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About

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) boasts one of the most elaborate histories in the industry. The company was established in 1966 by Oslo-based Klosters Rederi A/S, one of Norway's oldest and most respected shipping firms, when it acquired its first leisure ship. The M/S Sunward was repositioned from Europe to the then-obscure port of Miami, and NCL launched regularly scheduled, one-class Caribbean voyages. Within the next five years, NCL had introduced four newer ships. In 1979, NCL acquired the former S/S France and after a serious retooling, renamed it S/S Norway. That ship has today earned a sobriquet as the world's longest guest vessel afloat.

NCL currently operates a 10-vessel fleet that sails to more than 140 ports around the world. New additions include Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star, both launched in 2001, and sister ship Norwegian Dawn, which was unveiled in December 2002. In September 2003, NCL will get yet another ship, though not a new build: Crown Odyssey, which will transfer from Orient Lines.

In the past two years, NCL has been in the midst of a transformation aimed at creating a more consistent image for the company, particularly in the areas of Freestyle Cruising, Homeland Cruising, relaxed disembarkation, and Hawaiian cruises:

  • Freestyle Cruising: More than any other cruise line, NCL has, on a basis primarily limited to its newest ships, created a genuine resort-at-sea atmosphere, featuring dine-as-you-want choices that range from an all open-seating policy to offering a variety of restaurants, some cruise-like and others far more land-like. Ships like Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Star each have a total of 10 onboard restaurants offering choices that range beyond the traditional dining room scenario to steakhouses, sushi, tapas, and classical French. At present, those new builds are the only ships in the fleet to have been designed with Freestyle in mind, though others have adapted in moderation to fit the concept (with the exception of Norway, which still offers the traditional cruise experience).
  • Homeland Cruising: NCL has embraced the concept of Homeland Cruising, establishing roundtrip ports on a seasonal basis in a number of U.S. cities, including Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, and Seattle; and one Canadian city, Vancouver. Ships also sail from San Juan. Year-round, the fleet offers trips from Miami, Houston, and Honolulu.
  • A new twist on disembarkation, NCL has introduced a simplified, and more relaxing, disembarkation strategy that no longer requires passengers to camp out in public rooms on the day of departure waiting for the okay to leave.
  • Hawaii: NCL is the only cruise line that offers year-round, seven-day, Hawaii-based roundtrip cruises out of Honolulu.

    NCL still faces some challenges in the contemporary cruise marketplace. With a fleet that begins with the historic Norway and ends with the cutting edge Norwegian Dawn, the NCL experience really varies by ship. Older ships in its cadre offer more intimacy and less flexibility, while newer builds have far more features and services, including genuinely imaginative children’s programs. However, due to their larger sizes, these newer ships can be somewhat less personal.

    This cruise line appeals to those seeking a good value on a mid-range cruise. Though food and service are adequate, do not expect gourmet entrées or top levels of service.

    Onboard Atmosphere

    The innovative Freestyle Cruising program, with a "dine when you want" atmosphere, leaves passengers with a relaxed, no-need-to-rush, no-need-to-watch-the-clock feeling absent from traditional two-seating cruises. Main dining rooms are open from 5:30 PM until midnight. However, you must be seated by 10:30 PM. Alternative food stations, buffets, and restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisine are open extended hours. Most have an additional fee per person. Lavish midnight buffets and NCL's famous Chocoholic Buffet are still available at no charge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. NCL's newest ships boast nine or 10 restaurants each, including à la carte specialty dining and ethnic restaurants with food standards as varied and high quality as the best shore side restaurants.

    During vacation and holiday periods, these ships attract several families with children. Holiday cruise passengers are primarily ages 40+. On Alaska, Europe, and South America itineraries, passengers are generally 55+.

    NCL is a great value for the money, offering budget prices for a mainstream cruise.

