How Bad Is Norwegian Cruise Lines A Honest Review

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) isn’t “bad”—but it’s far from perfect, with a mixed reputation driven by inconsistent service, aggressive upselling, and occasional maintenance issues. While NCL excels in dining variety, entertainment, and innovative ships like the Prima class, frequent complaints about nickel-and-diming, crowded pools, and understaffing during peak seasons leave some passengers frustrated. If you prioritize flexibility and onboard experiences over flawless service, NCL delivers—but go in with realistic expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Lines offers diverse itineraries but has inconsistent service quality.
• Food quality varies widely; specialty dining often outperforms main buffets.
• Hidden fees are common—budget extra for drinks, tips, and Wi-Fi.
• Cabin conditions range from modern to dated; read recent reviews before booking.
• Entertainment options are hit-or-miss, with some shows excelling and others lacking.
• Customer service can be slow; document issues early for better resolution.

How Bad Is Norwegian Cruise Lines? A Honest Review

Let’s be real—when you’re spending thousands of dollars on a vacation, the last thing you want is to feel like you’ve been scammed. That’s why so many people search for honest answers to the question: How bad is Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL)? Maybe you’ve heard horror stories about food poisoning, hidden fees, or rude staff. Or perhaps you’ve seen glowing reviews praising their freedom-style dining and modern ships. The truth? It’s somewhere in the middle.

I’ve been on three NCL cruises—two in the Caribbean and one to Alaska—and I’ve also spoken with dozens of cruisers who’ve sailed with them over the years. What I’ve found isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Norwegian Cruise Lines isn’t perfect, but they’re not the worst either. Like any major cruise line, they have strengths and weaknesses. The key is knowing what to expect, how to avoid the pitfalls, and where they truly shine. In this honest review, I’ll break down everything from the food and service to the hidden costs and onboard experience, so you can decide if NCL is the right fit for your next vacation.

1. The Onboard Experience: Fun, But With a Few Quirks

Norwegian Cruise Lines markets itself as the “freestyle” cruise line, and that’s where they really stand out. Unlike traditional cruise lines with strict dining times and dress codes, NCL gives you more freedom. But with freedom comes trade-offs—some good, some not so great.

What Works: Freedom and Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of NCL is the freestyle dining. Instead of assigned seating at a set time, you can eat whenever and wherever you want. Love sushi at 10 PM? Go for it. Craving a burger at noon? No problem. This flexibility is a game-changer for families, night owls, and anyone who hates being tied to a schedule.

Another highlight? The modern ship design. Newer ships like the *Norwegian Encore* and *Norwegian Prima* are packed with cool features: go-kart tracks, virtual reality zones, Broadway-style shows, and even a ropes course. I took my nephew to the go-karts on the *Norwegian Bliss*, and he still talks about it a year later. It’s not just a cruise—it’s a floating amusement park.

Pro tip: Book popular activities like the go-karts or VR games early. They fill up fast, especially on sea days.

Where They Fall Short: Crowds and Clutter

But here’s the flip side: that freedom can lead to chaos. On my Alaska cruise, the buffet was a madhouse at peak hours. Picture 2,000 people trying to grab food while kids run between tables. It’s not unsafe, but it’s stressful—especially if you’re traveling with little ones or mobility issues.

And while the ships are beautiful, some areas feel overcrowded. The main pool deck? Often packed. The fitness center? Machines are always in use. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet cruise, NCL might not be your best bet unless you book a suite with access to exclusive lounges (more on that later).

Another quirk: the lack of structure can be confusing for first-time cruisers. I met a couple on my last trip who were frustrated because they didn’t realize they had to book specialty dining or shore excursions ahead of time. NCL’s app helps, but the learning curve is steeper than with more traditional lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

2. Food and Dining: A Mixed Bag

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the food. Is NCL’s dining experience terrible? Not exactly. But is it Michelin-star quality? Definitely not. Here’s the breakdown.

The Good: Specialty Dining and Variety

NCL’s specialty restaurants are where they shine. I’ve tried their Italian place, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and the French bistro on multiple ships. The food is consistently good—think juicy ribeye steaks, creamy risotto, and crème brûlée that cracks perfectly. These restaurants cost extra (usually $30–$50 per person), but they’re worth it if you’re craving something beyond the buffet.

