Got Tequila?

We are going on a family cruise and will be getting two rooms. Since our kids aren't 21 I have to be in one room and my husband has to be in the other. This isn't a huge deal but it messes up our free options. I was wondering if I could just get the beverage package for one of us and then choose another option for the other room. How often are you allowed to get drinks? If I wanted one here and there but he had the plan would it be really hard to do so. I don't expect drinking a lot since we have kids and other people's kids

Why not just get the beverage package for both cabins, once you enter in the age of the second guest in each cabin it will re-calculate the 18% service charge/tips and they will get the soda packages for the under age guest listed in each cabin.

If you get caught sharing a beverage package there will be tolls to pay, could end up paying for ever drink ordered since the beginning of the cruise, have the package taken away or even be put off the ship at the next port. Or, if you aren't drinking much, for your cabin you could just purchase drinks one at a time....then you won't be paying that 18% service charge which comes to about $100 for a 7 day sailing.

Hi everyone. I'm booked on POA in an inside, and am considering upgrading to a guaranteed balcony. Based on the exterior photos of the ship, it doesn't look like any of the balconies could be terribly obstructed (ie. a lifeboat right in front of the balcony, etc.) Am I correct in this? What's the worst that could happen if I choose a guaranteed balcony?

They could upgrade you all the way to a obstructed family suite that doesn't have a balcony, and has a lifeboat hanging in the window.

The Breakaway had one in the arcade.

It's official our group just booked our first NCL cruise. :D The special they're running w/ all the freebies tempted us to hop from Celebrity and give NCL a try!

 

I have a bunch of questions and figured it might be easier to just post them in one post vs. five or six separate threads :confused:

 

We got the Unlimited Beverage Package as well as the Specialty Dining Package when we booked...Are water bottles covered under this? No bottles of water aren't included.

Ultimate Beverage Package (Unlimited Open Bar):

 

Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Guest must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests under 21 will receive the soda package.

Variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD. Includes fountain soda and juice, and non-alcoholic beer.

A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included) purchased on board.

One beverage per person, per transaction.

Offer is not applicable at Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.

Does not include Ice Bars, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, Lavazza coffee beverages, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.

Guest who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise, excluding Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.

Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package ($14.22 USD per person per day) and/or Soda Package ($1.35 USD per person per day) prior to cruise.

Retail value of Ultimate Beverage Package is $79.00 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change.

Retail value of the Adult Soda Package is $7.50 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change.

 

 

In regards to the Specialty Dining Package coming from Celebrity their Specialty Dining is an all inclusive (pay one price get pretty much anything on the menu) I notice that the pricing is a la carte at NCL restaurants how does that work w/ the package?

 

For a 3-9 night sailing the package get's you 3 meals with the current promotion, 4 meals on a 10 night or longer cruise. You will be able to make your reservation starting at 90 days pre-cruise for most cabins, 100 days ahead if you booked a full suite, or Haven suite.

https://www.ncl.com/specialty-dining-package/faq

 

Also I've kinda skimmed through some reviews and there seems to be a familiar theme of the specialty restaurants being booked or booking up super quick...is it possible to book them in advance when you have the dining package? On Celebrity you could only book in advance if you paid the price up front... which was inconvenient especially if you had a free dinner coupon or obc.

 

Can shows be booked in advance? Is that suggested? Show reservations depend on the ship you are booked on, they can be made 100 days out for Haven suites, and 90 days in advance for regular cabin on the Epic, Getaway, Breakaway, and the Bliss. Personally I would book in advance, then make adjustments on the ship as needed.

 

Can someone explain a little bit how the dining on NCL works? I know its freestyle but some of the reviews I've skimmed thru mentioned buffet closing at certain times (buffet on Celebrity pretty much had something on it 24/7), needing reservations or having to wait to get into certain venues (irish pub, free Chinese food place, etc) this will be a completely different cruising style for us. We're used to dining room or specialty restaurant for most meals otherwise it was the buffet. Most ships have O'Sheehan's or the Blue Lagoon which are open 24 hours, for complementary "comfort" food. For main dining rooms you can show up for dinner when you're hungry and be seated on a first come first seated manner like a land based restaurant, or make reservations (90 days in advance for most cabins, 100 days out for full suites/Haven suites),

 

Where can I find info on Great Stirrup Cay? It will be one of the stops on our sailing, from what I understand it is NCL's private island which none of us have ever been too.

