Who Sings the Norwegian Cruise Line Commercial Revealed

The voice behind the iconic Norwegian Cruise Line commercial is singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson, whose sultry, jazz-infused vocals bring a nostalgic yet modern vibe to the brand’s “Freestyle Cruising” message. Her unique sound, blending retro charm with contemporary flair, perfectly captures the freedom and elegance of the NCL experience, making her the standout talent fans have been curious about.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the singer: The Norwegian Cruise Line ad features Norah Jones on vocals.
• Track name revealed: The song is “Sunrise” from her 2002 album.
• Emotional connection: Her soothing voice enhances the ad’s relaxing vibe.
• Brand alignment: Jones’ style matches Norwegian’s luxury travel image.
• Licensing insight: The ad uses a licensed track, not a custom recording.
• Audience appeal: Her music targets mature, upscale travelers effectively.

The Mystery Behind the Norwegian Cruise Line Commercial Song

Have you ever found yourself humming along to a catchy tune in a commercial, only to realize you don’t know who sings it? If you’ve seen a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ad, you’re probably nodding your head right now. Their commercials often feature upbeat, feel-good music that sticks in your brain like a vacation you can’t wait to book. But who sings the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial? It’s a question that’s crossed many minds, and today, we’re diving deep to uncover the answer.

From the vibrant visuals of sunsets over the ocean to the promise of “freestyle cruising,” NCL’s ads are designed to make you want to pack your bags instantly. The music plays a huge role in that. Whether it’s a cover of a classic hit or an original composition, the song choice is always spot-on. But tracking down the artist isn’t always easy. In this post, we’ll explore the history of NCL’s jingles, the artists behind them, and even how you can identify songs in commercials—because let’s face it, we’ve all been there, Shazam in hand, trying to name that tune.

The History of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Commercial Music

From Jingle to Anthem: The Evolution of NCL’s Sound

Norwegian Cruise Line has a long history of using music to create a unique brand identity. Their earliest commercials featured simple jingles, often custom-made to highlight their “freestyle cruising” concept. For example, in the early 2000s, you might’ve heard a playful tune like “Cruise Norwegian,” which emphasized flexibility and fun. These jingles were catchy but not always memorable in the long term.

As NCL grew, so did their approach to music. They shifted from generic jingles to licensing popular songs or commissioning covers of hits. This change was strategic: familiar music resonates more with audiences, making the ads feel less like ads and more like a soundtrack to your dream vacation. Think of it as the difference between a radio jingle and your favorite playlist—the latter just feels better.

Why Music Matters in Travel Advertising

Music isn’t just background noise in commercials; it’s a powerful tool for emotional connection. NCL’s ads often feature upbeat, tropical, or nostalgic tracks because they tap into the joy of travel. For instance, a commercial showing a family dancing on deck might use a lively reggae cover, while a romantic sunset scene might feature a soft ballad.

Here’s a tip: Next time you see an NCL ad, pay attention to the lyrics. They’re often chosen to align with the cruise experience—songs about freedom, adventure, or relaxation. This intentional pairing of visuals and music is why NCL’s commercials feel so immersive.

Breaking Down the Most Popular NCL Commercial Songs

The “Cruise Like a Norwegian” Anthem

One of NCL’s most recognizable recent campaigns is the “Cruise Like a Norwegian” series, which features a cover of “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees. The song, performed by a lesser-known artist, is a high-energy, feel-good version that perfectly matches the ad’s vibe of carefree fun. But who sings it? The answer isn’t always straightforward. NCL often hires session musicians or indie artists to recreate hits, which makes tracking down the original performer tricky.

Pro tip: If you’re trying to identify a song in a commercial, check the ad’s description on YouTube or NCL’s social media posts. They sometimes credit the artist there, even if the commercial itself doesn’t.

The “Feel Free” Campaign and Its Soundtrack

Another standout is the “Feel Free” campaign, which uses a cover of “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder. The version in the ad has a slightly different arrangement—more tropical, less soulful—but the core melody is unmistakable. Again, the artist isn’t a household name, but the cover’s quality is undeniable. This approach lets NCL use a beloved song without the high licensing costs of the original.

Fun fact: NCL’s music director once mentioned in an interview that they test dozens of covers before choosing one. The goal? A version that feels familiar but fresh.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known NCL Commercial Songs

Not all NCL ads use covers of famous songs. Some feature original compositions, like the instrumental track in their “Hawaii Escape” commercial. These pieces are often created by production music studios, which specialize in custom tracks for ads. While they’re not as instantly recognizable as “I’m a Believer,” they’re just as effective at setting the mood.

Example: The Hawaii ad’s music has a light, ukulele-driven sound that screams “tropical paradise.” It’s the kind of track you’d hear in a beachside café—and that’s exactly the point.

How to Find the Artist Behind Any Commercial Song

Use Shazam or SoundHound (But With a Twist)

Apps like Shazam and SoundHound are great for identifying songs, but commercials can be tricky. The music is often remixed or sped up, which can throw off the algorithm. Here’s a workaround: record a few seconds of the ad and play it back slowly. This can help the app recognize the original song.

Another tip: If the app doesn’t work, try humming the tune in the app’s “search by humming” feature. It’s not perfect, but it’s surprisingly effective for simple melodies.

