Mix of questions

[coolio111]

I will be traveling hopefully some time in February on my first cruise, and I have quite a few questions.

Will be going to the Caribbean so the ship could be Epic, Getaway or Escape for about 7 days.

 

1) The weather, what is typical weather for cruising on the ship, and at most Caribbean ports? So what do I need to wear/ pack? Shorts, t-shirts, long sleeves, sweaters?

 

2) I have heard about formal night, etc. Do I need formal wear for the MDR or is this just for the specialty dining areas?

 

3) The free juices available in the MDR can I go in and grab something and take to my room, etc? Or is this only for when you are eating in the MDR? And are these juices available in the other restaurants that are not specialty, for free?

 

4) I have kids, should I bring my own glasses for them, or will they have plastic glasses? Are straws also available?

 

5) There are 3 adults and 2 kids, would it be a very tight fit in the family oceanview? Both kids need to be against a wall or between 2 people, to not fall off the bed?

 

6) Some of the rooms say convert to a queen, does that mean that I need to move the night stands and rearrange the beds myself? Are the beds easy to move, in case I want to push one against the wall?

 

7) One of the kids will just be about 2 when we cruise, is it a good idea to bring a stroller for on board the cruise? Do they allow this?

 

8) What is a good time to reach the port to get on the ship, so there is not a lot of wait time?

 

9) What is the cost to play bingo? Are there other game nights?

 

10) IF your kids went to the splash academy approximately how many kids where there?

 

Thanks for anyone that can answer some of these questions.

[Paulras]

5 in one cabin? I'm getting claustrophobic reading your post. They're already tight with 2 people. I suggest getting a suite or 2 separate rooms.

 

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[poppadevan]

Just plan as though you are going to the ocean for a week. Casual dining, casual dress. Yes you can take drinks and food from the buffet to your room. Your cabin steward will configure your room so it is best for your family. It will be tight but you'll only be sleeping there. No worry. You will have a great time and your family will never forget it. Remember, take lots of pictures.

 

 

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[KarimaJ]

I will be traveling hopefully some time in February on my first cruise, and I have quite a few questions.

 

Will be going to the Caribbean so the ship could be Epic, Getaway or Escape for about 7 days.

 

 

 

1) The weather, what is typical weather for cruising on the ship, and at most Caribbean ports? So what do I need to wear/ pack? Shorts, t-shirts, long sleeves, sweaters?

 

 

 

2) I have heard about formal night, etc. Do I need formal wear for the MDR or is this just for the specialty dining areas?

 

 

 

3) The free juices available in the MDR can I go in and grab something and take to my room, etc? Or is this only for when you are eating in the MDR? And are these juices available in the other restaurants that are not specialty, for free?

 

 

 

4) I have kids, should I bring my own glasses for them, or will they have plastic glasses? Are straws also available?

 

 

 

5) There are 3 adults and 2 kids, would it be a very tight fit in the family oceanview? Both kids need to be against a wall or between 2 people, to not fall off the bed?

 

 

 

6) Some of the rooms say convert to a queen, does that mean that I need to move the night stands and rearrange the beds myself? Are the beds easy to move, in case I want to push one against the wall?

 

 

 

7) One of the kids will just be about 2 when we cruise, is it a good idea to bring a stroller for on board the cruise? Do they allow this?

 

 

 

8) What is a good time to reach the port to get on the ship, so there is not a lot of wait time?

 

 

 

9) What is the cost to play bingo? Are there other game nights?

 

 

 

10) IF your kids went to the splash academy approximately how many kids where there?

 

 

 

Thanks for anyone that can answer some of these questions.

 

 

To answer a couple more:

Buffet cups are plastic, not sure if you need covers, I don’t know if they have those.

Bingo was $20 I think. They have Deal or No Deal too.

We got to the port at 11:00 and got on really quickly.

I have seen strollers on board.

No formal nights are required but some were real dressy on pictures with captain night.

In Feb we had great weather but did bring a light jacket and sweater for cooler inside areas.

 

 

 

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[kevmoley]

5 in a room .. I would suggest not booking the Epic. I love the ship but the staterooms, in particular, the bathrooms are not what I would recommend for 5 in a room .. :eek:

[sanger727]

1. Weather in feb can be cool to hot. I would bring shorts, t shirts, plus a pair of jeans and a jacket.

 

2. NCL doesn't do formal nights. You can dress up if you like but it's not required. They have 1 MDR and a few specialties that have a dress code, but it's along the lines of long pants and nice shirts.

