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Bringing Alcohol on NCL ship


las52

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Does anyone know how strict NCL is regarding taking alcohol on ship? Do they thoroughly check luggage? Will be sailing on the Norwegian Sun soon and we plan to take some to have pre-dinner cocktails.

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liquor being confiscated was with NCL. However, the guy was an idiot. Do not put a clear liquor in a coca~cola bottle and pack it with your carry-on.

 

I just wrap the original bottles in bubblewrap and pack with my checked luggage. I'm 3 for 3, including NCL.

 

If you are discreet, and very sweet, it is possible to get the duty-free stuff on board and take it to your cabin....I was able to do that on a Celebrity ship. (It's hard to beat $9 for a liter of Absolut).

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We want to brinf a bottle of liquor to friends in Jamaica. Eaven if they confiscate it ,will they let us take it ashore in Jamaica? How can we get around this problem. Should we contact Ncl before to ask them???

Please , advise us,wtha would be the best way:confused:

Anne-Mai

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It is a hit or miss thing with NCL. As for policy, you can not bring any liquor on board from ports or upon embarkation except wine. Yes they do check and yes, you will be called to the luggage area to identify your luggage and the alcohol if you are caught. There are many ways to smuggle it on boartd. I am really not sure it is worth it anymore. Our last cruise we had a bottle of scotch and a small bottle of Vodka. In both cases the idea was to return home with them as we had bought them abroad a good prices. Both cleared in our sent through luggage. I can assure you they did not make it back to America. If you do get it convescated it will be held for you until the night before disiembarkation. Other lines are following NCL and starting to crack down. My thought: if you are just bringing on one bottle for an occassion drink in your cabin you probably won't have a problem, it is those who want to bring on the entire neighborhood pub supply that get busted. NMnita

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I had a suitcase "busted" on the Sun out of Miami in spring 05. It was held and I had to go pick it up after opening it for the crew. It had a 6 pack of bottled water. The suitcase with the two 12 packs of Yuengling sailed right into our cabin as did the suitcase with the wine. Go figure.

There were a lot of folks busted at embarkation for bottles of liquor in their checked luggage.

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In 3 weeks we are going on our 9th cruise, it will be the first on NCL. On every cruise we have had a bottle or two (no more then that) in our checked luggage and we have never disguised it. We have never been stopped nor have our bags been held. We are not strangers to the "on ship" bars and our tabs are usually a LOT more then what I would like to admit! But we still like the occasional drink in our room on the balcony. We are going on the SUN in 3 weeks, we would not have booked with NCL EXCEPT for the large group we are going with....We will pack a bottle or two in our bags as we have always done, if it is conviscated and our bags held I will be disappointed. BUT if that is their policy, of course we will abide to THEIR rules. I WILL make it clear of my disappointment and as a consumer WILL complain. There are many other lines we can choose from in the future and if they want to be petty over a bottle of Scotch then something is seriously wrong....we will choose one of them and sail on a different ship next time, simple as that. While one person does not make much difference, if as many that write about this issue and are worried about bringing their own bottle complained and expressed that IT did make a difference and COULD influence their future decisions then maybe these policies would be relaxed. The cruise industry has been doing well and growing as is, but it is highly competitive. This is an obvious way to make even more money and if no one complains then they will all jump on the wagon to do so, and that looks like the direction they are headed. I do not care for NCL because they are pushing the envelope in many directions, While I like the concept of FREE-style dining "eating when you want and with whom you want and even in different dining rooms", there is very little else that is FREE about it. You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for. The more people that eat at these and pay extra then the more they will do it. Bottom line another way to make more money. We will NOT be eating in any place we have to pay extra for. More then likely this will be our FIRST and LAST cruise on NCL....

