August 9, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line Will End COVID Vaccine Requirements Very Soon!

Some exciting news that many cruise lovers have been waiting for: Norwegian Cruise Line will end its vaccine requirement and loosen coronavirus testing rules next month - the first to do so in the United States! These changes will go into effect next month on September 3. 

Starting Sept. 3, fully vaccinated travelers who are 12 or older will no longer have to test before boarding a ship on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Travelers in that age group who are unvaccinated or who do not show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they present a negative PCR or antigen test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements. 

Depending on local regulations, requirements could vary including but not limited to "Canada, Greece, and Bermuda." 

“Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19."

About Norwegian Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line operates 28 different ships with a high level of onboard service and rich experiences for guests and is great for multi-generational family vacations. These ships are some of the largest at sea and are not ideal for those searching for a more intimate cruising experience - but that means there's something for everyone in your family to enjoy (reach out to your Magical Memory Maker for suggestions if that is the vacation you are looking for)! 

The Miami-based cruise line pioneered the idea of “freestyle cruising” — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — and it’s still the go-to line for vacationers who want a floating resort experience with a casual, laissez faire vibe. NCL is known for evening entertainment and plenty of bars, lounges, and nightclubs - including casinos! There's also plenty for the average teen and tween to enjoy, including some of the largest waterslides at sea! Just look at these awesome slides! You can even go-kart on the ship, while on the water

Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ships are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as giant waterslides. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Where do Norwegian Cruises Sail?

Norwegian sails everywhere but has its heaviest presence in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. 

In North America, Norwegian ships sail out of:

Suites, Cabins, & Staterooms aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Cabins and suites range from more affordable to massive suites. Relax. Embrace your own personal space. Then get back to the action. Norwegian's wide range of comfortable and well designed staterooms and suites will suit you perfectly.

SUITES & PENTHOUSES ABOARD NORWEGIAN

Celebrate your arrival on board with a complimentary bottle of champagne or sparkling wine and let the stress of the real world float away. Each suite has been designed with style and comfort, along with a view that changes with every port we visit. Plus, you’ll be pampered with a deluxe array of complimentary amenities and personal service from a butler and concierge that help create a vacation experience you’ll never forget.

Exclusive amenities and services including personal escorts on and off the ship at the pier and ports-of-call, a distinctive keycard, and 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. And on more than half of NCL's ships, many of the suites are part of The Haven. The Haven is located at the very top of the ships and includes private lounges, pools, sunning areas, and relaxation spots. 

SPA STATEROOMS

Spa Staterooms are ideal for adults truly needing to unplug. Enjoy access to the Mandara Spa and complimentary use of the Thermal Spa Suites, sauna, hydrotherapy pools, steam room and heated loungers. 

CLUB BALCONY SUITES

Hello, sunshine. Enjoy your own private balcony on all of NCL's Club Balcony Suites with comfy sitting areas, convertible and/or drop-down beds and plenty of storage space - perfect for families. Club Balcony Suites provide additional amenities and privileges at no additional cost. Amenities include the option to pre-book onboard entertainment and dining as early as 125 days prior to sail date, complimentary treats delivered to your stateroom, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, and a choice of one valet laundry or pressing service.

Exclusive Club Balcony Suite Amenities:

OCEANVIEW & INSIDES ABOARD NORWEGIAN

Oceanview staterooms and inside staterooms aboard NCL are small but mighty. Highlighted by a beautiful view of the water, Oceanview Staterooms offer up to 161 sq. ft.* of space and two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed. With additional bedding, some Oceanviews accommodate up to five* guests. Available on all ships except Norwegian Epic. 

If you plan on spending your vacation dining, playing and enjoying the entertainment, you won’t be spending much time in your stateroom. This makes these accommodations the perfect choice for active travelers. They’re comfortable and stylish, accommodating up to four* guests in up to 142 sq. ft.* of living space. Available on all ships.

STUDIOS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

There are even options for the solo traveler - the first of its kind aboard any ship. NCL's award-winning Studios are the first accommodations specifically designed and priced for solo travelers. Running up to 100 sq. ft,* they are an industry first, giving solo cruisers the most affordable and stylish way to cruise. 

Restaurants & Dining aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

And what's a cruise without the food? Norwegian was one of the pioneers in cruise food, giving guests plenty of options when it comes to restaurants on ships! On some of the ships, there are 21 different places to eat, ranging from high-end steakhouses to casual pubs. Every vessel has two or three main restaurants and a buffet where meals are included in the fare. 

Though you are sure to be satisfied with sumptuous selections from the main dining hall (where you can even select more than one entrée per meal from the menu), remember that with Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising, it’s so easy to eat when you want, wherever you want.  And with so many choices and specialty dining options, it’s sometimes hard to decide which to choose! 

BREAKFAST

Norwegian's breakfast buffets are hearty with plenty of options! Grab an omelet from the omelet station and a bowl of cereal for the kiddos. Wanting something a bit more non-buffet? O'Sheehan's is a favorite with french toast, omelets, and house-made corned beef hash. Looking for something more along the lines of what you can get at home? You just might stumble upon a Starbucks - located on some ships! If you want breakfast in bed, that's an option too. Order room service for a flat fee (or free if you're staying in The Haven or a Suite!)

O'Sheehans aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

LUNCH

For days when you are at sea, Norwegian's specialty dining venues are open for both lunch and dinner - in addition to the main dining hall. Some of the extra-charge restaurants come at a flat fee, like the Teppenyaki restaurant at only $39 per person, not including drinks) - but most are a la carte. You could enjoy light sushi fare at Asian Fusion or a hamburger while poolside. 

DINNER

Enjoying dinner at one of the specialty restaurants is a must! At these restaurants, you'll find even higher-quality ingredients, plus fine wines. In the spirit of global travel, Norwegian also offers several fine-dining restaurants celebrating world cuisine. Le Bistro for gourmet French cuisine, Los Lobos for sizzling Mexican favorites are all fantastic specialty dining options. But with 27 specialty dining restaurants offered throughout Norwegian’s fleet, take this advice: Not only do you want to try something new every day, you’ll also want to book another Norwegian cruise so you’ll have more time to explore – and eat -- your way from bow to stern.


SNACKS & SWEET TREATS

There's no shortage of sweet treats aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Check out some of the delicious options you can find on some of the ships below!

Convinced yet? Reach out to your Magical Memory Maker today or hit the button above for a quote aboard Norwegian Cruise Line!

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