NCL Cruise to Alaska: Pros and Cons (2024)

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One of the most popular cruise lines in the world is @norwegiancruiseline. We have sailed on two Alaska cruises with the brand. While we enjoyed the cruises, they were not right for everyone. So, to help you decide if a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruise is right for you, we put together this video of the Pros and Cons of cruising way up north with NCL. So, let's dive in!
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The Pros and Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line in Alaska
1:05 Pro: Freestyle Approach to Dining
2:30 Pro: Variety of Onboard Viewing Areas
4:45 Con: Fewer Options
6:24 Pro: Visits Glacier Bay National Park
7:55 Con: Limited Time Ashore
9:15 Pro: Free at Sea Promotion
11:08 Pro: Perfect for Solo Travelers
12:45 Pro: Onboard Amenities Appeal to Families
14:40 Con: Lack of Onboard Alaska Programming
15:30 Pro: Lively Nighttime Entertainment
16:38 Pro: Specialty Restaurants
18:20 Pro: Thermal Suite and Spa
19:30 Picking Norwegian Cruise Line
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ALASKA CRUISES
There are many reasons why an Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line is the right choice for several types of cruisers. The cruise line's Freestyle Approach offers flexible options that are perfect for adjusting to varied port times on Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska cruises.
Several impressive viewing spots are on NCL ships, providing many vantage points to marvel at the panoramic vistas of Alaska's beauty during your trip.
However, NCL Alaska cruises have fewer options than other cruise lines in the region. Currently, there are only 4 ships sailing in the region. Plus, most of these vessels have very similar itineraries. So, they might not offer the ports of call you seek. Not to mention that many of the destinations have limited time ashore. NCL also doesn't provide preferential berthing in many locales, so cruisers might find exploring on their own in some cities and towns difficult.
However, many NCL itineraries include stops at Glacier Bay National Park. This is one of our favorite destinations in the region, and a full day of programming makes an Alaska cruise on Norwegian more enticing than competitors that do not sail this itinerary.
Another reason we are fans of cruising to Alaska with Norwegian is the cruise line's Free at Sea promotion. This package includes discounted drink packages and WiFi credits making it an excellent value for many., making it a great Not to mention, this perk also includes specialty dining credits. We are big fans of Norwegian Cruise Line's specialty dining restaurants. These venues offer some of the best food at sea, in venues like Cagney's Steakhouse, Onda by Scarpetta, and the Food Republic.
Those traveling as a party of 1 may also find NCL Alaska cruises appealing. The cruise line caters to solo travelers with dedicated cabins and social spaces on several of its ships that cruise to Alaska.
While the cruise line does not offer much onboard enrichment or education during the trip, Norwegians know how to party. On their ships, there is a variety of vibrant nightlife and entertainment options every night of the cruise.
With all of the onboard amenities and options, a Norwegian Alaska Cruise is great for families. Multigenerational groups will appreciate the flexibility, dining options, onboard attractions and entertainment, dedicated youth spaces, and adults-only spaces.
Not to mention NCL's top-notch spas and thermal suites, offering breathtaking views and rejuvenating experiences during the voyage.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ALASKA CRUISES ON THE BLOG
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[@jlawrence0181]

Several things to consider when booking an Alaskan cruise: 1) Sailing out of Seattle may sail in rougher waters than those out of Vancouver. 2) Larger ships tend to sail out of Seattle as they cannot get under the bridge in Vancouver. 3) Ships out of Seattle usually stop at Victoria, BC. However, the stop can be as short as FIVE hours which really do not give you the time to do much touring. 4) Does your ship offer any enrichment opportunities? 5) If you sail with a cruise line that is geared toward families, expect that there will be a lot of children and the cruise line with seail 10-15% over capacity which means the ship will be very crowded. 6) Make sure that you pay a lot of attention to the number of hours in a port. Port stops are 10-12 hours on some lines but 6-8 on others. Also, focus on the time you get there. 7) Make sure that you understand where you are docking as you don't want to sit around waiting for shuttles.

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

Taking my first Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge in an infinite veranda suite.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Awesome. When do you set sail?

[@genericalaskanexplorer4470]

So I actually took a Norwegian cruise for my first time going to Alaska. I fell in love with the state learned photography and now I'm an Alaskan photographer.

[@Pchau12]

I went with Norweigan Encore last month. Did a bunch of research. Almost wished I saw this video. Really summed everything up great in a short video. I love the itinerary and it worked well for me as a solo traveler. As big* as the ship was, I saw several solo travelers several times by accident without plans to even meet up!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Glad to hear you had a nice cruise. Would you sail with NCL again?

