New to NCL just a few minor questions

[LatinaInTexas]

7 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

call me a curmudgeon, if you will, but those are just dreadful.

 

eye pollution.  and worse. i'd be pretty pissed if i had to walk by that four or five times a day. it's a cause of "upset" and "distress."

 

apart from the risk of spreading a fire more quickly, apart from the damage potentially done to doors, the halls on NCL ships are public spaces. no individual has the right to subject other people to that nonsense.

 

and... the upside down pineapple has a very specific meaning and in case it wasn't obvious, there is actually a sign on the door suggesting interested parties should leave their cabin number so they could, um, connect. that's not "decorating," that's solicitation!

 

i have no real concern about the birthday tinsel, i just think it's a fanciful notion that anybody outside that cabin cares about the birthday celebration taking place within. the sign would be put to much better use inside the cabin, where the celebrant can see it.  (also, the tinsel looks like it belongs on a 1960s variety show with special guest star, ann margaret. now, i happen to like ann margaret, but i don't want to be distracted by thinking about her every time i pass by the birthday boy's cabin.)

 

as for keith and darby... what's up with that uninspired rubbish? that's not a "decoration," that's a flyer advertising a garage sale! why even bother putting that on the door?

 

as you can see, apart from the safety issues (which is really why they are banned), opinions can vary widely as to what constitutes a suitable door decoration. i think they are a safety hazard, but i also don't like them. i think they are ugly and have no place in a shared space used by all passengers.

 

here's what NCL's terms and conditions have to say about suitable passenger behavior: 

 

"we expect all guests to have consideration for other people. if in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of the ship's master, any guest behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party (such as other guests) or damage to property, or fails to comply with our COVID-19 policies and procedures, or fails to follow the lawful instructions of the ship's officers and crew at all times, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the guest(s) concerned. in this situation, the guest(s) concerned will be required to leave the ship or, if applicable other accommodation or service. we will have no further responsibility toward such guest(s) including any return travel arrangements. no refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination."

 

 

 

 

Yeah those don't look like what I had in mind lol. I just wanted a generic banner like this one. BTW out of curiosity I called NCL and asked are door decorations allowed and was told yes🤷

[YVRteacher]

On 4/10/2023 at 2:31 PM, bluesea777 said:

MDR menus are on 14 days rotation. 
 

 

Incorrect.  During the Covid shutdown, NCL developed 21 days of main dining room dinner menus. The restaurant manager, food and beverage manager and executive chef choose which menus and which days.

[Amberle3]

12 hours ago, UKstages said:

what's up with that uninspired rubbish? that's not a "decoration," that's a flyer advertising a garage sale! why even bother putting that on the door?

 

I have sometimes, albeit rarely, put things on the outside of my door.  Usually it's just because all the doors look the same and I wanted something that was going to make it a little easier to find my cabin. Yes I know they all have numbers on them, but if you're at all impaired (be it from an excess of alcohol or, in my case, something like a migraine) it can be much easier just to find your personalized door than to read/focus on the cabin number.

 

I did have one that somehow morphed into a daily public opinion poll on one cruise. I was with family members and had put up a magnetic whiteboard with pen so that we could easily leave messages for each other. I can't remember what I wrote on it one day but it garnered responses from a fair number of people. So then I started doing random polls on it (like which is better, Star Wars vs Star Trek etc).

[graphicguy]

-not supposed to put decorations on your cabin door.  Never seen it enforced, though.  Doesn’t mean they don’t enforce it.  Just, I’ve never seen it.  Maybe it is enforced, and I just don’t notice it.  Personally, I don’t care.

 

-2 drinks at a time.  They will ask to see your cabin card to see if you have the drink package

 

-Rotating food items on each menu, and some that are static throughout the cruise

 

-Once you check in, you’ll be assigned a time to do so.  I don’t think it matters when you do your check in.  There seems to be a formula they use for check in times.  I know I’m always assigned an early check in.  But, that may be because of my Latitudes level (Sapphire).  IT doesn’t really matter, though.  As, they don’t start boarding until around 11:30 a.m.  And, they board as follows…

 

-Ambassador Level

-Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum (maybe Gold?)

-Silver, Bronze

-General boarding

 

In short, unfortunately if you’re new to NCL, you’ll be one of the last groups to board, regardless of what time your check in was.

[IsanTom]

On 4/10/2023 at 5:15 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

Thank you, did see something about it not allowed on NCL but it wasn't recent so wasn't sure if it still applied. I don't normally decorate but it's our 40th anniversary cruise and I'm proud and excited about it🙂

Go ahead and decorate! Congrats on 40!

