VideoTech

The NCL App does not rely on internet. It only uses the ship's wifi system, which is an entirely different thing from the ship's internet service. 

We do not bother with the streaming package, but do usually get the unlimited internet package. On our last Getaway cruise, we upgraded it to two devices and my DW and I shared it. It worked fine for FB texting between us and emails as needed. To my surprise, SMS texting also worked between us and to shore based phone #'s, although I'm not sure why it did.

If you read these pages often you'll probably find that reports on the quality and service with the streaming package are all over the place. I don't see how it can be anything else, given the low bandwidth of the connection that's being shared with several thousand other users. 

On 1/19/2020 at 1:51 PM, GracyandGravy said:

How is the speed with the unlimited streaming package? We are going on a 16 day Panama Canal on the Joy. My husband likes to sleep in late and I would love to have some quiet time late at night or early morning to mindlessly catch up on things I never have time to see at home plus we are big news junkies. I can upgrade from the 250 minutes we got as a promo for what is a pretty reasonable price.

 

Also, to clarify what someone mentioned - SMS texting works from the ship to land phones? So I'll be able to keep in touch with my daughter via text? I was planning on going old school email or FB messenger.

 

I don't personally stream video on board the ships - I prefer to download episodes and things I might like to watch so as not to have to deal with a slow connection. The speed of the internet connection on the ship is nothing at all like what you're used to at home, and you're sharing the connection with everyone else on the ship.

As to SMS: On all my previous cruises, SMS texting has never worked because it's a function of the celluar phone service, not the internet data service.  Therefore I was very surprised, my Getaway cruise a week ago, to be able to send and receive SMS texts using the unlimited package (not the social media package) with my phone in airplane mode (cell service turned off). I can't speak to using SMS texting on any ship except the Getaway, as that is my only experience having it work.   

On 1/19/2020 at 12:27 PM, esm54687 said:

I wasn't aware that the Social Media Package allowed streaming video? So I can stream Netflix, etc?  That's fantastic. Thanks for the info. 

I believe it does...although remember you're sharing a fairly low bandwidth connection with everyone else - so your viewing experience may not be the best. 

8 hours ago, smplybcause said:

It may be because mine is older, but last time I was on a ship the Fitbit app won't download from the Fitbit until you have internet access. No idea why it won't.

 

I always just turn it on airplane mode and then turn on wifi or bluetooth if needed. 

Some apps assume you'll always have internet turned on...often because they're uploading your data in the background to their servers as part of how the app functions. When they don't have internet, they default to just storing everything internally until they get a connection again.

Internet packages are discounted as the cruise goes on...obviously, since there are fewer days left. 

It's generally cheaper to purchase ahead of time, but the problem is they won't let you buy multi-device packages ahead of time. You can only buy those on the ship. We had purchased the unlimited package prior to our recent Getaway cruise, but  then when we wanted to add a device to the package, we had to have them cancel and refund the pre-purchased package, and then setup and charge for the 2 device package.

Here's a photo of the mutli-device packages available (at least, on the Getaway, presumably on the other ships as well)

Here's NCL's "how to" brochure and a photo showing the charges per device / per day on multiple device plans.

Internet How To.pdf

Here's a photo of the same brochure that might be a little easier to read.

On 1/16/2020 at 11:16 PM, Gracelyn said:

Awe, ok I get that. So the key is unlimited and log out so the other can use it. 
I was unable to find the 2-user u limited package on their website. Hoping to order this before our cruise. 
appreciate your help

gracelyn 

We are just off the Getaway, and were told that you cannot pre-order the 2 and 4 device packages. You can only get those when you sign up for the internet on-board. 

Because we had pre-purchased an unlimited internet plan, the manager in the internet cafe had to cancel that purchase, re-fund the charge to our on-board account, then setup and charge us for the 2 device plan we wanted. 

Attached is the brochure listing the prices for various #'s of devices. Apologies that it's hard to read...that's the way NCL prints it!

Internet.pdf

I'm not a table games player, but I'm curious: Are you saying that the pit boss no longer evaluates your play at all? 

Are all the table games now sensor equipped? 

36 minutes ago, Weezyme said:

Yes! Thank you so very much!  We set sail on the Escape Feb 8 and we will take this info with us!  Cheers!

You're welcome. One further point: You might want to check with your cell phone provider to see if they have have a cheap calling package for your destination ports (Caribbean, I'm assuming). Then when you're docked or off the ship in port, you can turn your cell phone back on, pickup messages, make calls, use your cell phone data plan for internet, etc. 

Just be sure to put your phone back in airplane mode, and repeat the process to get back on the NCL Wifi as the ship leaves port.