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In 3 weeks we are going on our 9th cruise, it will be the first on NCL. On every cruise we have had a bottle or two (no more then that) in our checked luggage and we have never disguised it. We have never been stopped nor have our bags been held. We are not strangers to the "on ship" bars and our tabs are usually a LOT more then what I would like to admit! But we still like the occasional drink in our room on the balcony. We are going on the SUN in 3 weeks, we would not have booked with NCL EXCEPT for the large group we are going with....We will pack a bottle or two in our bags as we have always done, if it is conviscated and our bags held I will be disappointed. BUT if that is their policy, of course we will abide to THEIR rules. I WILL make it clear of my disappointment and as a consumer WILL complain. There are many other lines we can choose from in the future and if they want to be petty over a bottle of Scotch then something is seriously wrong....we will choose one of them and sail on a different ship next time, simple as that. While one person does not make much difference, if as many that write about this issue and are worried about bringing their own bottle complained and expressed that IT did make a difference and COULD influence their future decisions then maybe these policies would be relaxed. The cruise industry has been doing well and growing as is, but it is highly competitive. This is an obvious way to make even more money and if no one complains then they will all jump on the wagon to do so, and that looks like the direction they are headed. I do not care for NCL because they are pushing the envelope in many directions, While I like the concept of FREE-style dining "eating when you want and with whom you want and even in different dining rooms", there is very little else that is FREE about it. You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for. The more people that eat at these and pay extra then the more they will do it. Bottom line another way to make more money. We will NOT be eating in any place we have to pay extra for. More then likely this will be our FIRST and LAST cruise on NCL....

 

You sure know a lot about NCL for not having cruised on one of their ships :rolleyes:

 

Relax, enter the cruise with a more open mind and you might be surprised.

 

A couple of thinks I want to point out. If having a bottle of Scotch in the cabin is important pick up the phone and order one. It will be waiting when you board.

 

Bar service 1-866-625-1159 - $40/$55 depending on brand

 

Chances are your bottle will make it. But if it doesn't not sure you can complain. You new the rules going in. Think of it as a speed trap. They by no means get it all just a small %. If you seed all the time your turn will come.

 

This I don't understand :confused:

 

"You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for."

 

For the most part you can go to one of the 3 extras charge restaurants and get food you normally could never get every night in any mainstream free returant.

 

The menues for the most part are the same today as 10 years ago in the main resturants with all the special food durning the cruise - filet - lobster - prime rib - escargot etc.

 

The primary difference is if I want lobster every night and not just tails I can have it. If I want a great filet 3 different nights I can. If I am in the mood for Italian or Asia cooking I don't have to wait for it to show up on the menu.

 

It is in fact a way to make additional money but it is also a way to offer you more options when you dine. If you add $15 pp per day to your fare the cruise is still priced competetively and you can eat anywhere and not feel as you seem to feel - ripped off.

 

For me spending an extra $10-$20 dollars to enjoy a special meal in an intimate dining room and avoid the cattle call of traditional early late seating is worth every penny. Far better deal then Chops or the other cruiselines specialty resturants.

 

For many that never set foot in an extra charge restaurant they have a great cruise.

 

Relax - enjoy the Sun - it has a great crew and wonderful restaurants. Once you have tried it come back and tell us how it "really" was. Freestyle is not for everyone but for some it is hard to go back to traditional.

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We have never eaten at a specialty restaurant because we have already paid for a meal and prefer not to pay extra. NCL is trying to make money and we aren't angry about it. And from what I've read on the CC Boards, the food in the specialty restaurants is worth it if you choose to partake. If you want all inclusive, you don't go on a cruise. We have had excellent steaks, chicken, and seafood in the main restaurants, never had any major disappointments with dinner.

