Orleanscruiser

The way I look at it , I don't have to make the bed , bed well any house cleaning for a week ,we always leave $10.00 per day to the steward ($5.00 per passenger )

From the NCL website:

What about Tipping?

Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals.

Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

we have a cruise planned for next October .

you could check out this site seem to be more reasonable

http://manhattancruiseparking.com/

Hello Signora

Hope you are having a great time , we are planning the same cruise for next Oct 27.

Do you have copies of the daillies , can you post some and thanks for some of your tip on the excursion

Great review any picture?

Haven suites you need to put the full deposit down minus the $250 FCC. When I booked a Haven suite for 2 the deposit was $1500. I used my FCC plus I had to pay $1250.

I guess I got a break . We are booked for a aft penthouse suite .

BOOKING COMPONENTS PER GUEST IN USD

Totalx Guest 1 Guest 2

Guest Fare 3,898.00 1,949.00 1,949.00

Government Taxes/Fees 350.62 175.31 175.31

Prepaid Service Charge 216.00 108.00 108.00

Gross Total

Commission

Net Due

4,464.62 2,232.31 2,232.31

PAYMENTS AMOUNT (USD)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

DEPOSIT due on 26-Jul-2013 11:59 pm Eastern Time 500.00

FINAL PAYMENT due on 22-Aug-2014 11:59 pm Eastern Time 3,964.62

PAYMENTS APPLIED

PAID by CRUISE REWARD 6 DAY PLUS Coupon for xxxx xxxx on 23-Jul-2013 250.00

TOTAL PAYMENTS APPLIED 250.00

Balance Due on 22-Aug-2014 11:59 pm Eastern Time 4,214.62

Regardless of the on-board accounting, it costs you $150 but it is worth $250 when you go to book another cruise. Unless you are cruising in a suite, the certificate is good for your full deposit - that's what I like best. Instead of having to come up with $500 (or wait for a half price deposit sale), I have the freedom of being able to watch for a good price on an itinerary I like (or in the case of my next cruise, a highly sought after cabin being available), and just book it.

It's the same for a suite , just booked a suite for next November on the Gem, needed to deposit $500.00 and I used the FCC of $250.00 for deposit .

In my opinion that the advantage of the FCC not the fact you get $100.00obc.

Most likely the same improvement they did to the pearl last april

This cruise was originally a 9 days Eastern Caribbean ,

Norwegian Gem's 9-Day Eastern Caribbean sailings from New York on November 5 and November 15, 2014 have been

cancelled as Norwegian Gem will enter a dry dock for maintenance and enhancements from November 9, 2014 to November

22, 2014 in Grand Bahamas Island.

Ncl has modified the Oct 27- Nov 7 to a 11 days cruise and Dec 1 to Dec 13 to a 12 days cruise

we have a cruise for Oct 27 - Nov 7 on the Gem Eastern Caribbean.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal Parking price increasing jan/01/14

General Information

Parking is conveniently located above each of the piers. Drive up the Viaduct Ramp at 55th Street to the receiving area adjacent to the cruise vessel’s berth. Passengers parking a car must enter the terminal and park prior to bringing in bags to the second level for check-in. Passengers driving are unable to drop off bags and then park without exiting the terminal.

Parking Rates

Daily Rate: Up to 10 Hours

(For drop offs/visitors) $30.00

Cruise Parking

1 to 10 nights $35.00/per night

Extended Cruise Parking

11 to 30 nights $350.00

Parking Rates Effective January 01, 2014

Daily Rate: Up to 10 Hours

(For drop offs/visitors) $35.00

Cruise Parking

1 to 10 nights $40.00/per night

Extended Cruise Parking

11 to 30 nights $400.00

Taxes are included in the rates. Payment is due upon arrival into the parking lot. There is no upcharge for sport utility vehicles.

Payment accepted by cash and Visa and MasterCard Credit Cards.

Hours

Cruise parking opens at 9:00 A.M. Check out at 1:00 P.M.

Additional Parking

Additional parking lots are located at 59th Street.

No Reservations

We do not accept reservations. Space is subject to availability and is provided to cruise parkers on a first come, first serve basis.

Height Restriction

8’3″ height restriction for all passenger vehicles.

