Creating a FAQ: "What You Need To Know About Cruising on NCL"

[MBprincess]

I read all of the FAQ. Thanks. I was looking for:

 

* Any information about suite perks

* Exactly how reservations work with "Free Style" including tips on not waiting

* Any information about kids activities

* What you can reserve ahead and what has to be done on board (spa, excursions, etc.)

 

Thanks in advance.

[sassyj38]

I can't remember the sizes allowed for carry on's can anyone help?

[garycarla]

Not really a limit. I have seen full size suitcases.. but then you have to drag it around. Not fun.

[shuggy]

thanks for all the great advice so far!! i have made pages of notes!!! we leave april 4th for the 9-day so caribbean cruise. i'm way excited.

[Planer's Edge]

thanks for all the great advice so far!! i have made pages of notes!!! we leave april 4th for the 9-day so caribbean cruise. i'm way excited.

 

If you are on the Pearl you should come join our roll call.

 

Pearl 4/4/08 Roll Call

 

PE

[peach2320]

From What I Have Read, The Carryon Size Is 20" X 24". If Anyone Has Different Info, Please Post It.

[blindone]

I have a handicap permit, however I do not have a wheelchair I just can not stand on my feet for prolonged time frame so do I need to bring in my permit to get tender tickets or get off the boat in ports without waiting in line?

 

Does anyone know the answer to this or where I could find out the answer??

[garycarla]

From What I Have Read, The Carryon Size Is 20" X 24". If Anyone Has Different Info, Please Post It.

 

We took 2 full size suitcases via the carryon. We watched others take full size carryons.

 

What or how much are you trying to take?

[bakerintn]

Originally Posted by basiatasia

I have a handicap permit, however I do not have a wheelchair I just can not stand on my feet for prolonged time frame so do I need to bring in my permit to get tender tickets or get off the boat in ports without waiting in line?

I am wondering how you are going to walk in the ports or on to the tender if you cannot stand for long.

I would suggest notifying your TA or NCL Customer Service of your need (they want to know about any special needs) and see what they suggest. Bringing your handicap parking permit would not hurt. Remember that in most cruise ship portsand airports, handicapped get to park for free or a very reduced fee, but you will need to leave your card there. A note from your doctor would be good to have, too.

I don't know what they can do for you on the ship, but for disembarkation, you may be able to go early, before it is called, to get to the head of the line.

Also, be very firm with the photographers so you don't get caught in those lines --- just firmly walk around their barricades and helpers.

In the final disembarkation, I would suggest requesting a wheel chair and assistance --- there is no good way of going to the head of those lines. Besides, a wheel chair is a good signal to those around you that you do have special needs.

[garycarla]

Here is my attempt at FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions. Feel free to post new questions for any question, but you might want to read through this first. Though I can not tell anyone what to do here, it would be nice that if you want to get into a longer discussion on any particular topic, is that you start a NEW MESSAGE THREAD, to keep this one from getting cluttered.

 

BOOZE - NCL will not allow you to bring booze aboard. You can order a setup via the ships coordinator for bottles of hard stuff. If you buy duty free on the ship, they will hold it until the last day. If you want to bring your own wine aboard, they charge $15 per 750ml, called a corkage fee. You can then take it your cabin, to dinner, or whatever. You can of course buy anything you want from the bar or room service.

 

SODA or WATER - You can bring pretty much anything you want onboard including mixers and snacks. There have been long discussions about water, but most people believe the water onboard is better than bottled water. They will sell bottled water onboard, but be ready to pay dearly.

 

INTERNET - All NCL ships have internet access. Some have in room or wireless. Rates run $.75 to $.40 a minute. Service is slow and the same cost using your computer, or theirs. Read more here.

 

EATING - Each ship has multiple options for free dining. And they also have options for extra charge ($10-$20) dining. You can not make reservations until you board the ship for the extra charge restaurants. You can just show up at the free ones when you want.

