Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews
The 10 Norwegian Cruise Line reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with NCL. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
4.3
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Panama Repositioning Cruise 0
Colin and Sonya, QLD, Australia, Sep 2025
This was a brilliant 3 week cruise. The vessel, amenities, food and stateroom were perfect. Only 2 negatives, due to 2 Hurricanes we were unable to get into the Mexico Ports and Costa Rica had its port closed by officials. But apart from that, we had a great time and saw a lot of amazing things. We are now looking for our 2026 holiday. And of course,... read more many thanks to Rachel McSorley for her fantastic organising of the cruise and flights.
Be aware of the real cost of Norwegian 0
Ian and Lesley, QLD, Australia, Sep 2025
Georgie at Global Journeys was very good with organising my booking, and while we quite enjoyed the cruise and saw some places we had never seen before, we did get tired of Norwegians emphasis on money - all in American dollars which for Aussies meant almost double the amount in Aussie dollars! And the everlasting queues that American ships seem to... read more love. Queues for the dining rooms, for the tenders, for the main production shows, for Guest services, for shore excursions, for future cruises. And the compulsory tipping of $50 a day per cabin. Why won't American companies pay their staff properly so they don't have to rely on gratuities? That is assuming the staff get the gratuities! Although I do think the gratuities were included in the overall price we paid upfront which we thought was reasonable.
The $450 for the Internet cafe was expensive and the cheap, food and beverage package at $900 American dollars was outrageous - but at least it saved us the compulsory tip of 20% on every drink purchased.. The food on the ship was plentiful and filling but nothing special and the specialty restaurants at an additional cover charge of $120 American for the one specialty we took, was overpriced and over valued. And $610 USD for simple medical services that in Australia would've cost about $30 was a rip off and a packet of common antibiotics which in Australia would cost $24, was on the ship, $240 that is 8 USD s a pill!
And the crowning disappointment was with the one shore excursion we decided to buy from Norwegian. Immediately we paid for it my knee gave way making it impossible to do the walking on that tour, but there was no chance of getting a refund, - so that was another $140 American wasted. The cruz director and his deputy were absolutely hopeless and at the morning television presentation they told us little about what we should be doing that day but comprised mainly banal chatter between the two of them that we only watched once because we couldn't believe how bad it was. We saw mention of a turndown Service which never occurred in our mini suite, and the movies offered were awful.
But on the positive note, their tender operations were better than other lines, and nearly all of their wait staff were helpful and friendly although some had very little understanding of English. The couple of production shows were very ordinary and most of the entertainment seemed to consist of single or duo artists, or the cruz director interviewing and embarrassing guests, or yet another Trivia, which of course would cost the cruz company next to nothing! We would only cruise Norwegian again if it was the only ship going where we wanted to go at the time we wanted.
The $450 for the Internet cafe was expensive and the cheap, food and beverage package at $900 American dollars was outrageous - but at least it saved us the compulsory tip of 20% on every drink purchased.. The food on the ship was plentiful and filling but nothing special and the specialty restaurants at an additional cover charge of $120 American for the one specialty we took, was overpriced and over valued. And $610 USD for simple medical services that in Australia would've cost about $30 was a rip off and a packet of common antibiotics which in Australia would cost $24, was on the ship, $240 that is 8 USD s a pill!
And the crowning disappointment was with the one shore excursion we decided to buy from Norwegian. Immediately we paid for it my knee gave way making it impossible to do the walking on that tour, but there was no chance of getting a refund, - so that was another $140 American wasted. The cruz director and his deputy were absolutely hopeless and at the morning television presentation they told us little about what we should be doing that day but comprised mainly banal chatter between the two of them that we only watched once because we couldn't believe how bad it was. We saw mention of a turndown Service which never occurred in our mini suite, and the movies offered were awful.
But on the positive note, their tender operations were better than other lines, and nearly all of their wait staff were helpful and friendly although some had very little understanding of English. The couple of production shows were very ordinary and most of the entertainment seemed to consist of single or duo artists, or the cruz director interviewing and embarrassing guests, or yet another Trivia, which of course would cost the cruz company next to nothing! We would only cruise Norwegian again if it was the only ship going where we wanted to go at the time we wanted.
