seashells

Scan your passport onto your computer and it will be there IF needed, IF you miss the ship or something happens and you need to be airlifted home and you left it on the ship.

I also minimize my passport while scanning it to credit card size, and laminate it. That I take with me when leaving a port and water can't ruin it.

It's very easy to do and handy to have.

There is a clock ON your phone IN your cabin.....Difficult to see.

At least on the newer ships.

However we bring along a battery clock to see at all other times and when we want to rise early.

I hear you on the heavy perfume. Both cigarette smell and heavy perfume can give me headaches (depending on what kind - florals really bother me, spicier scents do not). I don't mind when smoking areas are outside and off the beaten path - it's just that indoor smoking tends to really linger in a bad way.

Opps

Just was about to go off and saw you replied.

I was in the casino so late one night, that they were cleaning/vacuuming and spraying down sections at a time, closing them off.

They were even spraying with a cleaning and odor solution on the chairs/stools and everything you could imagine.

I thought I read that the Escape had been built with an enclosed smoking area in the casino? Is this not true?

 

I cannot stand the horrible stench of cigarettes. I do a lot of work trips to Vegas for trade shows, and I cannot stand having to walk through the casinos to get to my room. If you linger AT ALL, your clothes and hair reek like smoke. It's awful.

We were on her during Christmas and I am an avid casino player. The first night there was little notice of the odor, but then found that at certain times of the day it was heavier.

I went in the morning once and it was heavy....Perhaps an area that early smokers decided was convenient.

As an evening player it was much less so....The craps table was overwhelming with players who were so into it they didn't take time to smoke. I didn't notice as much, but it wasn't heavy with smoke, at least to me, in the evening.

There was a person near me that was doused in perfume that bothered me more.....I just moved.

Could anyone specify what type of Amex they have with this offer showing up? We've got an SPG Amex and the offer isn't there

 

 

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I called them this morning and was told that a person has to chose between miles and rewards....I specifically have a Delta card.

I can get more 'miles' from purchasing from retailers, but NCL is not on the list.

I do however get free luggage when traveling with Delta, and everyone traveling with me receives free luggage, so that's a perk that saves money plus I receive a free companion ticket each year.

Calling on something can be misconstrued as one person in a company tells you one thing, and you call back and another person tells you another.....We all have that problem even with NCL.

Watch NOVA as they build a new ship tonight.

NCL is building a much smaller new luxury ship.

I also accept NCL's rules, their right to make any rule they deem appropriate for their ships.

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Were you on C.C. when the new president made the ORDER of cruisers to NOT be allowed to take food from the buffet to their cabins?

There was such an uproar from passengers that.... he recanted...and Passengers were again ALLOWED to do so.

NCL changed the cruising world with anytime dining and the boards lit up with tremendous complaints about "change"....and NOT desiring change even if they had terrible table mates for the entire cruise....NCL is a good line with many good ideas and some NOT.

NCL is not the only line we cruise with, but it may come that we will cruise less with them as other lines have changed their dining options and include bottled water for passenger that don't or cant drink alcohol or other sweet drinks for days on end....We once were on NCL for 30 days...Free bottled water was given and it was acceptable tasting....It was NOT Aquafina.

I must take back some of my words on bottled water only....We received bottled water on the Yangtze River cruise ship and the ship ran out....We requested and received boiled water at night, in the afternoon and early evening, transferring it to our own empty bottles when it cooled and for brushing of teeth.

Some Nations we have visited we did the same, IF there was no bottled water, but most lines provided bottled water free which was needed on excursions.

I have not complained about the price on NCL....Only that they offered (Aquafina) that I do not like.

In calling and emailing, a solution was found with a water I could live with, but had to be purchased through a restaurant or bar.....Problem solved for me.

Our upcoming cruise with them should go off without a hitch about this subject. If not, as you said there are OTHER lines.

