paulis

I have used my Starbucks card without issue on the Escape, Joy and most recently Prima.

I believe NCL does have certified lifeguards on board. https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/press-releases/norwegian-cruise-line-add-lifeguards-fleet

I just got off the Prima a couple weeks ago and completely agree with everything @awinte2 just said. That being said, if it's the itinerary you're going for - you'll have a great time. NCL went with something different and with that comes risks. Would I travel Prima again for the standard Caribbean stops - no. But if there were specifics port I wanted to visit - sure. I'm sure the follow up ships in the class will be very different based on what has been experienced from all on board.

We've been sailing with our kids for years and found you can also order anything from the menus of main dining rooms. The kids menu is pretty lackluster (as you can see above) so we just took a picture of MDR menus and ordered. No one has ever questioned it.

Have them take a look at https://www.goport.com/ -- gets you a hotel stay and round trip transportation to Port Canaveral from Orlando area.

The entire pricing/marketing system has been like this for years. It's a great pull for new cruisers who 'think' they are getting a screaming deal when in fact this is the same deal that has been going on for years. The cruiselines hemorrhaged over the last years and must now attempt to make up for it as quickly as possible. Pricing is up, fees are up and the amount of 'free' stuff is quietly reduced and limited as years go on. As with any trip, it simply comes down to the final number. If folks think it's too high they'll spend their dollars elsewhere and the lines might have to adjust. But yes, it always feels very bait and switch...

The simple answer is "No". If you try, they'll simply pull them from your luggage and hold it until the end of the cruise. You can always request an iron and ironing board from housekeeping.

It should also be noted that you can order anything from a main dining room and have it delivered to a specialty restaurant. We've done this many times in the past as the children's menu is beyond lacking.