Just off the Gem last June , we meet some new friend during the week , On the last day we asked our butler Ciprianno to set up some snack we were going to invite our new friends in our aft penthouse . Well Ciprianno

did set up some snack was more like a private buffet(sandwich ,veggie tray, cheese tray, assorted cookies, canopy and of course our favorite pretzel rolls).

In my opinion it's the butler's responsibility to keep you happy during your cruise

Hello Coka

Thanks for the great review, I'm not a big fan of mega ship , love the Jewel class ship. reading your wonderful review , has me wondering if I could fall in love with these mega ship.

Thanks for taking the time to write

Here's the reason why the syrup is nasty , check this thread

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1950396

try this site

http://www.discovery.ca/Showpage.aspx?sid=13057

FROM THE NCL WEBSITE UNDER TERM & CONDITION.

A15% gratuity plus any applicable taxes will be added to all package purchases. Packages must be purchased by all qualifying individuals residing in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment for the entire length of the cruise. Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Call Pre-concierge a week in advance explain to them your situation and maybe they will play along with you to surprise your DH.

One they are not needed, secondly the pools are always busy and have a million eyes on it, thirdly NCL would more liable for any accidents.

 

And as for kids where the hell are the parents, they should be looking after them.

Million eyes watching and a 6 years old boys drowned on carnival,

Maybe it's time to change strategis

first thing we do is head to star bar savour our favorite drink then meet with concierge and our butler

Latitudes Rewards: Terms and Conditions

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• Overview
  
• Rewards Points & Benefits
  
• Insider Offer
  
• FAQs
  
• Access Your Account
  
• Online Latitudes Magazine
  
• Terms and Conditions
  

Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Reward Program (the "Program") is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line ("Norwegian"). Norwegian reserves the right to modify or terminate the Program, or to change the Terms and Conditions of participation and benefits of the Program, in whole or in part, at any time with or without notice. Norwegian may terminate an individual's membership in the Program if Norwegian, at its sole discretion, determines that an individual is utilizing the Program in a manner inconsistent with the Program's terms and conditions or intent.

To qualify as a member of the Program, you must have taken or booked at least one (1) eligible Norwegian cruise since 1995 and be enrolled in the Program. An individual's membership level in the Program shall be based on the number of eligible points that such individual has earned.

Points are earned based on the length of the cruise itinerary, booking select categories of stateroom (suite category or above not including mini suites), cruises that have been realized on or after December 5th, 2011 in which instance the booking was made nine (9) months or more in advance of the date of sailing, bookings made with a Latitudes Insider Offer on eligible cruises. In the instance that an individual upgrades to a higher stateroom category a point shall only be awarded if fullfare was paid for such stateroom category. The following are not included in the list of eligible cruises: cruises purchased at a reduce fare (I.e. employee rates, friends and family rates, vendor rate cruises taken via a cruise certificate) and other cruises designated as such by Norwegian in its sole discretion.

Any benefits for which you are eligible as a member of the Program, will only be available to you, are not transferable and will only be available on Norwegian sailings which are five (5) days or longer. Norwegian reserves the right to determine which benefits will be delivered to Norwegian passengers on designated Norwegian ships. Not all benefits offered through the Program will be made available on all Norwegian ships.

Latitudes Insider Offer-Onboard Credit

Offer valid from October 1 through October 30, 2013 11.59 PM EST.

To take advantage of this offer and ensure receipt of Latitudes benefits on board, guest needs to provide Latitudes membership number at time of booking.

In order to qualify guest must be enrolled in the Latitudes program and have completed at least one sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line. Offer valid for all Latitudes tiers: BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, or PLATINUM.

Offer is valid for new individual bookings. Qualifying new individual reservations can be moved into existing group. The promotion cannot be held in the group block.

Qualifying new individual reservations can be moved into existing group.

Onboard credit offer is per stateroom, based on stateroom category booked, in U.S. Dollars and will be applied to the 1st and 2nd guest on the reservation.

Onboard credit has no monetary value and is non-transferable. It may not be used toward onboard service charges.

Singles paying 200% are entitled to full onboard credit value.

Offer excludes Casino promotions, Norwegian Cruise Line Reduced Rate programs (e.g. employee rates, interline, friends /family rates, vendor rates, or cruises taken via cruise credit certificate) and incentive & charter promo codes.

Guests who cancel and rebook must accept this promotion's Terms and Conditions.

