Not Getting Off Ship during port days?

[GLDody]

I am new to NCL and have only been on 3 cruises, the last one being over 10 years ago. My question is, if we stop at a port that I do not want to get off the ship to see, what will remain open on the ship? Will everything be as normal, restaurants and lounges, pool service, etc. be available all day? Or, will it be limited services? Will we still be able to use our UBP and Speciality Dining package during this time? Any help from the cruise experts would help greatly.

[shof515]

everything will be open, you will have the whole ship to yourself. port days is a great day to experience the ship without the crowds.

[erntrish]

I am new to NCL and have only been on 3 cruises, the last one being over 10 years ago. My question is, if we stop at a port that I do not want to get off the ship to see, what will remain open on the ship? Will everything be as normal, restaurants and lounges, pool service, etc. be available all day? Or, will it be limited services? Will we still be able to use our UBP and Speciality Dining package during this time? Any help from the cruise experts would help greatly.

 

The restaurants will all be open during mealtimes. Some bars will be closed, but you will be able to drink, including at the pool. The shops and casino are almost always closed when in port. Pools and hot tubs will be open as per usual. Pretty sure the spa will be open...even with port day specials. In my experience, the pace onboard is a bit slower, you may have to wait a little longer for service, but you will still be well taken care of.

[ray98]

Port days are a great day to explore the ship.

[easyboy]

If staying onboard when in port, we consider it the best time to use the less-crowded pool and lounge around the area. We felt more relaxed.

 

 

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[Kilo November]

After enjoying a leisurely lunch in the almost empty dining room or buffet, we love to find a spot to watch what is happening on the dock. There's always lots of activity.

[mking8288]

Depending on the ports and ship, the MDR might be closed for lunch (definitely re-open for dinner with the hungry herd returning ashore) - you can sleep late, do a brunch at O'Sheehan's as hot breakfast (limited menu) is served till 11 AM and lunch in the buffet a later. Choice of shades & sun on the pool deck (fewer chair hogs w. their towel "animals" seizing prime spots) Movies in the atrium or theater in the afternoon (popcorn used to be provided, free) - spa specials and fitness workout.

 

Depending on sailing time, find a cool spot to watch for pier runners with their beach totes & shopping bags ... before going to dinner. A good book or ereader and music on headset, of course, a icy cold beverage of one's own preference.

[garycarla]

We have stayed aboard a few times. There may be some adjustments on what is open, but not enough to be a pain.

 

Enjoy.

[poohdreaming]

That's the best part about either getting off or not, it is your call. :)

For most cruisers, they do not get off ports like Port Canaveral, Fl as well as Nassau, Bahamas as they have been there so many times.

 

There would still be some activities to do on board even though some bars and restaurants might be closed.

The photo gallery as well as some other places would be closed while in port.

[Tammyd549]

I often chose one port to stay on ship, as part of the reason I love cruising so much are the ships themselves. I'm doing my second cruise to Bermuda and like last year, I will be staying on ship most of the first day till about 2-3pm and possibly the last day to enjoy the empty ship! Most ameneties are open, some do close though, you could browse through some posted dailies to get an idea. I would guess about 80% of what's open on sea days is open on port days, I could be wrong but, that's my perception. Casino is often closed but depends what port I think.

 

And yes, you can use your UBP and dining packages. A few bars/restaurants may be closed and some may just have limited hours.

[All-ready2cruise]

Port days are great to stay onboard, especially if you want to partake of some of the Spa offerings... DH and I had haircuts and I had Pedi and Manicures at discount prices. They also offer things like Massages at discount prices as well and may even offer a Spa day at a discount.

 

Just something to watch for on a port day if you're interested in that type of thing.

 

Cheers,

Connie

[Steve007NY]

+1

We have sometimes done back to back's visiting the same ports and never left the ship-or only did once-on the second leg. Especially if it's a popular port but one you've already visited several times, you can be like having the ship to yourself.,

[zqvol]

I am new to NCL and have only been on 3 cruises, the last one being over 10 years ago. My question is, if we stop at a port that I do not want to get off the ship to see, what will remain open on the ship? Will everything be as normal, restaurants and lounges, pool service, etc. be available all day? Or, will it be limited services? Will we still be able to use our UBP and Speciality Dining package during this time? Any help from the cruise experts would help greatly.

 

Many things will be open. As far as food is concerned, generally the dining rooms do not open, nor do the specialty restaurants, but then they are not open during the day anyway. The shops and casino are usually closed due to local laws.

 

 

The buffet is always open as are numerous bars. The sports activities are available, the pools are open, but everything is less crowded until about 2 hours prior to sail away when people start returning.

 

 

In the evenings everything is open as usual.

[wolfy321]

Just be aware if you're at port and use your UBP, you will get drink tax by whatever port you're in. It's not a lot, but you should still be conscious of it

 

 

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[johnrich]

Just be aware if you're at port and use your UBP, you will get drink tax by whatever port you're in. It's not a lot, but you should still be conscious of it

 

 

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This depends on the port. At some US ports you may get a drink tax but I am not sure I was ever charged a drink tax in any foreign ports.

 

 

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[cpcanuck]

Many things will be open. As far as food is concerned, generally the dining rooms do not open, nor do the specialty restaurants, but then they are not open during the day anyway. The shops and casino are usually closed due to local laws.

 

If you are staying in a suite on a Jewel class ship - will the designated speciality restaurant for suite breakfast/lunch be open on port days? I'm sure it is open for breakfast, but what about lunch?

[madgran]

Suite restaurant was always open for us. Didn't matter if at sea or port.

 

 

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[perditax]

Some crew may be involved in training/drills, so daily cleaning service may run later. I've also been aboard on a port day when a drill caused the elevators to be roped off for a short while (this was on the GA).