    Special Programs

    Children's program
    Width and breadth of programs and facilities vary from ship to ship, but NCL is making a genuine effort to create a substantial appeal for families. It's one of those classic “the newer the ship, the better for kids” cruise lines. In particular, check out Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Dawn. It’s also one of the few lines with a program (in this case, Junior Sailors) accepting non–potty-trained children (though parents must wear beepers and handle diaper-changing chores). Children under age 2 sail for non-commissionable fares and taxes. For those over age 2, there are children’s rates, which vary. Children under age 3 aren’t required to tip. Suggested gratuities for children ages 3–12 are $5 per child, per day. Gratuities for children ages 13 and up are $10 per day. “Kid’s Crew” is divided into three age groups: Junior Sailors (ages 2–5), First Mates and Navigators (ages 6–12), and Teens (ages 13–17). Games are organized on NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay.

    Only group babysitting is available. Hours are 10 PM–1 AM, and 9 AM–5 PM while in port. Cost is $5 per child, per hour; with $3 per hour for the second child. Port babysitting for parents whose children are "on beepers" (meaning they still wear diapers or Pull-Ups) is not available, per company policy, as the beepers do not work on land. NCL has also developed a fleet wide "discipline policy." The four-step set of rules includes warning, time-out, suspension, and dismissal stages. In addition, children under age 16 are not allowed on elevators or in the spa/fitness area without parental accompaniment.

    High chairs and cribs are available upon request (either onboard or in advance). NCL rather imaginatively (and perhaps profitably) sells kid-stuff packages. “Kids Crew,” which includes a souvenir cup and a soda pass—along with a T-shirt, luggage tags, baseball cap, and sunglasses—costs $39.50 for a seven-day cruise. The “Kids Soda” package, with a soda cup and unlimited sodas, is $16 per child per seven-day cruise. And “Teen Passport,” which sells for $30 per child, is for the ages 13–17 set and gets each teen 20 non-alcoholic specialty drinks, dance and pizza parties, and a farewell bash.

    Past guest program
    This multi-tiered past passenger program includes Latitudes Magazine (a quarterly publication), onboard amenities (including delivery of a New York Times fax), cocktail reception, Latitudes liaison, gifts (ranging from a bottle of wine to onboard credit), in-category upgrades (inside to inside, oceanview to oceanview, for instance), and free hotel stays and shore excursions (based on level). For Latitudes member sailings—there were 10 scheduled for this year—members get a $200 credit. Occasionally, NCL also books special guests for these Latitudes cruises, such as a Norwegian Sun's members' voyage that featured former White House Chef Henry Haller.

    Newspaper program
    Now available fleet wide, NCL's newspaper program enables passengers to receive 11-inch-by-17-inch (near-actual size) newspapers, as opposed to the cruise industry's usual news-at-sea-style fax. Nine are available, including the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, National Post (Canada), USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Times of London, and International Herald Tribune. They include full text and even photos, though there’s a caveat: Content provided is at each publisher’s discretion. Typically, that means that you won't get negligible (on vacation, anyway) sections like classifieds or advertising circulars, but you could also miss out on sports or features.

    Only a handful of papers have available Sunday editions (and if that issue is offered, plan to pay $15). Otherwise, the charge is $3.95 per newspaper, per day. Passengers who can't enjoy the cruise without their Boston Globe or Seattle Times, not to mention the New Zealand Dominion Post or Japan's Okinawa Times, can also make special requests from a list of about 150 newspapers. The charge for special requests is significantly higher; expect to pay somewhere between $10 and $15 per copy. Passengers place orders once they've boarded.

    Staying connected
    NCL has long been an Internet-ready pioneer in the cruise industry, and all ships have both Internet cafés and wireless services. Passengers can rent laptops or wireless cards (for use with their own laptops), which enables them to check e-mail anywhere, including poolside. Other areas covered by the wireless network include meeting rooms, the library, the writing room, and the Grand Atrium. Convenient it is, but it's not cheap: A wireless card rental costs $10 per day plus the time package ($25 for 33 minutes, $55 for 100 minutes, or $100 for 250 minutes). To rent a laptop, be prepared to pay $35 per day. Otherwise, on-site Internet access at the ships' cafés costs 75¢ per minute. Two packages are available: $55 for 100 minutes or $100 for 250 minutes.

