Coastalbreezes

When I became Ambassador a few years ago they sent a beautiful Away brand travel tote bag. It has the NCL Latitiudes/Amabassador logo on it.

At Onda with the dining coupon they do restrict you to one appetizer/pizza/salad, one entree and one dessert. If using your dining package, the staff is more flexible: tell your server you'd like to try X appetizer, X pizza, X salad, etc and they will usually accommodate you (at least in my my experience). Do not miss the Butterscotch Budino for dessert -- it's amazing.

7 hours ago, Marlin girl said:

Hello.  Our check in time next week is 9:30 AM.  What time do they open the doors for check in and what time do they actually start the process of getting on the ship.  Also, is best place to make dinner reservations still across from Le Bistro by Comedy Club?  It’s been a while since we’ve cruised NCL.  Thanks everyone so much!

Correct. Across from Bistro on deck 6 is where you will go to make reservations.

Thank you for such an extensive review and beautiful photos. You traveled to places that are still on my bucket list and now I need to begin planning!

Margaritaville was replaced by American Diner which is an a la carte restaurant (not free).

Once you've checked in at 21 days prior to your cruise, your boarding docs and luggage tags will be available within days. When you scroll down to the section "At The Pier" you'll see an icon that says "print luggage tags here". If you do not get the opportunity to print them prior to departure you definitely can get them at the port. 

There's little I don't like at Q although the meats are always hit or miss. I've had delicious brisket and ribs but also had too dry brisket and ribs.I do enjoy the deviled eggs, the cornbread and the bread pudding or brownie for dessert.

I've met many people who booked Vibe while staying in the Haven. Their main reason was having a full bar as opposed to relying on Haven cocktail servers (who don't frequent the sundeck as often as they probably should).

3 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

NCL passengers who reach ambassador with the latitudes program get an NCL gold name tag with their name on it.

 

 

This is no longer true. Many years ago NCL did present a handful of people (a few Ambassadors and VIPs) with these tags that were identical to employee name tags. They were intended to be a symbol of loyalty appreciation. There are people who continue to wear these tags on cruises and it is misleading and confusing to guests which is why the tags were discontinued.

Dinner is set: salad, chicken parm with rigatoni and carrot cake for dessert. You may substitute eggplant parm for the chicken. I've seen two shows recently on Escape (Motown Divas and Abba tribute). Both were excellent. You must have reservations even though it's free as shows do sell out.

There's an option to charge slot play to your cabin but you will incur a 3% convenience fee.

Whenever I get a drink or soda, I always give the bartender or server a cash tip.

Cheaper on board as for Marlboro there is usually a buy 3 get one free promo. St. Thomas you are allowed 5 cartons to bring into the US but as of last year there is now a "sin tax" on alcohol and cigs purchased there. Cartons in St. Thomas average $50/per.

15 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

My family doesn't drink enough even for the basic drink package, so I have no clue about this but the question I'd have is - can you upgrade on the first night to the premium package from the regular beverage package after seeing what drinks are available on your actual ship?  Our NCL ship had a decent amount of things they ran out of (bananas, kids cereal, skim milk containers) that I could understand someone not being sure if they want to pay for the premium package until they know what it actually contains on their sailing.  Is upgrading to premium onboard an option or would it be much more expensive to upgrade while onboard?  It wouldn't help if they ran out of stuff mid-cruise, but would at least minimize your chances of disappointment.

Yes you can upgrade on board the first day only. For a 7-day cruise the upgrade is $243.60. Well worth it in my opinion because it also includes Starbucks, energy drinks and bottled water (Acqua Panna and Pellegrino).

I was recently on Escape with the P+ package and was satisfied with the selection of wines by the glass/bottle offered. Yes the selections change often due to supply issues but the P+ offerings are definitely better than the low-end "house" wines. It's not false advertising, it's what is available.

In the last six months NCL has changed the appearance of the wine list. It used to have designations in bold that read "premium plus". Now when presented with the list (in my experience two months ago) I was told that pretty much everything on the left side of the menu was available for P+ by the glass or bottle. You make it sound like you only had two choices which is not true.

I have several crew friends (bartenders, wait staff, restaurant managers etc) who are scheduled to join Viva in July.

On 5/29/2023 at 4:38 PM, goldmom said:

I could be mistaken, but don't most of the casinos have ATM's that also cash the casino coupons?

If so, that could have been an option.  But, I'm sorry this happened to you.  We have mistakenly walked off ships with coupons but usually for very small amounts.

Anyway, it's a good reminder to passengers to make sure to cash in their coupons.

I agree with you -- the OP could have just taken the vouchers to the ATM/bill breaker/redemption machine near the cashier. Guest services should have suggested that.

On your e-docs near the top of page one it will say "Casinos at Sea".

On 5/28/2023 at 9:42 PM, bmwman said:

I know this is about the current crew but I can not help reminding myself of the greats of the past,

 

The late Great Papi still missed by so many

Another great who left us too soon Richard Janicki -

Mustafa Gulbahar - amazing 

Errol Nelson - Wonderful man 

Klaus Lugmeir  -Unique truly unique

Dennis Preguda 

Armando Da Silva 

Sean W.

Adrian Bica

Boris Kojic

 

And many many more Thank you for making our cruises so special and to Richard and Papi we know you watch from upon high fly high gents, 

 

 

 

Klaus is still with the company and is a regional VP of Fleet Hotel Operations. Just saw him on Escape April 16th.

You are correct: non-Haven guests may only visit your suite and are not allowed to access any of the facilities. Also at the discretion of the concierge, your guests might be able to join you once for dinner in the Haven restaurant but at a charge. It used to be around $35/pp. Speak to your butler or concierge about room service.

My two favorites on Joy are Q and Ocean Blue.

There is no buffet at lunch time in the Haven.

9 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Yes. The casino is open while at anchor at GSC. Tables will open late as people start coming back from the beach. 

For years the casino was open while anchored at GSC but not anymore. Perhaps it varies by ship but I was just on Escape a few weeks ago and the casino opened about 30 minutes after we departed. Completely closed during the day. Also of note is while docked in St. Thomas the casino was open two hours BEFORE our departure.

3 hours ago, jeepers13 said:

Great, thank you

So, worth it?

Suites on any ship are worth it in my opinion. I had an aft suite (0264) last year on Sky and it was nice having all the extra space and large balcony. Being an older ship, the TV situation was bit wonky with limited channels and an old-school DVR with movies list you could request from the butler. Otherwise no complaints. Sky has only 14 suites so the concierge has more time to connect with you and help you with anything you need (reservations etc).

As far as actually receiving casino offers directly from NCL, it's pretty random. Some people get offers via email for tournaments and other events while others do not. Other than activating offers from your land-based casino your best bet is to call Casinos at Sea directly to see what type of comp they can give you. https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/casino-cruise