 

3. Juice is available at breakfast. Can take it with you. The rest of the day they have flavored waters.

 

4. They will have plastic glasses but no lids and the glasses are small. We like to bring refillable bottles.

 

5. Yes, that will be a tight fit.

 

6. The steward will arrange the beds however you like.

 

9. Bingo has a cost and cash prizes. Cost varies throughout the cruise. Trivia is free.

 

 

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[CostaFortune]

We saw stroller or baby buggies(fold up umbrella types) on board for use on flat deck and for transporting on/off board.

 

Bingo is usually twice a week, €30 for 2 sheets. Prizes are usually cash or last full day for a future cruise. Other quizzes on your schedule placed on your bed each night for following day.

Le Bistro is listed as formal wear only (speciality) but we dressed up and there was a couple of guys in jeans/t-shirts [emoji35].

Book as soon as on board your sitting time for SDP, (speciality dining package already booked) to get correct timing for days when you’ve been on excursion or not. If you’ve a 2 year old there are clubs to give you some peace and quiet!

The pull out beds are made from the sofa bed. So flat on the floor (nowhere to fall to).

Wait time, you should get priority embarkation with a 2 year old?? Check this. And check sail away time as leave plenty of time from airport or hotel to port, don’t want you missing that boat now, do we?

Oh, check clubs with your TA, and again in Concierge once on board.

Just one other thing, this May we sailed on the Spirit. We got transportation by coach from Venice Airport BUT once at the port we had to wheel/take our 5 cases to the ship. Be prepared for that, maybe look out for a trolley. DONT OVERPACK, theres always a tendency and it’s casual dress/dining.

Take metal wall hooks to hang stuff on as the walls are metal and little worktop space, especially room for toiletries in the bathrooms! So bring zipped bags for hanging. Make sure luggage has concrete labels well attached! We had one come off (mine) and the bag didn’t reach my cabin until 6pm, so we were late for dinner, had to rescue from room behind concierge.

Happy travels [emoji925]

 

 

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[woozles]

When I want to learn about a ship I might cruise on I start obsessively reading the reviews. The longer more detailed ones in the forums are most helpful. You can go to the forum for specific ships to find them.

 

Read the negative reviews as well with an eye towards what is important to you. For example we don't patronize the casinos so a negative review of the casino would not phase us.

[Still Dreaming]

I would read the Ncl site to get the age requirements for kids clubs! 2 year old? Also if they are not potty trained they aren’t allowed in pools with swim diapers.

 

LeBistro is not formal it just requires that men wear long pants.

[BRENT AND DIANNA]

I had knee surgery two months ago and said sail in three weeks. What do I do so I'm not forced to climb stairs during the safety drill and on the final day when we leave the ship?

 

 

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[CostaFortune]

I had knee surgery two months ago and said sail in three weeks. What do I do so I'm not forced to climb stairs during the safety drill and on the final day when we leave the ship?

 

 

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No one forces you to attend the drill, I assume you are travelling with someone, who is sharing your cabin, who will go.

I’ve never been made to climb stairs during a drill. It lasts about 15-20 mins and the last cruise we were asked to sign a sheet. A bit of a yawn, but a necessary yawn! Just explain to concierge you’d rather not partake, if you are worried or unable to stand for long.

 

I’d pre-warn NCL or any company beforehand. I’ve had a knee replacement so can sympathise but, if you take a fold-up stick, it goes a long way to help in all aspects! Just not in the airport if you’ve booked extra leg room [emoji575] seats! You need to be able bodied according to the airlines, so fold it up and put in your hand luggage!

 

Safe and pain-free Trip!

 

 

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[sanger727]

I had knee surgery two months ago and said sail in three weeks. What do I do so I'm not forced to climb stairs during the safety drill and on the final day when we leave the ship?

 

 

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You can attend the make up drill. It's usually in the second day and there won't be any restrictions on the elevators. You can use the elevators when you disembark, it can just be quite a wait.

 

 

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[emcelh]

No one forces you to attend the drill, I assume you are travelling with someone, who is sharing your cabin, who will go.

I’ve never been made to climb stairs during a drill. It lasts about 15-20 mins and the last cruise we were asked to sign a sheet. A bit of a yawn, but a necessary yawn! Just explain to concierge you’d rather not partake, if you are worried or unable to stand for long.

