Insider tips for new NCL cruisers

[tashaaa]

Hi everyone 🙂

 

I'm opening this topic, so that all NCL cruisers can share some inside tips for us who are new 🙂

 

I am thankful for all the tips I can get (embarkation, specialty dinning, drink package, water on board, excursions, tenders...).

 

Maybe this will help also all the future new cruisers.

 

Thank you 😁

[craig01020]

I discovered this on a recent Breakaway cruise: when my NCL shore excursion was cancelled, they wouldn't refund my credit card.  Instead, I was told I had to go to Guest Services the last day of the cruise and get my refund in cash, which I did.  So stupid.

Now I never pre-pay gratuities in case an excursion is cancelled.  The credit will just get applied to the gratuities instead of waiting in line for cash.

[mugtech]

When you check in online don't worry about the picture you must submit.  After two or three failures the program will tell you that you must have your picture taken when you check in at the pier, then it will let you complete check in.

[ColeThornton]

Recommendation:

 

Read through the threads in this forum.  Lots of great info already available.

 

Familiarize yourself with the FAQ section on NCL.com.

 

Go to the review section and peruse reviews for whichever ship you are interested in.

 

Feel free to start new threads with SPECIFIC questions you may have.

 

Cheers.

[debenson0723]

2 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

Recommendation:

 

Read through the threads in this forum.  Lots of great info already available.

 

Familiarize yourself with the FAQ section on NCL.com.

 

Go to the review section and peruse reviews for whichever ship you are interested in.

 

Feel free to start new threads with SPECIFIC questions you may have.

 

Cheers.

This was going to be my suggestion also.  If you read the first 5 pages or so of this forum, you will probably find the answer to just about everything you want to know. That's what I do if I am sailing a new line and not familiar with how they do things. And if you want information on ports, excursions, etc. there is a place here for that too. 

Enjoy your cruise! 

[hallux]

1 hour ago, ColeThornton said:

 

Familiarize yourself with the FAQ section on NCL.com.

Right?  It's almost like NCL WANTS people to know the information that is often asked about!!

[graphicguy]

OK…..pretty broad ask, but off the top of my head (having cruised RC, HAL, CCL, MSC and Celebrity, but mostly NCL)…

 

Free at Sea (or what we like to call it, FAS)…

-drinks up to $15 for no charge, but you pay for the tips for those drinks (20%).  Includes a whole bunch of premium spirits, beers and wines, soft drinks.  If you want something that’s not on the FAS drink list, FAS+ for an extra charge covers just about every liquor or drink you can think of (not Louis XIII).

-$50 Excursion Credit is per cabin.  Not a lot of excursions that are $50, but you can find some.  Those are free.  Everything else, just subtract $50 from the excursion charge

-Specialty Dining Package (SDP)…..Again free except for the tip, which you pay for.  Too many Specialty Dining restaurants that many times differ from ship to ship.  Overall, they’re all good.

-Internet….the included internet package includes a 150 minutes for ONE device.  Check to see if your ship has Starlink internet.  It’s WAY faster and more reliable than the Sat internet on the ships that don’t have it.  I know Epic has Starlink, as I used it.  I believe Prima, Viva, and the Break/Getaway ships do too (not sure).  The rest?  Who knows?  But, without Starlink, you’ll spend a lot of your minutes just connecting to the ship’s internet, which is frustrating.  Plus, you’ll eat up a lot of minutes because it’s so SLLLOOOOOOWWWWW!

 

Dress Code….not really one.  LeBistro Specialty Dining requires men wear long pants and socks, but only if you dine inside.  If you dine in their al fresco area (which I highly recommend) no dress code.

 

Reservations….some like making them.  I do not.  I’ve never had any issue dining in ANY restaurant without a reservation.  Sometimes I had to wait 5 minutes or so.  But, never felt the need for reservations.

 

Pool…..They have them.  They’re small.  If you’re looking to do laps, that’s not happening.  If you want to sun yourself, go to the upper decks away from the pools to find space.

 

If one bar is really busy, walk about 75 feet in either direction of where you are, and you’re likely to find another one that’s NOT busy.

 

Entertainment is varied.  The bigger ships have the best entertainment.  Don’t overlook the smaller venues as many times they have the best entertainment on the ship (I.E Cavern Club or Syd Norman’s).  There are solo and duos playing in various areas throughout the ship.  Bigger ships also have the Racetracks, Laser Tag and VR areas.  Plenty of “regular” games like Bingo and trivia.  Some ships have Deal or No Deal and Price is Right games.