 

TIPPING - You will have $10 per person automatically added to your room charge. Drinks ordered from bars have an automatic tip added. Some people will give room service a few bucks when they deliver, or sometimes add for extra table service. See NCL tipping here

 

DRESS CODE - This often brings up long discussions. There are formal nights, but formal dress is entirely optional. Sometimes certain dining rooms will not allow jeans at night. The term resort casual is often used. If you want to learn more, scan through the postings or start a NEW message thread.

 

ROLL CALLS - If you want to chat with other folks going on the same cruise as you, click on BOARDS at the top left of this page. Then scroll down to ROLL CALLS, pick NCl and find your cruise.

 

PORTS OF CALL - Using the same directions as Roll Calls, find information about various ports of calls. Great place to get tour ideas.

 

PAPERWORK - Once your cruise is booked, it is very important that you do the pre-registration on the NCL website. Once that is done, you are set to go. Though they keep telling you to bring all that paperwork, you can still board without a hassle as long as that part is done.

 

CASH or CREDIT - You will need to either pay a cash deposit, or present a credit card or debit card when you board to handle charges onboard. No cash is used on the ship itself, except in the casino. If using a debit card, understand that they may place a hold on it. You can do a search to read stories about people that have done this. There is an ATM onboard to get cash. You can also get cash at the casino, though it is "supposed" to be only used for gambling. This is charged to your onboard account.

 

CASINO - Most of the ships have a Casino onboard. It is normally open while at sea and rarely while in port. They have a players club that you can sign up for online, but most people have indicated they had to sign up again when they boarded. Only takes a few minutes. They have lots of slots (coinless), Blackjack and Craps and a few others. Many ships will do poker if they get enough players. Tournaments are usually offered.

 

ELECTRIC POWER - Most ships have different power than in the U.S. There is usually one outlet that has US type power to use for cell phones, battery chargers, computers, etc. Consider bringing a power strip or extension cord. On some ships, they suggest not plugging in a high wattage hair dryer due to power limits. Every ship has a hairdyer in the room. Some find it works fine, others say it is too low power.

 

FAQ's Provide by NCL - NCL has a whole page of questions to help you. Go to this page on their website.

 

CABIN PRICING - NCL will from time to time run a sale to fill empty cabins. These rates may be lower than yours, and the sale will be for new bookings only. Just the way it is. If you want to discuss this, start a new and separate message thread. Yes, it might be worth a call as some people have indicated they got a price break or onboard credit. Most have not.

 

UPSELL vs UPGRADE - As the ship nears sailing time, somebody in the back rooms at NCL will start offering a higher priced cabin at a reduced price. This is called an UPSELL vs an upgrade. These deals are often 50% off the difference. You can not call or ask to be on the upsell list. If you want to just BUY an upgrade, you sometimes can do this by paying the difference between your cabin price and the new one. Never heard of anyone able to pay for an upgrade on the pier or as they board.

 

EXCURSIONS - You can book these in advance, or when you board. Some tours do sell out. Some people book them privately. Find them via the internet, on your Roll Call or under Ports Of Call.

 

BOARDING TIME - Boarding time is usually indicated on your ticket. Be careful about what somebody else said they did unless it is for the same intinerary, sailing from the same port and the same ship. Times do vary. But, experience indicates you can easily arrive an hour before boarding to begin the paperwork stuff on the pier and be ready to go. Recently the Feds have changed some rules and the ships now say you have to board 2 hours before departure. Do not cut it too tight. Keep in mind that boarding the ship, and getting into your cabin are two different things. The crew is usually busy cleaning up from the people that just left that morning.

 

DEPARTURE - Like above, there are variables. Factor in Customs and Immigration time. Self Disembark is offered if you are able to carry ALL of your own bags without any help.

 

SEARCH - Feel free to ask questions here, but you can find even more by using the search function either here on CruiseCritic or by using Google.com. When on google, consider adding the word "cruisecritic" to limit response found here only. Search engines like google or yahoo provide a wide range of answers to many questions. Still, feel free to ask here. Hint when asking questions here: Make the subject line descriptive.

 

Enjoy Your Cruise!

[neverthought]

From What I Have Read, The Carryon Size Is 20" X 24". If Anyone Has Different Info, Please Post It.

