New York City, United States, May 5th, 2026, NewsDirect
From New Ships to a Transformed Private Island and Value-Adding Tips, NCL is Giving Families More Reasons Than Ever to Set Sail This Summer
With summer just around the corner, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) boasts the ultimate family vacation offering unmatched value, thoughtfully curated port-packed itineraries and exciting new experiences debuting this season. Recently, Cruise Critic Editor-in-Chief and travel expert, Colleen McDaniel, teamed up with NCL on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss why cruising makes for the perfect family vacation this summer.
A video accompanying this announcement is available at:
NCL is welcoming travelers on board its expansive fleet to sail to some of the world's most sought-after destinations this season. This summer, Norwegian offers a variety of voyages to the Caribbean and Bahamas from convenient homeports including Miami, New York and Orlando (Port Canaveral) for guests seeking a quintessential fun-in-the-sun getaway. Guests looking to escape the summer heat to a cool and unforgettable outdoor adventure can set sail on a breathtaking Alaska cruise departing from Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska. While those looking for more immersive and cultural experiences can enjoy one of NCL’s port-packed voyages in Europe averaging over 10 hours ashore across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Northern Europe.
Following its recent debut, Norwegian Luna, NCL's newest ship, offers guests the longest and fastest slides at sea; world-class entertainment including show-stopping productions such as “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” and “Hiko: Innovation Meets Wonder”; 17 restaurants plus 18 bars and lounges; and so much more. From Miami, the ship sails seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries with visits to the cruise line’s recently enhanced private island in the Bahamas – Great Stirrup Cay. The island has been newly transformed and now features a sprawling pool area with swim-up bars and private cabanas, an all-new kids splash pad and a dedicated adults-only retreat, Vibe Shore Club. This summer, guests will enjoy the highly anticipated debut of the all-new Great Tides Waterpark — featuring 19 waterslides, the industry's first cliffside jumps, and the 800-foot Wandering River, faster and more exhilarating than a typical lazy river.
To maximize vacation value, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering 50% off all cruises for a limited time. Guests can also enjoy more for their vacation dollar with Norwegian’s signature Free at Sea package, which provides over $2,000 in savings, with unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits as well as kids sail free and free airfare for the second guest on select sailings.
For the latest offers and to learn more, visit NCL.com.
About Colleen McDaniel
Colleen McDaniel is Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource. She considers cruising to be a true passion, having traveled the world by water – from Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to Europe’s rivers, Antarctica and Africa – on ships of all shapes and sizes. She’s regularly quoted as a cruise expert in media outlets across the country, including outlets like The Associated Press, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX Business, CNBC, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Skift. Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews and information site, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers -- from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 50M+ opinions, reviews & photos and hosts the world's largest online cruise community. Cruise Critic is a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Its tagline, “It’s Different Out Here,” reflects the emotional connection guests experience aboard and pays tribute to the company’s history of pioneering the cruise experience. Most notably, NCL revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company continues to deliver curated, effortless experiences that cater to every type of traveler – from seasoned cruisers to families of every size. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites and The Haven by Norwegian, the company’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey that allows them to enjoy the moment and connect with those who matter most. To further deliver guests with more value, the company's signature Free at Sea package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; and with select sailings guests can enjoy free airfare as well as third and fourth guests sail free (terms and conditions apply). NCL guests sailing to the Caribbean can also enjoy exclusive experiences at Harvest Caye, the company’s resort destination in Belize, along with new and enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s expanded private island in the Bahamas. NCL sails to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations with its fleet of 21 contemporary ships.
For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
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