 

HAVEN….just a whole other level of service, privacy, dining with luxury all around from the Haven public areas to the suites.  Personally, I wouldn’t pay over $4,000-$4,500 (I’ve paid as little as $3,800) for a Haven Cabin on a 7 day cruise.  I’ve seen some crazy prices, though.  Worth it?  At what I pay?  Most definitely.  Over $5K?  Not so much.

 

I like NCL.  They have ticked me off in the past.  But, overall I sail them the most because they put out a good product and service for a “worth it” fare.

 

Fire away with anything more specific.

 

[RaiderFaninNM]

12 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK…..pretty broad ask, but off the top of my head (having cruised RC, HAL, CCL, MSC and Celebrity, but mostly NCL)…

 

Free at Sea (or what we like to call it, FAS)…

-drinks up to $15 for no charge, but you pay for the tips for those drinks (20%).  Includes a whole bunch of premium spirits, beers and wines, soft drinks.  If you want something that’s not on the FAS drink list, FAS+ for an extra charge covers just about every liquor or drink you can think of (not Louis XIII).

-$50 Excursion Credit is per cabin.  Not a lot of excursions that are $50, but you can find some.  Those are free.  Everything else, just subtract $50 from the excursion charge

-Specialty Dining Package (SDP)…..Again free except for the tip, which you pay for.  Too many Specialty Dining restaurants that many times differ from ship to ship.  Overall, they’re all good.

-Internet….the included internet package includes a 150 minutes for ONE device.  Check to see if your ship has Starlink internet.  It’s WAY faster and more reliable than the Sat internet on the ships that don’t have it.  I know Epic has Starlink, as I used it.  I believe Prima, Viva, and the Break/Getaway ships do too (not sure).  The rest?  Who knows?  But, without Starlink, you’ll spend a lot of your minutes just connecting to the ship’s internet, which is frustrating.  Plus, you’ll eat up a lot of minutes because it’s so SLLLOOOOOOWWWWW!

 

Dress Code….not really one.  LeBistro Specialty Dining requires men wear long pants and socks, but only if you dine inside.  If you dine in their al fresco area (which I highly recommend) no dress code.

 

Reservations….some like making them.  I do not.  I’ve never had any issue dining in ANY restaurant without a reservation.  Sometimes I had to wait 5 minutes or so.  But, never felt the need for reservations.

 

Pool…..They have them.  They’re small.  If you’re looking to do laps, that’s not happening.  If you want to sun yourself, go to the upper decks away from the pools to find space.

 

If one bar is really busy, walk about 75 feet in either direction of where you are, and you’re likely to find another one that’s NOT busy.

 

Entertainment is varied.  The bigger ships have the best entertainment.  Don’t overlook the smaller venues as many times they have the best entertainment on the ship (I.E Cavern Club or Syd Norman’s).  There are solo and duos playing in various areas throughout the ship.  Bigger ships also have the Racetracks, Laser Tag and VR areas.  Plenty of “regular” games like Bingo and trivia.  Some ships have Deal or No Deal and Price is Right games.

 

HAVEN….just a whole other level of service, privacy, dining with luxury all around from the Haven public areas to the suites.  Personally, I wouldn’t pay over $4,000-$4,500 (I’ve paid as little as $3,800) for a Haven Cabin on a 7 day cruise.  I’ve seen some crazy prices, though.  Worth it?  At what I pay?  Most definitely.  Over $5K?  Not so much.

 

I like NCL.  They have ticked me off in the past.  But, overall I sail them the most because they put out a good product and service for a “worth it” fare.

 

Fire away with anything more specific.

 

Woh, lots of info and thanks.

So there is a 20% on the drinks in addition to the beverage service charge already added?

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, RaiderFaninNM said:

Woh, lots of info and thanks.

So there is a 20% on the drinks in addition to the beverage service charge already added?

Only if the drink costs more than $15 and then the 20% only applies to the amount above $15.  IOW,

Suppose you buy a drink that costs $20, you would pay the difference between $20 and $15 plus 20 % of that differernce.

[RaiderFaninNM]

Just now, RocketMan275 said:

Only if the drink costs more than $15 and then the 20% only applies to the amount above $15.  IOW,

Suppose you buy a drink that costs $20, you would pay the difference between $20 and $15 plus 20 % of that differernce.

Perfect and thanks!!

[schmoopie17]

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

 

Suppose you buy a drink that costs $20, you would pay the difference between $20 and $15 plus 20 % of that differernce.

You left out the most important part...for your convenience.

The OP will find that phrase very useful in the future. 