[@billkallas1762]

13 days before I go on the Bliss to Alaska, for a short, 7 day cruise. I'm a plan ahead person. I'm a first time Alaska cruiser, so I agree that NCL is great for first timers. I love the $50 excursion credit at every port.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Have fun! Can't wait to hear your review when you return!

[@billkallas1762]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Reviews on 7 day cruises to Alaska are a dime a dozen. October is a 21 day Canal cruise, that should be interesting. The longest I've been on was a 17 day Hawaii, back in 2019.

[@thefozzybear]

Solo cabins are a plus for me.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Great part about NCL! Have you sailed with them before?

[@norwegiancruiseline]

Congrats on 100,000 subscribers, and thank you for your review! 💙

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks! We had a great time on our Alaska cruises on Bliss and Encore. Where should we cruise next with NCL?🤔

[@UberManTampa]

As an ex employee of NCL the solo cabins are great but they're only inside and the fare is 150% of the base fare based on double occupancy

[@louss]

You saved us. Docking away from the town centers is a big let down.

[@oceans6195]

It's only on the Ketchikan stop that you have to take a bus into town

[@raybrown8887]

we did the Bliss alaska cruise Sept 22 definitely turn us into NCL cruisers we are doing a panama canal cruise on the bliss in Feb

[@atomicrancher3745]

As well as the very nice Studios, NCL also offers solo oceanview and solo balcony cabins which I appreciate. They all get access to the solo lounge. They sell out fast so don’t hesitate in reserving if you’re interested.

[@janevylow6605]

I'm on the verge to book Princess Alaska May 2025 when i saw your video listing NCL Encore as one of 2024 Alaska recommended cruises. I'm going with 70+ parents and 20yo niece. Is my 2nd Alaska cruise but their first. Yes, the laser tag and go-kart will be a hit for my niece and myself. The speciality restaurant, drinks and WiFi inclusion are wonderful perks to have. Since it is their 1st and only Alaska cruise, having Glacier Bay in the itinerary should be impt, so we are going with Encore instead of Bliss. The cons for me Encore does not go to Stika. The onshore excursions i will like my family to experience are jetboat + search for wildlife, helicopter landing on glacier and dog sledding, Botanical garden at BC, White Pass with suspension bridge stop, canoe or zodiac to look for whales. The bears centre are pricey , not sure if they are worth it, but always love to see bears in nature.

[@johnbuckley8324]

Just noticed that your channel had a huge spike in subscribers in May...congratulations on sailing past 100K! 🙂 Been a fan of your channel for quite some time. Proud of your success. Cheers!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks so much! We appreciate watching from the beginning! When is the next cruise?

[@johnbuckley8324]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I'm actually heading to Norway on Sky Princess next week! Cannot wait...it was a Norway visit on NCL Prima last year that convinced me to retire early and just travel. 🙂

[@eddiea5934]

My husband and I are going to Alaska on RCL ovation of the sea at the end of Aug ... I got it as a casino comp. I'm trying to plan a family reunion on an Alaska cruise for 2025 and I'm feeling a lot of pressure to get it "right" as many of the family members have never done a cruise before and will probably have a little bit of a sticker shock but I also think it will be a cruise of a lifetime for some of them and really want to get this planned. My husband and I have only started cruising since Feb and I've gone to 3 cruises already with RCL and celebrity and therefore was planning on just doing RCL for Alaska 2025 however, you gave me something to think about with NCL… And with using a TA..... Thanks for your vids!

[@dpbrown3623]

Just got off the Ovation last week. Although my sister made all the arrangements, using a TA was a great asset.

[@Kaycee-zg1mo]

We are booked on ncl encore to alaska at the end of the month. We are in ketchikan for a few hrs only and are looking to books the Lumberjack Show, what else would you recommend we could do along with that. Thanks

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

You probably have a morning stop with the ship leaving in the early afternoon, but the Alaska Fish House is a great restaurant next to the Lumberjack Show. You could walk around Creek Street and shop for Alaskan goods or browse the shops along Front street on your way back to the shuttle that brings you to Wards Cove. Have you watched our NCL Encore Alaska cruise review video?

[@Kaycee-zg1mo]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 hi, thanks for the response back. Yes I did see you Alaska review video. So I would be better off spending the time for lunch and browsing the shops. I am visiting from the UK and fish & chips is a staple for us but I guess the Alaskan fish & chips would be another taste altogether,. Thanks

[@topherserrano1]

Thank you for slowing down your speech, your videos are much more understandable and enjoyable to view! Great content as always. Thank you.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

I am always trying to improve. Thanks for watching. When is the next cruise?

