a few questions for first-timer

[kateydid14]

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right?

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it?

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

[Toyz711]

let's handle your last question 1st:

did you book lamanai through NCL? if so, then the excursion tickets will be waiting in your cabin. on the tickets will be where to meet for the tenders. for us, all NCL excursions and VIPs met in the theater...each excursion was called and told to go down to the tenders as soon as the ship was cleared for disembarkment. all NCL excursions were on the 1st tender, along with the VIP and suite guests.

easy tendering and not worrying about time, is one reason i recommend booking this tour through NCL.

if you booked through a independent, you will need to read the daily for when they will be handing out tender tickets. usually about 7am near the customer service desk. one person can get all the tickets for their party.

1st come for early tender tickets.

on our lamania trip, we were on the bus and heading out by the time the 2nd tender arrived.

the tenders will be lined up and waiting, when the ship anchors. as soon as one tender leaves the gangway, another comes up and starts taking passengers.

[Globaliser]

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

The basic position is this:-

• If you pay the $12 pppd charge, you do not have to tip any more to any restaurant staff (or to your room stewards).
• On the assumption that you will be buying your fair share of chargeable drinks: Bar bills have an additional 15% automatically added to them. If you pay this, you do not have to tip any more to bar staff - even for the little extras like tap water.

[Toyz711]

for the rest of your questions:

you are right,there are no refrigs in cabins under suite level (on the Spirit). you can request one, but those that need them for meds or kids get them 1st. we took a small soft-sided cooler, just big enough for a couple small bottles of soda. they were good as keeping ice in the ice bucket and in our cooler. many make this request before the cruise, but some have said they have gotten one by asking the steward.

 

we didn't need a egg crate, but the steward will get one if you ask.

 

NCL has started a new deal, with the speciality restaurants. it's talked about on other threads. it's a discount deal for pre-buying a certain number of nights. i don't know that much about it, since we don't use the specialities that much. the times we have used them, we got reservations the day before or even the day of. the reservations desk is right next to the customer service desk on deck 7. you can call from any phone on the ship, including the one in your cabin. the couple of times i went to check on times available, there wasn't a line.

 

no need for extra tipping, at all. BUT we do tip extra for something exceptional. the speciality waiters are the same waiters from the MDR, they rotate and, yes, they are part of the tip pool.

[Got Tequila?]

a few questions for first-timer

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December. No stupid questions, it's much better you go on your cruise informed...:D

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right? I've never seen NCL comment on how many bags per person, so I really wouldn't worry about the weight or number of bags.

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

Ask your cabin steward on the ship. The refrigerators are available in limited supply, and first priority is those who need them to store medication in.

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it? Another item to request from your cabin steward, and again there may be a limited supply...so request quickly.

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose? Restaurant reservations are made on the ship, and depending upon your latitude level and cabin type determines how far in advance you can book them. Standard is 24 hours in advance, and can be made on the phone or down in the Atrium area.

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges? We typically tip for exceptional service only, and the amount can be put on your room account, or you can do this in cash. The crew typically appreciates seeing the $ in my opinion.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash? See answer above.

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card? The soda and bar item receipts come with a standard 15% tip already added in to the total. If you are ordering water/tea the server will not take your card, since these are included items....so I've always given the server a cash tip for these cases.

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore? Answered, see post above...

 

Thanks in advance! Your welcome, enjoy your cruise!

 

Katey

[gemsm]

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right?

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

 

If I am not mistaken a refrigerator is standard in balcony cabins but I could be wrong. (Sorry guess they aren't on the SPirit and I am wrong :( )

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it?

 

Haven't got a clue...never asked for one. I like NCLs beds and I am usually so tired by the time I get in it I could care less :)

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

 

24 hours in advance unless you are in a suite. Stand in line or possibly by phone but you are better off standing in line.

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

 

Included in that and your "cover" charge.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

 

Cash

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

 

Included....the 15% gratuity is automatically charged for drinks you must pay for and you can purchase NOTHING on the ship unless it goes on your on board account. That includes excursions, duty free shops on board, cover charges for restaurants etc....You will only need cash for extra tips and the casino and when you get off the ship.

