Help for a "new" cruiser

[three acts]

Okay here goes...I have cruised about 20 times but not since 2011...and not on NCL since about 2006..so I feel like a newbie after being gone for so long. 

After being back on these boards for a week I am finding out that so much has changed..I feel like a newbie...I really need someone to give me some tips as if you were talking to a new cruiser...or at least explain what all has changed in these past 7 yrs...esp re: room service..not free anymore I assume?..still 24hrs?...any 24 hr free food?...do they still supply beach towels at the pool?..Can you still go and work out without attending a class and being charged a fee?

Do you need cash for casino gambling or is it all on sign and sail card now?

I am cruising on the Escape to Bahamas in Oct.

These ??? and any other tips and tricks will be appreciated!

Thank you

Also...I have been a CC member since 2004 but for some reason lost all info when I moved without old computer so had to start over..love this site for all the great info!

[worktocruise610]

Welcome back to cruising! I'm sure you're going to love the Escape, was on her in November & going back in May. I'll try to answer your questions & I'm sure others will correct me or fill in the blanks...

Room service is only free for breakfast (coffee & pastries only) anything else is a fee which I think is like $7.95 or something like that, but you can order whatever you want 

they leave beach towels in your room (if not you can ask for them) but do have a towel "booth" by the pool, you'll just need your room card 

I believe you can work out for free 

Casino is cash, best to bring some they charge a pretty hefty fee to get cash (not sure what but remember thinking better to bring your own)

The Escape is a real big ship, l like 4000+ passengers, but plenty to do & see... if you have any questions about specifics I'll be happy to try & answer. Have an awesome time! I hope this is not your last cruise for a long time again 😉 

[worktocruise610]

was just reading another post & it said they charge $3 fee to charge $100 to your account so actually not too bad, but better to get that info from someone who knows more about the casino than me

[BirdTravels]

40 minutes ago, three acts said:

re: room service..not free anymore I assume?..

You can get a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your room. Hot breakfast or any other food comes with a $7.95 service charge for delivery. 

 

still 24hrs?...any 24 hr free food?...

O'Sheehan's is open 24 hours a day.

 

do they still supply beach towels at the pool?..

Towels are left in your room for your use. You can check out more or exchange them on the pool deck. We just leave them on our bathroom floor at night and our steward puts out fresh towels. 

 

Can you still go and work out without attending a class and being charged a fee?

The Fitness center, which is very large, is free of charge. Some classes are also free. 

 

Do you need cash for casino gambling or is it all on sign and sail card now?

You can use cash. Any cash from your room key comes with a 3% cash advance fee. 
 

These ??? and any other tips and tricks will be appreciated!

You are on a megaship. Like all megaships on any line, you will be asked to pre-book the main shows in the theater (After Midnight and Choir of Man). Reservations open 120 days prior to departure. 

Enjoy your cruise. The Escape is a beautiful ship. 

 

Our live post from the Escape is on the following link. We will be sailing on her again soon!

 

[DaCruiseBug]

3 hours ago, three acts said:

Okay here goes...I have cruised about 20 times but not since 2011...and not on NCL since about 2006..so I feel like a newbie after being gone for so long. 

After being back on these boards for a week I am finding out that so much has changed..I feel like a newbie...I really need someone to give me some tips as if you were talking to a new cruiser...or at least explain what all has changed in these past 7 yrs...esp re: room service..not free anymore I assume?..still 24hrs?...any 24 hr free food?...do they still supply beach towels at the pool?..Can you still go and work out without attending a class and being charged a fee?

Do you need cash for casino gambling or is it all on sign and sail card now?

I am cruising on the Escape to Bahamas in Oct.

These ??? and any other tips and tricks will be appreciated!

Thank you

Also...I have been a CC member since 2004 but for some reason lost all info when I moved without old computer so had to start over..love this site for all the great info!

My advice to you is: Stay away from NCL unless they're the absolute cheapest. Fee this, service charge that etc. That's why NCL stands for Nickel and dime Cruise Line.

 

I would recommend you check out MSC or Celebrity as they have much better deals and you can treat yourself to a very nice cabin for usually less than on NCL.

[don't-use-real-name]

You cruised NCL way back in 2006 - check to see if your Latitudes Rewards account is still there to continue

to build on it and be rewarded with various token items and priorities.

[misguy]

We didn't cruise for about 7 years, then we came back and our latitudes information was still in the system, and we found that the ships were bigger and more options, it still felt like the same NCL.  I have never felt nickel and dimed, the food in the MDR is always good, and O'Sheehans is good for 24-hour food choice, very good Rueben and wings.  The cold soups are now in the buffet between 3 and 5 PM.  On the big ships the show reservations system works well, but they also have a standby line and we were able to get in using that as well.

 

[three acts]

Thanks for the great replies...really appreciate all the info..glad they have free coffee in the AM..was dreading having to stumble to a DR or buffet for it!

My latitudes info is still in the system according to travel agent...will check with her down the road about perks...😁

[fourofakind]

Looks like all your questions were pretty much answered so I'll just throw in a few tips/ recommendations for the Escape-

 

1) Attend the Cruise Critic meet and greet (it's awesome in the District Brewhouse) and sign the attendance sheet with your info including cabin number. I usually receive goodies a few times throughout the week when doing so.

 

2) If you enjoy adult beverages the Raspberry Guava Mojito at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar is to die for!

 

3) Cash is fine for the casino or you can charge to your shipboard account. Fee is 3% so $3.00 for every $100.00 you charge to your account.

 

4) Atrium coffee bar is all Starbucks branded and has pretty much the full Starbucks menu. Great for a nice Frappuccino or Latte. Prices are about the same as any land Starbucks.  Most people don't realize it's there because it's tucked in the back corner out of the way.

 

5) If you are buying any alcohol in the duty free shop the first night all alcohol is 10% off! This is the only time they offer this and all the good stuff sells out early so don't wait to purchase.

 

6) They now have self assist easy walk off disembarkation for those that can walk off with their own luggage. Usually around 7:45 am they let those passengers walk off first with luggage before they start playing the colored luggage game. Has been very convenient for me. I'm usually outside past Customs by 8am. You need to pick up self assist tags in the atrium the day before for this option and the early times go quickly.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!!!

 

 

 

 

[don't-use-real-name]

6 hours ago, three acts said:

Thanks for the great replies...really appreciate all the info..glad they have free coffee in the AM..was dreading having to stumble to a DR or buffet for it!

My latitudes info is still in the system according to travel agent...will check with her down the road about perks...😁

Like more than a shot of java in the am - have your cabin attendant leave you with more of the fixins.