"I wish I knew before..."

[kba1988]

Originally Posted by rebeccacleary

You said:



Hi! We are also going on the NCL jewel from NYC to Florida/Bahamas. We are going Thanksgiving weekend and are very excited. This is ourfirst cruise as a family. We have four children ages 9-20....our 20 yr old turns 21 on the day we leave! I'll report back anything worth passing on when we return since you will be on the ship a week after us!

@rebeccacleary
Looking forward to hearing great things about the cruise and the ship when you return. Have fun!!!

[kruzkween]

There is some very good information about cruise packing on independent traveler dot com. The information is especially great for newbies. At one time or another we were ALL cruise newbies and I know I really appreciated all the help I could get from the experienced cruisers.

Hope everyone has a great day!! ...only one day till the week-end!!!

~kruzkween

[cjdgzmn]

thanks for all this information! my family and i are still new cruisers (first one was 4 years ago and we're just going on our second next year!!) so this information is very useful to us!

[SoCalCruiser20]

Just how much are the automatic gratuities on NCL?
I'm assuming 18%...whatever the % is, is it based on how many drinks you buy?
Thanks for any help in advance!

Brandon

[Smokeyham]

Originally Posted by SoCalCruiser20

Just how much are the automatic gratuities on NCL?
I'm assuming 18%...whatever the % is, is it based on how many drinks you buy?
Thanks for any help in advance!

Brandon

It is typically 15% on beverages which you buy. There is also a set amount per day for housekeeping ($10 - $12 I believe).

Note that you can adjust these if you want to. However, you have to go to the Purser's office to do so. Generally, people tend to leave these in place, unless there is a reason not to.

One hint... In the States, when we sign for a charge, we are used to adding a tip on the blank line below the total. Just be advised that the tip has already been added. A friend of mine did this, and it was not till we were halfway through the cruise that she was double-tipping!

[SoCalCruiser20]

Originally Posted by Smokeyham

It is typically 15% on beverages which you buy. There is also a set amount per day for housekeeping ($10 - $12 I believe).

Note that you can adjust these if you want to. However, you have to go to the Purser's office to do so. Generally, people tend to leave these in place, unless there is a reason not to.

One hint... In the States, when we sign for a charge, we are used to adding a tip on the blank line below the total. Just be advised that the tip has already been added. A friend of mine did this, and it was not till we were halfway through the cruise that she was double-tipping!

okay thank you, that helped a lot
This trip just keeps getting more and more expensive as i found out about all the hidden charges...still excted to go, thank you

[Smokeyham]

Originally Posted by SoCalCruiser20

okay thank you, that helped a lot
This trip just keeps getting more and more expensive as i found out about all the hidden charges...still excted to go, thank you

I hope you have a great time. I've had some really fun cruises on NCL. When you get on board they will try to sell you things (soda packages, spa treatments, etc.) but I've find a polite "no thank you" does the trick.

People on the boards here can give you lots of hints about ways to save money, but overall I think a cruise still a good value given what is included in the base price which you've paid.

[oldschoolpinball]

less is best when it comes to clothes. My wife and I severely overpacked

[dustyroad]

Originally Posted by oldschoolpinball

less is best when it comes to clothes. My wife and I severely overpacked

i way overpacked also on my first cruise. but not just clothes. i had enough batteries for about a month, a bungee cord when i didnt have a balcony, 3 highlighters, way too much jewlery and shoes for a 3 wk cruise and 3 books. . i never uses over half these things andthe added weight in my bag was ridiculous. i have really scaled down too a smaller size carry-on for the plane and ship. my advice for new cruisers is check out a packing list, but realize you dont need everything on their list. decide what is really neccessary for you and pack/unpack, take out half and pack again. check one more time too see if you still need everything in the bag. leave the '' kichen sink '' at home .

[rebeccacleary]

Hi!
So if we order a drink on the cruise, we don't have to include a tip? It is already included when we get the slip to sign for? Ug...if this is the case I way over-tipped on my last cruise!
Also, is there a way to asign a different debit card to each person in a cabin? My kids each have their own bank accounts and they are staying in their own cabin. I know they will get a room key that will be their payment card for the cruise, but is there a way to use one bank account for one son and another bank account for the other son?

[johneeo]

Originally Posted by rebeccacleary

Hi!
So if we order a drink on the cruise, we don't have to include a tip? It is already included when we get the slip to sign for? Ug...if this is the case I way over-tipped on my last cruise!
Also, is there a way to asign a different debit card to each person in a cabin? My kids each have their own bank accounts and they are staying in their own cabin. I know they will get a room key that will be their payment card for the cruise, but is there a way to use one bank account for one son and another bank account for the other son?

The tip is included on every drink. Just sign the slip.

You can set up an account for everyone. You can use a credit card or cash to do so.

