The company, formerly known as Norwegian Caribbean Lines, started as a ferry service between Southampton, Lisbon and Gibraltar. Political problems over the ownership Gibraltar (Britain or Spain) and long waits at the Spanish border, meant the journey was not enjoyable for passengers. The company instead decided to sail to Miami and start weekly cruises to the Caribbean.
In 1977 Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) became the first cruise line to buy an island exclusively for its guests with the purchase of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Since then NCL has purchased a ship with a bowling alley, another first for the company.
If you are under 21 years old you cannot sail with Norwegian Cruise Line alone. You must be traveling with someone 21 years or over. The older person must be staying in the same room or a connecting room and must agree to be responsible for the younger guest throughout the trip. If the older person is not the parent or legal guardian then a consent form has to be signed before boarding the ship or entry could be denied without any refund.
Nowegian Cruise Line states passengers must be 21 years old to buy and consume alcohol on board and 18 years old to gamble. However guests aged between 18 and 20 years old may buy and drink beer and wine with their parent's or guardian's consent. This rule does not apply on ships sailing in Hawaii or Alaska.
The age requirement for travelling on Norwegian Cruise Line does not apply to married couples who are under the age of 21. Proof of marriage must be shown before boarding. NCL says two people under the age of 21 may travel together in the same room without an older person if the trip is booked under the company's family plan. NCL requires at least one older person to be staying in an adjoining room.