 

Edited November 21, 2023 by schmoopie17

[Swells1]

If you have FAS, you can use your shorex credit to reserve a Clamshell on GSK, and that will give you a priority tender ticket.

[RaiderFaninNM]

1 hour ago, Swells1 said:

If you have FAS, you can use your shorex credit to reserve a Clamshell on GSK, and that will give you a priority tender ticket.

👍👍

[MagnoliaBlossom]

If after your first cruise you find NCL to your liking, apply for the NCL Mastercard.   You will get an automatic 20,000 points, sometimes even 25,000, to use in a variety of ways.  OBC, statement credit, cabin upgrades.  There is a sticky at the top of the NCL forum all about it.

 

 

[HxFx]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

LeBistro Specialty Dining requires men wear long pants and socks

They also required my husband wear closed toe shoes. Has wearing nice Birkenstocks and had to go back to the room, and put on sneakers! The Birks looked nicer, oh well.

[JGmf]

9 minutes ago, HxFx said:

nice Birkenstocks

 

 That's an oxymoron.

[Russiamomm]

If you’re a gambler, book through Casinos at Sea.  I’m not sure they’ll do it on the first cruise with them, but maybe if you have some kind of status elsewhere.  I’m not a huge gambler, but I’ve been booking with them for several years.  My “guy” can usually get me at least a little bit of a discount.  You also get free drinks in the casino and a separate checkin line which can speed up your check in/boarding.  While the free drinks isn’t a huge deal if you have a drink package, it does include bottled water and espressos at the casino bar, which isn’t included with the normal FAS drink package.

 

Also, NCL has a good veteran’s program.  If you qualify, you can sign up with your ID.me profile.  It gives you 10% off the base fare of every cruise.

[destar]

NCL is freestyle cruising, you can go to MDR in shorts and t-shirt, but don't go in a bathing suit, be presentable. Only a couple of restaurant require gentleman to wear slacks (Le Bistro, Palomar).

 

The drink package is one of the best out there, but you don't have to drink the whole bar on the first day, it will be open the next day.

 

Don't be a lounger/pool chair hog by putting your belongings on chair at 8am and returning at 3pm.

 

You pay a daily gratuity fee per person per day, but if you get good service, it doesn't hurt to tip a little extra.

 

If you own 100 shares of NCLH stocks, you get a shareholders benefit on every NCL cruise.(Free money) 

 

And as mention above, 10% off for Military/Veteran program.

[LatinaInTexas]

7 hours ago, RaiderFaninNM said:

👍👍

 

9 hours ago, Swells1 said:

If you have FAS, you can use your shorex credit to reserve a Clamshell on GSK, and that will give you a priority tender ticket.

Didn't know this, good to know.

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

I wrote the following for cruises I am on, it might be of interest to some of you.   I haven't re-read it or changed some that don't possibly fit the but but "suck it and see!!"

 

====================================

 

Thoughts from an Ancient Mariner!!!

 

A number of thoughts gathered over the years and confirmed on recent cruises that many don’t know about.

I hope they help you enjoy the cruise.

1)     I will be eating, on Embarkation Day, at lunchtime in the Main Dining Room.   I hope it is open!!!   Far better to be served lunch in a quiet place rather than in the crowded Buffet!!

2)    Pointers for Latitude guests:- a) The free dinners can be used at ANY Specialty Restaurant, but remember you only get ONE bottle of wine.  b)  Remember to go to see the Future Cruise people on the first day for the free ship tour etc. c)  You should get free water and chocolate strawberries the first evening.   (If anyone wants our free water just ask)  d) They have introduced new pins so make sure you get yours; including older ones too.

3)    We eat dinner in a Specialty Restaurant on Embarkation Day as they are usually not crowded.   On one cruise we ate in Teppanyaki and there were 4 there!!

4)    When we eat in Cagney’s using any “free certificate” one thing on the menu is 3 Jumbo Shrimps with rabbit food and tomato sauce “poisoning”.   If you are like me and like your shrimps “Au Natural” ask, like me, for 6 “On a Plate”.

5)    Watch the menu in Le Bistro, they have LOTS of upcharges, even the “normal” fillet had an upcharge of $10, I think; I was forced to choose the duck!!!   

6)    I always have a good talk to our steward about what we would “like” and (s)he comes back later with just about everything we ask for.    If there is something that you would like, say bathrobes or an extra Freestyle Daily, rather than want, just ask and you might be lucky!!  

