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Norwegian Cruise Line Cruising Guide & Tips - Cruising Earth
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruising Guide & Tips
Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruising Guide & Tips Contents
The information below is specific to cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line and current as of December 2025.
For additional general cruise planning information, not specific to any cruise line, use: Cruising Earth's - Cruise Planning Guide.
Before Cruising
- Identification and Documentation Requirements:
- U.S. Citizens on Closed-Loop Cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port): An original or certified copy of a government-issued birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) is accepted for ages 16 and older. A valid passport book is highly recommended for faster processing, emergencies, or if you need to fly home unexpectedly.
- All Other Cruises (including those starting or ending in different ports or international destinations): A valid U.S. passport book is required for all U.S. citizens, with at least 6 months validity beyond the cruise end date strongly recommended.
- Non-U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is required for all cruises. U.S. Permanent Residents must carry their valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) at all times, along with a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Additional visas, ESTA, or EVUS may be required depending on nationality and itinerary.
- Critical Rule: The name on your booking must exactly match your identification documents. If your name has changed (e.g., marriage/divorce), bring original or notarized supporting documents. Improper documentation will result in denied boarding with no refund.
- Minor Travel Consent Forms: Minors traveling without both parents or legal guardians must have a notarized Parent/Guardian Consent Form authorizing the trip, supervision, and emergency medical treatment. This is required even for extended family members (grandparents, aunts/uncles). Failure to produce this at check-in may result in denied boarding. Both living parents/legal guardians must sign and attach copies of their ID.
- Norwegian Cruise Line App: Download this essential app before your cruise. It allows you to complete mandatory online check-in, receive your digital boarding pass, make reservations for dining, shows, excursions, and spa treatments, view your onboard account, access the daily Freestyle Daily planner, and use onboard messaging features (small fee for full cruise). The app is your primary tool for planning and navigation once aboard.
- Deck Plans: Review your ship's deck plans on the Norwegian website or app to familiarize yourself with the layout, venue locations, and cabin position. Norwegian ships are known for innovative designs like The Waterfront promenade and multi-deck atriums.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for protection against trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more. Compare third-party policies for better coverage/value than Norwegian's option.
Tipping / Gratuities
- Automatic Daily Service Charge (current as of December 2025): $20 per person per day for guests in most staterooms (Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Club Balcony Suite); $25 per person per day for guests in The Haven and suites. Applies to guests aged 3 and older.
- These service charges are shared among dining room staff, stateroom attendants, and other behind-the-scenes crew who contribute to your overall experience.
- An additional 20% service charge is automatically added to all beverages, specialty dining cover charges, spa and salon services, and room service orders (outside any complimentary items).
- You can prepay the service charges via phone or app for budgeting convenience (reflects as credit until charged onboard).
- Adjustments (increase, decrease, or remove) available at Guest Services onboard until the morning of disembarkation. Prepaid charges can be modified similarly.
- Additional tipping: Many guests provide extra cash tips for exceptional service from bartenders, waiters, stateroom stewards, porters (luggage assistance), spa staff, or youth program counselors. This is entirely at your discretion.
- Tipping is a personal choice—prepay to budget easily, or adjust based on your service experience. The crew works hard, and these charges form a significant part of their compensation.
Embarking
- Complete mandatory online check-in via the Norwegian Cruise Line app or website as early as possible (recommended at least one day prior) for the smoothest experience and to select arrival time.
- Guests who have completed online check-in should arrive no later than one hour prior to scheduled sailing; those who have not, no later than two hours prior.
- Embarkation Day Bring-On Allowance: Unlimited sealed non-alcoholic beverages (water, soda) in original containers (carry-on recommended—no coolers). Guests may bring wine and champagne bottles onboard (corkage fee $15 for 750ml, $30 for 1,500ml if consumed in public areas or stateroom). All other alcohol prohibited—port/onboard purchases stored until final night.
- Snacks are permitted in reasonable quantities (carry-on only).
- Pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on—luggage delivery can take several hours, and cabins may not be ready immediately.
- All-aboard time is strictly enforced (typically 1 hour before sailing)—be back onboard early to avoid missing the ship.
- Alcohol purchased in ports or onboard shops is stored and returned on the final night or disembarkation morning.
Cabin
- Standard Amenities: Complimentary shampoo and body wash in shower dispensers (not premium brands, but functional). Hairdryer in drawer or bathroom. In-room safe free to use. Mini-fridge stocked with for-sale items—request steward to empty for personal use to avoid accidental charges.
- Room Service: 24/7 menu. Convenience charge of $9.95 + 20% gratuity per order (up to 2 entrees per person; additional items extra). Haven/suites complimentary. Delivery tip customary ($2–$5).
- Automated wake-up calls via cabin phone; room-to-room calls free; international calls charged.
- Storage Tips: Ample space under bed for suitcases; many couches have built-in drawers.
- Balcony Tips: Use bungee cord or door stop wedge to prop door open for fresh air; on some ships, place small magnet over door sensor to keep AC running.
On Deck
- Etiquette Reminder: Avoid "chair hogging"—do not reserve loungers for extended periods without using them. Crew may remove unattended items after 30–60 minutes.
- Balcony Tip: Place a towel on chairs when wearing light-colored clothing to prevent soot stains from ship exhaust.
- Key Features (vary by ship): Vibe Beach Club (adults-only upcharge area), pools, hot tubs, waterslides, ropes course, laser tag, race track (Prima-class).
Food & Beverage
- Included Dining: Freestyle Dining in main restaurants (no fixed times), buffet, casual venues like O'Sheehan's (24hr pub fare on many ships), local-inspired spots.
