Known for introducing "freestyle" cruising to the industry, Norwegian has built its brand into one that's fun and full of entertainment options for the entire family, as well as choice among dining and cabin categories.
Norwegian's newest mega-ships -- all part of its Breakaway Plus class -- include 4,200-passenger Norwegian Escape, which launched in October 2015, as well as two ships that are being custom-built for the destinations they sail -- the 3,900-passenger Norwegian Joy for the Chinese cruising market and the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which is being specifically designed for Alaska itineraries. The ships will debut in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
The mold for these new ships began with Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, mega-ships that debuted in 2013 and 2014. While the vessels weren't the first in the fleet to introduce features like water parks, multiple restaurants and entertainment venues -- some of these first debuted on 2010's Norwegian Epic -- the pair of 4,028-passenger ships took many of the line's innovations to the next level. The ropes course, for example, was new, as was The Haven, Norwegian's luxury cabins and suites enclave that provide a separate upscale experience. The Haven concept was later rolled out to older ships.
The older ships in Norwegian's fleet have undergone refurbishments over the years to make them more conducive to the line's ethos of choice. The Jewel class -- Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl -- consists of ships that are comfortable and relaxed, with more spacious lounges and cabins than the newer vessels.
Even older vessels from the Dawn class (Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn) have also received upgrades but were built for Freestyle cruising; the layout of these ships, which were built in 2001 and 2002, might seem old-fashioned to today's passengers who are used to a more streamlined layout.
Even though it's the line's oldest ship, Norwegian Spirit still has 11 restaurants. Norwegian Sky, dating back to 1999, sails short fun-in-the-sun cruises with all drinks included. Both ships carry slightly more than 2,000 passengers, making them good choices for cruisers who like a more intimate experience.
Finally, Norwegian is the only mainstream cruise line to have a ship that sails year-round in Hawaii. Built and staffed by Americans in accordance with the Jones Act, Pride of America is the choice for cruisers who want to maximize their time in the islands.