Government taxes & fees, and onboard service charges are additional.

Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability, subject to change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and will be applied to select sailings

Offer combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Promotion valid in United States, Canada, and international select markets

Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2013 NCL Corporation Ltd.

Latitude savings promotion - reduced rates for Latitude members

Booking Window: Capacity Controlled

Applicable Destination: Select sailings

Program Code: LATOFFER

Latitudes membership number prompts the promo code

GDS: ALL

Terms and Conditions

To take advantage of this offer and ensure receipt of Latitudes benefits on board, guest needs to provide Latitudes membership number at time of booking.

Offer is valid for new individual and new FS bookings and cannot be held as group block.

Qualifying new individual reservations can be moved into existing traditional or FS group.

Guests who cancel and rebook must accept this promotion's Terms and Conditions.

Government taxes & fees, and onboard service charges are additional.

This promotion excludes Chartered Dates and Group Type: INCREG and INCLARGE

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $65 per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile

Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, Norwegian Cruise Line will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have

been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $10.00 per passenger per day.

Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability, subject to change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and will be applied to select sailings

Offer combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Promotion valid for NCLMIA and NCLINTL. Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2013 NCL Corporation Ltd.

Latitude savings promotion, Save up to $200 per stateroom for Norwegian Breakaway

Offer Details: Latitude savings promotion - reduced rates for Latitude members $100 off per guest for the 1st and 2nd guest on all categories

Booking Window: Capacity Controlled

Applicable Destination: Norwegian Breakaway 8/11/13 and 8/18/13

Program Code: LATOFFER

Latitudes membership number prompts the promo code

GDS: ALL

Terms and Conditions

To take advantage of this offer and ensure receipt of Latitudes benefits on board, guest needs to provide Latitudes membership number at time of booking.

Offer is valid for new individual and new FS bookings and cannot be held as group block.

Qualifying new individual reservations can be moved into existing traditional or FS group.

Guests who cancel and rebook must accept this promotion's Terms and Conditions.

Government taxes & fees, and onboard service charges are additional.

This promotion excludes Chartered Dates and Group Type: INCREG and INCLARGE

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $65 per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile

Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, Norwegian Cruise Line will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have

been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $10.00 per passenger per day.

Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability, subject to change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and will be applied to select sailings

Offer combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Promotion valid for NCLMIA and NCLINTL. Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2013 NCL Corporation Ltd.

Latitude members receive one additional point per night when booking a new Repositioning sailing

Offer Details: Latitude members receive one additional point per night when booking a new Repositioning sailing

Booking Window: 5/1/13- Capacity Controlled

Applicable destinations: All 5+ days Repositioning cruises (Transatlantic, Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal)

Program Code: LATBONUS

Terms and Conditions

Offer is for New Individual FIT Reservations and New Group Delegates. Qualifying New Individual FIT reservations can be moved into existing Group and count towards Tour Conductor Credits. Offer is combinable with existing group block rates.

Once the sailing has been completed the additional point will be added.

Guests who cancel and rebook must accept this promotion's Terms and Conditions. Please note that the cancellation and rebooking process may impact guests who receive early booking Latitude Rewards points as the system looks at the Initial Date to calculate the 9 months or prior.

Gold & Platinum Laundry

For bulk bag laundry service, which is subject to availability, Gold members receive twenty five (25%) percent off of retail price of bulk bag laundry service. The discount will be reflected on the final bill at the end of your sailing. Platinum members receive complimentary bulk bag laundry service which provides each Platinum member with one (1) bag of bulk bag laundry service per member, at no cost. Any additional bulk bag laundry service requested will be provided to Platinum members at twenty five (25%) percent off of the retail price of the laundry service. Any request by Gold or Platinum members for bulk bag laundry service must be made pursuant to the terms of the promotion guidelines. To resolve any billing discrepancies, guests must visit a Latitudes Rewards representative. The guest hereby confirms and understands that Norwegian shall in no way be held responsible for the occurrence of any of the following through the use of bulk bag laundry service.

• Norwegian is not responsible for clothing that bleeds, shrinks or otherwise changes as a result of normal washing.
  
• Norwegian is not responsible for lost articles of clothing unless proven Norwegian was responsible for the loss.
  
