OutdoorGirl

Avoid the buffet on sail away day (O'Sheehans will be open).

Thanks for all the tips. Was hoping that the MDR would be open on embarkation day, in that it would be a far calmer place than the buffet. Presumably, from your comments, it's closed?

Sailing in 8 days, yay!

They do say absolutely nothing can be brought off food-wise but that being said exit security tends to be fairly standard and they probably wouldn’t notice. There were one or two stops where they search your bag. Nicaragua for sure

OK, thank you. That’s pretty conclusive then, won’t be risking taking any type of snack off the ship! Thanks again for pointing this out.

Quote: "Which brings me to one point people may want to be aware of if considering the Panama Canal. Excursions that range around the four hour mark do not feed you and most do not have time for you to stop and grab food. They usually start around 10/11 and you’re back about 2/3. Because it’s Central America you cannot bring food off the ship. So if you don’t deal well with not eating for a substantial amount of time bear that in mind."

We'll be following in your footsteps on the February 2nd sailing out from Los Angeles and have enjoyed reading your comments on your excursions; lots of useful info and helped to build up the pre-cruise excitement. Thank you!

Is it OK to take pre-packed items off the ship that are bought in the US before bearding in LA, such as sealed packs of cookies, chips (biscuits & crisps in the UK!) or snack bars? I understand the reasons behind not taking fruit or food items from the buffet ashore, but does your comment relate to all food items including those that have been packed and sealed before purchase from a store? Are they extra strict in Central America?

Many thanks.

Thanks so much ozscotart for your reassuring and very helpful comments. We’d been coming to the conclusion that driving would be the most logical and appropriate way to get up to where we are staying (Titusville on the Space Coast) and you have certainly confirmed that. Many thanks. We’ll need a car for our week’s stay there anyway, so it does make sense!

Thanks both. Yes, we had been wondering about driving but were a bit daunted by the high volume of traffic etc etc which we thought might be rather nerve wracking for us Brits!

We're cruising from Los Angeles to Miami from 2nd -16th February and now looking to book an internal flight out from Miami airport up to Orlando. Any information on likely disembarkation times would be gratefully received to help us decide what time flight to choose. Many thanks.

That certainly is good news, thanks very much for that information; does seem to make a lot of sense too. Couldn't quite believe that all the tables in the 3 MDR's only had tables at 5.30 or 8.30, so reassuring to hear that that's not the case!

Definitely a relaxed approach is the way to go, and seeing as we have the drinks package we could always have another drink or two whilst we wait for a table!

Thank you very much to everyone who has taken the time to reply to my query.

All very useful advice and interesting to hear of the different experiences.

Our first time with NCL was on the Sun to Alaska last September and on that occasion we didn't make any advanced bookings except for the Bistro one night.

We never had to wait more that a couple of minutes for a table for two in one of the 2 MDR's, even at popular times. Also the 'live availability boards' showed spaces most of the time, except on the last night. I guess we were lulled into a false sense of security by this!

So, following on from the helpful comments, we've now made bookings for the first four nights and I think it will mean we'll be more relaxed about the dining as a result.

Really looking forward to our cruise, not long now as we sail on 10th May!

Really looking forward to our cruise on the Breakaway and like the sound of freestyle anytime dining. I had assumed that this meant we didn't need to book ahead, that we can decide on the day what time we fancy eating and at that point go to a particular restaurant. However, just been into 'my account' and looked at the Dining options and all the complementary restaurants say 'booking highly recommended.' The only options for a table for two in the Manhattan Room, Taste and Savour the entire week are bookings for 5.30pm and 8.30pm. Does this mean lots of folks are pre-planning their meals for the whole cruise BEFORE they sail? Have we missed our chance for a 7.30 table? Really disappointed if this is the case. Would welcome advice and comments please.

Thanks very much to you all for your really helpful comments- think I can relax on the question of disembarkation as a result of your replies. Thanks too for all the great photos Karen; helps to build up the anticipation!

First time on an NCL ship and first time in Alaska, all very exciting! Can't find any information on the NCL website about disembarkation and am wondering how they organise the luggage. We have booked a transfer to Anchorage with ACT Big Bus (September 8th), leaving 9.45, so will need to get off the ship in good time. Can you choose your own disembarkation time? Do we take our luggage off with us or is it all sorted out the night before, and if so what happens about picking up the suitcases again once we are off the ship? Would be good to know what the procedure is in advance, so would be very grateful for comments from members. Many thanks.