Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on a closed-loop cruise departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may generally travel with an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID when the itinerary qualifies. A valid passport book is still strongly recommended in case an emergency requires you to return home by air from a foreign country.
• International Itineraries: Cruises beginning or ending in different countries, along with many international itineraries, require a valid passport book. Some destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport, visa, and residency document requirements vary depending on your citizenship, residency status, itinerary, and ports of call. Review the latest requirements well before your sailing date.
• Name Matching: The name on your reservation must exactly match your government-issued identification. If your name has changed because of marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, carry the appropriate supporting documentation during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for international cruises. Third-party policies often provide broader medical, cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, and emergency transportation coverage than plans purchased directly through the cruise line.
• Research Your Ship: Norwegian's fleet ranges from smaller ships to the newest Prima Plus Class vessels. Dining venues, entertainment, attractions, and amenities vary considerably, so reviewing your ship's deck plans before sailing can help you make the most of your vacation.
• Pre-Cruise Planning: Free at Sea Plus™, additional specialty dining, shore excursions, Wi-Fi upgrades, spa treatments, Vibe Beach Club passes and other extras may be available before sailing. Reserve high-demand experiences early when your sailing opens them for booking.
• Luggage Tags: Print your luggage tags before leaving home and attach them securely after arriving at the cruise terminal to help prevent them from becoming damaged during your travels.
• Carry-On Essentials: Pack medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags may not arrive outside your stateroom until later in the afternoon.

Latitudes Rewards UPDATED

• Norwegian's Loyalty Program: Latitudes Rewards is Norwegian Cruise Line's loyalty program. Membership begins after completing a qualifying Norwegian cruise, and points are generally applied to your account within 48 hours after the sailing is completed.
• Tier Levels: The current tiers are Bronze at 1-19 points, Silver at 20-44, Gold at 45-74, Platinum at 75-149, Sapphire at 150-349, Diamond at 350-699, and Ambassador at 700 or more points.
• Member Benefits: Benefits increase by tier and can include onboard recognition, member discounts, priority services, specialty dining benefits, laundry, internet discounts, behind-the-scenes experiences and other rewards. Review the current Latitudes benefits chart before sailing because benefits and eligibility vary by tier.
• Status Honoring: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Loyalty Status Honoring program allows qualifying Latitudes Rewards members to request corresponding loyalty status when sailing Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The current tier-recognition structure applies to requests submitted on or after March 16, 2026 and requires an advance request before the qualifying cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line App

• Your Cruise Companion: The Norwegian Cruise Line App is the primary tool for managing your cruise before and during your vacation. Download it before sailing and sign in with your NCL account to access the latest features.
• Before You Sail: Complete online check-in, access your digital boarding information, purchase shore excursions, reserve specialty dining, book entertainment where required, schedule spa treatments, and review your itinerary before arriving at the terminal.
• Once Onboard: The app provides your daily schedule, deck maps, dining hours, entertainment listings, onboard account and purchase information, reservation details, itinerary and many other cruise features throughout your vacation.
• Reservations: Popular dining, entertainment and other reservable experiences may fill quickly. Use the app to make or review available reservations and check for openings during the cruise.
• No Internet Minutes Required: Norwegian allows guests to use the NCL App onboard without consuming purchased Wi-Fi minutes. Keep your device connected to the ship's onboard network when using app features.
• Stay Updated: Dining hours, entertainment schedules, and activity times occasionally change during the cruise. Checking the app throughout the day helps ensure you don't miss popular events or reservation times.

