Booking entertainment reservations before cruising

[Pablo Diablo]

Hi all.  I’m booked in the Haven for a cruise on Prima in January, about 125 from now. I’m able to book specialty dining reservations on the NCL website but it’s not allowing entertainment reservations yet. Says it’s “too early to book”. My last NCL cruise was just prior to Covid. So, I’m wondering if the process or timing has changed for booking entertainment or if the inability to book entertainment reservations is unique to Prima having just launched and entertainment schedules not being set yet. Greatly appreciate your thoughts and guidance from anyone that has successfully booked entertainment reservations for there upcoming Prima cruise. Thanks!

Edited September 5, 2022 by Pablo Diablo

[shof515]

since covid you can no longer prebook entertainment. you will need to do this onboard the ship

[Pablo Diablo]

Thank you shof515. 

[mpcaruth]

I read another's post that stated NCL only books 30% reservation capacity pre-cruise, and the remainder spots are to be booked on board.  Can anyone confirm this?  I would prefer to schedule my entertainment first and then make dinner reservations around show preferences and port days.  Anyone have success getting their preferred dinner and show reservations once they board the ship? 

 

Also, can you use the App once you board the ship to make reservations?  Or must you use the board/kiosk?  I haven't sailed NCL in 4-5 years and am not used to the process.  Thanks in advanced!

[BirdTravels]

7 minutes ago, mpcaruth said:

I read another's post that stated NCL only books 30% reservation capacity pre-cruise, and the remainder spots are to be booked on board.  Can anyone confirm this?  I would prefer to schedule my entertainment first and then make dinner reservations around show preferences and port days.  Anyone have success getting their preferred dinner and show reservations once they board the ship? 

 

Also, can you use the App once you board the ship to make reservations?  Or must you use the board/kiosk?  I haven't sailed NCL in 4-5 years and am not used to the process.  Thanks in advanced!

NCL holds "some" restaurant reservations for on-board booking. The number 30% is all urban legend.

 

Entertainment can only be booked on the bigger ships (Epic, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, and Prima classes). On small ships, entertainment is first-come-first-serve.

 

On embarkation day, booking entertainment first, then dining is the recommended approach. You need to make it a priority to complete upon embarkation. Pre-pandemic, we have been on cruises where popular restaurants like Cagney's sells out for the duration of the cruise by 1 pm on embarkation day. 

 

The NCL app is crap. I would use the touch screen kiosks or the show and dining reservation desk to ensure it gets done right. 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, Pablo Diablo said:

Hi all.  I’m booked in the Haven for a cruise on Prima in January, about 125 from now. I’m able to book specialty dining reservations on the NCL website but it’s not allowing entertainment reservations yet. Says it’s “too early to book”. My last NCL cruise was just prior to Covid. So, I’m wondering if the process or timing has changed for booking entertainment or if the inability to book entertainment reservations is unique to Prima having just launched and entertainment schedules not being set yet. Greatly appreciate your thoughts and guidance from anyone that has successfully booked entertainment reservations for there upcoming Prima cruise. Thanks!

Entertainment schedules are usually finalized in the week leading up to departure. Too many variables (COVID and such) to commit to a schedule months in advance. 

 

As a Haven guest, the Concierge staff will help you make entertainment and dining reservations. The concierge has the ability to "over sell" a sold out restaurant for you. But,,, there is a limit to the number of oversold seats they can book and once a restaurant is at that capacity, even the concierge won't be able to get you a table. For most shows, the Concierge can escort you into the entertainment venue before the doors open to the general public, so you can get the best seats (we never sit in the Haven seats in a theater because they are not that good). 

 

We are booked on the Prima next month and have not been allowed to book entertainment in advance. 

[Pablo Diablo]

Thanks for the very helpful info, BirdTravels.