[@topherserrano1]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 definitely sometime this year, still deciding with who/where!

[@bigguy1403]

Were on crown princess right now and there playing your videos on the big screen...very cool.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Really? That’s amazing. Which video?

[@bigguy1403]

@Eatsleepcruise1 it was your Alaska video were you talked about the different princess ships.

[@fogsmart]

Our NCL Jade booking from Vancouver in 2025 misses Glacier Bay but goes by the Hubbard Glacier on its way to Whittier. I have seen some of the videos of horrendously backed up tender and shuttle bus line-ups. As a handicapped person, I’m not too happy about that. Plus the pre-paid gratuities and the rates were difficult getting my mind around what NCL is doing these days with customer satisfaction. So at this point I’m more excited about our self directed tour once landing at Whittier. After hearing about the NCL debacle on the alleged itinerary changes to their Antarctica trip, I’m not sure I’ll book with NCL again. The free at sea is the only reason we booked in 2025. The Jade is useless for kids.

[@thomasj396]

Did they offer the luggage valet service when getting off the ship?

[@TacTownRyder69]

Pro: it's a cruise Con: it's an Alaska cruise

[@monikaliebold4225]

Thanks for the video. I'm loyal guest to NCL for decades, so having a lot of free perks with specialty dining, free laundry, discounts etc (including dinner with officers 🤩). When cruising with NCL (family/friends/solo), we always book free at sea promotion - especially drink package within free at sea booking has a great value - around 160$ gratuity per person for a 7 days cruise, nothing else to pay on board. So, my next cruise with NCL (again as solo traveller, they have simply the best value) is in October 2024 for 9 days Alaska. So excited. 🚢

[@dixiefortune3568]

We’re going in October 24 also

[@louienaranjo4535]

Hello, I have to book an Alaskan Cruise tomorrow for Sept or Oct! I have a few questions! Our options are the Jewel or Encore/Bliss (itenerary is the same for bliss towards the end of its sailing dates and we definitely want to go to glacier bay! ). The big question is: Do we do Jewel (smaller ship) for the inside passage route as opposed to navigating around it in the bigger ships? The jewel also ends in Seward (ends in Vancouver) and it says "(Ward Cove)" next to Ketchikan, as well as it stops by Hubbard Glacier. Any insight would be much appreciated!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We would lean toward the itinerary that goes to Glacier Bay. We have reviews of both Bliss and Encore here on KZbin, but we would go with Encore, unless the price is drastically different.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Here is additional information about Ward Cove. This village is an extension of the settlement area of Ketchikan northwest. The land and water scenery around Ward Cove is amazing. You find there the Tongass National Forest and sailing into Ward Cove Bay is great. There are also excursions (land and sea based) offered, starting directly at Ward Cove. Having built the new berth and bringing history of Ward Cove back, helps the small village a lot, which is overshadowed by Ketchikan itself. Btw at Ward Cove Mill incl. museum you will have great shopping possibility with best choice and price.

[@IndianBeauty02]

Thank you ❤

[@TinaBiebe]

Doing my first Alaska cruise next year. Although I’ve been on both the Bliss (Panama Canal) and the Encore (eastern Caribbean) I decided to try the Discovery Princess for a change.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

What made you decide to try that ship. Have you sailed on Princess before?

[@TinaBiebe]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I’ve never used Princess before. I’m usually go with NCL or Royal. But originally my younger sister put me into Princess as she started researching their experience in Alaska and was impressed. Then I started researching them, and just felt that for my first Alaskan cruise I’d pull the cord on Princess. I know both the Bliss and Encore have those wonderful Observation Lounge, but I like that Princess has more enrichment programs including the food offerings. Originally it was supposed to be my sister and me. Now due to circumstances I’m going solo but splurging on a Reserve Collection mini-suite with Princess Premier. I just feel I’ll get a cruise that’ll bring me “closer” to Alaska. 😀

[@dralbertpakin8895]

Can you talk normal and not stop after every word .

[@tomspallone1868]

Thought it was me… lol

[@UberManTampa]

I book solely with the cruise line in the event you have an issue they'll be way more help then hearing "call your travel agent"

[@joanierios4502]

Will the specialty dining for 2 be one set price for one day or one week or every day will I be charged to do the specialty dining for 2?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

It is per cruise. You get two meals for two people for a week long cruise in a balcony or higher. You will only be charged once. Which ship are you sailing on?

