sld2727

We live local to Manhattan so we are driving to the port. When we board, do we have the option to carry on our own luggage or do we have to give our bags to NCL? It's only 5 nights and we're light packers. Just thinking through packing strategy. Are there cons to keeping the bags with us (other than having to roll them around the ship until our cabin is ready)? Also we're in Bermuda overnight and don't want to pay for expensive excursions. How easy is it to do a beach trip on our own? The kids want to see a pink sand beach! Thanks!

That's great to know!!

To clarify, we all have cell phones but I didn't think we'd be able to use them on the ship. I really don't want the kids to have wifi access while we're cruising although they are pretty responsible if I tell them no. No walkies make sense now that I really think about it.

Hubby and I haven't cruised since we had kids so I feel like that qualifies us as newbies but we've also never cruised NCL. We are on the Escape in 4 days, with our teenage children. I have a bunch of questions! I believe a lot has changed and there's no more 'formal' nights but we can still dress up one night, right? Also should we bring Lanyards for the kids to hold their room keys? Most of what they wear won't have pockets. Since there's no cell phones, can we bring 2 way radios or will they not really work? Does it make sense to bring our own snorkels and masks to bring to the beach (not doing excursions). What about beach towels or Refillable water bottles? Finally, any suggestions on how to dress? I don't think it will be hot but should be warmish?? We're NY'ers so I know in NYC it will be chilly but how is it when we're out to sea? Thank you!