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In 3 weeks we are going on our 9th cruise, it will be the first on NCL. On every cruise we have had a bottle or two (no more then that) in our checked luggage and we have never disguised it. We have never been stopped nor have our bags been held. We are not strangers to the "on ship" bars and our tabs are usually a LOT more then what I would like to admit! But we still like the occasional drink in our room on the balcony. We are going on the SUN in 3 weeks, we would not have booked with NCL EXCEPT for the large group we are going with....We will pack a bottle or two in our bags as we have always done, if it is conviscated and our bags held I will be disappointed. BUT if that is their policy, of course we will abide to THEIR rules. I WILL make it clear of my disappointment and as a consumer WILL complain. There are many other lines we can choose from in the future and if they want to be petty over a bottle of Scotch then something is seriously wrong....we will choose one of them and sail on a different ship next time, simple as that. While one person does not make much difference, if as many that write about this issue and are worried about bringing their own bottle complained and expressed that IT did make a difference and COULD influence their future decisions then maybe these policies would be relaxed. The cruise industry has been doing well and growing as is, but it is highly competitive. This is an obvious way to make even more money and if no one complains then they will all jump on the wagon to do so, and that looks like the direction they are headed. I do not care for NCL because they are pushing the envelope in many directions, While I like the concept of FREE-style dining "eating when you want and with whom you want and even in different dining rooms", there is very little else that is FREE about it. You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for. The more people that eat at these and pay extra then the more they will do it. Bottom line another way to make more money. We will NOT be eating in any place we have to pay extra for. More then likely this will be our FIRST and LAST cruise on NCL....

 

I don't get it...

1. You say this is your first cruise on NCL, then how do you know that "Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for".

2. No one is asking you to pay for the Specialty Restaurants but they're available for those who enjoy a much more intimate dining experience. There are still many non-pay restaurant options for you to pick from... I think eight choices or so.

3. The policy of not being allowed to bring your own liquor on-board is not unique to NCL.

4. Since the concept of Freestyle Cruising appeals to you in some aspects, why don't you go with an open mind before saying that this most probably will be your first and last cruise on NCL. Instead, your going to allow one or two bottles of liquor and the fact that there are extra pay restaurants on-board to pre-judge the cruise line.

5. IMO, Freestyle is free because nobody is making me pay extra for anything that I don't want. They still provide me with plenty of non-pay choices.

6. The concept of Specialty Restaurants is popular with NCL cruisers, otherwise why would every ship throughout the line have them. It's because we like them and don't mind paying extra. I like the fact that NCL gives me choices between pay and non-pay. It's the best of both worlds!!

 

I encourage you to go have a great time keeping your mind open to the entire cruise experience. After all, what cruise is absolutely perfect?

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In 3 weeks we are going on our 9th cruise, it will be the first on NCL. On every cruise we have had a bottle or two (no more then that) in our checked luggage and we have never disguised it. We have never been stopped nor have our bags been held. We are not strangers to the "on ship" bars and our tabs are usually a LOT more then what I would like to admit! But we still like the occasional drink in our room on the balcony. We are going on the SUN in 3 weeks, we would not have booked with NCL EXCEPT for the large group we are going with....We will pack a bottle or two in our bags as we have always done, if it is conviscated and our bags held I will be disappointed. BUT if that is their policy, of course we will abide to THEIR rules. I WILL make it clear of my disappointment and as a consumer WILL complain. There are many other lines we can choose from in the future and if they want to be petty over a bottle of Scotch then something is seriously wrong....we will choose one of them and sail on a different ship next time, simple as that. While one person does not make much difference, if as many that write about this issue and are worried about bringing their own bottle complained and expressed that IT did make a difference and COULD influence their future decisions then maybe these policies would be relaxed. The cruise industry has been doing well and growing as is, but it is highly competitive. This is an obvious way to make even more money and if no one complains then they will all jump on the wagon to do so, and that looks like the direction they are headed. I do not care for NCL because they are pushing the envelope in many directions, While I like the concept of FREE-style dining "eating when you want and with whom you want and even in different dining rooms", there is very little else that is FREE about it. You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for. The more people that eat at these and pay extra then the more they will do it. Bottom line another way to make more money. We will NOT be eating in any place we have to pay extra for. More then likely this will be our FIRST and LAST cruise on NCL....
wow, what a way to start a cruise:you are already not happy with NCLs policies, well let me fill you in: 2 years ago we got busted by Celebrity and they held our liquor. Yes, we purchased it at the Duty Free shop in San Juan and tried to carry it on, not terribly smart. There was a crew member sitting at a table just outside the ship. Many of us were busted. As for the specialty restaurants on the Sun and many "used to be included items" not available in the main dining rooms? What could you be referring to? They still offer shrimp cocktails, escargot, lobster, prime rib, steak, lusious desserts, cesear salad, etc. The specialty restaurants, like on all mass marketed lines now do have extra chargers, but they are quite reasonable and should be visited once. Don't get misunderstand, many choose only to eat in the free eateries and that is just fine, you will not be disappointed. I am not writing this response to blast, but to let you know some of your pre-conceived ideas are not true. As for smuggling booze on, yes NCL is still the strictest and yes, it ticks me off as well. I have a gut feeling we may see this policy be put into effect on many of the lines. Relax, stop looking for what you may not like about NCL or any other line and look forward to having a great time: if you look at it in a different light you might be surprised. One more thing, Bingo is really expensive: we stick with giving our money to the casinos. LOL NMNita
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You sure know a lot about NCL for not having cruised on one of their ships :rolleyes:

