1st timer - I don't know what I don't know

[beason641]

Hi all,

 

We're about to go on our first ever cruise on the Jewel on 1/17 out of Bayport. I've been reading the forums a ton (thank you all - just bought my travel insurance due to the high likelihood of fog), and I'm seeing a lot of references to things that I didn't know existed, so I thought I'd ask:

 

What are some things that first timers may not know?

 

Example: I've seen references to a Spa Pass, a Chef's Table, etc...I have no idea what those are, how much they cost, how to get them (although I've figured some of it out by context, lol.)

 

What are some things we should consider trying that we may not know exist?

 

Basically, I'm saying GIVE ME ALL YOUR SECRETS. =P

[mcmomny]

I am not a big spa person so can't help you with that but I think it is first come first serve when you get on board.

 

I have heard of the chefs dinner, it is extra and quite frankly I enjoy the regular meals so typically don't due the extra or up charges. I stick with the included meals and dinning

 

But we like to drink and even with that did not think the drink package was worth it, instead we hit happy hours, did the bucket of beer deals and also did the "tasting of the day" One bar will have tequila tasting, one price for I think it was 5 different drinks. The next day it might be martinis, whatever was going on we gave it a try.

 

Have fun!

[aubreyc1988]

I've only been on NCL once, on the getaway in august. We loved the freestyle dining. We loved getting UDP, to try all the restaurants! 1 tip I know of is that you can bring pretty much all the soda and water you want on board! I'm a coke products girl and Ncl serves Pepsi. And can't ever have enough bottled water!

[mojomorris]

REGARDING ALCOHOL:

NCL allows you to being wine aboard BUT you have to pay a fee for each bottle..last I knew it was $15 for 750 ml and #30 for 1.5 Liter. We might bring one of our favorites that isn't available on-board.

Being a 1st timer you (unfortunately) don't get to attend the past guest party which is a good time & free drinks.

Beer drinkers LOVE those buckets of beer which are cheaper than buying them individually.

Look for "drink of the day" specials BUT don't get the souvenir glass(es) which costs extra unless you want to take them home and have room in your luggage. Nothing takes up luggage space more than a coconut "head" that held your tropical drink. {*_*}

[GeezerCouple]

I've only been on NCL once, on the getaway in august. We loved the freestyle dining. We loved getting UDP, to try all the restaurants! 1 tip I know of is that you can bring pretty much all the soda and water you want on board! I'm a coke products girl and Ncl serves Pepsi. And can't ever have enough bottled water!

 

It might sound trivial to some, but thank goodness we learned *before* our first NCL cruise that NCL is a "Pepsi only" operation - NO COCA COLA products.

It would be annoying to pay a lot extra for soft drinks on a ship, but for those who prefer Coke, there is no way to pay, no matter how much (okay - we did consider bringing LOTS extra and trying to sell some <JOKE>, and we surely would have paid a lot if we had arrived without knowing this... and without any Diet Coke :eek:)

 

Because we had to fly to Miami recently, we brought an empty medium sized carry-on bag. We had a taxi driver take us to a few places we hadn't seen before, and then asked him to stop at a moderate-priced grocery store so we could "fill 'er up" with Diet Coke.

(We almost cleaned out the little store's stock of Diet Coke. This is as much a statement on their limited supply as much as on the quantity we purchased. The hotel shop was totally out of Diet Coke, as was the first shop nearby we looked at, so I don't know whether there was a temporary shortage locally or what.)

 

So double check what is available on board, and make sure that you aren't counting on being able to purchase your preferred beverages if they won't be available.

Yes, you can purchase beverages locally at the ports, but for those first sea days, that won't help if one is "picky" (and I am; DH will drink Pepsi if that's all that is available, but he still prefers Diet Coke, too).

 

The other suggestion is to try to do the "ship tour" on departure afternoon, before sail-away. There are quite a few little nooks and crannies of sitting space, and even dining/bar locations that we didn't find until late on the very first cruise. Might as well find out as much as possible early on about "what is available", be it the library, card room, bars, sitting spaces, the look/feel of the different dining areas, etc.

