NCL secrets they don't tell you about

[scubafan]

If you need batteries for cameras, etc., remember to bring them with you. They can be hard to find and are at least 4x more expensive in Cozumel, Belize and likely most other foreign ports.

[Mimi Anne]

Is there a laundry room on POAM? If so where is it?

[mtlebay]

Huh? From NCL's website regarding the Star:

 

SHIP FACTS

 

Entered service: November 2001

Maiden Voyage: November 19, 2001

 

Perhaps you were just unfamiliar with this particular vessel. Many of NCL's newer ships have coffeepots in various cabin categories, as well as laundry rooms with irons and ironing boards for passenger use.

 

Great advice with regard to taking fruits and other foods ashore! Thanks for sharing that.

 

The Star came out Nov 2001 under Star Cruises' name (NCL's parent company). It wasn't added to the NCL roster until a couple/few years after that.

[Host CMLA]

The Star came out Nov 2001 under Star Cruises' name (NCL's parent company). It wasn't added to the NCL roster until a couple/few years after that.

Are you sure? I was on the maiden voyage of the Star on 11/19/01 and it was an NCL ship in every way. NCL had taken over the ship during construction. And to whoever asked about it...there was a coffee maker in my room. I was in 11598. I never had a coffee maker on my Dream, Wind or Sky cruises.

[Don Haynes]

The Star and the Dawn were ordered for Star Cruises as the SuperStar Libra and Superstar Sagitarrius. Later when Star Cruises purchased NCL, it made much more sense to upgrade and strengthen NCL before expanding Star Cruises. This led to the ships going to NCL while under construction. The transfer of the SuperStar Leo to NCL will result in the transfer to Star Cruises the Norwegian Sea, Dream, Wind, Majesty, and Crown as more newly ordered ships come online for NCL.

 

Think in terms of the Jewel replacing the Sea, the Pride of Hawaii replacing the Wind, the first new build in 2007 replacing the Dream, the second new build in 2007 replacing the Majesty, and more than likely another new build replacing the Crown in 2009. NCL gets upgraded and strengthened with Panamax sized vessels while Star Cruises expands in new Asian markets with mid sized vessels. This does not mean that these vesssels will transfer in this order.... ship per ship stated above..... but does give us a general time frame of expected transfers.....

 

In the future depending on Star Cruises success in new Asian markets, Star Cruises will place orders to replace these former NCL mid sized ships with either new mid sized, Mega sized, or Panamax sized ships. Or Star Cruises may at the point order larger post Panamax/Super Mega sized vessels for NCL and transfer NCL's mega sized and or Panamax sized vessels to Star.

 

Today NCL has a eleven ship fleet, with another ship to enter the fleet next year. It appears the growth to eleven from eight of a decade ago is the investment in the NCL-America Hawaiian operations. With newer larger ships entering its fleet, NCL has grown significantly the number of rooms, and occupants per vessel too.

 

The Sea has already been transferred, doing very well in its new market of Mumbai, India. Doing so well, don't be surprised if Star Cruises would like to speed up the transferring process.

[mtlebay]

Are you sure? I was on the maiden voyage of the Star on 11/19/01 and it was an NCL ship in every way. NCL had taken over the ship during construction. And to whoever asked about it...there was a coffee maker in my room. I was in 11598. I never had a coffee maker on my Dream, Wind or Sky cruises.

 

Yes,

definitely

sure Star wasn't available for me to work on in 2001 as an NCL casino employee. Back in 2001, the biggest ship out there for us was the Sun! I also remember my co-worker was DYING for the 'new ship' Star position for April 2004 (earliest April 2003). You weren't sailing in Hawaiian waters by any chance, were you? What was the 11/19/01 itinerary out of curiosity??

 

-edit: Nevermind--I think I got it--it was sailing in Hawaiian waters, that's why no casino was on. Yep, you guys are spot on--it debuted in 2001 and then a couple years later, left its Hawaiian waters, therefore, allowing the casino to be built onboard!

 

 

 

[Mimi Anne]

No answer yet so I'll ask again. Is there a laundry room on POAM? If so where is it?

[SHINEMAN]

The drinking water on the NCL ships is great. Equal to or better than any commercial bottled water. This results from the water processing system on board.

This is not to be confused with the water in the bathrooms which may be potable but can be murky or even brown.

The water I refer to is that served in the restaurants. It is usually available also at the buffet restaurants. Sugggest that you bring a Lexan bottle and fill it and keep it in the fridge.

There is really no need at all to carry on cases of Poland Springs or the like.