Iceland and Greenland in Style 0
Jan and Paul, NSW, Australia, Jun 2025
OK, the only down side in visiting Greenland and Iceland is getting there from Australia. Paying for Business Class on Emirates was extravagant but we were well looked after and were able to sleep. Icelandic Air took us from London to Reykjavik. A smaller plane but a great service. Getting from the airport to Reykjavik itself is a $300+ taxi ride, which... read more was a shock. I required a walk in shower which I had, but king size rooms were over the top and doubles would have been better.
Our suites on the Norwegian Star were spacious, but no walk in shower. The drinks package was great, my son using it more than me. I couldn't get a cappuccino but I could get Irish Coffee. However a few days before the end of the cruise, I wasn't feeling well and saw the ship's doctor. The staff were brilliant but I ended up with an U.S.$11,000 bill. I purchased travel insurance but am not looking forward to trying to get some of my money back. In conclusion, it is a long way away but worth seeing. Three degrees in Greenland was fine, no breeze. It felt colder in Sydney when we got off the plane. The food, entertainment and staff were outstanding. The fruit was beautiful. We spent two days in Reykjavik before getting on the boat and another day before we left. Expensive, but ask for a double room not king. Warm clothing, sensible shoes.
Excursions are expensive, but worth it. I paid $600 each for a six hour trip. It included a fish salting factory then onto the boat where we tried to find a whale. There are more off the east coast of Australia at the moment. Fishing rods then came out and soon large cod were being caught. Back into the harbour where the fish were cooked then up the road to a local restaurant for lunch. All up, I felt it was good value. I am not well off and my son came with me to help out. The only negatives are the amount I have been slugged by the on board medical centre, but I was concerned as to how I would handle the flights home and the shower in my suite not being accessible as it was over a bath. Support Greenland and Iceland and try the Irish coffee!
Our suites on the Norwegian Star were spacious, but no walk in shower. The drinks package was great, my son using it more than me. I couldn't get a cappuccino but I could get Irish Coffee. However a few days before the end of the cruise, I wasn't feeling well and saw the ship's doctor. The staff were brilliant but I ended up with an U.S.$11,000 bill. I purchased travel insurance but am not looking forward to trying to get some of my money back. In conclusion, it is a long way away but worth seeing. Three degrees in Greenland was fine, no breeze. It felt colder in Sydney when we got off the plane. The food, entertainment and staff were outstanding. The fruit was beautiful. We spent two days in Reykjavik before getting on the boat and another day before we left. Expensive, but ask for a double room not king. Warm clothing, sensible shoes.
Excursions are expensive, but worth it. I paid $600 each for a six hour trip. It included a fish salting factory then onto the boat where we tried to find a whale. There are more off the east coast of Australia at the moment. Fishing rods then came out and soon large cod were being caught. Back into the harbour where the fish were cooked then up the road to a local restaurant for lunch. All up, I felt it was good value. I am not well off and my son came with me to help out. The only negatives are the amount I have been slugged by the on board medical centre, but I was concerned as to how I would handle the flights home and the shower in my suite not being accessible as it was over a bath. Support Greenland and Iceland and try the Irish coffee!
Sun was Shinning😊 1
Ann, NSW, Australia, Apr 2025
I have never been on a Norwegian cruise before; however, I had a great time and the crew where the best I have ever experienced, happy friendly, having sailed with Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, P&O, Carnival and Princess. I enjoyed the up-to-date music on board sadly lacking on many ships. The nightlife was fabulous as was Deal or no Deal. I had... read more dinner in the Seven Seas restaurant every night and servers where outstanding, food was very nice, also I enjoyed the sports bar. I found the pool very clean as a swimmer this is important to me. Overall, the ship was in good shape and very clean as well, you could not have asked for better service on this ship.
