NewToCruising-102023

Wow! Thank you so much! This is so much more info than I expected and so much appreciated!! Bird's recommended timeline for embarkation sounds perfect! If we snag a 9:30 check-in, what time does the ship actually start to board? Just trying to gauge how much kid entertainment I need to have if we end up waiting a few hours between check in and boarding. At check in, I see in Bird's post that there is a sign about no beverages. Can you have a water bottle with you? My kids and I always bring our reusable water bottles with us, everywhere we go. It would be hard to forgo it.

My family just booked our very first cruise. We're going to Alaska on NCL's Encore the first week of June. I have some questions. We have onboard credit from our travel agent. I know this can be used for specialty dining, drinks, spa and on-ship shopping, but can it be used for the go karts, arcade and galaxy pavilion? Can it be used on the room service delivery charge? I imagine our only possible swimming day will be embarkation day. Knowing that the luggage and room won't be available until later in the day, I'm thinking I'll have swimsuits for our kids in a backpack that stays with us when we board. Is there a changing area or large enough bathroom near the pool we can use for changing in and out of suits? Are towels available poolside? Do you have to rent them or check them out? I'd take any advice for a smooth embarkation experience with as little stress as possible with kids! Thank you!