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The NCL Vibe Beach Club: All you need to know about this exclusive cruise ship space

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If you’ve ever wanted your own serene place in the sun on a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing, you’re in luck. Vibe Beach Club, NCL’s exclusive sun deck, offers a peaceful oasis amid the daily hustle and bustle of ship life.

You’ll pay for the privilege of lounging here, but your entry fee comes with a few decent perks, which I’ll outline here. Find out all you need to know about this kids-free area, found only on a few vessels.

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What is the Norwegian Vibe Beach Club?

Rows of padded sun loungers in a row next to a walking path on a cruise ship sun deck
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Viva. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian’s exclusive pay-to-enter adults-only sun deck, is a relaxing space for anyone 18 or older who enjoys working on their tan.

Layouts vary from ship to ship, but passengers who purchase passes will have access to amenities like a dedicated bar, sun loungers, padded clamshell-style daybeds (first come, first served), seating alcoves, chilled towels, food and beverage service, fresh fruit, and water spritzers. Although Vibe locations don’t have pools, they do have hot tubs; ships in the line’s Prima Class are outfitted with infinity-style tubs.

Vibe’s top-deck alfresco location allows for fantastic ocean views — especially on ships where the area features a two-deck layout.

Space is limited, but because Vibe is outdoors, its popularity depends on the sailing region. If your ship is Alaska-bound, fewer people will be clamoring for the available spots. If you’re booked on a Caribbean sailing, however, you’ll want to reserve in advance or as soon as you board your ship if you don’t want to miss out.

Hours vary by sailing. Food, drink and bar service are dependent on the weather.

NCL Vibe Beach Club price

Clusters of tables and chairs next to a bar on a cruise ship sun deck
The Vibe Beach Club bar on Norwegian Encore. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The cost of the NCL Vibe Beach Club varies from voyage to voyage, depending on cruise length. Passes for seven-day sailings start at $229 per person. Daypasses are not available.

Note that this price was accurate at the time of publication; it’s subject to change without notice.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What’s actually included in your cruise fare

Is Vibe Beach Club worth it?

A row of deck chairs on a cruise ship sun deck in front of a row of padded cabana alcoves
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Paying hundreds of dollars for sunbathing space when lounge chairs are free elsewhere on the ship might not sound appealing to some cruisers. Is NCL Vibe Beach Club worth it?

The answer is completely subjective. If you’re desperate for a quiet place without children where you can catch some rays and not have to fight for a deck chair or wait in line at the pool bar for a drink, it’s probably worth the price for you.

However, if you’re on a budget, someone who sunburns easily and prefers shaded outdoor spaces, traveling with children who aren’t in the kids club or in need of easy access to a pool or food options, there are likely better places for you to spend your time on board.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren’t)

Which NCL ships have Vibe Beach Club?

A cruise ship hot tub and railings raised on tiered decking and overlooking the ocean
A hot tub at Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

You’ll find Vibe on eight ships in the Norwegian fleet:

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers: