If you are looking for a cruise vacation that is truly relaxing, without having to worry about set meal timings, seating arrangements and dress codes, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) is one of the best options for you and your family.

With a five-decade-old history of offering innovative cruise holidays, NCL is popular for giving the industry one of its first ‘Freestyle Cruises’. Breaking free of the traditional cruising precincts, NCL offers a range of world-class cruise packages where you can enjoy a relaxed, resort-style cruise vacation. And where your time is truly yours, you can enjoy the unlimited dining, entertainment and relaxation options on-board, as per your own choice and convenience.

What makes Norwegian Cruise Lines stand out is their customer-centricity. Every aspect of the cruise right from its open dining schedule to its relaxed disembarkations, offers a truly liberating cruise experience to the traveller. The concept became an instant hit with voyagers across the globe, winning several awards for the cruise liner. NCL was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the eighth consecutive year. It was also chosen as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” for the third time and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” for the second year by the World Travel Awards.

Key highlights of the Freestyle Cruising experience include:

Flexible dining: NCL’s ships are specially built to host restaurants from bow to stern, offering up to 29 dining options, all designed to impress even the most finicky diner. With NCL’s Freestyle Dining, you can opt for an elaborate three-course meal or choose from the many take-away choices or just chill at one of the casual cafes. Their wildly popular O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill features very high on the ‘not-to-be-missed’ list. And whether you’re eating seaside or inside, you have the freedom and flexibility of no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating and dress codes.

Flexible accommodations: Norwegian has multiple stay options to suit all the needs of their guests – from a studio apartment for the solo traveller to balcony staterooms to grand suites that are filled with a generous splash of luxury including sprawling private balconies, expansive living rooms and lavish baths.

Magical entertainment: When it comes to entertainment, all NCL cruises are a notch above their competitors. Be it the heart-warming musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legends in Concert, world-class acrobat shows of the Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, hilarious performances by The Second City, or classic Broadway performances like Rock of Ages and Legally Blonde, each cruise offers you award-winning entertainment that’s above anything at sea.

In fact, NCL was among the early cruise liners to introduce the ‘themed cruise’ concept in 2001, showcasing superlative performances and entertainment programs with world class artists and brand partners such as KISS, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Train, Florida Georgia Line, Paramore, Diplo, Joe Bonamassa, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 311, Alabama, Lyle Lovett, Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel, Turner Classic Movies, VH1, along with engaging festivals such as The Rock Boat and Cayamo. The concept has been a winner ever since.

NCL cruises offers great cruise packages to some of the world’s most popular holiday destinations including Europe, Scandinavia, Alaska, Australia, South America and the Caribbean including Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera.

The cruiseliner boasts of a grand, award-winning fleet of 14 tailor-made freestyle cruising ships, with a few additional ships soon to be unveiled this year. NCL ships are known to be some of industry’s youngest and finest ships among all major North American cruise lines. Carefully designed to ensure complete guest luxury, freedom and flexibility, each ship provides a revolutionary on-board experience. These megaships are more like small cities, offering something for every traveller, irrespective of age and interests.

Considered to be some of the largest sailing wonders across the world, the Norwegian Epic (sailing through Europe), Norwegian Breakaway (sailing through the Bahamas and Florida with an exciting 7- nights round-trip itinerary from New York, USA) & Norwegian Getaway (sailing through the Caribbean), are the pride of the cruise liner. With an average capacity of more than 4000 guests, these ships are among the largest in their respective waters. You can choose from a range of mind-blowing entertainment options, exquisite culinary choices, large spas, open-air promenades, multi-level sports facilities and a variety of accommodations on-board.

Norwegian Cruise Lines has now embarked upon a new transformation project - ‘Norwegian NEXT’, with an investment of around $250 million. This project encompasses revitalizing eight NCL ships in an endeavour to elevate guest experience. Some of the new and exciting enhancements would include customized entertainment, newly crafted menus across most popular restaurants & bars, extensive technology upgrades, enhanced environmental programs and brand new destinations.

The liner also promises a range of attractive offers on its cruise packages for booking any stateroom on a 5+ day cruise, more than 30 days before sailing. Called the ‘Free at Sea’, the offer gives guests a choice of four offers, namely:

• Shore Excursion Credit: Each stateroom receives a US$50 (per port) shore excursion credit to spend on a wild adventure or a relaxing afternoon. For a Bermuda cruise, each stateroom receives US$150 worth of Shore Excursion Credits
• Specialty Dining Package: The first two guests receive between 3 and 6 specialty dining meals depending on the length of your cruise. For example, on a 7-night cruise the first two guests receive 4 specialty meals each
• Ultimate Beverage Package: The first two guests can enjoy free drinks (unlimited wine, soda, beer and cocktails priced under US$15) for the whole cruise vacation
• Free WIFI Package: Under this offer stateroom guests can enjoy 250 free minutes on the ship's wifi

Note: This offer is excluded on Norwegian Sky. Choices differ on Hawaii cruises. On booking any Haven or Suite stateroom on a 5+ day cruise more than 30 days before sailing, you can avail all four offers mentioned above.