[@joanierios4502]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 we will be on the ncl bliss!

[@susanhernandez8365]

Hi going on our first cruise on Encore next may I had a question about cabins. We are currently on deck 14 mid ship in a club balcony room. Is deck 14 okay or should I look for a different level deck?

[@joanierios4502]

I have a canon camera, will I be able to take it off and on the cruise ship anytime?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes. The only devices they regulate are drones.

[@joanierios4502]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 thank you!

[@nursingstudent9765]

First time cruisers heading to Alaska in Sept 2025 onboard NCL Encore. In your opinion, is the Haven worth the extra cost on the Alaska itinerary? How warm is the ship itself kept for all of the common areas? We're unsure how to pack (if we pack for winter or not). Thanks for any assistance!

[@george9258]

We chose Holland America for our first Alaska Cruise

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

I did as well then cancelled it because cause I heard HAL was a floating nursing home. Wasn’t ready for that just yet.

[@AvivaHadas]

Going on our 3rd HAL to AK.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Not true. We have been on 5 HAL trips, including in Alaska, and they were great.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Great choice. Which ship and itinerary?

[@AvivaHadas]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Volendam, Amsterdam (did not survive the shut down, but was a great ship) & Zaandam. We like the smaller ships/few pax. (All round trips.)

[@westonmartinez7210]

I'm going on the Norwegian bliss in August of this year this is helpful information and question do you need a passport for this cruise it's an Alaskan cruise we go to British Columbia and end in Seattle and start in Seattle

[@sshiep]

Hello there. Out of royal princess and holland america eurodamn for alaska, which would you recommend based on food and on board entertainment/attractions. We are in our mid 30s if that masters. Thank you!

[@jilljangard3078]

Great vlog ❤ I’m headed to Alaska on NCL Bliss in August. It will be myself, husband, sister and nephew. First time to Alaska and first time cruisers. We want to plan a Mediterranean cruise with NCL in 2026 if we end up liking the cruise line. Can’t wait!

[@raygeorge9442]

Norwegian Bliss was amazing. I reecently came back from a 7 day tour.

[@user-qk1gq6qw2z]

The bays is only allowed two ships a day. First come first serve for the ships

[@ltcajh]

Don’t do it. I did a review on, “Cruises, IT, and Resorts”.

[@lauriegranstrand4018]

What about food offerings for those with food allergies?

[@michellebone6577]

Northern lights time to go? Whale watch time?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Northern lights end of September into October. Whale watching best in July. When do you plan on going?

[@terrybriggs4493]

@@Eatsleepcruise1I’m so hopeful to see the Northern Lights. My daughter and I will be on the Encore (our second time) from Sep 29 - October 6. 🤞

[@Mayasons98-ie6te]

Hi, would you know if the September sailing crowded

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Tough to say, but typically, September is a bit less crowded as kids are back in school. Our sailings in September have been busy, but not overly crowded. Are you sailing this year or looking for 2025?

[@Mayasons98-ie6te]

@@Eatsleepcruise1, looking at Sept 2024

[@jlawrence0181]

Almost all of the sailings of the various cruise lines in Alaska are nearly full and many have been sod out for a while. We are on a 7 day itinerary on the Celebrity Solstice followed by a two week cruise on Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam and both are sold out. If you are looking for September 2024, you had better book sooner and plan to pay quite a bit more.

[@Mayasons98-ie6te]

We are thinking of doing the alaska cruise on the encore in September but seen videos saying it's very crowded on the NCl encore and the queues are long

[@em9341]

My very first cruise was on the NCL encore to Alaska - the ship was above 100% capacity. My perspective is that lines were never unreasonable. It just depends on what you’re doing and when. I never hung out in the atrium and avoided theater shows (the stuff in the atrium wasn’t my style and I have no interest whatsoever in Choir of Man). Those areas seemed crowded but never unreasonably. Sometimes there was a queue here and there, and like anywhere in middle America with a line, there would be midwesterners in an utter panic. I get the sense that most cruisers aren’t seasoned travelers so waiting in lines at the port, panicky midwesterners abounded but never an unreasonable line. I definitely see how being surrounded by Ken’s and Karen’s panicked and stressed because they’re just not used to lines could make it feel really packed and stressful. The key is just not to let other people have that kind of impact on you. You’ll be fine - you’ll have a good time and there’s plenty of room per passenger on the ship (even for folks not in the haven).

