Our expert travel advisors have sailed Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet to identify which ships provide an exceptional experience for families. This guide details the features and amenities that make family cruising seamless and enjoyable.
- The Norwegian Cruise Line Philosophy for Family Travel
- Core Benefits for Families on Norwegian
- A Professional Assessment of Top NCL Ships for Families
- Recommended Destinations for Families with Norwegian
- Featured Family Activities Onboard
- The Value of Booking with a Norwegian Cruise Travel Advisor
- Plan Your Family’s Next Cruise
- Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Family Cruises
The Norwegian Cruise Line Philosophy for Family Travel
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruising® concept is central to its family-oriented service. This philosophy removes the rigidity of traditional cruising, providing families with the autonomy to select their own dining times, venues, and daily activities. There are no mandatory dress codes or fixed schedules, which allows for a highly customizable and relaxed vacation experience for all members of the family.
At Best Adventure Spots, our certified Norwegian Cruise Line travel advisors specialize in matching families with the ideal ship for their specific travel style. Our objective is to ensure every traveler, from young children to adults, experiences a vacation of the highest standard.
Core Benefits for Families on Norwegian
- Flexible Dining Options: A wide selection of family-friendly restaurants, from the casual buffet to full-service dining, featuring menus designed to appeal to younger guests. There are no set times, so your family never feels rushed to make their dinner reservation. (Dinner reservations can be set at specialty dining restaurants)
- Purpose-Built Family Staterooms: Configurations include adjoining cabins and multi-room suites designed for enhanced comfort and privacy.
- Award-Winning Youth Programs: Splash Academy provides supervised activities for younger children, while Entourage offers a dedicated space for teenagers.
- Comprehensive Entertainment: Onboard options include Broadway-caliber shows, interactive game nights, movie screenings, and elaborate water parks suitable for all ages.
Every component of the Norwegian fleet is engineered to streamline the family travel experience and elevate its enjoyment.
A Professional Assessment of Top NCL Ships for Families
Norwegian Encore
The Norwegian Encore is highly recommended for families with a preference for high-energy activities and entertainment.
Key Features:
- A two-level racetrack at sea, providing a unique motorsport experience.
- The Galaxy Pavilion, an advanced center for interactive virtual reality and gaming.
- A large-scale Aqua Park with multiple waterslides and dedicated splash zones for families.
While children engage in supervised activities at the youth clubs, adults can utilize the Mandara Spa or enjoy fine dining at signature restaurants like Le Bistro.
Best Suited For: Families with active children (ages 6–15) and multi-generational groups seeking diverse onboard activities.
Norwegian Joy
The Norwegian Joy offers a significant focus on large-scale entertainment. Its features include laser tag, go-karts, and multiple top-deck pools for continuous daily activity. Beyond its high-action offerings, the ship provides quiet areas for relaxation, such as the Observation Lounge and ocean-view dining venues, allowing families to connect.
Best Suited For: Families with teenagers and pre-teens who value interactive entertainment and an adventure-focused itinerary.
Norwegian Bliss
For sailings in Alaska or the Caribbean, the Norwegian Bliss integrates adventure with premium, family-friendly amenities.
Key Features:
- Themed youth clubs offering structured programs in arts, crafts, and gaming.
- A two-deck water park equipped with slides suitable for a wide range of ages.
- Expansive observation lounges designed for scenic viewing, ideal for whale-watching or enjoying sunsets as a family.
Best Suited For: Families desiring a balanced cruise experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and scenic views.
Norwegian Prima & Viva (Prima Class)
Norwegian’s newest Prima Class ships, Prima and Viva, represent a modern evolution in family cruising.
Key Features:
- Extensive outdoor deck space and open-air dining concepts.
- The Infinity Beach and Ocean Boulevard, providing spacious areas for family walks.
- An increased number of family-sized suites and new entertainment concepts.
Best Suited For: Families seeking the latest in cruise ship design, with an emphasis on style, space, and next-generation amenities.
Recommended Destinations for Families with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line provides flexible and varied itineraries well-suited for family travel:
- Caribbean & Bahamas: These itineraries offer sun, beaches, and shorter sailing durations, which are ideal for families with younger children.
- Alaska: These sailings provide educational opportunities with wildlife encounters and glacier viewing, creating a memorable experience for older children and teens.
- Europe: A comfortable and convenient way to introduce children to diverse cultures and historical destinations.
Advisor Tip: The most sought-after family staterooms are often booked 6 to 9 months in advance. Early booking is advised to secure preferred accommodations and promotional pricing.
Featured Family Activities Onboard
- Movies Under the Stars: Family-friendly films screened at the poolside theater.
- Mini Golf & Laser Tag: Recreational options for friendly competition.
- Splash Academy & Entourage: Professionally staffed youth programs that allow parents time for themselves.
- Live Entertainment: A schedule of musicals, magic shows, and comedy acts suitable for a family audience.
Your travel advisor can pre-book popular shows and dining reservations to ensure your family’s onboard schedule remains effortless.
The Value of Booking with a Norwegian Cruise Travel Advisor
Engaging a Norwegian-certified travel advisor provides significant advantages for planning a family cruise. Our team delivers:
- Exclusive Benefits: Access to potential upgrades, onboard credits, and priority cabin selection.
- Ship Matching Expertise: We recommend the most suitable ship based on your children’s ages, interests, and your family’s activity level.
- Personalized Service: Our advisors manage all details from booking through embarkation, ensuring a seamless process.
Our role is to eliminate the logistical complexities of planning, allowing your family to focus entirely on the vacation experience.
Plan Your Family’s Next Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a dynamic and accommodating cruise experience for families. Allow our advisors to manage the planning and logistics, so your only responsibility is to create lasting memories.
Let’s Talk Cruising
Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Family Cruises
The Norwegian Encore consistently receives high ratings from families due to its extensive amenities, including a large water park, a virtual reality pavilion, and an onboard race track. For scenic itineraries such as Alaska, the Norwegian Bliss is an equally strong choice, valued for its observation lounges and spacious accommodations.
Yes. Family staterooms provide additional space, connecting room options, and strategic locations near kids’ clubs and pools. These features significantly improve convenience for parents and simplify daily routines.
Yes. Norwegian’s Late Night Fun Zone provides supervised group childcare after 10 p.m. for children ages 3–12. This service allows parents to attend a show or enjoy an evening to themselves.
Yes. Entourage is Norwegian’s teen lounge, a supervised, adults-free area for ages 13–17. It is equipped with video games, music, and scheduled events designed for that age group.
For travel during peak seasons (summer, major holidays, and spring break), it is recommended to book at least 9 months in advance. A travel advisor can assist in securing the best family staterooms and taking advantage of early booking promotions.