Norwegian IConcierge App--Best Thing Ever!

[RobC1116]

Our large family/friend group just returned from our Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Pearl, and we were thrilled to discover the Norweigian Iconcierge App just before departing Seattle. It's a free app for smartphones and pads, and should be downloaded (in our case, from the itunes store for our iphones) prior to sailing. Then, while on the ship's wifi, there is a $7.95 registration fee for the ENTIRE cruise. The app was fantastic; it gave current information like account summary, onboard activities, dining reservations, and more. But the best part for our group was the phone and messaging function. We could text and phone each other through the app while on the ship's wifi network for no additional charge beyond the $7.95 initial registration fee. No minutes or data are used; it's all free through the ship's wifi.

 

This made all the difference to us; on prior trips, commuicating with others in our large family/friend group has always been a challenge while on a large ship. With the Iconcierge, we could let each other know where we were at any time anywhere on the ship!

 

I recommend it highly. I don't believe it's particularly marketed by the cruise line, but it really made for a much more enjoyable cruise than it would have been. There are some things about the Pearl we loved (fantastic entertainment, for one), and some things we didn't like so well (a very crowded, "mass" feel in the public spaces--especially in the buffet seating area, extremely slow service in both the main dining room(s) and specialty restaurants, but we certainly appreciated the ability to communicate with each other in such an easy way.

[sarakenny]

Is the App available on all ships? Do you know? Or maybe someone else knows. Sailing on the Gem in a few weeks.

[VickiD59]

I've had it downloaded on my iPad for awhile now...most of the features aren't activated until we're actually on board this Sunday, so it's pretty much just a countdown clock at this point. We'll use it primarily to check accounts and make reservations etc. The fee (I believe) only comes into play if you use it for communication, and then it's 7.95 per device. I can see where it would come in very handy for those traveling with many folks.

[ClarkBHM]

Is the App available on all ships? Do you know? Or maybe someone else knows. Sailing on the Gem in a few weeks.

 

No. It's only on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Pearl and Jewel. See http://www.ncl.com/downloads/iconcierge

[mfinster007]

I was traveling on the, Jewel with a, party of 8. For those of us with a smart phone it worked fantastic for the calling and texting feature. Each person you want to communicate with needs to pay the $7.95 but that's a bargain. If considering download the app before you depart. If you wait until you get on the ship you are going to use all the wifi minutes you just bought. Regardless if you use it for communication or not, you can easily make excursion reservations and I believe show and restaurant too (don't quote me on that). My sister in law decided at 11 pm that she wanted to go on an excursion that left at 8:30 the next morning. With a few clicks it was complete. Her ticket was dropped off before breakfast.

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

[cb3thatsme]

Thanks for the post thats really cool! I had an NCL app but it seemed like it was pretty useless just a NCL promotional app however this looks completely different I'll have to check it out! I love the idea of changing things like Dining on the app! I'm sure we will make a few reservations in advance but it would be nice to make changes depending on how we are feeling each day:D I'm either going on Pearl or Jewel next year so I'll definitely use it!

 

DCL has something similar :D but I don't know if you can do the whole "texting" thing which is a very nice feature!

Edited July 18, 2014 by cb3thatsme

[ClaireAndMike]

I'm going on the Breakaway with 27 other people in two weeks. We definitely plan on using it!

[sarakenny]

No. It's only on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Pearl and Jewel. See http://www.ncl.com/downloads/iconcierge

 

Oh well. Thanks.

[Lilystar]

I have a question. I've never used the Ship's wifi before. I have an iPhone also and downloaded the iConcierge app to use on the Epic. I understand there is a $7.95 charge for the duration of the cruise. So that would tell me that I need to have my wifi enabled on my iPhone. Here's my question, if this app is the ONLY thing I want to use on the ship, then I do I assure that? I just don't want to rack up any additional charges for other apps etc.

 

Thanks!

[MrUnderdog]

That's good to know. I'm sure they've improved it. When it first came out (on the Epic years ago), it was pretty horrible. It barely worked at all. For the next cruise (Epic again), still horrible. So, we pretty much gave up on it. It's been several years now, so I'm guessing they have the bugs all worked out. I had avoided it, but may give it a try again. Thanks.

[JasonV1]

With an iPhone turn on airplane mode then WiFi, you'll be set.

 

If you want to be paranoid turn off data and cel roaming as well. That way if you accidently enable your cel radio it won't attempt to communicate through ship-board cel service.

 

You don't incur any WiFi charges just for turning it on.

 

I have a question. I've never used the Ship's wifi before. I have an iPhone also and downloaded the iConcierge app to use on the Epic. I understand there is a $7.95 charge for the duration of the cruise. So that would tell me that I need to have my wifi enabled on my iPhone. Here's my question, if this app is the ONLY thing I want to use on the ship, then I do I assure that? I just don't want to rack up any additional charges for other apps etc.

 

Thanks!

[mfinster007]

You have to puchase wifi minutes for use on anything but the iconcierge app and you need to login every time you use it as well.

