Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126
800-327-7030
www.ncl.com
Norwegian Cruise Line is credited with launching “Homeland Cruising” when post 9/11 Americans were skittish about boarding planes to take a cruise. NCL moved Norwegian Dawn to New York for year-round Bahamas/Florida Cruises. If any cruise line is credited with revitalizing the port of New York as a major cruise ship hub, it is NCL.
From New York: In 2009, NCL will offer Caribbean and Bahamas/Florida cruises from New York on it’s newest ship, the 93,502-ton Norwegian Gem. In addition, cruises to Bermuda and Canada/New England are scheduled aboard Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Dawn. All ships depart from the Manhattan cruise terminal located at 12th Ave. and 55th Streets.
The NCL Experience
It is very, very important never to book a cruise based on price alone. During the recession NCL’s ships are frequently the cheapest available but it is critical that you understand what “Freestyle Cruising” really is because while many people love the freedom, it is not for everyone. Trust me: you do not want to spend even a day aboard a ship that doesn’t suit you personally.
Cruising is a bargain because food is included in the price of a ticket. Where NCL departs from every other cruise line is that the majority of restaurants — the best ones — come with a surcharge ranging from $10 to $30 per person. While NCL started freestyle with a surcharge on three restaurants, today six require an extra fare. So, figure on spending at least $100 per person on a one week cruise on restaurants. The restaurants require a reservation and sometimes you’ll wait in line. Freestyle” also means there are no scheduled formal nights and you may dress as you like. At night women get a bit gussied up and many men don a sports jacket and tie or with open shirt.
In addition, NCL’s cuisine is unpredictable and uneven in quality. It varies from ship to ship and sometimes in the same restaurant. I know people who love the freedom of dining when and with whom they please so much the charges, lines and uneven food quality is just taken in stride.
NCL attracts many first time cruisers seeking a low- to mid-price cruise vacation. These ships have lovely interiors, many entertainment options and extensive children’s activities, which attract many families during school vacation period (June-September). You’ll find state-of-the art fitness equipment, a jogging track, basketball and volleyball court, sports bar with live ESPN, full casino and wi-fi Internet throughout the ship. Staterooms are generally smaller than those found aboard the other cruise lines.
Taking The Kids NCL’s “Kid Crew” is available on all ships except on Europe sailings for Junior Sailors, ages 2-5; First Mates ages 6-8; Navigators, ages 9-12 and Teens ages 13-17. Note that staff members do not change diapers. If your Junior Sailor is not potty-trained, you will be given a beeper so the staff can notify you when you need to change your child’s diaper. Cribs are available.
There is no longer any in-cabin private babysitting on NCL however group babysitting for ages 2 to 12 is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening and on port days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a fee. NCL has a policy of restricting casino admission to passengers 21 years of age and older.
Tipping
NCL automatically adds a fixed service charge to your shipboard account, which covers all service personnel. The amount is $10 per person per day for passengers age 13 and over; $5.00 per day for children age 3 - 12 and no charge for children under the age of three. Further tipping is not necessary, however, NCL recommends a 15 percent gratuity for bar service and suggests those receiving concierge or butler services consider offering a gratuity for services rendered. Additional gratuities are at the passenger’s discretion.
2009/10 Norwegian Cruise Line Itineraries
NORWEGIAN GEM
7-day Bahamas & Florida Cruises from Manhattan. Ports of Call: Nassau, Orlando, Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s private island).
Departure Dates: GET WINTER
10-Day Southern Caribbean from New York. Ports of Call: St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola
Departure Dates: Jan. 4, 14, 25, Feb. 4 , 2009
13-day Transatlantic From Barcelona to Manhattan. Ports of Call: Nice, Florence, Rome, Corsica, Malaga.
Departure Date: Nov. 16, 2008
NORWEGIAN DAWN
CANADA/NEW ENGLAND
7-day Canada & New England, round-trip from Manhattan. Ports of Call: Halifax, Bay of Fundy, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport.
Departure Dates:
strong>BERMUDA
7-day Bermuda Cruises, round-trip from Manhattan. Ports of call: King’s Wharf, Bermuda. Departure Dates:
NORWEGIAN SPIRIT
Six-Day Bahamas/Florida Cruise, round-trip from Manhattan. Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s Private Island).
Departure Dates: April 27; May 11, 25; June 8, 22; July 6, 20; August 3, 17, 31, 2008
Six-day Canada & New England Cruise, round-trip from Manhattan. Ports of Call: Halifax, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Bay of Fundy.
Departure Dates: September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 2008
One-day Party Cruises, round-trip Manhattan.
Departure Dates: Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 2008
Copyright Anne Campbell, 2009