Ive seen a lot of posts from you on this subject and realize you are particular about your water but it's to the point where I can't understand why you choose cruising as a vacation. If you feel so negatively about the ships water - you must realize they use it in the galley. So everything you eat or drink on the ship touches that water. So any non water drinks provided by the ship will have the water in the ice, used to mix with concentrate, or in the coffee/iced tea. It's used to wash your plates, rinse your fresh food, and in any dish you eat. Simply saying you prefer the taste of one particular bottled water is one thing, but to imply there's something wrong with the ships water. You can't really believe you are living on the ship and not consuming the ship's water on a regular basis? [emoji848]

 

I'm also assuming you are using your $6 a bottle water to brush your teeth and rinse your toothbrush? Since you have such an issue with water from a tap and from staying in places that have 100% truly undrinkable water, you can't get it in your mouth at all.

 

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We have sailed for over 40 years. We always took aboard our own water. Now we are NOT allowed.

Some people don't drink alcohol or soda... and/or can't because of diabetes, small children, and other reasons.

Hydration is a MUST....As to tea and coffee we don't drink either, and both are made by boiling the water. Hot chocolate, I ask for milk.

The same for food and dishwashing...Our steak is broiled, our potatoes are boiled, My vegetables are steamed.. I am NOT telling other people what to do....They can do as they please.

The numerous "Water threads" are because NCL "Changed their policy"....Nothing more.

So yes, we ONLY brush our teeth with bottled water while onboard and always have.

Not sure of the whole point of this post. My post did not say cruise ships were "all built of steel", and in fact did not even comment on ship structure, just piping, and as a side note, not all ships' superstructures are aluminum, only where necessary. You'll also notice that I said ship's piping wasn't steel, but generally plastic, or copper. The flex lines under the sink are copper not steel.

 

I didn't argue that the piping wasn't being renewed, in fact I agreed with you, but I also pointed out that this is a pro-active measure to prevent leakage. As I stated, the Sky renewed several miles (virtually all the piping in the guest areas and galleys) of plastic pipe with a newer and more robust plastic pipe back in 2008. Ships do this quite regularly, though not on the scale we did it on the Sky, as we removed a full deck of cabins from service each week to complete the renewals.

 

Do you drink tap water on shore? This was my point, that municipal water supplies renew their piping even less frequently than ships do.

No I don't. We drink bottled water at home and at all times. Everywhere.

You can have a well and need a filter but can't water your plants nor drink it, so another filter is necessary.

The greatest weight on a ship is on the lower decks....Decks that hold engines/fuel/sewage/water/ supplies and most of the heavy supply's.

The upper part of the ship needs to be composed of lighter material, which they now use on ships that have 18 decks.

They are also wider than they used to be, and some could not pass through the Panama canal....Now being widened.

PVC piping was thought to be better, but they found it was not. It emitted a plastic taste and for a time there was a concern over health risks.

Cruise ships float by putting lots of weight down in the bottom and use lighter weight material above.

I would think that the Bliss has the correct pipelines.

The center of gravity of most cruise ships is about mid-ship around deck 4 (the heavy stuff is all down on decks 1 and 2). Cruise ship designers want stability.....Very heavy steel at the bottom, lighter weight steel then aluminum and fiber-reinforced plastics and carbon fiber which are being used in the aerospace industry. Lightweight material brings down the consumption of fuel needed.

The upper decks are open and use less weight even with thousands of passengers as they are never in the same place, thus dispersing weight.

When a cruise ship sits in the water, it makes room for itself by displacing water out and down. The water responds by pushing up and in as it tries to take back the space the cruise ship occupies. The balance of these opposing force are what makes the ship float.

Now I'm off topic.

Both ship and airplanes are designed and made of many different types of material including steel where needed..... and aluminum.

I do not care to drink the cabin water nor even the ships water so I purchase bottled water.

Everyone has their own wants and needs.......For myself and children I want both... along with peace of mind.

lol @ you telling a career mariner and former chief engineer with NCL how ships are constructed. How silly.

How do you know what I did/do for a living?