[Don Haynes]

Only two ships have self serve laundries in NCL's fleet, the Dawn and the Jewel..... Therefore, the Pride of America does NOT have a self serve laundry.

 

However, NCL does offer laundry and cleaning services. Towards the end of the cruise NCL will have a special, one laundry bag for $20. Its amazing how much you can squeeze into that bag....

[DragonflyCruiser]

The drinking water on the NCL ships is great. Equal to or better than any commercial bottled water. This results from the water processing system on board.

This is not to be confused with the water in the bathrooms which may be potable but can be murky or even brown.

The water I refer to is that served in the restaurants. It is usually available also at the buffet restaurants. Sugggest that you bring a Lexan bottle and fill it and keep it in the fridge.

There is really no need at all to carry on cases of Poland Springs or the like.

 

Good one! Thanks! I had noticed the bathroom water being cloudy but also enjoyed the water in the eateries. I never made the connection or thought about bringing a water container. Problem solved for our next NCL trip!

[SailAways]

NCL doesn't tell you to bring along a sense of humor, and kindness.

They really should though.

 

On our cruise, I noticed a few people who needed to be hit up side of the

head with a two by four so that they would realize that they were actually

addressing another human being who also has feelings, just as he.

 

These incidents of demeaning behavior from one human to another,

regardless of the circumstances, truly did cause me to enjoy this

particular part of our cruise less.

 

So, please remember to bring kindness, humor, and good manners

aboard - along with the desire to have a great cruise.

[decemberbride]

Thanks everyone for the great tips. My fiance and I will be on the Jewel leaving December 18th for our honeymoon :). We are very excited, but are a little nervous about what to expect the entire cruise experience to be like.

[DawnCruise05]

About the towels...

 

On our August Dawn cruise, my friend and I would "borrow" an extra towel or two from the pool area (or spa area) to use in our staterooms. The room towels are nice, but I love a big, bath towel and the beach towels are very large. We usually try to grab them as the pool stewards are bringing out a freshly laundered batch. (Always double check the towels before you use them!) "Borrowing" towels from the pool area also cuts down on the wait time in line when disembarking in ports - just remember to bring them back! ;)

[kataiga]

NCL doesn't tell you to bring along a sense of humor, and kindness.

They really should though.

 

On our cruise, I noticed a few people who needed to be hit up side of the

head with a two by four so that they would realize that they were actually

addressing another human being who also has feelings, just as he.

 

These incidents of demeaning behavior from one human to another,

regardless of the circumstances, truly did cause me to enjoy this

particular part of our cruise less.

 

So, please remember to bring kindness, humor, and good manners

aboard - along with the desire to have a great cruise.

 

AMEN

[getmeouttahere]

I was getting annoyed about not being allowed to bring or buy liquor for in-room cocktails, but thanks to ShoreGuys' posts I found out that you can actually order (hard) liquor for your room legitimately, but NCL doesn't exactly advertise this. I'm not a fan of sneaking and smuggling, so I was THRILLED to learn that you can do this.

 

While I haven't actually placed my order yet, I did call to confirm that this can be done and NCL claims that it can.

 

" A couple of thinks [sic] I want to point out. If having a bottle of Scotch in the cabin is important pick up the phone and order one. It will be waiting when you board.

 

Bar service 1-866-625-1159 - $40/$55 depending on brand

(DML called this number 11/26/05 and it is true. The procedure is to Fax your order in to 305-436-4147 and include your reservation and confirmation #".

The fax number (which is how I was told to order) is 305-436-4147.

 

 

 

[CPMichael]

Huh? From NCL's website regarding the Star:

 

SHIP FACTS

 

Entered service: November 2001

Maiden Voyage: November 19, 2001

Length: 965 feet

Breadth: 105 feet

Draft: 28 feet

Speed: 25 Knots

Gross tonnage: 91,000-grt

Propulsion: 2 Diesel electric – Azipod system

Guest Decks: 15

Cabins: 1,120

Passenger Capacity: 2,240 double occupancy

Crew capacity: 1,100

Elevators: 12

Flag: Bahamas

Perhaps you were just unfamiliar with this particular vessel. Many of NCL's newer ships have coffeepots in various cabin categories, as well as laundry rooms with irons and ironing boards for passenger use.

 

Great advice with regard to taking fruits and other foods ashore! Thanks for sharing that.

