FIRST CRUISE EVER(and probably only cruise)

[SoCalRob]

Sooo.....I just spent the nice part of an hour and a half speaking with a very awesome and patient woman about booking my first cruise. I got a free certificate from Harrah's for a free cruise. However, after doing much research and knowing how I and my boyfriend are when it comes to food, drinks, and internet....it was decided that using our certificate and upgrading was not in our best interest. So I did book the cruise without the certificate but with about 1k savings by still booking on the special phone number. So come November 22 through the 29th I will be with my boyfriend sailing from NYC To Orlando To Bahamas and I could not be more excited. I booked a Haven Aft Penthouse w/ Master Bedroom and Balcony. This booking came with Ultimate Drink Package (Free booze!(well not free but eh), Ultimate Dining Package (One specialty restaurant a night for the 7 days), 250min Free Wifi, $75 port excursions credit(per port I was informed), AND $200 OBC!!! I CANNOT WAIT since this is the LAST extravigant trip I will be doing for a VERY VERY long time. Oh yeah, and Diamond gets 10% off. So that helped too.

[BorgataBabe]

Did you book the Breakaway? I cruised on it last November.


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[seemoreroyals]

Sooo.....I just spent the nice part of an hour and a half speaking with a very awesome and patient woman about booking my first cruise. I got a free certificate from Harrah's for a free cruise. However, after doing much research and knowing how I and my boyfriend are when it comes to food, drinks, and internet....it was decided that using our certificate and upgrading was not in our best interest. So I did book the cruise without the certificate but with about 1k savings by still booking on the special phone number. So come November 22 through the 29th I will be with my boyfriend sailing from NYC To Orlando To Bahamas and I could not be more excited. I booked a Haven Aft Penthouse w/ Master Bedroom and Balcony. This booking came with Ultimate Drink Package (Free booze!(well not free but eh), Ultimate Dining Package (One specialty restaurant a night for the 7 days), 250min Free Wifi, $75 port excursions credit(per port I was informed), AND $200 OBC!!! I CANNOT WAIT since this is the LAST extravigant trip I will be doing for a VERY VERY long time. Oh yeah, and Diamond gets 10% off. So that helped too.

Rob I think you picked a great cruise. We have not been on it but we have some friends that did the Breakaway in March and loved it. And the Unlimited Drink Package with NCL is free. At least it was when we did our cruise in Dec on the NCL Dawn out of NOLA. Beer, wine, martinis, you name it. We drank a little of everything but paid for none of it. Even the tips were paid for in the UDP. Let me know if it has changed.

[SoCalRob]

Did you book the Breakaway? I cruised on it last November.


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I did book the Breakaway!!! What type of room did you have? Is it nice inside? I'm trying not to google pictures too much because it'll take away from the surprise and awesomeness! How was the cruise it's self? TELL ME EVERYTHING BorgataBabe!

[SoCalRob]

Rob I think you picked a great cruise. We have not been on it but we have some friends that did the Breakaway in March and loved it. And the Unlimited Drink Package with NCL is free. At least it was when we did our cruise in Dec on the NCL Dawn out of NOLA. Beer, wine, martinis, you name it. We drank a little of everything but paid for none of it. Even the tips were paid for in the UDP. Let me know if it has changed.

It was free with the room I chose. However, it was not an option if I had stuck with the "free" broucher Harrah's gave me. There were a lot more fees with it and more trouble than it was worth. So I booked a higher room, no voucher, for a lot more benefits and goodies.

[goldengreeke]

You will have a blast Rob. I have been on over 40 cruises and I must say, the worst day at sea is still better than the best day on land.

On my very first cruise, a real cheep Carnival $295.00 one, we had a very small inside cabin with no window and I ended up with claustrophobia for the first time in my life.:grey::dizzy:

After that we always booked an outside cabin with a veranda,(balcony) and that made cruising a REAL pleasure!:thumb:

[BorgataBabe]

SoCalRob, me & my husband went with our 3 kids, we had two inside cabins. Believe it or not, we would have paid the same price for two balcony rooms but my husband was afraid my 7 year old would hang over the balcony.