 

Relax, enter the cruise with a more open mind and you might be surprised.

 

A couple of thinks I want to point out. If having a bottle of Scotch in the cabin is important pick up the phone and order one. It will be waiting when you board.

 

Bar service 1-866-625-1159 - $40/$55 depending on brand

 

Chances are your bottle will make it. But if it doesn't not sure you can complain. You new the rules going in. Think of it as a speed trap. They by no means get it all just a small %. If you seed all the time your turn will come.

 

This I don't understand :confused:

 

"You pay extra for meals in different places other then the main dining rooms. Meals & certain dishes that used to be INCLUDED on the main dining room menus are now in "specialty dining" and there is now a cover charge for."

 

For the most part you can go to one of the 3 extras charge restaurants and get food you normally could never get every night in any mainstream free returant.

 

The menues for the most part are the same today as 10 years ago in the main resturants with all the special food durning the cruise - filet - lobster - prime rib - escargot etc.

 

The primary difference is if I want lobster every night and not just tails I can have it. If I want a great filet 3 different nights I can. If I am in the mood for Italian or Asia cooking I don't have to wait for it to show up on the menu.

 

It is in fact a way to make additional money but it is also a way to offer you more options when you dine. If you add $15 pp per day to your fare the cruise is still priced competetively and you can eat anywhere and not feel as you seem to feel - ripped off.

 

For me spending an extra $10-$20 dollars to enjoy a special meal in an intimate dining room and avoid the cattle call of traditional early late seating is worth every penny. Far better deal then Chops or the other cruiselines specialty resturants.

 

For many that never set foot in an extra charge restaurant they have a great cruise.

 

Relax - enjoy the Sun - it has a great crew and wonderful restaurants. Once you have tried it come back and tell us how it "really" was. Freestyle is not for everyone but for some it is hard to go back to traditional.

why do we always say about the same thing, maybe in different ways? NMNita
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Ashkan,

 

Sorry that you feel this way, but NCL is not the only Line that charges for "extras" just about all of them have pay dining rooms. RCI charges for ice cream and hamburgers:eek:

 

If you continue to have an NCL chip on your shoulder you will have a miserable time.

 

No cruise line has the policy of bringing your own liquor on board and if you are caught they all will confiscate it.

 

As was suggested order a bar set-up and you will be happy.

 

Perhaps another line would be more suited to you.

 

Chill, and go with a better attitude. You will have a much better time.