• Norwegian is not responsible for "hand wash only" or "dry clean only" and is not responsible for checking for these labels in garments.
  
• Norwegian is not responsible for any loss or damage to any personal or non-cleanable items left in the clothing or bags such as currency, jewelry, etc,
  
• Norwegian refuses the right to clean any garment.
  
• Norwegian does not guarantee the removal of all stains
  

Platinum Behind-the-Scenes Tour

All Platinum members are able to join Norwegian on a complimentary Behind-the-Scenes Tour of a Norwegian ship. Behind-the-Scenes Tours are only available on sailings five (5) days or longer. Norwegian reserves the right to cancel these tours (e.g. due to security concerns). In the event of a cancellation, notification will be sent to the guest. The Behind-the-Scene Tour is only available to Platinum members at no cost.

Any Guest wishing to accompany a Platinum member on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour will need to purchase the tour. Norwegian reserves the right to remove any individual from the tour should such individual behave in a manner which Norwegian deems disruptive. Platinum members and guests may be restricted to the access they will be provided on the Behind-the-Scenes Tour to the ship's policies and procedures.

As a member of the Program, you are responsible for ensuring that cruises taken have been properly credited to your account. If you believe a cruise has not been properly credited, you may be required to submit documentation satisfactory to Norwegian, which may include copies of ticket coupons, receipts and/or boarding passes. Any claim for undeceived credits must be received by Norwegian twelve (12) months from the date of sailing.

If Norwegian improperly denies you any credits towards cruises taken or other benefits, your exclusive remedy will be the issuance of the improperly denied benefit if available or such other alternative comparable benefit as determined by Norwegian, which shall have no additional liability whatsoever. In no event shall Norwegian be liable to you for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising out of Norwegian's acts or omissions with the Program.

The Program is an individual-oriented program. Your cruise summaries, promotion materials, will be sent to the address or email address, you provide. You are responsible for advising the Program of any changes. Norwegian will not have any liability for misdirected mail or the consequences thereof.

Fuel Supplement

Fares are shown in United States dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy. Government taxes, fees and fuel supplement charges (where applicable) are additional.

Norwegian reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above US$65.00 per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, Norwegian will have the sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed US$10.00 per day.

We were on the Gem last June , I have allergies and I am on a restricted diet. When we booked our cruise we advised of my condition and was noted to my files, approx. 1 month before the cruise I was contacted by my PCC and was informed that a nutritionist would be assigned to me during the cruise. Jeph Augustine was responsible for my diet during the cruise. Every evening I would meet with Jeph and plan my meal for the next day. NCL takes these cases very seriously.

From the Ncl website under site map

Accessibility Assistance

Important Information for Guests with Special Needs

The fun and excitement of Freestyle cruising should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we are committed to providing all of our guests the freedom of choice to cruise your way.

In order to accomplish that goal, Norwegian Cruise Line has a seasoned group of cruise professionals who are specifically trained to meet your needs through our dedicated toll free number for accessible travel (866-584-9756). Norwegian Cruise Line's team of Access Coordinators at the Access Desk have experience in furthering Norwegian Cruise Line's mission to provide a safe and accessible cruise experience for all guests with special requirements to the extent that is feasible. The Access Desk Coordinators will discuss with you your needs and expectations for your cruising experience. You or your travel agent will be contacted so that we can try to meet your needs prior to your cruise as soon as we receive your Special Accommodation Requirements Information form available from our Access Desk. Norwegian Cruise Line has Access Officers who will be the primary go to person for all of your needs.

In order to make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible and so that we can try to meet your specific needs, call 1-866-584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, send an email to accessdesk@ncl.com or have your travel agent contact us.

Special Assistance Level and Type of Assistance

Every person with a challenge or disability is different and you are the best judge of any special assistance you may require. Norwegian Cruise Line has specially trained employees to answer your questions before and during your cruise or to resolve any issue that may arise relating to travel with Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a centralized internal corporate resolution staff to assist vessel personnel, available by telephone 24 hours a day. If we are doing more or less than you need, please let us know.

The fun and excitement of Freestyle cruising should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we are committed to providing all of our guests the freedom of choice to cruise your way.

