New Member: NCL Cruise Room Question

[GriffinAlexander]

Hello Everyone!

I'm Steve. I'm new to Cruise Critic, but I stumbled on it on the web, and thought it was interesting and informative. I won a cruise for 2 on NCL from the Hard Rock Seminole in Florida, I can choose a 7 day or a 3 or 4 day. I'm thinking of taking the Eastern Carribean cruise.

I have a couple of quick questions:

First off, my certificate states a deluxe ocean view except for Alaska or N. Epic in Carribean or Europe. From this site, I assume that means a porthole room. My question is what is the best room(s) in that class to request, and if I upgrade to a balcony room, what are the best choices in that class of room as well?

Also, we are alternate lifestyle people (gay). We aren't in your face types, and most of our friends are straight. We don't want the meat market type of affair that I've heard goes on with gay cruises, we just want a relaxing good time with non-judgmental people. Are NCL customers for the most part pretty cool with people of alternate lifestyles? I'm a retired comedian with degenerative disc disease in my 40s, and my partner is younger and working, in his 30s. We basically just want to be able to enjoy our cruise without worrying about being bashed for the time we are out there. (I've lived many years in NYC and can give it as good as I get it, but prefer a cruise with no altercations over lifestyles).

Any advice you good folks have for me would be much appreciated and taken into consideration. My partner just started a new position a few months back, so I've got to book the cruise toward the far end of the 1 year date. Right now I'm thinking of the Eastern Carribean cruises as follows: Norwegian Sun out of Orlando in March or April of '12. Alternately, we may go with the Western Carribean on the Norwegian Pearl out of Miami in March or April of '12.

Also, what is parking about down around the cruise ships? I live in South Florida, about 2 hours from Miami, so we could drive down there for our cruise and be good to go.

Thank you in advance for your response(s), I do sincerely appreciate all of your answers to my questions and any other advice you may like to offer!

Steve

[nets33]

Welcome....

 

I've answered a few questions for you below. I'm sure there will be others that come along to get to all of them.

 

First off, my certificate states a deluxe ocean view except for Alaska or N. Epic in Carribean or Europe. From this site, I assume that means a porthole room.

Oceanview can be a porthole or a larger window. It depends on the room level that you end up with. Each ship has it's own levels of rooms and locations. If you have a ship in mind I would suggest looking at the map of the ship to see the different rooms and locations. A good tip is to also look at what is above and below the room you are looking at. A room right below the pool deck could be noisy in the morning when people start shuffling around deck chairs.

 

Also, we are alternate lifestyle people (gay). We aren't in your face types, and most of our friends are straight. We don't want the meat market type of affair that I've heard goes on with gay cruises, we just want a relaxing good time with non-judgmental people. Are NCL customers for the most part pretty cool with people of alternate lifestyles?

IMHO, yes. You'll always find people that are judgemental on any cruise line (or on any vacation) but I've found fellow passengers on NCL to be very friendly. Most cruise lines to have Friend of Dorothy meetings if you want to meet other gay cruisers.

 

Best advice I can give is to just be yourself and get out and meet others. I love crusing and think you'll really enjoy it!

[garycarla]

Lots of gays cruise. Some obvious, some not so much. In general, we get along fine with those we have met (30 yrs married, straight). Should not be a problem.

 

With these certs, you can usually pay the difference to upgrade. Just check the website in advance to get an idea of what the rates are.

 

They offer these certs since you obviously a gambler, and they hope you will continue while onboard.

 

Personally, I would never take a 3 day cruise - 7 at a minimum.

 

Pretty much all your other questions are answered by scrolling down the postings from the past few weeks - and others will be answered that you did not even know you had.

[patseacruiser]

Just a note about parking at Miami port - I am sensing you have a handicap placard and I believe parking is free with the placard (and of course proof that it is your placard).

[negn]

Deluxe is probably picture window vs a port hole. You can pay to upgrade to balcony Price will vary sometimes its the full difference in price, sometimes less Last 10 day cruise we paid $94 pp to upgrade to balcony, this time $120 pp on 7 day Worth it as I love the balcony. You can always call back if you don't like the first offer. sometimes they get better. I agree a 7 day is the way to go especially if you have to pay air to get there.

