?

Pricing varies depending on the ship, itinerary, and season.

We found Norwegian to be competitively priced, especially considering the quality of the food, entertainment, and service.

Is Freestyle Dining really better?

For us…

Yes.

Not everyone will agree, but we loved choosing dinner based on when we were hungry instead of following a schedule.

Does Norwegian have formal nights?

Norwegian is much more relaxed than many traditional cruise lines.

Guests are encouraged to dress nicely if they wish, but formal attire is not required.

Is Norwegian good for couples?

Definitely.

Between The Waterfront, specialty restaurants, live music, and relaxed evenings, we think Norwegian is one of the better mainstream cruise lines for couples.

Would we sail Norwegian again?

Without question.

In fact, before this cruise even ended, we were already talking about which Norwegian ship we wanted to try next.

That probably says everything.

Our Final Verdict

When we boarded Norwegian Getaway, we weren’t sure what to expect.

After more than 40 cruises on other cruise lines, we wondered if Norwegian would truly feel different—or if it would simply be another variation on the same vacation.

It turned out to be much more than that.

Norwegian has created a style of cruising that feels relaxed, flexible, and refreshingly guest-focused. Freestyle Dining gave us the freedom to enjoy each day at our own pace. The Waterfront became one of our favorite places to unwind. The themed entertainment venues made the ship feel full of personality, and the crew consistently delivered warm, attentive service that made us feel genuinely welcome.

Was everything perfect?

No.

The signage could be clearer, the daily schedule could be easier to read, and we learned the hard way that entertainment isn’t always repeated.

But those were minor frustrations compared to everything the cruise got right.

The best compliment we can give Norwegian is this:

It changed our expectations.

We boarded as first-time Norwegian cruisers.

We left already planning our next Norwegian vacation.

If you’ve been wondering whether Norwegian Cruise Line is worth trying, our answer is simple:

Yes. Especially if you’re looking for a cruise that gives you the freedom to vacation your way.