Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for 2024
Ahoy, fellow cruisers! Are you ready to set sail on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's best ships for 2024? Whether new to cruising or an experienced past passenger, choosing the perfect ship might seem as vast as the open sea. Fear not, as we rank the best Norweigan Cruise Line ships for 2024 based on review data submitted by our cruise community for sailings from January to December 2023. From delectable dining experiences and impeccable service to nicely appointed staterooms and thrilling onboard activities, get ready to uncover the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for 2024.
Following are the top five Norwegian Cruise Line ships in dining, staterooms, service, and onboard activities/entertainment as rated by our cruise community.
Dining
- Norwegian Encore - 3.947
- Norwegian Joy - 3.926
- Norwegian Escape - 3.918
- Norwegian Spirit - 3.889
- Norwegian Viva - 3.835
What our Members say:
Member shazamdroid on Norwegian Encore dining, “All excellent. We knew what we wanted to order from each of the outlets, but what enhanced our food and drink experience was the fact that the Executive Chef, the Restaurant Manager, the Food & Beverage directors, and the General Manager's secretary would drop by and check on us. It made me feel like we were the only passengers on the ship.”
Member Catakins on Norwegian Joy dining, “Lots of options in the buffet including Indian and Asian cuisine which is great for vegetarians. We were glad to have specialty restaurants included since they were a nice change of pace especially the French spot Le Bistro.”
Member NCLFan1968 on Norwegian Escape dining “Don't miss Bayamo, it was awesome! The rest of the food was very good with plenty of it. No starving or weight loss to be expected.”
Our Thoughts:
In comparing the 2023 top five ships for dining to this year's top ships there a few notable changes. In 2023 the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy and Norweigan Escape were all top three, the ships just switched order. Norwegian Encore was second-ranked last year and takes home top honors this year. These three ships consistently receive high marks across many categories and from the ratings above with mere hundredths of a point separating them, cruisers were definitely impressed with the variety of options and overall dining experience. The newest ship in the fleet, Norwegian Viva which launched in 2023 makes a strong entry to the top five ships for dining.
These five ships, like the entire NCL fleet, offer cruisers Freestyle Dining which allows guests to dine whenever they want in the main dining room or the casual buffet venue. This flexibility means that passengers can choose from up to three dining rooms each night without adhering to traditional cruise ship dining schedules. Each of these ships also offers several specialty dining options such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, The Bistro for French cuisine, Japanese-style teppanyaki and more. Keep in mind that these restaurants do have an extra charge but if you book during one of the promotional offers such as Free at Sea typically one evening of speciality dining is included in the offer.
Find a Deal on Norwegian Encore
Staterooms
- Norwegian Prima - 4.327
- Norwegian Escape - 4.275
- Norwegian Encore - 4.269
- Norwegian Viva - 4.251
- Norwegian Bliss - 4.218
What our Members say:
Member pey on Norwegian Prima said: “Room was plenty big and comfortable. Design was different from other NCL ships. We absolutely loved it!!!”
Member Flygirl92 on Norwegian Escape staterooms, “Perfect and immaculate, always well stocked.”
Member deborahelynch on Norwegian Bliss staterooms, “Perfect size. Loved the larger bathroom and shower. Plenty of storage space. Great location on the ship.”
Our Thoughts:
For the second year in a row, Norwegian Prima, which launched in 2022, is ranked number one in the stateroom category based on the review data submitted by our community. Welcoming more than 3,000 guests, this ship offers more spacious cabins and a variety of categories than ever before. From solo cabins to The Haven, guests were impressed with all this ship offers.
Not to be outdone, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Encore tied last year, and this year, just hundreds of a point separate these two Breakaway Plus Class sister ships. Norwegian Viva, the newest ship in the fleets, not surprisingly breaks into the top five. As the sister to Norwegian Prima and the second ship in this newest class, it offers the same variety of staterooms for everyone from solo to suite guests.
No matter which ship you choose, Norwegian Cruise Line offers various stateroom options designed to cater to its passengers' varied preferences and budgets. From cozy inside cabins perfect for solo travelers to spacious suites ideal for families or those seeking an elevated experience, Norwegian ensures there's a stateroom to suit every guest's needs. Standard inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins provide comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, while spa staterooms offer a tranquil retreat with exclusive spa privileges. For those desiring elevated experiences, Norwegian's Haven suites present luxurious accommodations with private amenities like concierge service, priority embarkation, and access to exclusive lounge areas. Additionally, innovative accommodations like studio cabins cater specifically to solo travelers, fostering a sense of community. Whether seeking budget-friendly options or indulgent retreats, Norwegian Cruise Line offers various stateroom choices to enhance every guest's cruising experience.