Tipping / Gratuities

• Daily Service Charge: Norwegian's current onboard service charge is $20.00 per person, per day for Club Balcony Suites and below and $25.00 per person, per day for The Haven and Suites. The charge applies to guests age 3 and older and supports complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and other crew members.
• Prepay or Pay Onboard: The daily service charge may be prepaid before sailing or added to your onboard account. If a service concern arises, speak with Guest Services promptly so the issue can be addressed while you're onboard.
• Free at Sea Plus: Prepaid daily service charges are included with Free at Sea Plus™. This does not replace separate gratuities or service charges that may apply to beverages, specialty dining, spa services or other optional purchases.
• Additional Service Charges: A 20% gratuity or service charge is added to applicable beverage purchases, spa and salon services, specialty restaurant dining and entertainment-based dining. Package-specific terms may affect how these charges are handled.
• Exceptional Service: While never required, many guests choose to provide additional cash tips for crew members who deliver exceptional individual service, particularly positions such as concierge, butler and youth staff that may not participate in the general daily service-charge distribution.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the Norwegian Cruise Line App or website before arriving at the terminal. Norwegian recommends completing check-in at least four days before sailing so your eDocs and luggage tags are available before departure.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive during your assigned terminal arrival window and follow the instructions shown in your cruise documents. Terminal procedures vary by embarkation port.
• Carry-On Beverages: Norwegian's alcohol and beverage policies can vary by beverage type and itinerary. Review the current prohibited-items and beverage rules before packing rather than assuming outside beverages are permitted.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes with you. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.
• Embarkation Day Lunch: The buffet is typically one of the busiest dining venues after boarding. Many ships also offer complimentary lunch in other restaurants, providing a quieter way to begin your vacation.
• Explore The Ship: Before sailaway, take time to become familiar with your ship's restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues, pools, outdoor spaces and reservation locations. Norwegian's newer ships feature unique public areas that are worth exploring early in your cruise.
• Airplane Mode: Place your phone in Airplane Mode before departure and connect only to the ship's Wi-Fi network to avoid expensive cellular-at-sea or international roaming charges.
• All-Aboard Time: Norwegian strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return well before the published all-aboard time, especially when exploring independently.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Starlink Connectivity: Norwegian provides high-speed satellite Wi-Fi powered by Starlink across its current internet offering, although actual performance can still vary with location, weather, network demand and shipboard conditions.
• Free at Sea: Current Free at Sea bookings include 150 minutes of high-speed Wi-Fi for each guest in the stateroom, with one login per guest usable on one device at a time.
• Free at Sea Plus: Free at Sea Plus upgrades eligible guests to unlimited streaming high-speed Wi-Fi, with one login per guest usable on one device at a time.
• Internet Upgrades: Additional internet options and upgrades may be available depending on the sailing. Compare your included minutes with available upgrades before purchasing a separate plan.
• NCL App: Using the Norwegian Cruise Line App onboard does not consume your purchased Wi-Fi minutes, but your device must be connected to the ship's onboard network.
• Airplane Mode: Keep mobile devices in Airplane Mode while at sea and enable Wi-Fi separately to avoid cellular-at-sea and international roaming charges.

Cabin

• Stateroom Amenities: Norwegian staterooms generally include a private bathroom, individually controlled climate settings, television, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, in-room safe, closet space, and under-bed luggage storage. Available amenities and charging outlets vary by ship and cabin category.
• Stateroom Steward: Your stateroom steward services your cabin and can assist with extra towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your cruise.
• Room Service: Room service is available with menu selections and service fees that vary by order type and current Norwegian policy. The Haven and Suite accommodations may receive different room-service benefits, so review the menu and any displayed charge before ordering.
• Storage Space: Store suitcases under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space. Most cabins also include closet, drawer, and shelf storage.
• Mini Refrigerator: Mini refrigerators may be stocked with beverages and snacks available for purchase. If you need refrigerator space for personal or medical use, ask your stateroom steward about available options.
• Balcony Cabins: Keep the balcony door completely closed whenever the air conditioning is operating. Opening the balcony door can affect climate control and airflow in your stateroom.
• The Haven: Guests staying in The Haven enjoy premium accommodations with exclusive lounges, restaurants or dining benefits, sundecks on applicable ships, concierge service, butler service, and other luxury amenities available through Norwegian's private ship-within-a-ship concept.

On Deck

• Pool Deck: Norwegian's pool decks feature pools, hot tubs, live entertainment, games, and numerous places to relax throughout the day. The exact layout and atmosphere vary considerably by ship.
• The Waterfront: Available on several newer Norwegian ship classes, The Waterfront is an outdoor promenade lined with restaurants, bars, lounges, seating and ocean views. Venue names and layouts vary by ship.
• Vibe Beach Club: Available on many ships for an additional fee, Vibe Beach Club provides an adults-only retreat featuring premium loungers and a quieter atmosphere away from the main pool deck. Amenities vary by ship and passes can sell out.
• Spice H₂O: Select ships feature Spice H₂O, an adults-only outdoor area that may offer daytime relaxation and evening entertainment. Check your ship because the venue is not fleetwide.
• Signature Attractions: Depending on your ship, attractions may include waterslides, race tracks, Galaxy Pavilion, ropes courses, The Drop, Aqua Slidecoaster, mini golf, sports courts, Aqua Parks, and other family-friendly activities. Features vary significantly throughout the fleet and some carry additional charges.
• Observation Lounges: Several Norwegian ships feature spacious observation lounges with panoramic ocean views, comfortable seating, and nearby refreshments, making them ideal places to relax while scenic cruising.
• Chair Etiquette: Avoid reserving lounge chairs for extended periods when you're not using them. Pool-deck policies and crew enforcement can vary by ship and sailing.