[canadianlynxie]

we just completed our 1st cruise (a 28-day trans pacific), and this board was super-helpful, but one thing was missed that we REALLY wish someone had mentioned:

TAKE AT LEAST 24 HOURS wORTH OF MEDICATION, AND EXTRA SPENDING MONEY (or credit card) OFF THE SHIP WITH YOU IN EACH PORT


we had a lovely trip but experienced some bad weather while on a port excursion. for the safety of all, they suspended tender service, and about 750 passengers and crew were "stuck" in port. the ship arranged for us all to have lodging overnight, and we got back on the ship the following afternoon. we had the cc/extra cash, so enjoyed our extra time in port by sightseeing, but many ppl did not have any money with them (or had spent it all on souvenirs) so they couldn't buy a toothbrush, extra snacks (the ship had us fed dinner then breakfast), admission to touristy-places.... and MANY ppl didn't have their medications with them (we didn't, but our meds aren't as urgent as things like insulin, heart medications etc). the ship arranged for a local doctor to obtain any life-sustaining medications (insulin, warfarin, heart meds etc) for those of us stranded, but it took a while to get them all in (and i think it was just luck that such a small port had enough of, and all the types of, medications that we needed)

[RoonilWazlib]

Originally Posted by canadianlynxie

TAKE AT LEAST 24 HOURS wORTH OF MEDICATION, AND EXTRA SPENDING MONEY (or credit card) OFF THE SHIP WITH YOU IN EACH PORT

Oh my goodness, I never would have thought of that!!! Thanks for sharing!

[Marian Paroo]

I always leave a little extra for the bartenders. I don't think that they are well paid, and I am always suspicious about "tips included" as to how much the worker actually gets of it.

[teecee46]

• Bring plenty of Euro coins/dollars for tips. I feel quite strongly about “gratuities” which by definition are something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service. I therefore have a problem with paying gratuities up front to the cruise company and would much prefer to tip staff directly. Let’s be realistic here, the cruise company aren’t collecting these to make your cruise “easier” – they’re getting to decide how your money will be allocated and spent! The staff on our ship were much more interested in getting good ratings on the feedback forms!
• Board the ship as soon as you are able on the first day. Arrive at the pier as soon as you can - usually 11:00 AM for a 5:00 PM sailing – you’ve paid for it so enjoy the first day!
• Explore the ship as soon as you board – it’s a lot of fun! Dining rooms are on multiple levels so 1st stop, find your dining room and locate your table. Enjoy the food, and the room service – it’s all part of the experience.
• You won't get checked-in until possibly after 3/4pm. Carry on a small bag with bathing suit, etc. if you want to hop in the pool after you grab lunch.
• Take time to unpack and organize, you will appreciate it in the long run. There’s lots of suggestions on this forum for extra items to bring and I would say they are neither right nor wrong – everyone’s needs are different. We were glad that we brought the over the door organizer, the highlighter pen for marking the Cruise Compass and the little luggage scales which saved any red faces at the airport – any other suggestions we didn’t use and didn’t miss.
• Suitcases fit under the bed. Check behind mirrors for extra storage areas.
• Let the ship photographers take lots of pictures of you. It costs nothing, unless you buy.
• If going to a show, arrive early. Even if you have reservations since they release those to walk-ups 15min prior. Know where the theatre is.
• Don't pay for food, unless there's something really unique in the other restaurants that you want to try. You already paid for food in your ticket.
• Read the daily paper to know what's going on board the ship the next day.
• You don't HAVE to do something in each port. You can always enjoy the ship amenities without a crowd.
• Read the board when leaving the ship that states when you need to be back on board the ship.
• Confirm your watch is the same as the ships clock before getting off.
• Order room service if going on an early shore excursion- this way you can continue getting ready while eating, sipping coffee, etc. It’s an excellent alarm clock (they always call before bringing it) and ensures a nice cup of coffee. We would always order a pitcher of water to fill out water bottles with also.
• If you don't intend to use the expensive mini-bar items-or have small children that may get into them-ask the room steward to remove them to make room in fridge for your drinks you carried on.
• Take 2 bathing suits (they don’t dry overnight!) Don't be self-conscious about your appearance in a bathing suit, shorts etc. There will be all body types aboard in all types of attire.
• Be prepared to be treated like you're at a cattle call. But if you can ignore all that annoying stuff, you'll have a great time!
• Check your bill on the interactive tv regularly to it over and make sure everything is in order. We have found mistakes. You can then correct them before the last day when the desk is very busy.
• At around 10pm on the last night, your fairy tale holiday hits reality. You must pack up all your stuff and get your bags out into the corridor before you go to bed.
  You must also decide what to put in your daypack/carry on to get you through the entire journey home. It has to accommodate the nightwear you sleep in on the last night, and the toiletries and meds you need until you arrive home and if you're likely to fly home to ice and snow, you'd better give a thought before midnight on that last night about what you'll be wearing when you step off your plane!

