NCL Cruise Questions

[tyler476]

My girlfriend and I will be going on our first cruise march 23 on the epic. I work and live on my own and she is in school. Therefore I'm on a very tight budget. My question is for experienced cruisers, I know ncl.com states 350 pp for a 7 day cruise. And there is no way possible I can bring $700 for our onboard account. What is the least amount possible I can bring? We won't be drinking or doing any extras. Just enjoying the ship and the ports.

Thanks

[EmergencyPA]

If you plan on no extras you really only need to cover the daily service charge.

[kirsty_r]

My girlfriend and I will be going on our first cruise march 23 on the epic. I work and live on my own and she is in school. Therefore I'm on a very tight budget. My question is for experienced cruisers, I know ncl.com states 350 pp for a 7 day cruise. And there is no way possible I can bring $700 for our onboard account. What is the least amount possible I can bring? We won't be drinking or doing any extras. Just enjoying the ship and the ports.

Thanks

Use a credit card to cover your account, and you can prepay the service charge, so if you spend nothing onboard, your credit card will be billed zero.

 

you only need to bring the 100/.day for cash accounts,

[tyler476]

I've already pre paid the gratuities, and neither of us have a credit card. And can't bring $100 pp/day. I have a debit card is that a good idea if I don't plan on spending anything?

[eiffeltower07]

Are you referring to using cash? Here's what NCL says about cash accounts:

 

Cash/Traveler's Checks Procedures

You can deposit cash or US Traveler's Checks into your onboard account.

A cash deposit may be placed on your account in the following amounts:

7 day cruises - $300/person

Less than 7 days - $150/person

More than 7 days - $450/person

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you'd like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess. US Traveler's Checks can be cashed onboard and are the same as cash.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed onboard.

http://www.ncl.com/faq#onboard-expenses

 

As a previous poster mentioned, credit cards are the best way to go, if possible. If you spend absolutely nothing onboard you would just be charged the service charge - and you can pre-pay that if you'd like. Note - if you use a debit card, they do put a hold on your card. The link above has more details on that.

[tyler476]

At eiffeltower07 there is no way possible for me to bring $600 in cash for this trip plus gas. I'm gonna be driving 16 hours to Miami so I have gas both ways on top of the on board account. Honestly I don't know what to do.

[toyotaford]

We brought employees on 3 NCL cruises this last hear and several of our guys put $100 on the onboard account for their room and added to it as they needed. They were not required to put the amounts stated in the above posting. We had prepaid their gratuities for them.

[LrgPizza]

At eiffeltower07 there is no way possible for me to bring $600 in cash for this trip plus gas. I'm gonna be driving 16 hours to Miami so I have gas both ways on top of the on board account. Honestly I don't know what to do.

Is it too late for you to apply for and receive a credit card? I know when I was a student, it was pretty easy to get one. Or perhaps you could borrow the money from someone, with the promise you won't spend it, then return it after the cruise? I have no other suggestions. :(

[kirsty_r]

At eiffeltower07 there is no way possible for me to bring $600 in cash for this trip plus gas. I'm gonna be driving 16 hours to Miami so I have gas both ways on top of the on board account. Honestly I don't know what to do.

 

do you have free credit card accounts in America, is it an option to apply for credit card? otherwise debit card but you may have holds for up to 30 days after the cruise.

 

We are encouraged to do everything on credit in UK, as that has an extra layer of protection, e.g. even booking the cruise, as if NCL went bust we could claim money back easier. We almost all have at least one card...

[LrgPizza]

I wouldn't travel out of the country without a credit card for emergencies anyway. That would scare me.

[Alliezona09]

You do NOT need to bring $600 for a cash account~what I would do is bring your receipt that you've pre-paid your service charges and put down $100-$150. As long as you know what costs extra and don't go over the amount you have in there you'll be fine~

[LrgPizza]

FYI - In case you didn't know, you can carry soda pop, bottled water, etc. on board, which might save additional expenses, if you are interested. It is not free on the ship. Best wishes!

[Emptynesternow]

FYI....I copied this from NCL.com

 

However, if you choose to pay with a debit card, please be advised that Norwegian obtains pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.

[tyler476]

Thanks everyone for the help! How much extra is it just to spend the day at the beach in the ports?

