Basic Information

PRIOR TO SAILING

NCL App

Download the NCL app to your phone, set up account and link your reservation.

Online Check-in

Complete online check in as soon as possible, no later than March 29, 2023 (3 days prior).  This will save significant time at the port.  Choose the earliest boarding time.

Carry On Bag

Pack a carry-on back for your first day, include your important papers and things you may need before your room will be ready (such as bathing suit)

Packing

Avoid overpacking.  Soap and shampoo will be provided, but bring minor toiletries (medications, sunscreen).  Consider the charging cables you need for your devices, and possibly a European outlet adapter if you have a lot of devices to charge.  Dress code is casual, however the first sea day is a “Dress Up or Not Night,” some people will choose nicer clothes for dinner.  Consider a small bag to carry to pool and in port.  Click here for a list of prohibited items.

Cash

You will need some cash for buying souvenirs, taxis, and tips.  Bring cash to avoid high ATM fees on board.

Baggage Tags

Print tags for your checked baggage (you may also be sent a set via mail).  Keep them until you arrive in Fort Lauderdale and retrieve your bags from the airline.

 

EMBARKATION DAY

Checked Baggage

Place the NCL baggage tags on your checked baggage prior to leaving the airport in Fort Lauderdale, before you arrive at the cruise terminal.  Once at the terminal, porters will arrive to take your baggage almost immediately (it is customary to tip them cash, as they do not work for the cruise line.)  Remember, you may not have access to checked baggage until late evening embarkation day.

Carry-On Bag

Pack all important documents and bathing suit in carry on- you may not have access to your checked baggage until after 1:30 PM.  

Freestyle Card

Protect your Freestyle Card, as this serves as your boarding ID, room key, and charge card.  Adults should also carry a photo ID with them when leaving the ship.

Freestyle Daily

This is the daily program that details everything happening on and around the ship for the next day.  It will be delivered to your stateroom daily.  It will be your best reference to everything that is available the next 24 hours.

Stateroom Check

Once in your cabin, check that you have everything requested and everything in the room appears to be working.  Report any problems to your cabin attendant immediately.

Ship Orientation

New sailors need to familiarize yourself with the directions on the ship.

• The bow/front of the ship is designated “forward”

• The rear/stern of the ship is designated “aft”

• The left side of the ship is designated “port”

• The right side of the ship is designated “starboard”

• Each floor/level is designated by deck number

• On NCL, the fish on the carpet point FORWARD

Dining

Check all your dining options that are available.  Everyone will head to the buffet; however it is also the most crowded).  Sign up for any specialty dining if you do not have reservations (they will have an area with menus from all the restaurants)

Shore Excursions

Sign up for excursions once on board, unless done in advance

Phone and Internet

Change phone to airplane mode prior to leaving Miami.  Leave phone on airplane mode until you have returned to Miami.  Be sure you have the NCL app and internet service working before the ship leaves Miami.

Stairs and Elevators 

Stairs are usually faster to travel a few decks, as elevators may have a modest wait.

Exploring the Ship

Use Embarkation day to explore the ship.  Most facilities will have an open house for you to tour the facilities prior to sailing

Muster

If utilizing eMuster, complete your eMuster prior to sailing.  If the ship is still on traditional Muster Drill, report to your muster station at the assigned time.  Ask any crew member for details.  (as of April 1, NCL will return to eMuster for select ships)

Photos

Be prepared for LOTS photos from ship photographers.  You are under no obligation to purchase them.

 

AT SEA

Sales Pitches

Be prepared for A LOT of sales pitches on the ship.  Jewelry, future vacations, photo shoots, shopping excursions, art auctions, and wine tastings.  If someone is standing around with a name tag and starts talking to you, you can be sure they are trying to sell you something.  Realize, many of the sales people DO NOT work for NCL, they are commission based sales people.  You can politely say "no thank you" and keep moving.

 

WHATS INCLUDED?

When in doubt, ask if it’s included- especially for products in your room.  You can ask your stateroom attendant to remove items from the minibar that are at additional cost.

1. Cabin:  On the cruise the cabin is your home away from home. While small, it has everything you need for a week at sea. As well, you’ll get daily steward service

2. (Most) Food:  The three main dining rooms (MDR) Taste, Savor, and The Manhattan Room are included. The Local is the 24-hour dining option.  The Garden Café buffet is also included.  Room Service is complimentary, however there is a $9.95 delivery charge

3. Entertainment/Activities: For the most part, things to do on the ship are included with your fare, such as evening shows, onboard activities, and live music.

4. Amenities on the Ship: All public spaces on the ship are open to all passengers.  This includes the atrium, common areas, bars, The Observation Lounge, The Waterfront, lido deck and pools

5. Gratuities:  All gratuities on the ship have been PREPAID.  Don’t feel the need to tip twice.

6. Beverages/Alcohol: NCL’s Unlimited Open Bar Package (formerly known as the Premium Beverage Package or the Ultimate Beverage Package) includes spirits and cocktails along with a selection of soft drinks, juice, draft and bottled beer, and wine-by-the-glass.  Any of these drinks with a menu price under $15 are included in the program. NCL has a list of brands included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package. If a drink costs $15 or more, you’ll be charged the difference plus a 20% gratuity on that amount.

7. Internet:  You have a limited minute internet package for each person in your room pre-paid.  We suggest signing out of your internet portal after each use to maximize your ability to use the package.

 

NOT INCLUDED

1. Specialty Restaurants: All other restaurants not listed above have an additional charge.  With your package, you have 2 units per person of specialty dining INCLUDED.

2. Specialty Drinks:   The Unlimited Open Bar Package doesn’t include specialty coffee and tea drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, fresh-squeezed juices, and bottles of wine (although they’ll give you a 20% discount on certain bottles). Other exclusions are room service, mini-bar drinks, and drinks served in souvenir glasses. 

3. Controlled Access Areas:  The Vibe Beach Club is limited to passengers that have paid for Vibe access.   The Haven is reserved for passengers traveling in The Haven.  Areas marked CREW ONLY are restricted to crew members only.

4. Upcharge Activities:  Spa and salon treatments are a la carte.  Some special activities like go-karts and the Galaxy Pavilion arcade have associated charges.

5. Gambling:  The casino games, game shows, and bingo all have their associated costs to participate. 

6. Excursions: Shore excursions all have an associated charge.  Each person has a $50 dollar credit to use toward excursions.

 

IN PORT

• Be aware of surroundings- in general port areas are safe; however, a travelers that are not paying attention may be subject to pickpocketing and petty crime.

• Be aware of local laws- the Freestyle Daily will advise you of laws that may differ from U.S. laws.  Be advised, in Mexico, public smoking and vaping is ILLEGAL and violators may be subject to fines and jail.

• Do be willing to bargain- in small shops, the price shown is often elevated and you should be ready to haggle for a better deal.

• Know your all-aboard time- this is clearly posted at the gangway when you get off in port.  It is your responsibility to be onboard prior to this time.  The ship will leave with or without you 

 

DEBARKATION

Checked Baggage

Pack all bags the night before and place outside stateroom before midnight, or you will have to hand carry ALL your luggage

Shipboard Account

Settle account prior to debarkation day.  You can easily check your charges on the NCL app or your stateroom TV.