ggTexasGal

It would seem that reviews of the NCL Gem Bermuda cruises are a thing of the past, at least that is the case so far this year.

@disneynan NCL has "Glow parties" instead of the "White Hot" parties they used to have.

As for "All Aboard" times, since they could change, be certain that you listen to announcement onboard, and/or check the sign posted when leaving the ship each day!

@LilRobot  I personally have not been on the VIVA.  But, since it looks like you are new to Cruise Critic, (and nobody else has replied yet) I hope the following might be of some help.

Mind you, it is not my post... and is someone else's experience, but again, might help:

On 5/1/2024 at 8:12 AM, doolfan said:

Ok thank you for the info. We are at 24 days out, so I’ll wait a few days to book the transfer until I have an idea on boarding times!  I’d love to get in the boat as early as possible!

Hopefully, you understand that NCL "Check-In" times are NOT your "boarding time"!

Also, for earliest boarding, you would need to be in a Haven or other suite, or have established some "status" of some type from a lengthy list!

1 minute ago, dmwnc1959 said:

THANKS! I do a little planning every day, little things like researching some of the new ports and what there is to do, watching youtube travel videos on how to pack lightly, checking the shore excursions on my bookings to see what new things pop up - I already have 9 booked - and checking what time sunrise and sunset is for each port against what time we arrive and depart. Loved watching the NCL bridge cams as the ships moved up the West Coast and made note of where they docked. It's a lot of fun! 

It seems that you have things well managed and you are set-up to have a grand time.

Again, wishing the best!

3 minutes ago, dmwnc1959 said:

That's one aspect of this cruise I was looking at, since the first two weeks are basically hot and humid climates while going from Florida down through the Panama Canal up the coast through El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico. I think from San Francisco up to Whittier and then back down to Vancouver it'll be cold. 

Your vacation sounds wonderful. I hope that you both have a wonderful time and take home great memories!

BTW, Ocean Blue is on newer ships!

You probably will benefit from the "$34 fill the laundry bag" if you need to have things cleaned during your trip.

@dmwnc1959 DH packs 2 pair of nice slacks, and a pair of jeans for cruises (regardless of how many days). But, we haven't packed formal wear for a LONG time!

Just now, dmwnc1959 said:

Was hoping to be able to do breakfast and lunch in Grand Pacific and get away with shorts? The ones I have border on semi-dress shorts, sort of like Oxford cotton twill or classic khaki chino shorts.

Shorts are fine for breakfast and lunch.  You should be fine for those meals.

Just, long pants and collared shirts for dinner!

1 minute ago, dmwnc1959 said:

EDITED to add posted at the same time as yours..

 

So, for Norwegian Jade that would be Grand Pacific? 

Yes!

Just now, dmwnc1959 said:

What's Ocean Blue? Guess I should've specified that I'm on the Norwegian Jade. 
So the long pants requirement is for MDR dinner only?

Le Bistro and Grand Pacific!

3 minutes ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Not to start 'that thread', but other than on formal nights can I wear shorts in the MDR? Maybe more so for breakfast and lunch for the MDR? And for the complementary restaurants like Jasmines or the Sushi Bar at dinner? Still working on a packing list for this 32-nights and trying to slim down my day-wear options. 😁

The largest of the main dining rooms, Le Bistro and Ocean Blue require long pants!

There are no true formal nights!!!

As @hallux stated the link for luggage tags is imbedded with the E-docs. Simply look for a little luggage icon, click on that, and print number of tags as needed.

Or, travelers arriving at the port can check their luggage with the porters, who will have blank tags to fill-in with appropriate information.

Just now, galveston gal said:

I was wondering if these ever go on sale.  The sailing in question is 18 months away so I have time to watch for it.  Otherwise maybe I should just purchase now to protect from price increases.

 

Thanks in advance!

I haven't ever seen it "go on sale."  If anything, I'd say the price (like most things recently) could go up in the future!

7 hours ago, jkap123 said:

Would you be able to attach a copy of the grandfather clause? Am looking for it but unable to find it! cheers

https://www.ncl.com/latitudes-rewards-program/faq

Scroll down to:

"When will I be able to take advantage of Benefits?"

