dmac37

Going on our first NCL cruise in 3 days. Going by our preferences and reviews here we are going Le Bistro- Cagney's- Le Bistro. Just not sure what steak to order.

I usually order the largest filet Pittsburgh style but may try the Tomahawk if available. Also going to use OBC for Los Lobos.

It sounds like Le Bistro and Cagney's are the best restaurants so I booked our 3 meal SDP at these 2 and also going to try Los Lobos using some OBC.

We will be on the Dawn this weekend and hoping to get some last minute advice on tips you may recommend. Feel free to post any type of advice you may have to get the most out of our time.

I have researched quite a bit on the CC forums but here are a few questions I have.

Best breakfast- MDR, Buffet or O'Sheehan's

Favorite bar/lounge area to enjoy a drink with a great atmosphere, good live music a plus

Favorite dish/meal, specialty restaurant and free meals- if you could go back what dish would be a must have

We have the UBP and plan on going back to the ship for lunch. We will buy some drinks from the swim up pool bar at Harvest Caye but would also like to bring a few large drinks with us when coming from the ship.

What would be the best drink/container to order so we each have a couple of large drinks to go?

I'm also interested in this. Also wondering while on board if there is a way to see the menu for the week to help decide when you want to go to the MDR vs another option.

Yes, all the mandatory ones will be done if you pay the $189. The only other gratuities will be what you decide to give out.

OK thanks. It looks like there was confusion but I thought this was the case.

Yes. But you paid 18% of the value of the beverage package, not the DSC.

Notice that your paid statement shows that the $189 is the $99pp gratuity on the beverage package. It does not say it is the Daily Service Charge.

The gratuity on my statement that has been paid is $198 total for the beverage package gratuities for 2 people.

The $189 yet to be paid is the daily service charge for gratuities for on ship(nothing to do with the beverage package), this can be paid now or later.

Other than the $189 that I will pay, there should be no other gratuity service charges, correct?

Here is what it states on my NCL summary in regards to paying the $189 service charge:

The convenience of pre-paying service charges allows you to plan your budget prior to your cruise giving you additional freedom while on board. A discretionary charge of $13.50 USD per person per day for all guests 3 years or older will automatically be added to your onboard account. Your service charges will total $189.00 USD for all guests, for your entire cruise. Guests sailing to Hawaii will be charged an additional 4.275% Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax

As you have stated, that $189 is the 18% gratuities charged for that beverage package. You can prepay it and, as the NCL rep said, there will be no additional gratuities due -- for drinks. That is not the DSC -- Daily Service Charge. If you do not ALSO prepay the DSC it will be added each day to your onboard account.

That is not correct. On my paid statement it shows $99pp paid for the beverage service charge, that is in print.

The $189 is for gratuities that can be paid pre cruise or not. Does this not seem correct?

Are you able to use on board ship credit for food and drinks at Harvest Caye?

$189 is the 18% gratuity on the retail price of the ultimate drink package (which retails for $79 per person per day).

 

Once onboard you will be subject to 13.50 per person per day as the service charge for your room steward, the cooks, various staff you don't see, etc.

We already paid our Guest fare, gov tax port exp fees, and beverage service charge@$99pp- the UBP was our free at sea choice.

I called NCL and the $189 is for gratuities. We have the option to pre pay now our at the end of the cruise. Once these are paid there will be no other additional gratuity charges unless we were go to the spa or something like that and have added gratuities.

The Daily Service Charges are an additional cost. They go toward the housekeeping staff, wait staff and many other staff members

Right now our service charges are listed at $189. I thought this was for the housekeeping, waitstaff etc...

Are you saying we pay the $189 + whatever the other charges end up being?? If that is the case what is the $189 for?

Is there an advantage to pre paying the service charge? We have the UBP and 3 specialty dinner package which I think all service charges are all ready included.

Is there any scenario where we would be responsible for any additional service charges if we pre pay now?

For clarification, do you wish to snorkle Half Moon Bay in the village if West End or do you wish to snorkle West Bay? Do you want access to beach chair, potties, showers and food while in your snorkle spot?

I guess it is actually west bay, if this is the area with the kidney shaped area. I think we will prefer beach chairs and maybe snorkel rental, not sure if we are bringing our own yet.

After much research I have decided that while in Roatan we want to snorkel in West End and go to Daniel Johnson's to see the monkeys and sloths.

What would be the best economical way to accomplish these two activities? Is there a group tour that would do these 2 stops vs needing to do a private tour?

:eek: WOW Thanks so much for these pictures, we are booked for 3rd week in March and cannot wait. These pictures are amazing.

Yes I agree about those Champagne prices and really hope they do not go up. I think I will be ordering bottle of Moet and bottle of Veuve :D

Question, I may have missed this but can we use on NCL Sign and Sail Card? Then I assume the Butler for the Cabana brings these for us. Of course we will tip him or her well :)

Also one other question I know several mentioned there is a liquor store and I assume there are soda's sold there. I wonder if by chance they have Dr. Pepper.

Am I missing something, everyone is excited for $50 bottles of champagne.... Wine and beer seem much better at $4 each???

Looking for a all inclusive day resort while in port for our cruise. Most seem to recommend Maya Chan but Almaplena sounds like it is really nice with clearer water and better snorkeling than Maya Chan.

What are the major differences and if you have been to both which would recommend for the overall quality of the experience?

It is a bummer that the UBP is not honored but $4 & $5 for beer and wine is not too bad. Are the prices at the swim up bars the same as the other bars?

I have found a great hotel option for 2 nights post cruise with Valentino Hotel group in the FQ but they require a 2 night minimum on Saturday.The rate per night starts from $78.

Do you know of any other hotels in the FQ or near NCL cruise port for less than $100 and will do a one night stay on a Saturday?

The Valentino Group price also includes all taxes and fees if you book direct with them. Here are their hotels for those looking for a good cheap hotel option in the FQ:

Place D Armes

French Market Inn

Prince Conti

Hotel St. Marie

Lafayette Hotel

Ok sounds good, just wanted to confirm that walking from Julia Station to NCL terminal was an option.

Thank you!

I could not find any recent information if the Riverfront Streetcar is an option from the French Quarter to the cruise ship.

Can you get off at the Julia Station and walk to the Norwegian cruise ship?