New to NCL a few questions

So we are on the Gem then end of April. My first question is about the photo packages, is it better to buy before we board or is it the same on board. Also it's a free cruise thru a land based casino, do we get priority boarding with that? Didn't see it any where on my edocs. Also read a few threads on here about a drink card for the casino only, will we get that? If we do do we have to be playing to drink. Or can we just order a drink and than leave? TIA

I would wait to buy photos until I see them....most aren't that flattering!

Can't help with the casino issues....but 'free" drinks are generally only when you're playing...but if you're playing, and get a drink, there's nothing stopping you from leaving the table (or slot) with your drink!

priority Boarding, I don't believe so

photos, onboard

I see plenty of folks with the drink card just walk up to the bar in the casino and order drinks, unless it was just blatant abuse I don't think they will say much

NO priority boarding. But priority check in. The drink card has always been included You don't have to be gambling to use it. It's really good for getting a bottle of water before we go back to the cabin. Unfortunately, I just read where they are stopping the drink card for land based casino comps. They just keep reducing the CAS comps. Hopefully, what I heard was wrong.

So we are on the Gem then end of April. My first question is about the photo packages, is it better to buy before we board or is it the same on board. Also it's a free cruise thru a land based casino, do we get priority boarding with that? Didn't see it any where on my edocs. Also read a few threads on here about a drink card for the casino only, will we get that? If we do do we have to be playing to drink. Or can we just order a drink and than leave? TIA

As a guest of the casino, you will get priority check-in (ask for the casino check in line) and you will get priority boarding. There is a separate waiting area for casino guests and you will be boarded before general boarding starts.

The policy on drink cards seems to be changing. In the past, you always got a drink card waiting for you in your cabin when you arrive. That card is good ONLY at the casino bar. You must provide your room key to the bartender who would charge your drinks to the casino. It also covers bottled water and energy drinks. Technically, it is for active players (the waiters in the casino will serve you), but you can just walk up to the Casino bar and order too. If you don't get a casino drink card with the room, you can earn one with 2500 points.

So we are on the Gem then end of April. My first question is about the photo packages, is it better to buy before we board or is it the same on board. Also it's a free cruise thru a land based casino, do we get priority boarding with that? Didn't see it any where on my edocs. Also read a few threads on here about a drink card for the casino only, will we get that? If we do do we have to be playing to drink. Or can we just order a drink and than leave? TIA

Photos we always just look at them onboard first. As said by someone else. Not all are that great of photos.

The boarding is fairly smooth no matter what so don't worry too much.

As for the drinks and stuff. Casino only but if you are willing to spend a little on photos (their packages aren't cheap). I'd suggest looking at calling NCL CC line and give them your information after checking to see what is available as far as rooms. If you are getting a cas offer you can upgrade it from inside to OV, or OV to balcony etc on up. We do that and when we upgrade the room for a small difference in price we get the included perks that come along. Depends on how high up you are but it can include drink package, Dining package, and wifi- we never book shore excursions thru the ship so that credit doesn't do us much good.

The UBP and SDP do require you pay the gratuity portion unless comped by cas but usually can upgrade the room and get the perks fairly reasonable.

As a guest of the casino, you will get priority check-in (ask for the casino check in line) and you will get priority boarding. There is a separate waiting area for casino guests and you will be boarded before general boarding starts.

 

The policy on drink cards seems to be changing. In the past, you always got a drink card waiting for you in your cabin when you arrive. That card is good ONLY at the casino bar. You must provide your room key to the bartender who would charge your drinks to the casino. It also covers bottled water and energy drinks. Technically, it is for active players (the waiters in the casino will serve you), but you can just walk up to the Casino bar and order too. If you don't get a casino drink card with the room, you can earn one with 2500 points.

That's good news about CAS boarding. Where's the new CAS boarding area? In NYC they use what used to be the CAS boarding area for platinum, platinum plus and ambassador .

The photo packages they sell ahead of time aren't that much of a savings. I can't remember exactly but it is something like get a free photo with a purchase of a certain amount (10 photos?) Anyway we always just wait and buy just a couple as most of them are not all that flattering.

As a guest of the casino, you will get priority check-in (ask for the casino check in line) and you will get priority boarding. There is a separate waiting area for casino guests and you will be boarded before general boarding starts. ...

True, but it's still after suites and mobility impaired board.

As a guest of the casino, you will get priority check-in (ask for the casino check in line) and you will get priority boarding. There is a separate waiting area for casino guests and you will be boarded before general boarding starts.

 

The policy on drink cards seems to be changing. In the past, you always got a drink card waiting for you in your cabin when you arrive. That card is good ONLY at the casino bar. You must provide your room key to the bartender who would charge your drinks to the casino. It also covers bottled water and energy drinks. Technically, it is for active players (the waiters in the casino will serve you), but you can just walk up to the Casino bar and order too. If you don't get a casino drink card with the room, you can earn one with 2500 points.

hi ! just wondering how you know this and do you know if this is extended to just the one main guest in the cabin or two?? Thanks!