My room was 7003 Oceanview deck seven forward just down from the children's area, as there were not many children on board noise was minimal. I always take my headphones to block noise from the ship when in port. Position of room was handy to elevators, room was kepted immaculate. There is lots of activity onboard this ship to suit everybody from solo meetings "It is so good to see so many solo travelers 20 years ago when I started cruising it was virtually unheard of!" to the LGBTQ community to trivia and pool games etc. Ages ranged from the mid-twenties to nineties, but more of the older generation like myself 62 yrs plus.
The only things that I disliked about this cruise was the cigarette smoke coming from the Casino on deck 7 and that dreadful stop in Townsville. I would suggest that if you have a mobility issue seriously reconsider the islands some of the tender stops would be near impossible also try and book a tour on Port Denarau and SAVU SAVU as there are only shops at port. Yes, I would sail again with Norwegian... Thanks Tracey for your input.
My room was 7003 Oceanview deck seven forward just down from the children's area, as there were not many children on board noise was minimal. I always take my headphones to block noise from the ship when in port. Position of room was handy to elevators, room was kepted immaculate. There is lots of activity onboard this ship to suit everybody from solo meetings "It is so good to see so many solo travelers 20 years ago when I started cruising it was virtually unheard of!" to the LGBTQ community to trivia and pool games etc. Ages ranged from the mid-twenties to nineties, but more of the older generation like myself 62 yrs plus.
The only things that I disliked about this cruise was the cigarette smoke coming from the Casino on deck 7 and that dreadful stop in Townsville. I would suggest that if you have a mobility issue seriously reconsider the islands some of the tender stops would be near impossible also try and book a tour on Port Denarau and SAVU SAVU as there are only shops at port. Yes, I would sail again with Norwegian... Thanks Tracey for your input.
Great Cruise 0
Garry and Janelle, Qld, Australia, Apr 2025
This was a great way to see Mexico, the Cayman Island and the Caribbean while cruising up to New York. All the port were great, having everything included in the price while on the ship meant no need to worry about costs, we just had to book the shore excursions, and they were great.
Hawaiian Islands cruise 0
Courtney and Jordan, NSW, Australia, Oct 2024
Great experience! Was glad the gratuities were included in the booking. Great service from Hannah with speedy email replies. We would definitely book through Global Journeys again in the future.
Beautiful journey from Venice to Barcelona 2
K and J, NSW, Australia, May 2024
NCL's itinerary from Venice (actually Trieste which is two hours by train from Venice) to Barcelona was great, with port stops every day, which may or may not be too busy for some, but hey, it's a cruise so you can do as little or as much as you want! Favourite places were Dubrovnik (don't miss the fabulous city walls walk!) and surprisingly, Civitavecchia... read more (Rome's nearest port), which was a lovely seaside town free from hordes of cruise tourists because most of them went to Rome! The ship (Escape) was quite good compared to some we've been on (Holland America and MSC), and the entertainment was the best out of all the cruises we've done, with one West End-quality show (the raucous Choir of Man) and the others of excellent quality (musical theatre's This One's For You, magician J Alexander, and a juggler/comedian whose name escapes me) but whose budgets were clearly compromised and dwarfed by the Choir of Man's. The food quality on board fluctuated from just average (the complimentary buffet) to the superb (Moderno Churrascaria). Overall it was a very good trip and worth the money especially with all the bonuses given (150min internet, $100 per person ship credit, unlimited drinks package, etc.).
NCL Epic is a huge ship with over 3000 passengers. Long queues and waits but overall a wonderful cruise stopping at many major ports of interest. Entertainment was ok but not great and their food was ok but not great. Staff were wonderful and the solo travellers club was a great way to meet other solo travellers.
Had a wonderful time in Hawaii, and on a cruise around the islands! Thank you Hannah Perry from Global Journeys, for organising our trip… I would definitely ask Hannah again to organise another vacation, and highly recommend Global Journeys. Thanks again.
Just Brilliant 2
David and Maria, VIC, Australia, Oct 2023
Brilliant adventure for first time cruisers. The ship was amazing , the staff super friendly and helpful. Food choices were plentiful and generally the shore excursions were well planned. Only criticism was the tenders in Mykonos, not enough. We will do another cruise definitely.
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