NCL
Cruises Information
What does my
cruise fare include?
-
Your cruise
fare entitles you to accommodations, meals and entertainment
aboard ship. Certain specialty restaurants are available with
either nominal cover charges or fixed price menus and ` la carte
pricing in addition to the standard dining program. Items of a
personal nature are not included, such as alcoholic beverages
and soft drinks, spa treatments, certain specialty exercise
classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone,
e-mail, Internet, fax and Shore Excursions (including all Dive
In programs). Government taxes and fees are also not included.
What about
Tipping?
-
SERVICE
CHARGE
A fixed service
charge of $10 per person, per day will be added to your onboard
account. For children ages 3-12, a $5 per person per day charge
will be added to your onboard account; there is no charge for
children under the age of three. Our crew is encouraged to work
together as a service team and is compensated by a combination
of salary and incentive programs that the service charge
supports. It is our earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle
Cruise experience and that our entire crew in all areas of the
ship will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL
is known. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the service
you receive during your cruise, please bring them to the
immediate attention of our reception desk staff on board so that
we can address any issues in a timely manner before the cruise
is over.
-
Both NCL and NCL
America have a structured guest satisfaction program on board
designed to handle any concerns raised by our guests relating to the
service or on board product quickly and efficiently. In almost all
cases we are able to come up with a satisfactory solution to any
issues which are raised and make sure our guests can focus on
enjoying their cruise vacation. In the unlikely event we cannot
satisfactorily resolve the issue through our guest satisfaction
program, guests will be able to adjust the service charge according
to the level of inconvenience they feel they have experienced. Our
clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue,
when it happens, to everyones complete satisfaction.
-
GRATUITIES
Unlike most other ships in
the cruise industry, there is no required or recommended tipping on NCL
America or Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Guests should not feel obliged
to offer a gratuity for service that is generally rendered to all
guests.
-
However, all of our
staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile", and so they are permitted
to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who
wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or
outstanding service. 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.
-
Also, certain staff
positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We
encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff
members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing
bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. Similarly, for guests
using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering
a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.
How do I pay for
onboard expenses?
-
For your convenience,
all shipboard expenses are charged to NCL's special onboard credit
program. Sign up on the first day of your cruise, by establishing your
method of payment with Visa., MasterCard., American Express., Discover.,
Diners Club., travelers checks or cash. If you choose to settle your
account with cash, a deposit will be required in advance. You may also
use your debit card; however, please be advised that NCL obtains
pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.
What about currency?
-
You may cash
travelers checks at the Reception Desk. Currency exchange, at prevailing
rates, is available on some cruises. Travelers checks and most major
credit cards are accepted in the ports we visit. Proper ID is required
when cashing travelers checks. We recommend you carry a small amount of
local currency when visiting foreign ports, although credit cards are
commonly accepted in shops and restaurants.
What are the customs
allowances?
-
United States
residents must declare all articles acquired abroad and in their
possession when they return to the U.S. This includes items purchased in
"duty-free" shops. The duty-free exemption allowed for purchases or
gifts for returning U.S. residents varies, depending on how long they
have been out of the U.S. and which countries they have visited. The
standard exemption for U.S. residents who have been abroad more than 48
hours is $600 - $800, which may include one liter of alcohol (if you are
at least 21), 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes.
-
* Residents returning to
the U.S. from the U.S. Virgin Islands may bring $1,200 worth of goods
duty-free. The duty-free exemption for U.S. residents doesn't need to
include items that are mailed back to the U.S.; those will be assessed for
duty when they arrive. The duty-free exemption for a package mailed as a
gift is $100; the exemption for a package marked for personal use is $200.
Non-U.S. citizens should check with their local authorities for customs
allowance information. For more specific customs information, be sure to
attend the briefing by the Cruise Director before your ship reaches home
port. (Check the daily onboard newsletter for time and place.) You can also
obtain information before you sail by contacting the nearest U.S. Customs
office (look under United States Government, Department of Treasury in your
local phone book). You can also visit the U.S. Customs website -
www.customs.ustreas.gov - or call 1.202.927.6724 and ask for the brochure
"Know Before You Go." Note: Bottles of liquor you purchase on board or
ashore will be held in a secure area and delivered to your stateroom at the
conclusion of the cruise.
-
U.S. Citizens and
residents are not allowed to bring more than 200 cigarettes into the U.S. if
they are produced in the U.S., whether made for export or not.
How many suitcases can I
bring?