 

Enjoy!

 

GeezerCouple

[aubreyc1988]

It might sound trivial to some, but thank goodness we learned *before* our first NCL cruise that NCL is a "Pepsi only" operation - NO COCA COLA products.

It would be annoying to pay a lot extra for soft drinks on a ship, but for those who prefer Coke, there is no way to pay, no matter how much (okay - we did consider bringing LOTS extra and trying to sell some <JOKE>, and we surely would have paid a lot if we had arrived without knowing this... and without any Diet Coke :eek:)

 

Because we had to fly to Miami recently, we brought an empty medium sized carry-on bag. We had a taxi driver take us to a few places we hadn't seen before, and then asked him to stop at a moderate-priced grocery store so we could "fill 'er up" with Diet Coke.

(We almost cleaned out the little store's stock of Diet Coke. This is as much a statement on their limited supply as much as on the quantity we purchased. The hotel shop was totally out of Diet Coke, as was the first shop nearby we looked at, so I don't know whether there was a temporary shortage locally or what.)

 

So double check what is available on board, and make sure that you aren't counting on being able to purchase your preferred beverages if they won't be available.

Yes, you can purchase beverages locally at the ports, but for those first sea days, that won't help if one is "picky" (and I am; DH will drink Pepsi if that's all that is available, but he still prefers Diet Coke, too).

 

The other suggestion is to try to do the "ship tour" on departure afternoon, before sail-away. There are quite a few little nooks and crannies of sitting space, and even dining/bar locations that we didn't find until late on the very first cruise. Might as well find out as much as possible early on about "what is available", be it the library, card room, bars, sitting spaces, the look/feel of the different dining areas, etc.

 

Enjoy!

 

GeezerCouple

Rum and Pepsi just isn't the same, is it haha! But I would have been irked if I hadn't found out beforehand about the Pepsi products. Not the end of the world, but is nice to know! Thank god for cruise critic!

[www3traveler]

Hi all,

 

We're about to go on our first ever cruise on the Jewel on 1/17 out of Bayport. I've been reading the forums a ton (thank you all - just bought my travel insurance due to the high likelihood of fog), and I'm seeing a lot of references to things that I didn't know existed, so I thought I'd ask:

 

What are some things that first timers may not know?

 

Example: I've seen references to a Spa Pass, a Chef's Table, etc...I have no idea what those are, how much they cost, how to get them (although I've figured some of it out by context, lol.)

 

What are some things we should consider trying that we may not know exist?

 

Basically, I'm saying GIVE ME ALL YOUR SECRETS. =P

To answer your two specific questions:

(1) Spa Pass- if you are going to use the spa everyday maybe it is worth it. Check with the Guest Service Desk- mid ship Deck 7 when you board and ask.

 

(2) Chef's Dinner. Very nice evening (long). It is a multi- course meal served with an appropriate wine with each course. This is a set menu by the Chef and his staff. It is an interesting evening with a very limited number of guests. Again check with the Guest Service Desk as to when the dinner and the exact cost per person and then decide.

 

I hope you have a wonderful cruise. The Jewel is a great ship with a wonderful staff. I can not wait to sail on her in May.

[luddite]

Research here on Cruise Critic will help you a LOT.

[FireEater]

"What are some things that first timers may not know?

 

Example: I've seen references to a Spa Pass, a Chef's Table, etc...I have no idea what those are, how much they cost, how to get them (although I've figured some of it out by context, lol.) "

 

A spa pass can only be obtained on the ship I believe. I think it is in the range of mid $20's for a day. If you goggle it for the ship, you might find better info on it.

 

Regarding Chef's Table. If It is limited and goes quickly. It is in the range I think of around $75 per person. Not sure if you can book online prior or have to wait to board the ship.

 

 

"What are some things we should consider trying that we may not know exist?