 

If you are speaking about airline carry on, I would suggest checking your carrier's website for specific limit/size. Our carrier's limit is 1 carry on 9 x14x22 + 1 personal item/passenger. Some carriers have larger limits so check the websites.

Neverthought

[garycarla]

I don't think I have ever seen a limit for ship carryon. I have seen people take full size suitcases aboard.

[peach2320]

20" X 24" is the carry on size for NCL. This info is from their website.

[arpie05]

Soda card prices are listed on the NCL website under Onboard Activities, then Bon Voyage Gifts.

 

Adults and teens 13 and up

Unlimited Fountain Soda

Includes: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, and Soda Water

The entire cruise must be purchased. Non-Refundable.

Prepaid @ $6.25 per person per day x Cruise days plus 15% gratuity

and applicable taxes

Souvenir Thermal mug included in the purchase of the program

 

For kids 12 and Under

Unlimited Fountain Soda

Includes: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, and Soda Water

The entire cruise must be purchased. Non-Refundable.

Prepaid @ $4.00 per person per day x Cruise days plus 15% gratuity

and applicable taxes

Souvenir Thermal mug included in the purchase of the program

[dukejr]

Originally Posted by basiatasia

I have a handicap permit, however I do not have a wheelchair I just can not stand on my feet for prolonged time frame so do I need to bring in my permit to get tender tickets or get off the boat in ports without waiting in line?

 

I am wondering how you are going to walk in the ports or on to the tender if you cannot stand for long.

 

I would suggest notifying your TA or NCL Customer Service of your need (they want to know about any special needs) and see what they suggest. Bringing your handicap parking permit would not hurt. Remember that in most cruise ship portsand airports, handicapped get to park for free or a very reduced fee, but you will need to leave your card there. A note from your doctor would be good to have, too.

 

I don't know what they can do for you on the ship, but for disembarkation, you may be able to go early, before it is called, to get to the head of the line.

 

Also, be very firm with the photographers so you don't get caught in those lines --- just firmly walk around their barricades and helpers.

 

In the final disembarkation, I would suggest requesting a wheel chair and assistance --- there is no good way of going to the head of those lines. Besides, a wheel chair is a good signal to those around you that you do have special needs.

 

The Handicapped may be able to park for free or little money in TN, but in the northeast at the airports and cruise terminals I have used they charge the same price handicapped or not..

[bakerintn]

The port of Miami parking across from the ship docks does not charge for parking for handicapped persons. You need your placard and the person named on the placard must be in the car.

 

the following is taken from the current Port of Miami website:

 

Additional Parking Information

 

There is no Valet Parking at the POM.

Due to security precautions Car/Shuttle rental company facilities are not located on the Port of Miami premises.

Long term parking is $20.00 per day for cruise passengers parking for 24-hours/overnight or longer per cruise length.

Short term parking is $7.00 if you are coming to see someone off but, not intended for overnight parking.

All Cruises in the current itineraries would fall under Long Term Parking.

Oversized vehicles such as motor homes, truck with trailers, or buses that are over 20’ in length will be charged an additional $20.00 per day and can only park in Lot # 2.

At this time, Handicapped parking is Free.

The Port of Miami currently has 3 Parking Garages available for Cruise passengers. The total capacity now available is 5,871, with 56 dedicated to the handicapped and 7 to passengers with young infants. The top floor is open to air at each Garage. There is also one outside Parking Lot available as well.

If you have handicapped exemption, the completion of a short form is required. Having the form pre-filled prior to leaving will expedite your entrance/exit at the Toll Booth. Please email us your mailing address so the form can be sent to you via U.S. mail. Upon request, forms can be mailed 30 days in advance.

 

The toll booth attendant will require:

 

Proof of exemption: (See the Placard, Sticker, License plate number)

Drivers License of owner/exempt individual

[Mystic1113]

I just received NCL's 2008-2009 booklet and in the "Before You Cruise" section under "What Should I Pack?", I found what I am almost positive is new wording regarding evening dressing in the restaurants. It is definitely different from the post near the beginning of this thread. Here it is:

 

"At night, it's relaxed all over the ship. When you're ready for dinner, it's collared shirts and pants or nice jeans for guys. Slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops are perfect for women. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in our restaurants whenever. If you want to dress up and add a little glamour when you dine out, feel free - we've reserved a restaurant just for that."

