jimbuild

How does NCL keep track of the use of the drink package for each passenger? Cruise card, wrist band or what.

Never saw any bag checks, so You could have brought alcohol on board at any stop. Always had full glass of wine after dinner to take with us. Did 23 day MPS - NOLA cruise. They just scanned Your card when leaving and upon return to boat.

On August 24th,the AQ arrived Paducah 8 AM with scheduled departure @ 1PM, but due to low bridge, Dover was scrubbed and AQ did not depart until late afternoon. In afternoon Duchess arrived and docked next to and up stream AQ. I did not pay attention to passengers on Duchess. Both boats departed late afternoon and sailed down the Ohio with AQ turning south and Dutchess turning North at the Mississippi.

from Radison Blu to Redwing on the bus was probably 45 minutes mostly in farm country. We stepped off the bus and right onto the boat with only swiping our card.

The itinerary was good as We stopped in a different town each day except couldn't get to Dover because of bridge construction.

We like longer cruises as it gives a chance to really settle in and develop a rhythm of lifestyle.

We really liked the hotel stay as it gave a chance to do all the checking in and no worry about missed flights, etc.

If You want to start a new thread, I will be willing to answer questions & comments on specifics.

On the American Queen Beer was $6.00 and wine about $8.00 per glass and cocktails listed at $7 -10.

With wine & beer at dinner You can drink for the complete meal and have a full glass or bottle to take with You that You did not finish with meal that is all comp.

Did not see any heavy drinking on Red Wing to NOLA cruise.

At the hotel You do all the checking in, can change dining options and receive Your cruise card so at the boat You just walk on. We stayed at the Radison Blu at Mall Of America in St Paul then bussed to Red Wing.

Just finished Red Wing To NOLA 23 day cruise.