I've gone on 50+ cruises and just tried Norwegian Cruise Line for the first time. I was disappointed despite some pleasant surprises.

Amanda AdlerSep 9, 2023, 19:02 IST

As an avid cruiser, my first experience sailing with Norwegian was comfortable but also confusing.Amanda Adler

After 50+ sailings on other cruise lines, I just took my first cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.
The experience offered lots of freebies, cool features, and a laid-back cruising style.

Despite having embarked on more than 50 cruises on several major cruise lines, sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) wasn't on my radar until recently.

My family's typically been drawn to more kid-friendly competitors, like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. But with my son entering his tween phase and outgrowing many traditional kid-centric offerings, I decided to see what other cruise lines had to offer.

Thanks to a bevy of promotional offers, I recently booked my first-ever NCL cruise, a 10-night Northern Europe sailing on the Norwegian Prima. Although our trip had some great highs, I found I was mostly disappointed.

Here are some of the things that surprised me most.

NCL's "Free at Sea" promotions offered great value.

An unlimited bar package was included as a free promotion for my sailing.Amanda Adler

Freestyle dining at dinner was an easy, laid-back experience.

Norwegian is known for having a more relaxed atmosphere come dinnertime.Amanda Adler

However, we struggled a bit during breakfast, lunch, and late-night meals.

Finding seating at the Indulge Food Hall was difficult.Amanda Adler

This ship's unique features exceeded my expectations.

Ocean Boulevard, an expanded promenade area, has plush lounge seating.Amanda Adler

The lack of live onboard entertainment left me feeling underwhelmed.

A live "The Price Is Right" game show was some of the only theater entertainment available on my sailing.Amanda Adler

Many kid-friendly entertainment options came with a hefty price tag.

Go-karts aboard the Norwegian Prima cost $15 per ride.Amanda Adler

I know hidden costs are becoming increasingly common in the cruise industry, but some of NCL's fees felt excessive.

Mini golf pricing varies per sailing/ship, but we paid about $15 per person.Amanda Adler

Unfortunately, disappointment was a recurring theme throughout my experience sailing with NCL.

Although my family loved sailing the Norwegian fjords, several key ports of call were canceled.Amanda Adler

The most daring looks Drew Barrymore has worn, from babydoll dresses to nude gowns

Cookies on the Business Insider India website