Happy Sailing,

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I want to THANK YOU, with UPMOST sincerity, in answering several questions I have had regarding NCL. I went all over the NCL website and could not find a number or a way to order a "bar set-up" or to check the cost. The Customer Service number is not very 'user friendly' and I got “lost” trying to get that department, and when I did get a REAL person they were not able to direct me to a number to call....(I was able to order a bottle of wine when we embark-but got no help in regards to a bar set-up) I have seen several posts where people have asked this question and have gotten no response, others were told by Cruise Representatives their “set up” would be in their cabins, and then it was not and they were not able to get one after sailing... Also there have been several posts asking about meals and menus and they were kind of vague as well..... Having worked in Customer Service departments for many years, sometimes to get the best answers (and QUICKEST) is to take an offensive approach, SAD BUT TRUE, the squeaky wheel gets the oil! And you certainly oiled it!!! I got more information in one day then from several weeks of searching posts! SMILE-- I can assure you that I am looking VERY much forward to my cruise on NCL, which will be my first with them. and I am a VERY-OPENED minded person...I am going with a large group, "Free-Style" is just not MY preference, I, personally, like a more structured and formal, traditional type atmosphere, I prefer “emphasis & specialty” at my designated dining table. The majority of friends I have met on cruises, were at the dining table (still in touch with some from 15 years ago) … but to each his/her own. (thus my saying -this will probably be the only time cruising with NCL).... MAYBE I WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! FREE-style may have some advantages but it is NOT a big selling point to me or my cup of tea…. I have never had a bad cruise, all were very enjoyable but some MORE then others, different lines cater to different tastes and types of people. When you look at the people that have cruised many times, and they list them, you can clearly see THEIR preference in cruise lines....it is a "good thing" that we do have choices ...NCL was not my choice, but with the organizers of the group that I am going with.….To address something that seemed to be "over-looked" in the responses I have gotten, is the fact that if a person is WORRIED about something or CONCERNED, they need to go COMPLAIN to the source....WE ALL KNOW this same question regarding bringing bottles on board is asked over and over again....post after post of how to SNEAK alcohol on board, (those get less response then I did!) ….I stated IF ALL these people got together and voiced an opinion then perhaps rules would be relaxed....(Squeaky wheel, and look at the response I got!) I added the statement that I have had bottles in my checked baggage (and carry-on for that matter, even on a cruise, not six months ago on RCCL) and I do not bother to hide them or disguise them. I am not being dishonest and I have not let policy spoil my time and what I have wanted to do. I have WRITTEN my feelings to different cruise lines regarding policy and that is all I was advocating. The more that take the time to express their feelings and concerns, the better! Sneaking is NOT the answer... (Basic typical response from several cruise lines is moderation in checked baggage and it is generally overlooked) …. I do not want to be put in an uncomfortable situation, but if I am, then I will have to deal with it - after all it is I that chooses to ignore policy, and I who put MYSELF in that situation, with fair warning from the cruise line, I can not fault them for something that I have done MYSELF…. I certainly would not let it spoil my holiday…but it COULD influence what cruise line I choose in the future… that is only natural….. As for the many “dining options“, while this is delightful in these early stages, (I have read many professional critic’s and TA‘s opinions on this subject.) Once it becomes “Mainstream” (and it more then likely will and is becoming) the main dining rooms could and most probably will suffer in cruise ships in regards to quality and menu selections (thank you, person, who said this had not happened on NCL yet!) Many a “good idea” can quickly turn and generally this does EVENTUALLY happen. Case in point, the airline industry, you can travel in FIRST CLASS and have stainless cutlery, hot towels, and hot meals. These were commonplace in COACH CLASS 30 years ago on domestic flights. One airline decided to make a “NO-FRILLS” service and soon the others were all jumping onboard. The transition did not take place overnight, as we became more acclimated to receiving less for our dollars, so was the change. ….. I do not support any of the “specialty-extra cost” dining options on ANY cruise line. I find there are enough “land-based” gourmet-specialty restaurants to meet my gastronomical desires….As for intimate dining, I have requested a table for two on occasion in the main dining room for a special evening, on cruises. We have never been disappointed -simply by asking the Head Waiter before hand…We LOVE cruising and have for years, and will continue to do so…. There is nothing like it in the world!! MYSELF, I will most likey continue to patronize the more tradional cruiseships and am quite happy with them, again to each their own... I apologize that I ruffled some feathers, but that is what makes us ALL CRUISE CRITICS, because we all have our OWN views and opinions on things and we will never ALL fully agree….what one thinks is the greatest thing since sliced bread, means nothing to another. Makes things interesting to hear different views, don’t you think? Or at LEAST it makes you think of what you REALLY appreciate! The world would be a boring place if we all thought alike…. Happy Sailings to all, whether row-boat or yacht!! (what ever YOU prefer) ...just have a good time....