 

Basically, I'm saying GIVE ME ALL YOUR SECRETS. =P"

 

Try what ever interests you. Go to cruise critic port page for the ports and you will get a ton of info there.

[Kells3738]

Hi all,

 

We're about to go on our first ever cruise on the Jewel on 1/17 out of Bayport. I've been reading the forums a ton (thank you all - just bought my travel insurance due to the high likelihood of fog), and I'm seeing a lot of references to things that I didn't know existed, so I thought I'd ask:

 

What are some things that first timers may not know?

 

Example: I've seen references to a Spa Pass, a Chef's Table, etc...I have no idea what those are, how much they cost, how to get them (although I've figured some of it out by context, lol.)

 

What are some things we should consider trying that we may not know exist?

 

 

Basically, I'm saying GIVE ME ALL YOUR SECRETS. =P

 

Just got back from our first cruise; I posted a review on this board on 12/30, if you wanted to see our "profile," and some reactions to first time cruisers. In the "I wish I had known/glad I took advice" category:

1. We packed way too much. Not so much too formal, but just too much. Of course, our family joke is that "Eisenhower invaded France with less stuff than we take on vacation."

2. We were very happy with the ship-arranged excursions, including the diving trips.

3. If it is in your budget, I thought suites and balconies are definitely worth the extra cost. I don't love crowds (I know, why go on a cruise? Long story...), so Moderno (Cangneys on some ships) for breakfast and lunch was very nice. Great food, views, and quiet...

4. I thought the upgraded dining was worth it. IMHO, better food, and see #3, above, re: crowds....And if you think your ship will be crowded, you can reserve in advance, if you prefer to eat at a particular time.

5. I am glad my wife and daughter sent in spa appointment requests before the trip, and confirmed as soon as they were on board. They both spoke to people who couldn't get appointments for various treatments at the time they preferred.

6. If you are on the fence about the whole idea of cruising, as I was, go into it with an open mind and attitude, almost like going to a foreign country for the first time. Frankly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed myself.

Enjoy!

[pengu1n]

Well, you're ahead of most of the other first timers! They don't find Cruise Critic until after the cruise to complain about things they should have known ahead of time.

 

Here's a few tips about cruising in general:

 

You could miss a port due to weather, medical emergency or mechanical issues. You are not likely to be compensated for missing a port. It happens frequently, but that being said, it's only happened to us one time.

 

Paying the $12 per person per day "service charge" is part of the price of your cruise, not a 'tip' to adjust because one person didn't jump to your call. You can also tip people who go out of their way to be helpful.

 

If you go out on your own in the ports and don't get back in time, the ship will not wait for you. If you are on a ship-sponsored excursion, it will most likely wait. (Listen for the announcements right before you leave the port "Mr. John Jones, please call the purser" - those are the people who are not on board.)

 

You can lock your wallet in your safe while you're on board. Very rarely a need for cash, except maybe for the casino. Your cruise ID is your form of payment for everything. (However, it will not work on the islands!!:D)

 

NCL, specific tips:

 

Dress up or not. We don't bring anything fancy. Some people do. There will lots of opportunities to get your pictures taken if you like to dress up. New jeans and a collared shirt for guys, capris and a casual top for gals for the dining rooms or if you want to stay in shorts, you can eat in the buffet. Sometimes we choose to eat in the buffet because it takes less time and there are more choices.

 

Try the pretzel rolls. They're great!

 

One of the main dining rooms will be open for lunch when you board although it seems like they don't want you to know that. Everyone will be directed to the buffet, which is often very crowded and you have to go in shifts because you'll still be lugging your carryons around.

 

Your cabin won't be ready until about 2pm. There will be an announcement.

 

On the first night, you can usually wear shorts in the main dining rooms because most people's luggage hasn't arrived yet. The suitcases will be brought to your room by your room steward, anywhere between 2 and 8 pm. If it hasn't arrived by 8pm, let your steward know.

