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. 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 Sun-class ships to the newest Prima and 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 Savings: More At Sea™ upgrades, specialty dining, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and Vibe Beach Club passes are often available at discounted prices before sailing.
• 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.

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, receive your digital boarding pass, 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 Freestyle Daily schedule, deck maps, dining hours, entertainment listings, onboard account information, reservation details, and many other cruise features throughout your vacation.
• 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

• Crew Appreciation: As of July 2026, Norwegian's daily Crew Appreciation charge is $20.00 per person for most stateroom categories and $25.00 per person for guests staying in The Haven and most suite accommodations. These charges recognize the many crew members who contribute to your cruise experience.
• Prepay or Pay Onboard: Crew Appreciation may be prepaid before sailing or automatically added to your onboard account during the cruise. Guests wishing to discuss adjustments may do so through Guest Services before disembarkation.
• Additional Service Charges: A 20% service charge is automatically added to beverages, specialty dining, spa and salon services, and other applicable onboard purchases. These charges are separate from your daily Crew Appreciation.
• Exceptional Service: While never required, many guests choose to provide additional cash tips for crew members who deliver exceptional service throughout their vacation.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the Norwegian Cruise Line App or website before arriving at the terminal. During check-in you'll upload travel documents, select your arrival time, and receive your digital boarding pass.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive during your assigned terminal arrival window. Many terminals now use facial recognition technology to help speed the boarding process for eligible guests.
• Carry-On Beverages: Guests may bring unopened bottles of wine or champagne onboard subject to Norwegian's current corkage policy. Beer, hard liquor, and other alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited. Norwegian also permits guests to bring unopened non-alcoholic beverages onboard in accordance with its current policy.
• 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 Garden Café buffet is typically the busiest dining venue 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, and outdoor spaces. 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 if you've purchased an internet package to avoid expensive international roaming charges.
• All-Aboard Time: Norwegian strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published departure time.

Cabin

• Stateroom Amenities: Norwegian staterooms 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 each day and can assist with extra towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your cruise.
• Room Service: Room service is available throughout the day with complimentary and premium menu options depending on your sailing, cabin category, and current Norwegian policies. Additional delivery charges may apply.
• Storage Space: Store suitcases under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space. Most cabins also include generous closet, drawer, and shelf storage.
• Mini Refrigerator: Mini refrigerators are often stocked with beverages and snacks available for purchase. If you prefer additional refrigerator space, ask your stateroom steward if the contents can be removed.
• Balcony Cabins: Keep the balcony door completely closed whenever the air conditioning is operating. Opening the balcony door disables the air conditioning system on most Norwegian ships until the door is fully closed.
• The Haven: Guests staying in The Haven enjoy premium accommodations with exclusive lounges, restaurants, sundecks, concierge service, butler service, and other luxury amenities available only within this private ship-within-a-ship concept.

On Deck

• Pool Deck: Norwegian's pool decks feature multiple pools, hot tubs, live music, games, outdoor movies, and numerous places to relax throughout the day. The atmosphere is casual and reflects Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising philosophy.
• The Waterfront: Available on Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, Prima, and Prima Plus Class ships, The Waterfront offers a unique outdoor promenade lined with restaurants, bars, lounges, and comfortable seating just steps from the ocean.
• Vibe Beach Club: Available on many ships for an additional fee, Vibe Beach Club provides an adults-only retreat featuring premium loungers, hot tubs, attentive beverage service, and a quieter atmosphere away from the main pool deck.
• Spice H₂O: Many ships feature Spice H₂O, an adults-only outdoor lounge offering daytime relaxation and evening entertainment in a more peaceful setting than the main pool deck.
• Signature Attractions: Depending on your ship, attractions may include waterslides, race tracks, Galaxy Pavilion, ropes courses, The Drop, The Rush, mini golf, sports courts, Aqua Parks, and other family-friendly activities. Features vary throughout the fleet.
• Observation Lounge: Prima, Prima Plus, Breakaway Plus, and several other classes feature spacious observation lounges with panoramic ocean views, comfortable seating, and light refreshments, making them ideal places to relax while scenic cruising.
• Chair Etiquette: Norwegian asks guests not to reserve lounge chairs for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed by crew members.