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A little diffucult to read without paragraphs.

 

The bar set-up # is 1-866-625-1159

 

I never had a problem with the set-up not being in my cabin. If that SHOULD happen to you, your squeaky wheel will, I am sure, get it there;)

 

Have a great cruise,

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I really wanted to read nashkan's remarks as I was interested, like many of us where he is getting his information about such things as NCL not offering certain food items in the main dining rooms that all other lines do offer. I also am curious about why he thinks NCL is any different than any other line when it comes to specialty restaurants. Most lines now have adopted NCLs idea on this; main difference is NCL does not charge as much as Carnival and Celebrity. I really was hoping he would let us know where he got his information, but I don't think he will or did. I may be wrong, but I just had to stop reading his remarks because there were no breaks of any kind.

 

Hope he can re-write it so it is readable. He seems to be very unhappy with the groups decision. I hope he comes back with a new respect for NCL but it seems rather unlikely.

 

NMNita

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WOW...seems to be a lot of unhappy campers that chose NCL...I havent sailed them since 1993, and willgo with a open mind. Hoping for the best.

I am now learing that there are a lot of "critics" out there..hahah

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My Golly. My Gosh!!…. I have received information from this database and/or from personal experience from others….. I am extremely sorry that I have not been able to fully negotiate this site and do PROPER paragraphs……others have not been able to spell, EX: diffucult VS difficult ……that is not the point….I have tried to ”edit” my original posts , sorry to say that I can not…..MY ignorance …. If you want to read what I have posted then take an extra few minutes and CAREFULLY read it……if not, then move on…..with up most sincerity …….Dan

 

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My Golly. My Gosh!!…. I have received information from this database and/or from personal experience from others….. I am extremely sorry that I have not been able to fully negotiate this site and do PROPER paragraphs……others have not been able to spell, EX: diffucult VS difficult ……that is not the point….I have tried to ”edit” my original posts , sorry to say that I can not…..MY ignorance …. If you want to read what I have posted then take an extra few minutes and CAREFULLY read it……if not, then move on…..with up most sincerity …….Dan

 

 

Relax - nobody is focused on grammer or spelling - if they were I would have been run off this board years ago :D

 

A solid block of text is almost imposible to read online. In the future anyehere you post just break it up any way you want.

 

I did take the time to read your post and think I understand what you are saying.

 

You are welcome for the Bar Service info. It is hard if not imposible to find anywhere but here.

 

As far as reponses to bringing booze onboard go to the main page of this board. Click on most replies and it will sort threads by those with the most replies. Many of the top 20 are on this exact subject.

 

As far a Freestyle vs. Traditional I was certian I would hate it and avoided NCL for several years. I have to say I was wrong. I enjoy dinner everynight with people I want to be with not who I have to be with. I have meet as many if not more friends this way then traditional. Take a tour meet some folks you like have dinner together.

 

I am glad even if NCL was not your choice that you are in fact going into the cruise with an open mind.

 

You sure did get that wheel to scream :eek:

 

Enjoy and please drop back after your cruise with your feedback.

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