First Time on NCL - I have a few questions...

[SheSailsSeaShells]

We'll be on the Norwegian Spirit this November sailing out of NOLA. We're scheduled to depart at 5 pm.

 

1st question... how early does boarding typically begin?

 

Once we board, when are we allowed in our cabin? Is there a certain time or will there be an announcement when cabins are ready? Also is there any place to stow our carry ons?

 

For lunch, is the buffet the only option or will one of the MDR's be open for lunch?

 

If our roll call wants a meet and greet is there a minimum number of people we have to have signed up to arrange that? I've heard about behind the scene tours, is that free or is there a charge for that for our group?

 

Ok, I think that's all for now!! :eek: Sorry for so many questions and thanks for any answers you can share with a NCL newbie. :)

[lvsatman]

Bording generally begins between 11:30am & 12pm.

 

Cabins generally are not available until around 2pm.

 

The buffet, as well as one sit down restaurant, are generally available for lunch after bording.

[Got Tequila?]

There is a place to check your carry on bags, they will let you know where when you board....just ask. It was in the casino or the lounge adjoining the casino when we were on the Spirit in April.

 

The behind the scenes tour is $55 per person, free for Platinum latitude members and was held on one of the last sea days on our Bermuda cruise.

 

They like to see 20 people signed up for an official meet and greet, but just let them know groupevenspirit@ncl.com what your numbers are now, and then contact them a couple weeks before the cruise with a final head count. We usually get quite a few people signing up the week before the cruise.

[lbt43]

Don't worry about food. There will be tons available at all times.

[luddite]

Windows, the large MDR, aft, will be open for lunch. Very near the entrance, at a stairwell, there will be a very nice, very attractive attractive young lady who will ask you if you are looking for the buffet. :)

Go to the dining room. Avoid the asian-noodle-beef concoction. That is the ONLY food on NCL our bunch is universally bothered by.

[asylum575]

Go to the dining room. Avoid the asian-noodle-beef concoction. That is the ONLY food on NCL our bunch is universally bothered by.

 

Do you mean that cold noodle dish. It's like cold rice noodles with beef.

[asylum575]

BTW,

 

First lunch and last breakfst in the MDR is the way to start and end your cruise.

 

I prefer the MDR over the buffet anyway. Easier to maintain portion control and avoid the sound of plates crashing about and people talking over each other that you find in the buffet.

 

I normally wake up early, about 5am, walk around for a bit and have a croissant and coffee at the aft open deck area. Get back to the cabin about 7am and eait for the family to get up for breakfast in the MDR.

[flowerchild]

Note that most personnel will steer you towards the buffet after you board...no one mentions the MDR. Just head on over there, it usually is open around noon.

 

We usually bring our bathing suits either on, or in our carry on. We have lunch and then hit the pool or hot tubs while they are the emptiest they will be all week.

[luddite]

Do you mean that cold noodle dish. It's like cold rice noodles with beef.

:)

That is the one. With a very off-putting sauce. The next person that I meet who likes it......will be the first person I've met who likes it.

I'm a noodle fiend. Pad Thai. Cold noodles in sesame(which my wife can and does make :):):)). Garlic and butter. Pan Fried. I like noodle dishes. This one is disagreeably vile. It is the only thing on NCL that I'll never eat again. Some things are better than others, some are preferred over others. Not this thing.

 

Oops. Just thought of something else on NCL that I don't wanta eat again....Italian salad dressing. Can't put my finger on why I don't like it. It's red, which is weird for me, but the color cannot be the problem.

[luddite]

Note that most personnel will steer you towards the buffet after you board...no one mentions the MDR. Just head on over there, it usually is open around noon.

 

We usually bring our bathing suits either on, or in our carry on. We have lunch and then hit the pool or hot tubs while they are the emptiest they will be all week.

 

Exactly! You're ALMOST there and she asks "do you need directions to the buffet?"

[SheSailsSeaShells]

Thanks everyone, you guys are the best. You answered all of my questions and then some!! I'm getting excited... only 7 weeks away!

[billie5]

SO now that you know the answers, does it mean that you are willing to organize the meet & greet? We are still waiting for a fearless leader!

 

Bill