- Included Beverages: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea, lemonade, select juices (breakfast), fountain water.
- Specialty Dining: Extra-fee venues like Ocean Blue, Le Bistro, Cagney's Steakhouse, Teppanyaki—pre-book for availability.
- Beverage Packages (Free at Sea standard; prices for upgrades/gratuities):
- Unlimited Open Bar Package: Included in Free at Sea (gratuities ~$28.50/day). Unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by glass up to $15 value.
- Premium Plus Beverage Package Upgrade: Top-shelf liquors, Starbucks, bottled water, energy drinks (~$29/day additional).
- Other Packages: Soda, water available.
Private Destinations
- Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas): Norwegian's private island with beaches, complimentary lunch/BBQ. Extras: Waterpark (2026 upgrades including pier), zip line, cabanas.
- Harvest Caye (Belize): Beaches, massive pool, complimentary lunch. Extras: Zip line, water activities.
- Drink packages do not extend to private destinations.
Onboard Planning & Reservations
- Pre-booking is highly recommended for almost everything on Norwegian Cruise Line, as popular options and prime times can sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially on longer or peak-season sailings. Use the Norwegian Cruise Line app or website to make reservations for specialty dining (such as Ocean Blue seafood restaurant, Le Bistro French cuisine, Cagney's Steakhouse, or Teppanyaki Japanese hibachi), entertainment shows (including Broadway-style productions like "Jersey Boys" or "Footloose" on select ships, comedy acts in the Headliners Comedy Club, or unique performances), shore excursions, and spa treatments at the Mandara Spa. First-time cruisers should prioritize this to avoid disappointment upon boarding, while experienced NCL guests know that last-minute availability is limited for top-tier shows or sought-after dining times. Reservations open as soon as your booking is confirmed, so book early for the best selection.
- Freestyle Dining is Norwegian's signature flexible dining concept, meaning there are no fixed seating times or assigned tablemates in the complimentary main dining rooms or many casual venues. You can dine whenever hunger strikes, with restaurants open for extended hours. This freedom is perfect for relaxed schedules or late-night eaters, but during peak hours (typically 6:00pm to 8:00pm), waits can occur without a reservation. You can make reservations via the app for a specific time to minimize waiting, or simply walk up. For larger groups or consistent times, pre-booking is advised.
- The daily planner, called the Freestyle Daily, is delivered digitally through the Norwegian app (or as a paper copy to your cabin if requested). It provides a complete schedule for the next day, including all activities, show times with reservation links, dining hours and menus, port arrival/departure information, special events (like deck parties or themed nights), and promotions. Review it each evening to plan your schedule—it's packed with trivia, games, live music, and themed parties that make Norwegian's "Freestyle" vibe come alive.
- Onboard Chat Feature: The app offers messaging for $5 per person for the full cruise (or free for short periods in some promotions). This is useful for coordinating with travel companions without needing Wi-Fi packages for full internet. Veterans often use it to stay connected in large groups or when phones are in airplane mode.
Ports / Excursions
- Booking Excursions: You do not have to book shore excursions through Norwegian Cruise Line. Many guests save 20–50% by booking independently with reputable operators after researching reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Cruise Critic. Independent tours often offer smaller groups, more personalized experiences, or longer time in port. First-time cruisers may prefer NCL excursions for peace of mind.
- Benefits of NCL Excursions: Fully vetted operators, guaranteed return to ship (NCL will wait or arrange transport if delayed), automatic refund if port missed due to weather/mechanical issues.
- Independent Booking Tips: Research operators thoroughly (reviews, insurance, cancellation policies). Ask about refunds if ship skips port. Book early for popular activities.
- In-Port Freedom: You can leave and reboard the ship multiple times in port. Bring your keycard and photo ID for re-entry.
- All-Aboard Time: Be back onboard at least 30–60 minutes before published all-aboard (typically 1 hour before sailing). Missing the ship is expensive and stressful—your responsibility to rejoin.
- Port Day Perks: Spa specials, bar happy hours, quieter ship for enjoying facilities.
- Additional Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Allowed from ports (sealed, reasonable quantities—no strict tracking from embarkation limit).
Casino
- The Casinos at Sea program offers slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, poker), and tournaments on most ships.
- Open on sea days from morning until late night; closed while in most ports due to local laws (reopens after sailing).
- Earn points for free cruises, onboard credit, and perks through the Casinos at Sea rewards program—veterans often maximize this with high play.
- Cash or onboard account accepted.
Wi-Fi / Internet Access
- Fleetwide Unlimited Wi-Fi packages with Starlink-powered faster speeds on newer ships (Prima-class, Viva, etc.).
- Options: Minutes-based or unlimited (basic browsing or premium streaming/video calls).
- Pre-purchase for discounts; multi-device plans available.
- Free at Sea often includes limited minutes (upgrade for unlimited).
- Best performance late night/early morning/port days.
Freebies Onboard
- Entertainment: Broadway-style shows (e.g., "Six", "Jersey Boys" on select ships), comedy in Headliners, live music, trivia, karaoke, deck parties.
- Facilities: Pools, hot tubs, waterslides, ropes course, sports courts, fitness center.
- Some tastings (liquor, food demos), art auctions (champagne), youth programs (day/evening for ages 3–17).
- Observation lounges, card room, library.
Disembarking
- Easy Walk-Off: Carry own luggage for earliest exit (starts as soon as cleared).
- Standard: Colored tags delivered; wait in lounge until called.
- Vacate cabins early; everyone off ~3 hours after docking.
- Passport results in faster customs lines compared to birth certificate/ID.