• Special Assistance Coordinators Before and During Your Cruise
  
• Advance Notice Needed
  
• Guests with Mobility Impairments
  
• Guests who Are Deaf or Have Low Hearing
  
• Guests who are Blind or Have Low Vision
  
• Other Needs or Challenges
  

Special Assistance Coordinators Before and During Your Cruise

Learn how Norwegian Cruise Line has a dedicated team of seasoned travel professionals specifically trained to assist you with your specific requirements from reserving your stateroom through your cruise.

Special Assistance Coordinators Before and During Your Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has a dedicated team of experienced professionals who are available to assist guests with disabilities and other challenges before, during and even after your cruise.

The Access Desk

Within our Reservations Department, an exclusive team of seasoned professionals operate to help facilitate your travel via our dedicated toll free number for accessible travel (1-866-584-9756 (voice)). Specially trained in Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures, after receiving your Special Accommodation Requirements Information form, they document your reservation with information concerning your service requests to help prepare our cruise staff for your vacation. A member of the Access Desk will speak with you about each and every aspect of your cruise from transportation to and from the vessel to shore excursions, your stateroom and any other expectation or need that you may have.

Onboard

Once you have boarded, you will be met by staff who will have all of the information that you conveyed to Norwegian Cruise Line either directly or through your travel professional. Staff will be available throughout your cruise to see to your needs. Norwegian Cruise Line has Access Officers who will be the primary go to person for all of your needs. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a centralized internal corporate resolution staff to assist the Access Officer, available by telephone 24 hours a day.

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Advance Notice Needed

Whatever your special requirements are, Norwegian Cruise Line will do whatever it reasonably can to accommodate you. But we do need adequate time to prepare for your arrival. Please make every effort to contact our Access Desk well in advance of your cruise - at least 90 days for interpreters and 60 days for all other requirements - if possible. As soon as we receive your information, we will begin working with you to create a cruise vacation specifically for you.

The more information that we have concerning any special requirement you may have, the more prepared we are to meet your needs during your cruise. What works well for others may not meet your requirements. You are the best judge to know what works best for you so rather than assume what you need is the norm, you'll have a much more enjoyable cruise experience if you tell us what you need. We will work with you to try to meet all your reasonable needs for your cruise, but due to the nature of travel on a passenger cruise vessel, if advance notice is not given, Norwegian Cruise Line may not be able to provide you with what you need.

In limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may find it necessary to ask you to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if a disabled guest is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical, or other requirement you may have as soon as possible, including whether you intend to bring a scooter with you.

Pre-arranging for special assistance helps travel proceed more smoothly. Assistance is arranged for at the time of booking upon identification of your specific service request through our dedicated toll free Access Desk number (1-866-584-9756) or your Travel Agent.

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Guests with Mobility Impairments

A wheelchair, scooter or walker may be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship for guests who cannot walk on their own. Norwegian Cruise Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. In order to accommodate our guests, Norwegian Cruise Line wheelchairs are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation situations. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we strongly recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you. You may also make rental arrangements onboard from a limited supply of rental wheelchairs which are available onboard on a first come first serve basis.

Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed in our accessible staterooms provided that they are powered by gel-cell batteries and the chargers must be adaptable to 110 volts. Should you choose a stateroom that has not been designated as accessible, you will need to bring a collapsible wheelchair, or if you have a motorized wheelchair or scooter, the width must not exceed 21 inches to enter the stateroom door. All scooters and wheelchairs MUST be stored in the stateroom. Due to the safety and escape way requirements established by SOLAS regulations, they cannot be stored in the hallways, stairways, or any other public area. Beach wheelchairs can be rented for use on Norwegian Cruise Line's private island.

For additional details on the prearranged rental program, please contact our authorized vendor:

Special Needs at Sea

Phone: (toll-free) 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575

Fax: 954-585-0577

www.specialneedsatsea.com

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/index.cfm/about-us/cruise-lines/norwegian-cruise-line/

Ship Transfers and Shore Excursions Facilities

Ship Transfers & Tenders

Guests must be aware that certain vessel transfers, such as tendering and gangways, may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters at the time that they desire or that they cannot go ashore at all. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering. Note: scooters and wheelchairs and/or guests that weigh 100lbs or more are not allowed to be transferred from the ship to tender and/or from tender to shore.