Have met a lot of gays on our cruises and never seen any bashing. I think you"ll be comfortable with NCL

[ripjerry95]

Hi- Welcome to cruise critic and to cruising! If I won a cruise I would do the 7 day! Cruises tend to be gay friendly! I have never seen or heard of any problems on cruises. Go and be yourself. Enjoy!

[GriffinAlexander]

I'd like to take a second to say thanks to everyone that responded to my post. I've been reading all the other posts as well. I really didn't think there would be an issue with lifestyle, but wanted to ask, since a lot of cruises tend to be family affairs. We will be traveling in March or April probably before most of the kids are out of school, so hopefully we'll avoid the "kid rush" I've read about.

Definitely going to upgrade to the balcony room, and if they don't offer a decent price per person, (I've heard everything up to $220pp) I'll call back.

Unfortunately, I almost never drive, and haven't bothered to get my handicapped plate yet, although I am eligible for it. I suppose this is incentive to get it before the cruise.

I'm also hoping to meet a lot of cool people on board. We don't do a lot of stuff because of my bad back, but being able to vacation where I can always chill out in my room gives us the ability to get away for a bit and have a little fun. Even though I don't usually drink, partner does, we will likely order a bottle or two ahead of time for the room. Heck w/ it, we're there to have a good time, might as well splurge a bit and make sure we have a balcony room and some alcohol in it.

[whenisthemidnightbuffet?]

I'd like to take a second to say thanks to everyone that responded to my post. I've been reading all the other posts as well. I really didn't think there would be an issue with lifestyle, but wanted to ask, since a lot of cruises tend to be family affairs. We will be traveling in March or April probably before most of the kids are out of school, so hopefully we'll avoid the "kid rush" I've read about.

Definitely going to upgrade to the balcony room, and if they don't offer a decent price per person, (I've heard everything up to $220pp) I'll call back.

Unfortunately, I almost never drive, and haven't bothered to get my handicapped plate yet, although I am eligible for it. I suppose this is incentive to get it before the cruise.

I'm also hoping to meet a lot of cool people on board. We don't do a lot of stuff because of my bad back, but being able to vacation where I can always chill out in my room gives us the ability to get away for a bit and have a little fun. Even though I don't usually drink, partner does, we will likely order a bottle or two ahead of time for the room. Heck w/ it, we're there to have a good time, might as well splurge a bit and make sure we have a balcony room and some alcohol in it.

 

Since your offer came from a casino, you will be a casino VIP, which in addition to VIP embarking (look for CAS VIP line, not sure how it works in Florida, only have NYC experience), you both will receive in your room a free drinks in the casino card, so you may not need to purchase the alcohol

[yoyocruiser]

There are usually some efforts to have get togethers or special activities for gay folks--I think when you attend a Friends of Dorothy meeting they announce these--and also this gives you an opportunity to meet other cruisers who are also gay. Have never personally observed any issues regarding lifestyle choices--just don't be a chair hog--haha--those are the types of things that seem to bother cruisers!! That said, I have never observed flamboyant acting out of lifestyle (gay or straight)--all folks seem to recognize that families and persons of all ages cruise.

 

Also, if you have health issues, I do have to say that a cruise is a great choice. As you say, you are never far from your room, there is no driving, everything you want is close by. I traveled with a dear friend who was very limited in her mobility and we had a beautiful trip that shall never be forgotten.

 

Enjoy! :)

[SFO-F/A]

I'd try to cruise when it is NOT spring break. The reviews from last spring break cruisers were not good! :eek:

Not a problem so much with young children, but with extremely intoxicated college kids.....

After reading the many reviews, I decided ....NEVER....will I cruise at that time.

Check out those reviews....:(

Welcome to cruise critic, Steve. There is loads of information on these boards. You'll enjoy NCL, I'm sure.

[Sauer-kraut]

I wish to welcome you to Cruise Critic as well. I think you will find the atmosphere on NCL to be very laid back. Another suggestion I would make is that once you have decided and booked, come back and join the roll call for your particular sailing. Many times there will be a meet & mingle scheduled where you can meet up with others whom you've already talked to online. If the group is active other activities might be organized as well. For example, slot pull, group lunch, bridge tours or some kind of 'tasting'.

