Newbie Questions about my Cruise

[Rusty Trombone]

Hi everyone,

 

My wife and I are taking our first cruise aboard the Pearl in Febuary. We are pretty much winging it as we don't know anyone else that has been on a cruise except for Anthony Cumia. So, we have a few questions.

 

1.) Are shore excursions booked through NCL reliable in giving you enough time to get back to the ship? One that we booked looks like it might be cutting it close. Is this a worry?

 

2.) Are the comedians on the ship high quality perfomers like Jim Norton or are they 3rd rate hacks like Rich Vos?

 

3.) Are the specialty restraunts "all you can eat" like the free ones? Could I get 2 steaks at Cagney's?

 

4.) What time does the ship run on? Is it Eastern Time? I don't want to be late getting back to the ship.

 

5.) What constitues "going the extra mile" that would necessitate an extra tip over the one NCL imposes on the passengers. I don't mind tipping, but I HATE overtipping.

 

Thanks

[Don Haynes]

The ship will wait for NCL booked shore excursions, that is why many choose to book more expensive shore excursions.

 

The surcharge restaurants are all you can eat, except for the entree.

 

The ship is shore time, you'll have notice to either move a clock forwardor back during the night. The only exception I know of is with the Mexican Riveria cruises.

 

When you ask for something special and its delivered promptly, you'll know when to tip extra.

 

The Pearl has only been running a month or so, I am not familiar with the entertainment aboard. I suggest reading a recent review.