We loved the ship, we were hardly in our inside cabin. Expect the 1st full day at sea and the 2nd to last coming home to be a little cold cruising along the east coast in Nov., but the pool is heated and there is so much to do all over the ship.

By my 3rd day I earned enough in the casino to get a drink card so at night me & my husband had free drinks in the casino.

We absolutely loved the hibachi restaurant and we also had a good meal at Sea Blue. I didn't love the Italian restaurant but I cook my own Italian and my taste for Italian is on a high level. These were 3 of the restaurants that you pay extra for.

Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor were fabulous. You are going to love it, we even did a Magic Kingdom excursion and for us it was worth it.


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[SoCalRob]

SoCalRob, me & my husband went with our 3 kids, we had two inside cabins. Believe it or not, we would have paid the same price for two balcony rooms but my husband was afraid my 7 year old would hang over the balcony.

We loved the ship, we were hardly in our inside cabin. Expect the 1st full day at sea and the 2nd to last coming home to be a little cold cruising along the east coast in Nov., but the pool is heated and there is so much to do all over the ship.

By my 3rd day I earned enough in the casino to get a drink card so at night me & my husband had free drinks in the casino.

We absolutely loved the hibachi restaurant and we also had a good meal at Sea Blue. I didn't love the Italian restaurant but I cook my own Italian and my taste for Italian is on a high level. These were 3 of the restaurants that you pay extra for.

Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor were fabulous. You are going to love it, we even did a Magic Kingdom excursion and for us it was worth it.


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BorgataBabe. Tell me more about the Magic Kingdom excursion!!! I may surprise my bf with this. We loved MK when we went there in April for the first time. Also, and this may sound weird given it is a cruise, but, what did you do in terms of cell service/internet?

How does the currency/gambling work on the casino ship or even in Atlantis(if you did it there?)

Did you like any of the main dining halls/options that you didn't have to pay extra for? Luckily, I got a good deal so the specialty restaurants are included one a night.

[BorgataBabe]

The bus trip to the MK was about an hour each way and you got about 6/7 hours there. If you plan what you want to hit before you get there then you can make the most of those hours. I wouldn't waste your time eating at one of their sit down restaurants since your time is limited. We were at Disney World twice before for vacations but my youngest didn't really remember so this excursion was worth it alone to see my little guys smile!
At the casino on the ship you just use American currency and remember you can't gamble when you are docked at a port. We did not go to the Atlantis since we had our kids, so I'm not sure about the gambling there.

The buffet is a buffet but it was good. The Manhattan Room, Savor & Taste are included and all were very good. They even have a Pub, O'Sheenan's, that has burgers, wings, fries, etc., it was good for quick, pub food.

However, if you like good food I would definitely eat at Teppanyaki and I heard great things bout Moderno but we didn't eat there. You're also staying in a Haven Suite and I think they have an exclusive restaurant for The Haven guests.


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[BorgataBabe]

Oh and for wifi, I think it's $13 a day per phone. We didn't do it, it's vacation no need to be online! I actually loved seeing people talking to each other in restaurants instead of everyone's heads buried in their phones!


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[Georgiagambler]

I went to Atlantis Bahamas when we stopped at the port there, I think taxi or ferry were both $6-$7 each way. The locals are pretty aggressive (annoying) trying to get you to take tours, etc. We just walked around to the shops and straw market then headed to Atlantis. I didn't have a lot of money to gamble with but I thought the casino was nice and had a good selection of games.

Oh when we went to the private island, the rocks were killing my feet so I might recommend water shoes if you plan to go in the ocean. The water was beautiful and it was still warm when I went in November last year.

Enjoy your cruise and have a wonderful time!


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[SoCalRob]

I went to Atlantis Bahamas when we stopped at the port there, I think taxi or ferry were both $6-$7 each way. The locals are pretty aggressive (annoying) trying to get you to take tours, etc. We just walked around to the shops and straw market then headed to Atlantis. I didn't have a lot of money to gamble with but I thought the casino was nice and had a good selection of games.