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Already answered :)

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

[Arwenmark]

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right?

 

You can carry on what you wish other than prohibited items of course, alcohol etc.

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

 

I believe all the current NCL ships have refrigerators in all balcony cabins, they will be full of items but you can have the steward remove those if you wish

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it?

 

Find the steward as soon as possible after you board and request one since they only have so many

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

 

in a balcony you can make specialty dining reservations 48 hours in advance of the time you want to dine. you cannot make them before boarding and you can do this by phone in the cabin or at the kiosks set up in the lobby

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

 

You can certainly tip them if you wish but they ARE included in the 12 a day.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

 

Yes it can be added to your keycard or in cash your choice

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

 

Normally if you want water or iced tea you would go get it, anything you order from a drinks waiter you should tip for, if it is soda etc it will have the tip already added to the bill you must sign when you get your drink

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

If it is a ship sponsered excurstion then you will meet on board where told and be on one of the first tenders. If you are booking a private excursion then you will need to get down as soon as they announce you can get lift tickets to try to get a low number. you cannot reserve them.

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

 

Hope that helps

[johnql]

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right?

Yes, 2 checked bags. An additional carry-on is not a problem. Unofficially, however, I don't think anyone has ever been stopped for taking aboard more than what the official policy states. I'm sure they have an official policy just in case they need to point something out when someone truly abuses the policy.

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

Yes, you can request a mini-fridge and you can do so ahead of time. However, I'm under the impression that it's primarily provided for medical purposes (keeping certain meds cold). I could be wrong about that.

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it?

I'm pretty sure you will have to wait until you're on the ship.

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

Prior to the recent introduction of the "Your Ticket to Dine" program, reservations for specialty restaurants could not be made in advance. However, if you're interested in purchasing one of the restaurant packages, you should contact your TA or NCL (if you booked directly) and purchase one of the packages. That's the only way I know of to do it in advance. Once on the ship, you will be able to book for same day and next day. Reservations can be made a number of ways (usually a desk is set up in the atrium, there's usually a person in the buffet, you can go to each restaurant in person, or you can phone a reservations line). Reservations cannot be made via the cabin TV.

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

Tipping is entirely personal. I do not believe "average/good" service warrants a tip.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

In a specialty restaurant, you can tip either with cash or by adding it to your charge slip (charged to your shipboard account). With room stewards, you'll need to use cash since there's nothing to sign for.

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

Sorry, I've never ordered an included drink from a waiter/waitress. Any charged drink will automatically have a 15% gratuity added to your charge slip that you need to sign to approve the charge.

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

The Freestyle Daily (daily publication of ship's activities, distributed each night for the following day's activities) should provide the details of the tendering process. Usually, passengers who are booked on the ship's excursions are tendered first. Passengers with independent excursions usually have to wait.

[mpk218]

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right? Bring what ever you want no one will check numbers of bags , But 2 bags each plus cary-on is already to much .

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship? You dont say wich ship , But you should have a fridge most do .

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it? Ask your room stewered when you board.

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? No ..Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Yes ....Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations Yes ..or can you handle this by phone from your cabin Yes.... or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges? Its basicly included , But alot of people tip extra depeding on service.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Yes... Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash? I do ...

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Yes... Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? No that tip will go on the bill automaticly 15-18%...And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

 

 

Hope that helps..

[mpk218]

Boy I sure wish I had waited a few minutes :eek: :p

[CTCruisers]

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right?

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship?

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it?

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose?

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges?

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash?

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card?

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

1) I have never seen any limit on luggage enforced. We usually only bring 1 bag and a carry-on for each of us. But, we have seen couples with a lot more bags than that. In your room you will have enough room to store the empty bags under your beds.

 

2) I think you have to wait until you get on board, but it cannot hurt to have your TA see if they can order it. We had an inside cabin, so we did not have a fridge. We brought a collapsible ice bag with us.

 

3) Same as 2

 

4) I believe you have to wait until the morning of each day to make a reservation. There is a phone number to call so you do not have to wait in a line.