 

What ever cruise you choose, have a wonderful time, don't sweat the small stuff and have a wonderful time to relax! :D

[marelind]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! Definitely go for the 7-day cruise if you can, we are getting spoiled to the point where 7 days is just enough for us to get settled in, and completely relax before we get off. :o

 

I would guess you would feel very comfortable on NCL. At some point in the last cruise I looked around the restaurant and realized we were surrounded by tables of men. Either it was a conference, or...;) Pretty much everyone is too busy having a good time to notice what anyone else is doing as long as they aren't being obnoxious.

 

As far as your back problems and choosing a cabin. I don't know if you have difficulty walking distances or not, but on our last cruise we enjoyed being mid-ships because it was close to either end of the ship.

[leekel619]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! And congratulations on your free cruise! :)

~Cindy

[DMH15]

Congrats and welcome to CC and I hope you love NCL as much as I do.

 

I agree that an upgrade to a balcony sounds great.

 

In regards to your lifestyle I think NCL is just like the world in general. Most people are very open minded to live and let live. In my cruises I have met many wonderful people from various races, cultures, lifestyles, etc. I would hope that you wouldn't hold it against me because I'm straight... Just kidding! I'm in my 50's and I'm really encouraged in the younger generation who seems to be "getting it right"... Maybe one day people won't even have to wonder about it.

 

Have a great cruise. And congrats!

[ghulett]

After you book your cruise, join the Cruise Critic roll call for your particular sailing. You'll meet lots of the folks you will be cruising with before you ever set foot on the ship. Have fun!

[GriffinAlexander]

I have to say thanks again, you folks who responded all seem really friendly and cool. My partner and I are the type that pretty much get along with everyone of all ages. We prefer to be laid back and relaxing most of the time and it seems like this cruise will be a good way to meet some cool people and have a good time. I like that I can stay in my cabin if my back is bothering me while my partner can go drinking in one of the clubs or bars, and the only downside is because he recently changed jobs I have to book the cruise out almost a full year.

I've been on this site quite a bit, looking at all the posts, and I've seen a lot of good information on here that will be helpful.

Definitely going to upgrade to the balcony room, even if it means taking a less pricey cruise in order to do so. I think that having the luxury of our own little balcony is going to be priceless, and considering that it's a 7 day trip, I'm really looking forward to just watching the water while I have breakfast or dinner on the balcony a couple of times.

I saw the comment about not going on the cruise during Spring Break. I appreciate that, and will be trying to hit that sweet spot in between Spring Break and school getting out, so I'm thinking the end of March, or April, or even May, depending on when my partner can take a full week off of work. If it were up to me, I'd be going a lot sooner, but unfortunately, we have to deal with his work schedule, so we'll make the best of it.

As to the person who replied that I shouldn't be a seat hog, I do appreciate your advice. Because my back is bad, I need to sit or lay down almost everywhere I am, but I won't be spending 5 hours by the pool every day holding the lounges up from other peoples' use. At most, I think I'd be happy to get an hour a day by the pool and if I see a gazillion people in a seating area for a restaurant, I'm the type to offer extra seating at my table to anyone that seems friendly, or even take the dessert back to the room or another part of the ship, so that someone else can sit down. After all, if there are x amount of us sharing what is supposed to be a wonderful experience, we should all do our best to try to enhance each others experience, right? At least that's my opinion.

I also want to sign up in advance for as many different shows and restaurant experiences as I'm allowed to (I've read that a few weeks before the cruise one can make reservations). I figure this will avoid not getting into any places because of overbooking and give us a chance to try out everything.

I hope that if even 1/10 of the people on the cruise are as nice and cool as you folks are, then it's gonna be a good time, just meeting and talking to the people I'm cruising with. Thanks again for all of your responses to my initial post!

[4774Papa]

Steve, welcome to cc and NCL. I think a Deluxe OV is a rather large picture window, which we had on our first cruise. We went to a balcony for the next one. Deluxe OV is not a bad room, but I think a balcony is worth the upgrade.

 

I would go with the longer cruise, 3-4 days you are just getting started.

 

As for alternative life style on NCL, I don't see a problem at all.

[mitsugirly]

Steve, welcome to cruise critic. You will obtain so much information on anything you would ever want to know about the ship you choose, the ports you go to and so on...it will blow your mind. It's a very informative bunch.

