Planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is an exciting adventure! To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are some tips and tricks to consider:
1. Choose the Right Ship and Itinerary
NCL offers a diverse fleet of ships, each with unique amenities and itineraries. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly voyage or a romantic getaway, selecting the ship and route that align with your preferences is crucial. Research the destinations and onboard features to find the perfect match for your vacation dreams.
At the time of writing this post, we’ve been on 5 NCL ships and are about to embark on our sixth one in a couple months. So far we’ve sailed on the Jade (Western Caribbean), Breakaway (Western Caribbean), Jewel (Alaska), Pride of America (Hawaii), and Encore (Eastern Caribbean). There are many things we loved about each of the ships and we’ll be posting our pros and cons of each in a future blog post.
Learn more about Norwegian Cruise Lines here: ncl.com
2. Take Advantage of the ‘More at Sea’ Program
NCL’s ‘More at Sea’ program allows guests to enhance their cruise experience with perks like beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits. Evaluate which offers align with your interests to maximize value during your trip.
We LOVE taking advantage of the beverage package and the Starbucks package. We have found both of these to be well worth the investment during our sailings. We have also done quite a few excursions on our different voyages and will share those in a future post as well.
This link has some good tips and tricks for new (or seasoned) cruisers! cruise.blog
3. Download the NCL App Before Departure
The Norwegian Cruise Line app is a valuable tool for managing your cruise. Before setting sail, use it to check in online, book shore excursions, make dining reservations, and explore onboard activities. Familiarizing yourself with the app ahead of time will help you navigate your cruise more efficiently.
4. Reserve Entertainment and Dining Early
Popular shows and specialty restaurants can fill up quickly. To avoid missing out, make reservations as soon as they become available, either through the NCL app or by visiting the box office and restaurant reservation desks upon boarding.
THIS IS A MUST-DO! You won’t regret having these things done ahead of time. The shows on the ships are fantastic and you won’t want to miss them. Our favorites have been Rock of Ages and Choir of Man!
5. Pack Smart and Light
Whew! We could write an entire book on this topic. We’ll definitely be doing a future post on our packing tips and tricks. Cabin storage can be limited, so pack versatile clothing suitable for various activities and climates. Remember to bring essentials like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and any personal toiletries you prefer. Unpacking and storing your luggage under the bed can help keep your cabin organized and spacious.
6. Explore Shore Excursions in Advance
We cannot stress this enough. Shore excursions vary in price, activity level, and so much more. Finding something that works best for your entire party might take some time, but it’s best to have it done. Research and book shore excursions ahead of time to secure your spot in popular activities. NCL offers a variety of excursions tailored to different interests, ensuring you make the most of each port visit.
7. Utilize Onboard Amenities
From relaxing at the Mandara Spa to staying active at the fitness center, NCL ships offer a plethora of amenities. Check the daily schedule for activities like fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment options to enrich your cruise experience. We LOVE using the fitness center!
8. Stay Connected with the Freestyle Daily
Each day, NCL provides the Freestyle Daily newsletter, outlining all the activities, dining options, and events happening on the ship. Reviewing this guide each evening can help you plan your next day’s adventures and ensure you don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities. This is something we always look forward to reading when we return to our cabin for the evening. It is a big help in keeping schedules lined up when you have a big party attending many different ship events.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a memorable and hassle-free cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Happy sailing! -The Petersons
Those Traveling Petersons 