Best TIP I have learned from reading CC NCL boards

[Sally Forth]

1. try to book excursions through private companies

2. when leaving Port Liberty, NJ, grab a drink and hop in a hot tub as you go under the bridge.

 

Viv

[packercruising]

The absolute best tip I've received from the boards is to get the NCL BOA Mastercard! We're now getting money off NCL cruises while buying the things we always have -- just in a different way!:D

 

We started off with one card and max'ed it out on points (not credit limit!)so now we have a second and are working on getting more points for cruise certificates!;)

 

Just remember to pay it off every month!

 

Sea Hound:D

 

 

Man. I gotta remember to do that! Procrastinate is my middle name. We got RCI cards for our last cruise and got $300 OBC (I know NCL doesn't allow that) in bonus points. But we put almost $5,000 on them additionally and got nothing because almost only counts in horseshoes. Now if we were regular RCI cruisers it would be a good deal but we may never cruise them again.

 

We are much more likely to cruise NCL multiple times (it is our preferred line for the Caribbean) so an NCL card makes a bunch of sense!:cool:

[ROGER CT]

what changed your mind about travel insurance ???:cool:

[wibeachbum]

The best suggestions have been on the Ports of Call Board. Helped me save lots of $.

[marlin1518]

I have to agree with Grannyp. We purchase those large "mugs" from Walmart to hold our Iced tea or any drink while on board. The glasses they have at the buffet are very tiny !!! And yes everyone asks about them.

[PassionFruit]

I have to agree with Grannyp. We purchase those large "mugs" from Walmart to hold our Iced tea or any drink while on board. The glasses they have at the buffet are very tiny !!! And yes everyone asks about them.

 

This is a great one....I'm adding it to my "to buy" list for the dollar store trip today!

 

One thing that wasn't advertised a lot on my first NCL cruise was the program they have to check your luggage at the airport if you're flying out the same day as your debarkation. I think it was $20/person. This was when we were coming back from Hawaii, and our flights didn't depart until that evening. We set all our luggage out the last night of the cruise, and could tour Honolulu with nothing but our carry-ons that last day. Also, we didn't have to worry about the weight of our luggage. Since we weren't there checking it in they couldn't charge us. They also will print your boarding pass for you and deliver it to the room.

[mortysmama]

What wonderful ideas posted here. May I add my favorite. I bring along a couple of one quart plastic bottles. I order extra juice on the breakfast card in the morning and store it in them in the fridge for use during the day either for a mixed drink or just a thirst quencher.

I also bring along the "lock paper plates" to bring snacks back to the room. They're sold in any supermarket. They are much easier to transport snacks in the halls or on elevators.

Happy sailing...and thanks for the tips

[ute_fan]

I love this thread! Here's my list:

 

• The over-the-door bathroom organizer, which has been replaced by our nifty toiletry organizer bag that we can hang up without having to unpack it.
   
  
• A power strip -- absolute necessity for all the Ipod, Camera, camcorder and Palm chargers.
   
  
• Eating at the main dining room for your embarkation lunch.
   
  
• Taking every opportunity to get to know your room steward and various waiters. We LOVE hearing about their native countries, and most of them seem to enjoy talking about home.
   
  
• Leaving the TV on for a night-light if you're in an inside cabin.
   
  
• Most important, make sure you pack your sense of humor and don't sweat the small stuff. Your cruise probably isn't going to be 100% perfect -- life never is -- but your attitude will make all the difference as to the enjoyment you get from it.
  

[KerCar]

 

[*]Most important, make sure you pack your sense of humor and don't sweat the small stuff. Your cruise probably isn't going to be 100% perfect -- life never is -- but your attitude will make all the difference as to the enjoyment you get from it.

 

GREAT advice:) And so very true!

 

Some things I have learned on CC:

 

~The over-the-door shoe hanger

~Main DR on embarkation day

~If the reservation line is long, head to the nearest house phone and call the reservation hotline.

~Fill out STYLE cards for staff that have gone above and beyond. You can get more at the reception desk.

~Endless tips and advice on traveling with children from the great folks over at the family board.

[ASLinterpreter]

We're not vacationing until NEXT April, but I love the research and planning part. Everytime I see something interesting I've been writing it on a piece of paper - until now. I grabbed a spiral notebook from the kids stash and started making a list. This will keep everything in one place and I can easily take it with me when it's finally time to go!

[PassionFruit]

Help! I looked at Target & 2 dollar stores today for the clear over-the-door shoe organizer and couldn't find one at either place. Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

Here's another tip (along with a question).....

 

Take a cheap-o mesh shower caddy - the kind you hang over the shower head itself - to organize shampoos, soaps, razors, and other shower-items. I use to get them for $1/each at the dollar store and would just toss it at the end of the trip. (However, I wasn't able to find those at the dollar stores today, either, so if anyone has seen some lately, let me know where please!)