[gcdogwalker]

Except for the daily service charges you do not have to pay for anything. If you would like to go to a specialty restaurant there will be an extra charge but the other restaurants are just fine and I personally just love the buffet and the outdoor barbeques which are free. When you get to your ports you can just walk around or take a tour with one of those outside the ship. No need to book one on the ship and you will save a lot of money. No one has ever told us that we had to put any certain amount of cash deposit except enough for our daily service charges, If you don't drink you have no expense for alcohol.there is iced tea and flavored water for free in the buffets. It's fun to walk around the casino but no one makes you gamble. The shows are free. You just go on your cruise and have a wonderful time and I know you will find that cruising is the best deal for a great vacation!

[LrgPizza]

Thanks everyone for the help! How much extra is it just to spend the day at the beach in the ports?

At Nassau, there is a free beach within walking distance, so that will cost nothing. At St. Thomas, there is plenty to see and do just walking around. I'd argue that you can walk to awesome beaches from the port (because I've done it), but most would prefer to take a cab. If you walk a bit and then catch the open air Safari cab (public transportation), the price is $2 to go anywhere on the island. They do not stop at beaches, but will get you close to Lindbergh Bay, for instance, which is a great beach. You will have to pay a lot more if you catch a cab at the port though. There is also public transportation on St. Maarten, and you can take it various places. Do some googling. :)

[xriva]

Thanks everyone for the help! How much extra is it just to spend the day at the beach in the ports?

 

 

It depends on the ports. Some have beaches within walking distance, some do not. So, you mig want to do a little research. Most ports will have an excursion to a beach, which will cost ectra, but you can pre-pay it, to help spread the costs.

[kcwingwalker]

My girlfriend and I will be going on our first cruise march 23 on the epic. I work and live on my own and she is in school. Therefore I'm on a very tight budget. My question is for experienced cruisers, I know ncl.com states 350 pp for a 7 day cruise. And there is no way possible I can bring $700 for our onboard account. What is the least amount possible I can bring? We won't be drinking or doing any extras. Just enjoying the ship and the ports.

Thanks

 

Not to throw a wet blanket on things, but you do know that one of you must be 21? This was probably all taken care of when you booked. But just in case...................and have a great cruise:)

[tyler476]

Yes I am 22! Haha

[kcwingwalker]

Yes I am 22! Haha

 

Oh to be young and free................you will both have a wonderful time!

[tyler476]

What type of hold would they put on my debit card? Amount??

[peg013]

What type of hold would they put on my debit card? Amount??

 

Please DO NOT use your debit card. Just either bring cash to put on your account or travelers checks. If your Service Charges are paid you can probably put as little as $100 total on your accounts. They will just freeze your charging abilities when the cash runs out and you will need to put more on it. Unless you keep lots of extra money in your checking account (which I doubt at 22) holds can really mess with your account. The money is still in your account but you cannot use it until your bank decides to release it which sometimes takes up to 30 days. If something is due to be paid or you need groceries, you may not be able to touch your own money.

[pizzalady1]

I agree with LrgPizza--you should apply right away for a credit card (you can apply on line) and you will get it within 7-10 days, in plenty of time for your cruise. You should have one just in case of emergencies, even if you were not going on a cruise. Plus, it will help build up your credit rating if you use a credit card and pay it off on the first billing. Credit cards are good, if you don't over use them.

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

[kirsty_r]

What type of hold would they put on my debit card? Amount??

 

 

 

 

 

 

probably similar to the amount you need if setting up on cash. Credit is the easiest, safest option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[anandaindonesia]

Tyler476,

 

I agree with peg013. Never put your debit card on hold. It will create more headache later.

 

As you have paid the (obligatory) gratuities, just set up a cash account say $100. You are limiting your on board charges to that cash account so at least you know you don't spend more than you want to.

 

There are plenty of "free" (included) things to enjoy on your cruise.

 

- you can buy some soda before reaching the ship. They will deliver it to your room, together with your luggages

- do your own photography. It is VERY expensive to buy from the ship photographer

- take it easy in ports. Either do a walking tour, or stay on board and enjoy your ship

- room service are free (except for certain items and certain timing), but tip is appreciated

- tap water is safe for drinking. Tea/coffee is free (except specialty coffee)

 

Bon voyage!

 

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