Beverage package is good at GSC, and they do have a nice BBQ lunch, and a taco place included as well.

https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/great-stirrup-cay

We will have kids on our sailing does anyone know the ages they have to be in order to sign themselves in and out?

13-17 can come and go from the teen club without signing in and out.

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/family-cruises/youth-programs

I am taking a 7 day on the Breakaway on March 11-18, 2018.

 

I would like to pop off over to the Intrepid Museum before I board. How early can I drop luggage at the terminal and head over? Ship has a 3 pm departure time so I know I need to be on board no later than 1 pm.

 

Thanks for help!!

Typically they will start taking luggage about 8 - 8:30 AM.

Sailaway categories generally come up as a GTY (guarantee), with those you don't select a specific cabin number and you agree to let Norwegian assign you a cabin. You may not find out the cabin until the day of the cruise. It may be assigned in the category you book, or anything higher.

No frills pricing, so no promotions with the sailaway categories that end in the letter X.

Generally, but not always, the sailaway category is the lowest priced option within the category.

This is what we're hoping to do. How did you convert your OBC into separate tips for your butler, concierge, and steward ?

 

Did you convert it to cash ?

Did guest services give specific amounts to them out of your OBC ?

 

We're also wondering whether remaining OBC would be automatically applied to the DSC at the end of the cruise (we didn't prepay DSC).

Just go to the desk in the Atrium. Give them the name of the employee you want to give a tip to, and they will give you a receipt you can give them and will add it as a charge to your account then they credit that employees account for the amount you authorized.

What exactly is this activity on the Escape? I think I may want to try it:cool:

No fee for this....it's one of the two planks to walk out over the edge of the ship...there's a line to pull at the end of the plank that will take a photo.

Ropes Course

Feel your heart drop as you zip over the ocean on one of five Sky Rail zip tracks. Let go of every inhibition as you walk across one of two Planks on Norwegian Escape. Experience 99 exhilarating challenges. Our expanded, three-story Ropes Course gives “action-packed” a whole new meaning.

So this coming February the family and I will be going on the Norwegian Gem for our first cruise in over ten years, as well as our first balcony (Yippee!). I've tried my best in finding the perfect cabin. As far midship as possible, lowest deck, to avoid seasickness. All the while not breaking the bank, yadda, yadda.

 

But now that I've finalized everything and checked the tickets, I realized it's an enclosed balcony...

 

I'm just slightly worried if the view will be restricted at all and a little concerned over sea sickness. The cabin is on deck eight, 8048. Which seems to be located adjacent to a stairwell. So OF COURSE now I'm concerned about possible noise :rolleyes:.

 

Has anyone had an enclosed cabin before? Care to share your experiences?

8048 is quite far forward in my opinion, the forward section feels the most motion. I personally would look at a BA mid-ship balcony on deck 9 instead of that forward section BD balcony with the priva-sea balcony.. One deck up won't make much difference in the motion....but I would avoid the forward section on the GEM.

This is from a visit to the bridge last year on the BREAKAWAY...

https://www.ncl.com/getting-to-the-pier/driving-directions#sanjuan

Norwegian uses the Panamerican pier 1 in San Juan for a departure port.

It's not the same pier (Old San Juan) that they use for regular port visits.

Read this on CC a couple weeks ago..

RedRover96

Thread Starter

Cool Cruiser

#1

Lake Norman, NC

319 Posts

Joined Mar 2011

Posted Today, 03:06 PM

Just read this from a Bulletin Board I follow from Ambergris Caye in Belize:, https://ambergriscaye.com

"On May 30th, 2017, the Cruise Control Ltd. will officially start ferrying cruise passengers from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village Municipal Pier and will be conducting a test run in the interim. Passengers will now have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches, food, craft and much more that the village of Placencia has to offer. In addition, Tour Operators will have the opportunity to take guests on marine tours. Tickets can be purchased on the cruise ship or at the visitors’ booth on Harvest Caye at a cost of $20USD round trip."