 

The Jewel probably has normal lighting, but on the Epic, you had to put your room key in a slot by the door to turn the lights on. This is somewhat difficult to figure out IN THE DARK!:eek:

[shealea]

Hello! I've been on the Jewel twice and the Pearl (sister ship to the Jewel).

 

Make sure you try the made-to-order crepes from the crepe station. It's located just past the buffet in early evenings. Ask about the times. I think it starts at 5:30 pm or so. We love the crepes!

 

Visit the Bridge Viewing Room. I forget the floor # it's on. But the door is on the left facing way up front of the ship. We didn't even know about it the first two cruises. There are large windows you can stand and watch the Officers on the Bridge. Kinda cool, I thought. Plus, in the bridge viewing room, there is memorabilia hanging on the walls. Interesting!

 

Back past the Garden Buffet. Back right before going out to the Great Outdoors there is a coffee machine that makes each cup fresh. If you like coffee, that is the best place to get it.

 

There are two soft-serve ice cream machines near the Garden Buffet. One serves strawberry/swirl. The other chocolate/swirl. There are attendants onhand to serve you.

 

For 24-hour dining, try O'Sheehans. We ate there quite a bit. We enjoyed the food. We liked that it overlooked the Atrium.

 

Our favorite spot on the ship is the Great Outdoors, located all the way past the Buffet at the back of the ship. Such a nice place overlooking the ocean. We usually got our buffet food and ate out there. Also at the Great Outdoors area there is often a smaller buffet/snacks set up. It's a nice, quick place to eat.

 

There is often food set up at the Grill area out by the Pool area, kind of depending on weather conditions.

 

If weather is favorable, there will probably be a couple/few barbecues on the Lido deck. We enjoyed the food.

 

Check out the Spinnaker Lounge. We loved the huge curved lounge beds. During the day when no activities were going on, we loved to relax there and watch the ocean.

 

The big shows each night were fantastic. I would recommend not missing those.

 

We loved watching Deal-Or-No Deal in the Stardust Theater. We never bought a game board to play, but it was a blast watching. And pretty exciting to see a couple of pretty big winners.

 

Take advantage of room service, if that's your thing. The menu is a bit limited, but we thought the food was okay. I think after midnight there is a $3 charge. Don't quote me on the time cutoff or price. Not sure if I'm remembering correctly.

 

The Jewel band is so very good. Forget their exact name. And I have a crush on the young guy with the long hair! he,he!!! I'm old enough to be his mother!

 

Then there's another band, wish I could remember the name. Three trio, or something like that. Can't think of it. I think it was three men of Latin descent. They play often in the Atrium. We loved them.

 

On the Lido deck, the covered areas are nice to sit under, even when the weather may be bad.

 

I can't help you with specialty dining questions. I loved the food in the main dining rooms. We are not picky eaters. I love eating out on the ships, as we don't eat out much at home!

 

Hmmmmm......if I think of anything else, I will come back. I think you will enjoy the Jewel. We love, love, love her. Perfect size for us!

[shealea]

Back again with one more tip.....

 

I just saw someone posted the list of shows playing at evenings in the Stardust Theater.

 

Jean Pierre/JP is still on the Jewel performing. He's fantastic, we thought. He was a good show, not to miss. He does the big show. And then later on in the cruise, he did an afternoon show displaying how some of his tricks are done. We enjoyed that also.

 

The Russian team is also a very good show, not to miss.

 

If they have the Q & A session with some of the Jewel staff, go to that. It was really interesting. A couple of the Jewel show performers were there, Jean Pierre the magician. The Russian couple. They are married with a very young child. Their mother had been taking care of the baby, and their next rotation after their break, they were bringing their baby onboard to travel with them.

 

We also learned at the Q&A the rigorous schedule and the great length of time that the performers are in training before even being onboard the NCL ships to perform.

 

Really interesting Q & A session.

 

Bring along a hi-lighter with you. You will get the Daily activity paper on your bed each evening. I would go through and hi-lite all activities that were happening the next day that I wanted to be certain not to miss.