Oh when we went to the private island, the rocks were killing my feet so I might recommend water shoes if you plan to go in the ocean. The water was beautiful and it was still warm when I went in November last year.

Enjoy your cruise and have a wonderful time!


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Thanks so much GG. I'm very excited about it. I'm not big on ocean water and going in it....I know that sounds weird for the type of cruise I'm doing. I love looking at it.. I just don't go swimming much. May have to at least get my feet wet just to say I did it. As far as excursions go. I don't think I'll do many if at all. Maybe walk around the ports and explore a little. Though I did see on in Stirrup Cay that involved at Jet Ski. I love those. My other question, Re the locals quite American-ized? Like fluent in English etc....

[SoCalRob]

BorgataBabe I'm so confused when it comes to the specialty dining and cocktails. I got the unlimited beverage(adult drinks Inc) and dining packages with the room. So I understand how they work. But I don't understand where the 18% grat charge for those packages is placed. Is it when you settle your bill or per drink/restaurant.... It's so confusing. :( I didn't know you couldn't gamble when ported. Thanks for letting me know that. I assumed both Nassau and Florida you could since both have their own respective casinos.

[BorgataBabe]

SoCalRob, I can't quite remember myself if all that extra gratuity went directly onto your bill you received on the last day. ChrissyDee can probably let you know for sure.

I know my husband usually always tipped extra but he's from a family of waiters & waitresses and always tips generously.
With 3 kids traveling with us, our bill on the last day was scary!!


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[SoCalRob]

SoCalRob, I can't quite remember myself if all that extra gratuity went directly onto your bill you received on the last day. ChrissyDee can probably let you know for sure.

I know my husband usually always tipped extra but he's from a family of waiters & waitresses and always tips generously.
With 3 kids traveling with us, our bill on the last day was scary!!


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I bet!!! Because you're not handling it right there when the transaction happens it's probably easy to go a little overboard!!!! Haha. Thankfully there's just the two of us!!

[Gypsy]

BorgataBabe I'm so confused when it comes to the specialty dining and cocktails. I got the unlimited beverage(adult drinks Inc) and dining packages with the room. So I understand how they work. But I don't understand where the 18% grat charge for those packages is placed. Is it when you settle your bill or per drink/restaurant.... It's so confusing. :( I didn't know you couldn't gamble when ported. Thanks for letting me know that. I assumed both Nassau and Florida you could since both have their own respective casinos.
The 18% gratuity is included and paid by NCL when you get the package. The amount is based on the package's worth. Your gratituities are covered unless you choose to tip more per drink. Same with the dining package.

[SoCalRob]

The 18% gratuity is included and paid by NCL when you get the package. The amount is based on the package's worth. Your gratituities are covered unless you choose to tip more per drink. Same with the dining package.
Even if the package price was not separate. It was just the deal they were having that if you booked a suite or Haven room you got all four of the packages listed?

[Gypsy]

Yes, you are covered! Cruise Critic message boards are a great resource, check it out! You are going to be spoiled beyond belief in the Haven, lucky guy!!

[SoCalRob]

Yes, you are covered! Cruise Critic message boards are a great resource, check it out! You are going to be spoiled beyond belief in the Haven, lucky guy!!
Fantastic!!! I was so worried because they don't make everything clear online about it all. Unfortunately my room isn't in the Haven(which is a huge bummer). It is however a Haven suite. Makes no sense to me how it can be both though. Not a haven deck but still a haven room.

[SoCalRob]

Ok Jokers. Here's a video of The Aft Haven PH Suite with Masterbedroom and Balcony, This isn't the specific numbered room I got, but I am one floor directly below this room. That balcony is MASSIVE!!!! Future site of Joker's M&G party!!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDUbJWq6Ky0

[SoCalRob]

Gypsy How do the spa passes work? I can't find any solid information on them...even on Cruise Critics. Is there special priority for Haven memebers or just Haven Spa Suite members? I just want to be able to be one of the first ones to get a spa pass. Since i've never done any form of spa treatments I figured this would be the perfect time to try one.

