Norwegian Cruise Line: a company to avoid

A scam from A to Z.

A scam from A to Z.

I just got off a 15-day cruise around Japan on the Norwegian Spirit. Never again!

Drink prices are exorbitant ($12 before tax for a beer, a 500ml bottle of water for $6.50 before tax!!!)

That’s $13 per liter of water before tax!!!!!

No entertainment at all.

Shows were really mediocre.

No dedicated space for kids.

Food was repetitive, way too salty, and just not good.

Port stops were too short, and some days at sea were way too long!

Time to disembark: over an hour, like in Korea (Icheon). On a 5-hour stop, that’s wasted time!!

Excursion prices ranged from $199 to $350 per person (for less than 6 hours on land!!!)

And to top it all off: after a case of food poisoning on board and a visit to the ship’s doctor (in the middle of the night due to feeling unwell and vomiting), we were charged $4,800 for medical exams!!

Yes, you read that right: $4,800!!!!!!

Just to clarify, the person was in consultation for about 2.5 hours... These fees were directly charged to our account since they force you to register a credit card at the start of the cruise!!

On top of that: service charges on board: $20 per person per day! That’s $1,680 before tax, of course!! We contested them, but they were still charged!!

Other unknown fees charged by mistake!! I had to open a dispute with my bank.

So go with MSC or Costa instead...

but avoid Norwegian—an unscrupulous company that takes advantage of vulnerable people.

Date of experience: August 10, 2025

Hi there,

You should always be wary of medical services on cruise ships and it's best to avoid them. Plus, if you have something more serious than a minor injury, you’ll be disembarked immediately.

In 2018, on an Oceania ship, a gentleman who went to see the ship’s doctor was given a few drops of eye drops in one eye. He was charged $2700. Understandably, he was furious. The story spread around the ship. Fortunately for him, this gentleman was a lawyer at a law firm in the United States. The issue was resolved quickly.

Hi there, I hope you manage to win your case against this OUTRAGEOUS and unjustified medical bill! NCL is far from the best cruise line, I can confirm! But thank goodness the alternative isn’t just COSTA and MSC— there are other great cruise lines out there (CELEBRITY, PRINCESS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN...)

Hello,

Yes, I haven’t had the chance to try the other companies yet, but MSC and COSTA are GREAT (22 cruises with them).

NCL... STAY AWAY!! The vibe is like a nursing home with them!

Hello,

This invoice is total nonsense!!!

If you paid for your cruise entirely with a "premium" card like Visa Premier or Mastercard, I think there’s a chance it could be covered. You should ask them—nothing ventured, nothing gained!

A few years ago (about 20 years now), I had the same issue on the Celebrity Millennium in the Caribbean. I didn’t pay a thing, and on top of that, I got free medication! Things have really changed since then!

Yes Alfred, things have really changed in the last 20 years...

As long as they can scam you!!

My credit card was registered on the first day at embarkation for onboard expenses. They took advantage of it to charge these unfair fees on the last day of the cruise!!

And the bank told me it’s their right, since medical fees are considered an onboard expense!!

Hi, I just saw your message... I’m, how can I put this, shocked by the words in your review.

I was on the *Spirit* myself in February. It wasn’t my first cruise, and it’s not the only cruise line I’ve been on. - I don’t think I’m a novice, and even though I’m usually easygoing, I still consider myself one of the more demanding passengers...

And I loved the *Spirit*... Obviously, it’s a more adult-oriented ship—it’s stated everywhere, and that’s exactly what I like about it. I found the food really good, both at the buffet and in the restaurants, and very high-end in the specialty restaurants...

Hospitals and all medical services in the U.S. are very expensive, so I’m not surprised by your bill. I hope when you travel to Asia, you make sure to have insurance that covers those costs if you notify them in advance, of course... For example, a premium Visa card is enough.

Now, about the tips: It’s $20 per person per day, and it’s stated everywhere, so you know that upfront. It’s the same with almost all cruise lines. NCL, however, lets you adjust the amount by going to the reception...

Anyway, I loved the *Spirit*. I’d happily go back. That said, if you were expecting a massive ship like a shopping mall or with tons of activities, you didn’t pick the right one.

Hi Vincent, I’ve taken two cruises on NCL’s two newest ships and really enjoyed them, but you should avoid the summer season... As Nathalie and Catherine mentioned, you should avoid the medical office on American ships—they charge American rates, which are outrageous for us French folks. It’s a good idea to bring a well-stocked medical kit: eye drops, pain relievers, meds for stomach issues... The best part of NCL: nicer balcony cabins, better bathrooms, flexible dining times in the evening with no shared tables... No dress code either. I didn’t experience the "nursing home" vibe.

I’ve tried several American cruise lines because I wasn’t always happy with Costa or MSC, but if you like them, don’t switch!