    Our cruise line reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, giving you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right cruise.

    Cruise Critic ©2003, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Booking your cruise

    The information below is from Norwegian Cruise Line and is subject to change by Norwegian Cruise Line at any time and without notice. The details shown are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors and/or omissions resulting in pricing, inventory, or content discrepancies.

    Payment and Cancellation Policy : All passengers, including third and fourth berth passengers, must pay the deposit set forth in the following table for the applicable cruise within seven days of booking the reservation and must pay the final payment within the time prescribed in the table for the applicable cruise. Group passenger policies may differ. An additional deposit may be required for holiday sailings. If changes are made to an Air/Sea booking, there will be an additional charge of $25 up to the entire amount paid. There is a $25 service fee for copies of airline tickets after passengers have sailed. Requests should be sent to the NCL Documentation Department with a check for $25 per passenger copy (allow two weeks for processing). If you request the documents be sent overnight Airborne®, there is an $18 charge. We cannot accept travel agents' Federal Express or Airborne® account numbers.

    Norwegian Cruise line deposit & final payment information (per person)

    Deposit and Final Payment: The following deposit is required in order to secure confirmed accommodations:

    7 days or less cruises (excluding Hawaii): US$250 per passenger deposit; balance payable no later than 75 days prior to sailing; 90 days prior if Holiday sailing

    8 days or more cruises (excluding Hawaii): US$400 per passenger deposit; balance payable no later than 75 days prior to sailing; 90 days prior if Holiday sailing

    Garden Villa, Category 1 A cabins: US$2,500 per passenger, balance payable no later than 90 days prior to departure date, including Holiday sailings.

    Hawaii cruises : US $250 per passenger deposit; balance payable no later than 75 days prior to sailing; 90 days prior if Holiday sailing

    Hawaii cruises (8 plus days): IS $400 per passenger deposit; balance payable no later than 75 days prior to sailing; 90 days prior if Holiday sailing

    Canceling your cruise

    The information below is from Norwegian Cruise Line and is subject to change by Norwegian Cruise Line at any time and without notice. The details shown are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors and/or omissions resulting in pricing, inventory, or content discrepancies.

    The below is cruise-only cancellation information. Please contact the cruise line for information regarding air, land, and excursion cancellation information.

    CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be telephoned to our Reservations Department by your travel agent. Depending on when the cruise is cancelled, cancellation charges will be assessed as follows: table appears here

    Holiday and special event cruises will be assessed cancellation charges beginning at 90 days prior to sailing.

    • No refunds will be given on any cruise for no-shows.
    • No refunds will be made in the event of interruption or cancellation by any passenger after the cruise begins.

    Requests for refunds must be in writing to NCL. Cruise tickets, air tickets, transfer coupons and/or vacation package vouchers must be returned before a refund can be made. Refund processing time is about three to four weeks. Air tickets issued by our Air / Sea Department for passengers on our Air / Sea Programs are refundable only to NCL. Group passenger policies may differ. Payment and cancellation charges may differ by promotion.

    For cruises 7 days or less EXCLUDING Hawaii
    Days before departure charges per person
    90-76 (Holiday only ) ................................................Deposit
    75-30...........................................................................Deposit
    29-8 days.....................................................................50%
    7 days or less...............................................................100%

    8 days or more cruises EXCLUDING Hawaii
    Days before departure charges per person
    90-76 (Holiday only) ..................................................Deposit
    75-46...........................................................................Deposit
    45-30...........................................................................50%
    29-8 days.....................................................................50%
    7 days or less...............................................................100%

    Garden Villa, Category 1 A
    Days before departure charges per person
    90-76 (Holiday only)...................................................Deposit
    90-76 ..........................................................................Deposit
    75-46...........................................................................Deposit
    45-30...........................................................................50%
    29 or less.....................................................................100%

    For Hawaii cruises of any length
    Days before departure charges per person
    From time of deposit to 91 days (Holiday only) .................0
    From time of deposit to 76 days.......................................0
    90-76 days (Holiday only) ..........................................Deposit
    75-46 days...................................................................Deposit
    45-8 days.....................................................................50%
    7 days or less...............................................................50%

    Before you sail


    MEDICAL SERVICES: A physician and a nurse are on board for each sailing. Please note that we are equipped to provide only basic medical care; we cannot offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency situation, may be evacuated at their expense.