[LauraS]

This FAQ is currently closed.

 

If you have an item you would like to ADD to this NCL FAQ please write to:

 

community@cruisecritic.com

 

We will open the thread so that you may add your "FAQ ITEM".

 

Laura

[HB Giraffe]

This is for NCL Jade passengers on European cruises:

 

Disabled persons - There are designated spaces for disabled persons in the theatre on the ship and for one table in the buffet - but only those who are wheelchair bound. For those using canes / sticks, there are no designated seating spaces. You will need to ask for assistance (perhaps entering through a special door) for the main restaurants. For the buffet, you will need to get familiar with when it's best to go so that you can capture a seat closer to the buffet area. Otherwise, you will struggle to find a seat within suitable distance for you to carry your plate. Finding a good time isn't necessarily easy on a European cruise, when considering the "typical" varied eating time of those from the Americas, those from the UK and those who eat later in the evening, such as the Spanish.

 

Embarkation Day Emergency Exercise - generally the ship's exercise is at 5pm - if you are boarding the ship around that time, you will encounter people rushing to their "exit stations" in their lifevests. There is no another exercise for the duration of the cruise. So be certain you read the back of your cabin door for where your "exit station" is as well as where your life jackets are in the cabin.

 

Corinth Canal Shorex - in the winter, the shorex boat company takes it's boats out of the water for re-fits. So, if you are cruising on a January winter cruise, you will not be able to do this particular shorex in Greece.

 

Malta Shorex - again, in the winter, the Prehistoric Temples and Views shorex may be altered, due to high winds or bad weather. Certain temples can not be opened during poor weather. If this occurs, you will still be able to take that shorex for the cave and those temples that are open, but will receive a small walking tour through parts of Valetta instead in place of those temples you can't see.

 

Restaurants - the main dining rooms are Grand Pacific and Alizar - they generally offer the same menu; one is mid-ship and one is aft. The main dining rooms and the specialty restaurants are open 5:30pm-10:30pm. The Blue Lagoon is the 24 hour a day restaurant which offers American food similar to standard food found in TGI Fridays, etc. It is a small restaurant mid-ship so be prepared for waits, particularly when the buffet is closed. The buffet opens generally from 7am-10:30am, 12noon-3/3:30pm and 5/5:30pm-10:30pm. When it is closed, you can eat in the Blue Lagoon or go through the buffet seating area to the back of the ship where there is a garden cafe serving burgers, etc.

 

When in port in Egypt and for a day or so after, you will not be able to serve yourself in the buffet, in an effort to keep gastroenteritis from occuring on board. The servers will give you everything - from your plate and utensils, to your drink, to walking along the salad bar with you putting what you want on your plate.

 

The chocoholic buffet is on the 2nd to last night and is from 11am-midnight only in the buffet.

 

Disembarkation - this really is freestyle - if you choose, you don't have to do the color coded luggage tags at all or put your luggage out the night before. You have the option of leaving the ship from 6am-9am, taking your own luggage with you, disembarking and boarding the next bus leaving.

 

Bars - Mid Ship Level 6 has most of the bars - though all have their own names, they are collectively called "Bar City" - helpful to know so that you don't go looking for the bar named "Bar City"!

 

There is no night club on the Jade but the Spinnaker Lounge acts like a dance club after 11pm.

 

There is a designated quiet bar called the "Star Bar" next to Cagneys, the American steakhouse.

 

The ship while in port - be sure to check the times that the shop / shorex etc are open while in port. The gift shop is not open while in port - it only opens 1/2 hour after the ship leaves each port.

 

Drinks - drinks are expensive, but if you order "virgin" drinks, you get them 1/2 price. So lots of lovely virgin daquiris, margaritas, etc for $2.50. However, if you order smoothies and speciality type drinks that are listed in the bar menus, you'll pay the full price.

 

"Qwest" game - this is a scavanger hunt game played in the Spinnaker Lounge on the last night of the cruise. Be aware that this is a VERY adult themed game and definitely NOT the place for young/younger children to be at that time.