 

As others have mentioned, they have the "friends of Dorothy" that you could attend, if you want to meet others with the same life style.

 

I have never seen anyone singled out, bashed, or judged in a public way, and definitely no altercations. Everyone has a "different" life style, even straight people. My way of thinking is, you will never see these people again if they look at you a funny way or don't approve. You are there for yourself and partner. Have the time of your life. Although this is 2011, I believe "most" people accept these days. Don't worry about it. :)

 

Congrats on the free trip! Definitely take the 7 day cruise. Just word of caution...you might get hooked! :D

[JMHAM1]

I'd try to cruise when it is NOT spring break. The reviews from last spring break cruisers were not good! :eek:

Not a problem so much with young children, but with extremely intoxicated college kids.....

After reading the many reviews, I decided ....NEVER....will I cruise at that time.

Check out those reviews....:(

Welcome to cruise critic, Steve. There is loads of information on these boards. You'll enjoy NCL, I'm sure.

 

I agree 100%. I hesitate taking cruises during March/April because of this. It seems that the spring break crowd is very inconsiderate and rowdy. We went in April one year and I said never again. IMHO, January/Feb or Sept/Oct are the best months. With a free cruise that makes it even better!! Enjoy!

[Alvarado]

Welcome to this little world. If you have mobility issues I would highly reccommend a Handicapped room, the extra room allows for much easier movement and the bathrooms are much safer. Be sure to book as far ahead as possible to reserve a Handicapped room, they only have so many per ship. Also tell them you will need a wheelchair for boarding and disembarcation. The lines can be long and there is a lot of standing and walking involved. Been there done that and the chair is an immense help. Don't forget to tip the pushing person.

[Sauer-kraut]

As to the person who replied that I shouldn't be a seat hog, I do appreciate your advice. Because my back is bad, I need to sit or lay down almost everywhere I am, but I won't be spending 5 hours by the pool every day holding the lounges up from other peoples' use!

 

Its okay if you're SITTING in the lounge chair, its the people who dump off a flip flop, book or piece of fruit to hold a chair for hours before they even bother to sit down on it. :D

 

If you want to sit/lounge by the pool for hours , don't worry about being a chair hog, that term only applies to the chairs being held for no-shows. :rolleyes:

[cabincop]

Hi Steve welcome to CC I agree make sure and join your roll call. As far as your life style I feel like it is a non issue, in this day and age I think it's great when anyone finds love no matter what, so don't even worry about it. Have a great cruise and go on the 7day trust me you won't want to leave. Oh and also welcome to your new addiction. I have a mobility issue and cruising is perfect for me if I need to rest up I do. I have 39 cruises under my belt, before and after my problem and cruising is my choice of travel. Read as much as you can here and enjoy your free cruise you will have a blast. Also if it makes you feel any better the cruise lines also are very open to hiring people no matter their lifestyle choices, Maria

[GriffinAlexander]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone!

I understand better about holding chairs and lounge chairs etc. The only time I would consider holding a spot at all would be if my partner and I were both tanning or laying by the pool together and he wanted to run off to the room or grab a drink and come back, then of course I'd hold his spot, but it would only be for a short time. We aren't the types to get a spot at dawn and hold onto it for the entire day in any case.

I did win the deluxe ocean view (inside on epic), but I'm paying for the cruise, because I'm going to upgrade at the very least to a balcony room, and I'm even considering a suite because of the amenities.

Having read the threads and responses on lifestyle choice, I don't see that it would be an issue at all. When I first thought cruise, the image of 4-person families, all with small children, staring at "the gays" in horror came to mind, but was quickly dispelled after seeing who actually is on these cruises. I can stand up for myself quite well, but prefer to have a cruise where there is no issue to have to worry about, and in my opinion, even if there is one or two bigots on the ship, it's no biggie since I'm certain now that pretty much everyone is on there to have a good time.

Considering a Handicapped room, if available, only because of the bathroom convenience and safety. I'm used to handrails and having the seat is great in the shower when the sciatica acts up.