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, giving guests the flexibility to vacation at their own pace.
• Main Dining Rooms: Complimentary Main Dining Rooms offer breakfast, lunch on select sea days, and dinner with rotating menus throughout your cruise. Guests may generally order multiple appetizers, entrées, and desserts at no additional charge.
• 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 more.
• Dining Packages: Norwegian's More At Sea™ package often includes specialty dining credits, while additional dining packages are available for guests planning to enjoy several specialty restaurants during their cruise.
• Dress Code: Freestyle Cruising means there are no formal nights. Resort casual attire is appropriate in most venues, although certain specialty restaurants recommend smart casual clothing during dinner.
• Reservations: Specialty restaurants and popular dining times often fill before sailing, particularly on newer ships. Booking reservations early through the Norwegian Cruise Line App provides the greatest flexibility.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Complimentary dining varies by ship and may include the Main Dining Rooms, Garden Café 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: Coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, fountain water, and select breakfast juices are available throughout your cruise at no additional charge.
• Specialty Coffee: Starbucks locations and other onboard cafés serve premium coffees, espresso drinks, teas, pastries, and specialty beverages. These purchases are generally not included with the standard beverage package.
• 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 several complimentary venues remaining open late into the evening for guests who prefer a more flexible schedule.

More At Sea™ Beverage Package

• What's Included: The More At Sea™ Beverage Package includes a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, fountain soda, juices, and many other eligible beverages up to the package's current price limit.
• Part of More At Sea: The beverage package is one of the signature benefits included with many More At Sea cruise fares, making it one of Norwegian's most popular promotions.
• Service Charge: Guests receiving the package through More At Sea are responsible for the applicable beverage package service charge unless otherwise included in a promotional offer.
• Where It's Accepted: The package is accepted throughout participating bars, lounges, restaurants, and other beverage locations onboard. It does not currently extend to Norwegian's private destinations.

Premium Plus Beverage Package

• Premium Upgrades: Premium Plus expands beverage selections to include many top-shelf spirits, premium wines, champagne, specialty coffees, bottled water, energy drinks, and additional premium beverages not included with the standard package.
• Best For: Guests who enjoy premium spirits, higher-end wines, or specialty coffee throughout their vacation may find the Premium Plus upgrade offers worthwhile value.

Private Destinations

• Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian's private island in The Bahamas features beautiful beaches, complimentary beach barbecue, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, shopping, private cabanas, and numerous water activities. A new cruise pier is being developed to improve guest access in the future.
• Harvest Caye: Located in Belize, Harvest Caye offers an expansive swimming pool, beautiful beaches, shopping, restaurants, zip lining, water sports, and private cabanas. Unlike Great Stirrup Cay, food and beverages are generally purchased separately rather than being included from the ship.
• Beach Towels: Complimentary beach towels are available onboard and may be taken ashore. Remember to return them before the end of the day to avoid replacement charges.
• Beverage Packages: Norwegian's beverage packages are not currently accepted at Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye. Drinks purchased ashore are charged separately.
• Internet Access: Internet availability varies by destination. Check Norwegian's latest information before sailing if remaining connected while ashore is important.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• Norwegian Cruise Line App: The app serves as your daily planner throughout the cruise, displaying the Freestyle Daily schedule, dining reservations, entertainment, deck maps, onboard account, and many other cruise details.
• Entertainment Reservations: Popular productions, comedy performances, and select entertainment venues may require reservations depending on your ship. Reserve performances as early as possible for the best selection of show times.
• Spa Appointments: Sea days are generally the busiest at Mandara Spa. Booking treatments early in the cruise or choosing a port day appointment often provides the greatest availability and occasional discounts.
• Freestyle Daily: Review the Freestyle Daily each evening to plan the following day's activities, dining, entertainment, port information, and onboard events.
• Freestyle Cruising: One of Norwegian's greatest advantages is the freedom to plan each day as you choose. There are no assigned dining times, no required formal nights, and no rigid schedules unless you choose to make reservations.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Norwegian Shore Excursions: Booking directly through Norwegian provides additional peace of mind because the cruise line coordinates your return if a Norwegian-sponsored excursion is delayed through no fault of your own.
• 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 at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published all-aboard time. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving guests.
• Port Day Perks: Port days are often the best time to enjoy the ship with fewer crowds. Pools, waterslides, Vibe Beach Club, Mandara Spa, and many restaurants are noticeably quieter while most guests are ashore.
• Local Currency: Many Caribbean destinations readily accept U.S. dollars, although change may be returned in local currency. Carrying small denominations is helpful for tips and small purchases.

