NclCruiuser

on the subject of luggage, I have some old soft sided suitcases that are quite heavy. What do you suggest - soft or hard sided, what size for both "baggage" and carry on and brand/model suggestions. Definitely want something with 4 wheels. Glad I found this board, great group and immensely helpful. Thanks to all.... Steve

saw a video suggesting somehow marking your luggage for easier identification at disembarkation port (NY). Suggestions? Thanks.... Steve

have a question about booking dinner at the specialty restaurants. Just picked one I wanted and tried to make a reservation, but it was going to charge my credit card. Found out I had to wait till I was on board to use the on board credit (duh). Given that I can't make a reservation till I board, will the concierge be able to get me a date/time that works for me? I see already that a bunch of time slots are already booked. Don't want to find only available time slot is 9:30. Anyone found this to be an issue? Thanks... Steve

It will use the E-ZPass system, same as what is used now.

not sure how this will affect anything, but Congestion pricing will have just started in NYC and people might be crazed trying to find alternative streets and ways to travel. I will be going down the West Side Hiway to the pier but have not figured out yet how to get back on Northbound without getting trapped and having to pay. Best... Steve

A few people on the board have mentioned great fares/deals etc. Are you finding these on the NCL site? I booked a Haven from the Marriott points website. Pretty much what I saw on NCL - 1/2 price and free at sea except I get additional points. Do you wait till last minute to sail date and hope for the best? Are you able to get cabin of your choice? Much appreciated... Steve

We are going in June. My wife tells me that later in the year is hurricane season. Not sure where you are sailing from and these days with crazy climate changes, might not make any difference anyway. Best.... Steve

afternoon - hope everyone is staying dry and safe. Quick question - will be on the Joy staying in the Courtyard Penthouse with balcony (HF) room. Will I need to bring a nightlight or two? What about enough outlets for charging IPADs, phones, CPAP machine, etc. Do I bring some European plug converters? Will the Cruise line provide extension cords if needed? Have seen mentions in this group about candy for the crew. How much and what did you bring? Who do you give it to and how do you do that? Anything else I should know about? Best... Steve

A virtual cup of coffee or cocktail of your choice as a thank you for all the great advice, especially finding out that there is a 10% discount for Military. Had already paid in full so had to call the cruise line and also Marriott Points but they applied the discount and will refund the difference back to my credit card. I do have some ancillary questions about electric plugs/adapters and shore excursions but will put them in a new post. All my best... Steve

for those who have left out of NYC, is the Haven check-in area any better than it had been? I can only find posts dating back to 2022 and none of them very complimentary. Small tine area, hard chairs, no snack/food area, etc. Thanks... Steve

we have the Unlimited Open Bar package. Is bottled water not included? Do I have to buy an additional package just to take any kind of bottled water to the beach? Best... Steve

What is the general rule for tipping? I'll handle bar tenders, etc but for the concierge and butler (anyone else?) how much is appropriate. Since there seems to be day and night staff, do you tip each of them? BTW one thing I just found out and hated - I booked through the Marriott points program and got my "final" bill that I paid. When I called NCL to ask about one of their policies she asked it I wanted to pay for the tips now? I was like - WHAT?? I had already paid a large amount for "additional fees". I asked and she told me $25 per day per person for waiters, back staff, etc. I'm fine with those charges but why not include it in what I just paid rather than surprise me with it later. Best... Steve

Thanks for all the advice - booked the Haven Courtyard. Any suggestions for travel insurance beside Allianz?

we traveled on Holland years ago and loved it. Key on this cruise was leaving out of NY for convenience.

Good morning - will be traveling in June on the NCL Joy and have a few questions about the Haven rooms. The ones currently available are Haven penthouse - HI, Haven Courtyard - HF, and the Haven Courtyard - HE. Been reading as much as I can but could someone tell me if it is better to be part of the Haven Courtyard or have access to it. I do have some mobility and balance issues so being jostled by crowds not my favorite time. Also want to make sure that the rooms are quiet. Seems like the ones outside of the main area are also part of the general ship so concerned about kids running up and down the halls, very noisy people coming from bars, etc. Suggestions about which category to choose and if possible, what room, assuming it is available. Have only been on a few cruises several years ago if I don't count 2 years on a destroyer. Much appreciated....