3 hours ago, Weezyme said:

Hi There,

Being really newbie here as it's my first cruise.  So you purchase this social media package and it allows you to use Facebook apps (what's app, instagram, snapchat etc)  what other cost through your carrier do you incur if any?  Would you switch your phone to wifi only?  Just a bit confused and trying to gather information here as I have seen then Unlimited Social Media Package reference come up a couple of times.  Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

First of all, the "how": Yes, when you board the ship you put your phone in airplane mode (thus turning off the cell phone part of your phone) then you turn on the Wifi and connect to the NCL wifi system (often called "NCL_gateway" or something similar). Then you open a web browser page on your phone and go to "login.com" which should bring up NCL's internet service connection page. You enter your last name and birthdate, and it will look up your cruise package to see what internet package you have either bought or been given. Once it has verified that you have internet minutes or an unlimited package available, you will be able to select "go online" and you'll be connected to the ship's internet system. 

Remember that unless you specifically buy connections for more devices, you are only allowed to connect one device at a time. So if are connected through your phone, but want to use your tablet or laptop (or if you want to let someone else use your connection), you will have to go back to the "login.com" page and select "Logout" in the upper right corner of the page. Then you can log in with your other device, in the same way as above.

You can buy packages that will allow you to connect 2 or 4 devices at at time. Of course, you pay a per device / per day fee for this added convenience. 

Now the "What": NCL offers several different types of internet connection, in amounts ranging from a specific number of minutes to unlimited minutes. The basic package is fine for email and some very slow web browsing. You will not be able to text, stream video, or make internet calls. 

The unlimited package will let you text, and make internet calls (such as Facebook Voice calls, NOT Video calls). 

The Social Media package will let you do all of the above, plus add streaming video and Video calls.

We have always been quite happy with the basic unlimited service, as this allows us to do email, and text between our phones (using FB messenger) while on the ship. On our recent Getaway cruise, we were also able to text to shore based phones...this was new to me as I did not think SMS texting had worked in the past. It may be a result of the upgrading that NCL has been doing to the internet systems on their ships. 

Note that if all you want is the ability to connect between phones ON the ship, and you don't need email or any other internet service, you can just use the NCL App, and for a one time charge of $9.99 per device, you can text between devices running the NCL App. 

Hope that all helps explain it some....

I'm not the poster you're looking for, but I've never heard of trading in Internet minutes for an increase in OBC. There have been many posts (and we have done this) where it is mentioned that you can typically upgrade your limited internet minutes to an unlimited internet package, and that this is typically cheaper to do on the second day of the cruise, when they start offering reduced rated internet packages.

We just came off the Getaway and while we had unlimited internet from the beginning, I did notice that each day as the cruise went on, there would be an advertisement of further and further discounts on internet packages. 

The internet minutes work fine for email and texting via FB messenger. But you do have to remember to sign on and off and keep your conversations short, or you'll run out of minutes. For email, it helps if you can read and compose your replies "off line" then sign on and send them. You can buy additional minutes on board if you need.

I would not suggest using your cell phone provider's at sea texting as I believe that for that to work, you would have to connect through the ship's cellular service, and would incur those expensive per minute charges on top of whatever your provider charges.  

3 hours ago, bebe08 said:

We are leaving on the Escape this Saturday - woo hoo!!  First NCL cruise for us...we are somewhat loyal to Celebrity lol.

A few last minute questions to save us from looking like deer caught in the headlights on embarkation:

- how soon can you access your cabin?  I don't expect luggage to be there for a bit....but always nice to check out the cabin and drop off carry on ASAP

- do any of the waterfront venues serve food/lunch or is it strictly drinks except for dinner time?  Trying to figure out where we will want to park ourselves when we embark (assuming we will be hungry).  

- if no food on waterfront, where is best place for lunch on embarkation (ie least crowded)

- will our keycards have a sticker or something that shows we have a beverage package? I am a tiny bit worried that none of our NCL documentation shows we have a beverage package....however TA assures me all is well and it shows on TA's documentation (which we will bring just in case)

- we have pre-paid for unlimited internet....how do we go about accessing once onboard?  I want to avoid accidentally buying a second package (which I actually did on our last cruise lol).

 

TIA - also any last minute tips??

 

 

 

There will be an announcement made when the cabins are ready for occupancy. Typically they will have the fire doors closed to lock off the cabin hallways until then, but sometimes not...and we have often been able to go to our cabin and leave our hand luggage, but we try to see the cabin steward to let them know. 

One of the main dining rooms will be open for lunch on embarkation day. This is usually the least crowded venue. 