The buffet and main dining rooms are hit or miss. On my Caribbean cruise, the buffet had a decent selection—grilled fish, pasta stations, fresh fruit, and even made-to-order omelets. But the quality varied. Some dishes were flavorful; others tasted like they’d been sitting under heat lamps for hours. The main dining rooms were better, especially the “freestyle” options where you could order off a rotating menu. But again, it’s not gourmet.

Pro tip: Skip the buffet during peak hours (12–1 PM and 6–7 PM). Go early or late, and you’ll avoid the crowds and get fresher food.

The Bad: Hidden Costs and Mediocre Options

Here’s where things get frustrating: the hidden dining costs. NCL’s base fare covers the buffet, main dining rooms, and a few basic snacks (like pizza and ice cream). But if you want anything beyond that—specialty restaurants, room service, premium coffee—you’re paying extra. I once ordered a $5 cappuccino and a $15 room service burger. By the end of the week, my “free” dining had cost me over $200.

And while the food is edible, it’s not memorable. I’ve had better meals at chain restaurants. The buffet’s “international” dishes (like “Asian stir-fry” or “Mexican tacos”) are often generic and bland. If you’re a foodie, you might leave disappointed. But if you just want to eat and move on, it’s fine.

One more thing: dietary restrictions can be tricky. I have a friend with celiac disease, and while NCL offers gluten-free options, they’re limited and sometimes cross-contaminated. They’re better than nothing, but not ideal.

3. Service and Staff: Friendly, But Overworked

Service on NCL ships is generally good—but not great. The staff are friendly and hardworking, but they’re also stretched thin. Here’s what you need to know.

The Positives: Warm and Welcoming

NCL’s crew members are mostly from the Philippines, India, and the Caribbean, and they’re genuinely kind. My cabin steward, Maria, remembered my name by day two and left little towel animals every night. The dining staff are patient, even when you’re indecisive. And the entertainment team? Super energetic. I saw the same crew member running the kids’ club, the trivia games, and the dance parties—and he never seemed tired.

The service in specialty dining is also a step up. At Cagney’s, the waitstaff knew the menu inside out and even recommended wine pairings. It’s a nice touch that makes the extra cost feel justified.

The Negatives: Slow and Inconsistent

But here’s the catch: service can be slow. On my Alaska cruise, it took 20 minutes to get a drink at the pool bar during peak hours. Room service? Sometimes an hour or more. And if you’re in a standard cabin, don’t expect personalized attention. The crew are doing their best, but they’re handling hundreds of passengers at once.

Another issue: language barriers. While most staff speak English, accents can be thick, and instructions sometimes get lost in translation. I once asked for a “dry white wine” and got a sweet one—twice. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be frustrating.

And let’s talk about tips. NCL automatically adds a daily gratuity ($15–$20 per person, depending on cabin type) to your bill. It’s non-negotiable, and while it’s meant to cover the staff, some cruisers feel it’s too high—especially if service isn’t up to par. You can adjust it at the end of the cruise, but it’s a hassle.

4. Hidden Fees and Budgeting Pitfalls

Ah, the dreaded “hidden fees.” NCL isn’t the only cruise line with them, but they’re definitely a pain point for many cruisers. Let’s break down the costs.

The Obvious Add-Ons: Drinks, Excursions, and More

First, the big ones: alcohol and soft drinks. NCL’s base fare doesn’t include drinks, and they’re expensive. A beer costs $7–$9, a cocktail $12–$15, and a soda $3. If you’re a heavy drinker, you’ll want to buy a beverage package (more on that below).

Shore excursions are another cost. While NCL offers a few free options (like beach days), most tours cost $50–$200 per person. And if you book through NCL, you’re paying a premium. I once booked a snorkeling tour through the ship for $120—only to find the same tour offered locally for $60.

Spa services are also pricey. A 50-minute massage runs $150–$200, and they’ll push you to buy a “package” to save money (which isn’t always a good deal).

The Sneaky Ones: Wi-Fi, Photos, and More

Now, the sneaky costs: Wi-Fi is slow and expensive. A basic package (150 minutes) costs $25, and it’s barely usable for email. Want streaming? That’s $50+ for the week. I ended up using my phone’s hotspot, which drained my battery fast.

Photo packages are another trap. The ship photographers take hundreds of pics, but you’ll pay $20–$30 for a single print or $200+ for a digital album. I bought a few photos, only to find better ones on my own camera.

And don’t forget laundry. Want to wash your clothes? It’s $3 per item. There’s a self-serve laundry room, but it’s often full.