I would also prefer to sail in Sept/Oct, but my partner recently switched companies and has to build up time off again, so he's asked that we push the cruise back as far as possible so he has the time built up. Now I have to cruise by June I think, so we're just going to have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Now, I just have to keep my fingers crossed that my back isn't too bad off the week we are on our excursion to the Carribean.

I've been reading up on some of the experiences people have had on the ships and the vast majority of it seems good. Thanks again for all your helpful and kind responses!

[newjerseygeorge]

Never worry about your gay lifestyle. There are many on cruises and are very welcomed! You will find that cruises are very non-discriimantory. Just remember to have a grea time!

[cruiseat50]

I did win the deluxe ocean view (inside on epic), but I'm paying for the cruise, because I'm going to upgrade at the very least to a balcony room, and I'm even considering a suite because of the amenities. I was actually going to suggest this to you earlier but wasn't sure since you mentioned you may take a less pricey cruise in order to get the balcony upgrade. There are many reasons to do so especially with your back issues one of which is you mentioned that you will probably have some breakfast and dinners in your cabing when not up to going out. We have always been in a suite so I really don't know what the room service menu is like for balcony and lower cabins are but from what I have read it is a limited menu especially the breakfast. If you are in a suite you can order from any restaurant (even extra charge ones) and you can get whatever the restaurant serves. Well, except for Tepanyaki's of course.;) Even if not on menus you can ask for things and if at all possible your butler will get it for you. Another reason for a suite is that you can have breakfast and lunch in Cagney's (which is reserved during these meals for suite cruisers). It is much more relaxed and there will be no lines or waiting.

Having read the threads and responses on lifestyle choice, I don't see that it would be an issue at all. When I first thought cruise, the image of 4-person families, all with small children, staring at "the gays" in horror came to mind, but was quickly dispelled after seeing who actually is on these cruises. I can stand up for myself quite well, but prefer to have a cruise where there is no issue to have to worry about, and in my opinion, even if there is one or two bigots on the ship, it's no biggie since I'm certain now that pretty much everyone is on there to have a good time.

Considering a Handicapped room, if available, only because of the bathroom convenience and safety. I'm used to handrails and having the seat is great in the shower when the sciatica acts up. As a sciatica sufferer due to arthritis and spinal stenosis myself I offer sympathy. DH also has a lot of health issues due to arthritis which has ravaged his body and already has had multiple knee replacements and surgeries. At this point we do not need a HC room but will probably in the future. Do NOT feel guilty about getting one though as only you know what your needs are and if having those things makes your life a little easier while on vacation so that you will have more good days than bad - go for it! Just because you are not in a wheelchair doesn't mean you are not entitled

I would also prefer to sail in Sept/Oct, but my partner recently switched companies and has to build up time off again, so he's asked that we push the cruise back as far as possible so he has the time built up. Now I have to cruise by June I think, so we're just going to have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Now, I just have to keep my fingers crossed that my back isn't too bad off the week we are on our excursion to the Carribean.

I've been reading up on some of the experiences people have had on the ships and the vast majority of it seems good. Thanks again for all your helpful and kind responses!

 

One other suggestion I have is that since you live in Florida part time why don't you pick up a wheel chair to take with you for the really bad days? I know it's better to keep moving as much as possible but if using it occasionally wards off flare ups then use it as a precaution so that you can enjoy as much of the cruise as possible. You can pick one up at the Goodwill or places like that really cheap. I know as I got one for my mom and she took it when we all went on a cruise a year ago. Some times she didn't want to ride so she would push it so that she had more stability and if she got too tired she would sit down and we would push her around.;) Anyway if you decide to get a suite and it is on the aft/stern it is a fairly long walk to get to a lot of things (especially on the Epic) so just something you may want to consider. But a word of warning... if you get a suite... you are spoiled for life and won't be able to book anything less.;):D I know from experience... took my 1st cruise at 50 and haven't been able to go down to a balcony yet.:rolleyes:

 

Oh, one other thing... You live in South Florida - is that somewhere in the Keys? After our 1st cruise we drove down to Key West and fell in love with that area or a good part of that drive. We were going to check out the west coast of Florida last Dec. but had to return home from our trip early due to DH getting a bacterial infection in his eye. We wouldn't consider moving to Miami but are looking at different areas as possibilities for retiring to. Would be good for our arthritis as well as just like being near the ocean.