Norwegian Prima Review & Insights
Service
- Norwegian Spirit - 4.326
- Norwegian Pearl - 4.307
- Norwegian Joy - 4.264
- Norwegian Escape - 4.258
- Norwegian Encore - 4.257
What our Members say:
Member beuphosin on Norwegian Spirit said: “Everyone on board of the cruise was very professional, friendly, excellent services. Never cut short a bit”.
Member JoeTalk on Norwegian Joy said: “The waiters, bartenders, stewards, and all other ship personnel were exceptional, they were always helpful and friendly.”
Member eandkus on Norwegian Escape said: “Everyone greeted you and smiled, even when they were interacting with each other. Highly professional. Outstanding customer service.”
Our Thoughts:
Last year, we referred to this category as Ship Quality. For this year, we see that Norwegian Spirit, the oldest ship in the fleet ranked number one. The ship was first launched in 1998 and most recently refurbished in 2022. The Norwegian Pearl, which launched in 2006 and refurbished in 2021, also seems to have some crew magic. While these two ships may be older, they deliver an amazing onboard experience.
While service can mean different things to different travelers, one thing is for sure: Norwegian seems to have the perfect mix of officers and crew working together to deliver remarkable service across all of their ships. The newer ships certainly offer some state-of-the-art features, but the older ships hold their own in the service they provide guests and the attention to detail across all areas of the onboard experience.
Search Cruises on Norwegian Spirit
Onboard Activities/Entertainment
- Norwegian Encore - 4.012
- Norwegian Bliss - 3.995
- Norwegian Escape - 3.943
- Norwegian Jewel - 3.905
- Norwegian Spirit - 3.898
What Our Members Say:
Member cmont on Norwegian Encore said: “Thermal Spa was amazing. So relaxing…Choir of Men, Beatles Tribute Band, Lemon Duo, and Final party that brought together the ship's musicians were all amazing. The ukulele player, Imalde, was always there to greet us with a smile and a fun song when we went to breakfast. It was a great way to start the morning.”
Member lkleine29 on Norwegian Bliss said: “Great activities all week. Bingo, waterslides, pools, bowling, and fitness center were all open. Go Karts opened later in the week as well. Plenty to keep me busy…I saw both shows in the theater, Six and Jersey Boys. Great cast and each was nicely done. I also saw the comedy show at the Cavern Club and the live music in the atrium.”
Member Cruiser52640392 on Norwegian Escape onboard activities/entertainment, “The show, Choir of Man, was exceptional and I really enjoyed The Rat Pack Revised dinner show too.”
Our Thoughts:
For the second year running, the Norweigan Escape is ranked number one by our cruise community for onboard activities and entertainment. Norwegian Bliss and Norweigan Escape traded places (compared to last year) and again just mere hundreds of a point separated the two ships making them virtually equal. Again in this category two of the older ships in the fleet are recognized with Norwegian Jewel which launched in 2005 and was refurbished in 2022 and Norwegian Spirit ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. These two older vessels still have what it takes to entertain guests and deliver a memorable onboard experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers various onboard activities and entertainment options designed to captivate guests of all ages and interests. From exhilarating water parks and thrilling waterslides to Broadway-style shows and live musical performances, there's never a dull moment aboard a Norwegian cruise. Passengers can immerse themselves in a world of adventure with exciting activities such as rock climbing, laser tag, and go-kart racing or unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga classes. With themed parties, comedy clubs, and interactive game shows, the endless entertainment options ensure that every day at sea is filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories for travelers of all backgrounds and preferences.
Ship Guide: Norwegian Encore
Final Thoughts:
As the curtains draw on the quest to find Norwegian Cruise Line's best ships for dining, staterooms, service, activities, and entertainment in 2024, one thing becomes abundantly clear: excellence knows no bounds across this fleet. With each vessel earning commendations based on closely ranked review data, passengers are spoilt for choice with an array of remarkable options. Whether savoring culinary delights in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, relaxing in stylish staterooms, experiencing service that goes above and beyond, engaging in a plethora of thrilling activities, or immersing oneself in captivating onboard entertainment, every ship embodies the spirit of adventure and hospitality. Regardless of the vessel, Norwegian Cruise Line promises a journey where the fusion of experiences and unforgettable moments reign supreme, inviting travelers to embark on an unforgettable voyage across the seas.
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