Dining

• Freestyle Dining: Norwegian pioneered Freestyle Cruising, allowing guests to dine when, where, and with whom they choose instead of following fixed dining times or assigned seating. This relaxed approach extends throughout much of the cruise experience.
• Main Dining Rooms: Complimentary Main Dining Rooms offer meals with menus and operating hours that vary by ship and day. Guests can dine without traditional assigned seating, although waits are possible during popular dinner periods.
• Specialty Dining: Depending on your ship, specialty restaurants may include Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos, Ocean Blue, Food Republic, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki, Hasuki, Palomar, Nama Sushi, and other concepts.
• Free at Sea Dining: Current Free at Sea offers include specialty dining experiences, with the number of meals depending on the applicable promotion and sailing. Check your reservation for the exact dining benefits attached to your booking.
• Additional Specialty Dining: Free at Sea Plus includes a 50% discount on the cover charge for qualifying additional specialty dining nights beyond the meals included with Free at Sea.
• Dress Code: Freestyle Cruising means there are no fleetwide traditional formal nights. Resort casual attire is appropriate in most venues, while selected restaurants or dining rooms may request smart-casual attire.
• Reservations: Specialty restaurants and popular dining times can fill before sailing, particularly on newer ships. Booking reservations early through Norwegian's website or app provides the greatest flexibility.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Complimentary dining varies by ship and may include Main Dining Rooms, a buffet, The Local or O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, Indulge Food Hall, Surfside Café, Observation Lounge snacks, and other casual venues. Dining options continue to evolve throughout the Norwegian fleet.
• Complimentary Beverages: Basic beverages such as regular coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water are available in complimentary dining areas, with exact selections varying by venue and ship.
• Specialty Coffee: Starbucks and other onboard cafés serve premium coffees, espresso drinks, teas, pastries, and specialty beverages. Standard Free at Sea beverage benefits do not include every premium café item, while Free at Sea Plus currently includes unlimited Starbucks beverages subject to package terms.
• Hydration: Spending time in the sun, participating in shore excursions, and consuming alcoholic beverages can quickly lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout your cruise will help you feel your best.
• Late-Night Dining: Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising philosophy extends to dining hours, with selected complimentary venues remaining open late. Exact late-night choices vary by ship.

Free at Sea™ Beverage Package UPDATED

• Free at Sea Returns: Norwegian returned to the Free at Sea™ name for bookings made on or after November 5, 2025. Guests who booked before that date with More At Sea™ retain their original amenities and pricing unless the reservation is later repriced or upgraded under a new offer.
• Premium Beverages: The current Free at Sea beverage benefit includes unlimited open bar with eligible premium beverage brands, cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soft drinks and juices, subject to the package's current terms and exclusions.
• Great Stirrup Cay: The current Free at Sea beverage package is accepted at Great Stirrup Cay where applicable, a significant change from older Norwegian private-island beverage-package rules.
• Booking Terms: Free at Sea amenities are promotional benefits attached to qualifying bookings. Always review your reservation confirmation because inclusions, service charges, guest eligibility and terms can vary by booking date and promotion.

Free at Sea Plus™ NEW

• Premium Upgrade: Free at Sea Plus™ is available for qualifying fleetwide sailings of two nights or longer departing February 1, 2026 or later and can be added to eligible Free at Sea or grandfathered More At Sea reservations.
• Current Price: The adult package is currently $49.99 per person, per day. Guests whose daily service charges are already prepaid or included through another promotion receive the applicable package discount under Norwegian's current terms.
• Beverage Upgrades: Free at Sea Plus adds top-shelf spirits, premium wines and champagne by the glass, unlimited Starbucks, energy drinks, fresh juices and qualifying bottled water to the underlying beverage benefits.
• Wi-Fi & Dining: The package includes unlimited streaming high-speed Wi-Fi and a 50% discount on the cover charge for qualifying additional specialty dining nights.
• Daily Service Charges: Prepaid daily service charges are included with Free at Sea Plus. Separate gratuities and service charges for optional beverage, specialty dining, spa or other purchases may still apply.
• Purchase Timing: Free at Sea Plus must currently be selected before sailing under Norwegian's published booking deadline and cannot be added or changed onboard. Confirm the current deadline when purchasing because promotional terms can change.

