Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has begun notifying the public about its late checkout service—available for an additional fee on select European sailings.
Beginning in March 2025, passengers on certain NCL ships leaving from European ports can opt for a late checkout. Instead of rushing to have everything ready in the morning, they can enjoy a leisurely buffet lunch and catch an evening flight.
The memo sent to travel partners reads: “NCL is excited to announce the launch of our new Late Checkout Service! Available on select ships and European sailings only, Late Checkout Service allows your clients to enjoy the ship and all its amenities on debarkation day, until their airport transfer departure time.”
Rules for Late Checkout
The cost is $49 per person and $39 for children three to 12 years old. Passengers must be part of NCL’s air/sea manifest or purchase an airport transfer onboard the vessel. They can also arrange their own transfer from the vessel.
Additionally, late checkout guests will meet at 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm at a designated area so they can leave for the airport at 1:00 pm or 1:30 pm.
Though they still need to vacate their staterooms at 8:30 am, their luggage will be stored until their departure time.
Those who avail of the service are advised to schedule flights after 5:00 pm if they’re leaving from Barcelona, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. On the other hand, vacationers flying from Trieste, Civitavecchia/Rome, Piraeus/Athens, and Southampton (London Heathrow) should book flights that depart after 6:00 pm.
Which Sailings Are Eligible?
The company has already listed which NCL cruise ship itineraries are eligible for late checkout, namely:
- Norwegian Breakaway sailings leaving from Barcelona, Spain and Trieste, Italy from March 28 to November 7, 2025
- Norwegian Dawn sailings leaving from Lisbon, Portugal; Civitavecchia, Italy; Trieste, Italy; Southampton, United Kingdom; and Barcelona, Spain from March 30 to November 2, 2025
- Norwegian Epic sailings leaving from Civitavecchia, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal from May 14 to November 13, 2025
- Norwegian Pearl sailings leaving from Southampton, United Kingdom; Civitavecchia, Italy; Piraeus, Greece; and Trieste, Italy from May 8 to October 15, 2025
- Norwegian Prima sailings leaving from Southampton, United Kingdom and Reykjavik, Iceland from May 11 to October 20, 2025
- Norwegian Sky sailings leaving from Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Trieste, Italy from June 4 to December 6, 2025
- Norwegian Star sailings leaving from Lisbon, Portugal; Southampton, United Kingdom; and Reykjavik, Iceland from March 31 to November 20, 2025
- Norwegian Viva sailings leaving from Lisbon, Portugal; Civitavecchia, Italy; Piraeus, Greece; and Trieste, Italy from April 26 to November 28, 2025
You can contact NCL directly about specific cruises.
Most major cruise lines require passengers to disembark early in the morning, typically before 9:00 am, allowing the crew to prepare the ship for incoming guests.
However, Virgin Voyages automatically offers a late checkout option to all passengers. Based on their policies, guests can disembark until 10:45 a.m.