    DOCUMENTATIONS, VISAS AND PASSPORTS: It is your responsibility to check with your travel professional, local immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine requirements for passports, visas and other documentation, including vaccinations for infectious disease. Passengers denied boarding by local immigration officials for lack of proper documents are not entitled to a cruise refund. Here are some guidelines, but please note that this list is not exhaustive:

    • For travel from the United States to destinations in Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, the Bahamas, the South Pacific and the Caribbean, U.S. and Canadian passengers who are not United States citizens must carry a valid passport and multiple entry visa for entry into the United States (B-2 Visitor’s Visa), or a visa waiver. As visa requirements vary by country and are subject to change, passengers who are not United States citizens are urged to contact your travel professional, local immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine the entry requirements for your cruise destinations.
    • For travel abroad: As visa requirements vary by country and are subject to change, passengers traveling abroad are urged to contact your local travel professional, local immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine the entry requirements for your cruise destinations.

    Travel Documents and Medical Requirements
    Upon embarkation, the Passenger shall have received all medical inoculations necessary for the Holiday and shall have in his/her possession the passage ticket, valid as required for the holiday, passport, visas, medical card and other documents necessary for the scheduled ports of call and disembarkation. Notwithstanding any advice or information provided by or on behalf of NCL from time to time, responsibility for establishing and complying with all entry requirements lies solely with the passenger. The passenger shall be responsible for and keep NCL and/or any third party indemnified in respect of any liability loss damage or expense arising out of any failure to comply with such requirements. The Passenger shall board the Vessel at least one hour before departure time.
    At any port or place NCL may refuse to embark or disembark any Passenger who, in the opinion of the Master, Chief Purser, or other authorised Ship's Officer, might be excluded from landing at destination by Immigration or other Governmental Authorities or who may be suffering from contagious or infectious disease or whose presence, in the opinion of the Master, may be detrimental to the comfort or safety of other Passengers or the crew. In such cases the Passenger shall not be entitled to any refund of fare or compensation of any kind. In cases of quarantine of the Vessel involving detention of the Passengers, each Passenger must himself/herself bear all the risks and expenses thereby caused to him/her and will be charged for food and accommodation during the period of detention, payable day by day, if maintained on board the Vessel, and for all other quarantine fees and expenses assessed or incurred on his/her account.

    Service Charge: A fixed service charge of $10 per person, per day will be added to your onboard account. For children ages 3-12, a $5 per person per day charge will be added to your onboard account; there is no charge for children under the age of three. The crew is encouraged to work together as a service team and is compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that the service charge supports. It is NCL's earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle Cruise experience and that the entire crew in all areas of the ship will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL is known. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise, please bring them to the immediate attention of the reception desk staff on board so that they can address any issues in a timely manner before the cruise is over. Both NCL and NCL America have a structured guest satisfaction program on board designed to handle any concerns raised by guests relating to the service or on board product quickly and efficiently. In almost all cases there is a satisfactory solution to any issues which are raised and NCL makes sure guests can focus on enjoying their cruise vacation. In the unlikely event NCL cannot satisfactorily resolve the issue through NCL's guest satisfaction program, guests will be able to adjust the service charge according to the level of inconvenience they feel they have experienced. The clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue, when it happens, to everyone’s complete satisfaction.