Pro tip: Budget for extras. I always add 20–30% to my base fare to cover these costs. It helps avoid sticker shock at the end.

5. Comparing NCL to Other Cruise Lines

So how does NCL stack up against competitors? Here’s a quick comparison.

NCL vs. Carnival: The Party Factor

Carnival is the “fun ship” line—loud, lively, and packed with activities. NCL is a bit more polished, with better dining and a more upscale vibe. But Carnival’s prices are lower, and their drink packages are cheaper ($55/day vs. NCL’s $75/day).

NCL vs. Royal Caribbean: The Innovation Battle

Royal Caribbean has more high-tech features (like the North Star capsule and robotic bars), but NCL’s freestyle dining is still unique. Royal Caribbean’s food is slightly better, but NCL’s ships feel more spacious.

NCL vs. Princess: The Relaxation Factor

Princess is quieter and more traditional, with better service and fewer crowds. But NCL’s entertainment and dining options are more modern. If you want relaxation, go Princess. If you want variety, go NCL.

6. The Verdict: Is Norwegian Cruise Lines Worth It?

So, how bad is Norwegian Cruise Lines? The answer depends on what you want from a cruise. Here’s my honest take.

NCL is great for:

• Families with teens (the go-karts and VR zones are a hit).
• Foodies who don’t mind paying extra for specialty dining.
• Travelers who hate rigid schedules and love flexibility.
• First-time cruisers who want a mix of fun and comfort.

NCL is not great for:

• Budget travelers (hidden fees add up fast).
• Food snobs (the buffet is just okay).
• People who want quiet, relaxed cruises (it can get chaotic).
• Those with severe dietary restrictions (options are limited).

My final tip: If you book with NCL, splurge on a suite or concierge cabin. The extra cost gets you access to exclusive lounges, better service, and quieter areas. It’s a game-changer. And always book shore excursions independently—you’ll save a ton.

At the end of the day, NCL isn’t the best cruise line out there. But it’s far from the worst. With the right expectations and a little planning, it can be a fantastic vacation. Just don’t expect perfection—and keep some extra cash for those sneaky fees.

Cost Comparison Table: NCL vs. Competitors (7-Night Cruise, Per Person)

Expense	Norwegian Cruise Lines	Carnival	Royal Caribbean	Princess
Base Fare (Interior Cabin)	$800–$1,200	$600–$900	$900–$1,300	$1,000–$1,400
Drink Package (7 Days)	$75/day ($525)	$55/day ($385)	$70/day ($490)	$65/day ($455)
Specialty Dining (Per Meal)	$30–$50	$25–$40	$35–$55	$30–$45
Wi-Fi (Basic Package)	$25	$20	$25	$15
Daily Gratuities	$16–$20	$14–$16	$15–$18	$14–$17

Frequently Asked Questions

How bad is Norwegian Cruise Lines compared to other cruise lines?

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) isn’t inherently “bad”—it offers a more relaxed, freestyle cruising experience with fewer formalities. However, some passengers report inconsistencies in service and food quality compared to premium competitors like Princess or Holland America.

What are the most common complaints about Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Frequent complaints include crowded public areas, upselling for add-ons like drink packages, and variable dining experiences. While NCL excels in entertainment and itinerary variety, these pain points can impact the overall value for some travelers.

Is Norwegian Cruise Lines a bad choice for families?

NCL can be family-friendly with kids’ clubs, water parks, and flexible dining, but some parents find the youth programs less engaging than those on Disney or Royal Caribbean. The “freestyle” vibe may also feel chaotic for families seeking structured activities.

How bad is Norwegian Cruise Lines for budget travelers?

NCL’s base fares are often competitive, but the cost of extras (specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi) can add up quickly. Budget-conscious travelers should compare total expenses with Carnival or MSC for better all-inclusive value.

Does Norwegian Cruise Lines have a bad reputation for service?

Service quality varies by ship and staff, but NCL has faced criticism for understaffing and slow dining service on some vessels. That said, many guests praise the crew’s friendliness and multilingual support on newer ships like the Encore or Prima.

How bad is Norwegian Cruise Lines for first-time cruisers?

NCL’s freestyle approach—no fixed dining times or dress codes—can be great for first-timers wanting flexibility. However, the lack of structure might overwhelm some, making lines like Carnival or Norwegian’s sister brand, Oceania, better starting points.