Lets NOT argue the situation that involved ours.

I won't debate you again regarding your choice to buy bottled water, but I've got to question a couple of these comments. First off, I doubt the sink pipe was "rusted" as cruise ships do not use steel pipe for potable water piping, certainly not in the small size used at a sink, because the pipe would rust up and leak. I know that on even some of the oldest NCL ships, like the Sky, all of the potable water piping is plastic. And the fact that NCL is actively renewing piping to prevent problems is a positive thing, when was the last time the municipalities dug up and renewed water mains leading to the bottled water plant, or your house, until it had already rusted through and blown out.

I absolutely saw the pipe and it was black and rusted...Orange...Cruise ships are not built with all steel....The upper decks are made of aluminum.

This keeps the ship from being TOP heavy.

The plumber was called to repair, and he said it was fixed after a 15 minute visit.

Well that didn't 'fix it'.....I had a short conversation with our room steward as he had just returned from vacation. I told him that I was a patient person, BUT the next occupants may not be, and if the problem continued, it might affect his rating as this was a suite.

It was then that he asked for the plumber to return, and he replaced the pipe entirely taking 4 hours.

I do know for a FACT... that piping is being replaced in even the new ships by small specialty piping crews especially hired for that problem.

On our cruise we were on a ship that was called....Sold out.

Well it wasn't. As the plumber was working, the ship gave us a window cabin card in which we could shower and relax. We went to see it, but didn't use it, as we could wait out the problem.

I'm not being argumentative. I'm just telling you WHY I will not drink anything but bottled water and pay for it on a ship.

We used to bring our own, but now they changed the rules.

If you saw the sink pipe replacement I saw after a 4 hour plumber in my cabin on NCL you would NEVER drink from the tap IN your cabin.

It was black and rusted.

I personally know that NCL is in the process, and has a crew onboard, changing all their water pipes.

I purchase Aqua Panna from the bar by the bottle and have a dozen bottles delivered to my cabin.

I pay just under $6.00 per bottle ($1.69 in store at home)...equals 3 ...8oz bottles... as I dislike the taste of Aquafina.

We take empty small 8oz bottles with us and fill as needed, as they are easier to carry.

Water is a basic need.....This water that they force you to purchase, IF you care and need to drink instead of alcohol....Is obscene.

Taking a Brita is something to consider IF you desire.

I also decided that $100,00 in water is part of my vacation fund so I pay it....I resent it, but I pay it.

Harvest Caye is not classified as a Private Island, it is a private port. NCL leases the island and all food and shops are run by companies from Mainland Belize! This is why UBP isn't good on the island.

Just recently, Norwegian Cruise Lines purchased 75 acre Harvest Caye from the Government of Belize for undisclosed amount (I’ve heard $3 to 10 million USD) with the intent to raze it and make it the main port in Belize. Other estimates are up to $50 million.

Norwegian Cruise Lines announced the purchase of the 75 acre Harvest Caye off the coast of southern Belize, and their intention to create a cruise port and eco-friendly private island two miles south of the tiny fishing village of Placencia.

Only 12 acres will be habitable as the rest is considered swamp.

NCL says this project for a 4000+ passenger ship has a smaller footprint than the previously approved hotel for 760 guests.

Harvest Caye is a critical manatee habitat and breeding ground, and they want to bring in a ship over a thousand feet long?

This is a fragile area and none of this makes any sense.

Southern Belize isn't suitable for large cruise ships, period.....The residents are very unhappy with NCL and their dealings with what they consider a corrupt government deal.

We were disappointed that Harvest Caye was the stop in Belize as well. We'd already done the cave tubing and were looking forward to either Mayan ruins or snorkeling the reef.

 

Harvest Caye is beautiful and new, but just not the experience we wanted for Belize. They offer a few excursions and there are some things to do, but most cost money, including food and drinks.

Why even get off the ship?

Are we being charged a port fee for their own island that offers nothing but to lay in the sand?