    Gratuities: Unlike most other ships in the cruise industry, there is no required or recommended tipping on NCL America or Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for service that is generally rendered to all guests. However, all of the staff is encouraged to "go the extra mile", and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals. Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

    Shipboard life


    PASSENGERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Whenever possible, NCL will try to accommodate passengers with special needs. However, the following conditions apply:

  • Any physical disability or medical condition that requires special treatment or attention must be reported to NCL’s Passenger Courtesy Department when the reservation is made.
  • NCL has the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgment, is in a physical or mental condition unfit for travel or who may require care beyond that which NCL can provide.
  • NCL reserves the right to deny participation in certain activities based on past or present medical conditions. For questions about eligibility, please contact our Passenger Courtesy Department.
  • All passengers with disabilities must be self-sufficient and should travel with a passenger who will provide any assistance needed during the cruise or in the event of an emergency.
  • Passengers who use a wheelchair must provide their own small, collapsible type and may find certain areas of the ship inaccessible. Please note that there is a 5”-6” riser in regular cabin bathrooms, and bathroom doors are 20”-22” wide. There are wheelchair accessible cabins available in various categories.

    Terms and conditions


    The Contract
    The transportation of passengers and baggage is governed by the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract contained in the Passenger Cruise Ticket. Your acceptance of the Passenger Ticket Contract and acceptance of passage on the vessel constitute acceptance of the terms, conditions and information contained in this brochure and the Passenger Ticket Contract. The Passenger Ticket Contract contains information that affects your legal rights, and we recommend you read the terms carefully.

    Baggage Loss or Damage
    Baggage lost or damaged when boarding or disembarking the ship must be reported and an Irregularity Report must be filed with the Purser's Office or NCL personnel prior to ship's departure from port or prior to leaving the local customs area. NCL will not be responsible for any loss or damage which is not so reported. Any liability for loss or damage to personal baggage shall be limited to $100 per passenger or otherwise in accordance with the Passenger Ticket Contract provisions. Passengers' baggage and property are transported, stored and handled at owners' risk at all times. NCL strongly urges you to insure all baggage and personal effects prior to leaving your residence.

    Guarantee and Rate
    Once we have received your deposit or full payment, the cruise rate is secure except in the event of substantial increases in operating costs, tariffs or taxes prior to the sailing date. In such cases, we reserve the right to add a surcharge. If you select an Air/Sea package, additional governmental taxes and customs fees may apply. All assessed government or quasi-government fees and taxes are subject to change without notice at any time, and we reserve the right to add a surcharge for these fees and taxes whether you have a confirmed booking under deposit or have made final payment. All rates and information subject to change.

    Passengers with Special Needs
    Whenever possible, NCL will try to accommodate passengers with special needs. However, the following conditions apply:

    • Any physical disability or medical condition that requires special treatment or attention must be reported to NCL's Passenger Courtesy Department when the reservation is made.
    • NCL has the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgment, is in a physical or mental condition unfit for travel or who may require care beyond that which NCL can provide.
    • NCL reserves the right to deny participation in certain activities based on past or present medical conditions. For questions about eligibility, please contact our Passenger Courtesy Department.
    • All passengers with disabilities must be self-sufficient and should travel with a passenger who will provide any assistance needed during the cruise or in the event of an emergency.
    • Passengers who use a wheelchair must provide their own small,collapsible type and may find certain areas of the ship inaccessible.
      Please note that there is a 5"6" riser in regular stateroom bathrooms, and bathroom doors are 20" 22" wide. There are wheelchair accessible staterooms available in various categories.

    Itinerary Changes
    In the event of strikes, lockouts, stoppages of labor, riots, weather conditions, mechanical difficulties or any other reason whatsoever, NCL has the right to cancel, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailing or itinerary without prior notice. NCL shall not be responsible for failure to adhere to published arrival and departure times for any of its ports of call. NCL may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel for any sailing and cannot be liable for any loss to passengers by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement or substitution. Reservations are subject to change or cancellation in the event of a full-ship charter, and in such event, NCL shall refund all passage monies paid by the passenger.

    Medical Services
    A physician and a nurse are on board each sailing. Please note that we are equipped to provide only basic medical care; we cannot offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency situation, may be evacuated at their expense.