During the day the ship’s dress code is entirely casual. You’ll need swimwear for the pool and sunbathing, plus a selection of t-shirts, shorts, trousers or jeans, casual skirts and blouses and sundresses for all other areas of the ship and for excursions. You’ll also need a selection of casual, smart casual and formal clothes for evening meals in the main dining room. Whether you choose to wear a tuxedo or ball gown, or opt for something less formal like smart trousers and a shirt for men and a dress for women, its all acceptable… after all its your holiday!
Don’t bring too many shoes - trainers, 1 or 2 day-time & formal is fine- wear your slacks or shorts or capris more than one day, and two bathing suits is plenty.

Finally...the best advice I have ever read here is:
Enjoy the romance...stars, moonbeams, sunrises and sunsets.
Every evening my hubby and I take a few minutes to walk on the deck and tell each other how happy we are to be there together! Years ago when we were first married and did not have 2 pennies to rub together little did we believe we would ever be on such a beautiful ship, in such a beautiful place, with nothing to do but stroll the deck and gaze at the stars.

[suzyed]

Originally Posted by canadianlynxie

we just completed our 1st cruise (a 28-day trans pacific), and this board was super-helpful, but one thing was missed that we REALLY wish someone had mentioned:

TAKE AT LEAST 24 HOURS wORTH OF MEDICATION, AND EXTRA SPENDING MONEY (or credit card) OFF THE SHIP WITH YOU IN EACH PORT


we had a lovely trip but experienced some bad weather while on a port excursion. for the safety of all, they suspended tender service, and about 750 passengers and crew were "stuck" in port. the ship arranged for us all to have lodging overnight, and we got back on the ship the following afternoon. we had the cc/extra cash, so enjoyed our extra time in port by sightseeing, but many ppl did not have any money with them (or had spent it all on souvenirs) so they couldn't buy a toothbrush, extra snacks (the ship had us fed dinner then breakfast), admission to touristy-places.... and MANY ppl didn't have their medications with them (we didn't, but our meds aren't as urgent as things like insulin, heart medications etc). the ship arranged for a local doctor to obtain any life-sustaining medications (insulin, warfarin, heart meds etc) for those of us stranded, but it took a while to get them all in (and i think it was just luck that such a small port had enough of, and all the types of, medications that we needed)

Wow! Never heard of that happening! Thanks for sharing and Kudos to Celebrity for providing for you while you were stuck in port.

[jetson54]

teecee46 what a great summary thank you for sharing your ideas and experiences it will be helpful to all

[canadianlynxie]

that cruise was with princess - our celeb cruise is next month

Originally Posted by suzyed

Wow! Never heard of that happening! Thanks for sharing and Kudos to Celebrity for providing for you while you were stuck in port.

Originally Posted by canadianlynxie

we just completed our 1st cruise (a 28-day trans pacific), and this board was super-helpful, but one thing was missed that we REALLY wish someone had mentioned:

TAKE AT LEAST 24 HOURS wORTH OF MEDICATION, AND EXTRA SPENDING MONEY (or credit card) OFF THE SHIP WITH YOU IN EACH PORT


we had a lovely trip but experienced some bad weather while on a port excursion. for the safety of all, they suspended tender service, and about 750 passengers and crew were "stuck" in port. the ship arranged for us all to have lodging overnight, and we got back on the ship the following afternoon. we had the cc/extra cash, so enjoyed our extra time in port by sightseeing, but many ppl did not have any money with them (or had spent it all on souvenirs) so they couldn't buy a toothbrush, extra snacks (the ship had us fed dinner then breakfast), admission to touristy-places.... and MANY ppl didn't have their medications with them (we didn't, but our meds aren't as urgent as things like insulin, heart medications etc). the ship arranged for a local doctor to obtain any life-sustaining medications (insulin, warfarin, heart meds etc) for those of us stranded, but it took a while to get them all in (and i think it was just luck that such a small port had enough of, and all the types of, medications that we needed)

[sydneyrain3333]

So I just got done reading this whole thread!!! Great advice! This will be my 2nd cruise and i still love to hear from the pros! The only thing i can say is that if u relax and let the fun come to u on your cruise you will have a blast! i can't remember anything bad about my first cruise! One of the best nights, we were heading to bed and happen to stumble into a room where they were learning the thriller dance!! (bunch of drunks at 2 am) dont ask me how to do it now but it was a totally unplanned blast!

[gr8times4us]

Originally Posted by teecee46

enjoy the romance...stars, moonbeams, sunrises and sunsets.
every evening my hubby and i take a few minutes to walk on the deck and tell each other how happy we are to be there together! Years ago when we were first married and did not have 2 pennies to rub together little did we believe we would ever be on such a beautiful ship, in such a beautiful place, with nothing to do but stroll the deck and gaze at the stars.

well said!