Are you about to sail on a Norwegian cruise? Then you’re going to want to download the Cruise Norwegian app. The program provides all sorts of helpful information to plan and enjoy your cruise — all from the convenience of your phone.
We recently reviewed the app on a cruise, putting it through the paces to see exactly how you can use it and what all you can do with the program on the ship (and even before you board).
If you are about to take a Norwegian cruise, here’s a full review of all the things you should know about the app for your trip.
The Cruise Norwegian App Is Available on Every Ship
Since first being introduced, the app has continued to roll out among the ships in Norwegian’s fleet. The cruise line recently announced that the app is now available across all ships. So whether you are sailing on the Norwegian Bliss (the line’s newest ship) or Norwegian Spirit (it’s oldest), the app will be available to help plan and reference during your cruise. Best of all, the app is free.
It’s Available For Both Android and Apple
One of the biggest hangups with some apps is that they might only be available for Android or the iPhone. In the case of the Norwegian app, it’s available for both devices. If you are running Android on your phone, it requires version 4.1 or greater. Apple devices need to have iOS of 9.0 or higher.
You Can Use the App to Book Reservations or Shore Excursions
Once you’ve downloaded and logged into the app, then you can start to get a feel of how useful it is. From the program you can find information on dining, entertainment and shore excursions. Find a restaurant you like? You can create a reservation right from the app.
It’s the same thing with shore excursions. Instead of having to book with the staff the ship, you can read more about each adventure offered, including prices. If you find the one you want, you can book it right through your phone; no waiting in line required.
The Cruise Norwegian App Lets You Check-In Online
Checking in online before your cruise can save you lots of time. And while you can do it from your computer, the app also lets you check-in beforehand. You can get your boarding assignment, know when to arrive at the pier and even access your “E-docs” for boarding right from the phone — similar to boarding a plane.
This keeps you from having to print out a stack of boarding papers. Just bring your ID and your boarding docs on the phone and you’re ready to go!
Use the Program to Track Your Spending
One of the most convenient features you’ll find is that you can track your onboard spending through the app. Whether it’s buying a drink, a massage, a meal, or a souvenir, anything you spend on the ship will be logged to your onboard account.
Right from the app — anywhere on the ship — you can see exactly how much you’ve spent. It’s nice to be able to budget on your vacation and also not be surprised by an unexpected bill amount at the end of the cruise.
This tool is especially useful if you have kids traveling with you and you want to keep track of their spending on the cruise.
The Daily Schedule Keeps You On Top of Everything on the Ship
Not sure what’s happening on the ship right now? That’s not a problem if you have the Cruise Norwegian app. For each day on the ship there is a full schedule with everything happening on the ship.
You can quickly browse through and see exactly when and where an event is taking place. You can also mark them with the “heart” icon to make it easy to know exactly what you want to attend.
There Is a Phone & Messaging Tool (It Costs $9.95)
While the app is free, there is one section of the program that costs extra — calls and messaging. As an added feature, you can call or message other people on the ship using the app, for $9.95 per phone. Note that this doesn’t allow you to call or message home. So if you wanted to use the app to call and check on things back on land, that wouldn’t be available. It’s only for contacting people on the ship.
Update: According to the app’s information, you can use it to call home, but at a rate of $0.79 per minute.
Deck Plans Are Incredibly Handy
If you’ve never taken a cruise, you should know that it takes at least a day or two until you can get your bearings on where things are on the ship. With so many decks and few walkways that go the entire length of the ship, it can be confusing to know exactly how to get from Point A to Point B.
That’s why the deck plans included on the Norwegian app are so helpful. You can pull up every deck and see exactly what’s there. It’s an easy way to never get lost again.
You Don’t Have to Purchase Wi-Fi to Use The App
There’s little argument that wi-fi on a Norwegian cruise is expensive. It can cost up to $35 per day. The good news is that you don’t need to pay for wi-fi in order to use the app. While the app connects to the ship’s internet system, it’s free to use. The only part of the program that costs money is the call and messaging feature.
Instead, when you get on the ship you will put your phone in airplane mode and then follow the instructions on the app to connect to the ship’s wi-fi. It will allow you to connect via the app free of charge.
Use the App to Learn More About Restaurants and Bars
Not sure where to eat on the ship? The app has you covered. With more than a dozen restaurants on many ships… not including bars… it can be overwhelming. You’ll find profiles of each within the app, along with information about their costs, location, and more.
It’s a handy way to figure out where you want to eat or drink without having to go bar-hopping all around the ship.
Get Answers to the Most Common Questions
If you’re new to cruising, then there are likely to be a number of questions about your cruise. Everything from how to connect to the wi-fi to what time dinner is on the ship. The Cruise Norwegian app has a full list of “Help” topics like these with full answers.
While it may not be the most exciting thing, it’s super helpful when you have a question and know exactly where to find the answer.
Have more questions about the Cruise Norwegian app? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them.
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We uploaded the app years ago and have used it, however, it is in my husbands name and I can’t get my own personal app. Seems like we struggled to get my phone to connect with our party when we tried on one cruise. How do I get the app to add me separately?
Can I download the NCL app without giving my credit card information?
Yes, of course.
The app is horrible pre-cruise. Would like to see my times at port and when I hit the itinerary link one f two things happen. I’m forced to go to the web that opens nothing, or I’m forced to look at excursions. Arrival times are posted but not departure times. Please get it together. This is my first NCL cruise and I hope it’s not my last!!!
When do you purchase the phone and messaging app? Can you do it before you leave or must you be on the ship in order to purchase it.?
I would like to use the app but it will not load to my phone. My wife has the same phone and can use the app. There does not seem to be any help with the app
So, if we are on a 15 night cruise is the $9.95 plan per trip or per day?
Per trip, not per day!
Does the 9.95 messenger thing work acceptably now? Last cruise 3 years ago it was terrible and the internet cafe helper said it rarely worked for him
That I’m not sure about!
Does the 2022 NCL App have the actual daily menu’s for MDR, Specialty, Haven & theme night for buffet, so while eating breakfast you can decide what’s for lunch & dinner! Might you also find it on the TV in Cabin! TYIA!
Does the phone or person you want message also need to have the app and pay for the service?
Does everyone on the reservation, need to create a separate account?
Can you book spa passes or treatments on the app? Will the app let you make dinner reservations in the main dinning areas? Traveling with 10 most nights are booked in the specialty dining but would be nice to book one of the main dining rooms a night or two
Yes you can make some reservations, but you might not need to make a reservation for non-specialty restaurants. If you can’t make them from the app, it’s really simple to make spa reservations from your cabin phone or just login to your account before your cruise.
I see that you said it costs per phone, so does that mean for 2 people in a stateroom that both people need to create a separate ncl account (to be used on each phone)? Or do you login to the same account on both phones?
While we haven’t tried it personally with multiple people, it’s our understanding that the chat feature is on a per phone basis. Here’s what the app says:
“Yes, once you purchase a Phone and Messenger package, you can make an unlimited number of calls and messages to other guests with the package for one flat rate. In addition you can call staterooms, and to a variety of shipboard guest service extensions.”
Does Norwegian Cruise Line take your photos if you pay to use the Messaging service for $9.98?
Not sure what you are asking.