The events offered on the mainland were the reason to go to Belize.

I feel sorry for all those companies who put their savings into taking passengers to different things to enjoy, such as cave tubing and the ruins...and are now out of business.

NCL should have at least 2 smaller ships that offer Belize city.

This may be of some help to understand this NEW program.

Norwegian Cruise Line will kick off the new year with a cruise industry first... an upgrade program that allows passengers who have paid for a cruise to bid for an upgrade to a higher-category stateroom.

The Norwegian Upgrade Advantage program has the blessing of a group of top travel agents after a 60-day beta test in advance of its February 8 launch. Their feedback was all positive, including the fact that the entire system is automated and requires no travel agent intervention, keeps them in the communication loop at all times, and pays commissions on the enhanced fare.

Once guests’ bids are accepted, they are assigned to an available cabin at a higher level—inside to outside, outside to balcony, balcony to a suite or The Haven......but cannot choose the exact stateroom to which they are assigned.

Travel professionals were always top of mind as the program was put together, and their feedback was solicited and incorporated in the final product.

We wanted to make sure we had all the commission together and that it worked, that it would benefit the guest and the agent in every way.

While of course Norwegian is "encouraging everyone to participate," any agency that does not want to offer it to customers can simply opt out.

Upgrade Advantage will launch on the large ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic) and Pride of America on February 8, followed by the remainder of the fleet by the end of the second quarter.

Sorry if this has been asked a million times already. The last time I was on NCL, we didn't have a package at all and drank tap water pretty much exclusively. Last year we were on Celebrity and I had the Premium NA package, which included all manners of sparkling water, and I. Got. Crunk. (as evidenced by my profile picture...)

 

From what I'm reading, I'm 99% sure that sparkling water falls under the "bottled water" heading for NCL, so it's not included in the UBP, but does anyone have pricing information for the various mineral/sparkling/fizzy waters?

You can order as many bottles of 'sparkling water' as you desire to pay for, from your cabin phone if you desire to pay and they have them.

It could be possible that you can only get them get a bar or restaurant by the glass.

While I dislike Aquafina and wasn't interested in sparkling water I ordered a dozen bottles of Aqua Panna and it arrived with an hour. ....I packed small empty 8 oz bottle in my suitcase

Much easier to carry.

I was sent these emails from NCL about the Escape when I inquired.

We have the Following on board Excluding Aquafina

Aqua Panna 750mL $5.50

Perrier 193ml - $2.50

Perrier 750ml - $4.50

Exclusive to Pride of America:

Fiji 1 liter - $5.00

Hawaiian Springs 1 liter - $4.50

San Benedetto 1 liter - $4.50

Another email confirmed.

It has been verified that Aqua Panna water is onboard the Norwegian Escape.

The price is $5.50 +18% Gratuity = $6.49 per bottle.= 3 ....8 oz bottles.

This is exactly why the stateroom accounts on the tv should only be accessible with a pin or password - especially when two separate credit cards are used for two separate accounts like by two friends sharing a cabin.

My grandson was assigned to my cabin but his spending was on his mothers account and she was in another cabin. Thus I was not able to see what he spent when I checked it on the TV.

We did this as an experiment with my daughters permission....His name was there, along with mine, but there was nothing on his account for me to see, so it can work if two different credit cards are used.

The OP might have to explain why there are no charges if his wife checks, and knows he purchased something on board.

Can someone explain why there is all this angst over a 4 month old thread? This issue has been debated to death on this forum.

Well, There have been dozens and dozens of threads that people post when things...Change.

The water policy is a new change this past year. People are just finding this policy out.

In my personal opinion it's plain dumb but I found a way around the bottled water they

offer as I dislike it and will not drink the water on board, except for a sip if needed.

Were you here when NCL turned the entire cruising world upside down with anytime dining?....People were furious that they wanted main dining to stay the same and had the same table and tablemates every evening.

That worked out well as early diners didn't have to return to the ship early to be on time for dinner (5 ish) after an excursion.