    Minors
    A passenger under 18 years of age must be accompanied in the same or connecting stateroom by a passenger 21 years of age or older who expressly agrees to be responsible for this minor throughout the cruise. This includes, but is not limited to, preventing the purchase or consumption of alcohol and preventing the violation of any ship rules. If the accompanying adult is not the minor's parent or legal guardian, a notarized parental/guardian consent letter that authorizes the minor's travel and further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency must be delivered to an NCL representative at the pier. Failure to produce this letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied with no refund provided. Note: Two people under the age of 18 may travel together in the same stateroom without someone over the age of 21 in the same stateroom, if they purchased the cruise under the family plan and have at least one person over the age of 21 in the adjoining stateroom.

    Pregnancy
    Pregnancy must be regarded as a medical condition. An expectant mother's application for passage must be accompanied by a medical certificate establishing her due date and fitness to travel, and acceptance is subject to the following conditions:

    • NCL will not be responsible or liable for any complications of pregnancy which arise or occur during the cruise.
    • NCL will not accept passengers who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the time their travel with NCL concludes.
    • For further information, please contact our Passenger Courtesy Department.

      Refusal of Passage
      NCL reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a passenger on the cruise at any time. Each passenger - or if a minor, his/her parent or guardian - shall be liable to and reimburse NCL for all damage to the ship and its furnishings, equipment and property caused by any willful or negligent act or omission on the part of the passenger. The ship's captain may refuse transportation to any passenger or may require any passenger to disembark who, in the sole discretion of the ship's captain, is believed to be dangerous to himself or herself, or others, or disturbs NCL's other passengers or crew. Such passenger may be left at any port or place the ship calls without any liability to NCL. NCL shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare paid by any passenger who must leave the ship prematurely for any of the reasons set forth in this paragraph or who voluntarily disembarks or leaves the ship for any other reason, nor shall it be responsible for lodging, medical care expenses, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by the passenger.

      Transportation Liability
      In arranging for the transportation of passengers to and from the vessel or for excursions, accommodations or any other activities away from the vessel, NCL does so only as a convenience to the passenger. The passenger hereby agrees that NCL shall not be liable or responsible in any respect for any property damage or personal injury arising from the selection of any mode of transportation, accommodation, excursion or activity on the passenger's behalf.

      • NCL disclaims any responsibility for personal injury or property damage arising out of the acts, omission or negligence of any air carrier, hotel, restauranteur or other provider of services offered in addition to the ship's cruise, such as concessionaires operating photography, shops, beauty salon, laundry, gaming, etc.
      • NCL shall not be responsible for any damage or inconvenience caused by late air, car or motorcoach arrivals, nor for any personal injuries or loss or damage to baggage or other property occurring off the vessel.
      • Any liability for loss or damage to personal baggage is in accordance with the Passenger Ticket Contract provisions. Passengers' baggage and property are transported, stored and handled at owners' risk at all times.
      • NCL is not responsible or liable for any loss, theft, pilferage, damage or delay to passengers' baggage or personal effects. Air, car, motorcoach and ground transfer shall be the responsibility of the provider of the services and in accordance with applicable limitations.
      • As a convenience to passengers, NCL may sell tickets for shoreside tours or arrange other services which are operated by independent contractors, but NCL shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever for any damage, loss, injury or death arising out of any service provided ashore or by any airline, motel, hotel, ground carrier or any other provider of any of the services provided or offered in addition to the ship's cruise.
      • NCL also reserves the right to change or abandon all or any part of a tour program or other services provided by third parties and to change the itinerary whenever advisable or necessary. In this case, NCL will not be responsible for any losses or expenses caused by reason of such changes or abandonment.
      • NCL's responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel. Therefore, any arrangements made by or for passengers either before boarding the ship or whenever disembarking entirely from the ship are at the passengers' own risk. Passengers going ashore on their own are responsible for reboarding the ship prior to departure from port.

