Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) began offering week-long Caribbean cruises from Miami in 1966.  In 1979, they introduced the first “megaship,” the SS Norway, and they’ve never looked back.

NCL has been responsible for many popular cruising innovations, not the least of which is Freestyle Cruising, which lets passengers dine wherever, and whenever they like.  Not having to hew to any schedule provides NCL cruisers with the utmost freedom.

Their newest vessels have a wide range of dining options, from Spanish to Asian, and healthy options are always available.  Those not too concerned with health can indulge in the Chocoholic Buffet.

With their colorfully painted hulls, NCL’s ships are easy to spot in port or at sea.  Entertainment on board is spirited and fun.  Improvisational performances by Second City players are especially popular.    If they have an improv workshop while you’re aboard, go.

NCL offers a wide range of accommodations, and with their own private deck, pool, and exercise area, the Villas and Deluxe Owner’s Suite offer a ship-within-a-ship experience.

There’s a lot to do on board, including a full-size bowling alley and rock climbing.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Gem.


The latest NCL ships – Jewel-Class ships – were designed to really facilitate the Freestyle cruising concept.  With more than a dozen dining venues, several theaters and nightclubs, and lots of recreational options, passengers are spoiled for choice.  In fact, on most itineraries, travelers can dine in a different restaurant every night of their cruise.

Launched in 2005, the 2,380-passenger Gem has some of the largest suites at sea, making them ideal for family groups.  The Garden Villas have three bedrooms, a combination living room/dining room, and private garden deck with hot tub.  Staterooms have in-room safes, small fridges, Ethernet ports, and small sitting areas.

The full-size, ten-pin bowling alley is the first on a modern cruise vessel.  And the spa’s thermal suites have whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms with ocean views.

On April 10, 2010, Norwegian Gem sails from New York and spends five days crossing the Atlantic.  After arriving in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, she calls at Lisbon, Cadiz, and Malaga, before ending the voyage in Venice on April 24.  This two-week sailing has a nice blend of sea days and port calls.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Sun

One of the first generation of Freestyle ships, the Norwegian Sun has nine restaurants – including a tapas bar – an outdoor basketball court, 24-hour fitness center, cigar bar, and a large Internet café for staying in touch with the folks back home.

The Sports Bar lets fans keep up with their teams.  And golfers can play famous courses with the simulator.

On April 26, 2010 Norwegian Sun sails from Miami.  After six days crossing the Atlantic, she arrives in Ponta Delgada, and then visits Lisbon, Vigo and La Coruna.  After more port calls in Le Havre (for Paris) and Zeebrugge, Belgium, she arrives in Dover on May 11.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Spirit.

Once part of NCL sister company Star Cruises’ fleet, the 1,966-passenger Norwegian Spirit has French, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese restaurants in addition to the Mediterranean Bistro.  There’s also a Champagne Bar.

Cabins have amenities like stocked mini bars and memory-foam topped mattresses.   Almost 70% of the cabins are ocean view and 70% of those have balconies.  Suites have whirlpool tubs and DVD players.

Facilities for kids are better than on most ships, making the Spirit very family friendly.  And Buccaneer’s Wet & Wild water park has slides, caves, and other fun places to explore.

Norwegian Spirit spends the summer sailing from Boston to Bermuda, so she does not offer a transatlantic repositioning cruise.  But she does reposition in April for the start of the Bermuda season.

She leaves New Orleans on April 11 and calls at Costa Maya, Mexico and Santo Tomas de Castilla in Guatemala.  She spends two days at sea en route to Aruba and Curacao, and then visits Hamilton, Bermuda before disembarking passengers in Boston on April 23.

Find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

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