First time on NCL

[Christig687]

Hello!

I am not new to the world of cruising but am new to NCL. I've only been on carnival before. My husband and I are leaving on the Jade on April 16th. We are going to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan and Harvey caye. So I have a couple questions I'm hoping anyone can help me with.

 

First thing is I completed online check in but I didn't see anywhere it asked me to set up a credit card for my on board account. Am I missing it or is this something we do once we're on the ship?

 

For the shows on board do we just show up or do we have to reserve a time?

 

My husband and I don't want to snorkel, swim with dolphins, zip line or hike. Most excursions that are offered are one or more of those things. We are going to Mr Sanchos in Cozumel but have nothing planned for the other ports. We don't want to spend a ton and really our idea of a good time is just hanging out at the beach/pool. In Costa Maya I did hear about one of the beach clubs and I tried to reserve a spot there but of course they are fully booked. So any suggestions?

 

I also see that we shouldn't arrive to the port until noon(tampa). Do they not allow people on the boat until then? With carnival we would always show up around 9-10 and get on the boat soon after.

 

Thanks for your help!

[triptolemus]

You set up your onboard account during check-in at the pier. This cannot be done in advance on NCL.

 

I do not believe there are any reserved entertainment options for Jade.

 

I can't comment on the rest.

[KeithJenner]

I do not believe there are any reserved entertainment options for Jade.

 

 

 

That's correct.

[BirdTravels]

First thing is I completed online check in but I didn't see anywhere it asked me to set up a credit card for my on board account. Am I missing it or is this something we do once we're on the ship?

You provide your CC when you check in at the port.

For the shows on board do we just show up or do we have to reserve a time?

Just show up for the shows. Seating is first come first serve (unless you are in an Owner's Suite where there is reserved seating.

 

I also see that we shouldn't arrive to the port until noon(tampa). Do they not allow people on the boat until then? With carnival we would always show up around 9-10 and get on the boat soon after.

We arrive between 10:00-10:30. Get through security and checkin. Suites, casino, and top tier Latitude members board first. General boarding starts around 11:30.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Welcome to NCL! Enjoy your cruise.

[NCLfamily]

You can ship up at the pier whenever you like. Earliest your likely to board is 10.30/45 for a suite? 11.15/11.30 for non suite?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Carolina Girl 99]

 

My husband and I don't want to snorkel, swim with dolphins, zip line or hike. Most excursions that are offered are one or more of those things. We are going to Mr Sanchos in Cozumel but have nothing planned for the other ports. We don't want to spend a ton and really our idea of a good time is just hanging out at the beach/pool. In Costa Maya I did hear about one of the beach clubs and I tried to reserve a spot there but of course they are fully booked. So any suggestions?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Try searching the Ports of Call forum on cruise critic for great advice and ideas on what to do while in port!

[terri910]

This past November, we were on the Jade doing the same basic itinerary. We enjoyed it!

 

Always love Cozumel. We didn't book any excursion there, either. We took a taxi to a little beach area just north of the town, but I'd have been just as happy spending the entire time in town. We had a really great lunch at one of the little restaurants there, and bought some t-shirt souvenirs.

 

We'd never been to Costa Maya before, and we took a taxi into the little town there, chose one of the many restaurants along their Malecon, that had lounge chairs, tables and umbrellas for their customers to use. We picked out the two lounge chairs right at water's edge, ordered a couple of beers and a nacho grande plate and chillaxed!

 

In Roatan, we had arranged a snorkel trip on a catamaran....but I'm sure one of the many taxis at the port would take you to a nice beach, if that's what you wanted.

 

Harvest Caye was nice....at least we didn't feel the least bit rushed, knowing we weren't doing any particular "excursion." We spent time in the pool, walked around and went through their butterfly aviary. All the shops seemed expensive as far as souvenirs went, but we enjoyed strolling around the entire area.