 

Come back after your cruise and write a review and let us know how you enjoyed your first cruise! I think you are in for a treat!!!!!!!!!!

[drvalo]

Hi all,

 

 

What are some things we should consider trying that we may not know exist?

 

Basically, I'm saying GIVE ME ALL YOUR SECRETS. =P

 

Bring some sort of clock (your phone?) that you can see in the dark. There is no clock in your cabin.

Bring a powerstrip for that clock or charging other electronics.

 

What I wish I had known for my first cruise was that I should have participated in the Cruise Director's staff activities. These are things like morning and afternoon trivia, goofy golf, shuffleboard tournments, etc. These are great opportunities to meet other cruisers (get tips) and maybe develop lasting friends.

 

Also, there are some game shows in the evenings. These are things like friendly feud, no so newlywed game, and so on. These are great fun to watch and even more fun to be a part of. They will be asking for volunteers.

 

Have a great time!

[Bryna123]

I'm following this with interest! Our first cruise is 3 weeks away on the Sky. I am hoping there will be happy hours and drink of the day on that ship too!

[nyc2theworld]

The Jewel probably has normal lighting, but on the Epic, you had to put your room key in a slot by the door to turn the lights on. This is somewhat difficult to figure out IN THE DARK!:eek:

 

Here's a better tip. Any credit card/room key sized card will work in these switches. So, if you are staying in a hotel anytime between now and before your cruise, keep that room key. You can use that in the slot by the door to keep the power on at all times. The card holder by the door to turn on the power is not coded to your room key (or anything for that matter).

 

I did that on the Getaway and my room steward left it in there so I never came back to a dark room.

[coldferret]

Last poster mentioned dailies. Remember that the ship is metal so I bring several magnetic clips to hang papers, invitations, tour info etc. Very organized and easy to find.

 

Second bringing own soda. Some ports do not deliver to your cabin but for those that do, duct tape handle and room tag on 12 packs gets it there. No problem in Florida.

[drvalo]

 

I did that on the Getaway and my room steward left it in there so I never came back to a dark room.

 

I knew it was going to be an issue on the Epic and I had an old keycard from a previous crused that also worked. Steward just left it there, which was great!

[trish1c]

The best preparations are to read the FAQ section of the cruiseline's website and reach OL articles about 1st time cruising

 

My favorite tips for cruising:

 

1. Pack 1/2 the clothes & twice the money. Just kidding but there are extra costs: alcohol, excursions, gambling, buying photos from the ship's photographer, souvenirs, etc. As has already been pointed out the gratuities are not optional. Also note that when you buy alcohol they will add 18% tip to every drink. You are expected to tip the stevedores at the port who take your luggage usually a few dollars per bag, more if it's heavy.

 

2. You don't need most of the extra stuff the articles tell you to bring. The only one I ever found helpful / useful was the insulated mug for drinking ice water by the pool. The little glasses you get at the buffet are too small & the water gets warm. If you do have a lot of electronics, the power strip is useful.

 

3. You may need a wrap, jacket or sweater indoors at night because they crank the AC

 

4. You can eat unconventionally. Have 2 appetizers. Have a double portion of an appetizer for dinner. Have a 1/2 order of a dinner (that lends itself to that, i.e. not a steak) for an appetizer. They used to have a cheese platter for dessert. I would get it as an appetizer. Be mindful of your limits when ordering.

 

5. Go to your meet & greet from your Roll Call thread. You can learn a lot by talking to the ship's personnel.

 

6. The fish on the carpet tend to swim forward toward the bow.

 

7. There is a wheel outside your door you can turn to ask for cabin service or set to Do Not Disturb

 

8. If you aren't hungry when you board but want to sit while waiting for your cabin, you can go to the library.

 

9. Internet service is slow & expensive but you usually get extra time if you buy a package that 1st day.

 

10. If you don't want to pay extra, tell them you don't want a souvenir cup when ordering drinks

 

11. When you print out your luggage tags, fold as directed, then seal with clear packing tape before you affix them to your luggage so they are stronger & don't accidently rip off.