Problem with the Cruise Next program offered on board the cruise. Special offer was to buy up to 4 $250.00 credits and NCL would match with 4 bonus credits. Spent $1000 for 4 credits and were specifically assured we would receive $2000 towards our next booking within 4 years. Upon attempting to book a future cruise we were told you can only use 1 $250 credit per booking. NOT what we were told onboard. Supervisor said they would allow us to use 2 credits on next booking as a special. Have requested a refund for the cruise next deposit and cancelled a booking for the Haven. If we are spending over $10,000 on a cruise, it will be a line that stands behind what they say.

I just used 2 of the Haven Cruise next certificates on a booking this week.....

https://www.ncl.com/cruisenext

NEW OFFER!

NOW YOU CAN APPLY TWO OF YOUR DEPOSITS TO YOUR NEXT CRUISE!

STARTING APRIL 6, 2017, YOU CAN APPLY TWO OF YOUR CRUISE REWARD, CRUISENEXT, CRUISENEXT HAVEN, OR CRUISENEXT LITE DEPOSITS

TO YOUR NEXT ELIGIBLE CRUISE WHEN YOU BOOK A BALCONY OR ABOVE STATEROOM ON SAILINGS AT LEAST 6 MONTHS OUT.

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS INCREDIBLE OFFER!

Thanks. That was my understanding too, so that's what I did before I posted. I just wanted to clarify because I have read here that cabins that sleep 3 always have bed near the closet. That must be wrong. I appreciate the help. I just wanted to verify that the deck plans are always 100% correct as opposed to the info I got from CC. LOL

The deck plans are not always correct for the Breakaway bed layout, we cruised in cabin #9710, an angled BD balcony and expected the bed to be near the sliding door according to the deck plans and it was actually next to the closet making the closet harder to access.

The UBP isn't available on my sailing (Pride of America) and if I select the pre-cruise hotel stay it brings the fair up $250, the same price as if I were to book the hotel on Expedia.

 

It just makes me realize and remember that nothing is free in this world.

Unfortunately you can't even purchase a beverage package on the Pride of America, due to local laws and it being a US flagged ship. It would be unlawful for them to give the package as a promotional option. I've never seen the pre-cruise hotel night option add an extra charge to the reservation....that one is a mystery. Were you selecting it on the page right after you select the type of cabin?

Terms and Conditions:

If choosing 1 night pre hotel option, reservation must be made more than 30 days prior to sailing.

If choosing 1 night pre hotel with air option, reservation must be made more than 60 days prior to sailing.

Offer is not applicable to guarantee categories IX, OX, BX.

1 Night Pre Hotel

If choosing 1 night pre hotel option, reservation must be made more than 30 days prior to sailing. Offer is only available when booking primary package CHOICEHAW1NTPRE. Offer is available on select sail dates and is capacity controlled. 1 night pre hotel offer is only available for FIT reservations. 1 night pre hotel offer is for Waikiki Marriott Resort - City View. Blackout sail dates apply, see NCL Help for details. Select hotel nights in 2017 will offer the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel using primary package CHOHAW1NTPREAST instead. In the event that the hotel scheduled to be used in your package is unavailable, for any reason, Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to substitute the hotel included in your package with other similar accommodations/services. Pricing is based on the day hotel is chosen, standard penalties apply. 1 night pre hotel offer is available on reservations with 4 guests or less. Transfers from the hotel to the pier are included. Offer only valid for one night hotel stay. Extension cannot be accommodated through this offer.

Is there a limit on the amount of drinks you can have per day and also are there any drinks that's not included?

From the terms and conditions on the current Free at Sea promotion...no limit to the number of drinks per day, unless you are visibly intoxicated.

Ultimate Beverage Package (Unlimited Open Bar):

Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Guest must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests under 21 will receive the Soda Package.

Variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD. Includes fountain soda and juice, and non-alcoholic beer.

A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included) purchased on board.

Does not apply to the Ice Bars, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, Lavazza coffee beverages, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.

Guest who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise, excluding Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.

Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package ($14.22 USD per person, per day) and/or Soda Package ($1.35 USD per person, per day) prior to cruise, except when booking The Haven or a Suite.

Retail value of Ultimate Beverage Package is $79.00 USD per person, per day. Package price is subject to change.

Retail value of the Adult Soda Package is $7.50 USD per person, per day. Package price is subject to change.

18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package are included when booking through the Australia office.

When booking through the Australia office, gratuities related to beverage and soda packages are included.

When booking a Haven or Suite category, gratuities related to beverage and soda packages are included.

In a SUITE, you will be charges $14.95 pp per day. That covers your cabin attendant (and helpers), waiters, ass't waiter, and head waiter. For ALL meals.

They call it a DSC (daily service charge)...that is the tip. No additional is expected or required.

From the Norwegian website...

https://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge

Depends a bit on when the cruise was booked, which ship (The SKY is different than all the others), and if you are pre-paying the daily service charge. The Butler and Concierge aren't included in the DSC, so you would tip them based upon how much or how little you use their services.

Escape Room? Is this new on Breakaway? I'm intrigued!! :)

 

 

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It is new on the BREAKAWAY..

Escape the Big Top

A carnival takes an unfortunate turn when a circus act goes awry. A magician puts a curse on everyone, and it’s up to you so solve the clues break the spell. Do you have what it takes to be the first to lift the curse? “Escape the Big Top” is fast-paced and full of excitement and intrigue — a not-to-be-missed activity for the whole family.

This is from the Norwegian website, sailaway rates are basically the guarantee categories that end in the letter "X", they are the no thrills...bare bones prices, and are excluded from most promotions.

https://www.ncl.com/promo/sail-away-rates

Plan your next cruise vacation with Norwegian's Sail Away Rates. These are the lowest cruise fares available for select Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Mini-Suite staterooms. Simply pick your desired guarantee stateroom category (IX, OX, BX, MX) when you book and receive your assigned stateroom number when you arrive at port.

While you can't be guaranteed a specific stateroom number until you come onboard, you can be guaranteed the lowest fares available. And, there's the chance you could receive a higher category stateroom. Because these are the best priced fares available, Sail Away rates cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions, such as Free At Sea.

I just got a new email from NCL....

 

Guests can apply 2 Cruise Rewards, CruiseNext, CruiseNext Haven or CruiseNext Lite Deposits to one stateroom. This offer is valid for sailings booked in a balcony or above more than 6 months out.

https://www.ncl.com/cruisenext

Details are on the Norwegian website

Thinking of booking an NCL Cruise, will be 1 adult and 1teen. If one of my options is the drink package, what would the teen get?

Teen would get the soda package, and the 18% service charge/tips gets adjusted once you put in the age.

Hello all!

 

I am a first time cruiser and I am getting excited to go on the Escape in April! My question is, can I change my specialty dining package to the gratuity package? I have already paid for my cruise but I am just wondering if I can switch those so I can get the ease and better budget my cruise so I can relax more. Any and all help will be appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Mark

You can switch the promotional options up to 24 hours before the cruise. It would be to an another option that was available at the time you booked. Call Norwegian if you booked directly by phone or on their website, if you used an outside agency you would need to go back through them to make any adjustments.

Can anybody tell me if towels are provided for the pool on the Norwegian Spirit or if they are available for hire. Thank you

You will have pool/beach towels in your cabin. They will be replaced by the cabin steward if placed on the floor in the bathroom, or you can exchange them out on the pool deck for clean dry towels.

Is anyone else receiving emails with subject cruise confirmation but it is for a previous cruise. Today I received one for a cruise that took place in January 2012 and yesterday I got one for the cruise that I was on in December 2015. Not sure what is going on with the NCL's systems, I will be calling them about it but just wanted to see if it is just me this is happening to or if something wider going on

 

 

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I haven't gotten any odd emails from them.

The NCL bidding process means that your bid is the only additional cost for the upgrade if they accept it? I can't tell if there are any other fees involved.

If I bid 100 on a room for two and they accept then the charge will be $200, right?

If you purchased travel insurance that could go up. If you bid on a full suite or haven suite you would have the tips for the butler/concierge additional...since they aren't in the regular DSC tip pool.