 

I’d pre-warn NCL or any company beforehand. I’ve had a knee replacement so can sympathise but, if you take a fold-up stick, it goes a long way to help in all aspects! Just not in the airport if you’ve booked extra leg room [emoji575] seats! You need to be able bodied according to the airlines, so fold it up and put in your hand luggage!

 

Safe and pain-free Trip!

 

 

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Actually, attending the muster drill is mandatory. Everyone must be accounted for and must attend a make-up drill if the first one is missed. You can't have someone else in your party represent you.

[CostaFortune]

Actually, attending the muster drill is mandatory. Everyone must be accounted for and must attend a make-up drill if the first one is missed. You can't have someone else in your party represent you.

 

 

 

We know of two couples who don’t go.

Can you explain the Make Up Drill, and who attends and where they meet please?

 

 

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[sanger727]

We know of two couples who don’t go.

Can you explain the Make Up Drill, and who attends and where they meet please?

 

 

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It's listed in the dailies and many announcements are made. I believe they make contact with you in your room if you miss the muster.

 

On my last cruise we had the last make up muster in the morning before our first port. They repeated many times that it was mandatory. I suspect that it was timed that way because they would remove you from the ship if you didn't attend. Mandatory is mandatory. No muster, no cruise.

 

Norwegian's musters really aren't bad. And I have no doubt that they will make accommodations to someone disabled if needed. Many stations are in the theater so you just sit there and watch a video. If you have any concerns about the elevators being unable you can simply go a few minutes before the drill announcements are made. The time and locations aren't secret. Not worth risking your cruise over....

 

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Edited October 16, 2017 by sanger727

[www3traveler]

I had knee surgery two months ago and said sail in three weeks. What do I do so I'm not forced to climb stairs during the safety drill and on the final day when we leave the ship?

 

 

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Sorry about your knee surgery. I will be having surgery on my knee shortly after my 5 November Getaway cruise. I will be wearing a very large knee brace for my cruise.

 

Your attendance at Drill is MANDATORY. If your Muster Station is in the theater, there is handicapped seating at the top.

 

At the end of the cruise, there will be an assigned place to meet and you can be taken off the ship in a wheelchair. Which is my plan for cruise.

 

Mandy

[mjkacmom]

There are very few cabins that can fit 5 people, kids clubs are for ages 3+, there is no babysitting, only the escape has a nursery ($) for kids under 3, no pools or splash areas on any NCL ships, muster is mandatory for everyone, but let them know if you have mobility issues, the very few cabins that sleep 5 will have pulldown beds from the ceiling, the beds on the floor will consist of either 2 twins which the steward can push together to make a queen, plus a sofa bed.

[BirdTravels]

I will be traveling hopefully some time in February on my first cruise, and I have quite a few questions.

Will be going to the Caribbean so the ship could be Epic, Getaway or Escape for about 7 days.

 

1) The weather, what is typical weather for cruising on the ship, and at most Caribbean ports? So what do I need to wear/ pack? Shorts, t-shirts, long sleeves, sweaters?

Check the weather web sites for average temps in your ports (including Your embarkation port).

2) I have heard about formal night, etc. Do I need formal wear for the MDR or is this just for the specialty dining areas?

One MDR and Le Bistro require gentlemen to wear long pants. All other dining room s allow shorts every night. Most people dress as though they were going out to dinner. No formal wear, ever.

 

3) The free juices available in the MDR can I go in and grab something and take to my room, etc? Or is this only for when you are eating in the MDR? And are these juices available in the other restaurants that are not specialty, for free?

The MDR is not really a take out restaurant. Juices in the buffet are only available for breakfast.

 

4) I have kids, should I bring my own glasses for them, or will they have plastic glasses? Are straws also available?

Plastic cups are available.

 

5) There are 3 adults and 2 kids, would it be a very tight fit in the family oceanview? Both kids need to be against a wall or between 2 people, to not fall off the bed?

Not sure that you can book 5 in a room. It will be tight.

 

6) Some of the rooms say convert to a queen, does that mean that I need to move the night stands and rearrange the beds myself? Are the beds easy to move, in case I want to push one against the wall?

Let your cabin steward help you. If you split the bed yourself, one bed will have no sheets and no comforter.

 

7) One of the kids will just be about 2 when we cruise, is it a good idea to bring a stroller for on board the cruise? Do they allow this?

Yes and yes.

