EmailFrequently Asked Questions
- What is Included in the cruise fare? And what's extra?
- How much and who should I tip?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What if the cruise price drops after I book or I find a better fare?
- Does the ship provide internet access? If so, how much does it cost?
- How can I keep in stay in touch with friends and family on land? Can I use my cell phone?
- What is the dress code?
- Can I bring alcohol on board?
- What kinds of items are not allowed on board?
CRUISE INCLUDES:
Room accommodations
- Upgraded linens, pillows, mattresses and memory foam mattress or toppers
- Toiletries and amenities
- 24 hour room service
Food and drinks
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Some beverages (non-soda, non-bottled, non-alcoholic)
Entertainment
- Variety of Youth programs
- Up to 20 different bars and lounges
- Broadway style shows, Vegas style shows, Comedy shows
General
- Fitness center
- Sports (basketball, table tennis, etc.)
- All pools
- Library
Not Included (available for EXTRA Charge):
Food and drinks
- Specialty dining
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks
On-board activity
- Spa treatments
- Indoor pool relaxation areas
- Certain specialty exercise classes
- Casino
General
- On-demand movies and music
- Laundry
- Photographs
- Ship-to-shore phone
- E-mail, Internet, Fax
- Government taxes and fees
- Shore Excursions (including all "Dive In" programs)
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
NCL Service Charge
On all NCL ships payment of Pre-Paid Service Fee is required. A fixed Service Charge of $12 per person, per day will be added to your onboard account. The service charge is only for guests ages 3 years & up.
Gratuities
Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service (because you are already paying for it in the "Service Charge"). In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip, but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals.
However, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. These staff members are not included in the "Service Charge", so appropriate gratuities are recommended. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
The cancellation fee depends on a couple of factors: Days until departure and length of the cruise. The closer you get to the sailing date the larger that fee. The earlier you cancel, the less the fee. However, the specifics vary depending on the length of your cruise, room classification and if you are sailing on a holiday, see here.
For example, for a 1 week, 7-night cruise the cancellation fee is:
- None, if cancelled with 76 days or more until departure (91 days for holiday sailings)
- Your deposit amount ($250 per person), if cancelled between 75-30 days from departure
- 50% of the total fare, if cancelled between 29 and 8 days till departure
- 100% of the total fare, if cancelled within 7 days of departure
Requests for refunds must be made in writing to NCL.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here.↑ Back to Top
"Best Price. Guaranteed." Program:
If you find a lower advertised price from Norwegian Cruise Line for the same cruise within 48 hours of booking your fully deposited trip, you'll receive 110% of the difference in the form of an Onboard Credit, or we'll re-price your cruise at the lower price. The choice is yours.
Just complete the "Best Price. Guaranteed." claim form and submit it online within 48 hours of making your booking. If it meets the Guarantee criteria and you choose to receive an On-board Credit, we will automatically attach that credit to your account. Once you are on board the ship, you can use the credit however you please.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
Internet Cafe
All ships have Internet Cafes. Internet access is available in the Internet Cafe 24 hours a day.
Wi-Fi internet access is also available for guests that bring their own laptop or smart phones. Wireless access points are located in several areas around the ship.
Internet minutes are available at the following rates:
An initial one-time Activation Fee of $3.95 applies to each user.
A basic pay as you go charge of $0.75 per minute is available. Minutes are rounded to the next full minute. The time package plans are as follows:
- 250 minutes for $100 ($0.40 per minute)
- 100 minutes for $55 ($0.55 per minute)
Laptop rentals are subject to availability. Access to printing at $0.50 per page.
*Wireless internet (also known as Wi-Fi) is available throughout NCL's entire fleet. To use the wireless Internet Service all you need is your laptop to get connected in the Internet Cafe or you can use it around the ship in the wireless coverage areas. Please see the Internet Cafe Manager onboard for the selected areas.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
Telephone:
Available on all NCL ships are telephones, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in the world and are billed* at applicable ship-to-shore rates. NCL guests can also be contacted on our ships by calling 1.888.NCSHIPS (1.888.627.4477) from the USA. For the rest of the world please dial 1.732.335.3280. When guests are contacted with the ship via satellite, they can be reached directly, if they are in their stateroom. If not, a message about the incoming call will be delivered to their stateroom and then they can call back* the shore via satellite.
*American Express, MasterCard and Discover Card, only.
Cell Phone:
Yes, you can use your cell phone. Note, you will incur roaming charges (T-Mobile $4.99/min, AT&T $2.49/min, Verizon $2.49/min, Sprint $2.49/min, Alltel $2.49/min). Remember to pack your phone charger.
For more questions about your service or about billing, please contact your cell phone provider. Click here for more information.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
Daytime dress can be anything from casual shorts, jeans, tops and sundresses. You can even wear your swimsuit to the poolside grill or the buffet.
The dress is "resort casual" for most dining venues, entertainment options and bars & lounges. Resort casual dress gets you into every venue at night too. Some people like to add a jacket, or when celebrating a special occasion, get all decked out. This too is welcome everywhere. Shorts are allowed in the buffet for a casual dinner. Nice jeans are also allowed in many of the restaurants, but not in all.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
No beer or hard liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. However, wine or champagne is allowed on embarkation. Corkage fees range from $15-$30.
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers several "Soda Packages", but does not offer any other beverage packages at this time.
Unlimited soda fountain package: $6.25 per person per day; $4 per day for kids 12 and under (or $43.75 for a 7-night cruise). Given a can of soda is $2.10, if you drink 3 or more sodas per day you should consider buying this package.
Bottled water packages: six large bottles for $21.95 (a $27 value); 12 large bottles for $39.95 (a $54 value); 18 large bottles for $55.95 (a $81 value); and 24 large bottles for $69.95 (a $108 value). A large bottled water costs $4.50. ↑ Back to Top
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Passenger is not allowed to bring on board the vessel any intoxicating liquors, or beverages, firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature, nor animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal.
More info on Norwegian Cruise Line's website here↑ Back to Top
MeetOnCruise: Our Take
Do as you please, say the folks at Norwegian Cruise Line. Best known for their "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which means that there are no set times or seating arrangements for meals, and formal attire is not required. Their newest ship, Norwegian Epic, raises the bar for onboard entertainment and amenities featuring the famous Blue Man Group as well as a real "Ice Bar". NCL is best suited for couples, singles and families who enjoy upbeat and hip entertainment, lots of bars/lounges and many dining options.
Norwegian Cruise Line Photos from Members