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We sailed on Encore in June, and there were few lines, except for going to some shows, like the main theater and some live music. We never thought it was an issue. In September, most kids are back in school, so you will probably have fewer families, but the ship will most likely be full. Feel free to DM if you have more questions or need help planning. Have you sailed on NCL before?

[@Mayasons98-ie6te]

No, we haven't sailed at all. This will be our first ever cruise. Thanks for the offer of Dm you, shall message you as and when I remember a question, if that's okay with you. Don't want to disturb / trouble you too often

[@Mayasons98-ie6te]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Hi We going to book the encore for the 22nd Sept 24 sailing to alaska and am looking at 14th Deck, mid ship balcony cabin, would you know which the good ones are and which we should stay clear of

[@someoneunexpected3213]

How much money will a person end up spending on excursions?

[@monikaliebold4225]

Congrats to 100,000 🎉🎉🥳🥳

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks. We appreciate you being part of our community! Happy cruising.

[@amandaaguilarconstancio2964]

Going there in sept can't wait

[@gt-c-]

* * My wife and myself are first time cruisers. ....................She really wants to go on an Alaskan cruise. We are in the mid sixties and quite healthy. Not very crazy to be on a family boat with many children or big families... ..........Which cruise line would you recommend for Alaska having a mixture of on-shore activities and on-board? * *

[@AvivaHadas]

To avoid families, look at the amenities that are geared towards families. Not all ships have go karts or bumper cars... On shore like whale watching and the Skagway train are generally available through all of the cruise lines - the time in port to do those varies... We (50's) chose HAL 3 times, but ALL of the other cruise lines sail with full ships so others make their choices based on their needs and desires.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Great questions. As mentioned, the shore excursions are similar across all cruise lines. So, it is really more about onboard enrichment and the composition of passengers. We would lean toward Holland America Line, especially the Pinnacle class of ships. Feel free to email me (donateatsleepcruised.com) if you need more planning advice. Happy sailing!

[@kathrinetownes1812]

I am 60 and have cruised Alaska with both Holland and Princess - very few kids on board.

[@gt-c-]

@@kathrinetownes1812 Kathrine...which one would you choose out of the two ?

[@sandradanielapaz9826]

Is there a charge for go carts?

[@Whodat2015]

Yes it’s 15$ per ride per person! Adds up quick!!!

[@sandradanielapaz9826]

@whodat2015 do you recommend any Alaskan tours?

[@Whodat2015]

@@sandradanielapaz9826 Skagway white pass train ride, and if you can afford it the helicopter ride to the glaciers!

[@AvivaHadas]

I'm glad you mentioned Ward Cove & the less preferred Beths (times in port). I'm not sure that people are aware of this experience and how it compare to the other offerings in AK. I watch a lot of AK cruise KZbin & NCL KZbinrs are regularly disappointed by this... (This is also why NCL is not my AK choice... BUT I watch almost all of the videos anyway - just in case.)

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks for sharing! We try to be as balanced and honest as possible. Thanks for watching. What is your favorite cruise line in Alaska?

[@AvivaHadas]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I feel like I have gone with an open mind each of my 3 times & chose HAL each time. (We always choose based on itinerary & as a consequence have been on most of the bigger brands and a few of the smaller ones as well on our various cruises.) We chose HAL twice for the smaller ships, better berths, better times in port. The other time was a 14-night round trip that included Kodiak & Homer instead of just being a back to back.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Here is additional information about Ward Cove. This village is an extension of the settlement area of Ketchikan northwest. The land and water scenery around Ward Cove is amazing. You find there the Tongass National Forest and sailing into Ward Cove Bay is great. There are also excursions (land and sea based) offered, starting directly at Ward Cove. Having built the new berth and bringing history of Ward Cove back, helps the small village a lot, which is overshadowed by Ketchikan itself. Btw at Ward Cove Mill incl. museum you will have great shopping possibility with best choice and price.

[@AvivaHadas]

That’s great & if that works excursion wise even better. Meanwhile, say you have 5 hours in “Ketchikan” & think no big deal, I just want to walk around Creek Street… (my previous 2 stops berth right at that Ketchikan sign, so the assumption that you’d be close is not unrealistic if you’ve watched “Ketchikan” cruise port videos.) I just checked NCL says Ketchikan not Ward Cove, so it’s not unbelievable to be shocked by the up to 2 hours needed to commute from Ward Cove to Ketchikan. I’ve watched several videos that show lines getting off the ship, waiting to get on the bus, 20 min bus ride to the farthest berth from the Ketchikan sign which is a 15 min walk away…