Your key card will have a 3 letter code on it that indicates your beverage package.

As noted above, put your phone (or tablet or whatever) in airplane mode then turn on just the wifi. Connect to the NCL wifi and you will be prompted to log in and create your account password. Instructions are on the cabin TV's or you can visit the internet lounge if you need help. One thing to know: Only one device can be signed in on the account at a time. If you have multiple devices or want to share the account with your cabin-mate(s) then the device that's currently logged in will have to log off and the other device can log in.

The Norwegian App (IOS or Android) is helpful to have as well. Download it before you board the ship. Then open it and you will be able to log in and see your cabin account, view any reservations you have. Of course, you can always check these same things on the TV in your cabin.

You can also use the Norwegian App to text between devices on the ship. Each device must be running the app, and each device must pay a one time $9.99 (U.S.) fee. No internet minutes or package is required for this service, it's done through the ship's wifi service. 

Have a great cruise!

We've cruised our of New Orleans several times, but the last cruise was a long time ago. We're doing an upcoming short NCL cruise with only an airline sized carry on suitcase each, so I'm assuming there's no need to check our bags with the porters, that we can just bring them through security and wheel them on the ship ourselves. Correct? They would fit through standard airport size scanners, which is what I remember them having at New Orleans. 

We're sailing in a Haven cabin and have never had a problem dropping our bags in the cabin right after boarding, even if the cabins weren't officially ready yet. We usually just find the cabin steward and tell him/her what we're doing.

Unfortunately, as you are probably finding out, Pier 91 is not very convenient to downtown Seattle, and there are few choices for hotels near the pier.

I would book a hotel in downtown Seattle, and use Uber, Lyft, or a shuttle van service to get from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the pier. Unless you're staying for several days before your cruise, I would not bother with a rent car. If you find the right place in downtown Seattle you can walk almost everywhere you'd want to go, and there are the streetcars and monorail as well. 

It's not a "resort" hotel, but the Hampton Inn & Suites Brickell/Dowtown is very popular with cruisers. Plenty of shops and restaurants in walking distance, and an easy trip to the port in the morning. 

If you want a resort style hotel and have the budget, the Epic is a wonderful hotel. 

Miami airport can be a mess. Long lines for check in, long lines for security. If you have status with the airlines and TSA pre-check, that helps. Unfortunately, there's very little in the way of places to wait or food to eat before you go through security.

JohnindDC's suggestion is an excellent one, just be sure to allow enough time for the airport. 

I've never been on an NCL cruise where they ship did not conform to local time as the cruise went along. You'll get notices in your Freestyle Daily to tell you to advance or set back your clocks and watches as the changes occur.

If you're booking your own excursions (not through the ship) just discuss the timing with your shore excursion operator. They all are very familiar with, and depend on, the cruise ships for their business. They'll be able to tell you if you can take a proposed excursion or not. 

If you want to warm up for the cruise with a huge breakfast, Mother's on Poydras street is an institution in itself. Bring your appetite, though!

37 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

I would second the beignets and chicory coffee for breakfast. And you can walk out  on the boardwalk and towers and the ship is right there. We have stayed at the Hilton and Harrahs right there on the waterfront and walked over every morning. 

While I'll definitely agree with the beignets and coffee, it's worth it to go to the "real" Cafe Du Monde, in Jackson Square. Even when it's busy, it's never a long wait, and the atmosphere and surroundings are so much better than the one in the Riverside Mall.

Nothing in downtown New Orleans is very far from the pier. 

Hampton Inn & Suites, Brickell/Downtown is very popular with cruisers. It's in a great area with shops and restaurants around. 

If your budget allows it, the Epic (A Kimpton property) is a very luxurious hotel, right on the Miami river and with views to the ocean from many rooms.. There's also a JW Marriott right next door. 

Also in my 60's and quite enjoy just doing my own walking tours whenever possible. I've done this at many cruise stops and it's always interesting and enjoyable, particularly if you can get away from the touristy cruise port area. 

We're headed to Aruba on a cruise in March and I'm researching possible walking tours or area hikes...would welcome any suggestions from those who have been.

Thanks!

We have done a similar thing with Orlando and a cruise out of Port Canaveral. Even if there's no shuttle service from the Texas City Budget location, I don't see why you couldn't get an Uber or Lyft to the pier.

But why not just go on down to Galveston on Friday when you fly in? Then you're there in the port city and many Galveston hotels offer shuttle service to the piers. 

I believe taxi charges are regulated. Uber and Lyft can add congestion pricing and might increase their rates during Mardi Gras.