Owned by Star Cruises of Malaysia, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is notable for its innovative "Freestyle Cruising"—passengers dine as they like and wear what they like—as well as for its extremely relaxed disembarkation policy, revolutionary in mass-market cruising.

NCL also is carving a niche for itself in homeland cruising, offering a large number of continental U.S. homeports. And they're the only line to offer year-round service out of New York City, as well as the only one to offer seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises year-round (out of Honolulu).

Life Onboard
"Freestyle Cruising" means that all NCL ships have multiple dining venues, ranging from French bistros to steakhouses to sushi bars. All specialty restaurants require reservations and carry either a cover charge or offer an à la carte menu. The dress code is flexible; it's not unusual to see T-shirt-clad passengers dining alongside others in tuxedos. The line also is known for its signature Chocoholic's Buffet, offered once on every cruise on every ship.

NCL is serious about entertainment, offering essentially full-scale Broadway musical productions, live bands, lounge singers, piano bars, and DJs in discos. Ships also have the requisite casinos, libraries, game rooms, shuffleboard, art auctions, seminars, and port talks. And passengers can choose between using the Internet café or wireless services (laptops are available for rent).

Well-trained counselors staff the children's programs; age-appropriate activities range from parties and video arcades to kid-friendly learning sessions. There are teen centers, discos, and kids' pools, too. The newer ships in the NCL fleet are particularly kid-friendly.

Fellow Passengers
NCL cultivates a broad appeal; its ships are equally appropriate for singles, couples, and families alike. The age range is equally diverse, ranging from 20-somethings to seniors. Although passengers are primarily American, other English-speaking nations are represented as well.