        Applicable Law and Forum
        Any and all disputes or matters whatsoever incident to, arising from or connected with the Passenger Ticket Contract or your cruise shall be governed by the general maritime law of the United States of America, including its conflicts of law principles. Furthermore, all disputes and matters whatsoever incident to, arising from or connected with this Passenger Ticket Contract or your cruise, including, without limitation, personal injury, illness or death, shall be litigated, if at all, by you individually and not as a member of any class against NCL before a court of proper jurisdiction located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, U.S.A., to the exclusion of the courts of any other country, state, city or county. Passenger hereby waives any venue or other objection that may be available to any such action or proceeding being brought in said court. The limitations set forth in this Section shall also apply to, and be for the benefit of, any agents, independent contractors, concessionaires and suppliers of NCL.

        Your Travel Agent
        Your travel agent acts for you in making the arrangements for your cruise and any related travel, lodging and tours. NCL cannot be responsible for the financial condition or integrity of any travel agent utilized by you. NCL is not responsible for any representations or conduct of your travel agent, including, but not limited to, failure to remit your deposit or other funds to NCL, for which you shall at all times be liable to NCL, or any failure to remit a refund from NCL to you.

        Safety and Security
        NCL visits a large number of ports in numerous countries around the world. At any given moment there are likely to be “trouble spots” in the world in terms of crime and/or war or terrorist actions. Accordingly, it may be necessary to change the published cruise or shore excursion itinerary. Any such changes are for your safety and beyond NCL's control. While NCL endeavors to provide reasonable protection for your comfort and safety on board its ships, NCL cannot guarantee freedom from all risks associated with war, terrorism, crime or other potential sources of harm. NCL reminds all passengers that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. The U.S. Department of State and other similar government agencies regularly issue advisories and warnings to travelers giving details of local conditions in specified cities and countries according to the agency's perception of risks to travelers. NCL strongly recommends that passengers and their travel professionals obtain and consider such information when making travel decisions.

        All the terms, conditions, rules and regulations regarding cruise bookings displayed below (“Fare Rules”) are the sole responsibility of the cruise line creating such Fare Rules. THIS SITE ACTS SOLELY AS AN AGENT FOR THE CRUISE LINE AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ABOUT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE CRUISE LINE FARE RULES BELOW, INCLUDING THAT THE FARE RULES BELOW ARE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE STATEMENT OF THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLIED BY THE CRUISE LINE TO THE APPLICABLE FARE. The inclusion of the cruise line Fare Rules below is intended solely as a convenience for visitors to this site, and does not constitute any endorsement or concurrence by this site in anything contained in the cruise line Fare Rules below. We strongly recommend that you read the Fare Rules below carefully and contact the individual cruise line if you have any questions.
        IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PASSENGERS THIS DOCUMENT IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU AND US. THE WORD "YOU" REFERS TO ALL PERSONS TRAVELING UNDER THIS CONTRACT INCLUDING THEIR HEIRS, SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES. THE WORDS "WE” AND “US" REFER TO THE OWNER AND HAL. CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIES, AS WELL AS THE SHIP ITSELF, ARE ALSO GRANTED RIGHTS UNDER THIS CONTRACT. NOTICE: YOUR ATTENTION IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO CLAUSES A.1, A.3, A.4, A.5, A.6, A.7, A.9, A.10 AND C.4 BELOW, WHICH CONTAIN IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON YOUR RIGHT TO ASSERT CLAIMS AGAINST US AND CERTAIN THIRD PARTIES. THIS CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH HAL BOOKS AIR TRANSPORTATION IF YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN WINDSTAR’S HOME CITY AIR PROGRAM. IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS DO NOT MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF ARRANGING AIR TRANSPORTATION INDEPENDENTLY IN WHICH EVENT THE AIR ADD-ON AMOUNT PAID TO HAL WILL BE REFUNDED. ALL DISPUTES AND MATTERS WHATSOEVER ARISING UNDER, IN CONNECTION WITH OR INCIDENT TO THIS CONTRACT, THE CRUISE OR THE WINDSTAR AIR PACKAGE SHALL BE LITIGATED, IF AT ALL, IN AND BEFORE THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON AT SEATTLE, OR, AS TO THOSE LAWSUITS AS TO WHICH THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES LACK SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, IN THE COURTS OF KING COUNTY, STATE OF WASHINGTON, U.S.A., TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHER COURTS.

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