[2Cruise4Ever]

On 4/10/2023 at 3:23 PM, Greenpea2 said:

NCL Main Dining Rooms does not have changing menus anymore. But we were very pleased with the choices and I think you will be too. As someone said, several items do change. Most stay the same but, for example, the pasta dishes can be mixed and matched re type of pasta, type of sauce, meat added, etc. So that equals a number of different dishes right there. I know some people preferred the different-every-night menus but we were quite happy with the new ones. And I think it actually makes a lot of sense.

 

We were on the Getaway in February and the menu in the MDR was different each night.  Some things stayed for each night (beef dish, chicken, and veggie option).  But, each night was different apps, salads / soups, and entrees.

[2Cruise4Ever]

On 4/12/2023 at 8:34 AM, graphicguy said:

-Once you check in, you’ll be assigned a time to do so.  I don’t think it matters when you do your check in.  There seems to be a formula they use for check in times.  I know I’m always assigned an early check in.  But, that may be because of my Latitudes level (Sapphire).  IT doesn’t really matter, though.  As, they don’t start boarding until around 11:30 a.m.  And, they board as follows…

 

-Ambassador Level

-Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum (maybe Gold?)

-Silver, Bronze

-General boarding

 

In short, unfortunately if you’re new to NCL, you’ll be one of the last groups to board, regardless of what time your check in was.

 

In my experience, the Haven passengers board first... then it doesn't matter what Latitudes Level (except for maybe Ambassador), all levels that have priority embarkation board at the same time.

 

And, you're right... they don't enforce check-in times anymore.  They put that in place when covid testing was still a requirement.

[ChiefMateJRK]

5 hours ago, 2Cruise4Ever said:

then it doesn't matter what Latitudes Level (except for maybe Ambassador), all levels that have priority embarkation board at the same time.

When we boarded in Miami in January it was first Saphire and above.  Then Platinum came next. 

[jennjess]

On 4/10/2023 at 9:33 PM, KeithJenner said:

The new, non changing, menus are on the Prima but haven’t yet moved to the other ships. The OP is on the Getaway and should have different menus each night.

On the Jade last month the menus had a lot of the same dishes every night plus a few that were different. Maybe 4 different selections per evening.  I didn't like that change tbf.

[KeithJenner]

1 hour ago, jennjess said:

On the Jade last month the menus had a lot of the same dishes every night plus a few that were different. Maybe 4 different selections per evening.  I didn't like that change tbf.

The MDR menu has had a fixed selection and a daily changing section for as long as I can remember.

 

There are usually more than 4 changing items though, so maybe that was limited. It doesn’t sound like what is on the Prima though.

[jennjess]

1 hour ago, KeithJenner said:

The MDR menu has had a fixed selection and a daily changing section for as long as I can remember.

 

There are usually more than 4 changing items though, so maybe that was limited. It doesn’t sound like what is on the Prima though.

I can't compare to the Prima menu as I haven't sailed on her but there was a difference between the current menu and the menus from 2021.  There were definitely more fixed items than changing options than 2 years ago.

[2Cruise4Ever]

21 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

When we boarded in Miami in January it was first Saphire and above.  Then Platinum came next. 

 

Every cruise I've been on Haven went first, then all Latitude Levels from Sapphire down were seated together and boarded together.  I'm sure they've done it different ways.  That's just been our experience.

[KeithJenner]

5 hours ago, jennjess said:

I can't compare to the Prima menu as I haven't sailed on her but there was a difference between the current menu and the menus from 2021.  There were definitely more fixed items than changing options than 2 years ago.

I’ve not been on the Prima either, but the menus are posted online. The menu doesn’t change at all except for some items from speciality restaurants which are an additional charge.

 

What you report does seem scaled back from the older MDR menus. We had far more choice than you reported on our cruise last September.

[9tee2Sea]

my last cruise ( Feb), the nightly menu was posted outside the dining room.  I could then  make a decision if I wanted to go to the Buffet, Specialty Dining, or go into the MDR.  The buffet also had an advert stating what the " theme" was on certain nights.

[Travel Junkie Judy]

On 4/10/2023 at 1:14 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

Since I booked months ago I have been trying to learn all things NCL, will be my first cruise on this line.

Will be on the Getaway 9 night from Orlando.

We eat in the MDR, rarely the buffet. We have one specialty dining included and are considering purchasing more.

Since it is 9 nights will we have 9 nights of different menus in the MDR or will it be 7 nights of different menus and then repeat?

 

Are you allowed to decorate your cabin door?

Have only had drink package on Carnival and MSC. On Carnival you can order 1 drink at a time and have to sign a slip each time. On MSC you could order 2 drinks at a time and there was no signing a slip at all. Do you have to sign a slip everytime on NCL, and is it one drink at a time?

