NCL Alaskan cruises are some of the most popular of all Alaska cruise routes, epecially amongst those seeking a less formal, albiet exceptionally high quality, cruisng experience.
Known for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, Norwegian Cruise Lines has long been an innovator in expanding dining choices available to their passengers.
Norwegian currently runs three ships in Alaska each summer:
The Norwegian Pearl is currently the newest ship in their fleet, though another ship, the Norwegian Gem, is set to debut in 2009.
Norwegian Alaskan cruise routes focus exclusively on the Inside Passage, with the Star and the Pearl running round-trip itineraries out of Seattle, and the Norwegian Sun sailing out of Vancouver.
Norwegian Cruise Line is also one of only two companies offering round trips to Glacier Bay from Seattle (the other being Holland America).
With the youngest fleet of all the major lines, Norwegian offers great on-ship facilities, with up to ten different restaurants and 17 bars and nightclubs on each ship.
The Norwegian Pearl is the first ship to have an onboard bowling alley, among other cutting edge features. It was also designed for what is being called "Freestyle Cruising 2.0", NCL's latest cruising concept, which involves even more diverse dining choices, including an updating of the old staple, the cruise buffet line into a series of food preparation "stations".
NCL has been growing in popularity of late, especially among the younger demographic, and with 3 ships in Alaska, it is the third largest cruise presence in the Inside Passage.