 

5) The daily service fee covers tips for room stewards and waiters

 

6) You can add tips to your bill. I would think you have to approach someone like the front desk if you want it to go to a specific person unless you want to hand out cash. (I have no experience with this)

 

7) All waiters by the pool have tips added automatically to the bar tab you get for orders. I have never asked a waiter to bring water, though.

[Got Tequila?]

Boy I sure wish I had waited a few minutes :eek: :p

 

I think we've given Katey a lot of responses to read through...:D

[Toyz711]

I think we've given Katey a lot of responses to read through...:D

 

 

you think?:D LOL

got to love CCers. we do love our cruises.

[garycarla]

I think all your questions were answered. Since you are new here, the link below might give you some answers to questions you forgot to ask.

 

We are heading back to the Spirit again soon.

[kateydid14]

WOW!!!

 

Thanks to all who replied! As you can tell, I am a planner and I like to know what to expect.

 

Can't wait till we head out on the Spirit in February!

 

Happy cruisin' everyone!

 

Katey

[retired rascal]

will try to make suggestions below

 

I apologize in advance for asking "stupid" questions or questions with "obvious" answers. Believe me, I have read and searched the cruise critic board and the NCL website thoroughly (my husband would say obsessively!) since we booked our cruise in late December.

 

1) The NCL literature says 2 bags per person, 50 pounds each. Does this mean checked luggage? We can still each have a carry-on bag, right? RIGHT

 

2) we have a balcony room; I understand a refrigerator is not standard. Is it possible to ask for a mini-fridge to be put in our cabin? If so, can I ask for this ahead of time or do I have to wait until we're on board the ship? There should be a small refridgerator in a balcony....you didn't mention which ship

 

3) I think we likely will want an egg crate mattress as my husband's back sometimes bothers him. Can we ask for this ahead of time or do we have to wait until we're on the ship to request it? Ask your steward as soon as you have access to your room. It's somewhat first-come; first-serve. You can request in advance, but that doesn't always work.

 

4) Can we make reservations for specialty restaurants in the weeks before our cruise? Or can we make reservations only 24 hours in advance? Do you have to go somewhere and stand in line to make reservations or can you handle this by phone from your cabin or is there an on-line menu on the TV for this purpose? You can not make reservation until boarding. On embarkation day you can go to [specific spot depends on your ship] to make reservations for that night and the next....then you can call each morning for the next 24 hours.

 

5) In specialty restaurants, do we tip the waiters for "average/good" (but not exceptional) service? Or is this already included in the $12 per person per day charges? Our practice IS to tip in any specialty restaurant unless the service is awful.

 

6) For exceptional service in a specialty restaurant, we of course would want to tip more than 15 or even 20%. Can this additional tip be added to our on-board key/credit card? Or should we pay this type of tip (as well as extra to the cabin stewards, etc...) by cash? We do it in cash. Ditto extra to cabin stewards....to make sure they get it.

 

7) If we're hanging out at the pool or in a bar or somewhere else and order tap water or iced tea or coffee (something which is included in the cruise fare), should we pay a tip (this is for average/good service, not exceptional)? Or is this covered in the $12/person/day charge? If instead we order soda (husband is a diet pepsi fiend) or a beer (which we understand is NOT included in the cruise fare), is that when we pay the tip? And is this tip in cash or can we use the on-baord room key/crdit card? I'm defer to others on this one.

 

8) Last, we have a question about shore excursions. We're on the Spirit, which is stopping in Belize. We're doing the Lammani ruins tour (can't wait!) and I understand we need to be on the first or second tender to shore. Do we have to specifically sign up in advance for a tender ticket? How do we find out what time the first or second tender leaves for shore?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Katey

[Don Haynes]

Appears all of your questions were answered. If you have any more questions about NCL or cruising in general, you won't find a better place for answers than this website.

 

You'll love the Lammani ruins tour or adventure. Be aware to wear or pack something that will repel water such as a very light wind/rain jacket or poncho. The boats have to go fast to reach the ruins in any decent time and they do kick up quite a bit of mist.