 

Last question, if I'm not interested in getting an early embarkation time I can just check in wherever, no need to stay up till midnight?

I think I'm good on how and when to check in, we like dining at same time so have all reservations booked. Just a little concerned since I don't know show times but will adapt. Also booked all excursions and transfers to and from ship.

Anything else I absolutely need to know or do? Thank you.

 

Lots of questions...that is a good thing. 🫠

Specialty dining - buy 2 more dinners and do it before you sail.  They are cheaper on line .  Well worth the money.  Specialty restaurants are great.  The food in the main dining rooms is also excellent (in my opinion).  The menus vary each night if I remember correctly.  You will have plenty of choices.  They do have a set menu of a few items that are available every night.  

Door decorations - I have a magnetic 10 X 8 sign that I had made at Vista Print.  It has our first names and Hometown.  I put it up on all cruises.  I've never been asked to take it down. I take heavy duty tape in case the door is not metal.  I also have a few gel seasonal decorations that I sometimes put up - no problem again.  If you get too elaborate or gaudy, you may be asked to remove it.  No lights or items that could hinder passage down the hall.  Yes - I've seen some crazy ones that had to come down.  

We always get the drink package.  You do not have to sign for any drinks.  When you first board, it is one drink per person, but if you go to the same bar and they know you, you can usually get a drink for yourself and travel companion.  No limit on the number of drinks per day.  Limited to drinks $15 and under if I remember correctly.  I find it very easy to order drinks.

Embarkation - I think (don't quote me though) you can embark any time if you are waiting until the afternoon.  Lines are shorter.  

Remember that NCL is truly "Freestyle". No set times, except shows.  Do try to see the shows.  Like all things, some you will enjoy more than others.  They usually have a good comedian and/or magician.  Try the entertainment in the smaller "clubs".  

When you board, if you want to learn the ship, walk the decks and just stroll around.  The officers and crew on NCL are known for being super friendly.  Smile and say hello to them.  

Have fun!  We love the Getaway.  

Judy

[KeithJenner]

2 hours ago, 9tee2Sea said:

my last cruise ( Feb), the nightly menu was posted outside the dining room.  I could then  make a decision if I wanted to go to the Buffet, Specialty Dining, or go into the MDR.  The buffet also had an advert stating what the " theme" was on certain nights.

Yeah, if we don’t have dinner planned then we always check the menus at lunchtime

(or soon after if we are ashore) to see what is available before deciding where to go.

[LatinaInTexas]

3 hours ago, Travel Junkie Judy said:

 

Lots of questions...that is a good thing. 🫠

Specialty dining - buy 2 more dinners and do it before you sail.  They are cheaper on line .  Well worth the money.  Specialty restaurants are great.  The food in the main dining rooms is also excellent (in my opinion).  The menus vary each night if I remember correctly.  You will have plenty of choices.  They do have a set menu of a few items that are available every night.  

Door decorations - I have a magnetic 10 X 8 sign that I had made at Vista Print.  It has our first names and Hometown.  I put it up on all cruises.  I've never been asked to take it down. I take heavy duty tape in case the door is not metal.  I also have a few gel seasonal decorations that I sometimes put up - no problem again.  If you get too elaborate or gaudy, you may be asked to remove it.  No lights or items that could hinder passage down the hall.  Yes - I've seen some crazy ones that had to come down.  

We always get the drink package.  You do not have to sign for any drinks.  When you first board, it is one drink per person, but if you go to the same bar and they know you, you can usually get a drink for yourself and travel companion.  No limit on the number of drinks per day.  Limited to drinks $15 and under if I remember correctly.  I find it very easy to order drinks.

Embarkation - I think (don't quote me though) you can embark any time if you are waiting until the afternoon.  Lines are shorter.  

Remember that NCL is truly "Freestyle". No set times, except shows.  Do try to see the shows.  Like all things, some you will enjoy more than others.  They usually have a good comedian and/or magician.  Try the entertainment in the smaller "clubs".  

When you board, if you want to learn the ship, walk the decks and just stroll around.  The officers and crew on NCL are known for being super friendly.  Smile and say hello to them.  

Have fun!  We love the Getaway.  

Judy

Thank you, we are finally less than a month away and getting excited!

[Travel Junkie Judy]

4 minutes ago, LatinaInTexas said:

Thank you, we are finally less than a month away and getting excited!

 

Ah, I just noticed - San Antonio!  I'm from Houston!  We are neighbors!!

Judy

[LatinaInTexas]

49 minutes ago, Travel Junkie Judy said:

 

Ah, I just noticed - San Antonio!  I'm from Houston!  We are neighbors!!

Judy

Indeed, I have lunch in Houston everytime I visit Coushatta lol. And of course when I'm sailing out of Galveston.