Please see a list of all ports with tender operations:

Shore Excursions

Some shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with mobility challenges. Although we endeavor to make sure that companies based in the United States provide accessible shore excursions, we cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Moreover, shore excursions in foreign ports can present challenges to disabled guests. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, we strongly recommend that you contact the Access Desk (866) 584-9756) prior to travel.

Amenities and Services include:

• Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to your accessibility needs during the cruise
  
• A limited number of wheelchair accessible staterooms with grab bars in the bathrooms, raised beds, adjustable hanging rods in the closets, shower seats, extra wide doors for easy access
  
• Wheelchair rental available for use on the vessels
  
• All Norwegian Cruise Line ships have pool lifts
  
• All Norwegian Cruise Line ships have accessible restrooms in a variety of public spaces
  
• Accessible transportation to and from the vessel can be arranged in advance for all US destinations with 15 day advance notice provided to the Access Desk
  
• The Access Desk can provide specific and up to date information on the accessibility of shore excursions prior to your cruise
  

For additional information, call (866) 584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or send an e-mail to accessdesk@ncl.com, or have your travel agent contact us.

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Guests who Are Deaf or Have Low Hearing

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we will attempt to provide our Deaf or Low Hearing guests with an enjoyable cruise, which means making every attempt to make the technology available to assist Deaf and Low Hearing guests during your Freestyle cruise experience. We strongly encourage Deaf or Low Hearing guests to contact the Access Desk prior to cruising so that your specific needs can be discussed prior to your cruise. Many different options are available prior to the cruise and needs vary from guest to guest.

For additional information, call (866) 584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or send an e-mail to accessdesk@ncl.com, or have your travel agent contact us.

Amenities and Services include:

• Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to your accessibility needs during the cruise
  
• The Sky, Sun and Pride of America have staterooms that are hard wired for Deaf and Low Hearing guests which includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection
  
• On those vessels where rooms have not been hardwired, a portable kit is available upon request in your stateroom that includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection.
  
• Individual and/or group emergency drills for all Deaf or Low Hearing guests upon request
  
• Pagers are available upon request on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to alert Deaf or Low Hearing Guests to vessel announcements and a manual for same can be provided in advance.
  
• Assistive listening devices are available on many vessels in the main theatre through the Guest Service Desk.
  
• Closed-captioned televisions are available for your state room.
  
• Closed-captioned DVD movies are available upon request prior to sailing.
  
• Sign language interpreting services may be provided for Deaf guests if that is their primary means of communication. A request for sign language interpreting should be made with the Access Desk at the time of booking through the Special requirements Information Form that can be obtained from the Access desk, but no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Requests are subject to a number of considerations, including but not limited to, the availability of interpreters and cabin space. Sign language interpreting services may be provided on cruises that depart from and/or return to the U.S.
  
• TTY Phones are available onboard all ships except Norwegian Spirit that use handy phones and text messaging.
   
  The guest can request that the phone in their room be replaced with a TTY phone and this will enable them to communicate with the Guest Services Desk staff by teletype.
  

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Guests who are Blind or Have Low Vision

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we will attempt to provide our Blind or Low Vision guests with an enjoyable cruise, which means providing personal, customized service to make your cruise fun, safe and happy.

For additional information, call (866) 584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or send an e-mail to accessdesk@ncl.com, or have your travel agent contact us.

Amenities and Services Available include:

• Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to your accessibility needs during the cruise
  
• A vessel orientation tour is available upon request
  
• Service animals allowed onboard and must be arranged through the Access Desk prior to the cruise
  
• Braille / tactile signage
  

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Other Needs or Challenges

Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes guests with medical, emotional or any other challenge to Freestyle cruising. If you have a need that has not been discussed, we encourage you to contact us at the Access Desk regarding your special requirements or requests and our policies and procedures. Please call (866) 584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or send an e-mail to accessdesk@ncl.com, or have your travel agent contact us.

Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities are welcome on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. Please contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures regarding children with disabilities and how we can assist you in making your child's cruising experience safe, fun and comfortable

Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Guests with cognitive, intellectual and development disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease are encouraged to contact the Access Desk to discuss your cruise. Upon request, every effort will be made to meet your cruising special requirements, including:

• Early boarding
  
• Boarding and disembarkation assistance
  

Special Medical Dietary Requirements and Diabetes

Guest with food allergies should contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures concerning special diets and your specific allergies prior to your cruise. Because the vessels are supplied all over the world, it may be easier to meet your specific food allergy requirements in some countries, but very difficult in others. We can arrange to have no sugar and low sodium meals for guests with those specific medical dietary restrictions upon request. Refrigerators are available in many staterooms for storing insulin

Dialysis

Guests requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are welcome to board all vessels. However, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have the ability to assist or administer hemo-dialysis treatments. Those guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all solutions and equipment needed to perform the dialysis delivered to the vessel on the day of sailing at least two hours prior to sailing. Please contact the Access desk prior to the cruise for more information on Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures.

Oxygen

The ship is not equipped to provide guests with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Medical Center. For security and safety reasons, we have selected Special Needs at Sea as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver oxygen supplies to the ship. We believe they will meet your on board respiratory needs:

Special Needs at Sea

Phone: (toll-free) 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575

Fax: 954-585-0577

www.specialneedsatsea.com

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/index.cfm/about-us/cruise-lines/norwegian-cruise-line/

You are also welcome, however, to bring your own oxygen and/or oxygen equipment from your home. Please note that our staff and crew are not permitted to handle your oxygen and/or oxygen equipment during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Thus, you must be able to handle your supplies if you bring your own. Please contact the Access & Compliance Department prior to sailing if you will require oxygen while on your cruise. Please note that liquid oxygen is not permitted on any Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

For the safety and security of everyone, oxygen and/or oxygen equipment deliveries will not be accepted from any other company other than Special Needs at Sea.

Pregnancy

Norwegian Cruise Line will not accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the time their travel with Norwegian Cruise Line concludes. A statement from the expectant mother's doctor (letter head form required), stating her due date and fitness to travel must be sent to Norwegian Cruise Line's Access Desk. Norwegian Cruise Line will not be responsible or liable for any complications of pregnancy which arise or occur during the cruise.

Short Stature

Kits are available upon request to all guests of short stature, which include:

• Ultra stable stepstool with innovative handle
  
• Fold-up closet rod adapter
  
• Universal security latch adapter
  
• Easy action reaching and grabbing tool
  
• Versatile poke and pull tool
  
• Heavy duty nylon tote and storage bag
  

For additional information, call (866) 584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, or send an e-mail to accessdesk@ncl.com, or have your travel agent contact us.

Sinan on the Gem and we also enjoy Julie when she was on the pearl

From the cruise critic news

Aye Aye, Captain

Norwegian Cruise Line has selected two long-time captains to command the massive 146,600-ton, 4,028-passenger Norwegian Getaway, set to debut January 2014. Captain Rune Myre most recently has served as captain on Norwegian Pearl and has 28 years' experience at sea. Captain Tommy Stensrud is a 35-year veteran of the sea who has served as captain on Norwegian Pearl. Norwegian also introduced the ship's senior officers: Staff Captain Niklas Persson, Chief Engineer Carsten Forsbo, Chief Engineer Oeystein Undrum and Hotel Director Sean Wumhoeringer.

I wish there was a discount for repeat suite guests!! Lol :o

Actually their is a discount for repeat guest. All you have to do is book your suite 9 months in advance and you will get $300.00 in OBS. This perk is not available for inside , Oceanviews ,balcony & mini-suite

WE WERE ON THE GEM RECENTLY, WE MADE ARRENGEMENT 30 DAYS PRIOR OUR SAILING. WHEN WE BOARDED THE SHIP ON FIRST DAY WE WERE ASSIGNED A NUTRIONIST(Jeph Agustin)and every night would meet and we set up our meal for the next day . All the staff on the Gem made an effort to accommodate our special need. If you don't do you homework how can blame NCL.

Taken from NCL WEBSITE UNDER FAQ.

What about special dietary needs?

If you have any food allergy or a dietary requirement that requires Kosher meals or gluten-free food product, please advise a Norwegian Reservations Agent, or your Travel Agent at the time of booking. Obtaining the product for many of these requests requires 30-days notice prior to sailing, and we want to ensure that we are able to fulfill your request. We cannot guarantee Kosher Meal requests made within 30 days of sail date.

For the protection of all of our guests, it is not permissible to bring aboard any food items that would require preparation by the ship’s staff, or food items that would require cold storage in our kitchen facilities.

Don't forget to bring your sense of humour