[MT_DreamChaser]

My first cruise will be in 3 weeks so my answer my change after that but so far I'd have to say "do your homework". I've been reading these boards for about 10 months or so now and I can't imagine going on a cruise without any prior knowledge. One of the only things that could ruin this vacation is if the ship sank, and hey, that could be an adventure of its own.

[KerCar]

Help! I looked at Target & 2 dollar stores today for the clear over-the-door shoe organizer and couldn't find one at either place. Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

I got mine at Walmart:) It has mesh pockets.

[marlin1518]

Help! I looked at Target & 2 dollar stores today for the clear over-the-door shoe organizer and couldn't find one at either place. Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

Here's another tip (along with a question).....

 

Take a cheap-o mesh shower caddy - the kind you hang over the shower head itself - to organize shampoos, soaps, razors, and other shower-items. I use to get them for $1/each at the dollar store and would just toss it at the end of the trip. (However, I wasn't able to find those at the dollar stores today, either, so if anyone has seen some lately, let me know where please!)

 

Hey Passionfruit,

 

Go over to the aisle that has the plastic hangers and you will find it in most any store. Yesterday when I went out for my pop up hamper they were in the same aisle !! Good luck !!

[MBprincess]

New info! Where can I buy a "pop up" laundry bag prior to leaving in 2 days?

 

How do I join the "players club" in the casino, and how much does it cost?

 

Thanks for new info!!

 

Laundry bag was from Target.

 

Players club is free just sign up. They don't say this but if you want to skip the line sit at a table and have the pit boss get you the form.

[MBprincess]

Forget Target or Walmart, your local dollar store should have them. Fantastic to put in the corner of the room to toss laundry in. Keeps it from being tossed all over the room, or having to keep pulling the suitcases out from under the bed.

 

No charge to join the players club. Just check at the desk in the casino. Don't count on those free drinks the other poster talked about tho. I have a card and used it a lot on my cruise and was never offered a free drink.

 

We just got off of the Star Sunday and got free drinks. We had to ask and we tipped. Only on the last night did they say that free drinks wasn't until 6 pm (it was 5:45). We told the pit boss we would leave and maybe come back after 6. He told the waiter to bring us the drinks for free (and we are not "high rollers").

[DizzyDallasDi]

The best tip I got was to stay in an aft cabin overlooking the wake.

[rainforest]

Cash for tips (no longer phone cards).., post-it notes for room stewards (you do not always see room stewards in the hall), lysol wipes for phone, door handles, TV clicker, etc., duct tape in your carry-on.

 

 

What a great thread, especially for a first time cruiser. Thanks to everyone for their tips, but I don't understand why I would need duct tape. Anyone care to enlighten me?

 

Thanks!

[CruisnGram]

What a great thread, especially for a first time cruiser. Thanks to everyone for their tips, but I don't understand why I would need duct tape. Anyone care to enlighten me?

 

Thanks!

 

People have posted numerous things about duct tape. A suitcase that was damaged and split open. A balcony door that won't stay open, etc. etc. Duct tape is one of those things you may toss in the suitcase and never use, but if you do need it and don't have it, you'll kick yourself for not bringing it! :D

[packercruising]

And it now comes in colors! :)

[pdoeringer]

One thing that has not been mentioned is an alarm clock. If you bring an electric one you will be on different time then anybody else. The electric clock will loose time as the ship's electric is 50 cycles and not 60 as shore power is. Bring a BATTERY alarm clock.

 

Some of these ideas are great. One other thing that might be helpful is an extension cord.

[Sea Hound]

I got mine at Walmart:) It has mesh pockets.

 

KerCar,

 

I know you're excited with only 4 days until cruise time!:D Be sure to post your review when you get back!

 

I hope you get 2.0!

 

Sea Hound:D

[KerCar]

KerCar,

 

I know you're excited with only 4 days until cruise time!:D Be sure to post your review when you get back!

 

I hope you get 2.0!

 

Sea Hound:D

 

Beyond excited:D I'll post when I get back!

I'll be sure to leave the ship in good shape for you:D

 

~Kerry

[Trish Traveler]

We're not vacationing until NEXT April, but I love the research and planning part. Everytime I see something interesting I've been writing it on a piece of paper - until now. I grabbed a spiral notebook from the kids stash and started making a list. This will keep everything in one place and I can easily take it with me when it's finally time to go!

I love to research also! Instead of writing it down, since you are on the computer anyway, I find it easier to: "highlight and copy" the info I like and then "paste" it into a Word document on my computer. Then, when the cruise is closer, I can go back and re-read all the info. I then delete, or highlight important info and then print it out to take with me. I generally have one file for ship info and for each port of call.

The wealth of information on Cruise Critic is amazing. Other best tips: the over the door shoe hanger (ditto), the highlighter for the dailies, info on private shore excursion companies and be sure to attend a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet!

[Kwynot]

I love reading these links for information & suggestions. I have a list that keeps getting longer & longer. Some ideas I chuckle at, but they somehow make sense.

 

Duct tape comes in colors now?;)