New NCL cruiser needing info

[CruisinWithDLS]

I am a seasoned cruiser on CCL and RC but have never cruised NCL.  Can someone please explain the whole reservation system?  As in do you have to make reservations for shows/comedy/restaurants etc in advance?  Do they book up?  Can you book once on board or even day of?  Seems like if this is true it takes out any spontaneity based on how you are feeling that day.   Please explain what all needs reservations and what doesn’t?  
 

Also, what included food options are there besides MDR and buffet?

[complawyer]

if you have already booked a cruise, merely log on click view reservation, and it will show you what you want to know, dining and the menus, entertainment, drink packages, shore excursions, etc. if it's 120 days or less, you can make your reservations.  depending on the ship, most specialty dining restaurants are the same. cagneys-steak house, la cucina-italian, le bistro- french, moderno- brazillian. teppanyaki- japanese-similar to beni-hana. some ships dont have moderno, but feature ocean blue, american diner etc. just click on and you will find info about everything you need to know

 

happy hunting

[Markanddonna]

You won't find a lot of differences. Things vary from ship to ship.

[Georgia_Peaches]

If it’s a popular show then it’s good to have a reservation. While it may seem scheduled (bc it is) some venues fill up quickly. I like the flexibility of making reservations in the cruise planner but it’s totally ok if you don’t. You can always approach a reservations desk for specialty dining. They will get you in but it may not be your first choice in day/time. Additionally, there are kiosk screens throughout many of the ships where you can simply touch screen to see what’s available. I believe you can do this on your stateroom tv as well. Basically, you can be as scheduled (or not) as you want. 

[cruiseny4life]

12 hours ago, CruisinWithDLS said:

Also, what included food options are there besides MDR and buffet?

What ship are you planning to cruise on? This will determine the restaurants available to you. Here's a link to the dining section of their website. Click through each specialty restaurant and you'll see if it is available on the ship you're planning to cruise.

 

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining

[Sailing12Away]

It depends greatly on the ship you'll be on, time you plan to eat dinner, and how big your party is. If it's just 2 of you, you can usually be able to get a table at most places without any wait at all. Specialty restaurants do fill up, especially during 'prime' times, and the hibachi place will always need a reservation because the seating is limited.

 

When you go to book reservations online before your cruise, options will be limited. When you get on board, there will be more choices (they hold some back for the technology challenged folks so that all the 'good' times are not gone before they've had a chance). No harm in making some choices, then after getting on board and seeing the show days/times going and shuffling things around as needed.

 

Beyond the MDR and buffet, most ships have either O'Sheehans or The Local. Those are free and open 24/7. Good for a quicker meal than at the MDR (usually), plus easier than juggling plates at the buffet. Burgers, wings, wraps.... lots of munchies at night, I haven't tried them yet for breakfast. We're lazy and usually get breakfast delivered to the room. Larger ships with an observation lounge will have some free snacks in there are well (small sandwiches, cups of fruit, danishes, etc).