What Are Norwegian Cruises to the Caribbean Like?

Norwegian cruises to the Caribbean are some of the most popular vacations available. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a fun filled family vacation, Norwegian may be just what you are looking for with its "freestyle cruise" options.

What Is Freestyle Cruising?

Freestyle cruising means that you are in control of your vacation. Norwegian offers many different ships and vacation destinations. Each ship has a variety of dining options and you can eat when you are hungry, there are no set times. You can even order pizza delivered anywhere on board the ship at any time of the day or night.

There are also a variety of things to do on board. You can opt to get a massage at the spa, work out in the gym, or attend an art auction. There are a variety of entertainment options, depending on the cruise you take. For example, the Epic offers Cirque de Soliel and the Blue Man group, as well as other onboard entertainment.

There are coffee bars, and pubs, casinos, and water parks to keep you busy at sea. The décor is luxurious and the staff is ready to assist you with anything you might need.

The ships that belong to Norwegian Cruise lines and travel to the Caribbean are:

• The Epic
• Dawn
• Gem
• Jewel
• Pearl
• Spirit
• Star
• Sun

Each is slightly different from the other with a different itinerary. You should read the various options at the NCL website to choose which is right for you.  

Staterooms

Staterooms are well outfitted, depending on the size of the room that you have chosen. Bed sizes range from double to king.

Included are:

• Coffee maker
• Refrigerator
• Bathroom
• Separate shower
• Television
• Blow dryer
• Shampoo
• Body wash
• Towels
• Plenty of storage areas, both closet space and drawers
• Some of the extras that are available are:
• Laundry service
• WIFI
• Concierge services
• Room Service
• Babysitting

Of course there are some things that you will need to take on your cruise. One important hint is to not pack your suitcase too full but to allow room for the items you will be bringing home – there will probably be a lot of little mementos that you pick up on your vacation.

You will need the following:

• Passport
• A variety of clothing – you may want at least one formal outfit to wear to the fancier restaurants on board ship. You will also want a sweater or light jacket because air conditioning on ship can be rather cool.
• Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Whether you need them for a shore excursion or to navigate the various areas of the ship you will be glad you have them.
• Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Cruises are pretty casual these days and you don't want to have to worry about theft or loss.
• Bathing suits. You will have many opportunities to swim whether in the pool or in the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean. You may want more than one.
• Medications
• Personal items
• Motion sickness patches - Because of the size of the ship and modern technology seasickness is not the issue it once was but these are good to have just in case.

Prior to departure, as well as on board ship, you will have the opportunity to choose excursions in each port. The cost of these varies depending on the excursion. Because there are so many available you will have to pick and choose which you are most interested in, as well as making sure that you have time to get from one to the other if you have chosen two at one port. The cruise staff can help you with this on board ship.

If you will want to take a scuba excursion, remember that you will need your license as well as any letters from your doctor if you have a medical condition like insulin dependent diabetes.

Some of the excursions available are:

• Tours of Mayan ruins
• Afternoon at the beach
• Tours of the rain forest
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Shopping tours
• Cultural tours
• Wildlife/Flora tours
• Swim with Dolphins

There are many more things to do, depending on the exact cruise you take.

You will need to plan for plane fare to the departure point, which is often Miami. Once in Miami it is smart to have arranged for the bus from the ship to pick you up to be sure you get there without problem (and so does your luggage!). You will need to have your passport and picture ID ready.

The cruise itself will vary in price depending on the length of time you will be gone and where you are going, as well as the actual ship and accommodations you book. For a balcony room you can figure it will be about 900.00 per person for a week long cruise.

Although much of your cruise is inclusive there will be expenses to keep in mind. Not all of the restaurants are included in the price of the cruise – some specialty restaurants and bars will require a cover charge.

While water, tea, and coffee are free with meals sodas and alcoholic beverages are not. These can add up if you drink a lot of them so you will want to keep an eye on that.

Shore excursions vary in price and can add up quickly if you do something in every port.

The entertainment is also usually extra so keep that in mind as well. If your budget is tight keep a close eye on your expenditures, which you can access nightly from your stateroom. You will be required to settle up before leaving the ship so keep that in mind as well.

A ballpark figure for a cruise for two people, all expenses considered might average about 4,000.00 to 5.000.00 dollars (US).

A cruise is a dream vacation for many people.  It is the ultimate in pampering – you don't have to do a thing that you don't want to do. Norwegian cruises to the Caribbean allow you to enjoy sun, beaches and the history and cultures of exotic places.