Damascus43

I would love this kind of thing and I think the cost could probably be written off to the total cost of my cruise. Thanks for the quick response.

The Behind the Scenes tour looks interesting, but at $139 also seems a bit expensive. Has anybody been on this, how long is the tour, and do you think it was worth it?

No idea what I selected. Confirmation email from Expedia shows nothing but the same for everything.

Actually I just realized that since I booked this cruise through Expedia I don't get any packages at all.

I did go for the FAS specialty as the gratuity is what I would tip in a normal restaurant. Thanks everybody for all the good advice.

Thanks all. At least I know to expect $20 per day. As I don't drink alcohol, the "free" drinks package doesn't seem worth it for a few sodas. Next it's trying to figure out shore excursions. At least I have a lot of experience visiting new locales and getting around.

I have been around the world, mostly solo, including places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. I've been to the UK about 25 times (heading back next month) but have never wanted to take a cruise, especially solo. A cousin is going on her first cruise on NCL Breakaway to NE/Canada and I'm basically a bit worn out from hiking around cities so I thought I would join the cruise. I booked with Expedia instead of NCL as the price was the same and I'm an Expedia Platinum member and could use the points. One thing I am used to is the price of things; if I book a hotel or airfare I know exactly what the cost will be and what I am getting. Frankly, as I research this cruise, I am overwhelmed as I don't really know what to expect price-wise. The Free At Sea drinks package costs $152 in gratuities (not very free) and it seems that without it I am still able to get complimentary iced tea, water, and basic hot beverages, which are fine. I can do without the "free" stuff. However, what about gratuities? I don't see anything explaining if they are included ("free" specialty dining gratuity is paid for as I want to try a restaurant). Is it part of the fare? Is it added on somewhere later? Is it my choice to leave in cash? (I'm starting to get a headache.) My cousin mentioned some sort of seafood extravaganza onboard, how do I find out what the day-to-day stuff is like? I know NCL is casual (I wouldn't go otherwise), but are jeans acceptable in the dining rooms?

Wasn't sure which. I will repost.

I have been around the world, mostly solo, including places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. I've been to the UK about 25 times (heading back next month) but have never wanted to take a cruise, especially solo. A cousin is going on her first cruise on NCL Breakaway to NE/Canada and I'm basically a bit worn out from hiking around cities so I thought I would join the cruise. I booked with Expedia instead of NCL as the price was the same and I'm an Expedia Platinum member and could use the points. One thing I am used to is the price of things; if I book a hotel or airfare I know exactly what the cost will be and what I am getting. Frankly, as I research this cruise, I am overwhelmed as I don't really know what to expect price-wise. The Free At Sea drinks package costs $152 in gratuities (not very free) and it seems that without it I am still able to get complimentary iced tea, water, and basic hot beverages, which are fine. I can do without the "free" stuff. However, what about gratuities? I don't see anything explaining if they are included ("free" specialty dining gratuity is paid for as I want to try a restaurant). Is it part of the fare? Is it added on somewhere later? Is it my choice to leave in cash? (I'm starting to get a headache.) My cousin mentioned some sort of seafood extravaganza onboard, how do I find out what the day-to-day stuff is like? I know NCL is casual (I wouldn't go otherwise), but are jeans acceptable in the dining rooms?