Then NCL changed again with the use of other dining options....Other cruise lines followed NCL.

Tipping was another thread and NCL charged them to your account.

That started because on the last night of the cruise you were supplied with envelopes to tip, and people didn't show up for dinner that last night, thus stiffing waiters.

There were the smoking threads that went on for years and still do to this day.

Changes are why people post.

If you already know and can't or won't help.... then stay OUT/SKIP the thread.

HI there;

 

I am a gambler and my wife is adamant that i don't. Is there anyway to get a second account on board in my name only, that i can load with cash, gamble away and then she will never know?

 

thanks

Here's the info you need...You will find this at the NCL.com/credit

To apply for Casino credit, please fill out our online Casino Credit Application Form. Minimum request is $5,000. Applications are processed 1 month prior to sailing.

Contact casinocredit@ncl.com or call 877.625.2094 for more details.

Front Money deposits are accepted for gaming in the form of cash, travelers checks, cashier’s checks and wire transfers directly to NCL Norwegian prior to embarkation. All cashier’s checks require prior verification. Contact Casino Credit for more information.

Any winnings, over 5K, may be issued to the player in a check or may be wired back to their account. All gaming is in US Dollars regardless of the location of the ship. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the casino cashier. Exchange rates apply.

All jackpots $1200 and greater are subject to IRS reporting and a W2G will be issued. Jackpots $1200 and greater in Alaskan territorial waters will be subject to US tax withholding for nationalities other than US in place of W2G issuance

This article appeared today.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/01/23/norwegian-cruise-line-will-allow-passengers-to-bid-on-cabin-upgrades.html

What is going on now is being called a 'beta test' and will roll out in February.

This is a short part of the article.

Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out an industry-first for cruise lines in allowing passengers who have already paid for a cruise to bid on an upgrade to a higher category stateroom or suite, according to Travel Market Report.

After undergoing a 60-day beta test and receiving positive feedback from a group of elite travel agents, the Norwegian Upgrade Advantage program is set to launch Feb. 8.

The program will roll out on the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Pride of America before expanding to the cruise line's entire fleet by the end of the second quarter.

While guests can't select the exact stateroom if their bid is accepted, the entire system is automated and travel agents receive a commission on the higher fare.

Travel agents can opt out of the program if they wish.

I does NOT mention using this if you book through NCL direct.

Since we lost the keys during one transport, we now use the electric ties.

Only once has the TSA cut off a tie and inspected one piece of luggage.

They then used another electrical tie after leaving us a note IN the luggage that was opened and inspected.

For what I don't know.

All I know is that it's a lot easier to carry a couple of nail clippers, than keep track of metal locks and keys.

We keep all valuables with us.

Do what is convenient for you.

Just once an airline opened my locked, with a colorful electrical tie, and they left a NOTE in my bag that explained they opened it....Odd that they (replaced my tie with one of their own.) The moment I saw that at baggage claim, I knew they had opened my suitcase as it was a different color.

Nothing was taken and that happened shortly after 9/11

Why they felt they should, I have no idea.

We always use colorful electrical ties and carry extras in case the Airport opens them, and a nail clipper with us to cut them open.

We are leaving on the Escape tomorrow. Does anyone know a good place to have an 11 year old's hair braided in either St Thomas or Tortola? Both price and convenience are important. We're also stopping in Nassau, but we already have so much scheduled there that I don't think we'll have time at that stop.

Thank you so much!

I encourage you to take your... OWN ...brush and comb!

None of the ship lines carry much to purchase.

Candy is one thing but not necessary for the sweet tooth....That's everywhere.....Port stops are cheaper.

The ships stores are horrible.....NO robes to purchase...They could do a fortune in those along with towels.....Nice embroidered sweatshirts.....Very little embroidered merchandise.

Very little for kids and teenagers to purchase.

They need to shake that department (Usually NOT owned by the line) upside down and create things people desire to collect and NEW merchandise.