 

Just to clear up the confusion-- from the NCL Press release:

 

 

"NCL ANNOUNCES THE TRANSFER OF NORWEGIAN SEA

TO STAR CRUISES FOLLOWING SUPERSTAR LEO’S MOVE TO NCL

 

SuperStar Leo to be renamed Norwegian Spirit

London, 22 March 2004 – NCL, the Freestyle Cruising specialist, announces that SuperStar Leo will be permanently deployed in the NCL fleet and renamed Norwegian Spirit. Although Norwegian Spirit is already a Freestyle Cruising vessel, following on from her Summer 2004 Alaskan season, she will be significantly remodelled and refurbished to further modify her for North American service.

 

Norwegian Spirit will spend the winter sailing a combination of 5 and 9-day cruise itineraries, which can be combined to create 14-day packages from the UK. In addition, these itineraries can also be combined with land stay hotel options in Orlando and Miami. The itineraries cruise out of Miami to the Deep Southern Caribbean stopping in destinations such as Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and the British Virgin Islands."

 

So built in 2001, but TRANSFERRED to NCL in 2004

 

also wanted to than Mtlebay for answering our questions and providing an invaluable insiders view!

[shoreguy]

Just to clear up the confusion-- from the NCL Press release:

 

 

"NCL ANNOUNCES THE TRANSFER OF NORWEGIAN SEA

TO STAR CRUISES FOLLOWING SUPERSTAR LEO’S MOVE TO NCL

 

SuperStar Leo to be renamed Norwegian Spirit

London, 22 March 2004 – NCL, the Freestyle Cruising specialist, announces that SuperStar Leo will be permanently deployed in the NCL fleet and renamed Norwegian Spirit. Although Norwegian Spirit is already a Freestyle Cruising vessel, following on from her Summer 2004 Alaskan season, she will be significantly remodelled and refurbished to further modify her for North American service.

 

Norwegian Spirit will spend the winter sailing a combination of 5 and 9-day cruise itineraries, which can be combined to create 14-day packages from the UK. In addition, these itineraries can also be combined with land stay hotel options in Orlando and Miami. The itineraries cruise out of Miami to the Deep Southern Caribbean stopping in destinations such as Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and the British Virgin Islands."

 

So built in 2001, but TRANSFERRED to NCL in 2004

 

also wanted to than Mtlebay for answering our questions and providing an invaluable insiders view!

 

I am confused what is the linkage between when the Spirit was built and entered the NCL fleet and the the details on the Star ??

[WaldosPepper]

I am confused what is the linkage between when the Spirit was built and entered the NCL fleet and the the details on the Star ??

 

I'm somewhat baffled myself. :confused: Perhaps CPMichael didn't read the thread carefully, and is assuming that we're discussing the Spirit. :rolleyes:

[CPMichael]

I'm somewhat baffled myself. :confused: Perhaps CPMichael didn't read the thread carefully, and is assuming that we're discussing the Spirit. :rolleyes:

 

OOPS!!!!!!!!!

 

Thats exactly what i did!!!! SORRY!!!!!!!!

[WaldosPepper]

OOPS!!!!!!!!!

 

Thats exactly what i did!!!! SORRY!!!!!!!!

 

WHAT? You mean you're HUMAN? :eek: HORRORS! :p

 

No worries - it happens to all of us at one time or another! :D

[JoanieBlon]

Hi,

 

I heard somewhere that there is a 2for1 special on the cover charges on the PoAm the very first night. Can anyone verify that?

 

We got 50% off cover charges on Monday night for any speciality restaurant we cared to dine at on the Sun (Sunday departure). We went to the Italian restaurant and had a WONDERFUL meal there. :D

[JoanieBlon]

Thanks. It's early yet, but the ship is the Jewel. We will be on board 9/15/06 for 10 wonderful days!

 

One little secret in the Jewel is that they do have washers & dryers on several decks! We had looked on the web and they didn't indicate that they had them. Next time we will put them to good use and pack much less!

 

WHERE are these located? Are they coin operated?

[JoanieBlon]

 

No, no coffee makers in the cabins. Perhaps considered a fire hazard. They can be ordered via room service.

 

 

In our Mini-Suite on the Sun (Nov-05) we had an in-room coffee maker. :D

[shoreguy]

WHERE are these located? Are they coin operated?

 

Mid ship starboard inside decks 5,9,10,11 - across from 11056 and 9088 - same location other decks.

 

 

Free - 4 quarters for soap

[seahorse]

Good one! Thanks! I had noticed the bathroom water being cloudy but also enjoyed the water in the eateries. I never made the connection or thought about bringing a water container. Problem solved for our next NCL trip!

 

Please, please, when you are filling your water container from the buffet put it in a clean glass first then pour it in your bottle.......much more sanitary that way:o