What can you tell me about NCL/ The Pearl

[Heather_K]

Hello! I have never sailed anything except Disney cruiseline before, so I am a little unsure how other cruiselines work. Disney is SOOOOO much more money upfront, but everything is paid for once you are on the ship including a drink station.

 

What can I expect to pay for once on a NCL ship? I know that they have beverage packages and you obviously can pay for alcohol and additional dining experiences - but is there anything else I am forgetting? I don't want to be unprepared and feel "nickel and dimed" once on the ship.

 

Thanks for any advice!!

[Sauer-kraut]

You will find so many dining options on NCL ships without having to pay extra. There will be 4 or so specialty restaurants that do require a surcharge, but you don't have to eat there.

 

There is NO assigned dining, so you and your family can eat when they feel they are hungry. The kids clubs are well rated on NCL. You won't find the shows to be of Disney's caliber however, they are really good.

 

Free beverages are in the buffet all day, soda is not a free beverage so a soda package is the way to go if you drink more than 3 a day. There are juices available in the moring, and will change to flavored water and possibly lemonade for the remainder of the day. Always available Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Tea. Milk is available at the buffet in cartons and from room service.

 

If you want to do Bingo, the Casino and Deal or No Deal there you will have to have money, but they are also optional so no charge if you feel you don't want to play.

 

Just my opinion, but cruising NCL is so much cheaper that you can do almost 3 cruises for the price of one Disney cruise.

 

Don't go with in with Disney expectations, it is a completely different atmosphere. There is no comparison but you will still have a wonderful time!

 

Have fun! :D

[deschoolie]

art auction IF you choose to partake and some fitness classes (yoga, spinning) have a small charge. There are various spa treatments and the Pearl has a fantastic thermal suite in the front of the ship. Thermal suite (hot tubs, sauna, steam room, heated tile loungers) can be purchased for the entire cruise (about $119) or by the day. Oh, and you can purchase photos and also internet time at the internet cafe. Expect a photographer to be available for taking photos for about two nights in the Atrium plus photos taken casually throughout the cruise.