[bluesfan]

I have done NCL a few times, the haven option is awesome! You do get speciality breakfast and lunch for just haven members. That was a nice perk. We did speciality dinner each night too, bought the package. My offer came with a casino drink card so didn't need the drink package. Both of my cruises were Alaska.
You will have a great time for sure!

[SoCalRob]

I have done NCL a few times, the haven option is awesome! You do get speciality breakfast and lunch for just haven members. That was a nice perk. We did speciality dinner each night too, bought the package. My offer came with a casino drink card so didn't need the drink package. Both of my cruises were Alaska.
You will have a great time for sure!
I'm really excited. I just want it to get here. I wanna try the thermal suites area but from what I've read they're incredibly popular passes to get. So I have to figure out how to get them.

[Gypsy]

SoCalRob the spa is included with the Haven. If you have to buy a spa pass, just make sure you buy it when you first get on board. In the past, they were @ $200 each and I have always been able to get the pass on the first day.

[SoCalRob]

SoCalRob the spa is included with the Haven. If you have to buy a spa pass, just make sure you buy it when you first get on board. In the past, they were @ $200 each and I have always been able to get the pass on the first day.
I saw they sell day passes in Port for $39/pp hopefully I can just go tone of those. I don't need 7 days worth of access.

[Gypsy]

Sorry, I misunderstood, then yes, if your sailing offers day passes go for it.

[Evoni]

I've loved cruising since my first one out of high school at 18. I'm sure this will turn out to be the first of many cruises for you!

[SoCalRob]

I've loved cruising since my first one out of high school at 18. I'm sure this will turn out to be the first of many cruises for you!
Its more about affordability. Haha

[Mauretania]

What a fabulous cruise and it looks like a beautiful stateroom!
I look forward to reading your trip report with lots of pictures.

Where do you plan on staying in NYC before the cruise?

[SlotPlayer]

It may very well be your last. I hear once people taste the suite life on NCL they wont go back to a regular cabin. And as you know suites are costly. That being said, after your casino play this trip, you may get some new nice offers directly from NCL.


I was on the sister ship Getaway. We booked our shows and dining times in advance. I don't know how many days out you can do that now.

We also loved Moderno. That was the only specialty we tried.

These are really nice ships with great service.

[SoCalRob]

What a fabulous cruise and it looks like a beautiful stateroom!
I look forward to reading your trip report with lots of pictures.

Where do you plan on staying in NYC before the cruise?
A Courtyard brand hotel a few blocks or so from the port. It's right across the street from the Studio 54 theater. It's a great hotel. I stayed there when I went to NYC last year to see Cabaret.

[SoCalRob]

It may very well be your last. I hear once people taste the suite life on NCL they wont go back to a regular cabin. And as you know suites are costly. That being said, after your casino play this trip, you may get some new nice offers directly from NCL.


I was on the sister ship Getaway. We booked our shows and dining times in advance. I don't know how many days out you can do that now.

We also loved Moderno. That was the only specialty we tried.

These are really nice ships with great service.
I'm definitely going to get as much of those out of the way as soon as they become available. We are gonna do Cirque Jungle. I wish our boat had the Murder Mystery... But from what I found it doesn't unfortunately. :/ yeah I keep reading all of that about NCL too. I'm going to try not to feel to spoiled. It'll be difficult given we have our own Butler(which I have no idea what to ask them for or use them for)...

[FL Mary]

You will have such a fun time. I love NCL.

[Nhcris]

2554

There's your ship in Bermuda last Thursday. You are going to love her!

[SoCalRob]

2554

There's your ship in Bermuda last Thursday. You are going to love her!
I am so excited!!!!

[foamy]

Looks awesome SoCalRob and the Atlantis is US currency.

[kolonialone]

SoCalRob I don't know if this has been mentioned, but bring along the motion sickness patches (Rx Transderm Scop) just in case. I don't get motion sickness easily, but one day on our cruise it was rough and I definitely was glad I had them. You really only need a half a patch, so you can share the other half with your bf so it doesn't go to waste. :)