JMazzi

2 minutes ago, Sauer-kraut said:

 

It doesn't matter, you can do self carry off or just do the normal disembarkation and get the bags from the terminal building. Either way you still have to go through customs and immigration.  I do the latter as we are never in a hurry to get off the ship and our flights are later in the day.

Thanks so much for your input. 

Do people normally bring soaps and shampoos or does the boat provide that? It's like pulling teeth trying to find some of this info on their site

3 minutes ago, Sauer-kraut said:

I meant the terminal building at the port.  You will have to get your luggage and then get in line to go through customs and immigration before you get out to the bus area.

Ok. So on the way back, since I'm not flying out of Miami, I should just carry my suitcase off the ship? 

12 minutes ago, billslowsky said:

 

I believe you have to personally take your bags through customs.  There should also be a specific time slot for disembarkation since you are taking their shuttle.  

 

Somebody's going to tell you on this board not to take the shuttle, there are quicker and cheaper ways to get to the airport (there are) but do what you're comfortable with, especially the first time out.

Most prices I was looking at were around the $40-$60 range one way, while the cruise lines was $50 total (unless I was missing something). 

And this Roll Call I've been seeing, is that put on by the cruise line or is it organized by members of this community independently? 

Thanks Bill and everyone else. 

2 minutes ago, Sauer-kraut said:

 

Pay attention to the Freestyle Daily a couple days before the end of the cruise.  It will tell you when the tags will be available and where to get them.  This will ensure you get down to wherever they are and get the debarkation time you want.  (We always just sit on the ship until the very last call, so its not a big deal what color is left).  What this means is that you will have to have your luggage packed and outside of your cabin the last night by 11 pm. and you won't see your luggage until you get into the terminal the next morning.  Be sure to leave out an outfit for the next day and any/all toiletries you will use at night and in the morning, don't pack them in the luggage.

In the airport terminal? We are flying into Ft Lauderdale and taking the NCL transport service to Miami where we will depart, will they hand me my luggage or I'll meet with it at the bus prior to departing back to the airport? 

I'm assuming the Freestyle Daily is a pamphlet of information, I think I saw a picture of one on this forum. 

Thanks again everyone for all the tips and help!!! 

53 minutes ago, billslowsky said:

Read up on the disembarkation procedures.  It's not necessarily straightforward the first time.

And where exactly would I find that information? I tried looking on ncl but their website isn't that straight forward. 

9 minutes ago, mcmomny said:

Welcome!

 

The first thing is most people over pack, not necessary. You only need causal comfortable clothes. I typically only pack two outfits for dinner as I am careful to not spill on myself and if someone sees me in the same outfit twice Oh Well! I never bring heals or stockings! And no jacket for my husband!

 

I bring refillable water bottle for the room and off ship, I also pack a power strip to keep all chargeable's plugged into one spot so I don't forget one there!

Zip lock bags for wet items

The ship will provide beach towels but bringing a beach bag can be handy for off ship

The ship has lots of free sea sickness pills on board, so no need to bring them

Carry on board swim suit and your must haves as sometimes your luggage doesn't show up till 7 or 8 at night depending on how things are going

Once on board we check out the lay of the land and have a late lunch in the buffet. For sail away we like to sit in the outside portion of the buffet at the back of the boat and watch the port disappear!

Join your "Roll Call" go to the "Meet and Greet"

 

Have fun!

Really appreciate the detailed reply, especially the towel part. I was going to pack my own. And I would not have even thought of the water bottle, even after reading how much bottles seem to be on the ship. Can you get regular tap water or is all water charged? 

Hey everyone, first of all just wanted to say finding this site has been great. I found a lot of information regarding dining / beverage and travel!

But really I'm just looking for some little tips and tricks while aboard (or prior) to enhance the experience a little bit, and what to pack (obviously bathing suit, sunscreen, long pants for dinner) that might not be something a first time cruiser would know to bring (I saw a thread where someone mentioned straws LOL). 

Anyway, my girlfriend and I will be on the Norwegian Sky sailing out of Miami to the Bahamas on the 3rd of October, we are both super excited. We got the included beverage package for liquor and one free dinner (we chose Cagneys). Thanks in advance everyone!