racetech

I have to respectfully disagree to an extent. On our last two cruises with my MIL who is in a wheelchair, they made us wait until our group number was called. Wheelchairs we corralled in an area near the entrance to the gangway and were the first to board in their respective group. On another cruise (Getaway out of Miami) we did board early right after the Suites. I’m not sure if the port workers decide or if it is entirely NCL.

 

 

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Sounds like its hit or miss. Our concern really isnt boarding first or before anyone else, we just want to make sure we can all board together as far as our group of 4. I have found out that we can, so anything else is just trivial at this point I guess. Thanks for your reply!

Hi! I use a wheelchair and rent a scooter for cruises (Special Needs at Sea). You need to contact the Access Desk so that they are aware of your GF situation. You and your friends will check in and then wait in a special area both downstairs and upstairs. You can board together.

 

Please remember that these ships are huge. Your GF might want a scooter. She can try one out at a supermarket, Target, etc. However, if you go to a tender port, you would want to take the wheelchair. Also ask soon about an accessible cabin as they are larger.

 

There is a Traveling with Disabilities board. Lots of info there. Have a wonderful time!!

Thank you so much! Very useful info I appreciate it. I just found the special needs at sea info on NCL website also:)

Talk with the NCL people - arrangements can be made for your entire party to board with the WC passenger.

You may be requested to wait until there is a gap in the boarding of groups platinum suites CAS priority etc.

Some gangways are narrow enough that a wait is best to proceed directly on the ship without jamming things.

Frequently NCL will have you wait until enough folks with WCs and scooters are present to make things flow

easier. Also note some cruise terminals may need to use elevators instead of the steep gangways.

 

In any event contact the NCL people at or near Registration.

Thank you for your info, I will just talk to NCL next time I speak to them about my cruise.

It's not like an airport where special assistance boards first, ahead of EVERYONE else.

I did not ask if it was similar to an airport. Thank you.

First time cruisers, my g/f is handicap, not terribly she just gets fatigued standing or walking for to long due to lyme disease, and we may board with her using a wheel chair so that we dont have to have her wearing herself out before we even get on board. Would we get thru the lines any faster this way with our group of 4 people, or would just me and her get thru quicker or none of us? She doesnt want to do it if we have to leave our friends behind lol Thanks in advance.

You never truly appreciate NCL until you are in the same port as Carnival[emoji1]

 

 

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Lol why is that?

Thanks for all the pics and updates

Nice pics, clouds are kind of a bummer!

Hey Shane, I was wondering what side of the ship is typically dock side at the different ports. Is it always the same side or does it vary? Ill be on this same cruise at a later date so just wondering.

Check their site for the latest info, but unless something has changed cricket should work just fine in Mexico. I remember being surprised when (on the way to some excursion in the middle of nowhere) I was able to use data. Wasn't blazing fast, but it worked and didn't cost any extra!

 

I don't think it would work in Belize and Honduras.

 

Also, I want to say I had to dial 011 and something before the number for the call to go through when I was calling the US using my phone in Mexico, otherwise I'd get an error message. This may have been an issue of my phone not being smart enough to figure out that was required on its own and adding it on behind the scenes. I guess it kind of makes sense since from the Telecom partner in Mexico's perspective you're making an international call from Mexico to the US and if you're leaving the international dialing stuff off they might assume you're trying to make a local (to Mexico) call. Since I haven't seen others bring this up I assume most US carriers make this automatically work out somehow.

 

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Ok Ill look into it, thanks!!

I need to use AT&T towers for work, but find AT&T plans to be a rip off so instead go with prepaid services that utilize AT&T towers.

 

Cricket Wireless was actually pretty good for my Caribbean cruise last year since their standard plan included calling from Mexico and the Virgin Islands at no extra charge. This year I was on Straight Talk (the AT&T version), which doesn't include an international option.

 

Another way you could try to call (if your carrier doesn't support WiFi calling) would be to use an app like Hangouts or Pinger to place the calls over WiFi. That's assuming you're on Android since I have no idea what VOIP apps are available on Apple.

 

 

 

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My g/f has cricket. Your saying it works at mexico ports? We will be going to costa maya, cozumel. Then belize and honduras any experience with cricket in these areas?

So Im curious about footwear in the water areas, like in the pool or on the water slides do they allow any at all? Just asking so I know what to bring with me in the future!

