New to NW and have some questions :)

[kelly0525]

Hello,

 

We are planning our first Norwegian cruise and I have few questions about the cruise line. We are considering Escape sailing from New York. Depending on the type of the cabin you choose you get some promotions with it, I have chosen free ultimate dining and free beverage package. Can you please explain, is it really free unlimited dining and beverages or there's some limitations to it? Also can I cancel the deposit at any time due to final payment or there's restrictions to it? Also, I see many choices for dining and entertainment available on the ship, do you need to book it online or you can make your reservation when aboard. Also any other advises to the newbie would be highly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

[BirdTravels]

Hello,

 

We are planning our first Norwegian cruise and I have few questions about the cruise line. We are considering Escape sailing from New York. Depending on the type of the cabin you choose you get some promotions with it, I have chosen free ultimate dining and free beverage package. Can you please explain, is it really free unlimited dining and beverages or there's some limitations to it? Also can I cancel the deposit at any time due to final payment or there's restrictions to it? Also, I see many choices for dining and entertainment available on the ship, do you need to book it online or you can make your reservation when aboard. Also any other advises to the newbie would be highly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

 

The Specialty Dining Package provides 3 free specialty meals (on a 7 day cruise). You can make reservations at any specialty restaurant and order one entrée and as many appetizers and desserts as you want. The "ultimate" dining package was discontinued several years ago which provided 7 free meals.

 

The Beverage package allows you to order as many drinks at the bar as you want. It covers the first $15 of each drink (it is hard to find drinks that cost more than $15). Drink as much as you want. Does not include bottled water, specialty coffees and minibar.

 

Dining and show reservations open 90 days prior to your cruise (100 days for suites guests). It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you book your shows and dinners exactly 90 days prior to cruise to ensure you get the dates and times you want.

[kelly0525]

Thank you, so you have to pay separate for bottle water and coffee, correct? Do they offer packages for water and coffee?

[fshagan]

Thank you, so you have to pay separate for bottle water and coffee, correct? Do they offer packages for water and coffee?

 

Regular coffee is free. Specialty coffees are not available on any plan that I know of. Bottled water is explained at this link with pricing: https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/bottled-water-packages You can buy 1 liter Aquafina in advance. If you prefer premium still water such as Acqua Panna it is available on board by the bottle (I don't have prices of the premium still water).

 

Some guests may get complementary bottled water in suites or as part of the Casinos at Sea program, so you can look at that when you book. Most of us do not get complementary bottled water. You cannot bring your own beverages on board.

 

You will pay a gratuity charge on the included promos at 20% of the regular cost of the package. It will clearly be shown during booking as "CHOICE PROMO SRVC CHARGES" in the right hand column; it is $276.80 in this image (from when the gratuities were at 18% instead of 20%):

 

[kelly0525]

Thank you

 

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[kayjay76]

Huge coffee drinker here. I never lacked for hot coffee. Find it at the buffet and resturants no charge. Also depending on your room ( we had a balcony room) you have a great single cup coffee maker in our room. And if you ask your steward to keep it stacked, you'll be all set.

As far as water... we ordered the water package. Waste of money IMO. The water on the ship is filtered and tasted just as good as bottled water. Nothing like the tap water at home.

[NMLady]

OP: Norwegian Cruise line is usually referred to as NCL not NW.

Welcome aboard.

[beerman2]

The Specialty Dining Package provides 3 free specialty meals (on a 7 day cruise). You can make reservations at any specialty restaurant and order one entrée and as many appetizers and desserts as you want. The "ultimate" dining package was discontinued several years ago which provided 7 free meals.

 

 

 

The Beverage package allows you to order as many drinks at the bar as you want. It covers the first $15 of each drink (it is hard to find drinks that cost more than $15). Drink as much as you want. Does not include bottled water, specialty coffees and minibar.

 

 

 

Dining and show reservations open 90 days prior to your cruise (100 days for suites guests). It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you book your shows and dinners exactly 90 days prior to cruise to ensure you get the dates and times you want.

 

 

 

There are many over 15.00. One for sure is a Chocolate Martini and Flavored Vodka (Grey Goose)

 

OP if the drink is over 15.00 you pay the difference + 18% gratuity. ( I think it went to 20% though)

 

Ex: Chocolate Martini was/is 17.95 a year ago. It cost me 2.95+18% = 3.48 charged to S&S card.

 

Yes highly recommend making dining reservations at the 90 day mark. NCL only books about 30% pre-cruise. So if your time isn’t available go to headlines as soon as you Board and make them or change your times.

 

 

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[myra711]

You cannot bring your own beverages on board.

 

 

Is this true!? In the past I have brought on my own case of bottled water. Did this change, or are you just referring to sodas?

[mjkacmom]

You cannot bring your own beverages on board.

 

 

Is this true!? In the past I have brought on my own case of bottled water. Did this change, or are you just referring to sodas?

It changed, no longer allowed.

[NMLady]

You cannot bring your own beverages on board.

 

 

Is this true!? In the past I have brought on my own case of bottled water. Did this change, or are you just referring to sodas?

 

It changed more than a year ago. No liquids at all except wine, and it has corkage fee.

[NMLady]

What is NW? North West?

 

 

OP evidently thinks NW is short for NorWegian. I'm surprised you couldn't figure that out.