Onboard Entertainment

• Ship-Specific Entertainment: Norwegian's entertainment varies substantially by ship and can include large-scale theater productions, original shows, live music, comedy, game shows, parties, interactive entertainment and specialty venues.
• Reservations: Popular productions and select entertainment venues may require reservations depending on your ship. Reserve high-demand performances as early as possible when reservations become available.
• Daily Schedule: Use the Norwegian Cruise Line App and onboard daily schedule to review show times, live music, trivia, parties, game shows and other entertainment. Times and venues can change during the cruise.
• Freestyle Evenings: Norwegian's relaxed approach means you can build each evening around the entertainment, dining and nightlife that interest you rather than following a fixed schedule.
• Check Your Ship: Entertainment changes more frequently than many other cruise features. Review your specific ship before sailing rather than relying on shows or venues offered aboard another Norwegian vessel.

Casino

• Casinos at Sea: Norwegian's Casinos at Sea program features slot machines and a selection of table games that varies by ship. Gaming availability depends on local laws and the ship's location.
• Casino Rewards: Guests can earn Casinos at Sea rewards while playing, with qualifying players potentially receiving discounts, offers, tournaments and other promotional benefits.
• Smoking Policies: Casino smoking rules and designated areas vary by ship. Check your specific vessel's current policy if a smoking or non-smoking environment is important to you.
• Cash & Charges: Casino transactions may be completed using permitted payment methods and eligible onboard-account charges. Additional fees may apply to certain account advances or transactions.

Wellness & Fitness

• Mandara Spa & Salon: Norwegian ships offer Mandara Spa and Salon services such as massages, facials, body treatments, salon services and other treatments for an additional charge. Facilities and treatment menus vary by ship.
• Thermal Suite: Many ships offer an adults-only Thermal Suite with a ship-specific combination of heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms, pools, salt rooms and other thermal experiences. Access generally requires a voyage pass or qualifying spa treatment/package.
• Fitness Center: Norwegian ships provide fitness facilities with cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights. Specialty classes and personal training may carry additional charges.
• Spa Appointments: Sea days are generally the busiest at Mandara Spa. Booking treatments early or choosing a port-day appointment may provide better availability and occasional promotional pricing.
• Ship Differences: Norwegian's newest ships can have substantially different spa and thermal-suite layouts from older vessels. Review your specific ship before purchasing a pass.

Families & Kids

• Splash Academy: Norwegian's complimentary Splash Academy is a drop-off youth program for children ages 3 to 12 with flexible, interest-based activities. It is offered while the ship is sailing, subject to operating hours and space availability.
• Entourage: Teens ages 13 to 17 have their own program through Entourage, featuring social activities, games, music, sports and other teen-focused programming. Activities and supervision arrangements vary throughout the schedule.
• Guppies Open Play: Guppies Open Play provides parent-child play opportunities for infants and toddlers approximately 6 months to 3 years old and children in diapers. It is not a drop-off program.
• Late Night Fun Zone: Late Night Fun Zone is a fee-based group-sitting service for children ages 3 to 12, currently offered from 10:00 p.m. to midnight when operating. Norwegian currently lists the fee at $10 per hour, per child.
• Family Activities: Families can enjoy a ship-specific mix of waterslides, Aqua Parks, race tracks, mini golf, ropes courses, arcade games, live entertainment, trivia, game shows, sports courts and other activities. Some attractions carry additional fees.
• Youth Registration: Complete the required digital registration and register children or teens with the youth staff soon after boarding. Splash Academy and Entourage operate on a first-come, first-served basis with space availability.
• Norwegian Spirit: Norwegian currently notes that Norwegian Spirit does not offer its standard youth programs, making ship-specific research especially important for families considering that vessel.

Private Destinations

Great Stirrup Cay NEW

• Expanded Private Island: Norwegian's private island in The Bahamas has undergone a major expansion. Guests now arrive through the island's new pier and Welcome Plaza rather than relying solely on tender operations, making access substantially easier.
• Great Life Lagoon: The expanded destination includes Great Life Lagoon, a large complimentary pool experience with areas for relaxing and socializing, alongside the island's beaches and other complimentary spaces.
• Splash Harbor: Families can use Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash area designed for younger guests.
• Great Tides Waterpark: Great Tides Waterpark opened September 4, 2026 as a ticketed experience. The waterpark includes multiple slide complexes and attractions, with height and weight restrictions varying by ride and guests age 17 and younger required to enter with a ticketed adult age 18 or older.
• Food & Beverages: Great Stirrup Cay offers complimentary food options as well as additional food and beverage choices. Current Free at Sea open-bar benefits are accepted on the island where applicable under Norwegian's package terms.
• Activities: Beaches, snorkeling, water sports, cabanas and other island activities remain available, with some experiences included and others carrying an additional charge.
• Beach Towels: Complimentary beach towels are available for use ashore. Follow the ship's towel-return procedures to avoid replacement charges.