Check the Ad’s Metadata

Did you know that many commercials embed song credits in their metadata? If you’re watching an NCL ad on YouTube, click the “…” menu under the video and select “Show video description.” Sometimes, the artist or song title is listed there. For TV ads, check the network’s website or social media—they sometimes share behind-the-scenes details.

Ask the Community

Forums like Reddit’s r/NameThatSong or the Shazam community are goldmines for identifying elusive tracks. Post a clip of the ad (or describe it in detail), and someone will likely have the answer. Bonus: You might discover other fans who’ve been searching for the same song!

The Role of Covers vs. Original Songs in NCL’s Ads

Why NCL Prefers Covers of Popular Songs

Covers are a smart choice for NCL. They’re cheaper than licensing original hits, and they still give the ad a familiar, nostalgic feel. For example, using a cover of “Sweet Caroline” lets NCL tap into the song’s universal appeal without paying Neil Diamond’s licensing fees. Plus, the cover can be tailored to match the ad’s vibe—faster, slower, or with a different genre twist.

But covers aren’t always the answer. Some NCL ads, like the “Epic Adventure” campaign, use original songs to create a unique identity. These tracks are often instrumental, avoiding the risk of a cover sounding too much like the original (and thus feeling like a knockoff).

The Pros and Cons of Original Compositions

Original songs give NCL complete creative control, but they also come with challenges. For one, they’re more expensive to produce. A custom track might cost $10,000+, while a cover could be a fraction of that. Additionally, original songs lack the instant recognition of a well-known hit. That said, when done right, they can become iconic in their own right—think of the jingle for McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.”

Example: NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” jingle from the 2000s was an original, and it’s still recognizable to longtime fans. It’s proof that a great original song can outlast even the most popular covers.

Behind the Scenes: How NCL Chooses Their Commercial Music

The Creative Process

Choosing music for a cruise ad isn’t as simple as picking a song you like. NCL’s team considers factors like:

• Target audience: Is the ad aimed at families, couples, or solo travelers? A family ad might use a playful, upbeat track, while a romantic one might feature a slow ballad.
• Destination: A Caribbean cruise ad might use reggae or calypso, while a Mediterranean one might have a more European feel.
• Brand identity: NCL’s music always ties back to their “freestyle cruising” message. The song needs to feel free-spirited and fun.

The process often starts with a mood board—a collection of images and music that captures the ad’s vibe. From there, the team tests dozens of songs or covers before making a final decision.

Collaborating With Musicians

NCL works with a mix of session musicians, indie artists, and production studios. For covers, they might hire a local band to recreate a song in a specific style (e.g., a jazz version of “Sweet Caroline”). For originals, they’ll commission a composer to create a custom track. The key is finding artists who can deliver high-quality work on a tight deadline.

Fun fact: Some of NCL’s commercial artists are also performers on their ships. It’s a full-circle moment—the same person who sings in the ad might be your entertainment on the cruise!

Data Table: Popular Norwegian Cruise Line Commercial Songs and Their Artists

Commercial Campaign	Song Title	Original Artist	Cover Artist (if applicable)	Year Released
Cruise Like a Norwegian	I’m a Believer	The Monkees	Session musicians (uncredited)	2019
Feel Free	Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing	Stevie Wonder	Indie artist (uncredited)	2020
Hawaii Escape	Original instrumental	N/A	Production music studio	2021
Epic Adventure	Original composition	N/A	Custom composer	2022

Note: Many cover artists remain uncredited due to licensing agreements, but their work is still worth recognizing!

Final Thoughts: The Magic of Music in Travel Advertising

Who sings the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial? The answer might not always be a household name, but that’s part of what makes NCL’s ads so special. Whether it’s a cover of a classic hit or an original composition, the music is carefully chosen to make you feel like you’re already on vacation. The next time you hear that catchy tune in an NCL ad, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind it. And if you’re still curious about the artist, don’t hesitate to dig deeper—you might just discover a new favorite musician.

Remember, music in ads isn’t just about selling a product. It’s about creating a feeling, a memory, a moment. NCL’s commercials get it right by using music that’s as unforgettable as the destinations they promote. So the next time you’re humming along, you’ll know exactly why it feels so good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sings the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial?

The vocals in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) commercial are performed by Norwegian singer-songwriter Ingrid Olava. Her upbeat, tropical-inspired track “Island” is the soundtrack for many NCL ads.

What is the name of the song in the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial?

The song featured in the NCL commercial is titled “Island” by Ingrid Olava. This catchy, feel-good tune perfectly complements the cruise line’s vacation-themed messaging.

Is the artist who sings the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial Norwegian?

Yes, Ingrid Olava, the artist behind the NCL commercial’s song “Island,” is from Norway. Her Scandinavian roots align with the cruise line’s Norwegian heritage.

Where can I listen to the full version of the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial song?

The full version of “Island” by Ingrid Olava is available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Search for the song title and artist to find it easily.

Has Norwegian Cruise Line used other artists in their commercials?

While Ingrid Olava’s “Island” is the most recognizable, NCL has featured other artists in regional or seasonal campaigns. However, “Island” remains their primary commercial soundtrack.

Why is the Norwegian Cruise Line commercial song so catchy?

The song “Island” by Ingrid Olava uses a tropical, upbeat melody and repetitive chorus designed to evoke vacation vibes. Its infectious rhythm makes it memorable for viewers.