Cruising Northern Europe 

If you make your own travel arrangements, you need to make sure that you are at the ship at least two hours before departure.  The airport is approximately 1hr 15 mins from the port and we would advise pre-booking transfers prior to travel.  Solos can organise transfers to/from the ship back to the airport if we have your flight details

Each person is allowed up to two pieces of personal luggage on board, with each piece weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. However, if you are travelling by air, you need to check with the airline for specific restrictions.

A few of the commonly used terms to get you ready to set sail. Aft - the back or near the back of the ship Atrium - the central court (or centre area) of a cruise ship, usually rising through more than one story of the ship's interior Berth - a built-in bed or bunk, as in a ship's cabin or stateroom Bow - the very front of the ship Bridge - the navigational control centre Cabin or Stateroom Steward - a person whose work is to take care of the guests aboard a ship. Captain - the person in command of a ship Deck Plan - an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms Disembark - to unload (passengers or goods) from a ship Dock - where your ship 'parks' when in port Forward - faces the front of the boat Gangway - allows you access on and off the ship Knot - a nautical mile (see Nautical below) Midship - the middle of the ship Muster - to come together or assemble aboard ship for inspection or roll call Muster Station - a specific location on ship to gather, based on stateroom assignment Nautical - of or having to do with sailors, ships, or navigation. A unit of speed of one nautical mile (6,076.12 feet or 1,852 metres) an hour: abbrev. kn or kt [to average a speed of 10 knots] Pier - a structure built out over the water and supported by pillars or piles: used as a landing place. Port - the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward: opposed to starboard. Port - so named because the side toward the port (dock), since the steering oar (see starboard) prevented docking to the right. Port of Call - regular stopover(s) on a cruise itinerary. Purser - a ship's officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets, etc., esp. on a passenger vessel. Important to you - a Purser takes responsibility for all money, transactions. Port - the left hand side of the ship whilst facing forward (bow). Easy to remember since "port" and "left" each have four letters. Ship - You always cruise on a "ship", never a "boat" Starboard - the right side of the ship whilst facing forward (bow). Stateroom - your cabin or berth Stern - the very back of the ship Studios - Norwegian Epic's private keycard access complex comprised of staterooms designed and priced for the solo traveller. Also includes access to the private Studio Lounge. Studio Lounge - A private lounge aboard Norwegian Epic reserved exclusively for Studio guests. This is a place to relax, watch TV, have a drink and meet fellow Studio guests. Tender - a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.

When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best - it's your call. Feel Free to wear what you like. There is even a  special "Dress-Up or Not Night." It's the perfect opportunity to get your portrait taken with  the ship's Captain. Cruise Casual: the Freedom of Freestyle Cruising Dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most speciality restaurants. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required. Be sure to pack a sweater - the air conditioning can be chilly. Please Note: Tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears are not permitted in main dining rooms or speciality restaurants. All Decked-out: Smart Casual Dress smart casual in our more formal dining room or in our more upscale speciality restaurants. For women, it includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, it's jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Ready for Adventure: Shore Excursions Think about the shore excursions you'll be taking and pack accordingly, including comfy walking shoes. It's good to pack a pair of closed-toed shoes. Special Events: Theme Nights and Parties The newest event, Norwegian's Night Out, is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up for an evening of cocktails, fine dining and great entertainment. You may also want to pack an all-white ensemble for our iconic White Hot Party.

Nearly all onboard venues and activities, including entertainment, spas and casinos, will still be available with some temporary modifications or changes to activities due to the current public health environment. While on board, guests will be guided through any additional health and safety protocols.

If  there is no Solos Tour Leader on board due to low numbers, don't worry you can meet all the other solo guests on the ship in the Studio Lounge which is specifically designed for the single traveller, maybe for breakfast before a shore excursion or for drinks before dinner and there will be an onboard NCL Host to assist you.

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing. Final Boarding Time: In order to facilitate the embarkation process, the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note that guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at the port two (2) hours prior to sailing. Joining or debarking the ship at any time outside of the published embark/debark port is not permitted for the following reasons: Itineraries are subject to change without notice. Violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), if applicable. Approval to embark or disembark mid-cruise may be allowed only in cases of emergencies. Please note that embarking or disembarking mid-cruise may result in a violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), resulting in a fine starting at $798 per person. Boarding Time in Ports of Call: In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.

My NCL is where you either Log In or Create a profile for NCL.COM. Simply click on "Log In to My NCL" (top right of any page) to access all of your important pre-cruise information, complete your Online Check-In, book a cruise and reserve Shore Excursions. Once you've completed your Online Check-In you can download eDocs, a detailed summary of your cruise holiday that acts as your boarding pass.

The currency used on board is the U.S. $. When you check in you open a shipboard account by registering a major credit card such as VISA®, MasterCard® or American Express. If you prefer to pay by cash or traveller's cheques, a suggested deposit for a 7-night cruise is US $ 300 per person, US $ 150 per person for cruises up to 6 nights or US $ 450 per person for cruises of 8 nights and more at check-in (subject to change). Then, you simply sign for your personal expenses as you go and they will be charged to your account. Important: When your credit card is entered to activate your on-board account, an initial approval is obtained from the bank. Please be advised that some banks may hold the pre-authorisation for up to 30 days. Throughout the voyage incremental holds will be obtained based on your on-board expenditure. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in your bank account. Currency exchange, at prevailing rates, is available on some cruises. Travellers cheques and most major credit cards are accepted in the ports we visit. Proper ID is required when cashing travellers cheques. We recommend you carry a small amount of local currency when visiting foreign ports, although credit cards are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants.

All guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our ships. Please note that with the exception of Wine and Champagne, all guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our ships. If you purchase any alcohol at one of our ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, we will safely store your purchase(s) and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area. Wine & Champagne Policy Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below. 750 ml Bottle: $15.00 USD

Why is there a service charge? The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) are encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programmes that your service charge supports. How much is the charge? Onboard Service Charges are additional. How much are the service charges? For bookings made on or after April 1, 2022, that prepay their service charges before their sail date: $16.00 USD per person per day

The current on board is 110 volts & 220V AC. However, some high-voltage hair dryers, electric rollers and electric razors may require a converter

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced an enhanced room service menu. The new menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider variety of options available 24 hours. Individual items on the menu remain available on a complimentary basis and a convenience charge of up to $9.95 USD will be added to each order placed (Morning coffee, continental breakfast and orders placed by guests sailing in The Haven will not attract a charge)*. A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added for non-complimentary beverages and special occasion items. Room service is one of up to 29 dining options offered across the fleet, and guests continue to be able to enjoy a wide array of complimentary choices onboard 24 hours a day. *Prices subject to change.

Guests with special needs are welcomed.  The information you are provided with about your holiday (which may be on the NCL website, in brochures or elsewhere) before you make your booking will include a general indication of the suitability of the holiday for someone with reduced mobility. However, reduced mobility of course means different things to different individuals as we fully appreciate that individual capabilities, restrictions and requirements will vary considerably. If you suffer from reduced mobility or any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, please give us full details before booking so that we can provide you with precise information as to the suitability of the holiday taking into account your specific needs. Guests who have significant mobility impairments should travel with someone who will take responsibility for any assistance needed during the cruise and in the event of an emergency. Any assistance provided by Norwegian Cruise Line, its team members or service providers does not form part of the contracted services unless agreed differently in writing or where required by legal regulations (for example, in accordance with EU regulation 1107/2006 dated 5 July 2006 on the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air and EU regulation 1177/2010 dated 24 November 2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea). Any special requirements which we have accepted will be specifically confirmed as accepted on your confirmation invoice. Unless and until specifically confirmed as accepted, all special requests and requirements are subject to availability and do not form part of the contracted services. Norwegian Cruise Line have a limited number of staterooms per ship that are wheelchair accessible with grab rails in the bathrooms, lower sinks and toilets, shower seats, raised beds, adjustable hanging rods in wardrobes, tilting mirrors and extra wide doors for easy access. If you do use a wheelchair, you must bring your own and it must be collapsible.  All wheelchairs and scooters must be stored in your stateroom; they cannot be left in the hallway or any other public area. To ensure the safety of our guests and crew, wheelchairs may not be used to transfer from the ship to a tender. Guests in wheelchairs may consequently not be able to participate in certain activities or shore excursions in tender ports. Norwegian Cruise Line can only accept certain types of wheelchairs on board. Please see www.ncl.eu/about/accessible-cruising for further information. All guests who require medical equipment to be brought on board must advise Norwegian Cruise Line before sailing. Failure to do so may result in equipment not being cleared before departure. For hearing-/ vision-impaired guests, Norwegian Cruise Line have a limited number of staterooms with vibrating alarm clocks and a flashing light system alerting guests to fire alarms. For the vision-impaired, we allow registered guide dogs on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships (airline and international quarantine restrictions may apply and should be checked before booking your cruise). Guests who need oxygen or require oxygen therapy are welcome on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships; however, you must supply your own oxygen. U.S.-based Special Needs at Sea is the only company allowed to deliver and supply oxygen to Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Let us know at the time of booking that you'll be bringing oxygen on board, then contact Special Needs at Sea at 001 954 585 0575 to arrange delivery to the ship. Any physical challenge or medical condition that requires special treatment or attention must be reported to Norwegian Cruise Line at the time of booking. For certain conditions we ask for medical declaration and liability forms. Due to unpredictable circumstances at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line must reserve the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, based upon objective standards, is in a physical or mental condition that jeopardises the safe operation of the vessel, who poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or who may require care beyond that which Norwegian Cruise Line can provide. For guests with diabetes, refrigerators suitable for storing insulin are available in all staterooms except Studios (category T1 and T8). If you are on a low calorie diet, breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature low calorie, haute cuisine dishes. Sugar-free and fat-free desserts are also available. Gluten-free, lactose-free, sodium-free, Kosher and dairy-free diets can also be catered for and must be requested at least two months before your cruise. For further information see www.ncl.eu.

From the 12th October 2025 the EU is introducing a new European Entry System (EES) that will be phased in and fully operational by the 10th April 2026. Non-EU nationals including British passport holders will now be required to complete biometric checks on arrival and exit to Schengen countries, which will include facial recognition and fingerprints. There is no cost for this, and no action needs to be taken prior to departure.

General Passport Requirements

Six-Month Validity:

Most sailings require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your cruise ends.

Machine-Readable Passports:

For travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme, you must have a machine-readable passport with a digital photograph.

NCL Retaining Passports:

NCL personnel may need to keep your passport during most cruises. You must always carry a second government-issued photo ID as a result.

Specific Itinerary Exceptions

European Sailings: A passport is required for European sailings, with the exception of citizens of Schengen States whose itineraries do not leave EU territory.

South America & Panama Canal Sailings: Valid passports are mandatory for Panama Canal and South American sailings.

Russia (St. Petersburg): A valid tourist visa is required to go ashore independently.

Your Responsibility

Documentation Verification:

You are solely responsible for confirming all travel document and visa requirements for every country you visit.

Boarding Denial:

NCL can refuse boarding if you don't present valid ID and the necessary travel documents.