8) What is a good time to reach the port to get on the ship, so there is not a lot of wait time?

Show up at 10:30 for a 11:30 Boarding. It will take a while to get through security and checkin. Then a short wait to board.

9) What is the cost to play bingo? Are there other game nights?

Very expensive. Save your money. Go and watch, but don’t play.

10) IF your kids went to the splash academy approximately how many kids where there?

 

Thanks for anyone that can answer some of these questions.

Enjoy your cruise!

[KatieMcG]

There are very few cabins that can fit 5 people, kids clubs are for ages 3+, there is no babysitting, only the escape has a nursery ($) for kids under 3, no pools or splash areas on any NCL ships, muster is mandatory for everyone, but let them know if you have mobility issues, the very few cabins that sleep 5 will have pulldown beds from the ceiling, the beds on the floor will consist of either 2 twins which the steward can push together to make a queen, plus a sofa bed.

 

 

Breakaway, and I believe Getaway, and possibly Escape do have splash zones for small kids, where swim diapers are allowed. I’m on Breakaway this Sunday with my 3 and 1 year olds who are both still in diapers, so I will report back if this has changed.

[Smong]

Actually, attending the muster drill is mandatory. Everyone must be accounted for and must attend a make-up drill if the first one is missed. You can't have someone else in your party represent you.

 

Yes you are 'supposed' to attend the muster drill but many do not! we traveled with friends last year that werent even on the ship yet at the time of the drill!

[mjkacmom]

Breakaway, and I believe Getaway, and possibly Escape do have splash zones for small kids, where swim diapers are allowed. I’m on Breakaway this Sunday with my 3 and 1 year olds who are both still in diapers, so I will report back if this has changed.

No NCL ship has splash zones for diapered kids (you will see signs), only DCL and a handful of RCL ships have them.

[mjkacmom]

We saw stroller or baby buggies(fold up umbrella types) on board for use on flat deck and for transporting on/off board.

 

Bingo is usually twice a week, €30 for 2 sheets. Prizes are usually cash or last full day for a future cruise. Other quizzes on your schedule placed on your bed each night for following day.

Le Bistro is listed as formal wear only (speciality) but we dressed up and there was a couple of guys in jeans/t-shirts [emoji35].

Book as soon as on board your sitting time for SDP, (speciality dining package already booked) to get correct timing for days when you’ve been on excursion or not. If you’ve a 2 year old there are clubs to give you some peace and quiet!

The pull out beds are made from the sofa bed. So flat on the floor (nowhere to fall to).

Wait time, you should get priority embarkation with a 2 year old?? Check this. And check sail away time as leave plenty of time from airport or hotel to port, don’t want you missing that boat now, do we?

Oh, check clubs with your TA, and again in Concierge once on board.

Just one other thing, this May we sailed on the Spirit. We got transportation by coach from Venice Airport BUT once at the port we had to wheel/take our 5 cases to the ship. Be prepared for that, maybe look out for a trolley. DONT OVERPACK, theres always a tendency and it’s casual dress/dining.

Take metal wall hooks to hang stuff on as the walls are metal and little worktop space, especially room for toiletries in the bathrooms! So bring zipped bags for hanging. Make sure luggage has concrete labels well attached! We had one come off (mine) and the bag didn’t reach my cabin until 6pm, so we were late for dinner, had to rescue from room behind concierge.

Happy travels [emoji925]

 

 

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You can wear nice jeans in Le Bistro, it not formal. You can book your dining 90 days before you board. There is no such thing as priority boarding with a 2 year old, who is too young for the kids club. A regular cabin for more than 3 people will have Pullman beds that drop down from the ceiling, I would put small children in them, if you are not in a suite, you will not have access to a concierge.

[Bootman4U]

"Many do not" is pure speculation as far as I know. Name all these many.

[kirsty_r]

Please don't miss the muster. Part of the exercise is also for the cruise staff to know who might need extra assistance and they do make a note next to your cabin no on the list if this is the case. If you don't attend you risk been disembarked at the first port.

 

my understanding with ncl is that the kids need to be potty trained to play in the splash areas - no diapers. (although this rule might not be enforced there are lots of notices on all ships around the kids splash pools about it!)

[cb at sea]

The actual Caribbean is summer year round. You will want shorts and tees....summer clothing! Bear in mind that the Bahamas and Bermuda are NOT Caribbean countries, and will have cooler weather in Feb....think of Florida-type weather that time of year.