7 hours ago, Greygooser said:

How do I buy refundable OBC? Do I have to send it to myself as a gift in the add-ons? Also, I should be getting a $100 non-refundable shareholder credit. Aside from the DSC, will they take from the non-refundable $100 first? Ideally, I'd like to get almost all the refundable credit refunded.

Best bet... Prepay your DSCs!  And, pre-purchase OBC directly from NCL online (or call).

@KeithJenner Your Instagram videos are great!  Thank you for posting them!!!

30 minutes ago, KayEmPee said:

My question is more about the legal aspect of conflicting information, rather than the enforcement of a rule.

In the Terms and conditions document that we are asked to "sign" at check in, clause 26 relating to Guest property and luggage restrictions, 26.1 states - Each Guest may bring on board two pieces of baggage, with each piece weighing a maximum of 20 KG.

 

In the general FAQs  found at https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/what-to-pack#:~:text=Bag Allowances,be delivered to your stateroom. It is stated that Bag Allowances

Each guest is allowed two pieces of checked luggage with a 50-pound maximum each, same as airlines.*

 

50lbs is 22.7kg.

20kg is 44 lbs.

 

* My airline has a 23Kg limit and I'd like to pack to that!!

It's not the amount - it's the principle of being asked to verify in T&C that I'm going to bring a lesser amount that they have previously advised me in the FAQs. 

 

Has anyone questioned this. I tried yesterday in Live chat but I got mysteriously cut off !!

 

I'm going to sound very anal about this but legally speaking they make a big thing of READ EVERYTHING and  READ THESE REGULATIONS  so I read it.   And found a discrepancy.

 

Any thoughts?  ( Thanks for not just replying that they don't enforce weight regs,  that's not my point.)

 

I have searched the boards to see if this aspect of luggage allowance has been addressed. Apologies if I've just not been able to find it. But I have found the likes of this question about if the rule is enforced.

I certainly understand your point. Unfortunately, NCL's website is riddled with typos and/or opposing information, and, the "legality" of their wording most likely would find various results upon each different locality's jurisdiction.

I imagine most people read that section of the T&C's with little concern (if they read the T&C's at all).

5 minutes ago, maryjaden said:

A question about bringing your own wine on board.  We usually bring a couple of bottles of Caymus with us.  On RCL, they would keep any opened bottles for us and have them the next evening.  Does NCL do the same?  Is there a limit on what you can bring on?  We do have the drink package.

Yes, you can ask to have your wine kept and served later.  No limit of number of bottles.

...

I forgot to mention, they will give you a "claim ticket."

On 4/17/2024 at 6:39 AM, hallux said:

@dmwnc1959 yup, that's how mine came back -

Great post!  Because ..."A picture is worth a thousand words!"

Drydock?   It seems that Getaway last had "technical upgrades" in 2020.

I believe distinctions exist between the Kayak rentals and Paddleboard rentals...

The kayaks are an actual guided "tour," therefore, the discount is allowed.

Paddle boards are rented for individual use, without being on a "guided tour".

Unfortunately, NCL hasn't gotten their website set correctly for the differences between tours and non-discounted equipment rentals.  🤔😒

To be just a bit more specific about the difference, Paddle Boards and Kayaks are considered "Equipment Rentals" and are, therefore, NOT eligible for an excursion credit.

7 minutes ago, Kenlorz said:

I’m looking at doing a back-to-back on the Aqua in April of 2025. It’s a 4-day followed by a 7-day. However, the 4-day is the 21st through the 25th and the 7-day begins on the 26th. Usually, on back-to-backs you don’t have to pack up your room (if you’re in same cabin) or leave the ship. It seems odd to me that there is a full day between these cruises. Can someone explain how the back-to-back process will work? If I manage to get the same cabin for both, will I have to completely pack up at the end of day 4?

Two different ports???

GREAT STIRRUP CAY, BAHAMAS

4-DAY CRUISE ON NORWEGIAN AQUA

Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Bimini

from Miami, Florida

DISCOVER STUNNING SEA VIEWS ALONG PUERTO PLATA’S COASTLINE

7-DAY CRUISE ON NORWEGIAN AQUA

Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

On 4/16/2024 at 8:14 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

Is dessert included with the meal?

Yes, there is a separate dessert menu. I was able to find a video with the dessert menu.

However, I am unable to post the link.