Looks like you got a reasonably good deal if you drink. fyi, I found a better deal for the same cruise basic same dates for 2018 ;)

I really wish I could cruise sooner but this date will work for everyone involved lol So am I locked into this rate? Say I find the same cruise cheaper I cant call NCL and say hey i want this price??

What matters is the price. I'm assuming it's a $50 deposit. Which generally isn't a big deal as it's not a discount. They always have a free perk such as the drinks. What's the overall price for the two of you? And yes, the Norwegian section will know best.

 

For example, on my upcoming Norwegian cruise, they upped the offer. Offering free gratuities, on top of the other free perks. But, the same cabin level is selling for $1,000 more than what I paid. Way more than free gratuities for 2 people.

It ended up at $3800 for the 2 of us with a balcony cabin.

I use Verizon prepaid. So I dont have a plan that can be charged thousands lol Im also a bit more limited on options, so I probably dont have any adds for temporary international or anything like that. But ill be sure to check on it. I really dont need the phone anyway. Im just curious as far as connecting a tablet once in a while and sending email. Thanks for all the info!

New cruiser here. Just wondering what to expect as far as cell service or wifi aboard ship. I know I wont have much cell service and really plan to leave phone on airplane mode while at sea. What about wifi is there any free wifi on ship? Or is it pay only. What about ports can you find free wifi there? I really dont mind locking my phone in safe for 7 days lol. Just curious as to what to tell fam and friends, if I can give updates once in a while or not. Norwegian Getaway if it matters. Thanks!!

Getaway was my first cruise, and what got me hooked on cruising! You’ll love it.

 

This ship is really fun, lots of great activities onboard. I enjoyed their live musical performances and entertainment. Food is out of this world. Moderno, the Brazilian steak house, was my absolute favourite. Water slides were thrilling! I also liked them showing movies in the Atrium.

 

My favourite space onboard was Spice H2O, which is an adults only outdoor space with hot tubs. It becomes a dance space on certain nights. Their Waterfront feature on the ship is one of the best features onboard. Some comfortable spaces for reading, napping, people watching.

 

NCL doesn’t have formal nights for dinners or a dress code per se, however I’d recommend bringing a couple of nicer outfits for specialty dinners. They also have a white party, which is a dance party where everyone wears white clothes. It’s really fun!

 

I found the beds really comfortable, and balcony space wasn’t huge but worth it.

 

I find NCL has a lot less inclusions compared to other cruise lines in terms of what they offer onboard (gelato, fancier coffee, etc.) so be prepared to spend a little extra, even with a drink or dining package.

 

Enjoy it!

Thank you for the info! Can I ask what kind of footwear they allow in the pool or on the water slides if any? Just something that popped in my head thinking about what to bring lol

Thanks for the input everyone. I will be prepared to spend a little extra here and there that isnt a problem. I have been watching youtube about the ship and all its offerings. And have been researching here and google for other information. It looks like a great time! My cruise is 7 day. Cozumel, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye and Rotan Honduras.

Deb I look forward to your review of the Getaway!

First time cruiser here. Booked on the NCL Getaway Dec 29 2019. New years cruise! Long painful wait but it will be worth it. Just wanted to post here and get opinions on the line and the ship, and see what to expect. I have a lot of planning to do. Figuring out what to bring, what to wear, money, etc etc. I booked recently and got the NCL sale they had going, $50 booking fee, $100 on board credit, $50 at each port, free drink package with alcohol, seemed like a great deal so I booked for me and my gf with another couple who has cruised before, but not with NCL. So looking forward to a needed vacation!

Cheer up! I know people who have never enjoyed cruising!

 

 

 

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That would be me lol. 692 and ill be on my first

692.....for anyone feeling like they have a long wait ahead :(

Thanks ill look into that!

Recently booked my first cruise aboard Norwegian Getaway! Sailing Dec 29th 2019. Went with a balcony cabin for me and my g/f. It leaves out of New Orleans so we plan to be there a day early to enjoy the area and relax. NCL had a good sale going on, and I was able to book for $50 each rather then the normal $250. We recieved $100 in on board spending credit, $50 to spend on an excursion at each port. And a free drink package that includes all drinks and alcohol drinks under $15, of which I pay the difference if over, and this is all included in our cruise fair. Seems like a decent deal to me? We will be cruising with another couple who has cruiesed a few times already, we are really looking forward to it, and hope the next almost 2 years go by fast!