 

12. Your suitcase fits under your bed.

 

13. If you bring soda or wine on board & need refrigerator space, you can ask the cabin steward to remove the contents for you so you are not charged.

 

14. If you don't want to waste part of your vacation time standing on line, book your excursions on line ahead of time.

 

15. Room service is free but the menu is limited unless you are in a suite. Still you need to tip whoever brings your food.

 

16. Cross pack your clothes in case something happens to one suitcase. They do occasionally fall into the ocean. Rarely but it happens. Also one suitcase may be delivered earlier.

 

17. Pack a bathing suit & sunscreen as well as valuables in your carry on for boarding.

 

18. Use a higher SPF then you do at home because every surface on the ship is reflective increasing the burn factor.

 

19. Like a sea saw, mid level mid deck had the least movement if you are prone to seasickness. Do not take more than the recommended dosage of sea sickness meds or the meds themselves will make you sicker than the movement of the ship

 

20. Pat attention to the time & if there is a difference between ship time & island time.

 

21. Bring cash in small bills especially ashore.

 

22. Try new things

 

23. Take a walk around the ship to orient yourself. There are maps by each elevator & stairwell.

 

24. You can go to the buffet, load up a tray & bring it somewhere else to eat: the pool deck, your cabin, etc.

 

25. Have fun!

[electro]

New jeans and a collared shirt for guys, capris and a casual top for gals for the dining rooms or if you want to stay in shorts, you can eat in the buffet.

 

This information is not quite correct.

You can wear shorts in any dining venue except LeBistro and the Aft Dining room (more formal of the two).

 

You are not forced to eat in the buffet if you want to wear shorts.

 

Lois

Edited January 4, 2015 by electro
spelling

[beason641]

Thank you everyone who has responded!! There was some really helpful information here! I'll try to remember to post a review when we get back. I'm currently scouring the Gulf Coast threads to try and figure out a good place to buy soda in between the airport and Bayport (and how much a taxi will cost to stop off). We're not drinkers so the basics will be fine with us, but it would be nice to have a bit of Dr. Pepper here and there. :)

[shealea]

We bring several $1 bills and keep them handy in the top drawer to use for tipping the room service delivery person a couple of $$$'s each time.

[emcelh]

The Chef's table is now $99 per person. We've done it on our last 3 cruises and enjoyed it very much each time. It's a 9 course dinner, with a different wine (as much as you can handle) for each course, champagne before dinner and an after dinner drink. Seating was limited to 12 each time we did it and it does sell out quickly. If you're interested, book soon after you board.

[SteveH2508]

Drinks auto-gratuity is 15% not 18% (that is the rate for the spa)

 

Order milk from room service if you do not like 'pretend' milk in coffee - the carton will keep 2 or 3 days in the cooler.

 

If you are in a balcony cabin you should have a coffee machine - use two of the bags to make a reasonably strong cup of coffee to bump start the body in the morning.

 

There is a machine in the buffet which fresh grinds the beans for each cup and makes a reasonable cup of coffee (it has two nozzles on the pourer).

 

Do not try to eat the whole ship on the first couple of days - the food will be there later on - it takes the digestive system a couple of days to adjust to the amount of food you will doubtless eat.

 

Take indigestion tablets - you will almost certainly need them at some stage (and other meds/personal admin items - they are expensive on the ship if they have them).

 

You've had the 'fish on the carpet' tip - the lifts chime once going up and twice going down.

 

Try the buffalo wings from O'Sheehans/Blue Lagoon - there may be a bit of a wait but they are worth it (hot is not that hot BTW).

 

Take your Freestyle Daily with you onshore - it has details of the port agent on if anything goes wrong.

[Oldgoat61]

Because there is one outlet in the cabin, bring an extension cord that has several outlets on it (like a surge protector). Also, bring a magnet, the walls are metal.

 

Don't worry about the card for the lights, you won't need it on the Jewel.;)