Harvest Caye

• Belize Destination: Harvest Caye in Belize offers a large swimming pool, beaches, shopping, restaurants, zip lining, water sports, private cabanas and other activities.
• Food & Beverage: Harvest Caye operates differently from Great Stirrup Cay. Food and beverages ashore are generally purchased separately, and guests should not assume shipboard Free at Sea beverage benefits apply there.
• Plan Ahead: Review the current excursion and activity offerings before your visit if you want to reserve cabanas, zip lines or other premium experiences.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Norwegian Shore Excursions: Booking directly through Norwegian provides additional peace of mind because the cruise line coordinates with its sponsored tours when an excursion is delayed.
• Free at Sea Shore Excursion Credit: Current Free at Sea offers provide a $50 shore excursion credit per tour for Guest 1 when booking qualifying Norwegian shore excursions. Verify the benefit attached to your reservation because promotional terms can change.
• Independent Tours: Independent tour operators often provide smaller groups, unique experiences, and competitive pricing. Research operators carefully and always allow sufficient time to return before the published all-aboard time.
• Ship Time vs. Local Time: Some destinations observe a different time zone than the ship. Always verify whether Norwegian is using ship time or local time before exploring independently.
• Return Early: Plan to return to the ship well before the published all-aboard time. Ships generally cannot delay departure for independently touring guests who return late.
• Port Day Perks: Port days are often a good time to enjoy the ship with fewer crowds. Pools, attractions, spa facilities, lounges and restaurants may be noticeably quieter while many guests are ashore, although operating hours can be reduced.
• Local Currency: Currency acceptance varies by destination. Carrying small denominations and researching local payment practices before going ashore can make tips and small purchases easier.

Complimentary Extras

• Observation Lounges: On ships featuring an Observation Lounge, guests can relax in comfortable seating while enjoying panoramic ocean views. These spaces are particularly useful for scenic cruising, reading, or simply unwinding.
• Live Entertainment: Norwegian offers a wide variety of complimentary entertainment including live music, game shows, themed parties, trivia contests, and many production shows. Entertainment varies by ship and some specialty experiences may carry a charge.
• Fitness Center: Fitness facilities are available aboard Norwegian ships with cardio and strength-training equipment. Specialty fitness classes and personal training may be available for an additional charge.
• Daily Activities: Throughout each cruise you'll find a changing schedule of trivia, games, demonstrations, sports, dance activities, enrichment and other events. The Norwegian Cruise Line App and daily schedule identify which activities are complimentary and which carry a fee.
• Ocean Views: Whether relaxing along an outdoor promenade, watching the sunset from an upper deck, or enjoying the scenery from an Observation Lounge, some of the most memorable moments aboard a Norwegian cruise don't cost anything at all.

Disembarking

• Express Walk-Off: Guests carrying all of their own luggage may choose self-assist or Express Walk-Off when offered, allowing them to leave the ship without placing checked luggage outside the cabin the night before.
• Standard Departure: Guests using standard luggage service place tagged luggage outside their stateroom as instructed on the final evening and collect it in the terminal after their departure group is called.
• Final Morning: Staterooms are vacated early on disembarkation morning. Breakfast options and public waiting areas are available according to the ship's final-day schedule.
• Customs & Immigration: Arrival procedures vary by port and citizenship. Some U.S. cruise terminals use facial-recognition processing for eligible travelers, while other guests may need to present travel documents to an officer.
• Porters: Porters are available inside many cruise terminals to assist with luggage. Tipping practices vary by port, so keep small bills available if you plan to use porter service.
• Ground Transportation: Whether using Norwegian transfers, ride-share services, taxis, rental cars, or personal vehicles, review your transportation plans before leaving the terminal to help ensure a smooth trip home.
• Before You Leave: Before leaving your stateroom, check the safe, closets, drawers, charging outlets, bathroom, and under the bed one final time. Taking a few extra moments can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.