7)    A breakfast suggestion.    The big pots of coffee they use can either be cold or strong when you come to have a third cup.   If you intend to eat breakfast in the MDR ask for a personal pot when they have poured out your first one.        

    Another dining suggestion; If you fancy items from different offerings on the menu, just ask.   The servers are usually very good at getting what you want, BUT it might take a little while longer.

9)    And another; my favourite; I love baked potato and will often ask for it instead of mashed or “flavoured”.   You don’t always get the full lot of additions but there is always plenty of butter!!

10)                    A Vancouver hockey trick; which is where I learned it; if there is a large group waiting for a lift (after a show, for example) take the empty lift going in the WRONG direction!!!!   Then you are first in going the right way!!

11)                    If you are rushing for a lift, two points.   The bell tells you the direction; 1 up 2 down.   If you are at the wrong side of a bank of lifts and one is there you want on the opposite side press buttons while going to “moving” lift

12)                    To use the slow Internet at the best times, try 5.30-7.00 am or in the early evening while people are at the first show or dinner.   The other possibility is lunch time on a port day.

13)                    If you intend to use the same restaurant (MDR) for lunch on sea days or the same one (MDR) for dinner (no need to be the same for both) but you want a drink they don’t normally carry tell them that you will be there frequently and they MAY get it in for you and carry a stock that saves time getting it each day.    I have this done with Strongbow, my cider of choice.

14)                    If you get to an MDR for dinner and it is busy, with a wait for a “two-top”, ask if there is a share option.

15)                    Please attend anything you commit to.   At the free Latitudes wine tasting on a recent cruise there were only 6 people there out of 34 who were committed to attend!!   It was not fair on the Future Cruise people who set it up nor the wine staff who carried out the “show”.

16)                    I hope the ship has had an upgrade so ALL your information is available on the room TV; a real improvement!!

 

Anoynmous Phoenix

[tashaaa]

Thanks everyone for all usefull tips 🙂  I really liked reading through it.

So I heard for two more:

1. on the embarkation day, go to the spa, you can win some free credit for use later

2. if you have tender ports, on embarkation day go to the BOX office, and reserve a tender ticket

 

On our cruise we will have two tender ports, I never had that, so do you always need a ticket to get on the boat?

 

As I didn't sail on NCL, only heard about those, maybe someone can comment if it's correct...

 

 

 

 

 

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

@tashaaa

 

Here is the information in a recent Freestyle Daily from Lerwick in August

 

 

HTH

A P

[ggTexasGal]

20 hours ago, Swells1 said:

If you have FAS, you can use your shorex credit to reserve a Clamshell on GSK, and that will give you a priority tender ticket.

Unfortunately, this information is not correct: Clamshells are considered "equipment"!

 

• Please see additional restrictions below:
  • If the first guest purchases shore excursions tickets for other guests, the promotion and $50 Shore Excursion Credit will not apply to such tickets.
  • The first guest cannot purchase shore excursions for themselves where the duration of such excursions overlap in time.
  • For port calls in Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, the promotion and $50 Shore Excursion Credit does not apply to equipment rentals.
  • Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours are not eligible for this promotion.
  • $50 Shore Excursion Credit has no monetary value, are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for actual currency of any value.
  • Other guest in the stateroom are not eligible to receive the promotion or $50 Shore Excursion Credits.
  • Private and/or Custom shore excursions are not eligible for this promotion.
• Shore excursion credit can be redeemed by booking online via NCL.com, by calling 1-866-625-1167, or onboard.

[Swells1]

4 minutes ago, ggTexasGal said:

Unfortunately, this information is not correct: Clamshells are considered "equipment"!

 

• Please see additional restrictions below:
  • If the first guest purchases shore excursions tickets for other guests, the promotion and $50 Shore Excursion Credit will not apply to such tickets.
  • The first guest cannot purchase shore excursions for themselves where the duration of such excursions overlap in time.
  • For port calls in Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, the promotion and $50 Shore Excursion Credit does not apply to equipment rentals.
  • Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours are not eligible for this promotion.
  • $50 Shore Excursion Credit has no monetary value, are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for actual currency of any value.
  • Other guest in the stateroom are not eligible to receive the promotion or $50 Shore Excursion Credits.
  • Private and/or Custom shore excursions are not eligible for this promotion.
• Shore excursion credit can be redeemed by booking online via NCL.com, by calling 1-866-625-1167, or onboard.

It worked last year. Oh well. 

[ggTexasGal]

Just now, Swells1 said:

It worked last year. Oh well. 

Yup, lots of changes in the past year!

They changed the rules quickly when they released their lost revenues!