 

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[Rhea98]

I agree that the app (for $8. entire trip/person) is worth it. Two years ago, I was actually able to use the connection through that app to send/receive GMail--only with other gmail accounts. It was quick, too. I was able to go back and forth with my son while choosing duty-free booze for him in the ship's shop. I also received Facebook notifications--something you may not want while on a cruise. That's the first thing I will try after activating it on our Nov. Epic trip. It may not work any longer, but it was cool that it did so then. Even if it doesn't, it's worth it to communicate with travel companions.

Edited July 18, 2014 by Rhea98

[dorito6778]

I agree that the app (for $8. entire trip/person) is worth it. Two years ago, I was actually able to use the connection through that app to send/receive GMail--only with other gmail accounts. It was quick, too. I was able to go back and forth with my son while choosing duty-free booze for him in the ship's shop. I also received Facebook notifications--something you may not want while on a cruise. That's the first thing I will try after activating it on our Nov. Epic trip. It may not work any longer, but it was cool that it did so then. Even if it doesn't, it's worth it to communicate with travel companions.

 

wouldnt these 2 require additional wifi use? maybe its changed in 2 years?

[Carolina Daisy]

This seems like a good solution when traveling with teen-agers! I have it ready to use next August on the Jewel!

[Rhea98]

wouldnt these 2 require additional wifi use? maybe its changed in 2 years?

That's what I thought until I started notice the FB notifications on my phone (Nexus 4, at that time). Then I noticed Gmail notifications coming through. I had no onboard wifi minutes/plan, and, even though I have a prepaid phone plan that wouldn't allow any type of roaming, I took the sim out of my phone--just in case. As I said, it may be different this time around. I'll try, though. :p

[mfinster007]

I should have replied earlier to this post but unfortunately looked it over until I received my cell bill yesterday and it was $40 higher than expected.

I thought I couldn't be in airplane mode and use wifi so I just shut the mobile data off and used wifi. For my phones configuration I was roaming that's why I started receiving FB and email notifications.

 

First put your phone in airplane mode then turn wifi back on.

 

Good luck

 

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[Rhea98]

That's excellent advice for those who are unsure of method, don't have a sim to remove (CDMA), or don't want to remove the sim. No sim, no service. Period.

From some of the posts I've read (mostly within phone service forums), you may have been lucky to only have a $40. increase. Some report as much as $600. for a few days of "roaming." Of course, I'm sure being out $40. doesn't seem like anything but bad luck. Did you happen to make up the difference in the casino? You don't need to answer that. Was just hoping for you.

[Freckles_51]

My DD has iPhone and the kids have iPads, I have iPod Touch. I can use that device to message my DD whenever I have access to Wifi - will iConcierge work in the same way, or not at all on my iPod Touch?

[LrgPizza]

My DD has iPhone and the kids have iPads, I have iPod Touch. I can use that device to message my DD whenever I have access to Wifi - will iConcierge work in the same way, or not at all on my iPod Touch?

If your iPod touch connects to Wifi then it will work. You just need to download and install the app before you cruise.

[sharandmike]

No. It's only on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Pearl and Jewel. See http://www.ncl.com/downloads/iconcierge

 

That's what it says on the website, but if you click on the link from the post from today's NCL FB page, about the "Norwegian NEXT" features they're rolling out, it says the app will implemented fleet wide:

 

"MOBILE APP

 

Whether you're connecting with guests on board or to all the activities your ship has to offer, there's an app for that. iConcierge is the first app of its kind. And Norwegian is the first cruise line to develop and roll it out fleetwide. We're also enhancing our Cruise Norwegian app to make your pre-cruise planning experience even better and more seamlessly connected to your cruise vacation."

 

Here is the link to the Norwegian NEXT features:

http://www.ncl.com/next?cid=SM_NCL_GLO_NA_FBK_BKN_NA_NEXT_XXXXXXX_XXXXXXX

 

It's not clear when all these changes will take place. The press release mentioned "through 2015". The FB post said the new menus are out now. It seems a lot of information from NCL is vague and contradictory. If it's on the Jewel and the Pearl, why not the Gem? We'll be on the Gem in a few weeks, I wish it would be available then.

[Hikini]

This is good info - thanks for posting. I'll follow along as others post their experiences about IConcierge as well. We don't sail again until September.

[Amo57]

This seems like a good solution when traveling with teen-agers! I have it ready to use next August on the Jewel!

 

 

Yes it does. I've seen comments like why would you want to carry your phone around while your on vacation. I think those people don't have kids. My last cruise my kids were 14 and 12 and even though I wanted them to have their freedom and have a good time the parent in me was nervous and wanted to be in touch at all times. This time they are 16 and 14 and I'll feel much better when they want to run off on their own for a while knowing they can get in touch with me.

 

 

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[Freckles_51]

If your iPod touch connects to Wifi then it will work. You just need to download and install the app before you cruise.

 

Downloaded and installed...just waiting for the cruise to begin :D

Thanks!

[texkat]

For those who have used the iConcierge messaging features: will messenger list for you all the other passengers who have registered? I'll be traveling with a large group, and I'm hoping iConcierge automatically creates a directory of all registered users on board rather than us having to meet and exchange numbers more manually.

 

Any help to know what to expect is appreciated?