Casino

• Casinos at Sea: Norwegian's Casinos at Sea program features slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker tournaments, and numerous other table games. Gaming is generally available only while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Casino Rewards: Guests earn Casinos at Sea reward points while playing, with qualifying players receiving future cruise offers, complimentary cruises, discounts, tournaments, and other promotional benefits.
• Smoke-Free Areas: Many Norwegian ships provide designated non-smoking casino areas, although the size and availability vary throughout the fleet.
• Cash & Charges: Casino transactions may be completed using cash or eligible onboard account charges. Additional fees may apply to certain account advances.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Internet Plans: Norwegian offers several internet options ranging from basic web browsing to premium plans supporting streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices. Available plans vary by ship and itinerary.
• More At Sea: Many More At Sea cruise fares include an internet package, with guests having the option to upgrade for additional minutes, faster service, or multiple devices depending on the current offer.
• Performance: Internet speeds continue to improve across the fleet with expanded satellite connectivity, although performance still varies depending on your ship's location, weather conditions, and the number of guests online.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Internet packages purchased before sailing often provide better value than purchasing onboard.
• Airplane Mode: Keep your mobile devices in Airplane Mode while at sea and connect only to the ship's Wi-Fi to avoid international roaming charges.

Families & Kids

• Splash Academy: Norwegian's complimentary Splash Academy offers supervised activities for children ages 3 to 12, including games, crafts, sports, themed events, and educational activities led by trained youth staff.
• Entourage: Teens ages 13 to 17 have their own dedicated space through Entourage, featuring music, video games, movies, sports, themed parties, and supervised social activities designed specifically for older children.
• Guppies Program: Norwegian offers scheduled parent-child activities for infants and toddlers under age 3, allowing families with younger children to participate in age-appropriate play sessions together.
• Family Activities: Families can enjoy waterslides, Aqua Parks, race tracks on select ships, mini golf, ropes courses, arcade games, live entertainment, trivia, game shows, sports courts, and numerous family-friendly activities throughout the cruise.
• Youth Registration: Register children for Splash Academy soon after boarding to avoid delays and ensure they're ready to participate when activities begin.

Complimentary Extras

• Observation Lounge: On ships featuring an Observation Lounge, guests can relax in comfortable seating while enjoying panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It's one of the best places onboard for scenic cruising, reading, or simply unwinding.
• Live Entertainment: Norwegian offers an impressive variety of complimentary entertainment including live music, comedians, game shows, themed parties, trivia contests, dance lessons, and production shows. Entertainment varies by ship.
• Fitness Center: Modern fitness centers are available aboard every Norwegian ship and include cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. Specialty fitness classes may be available for an additional charge.
• Daily Activities: Throughout each cruise you'll find trivia, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, sports competitions, enrichment programs, dance classes, and numerous other activities included with your cruise fare unless otherwise noted.
• Ocean Views: Whether relaxing along The Waterfront, watching the sunset from an upper deck, or enjoying the scenery from the 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 Express Walk-Off, allowing them to leave the ship earlier than standard departure groups.
• Standard Departure: Guests placing luggage outside their stateroom the night before departure receive luggage tags with an assigned departure group. Wait comfortably in the designated public area until your group is called.
• Final Morning: Staterooms are generally vacated early on disembarkation morning. Breakfast is available before leaving the ship, and public lounges remain open while departure groups are called.
• Customs & Immigration: Many U.S. cruise terminals now use facial recognition technology to speed the arrival process for eligible travelers. Guests traveling with passports often experience the quickest processing.
• Porters: Porters are available inside most cruise terminals to assist with luggage. A gratuity of approximately $1-2 per bag is customary for this 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, and under the bed one final time. Taking a few extra moments can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.