-
Each person is allowed up
to 200 pounds of personal luggage on board. However, if you are traveling by
air, ask the airline if it has different restrictions. Airlines and NCL have
limited liability for loss, so be sure all baggage and personal belongings
are properly insured. Suitcases should be securely locked and tagged. You
should hand-carry medication, jewelry or other valuables and important
documents.
What about smoking,
drinking and gambling on the ship?
-
Smoking is permitted in
designated areas in the bars and outside on open decks. All other areas on
board ship are non-smoking. Guests must be age 21 to purchase or drink
alcohol** however ages 18 years to 20 years may purchase and consume beer
and wine only with a completed parental consent form. This policy is not
applicable to the NCLA vessels or Hawaii and Alaska itineraries. This form
must be given to the reception desk on board the vessel by the parent or
guardian accompanied by the young adult with proof of age and relationship.
Guests must be age 18 to gamble on the ship. If a guest under age 18 wins in
the casino and cannot provide proof of age, he or she will not be paid the
winnings. There is no casino aboard Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and
Norwegian Wind. Guests are not allowed to bring on board the vessel any
alcoholic beverages of any kind.
-
**With the exception of
Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, NCL permits guests between the ages of eighteen
(18) and twenty (20) to purchase and personally consume wine and beer while on
NCL ships with the consent of a parent or legal guardian (Parental Consent).
Complete details and the Parental Consent form are available on board at the
Reception Desk.
Dress Code in Dining Rooms
-
Freestyle Cruising gives
our guests the freedom to dress as they please. Resort casual attire is
always appropriate morning, noon and night. However, NCL/ NCLA does not
allow any blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, bare feet, etc.
in any of our fine dining restaurants for dinner, including all main
restaurants, alternative restaurants, and cover charge venues.
-
Guests are allowed to wear
blue jeans, shorts and t-shirts, in the evenings at the buffets, outdoor
barbeques, and 24-hour venues, such as the Blue Lagoon, the Cadillac diner, etc.
-
Below are a few exceptions to
the dining room dress code:
Blue Jeans will be allowed in all dining rooms on all Houston departures, due to
the Texas culture.
Blue Jeans will be allowed in the Trattoria's in the evenings.
Bermuda shorts with knee high socks, or Scottish kilts with knee highs will also
be allowed in all dining rooms in Bermuda as these are considered formal dress
in Bermuda.
Hawaiian shirts are allowed with proper slacks in all dining rooms.
Ladies Capri Pants, which are a length between the knee and ankles, are
acceptable in all fine dining rooms as long as they are not blue jean capris.
What time is dinner?
-
What time would you like
it to be? NCL's exclusive Freestyle Cruising lets you choose. We offer
open-seating dining in a variety of restaurants and cafis with individual
menus, so it's your choice. You can have lunch or dinner with friends in one
of the elegantly appointed restaurants. Reserve a table for two in an
intimate bistro.
-
Order an omelette prepared
just the way you like it from the breakfast-buffet chef. Indulge yourself with
delectable selections from the Chocoholic Buffet. There are special menus for
youngsters and special entries from Cooking Light.. There's even a menu created
by Henry Haller, former White House Executive Chef under five U.S. presidents.
Special meals are available including low-calorie, vegetarian, no MSG, low/no
sodium and low/no cholesterol meals, as well as sugar-free and fat-free
desserts. All of our restaurants are non-smoking. Most specialty restaurants
require a per person cover charge or offer a` la carte pricing. Reservations are
recomended and can be made on board.
Will I need an electrical
converter?
Do children cruise for
free?
Are there children's
programs?
Are babysitters available?
Are there any pool
regulations?
What other services are
available?
-
Beauty parlor and spa
services include hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and massages in
our Mandara Spa Salon
-
Gift shops feature duty-free
shopping, with fine jewelry, perfumes, clothing, cosmetics and limited drug
store items
-
Laundry & dry-cleaning
services
-
Tuxedo rental prior to
sailing
-
Internet Cafi
-
Art auctions
-
Photographs taken throughout
the cruise
What about guests with
special needs?
-
NCL welcomes guests with
special needs. Of course, we may require advance notice in order to
accommodate them, so they must advise NCL's Ship Coordinator Department of
their needs at least three weeks prior to their cruise.
-
All of our ships have
designated staterooms with wider doorways and bathrooms that will accommodate
wheelchairs and staterooms with lights and under-pillow vibrating alarms for
guests with hearing impairments. Guide dogs are permitted on all NCL ships.Many
staterooms have refrigerators that can be used to store medications that must be
kept cold. Guests who need oxygen or require oxygen therapy are welcome on all
NCL ships; however, they must supply their own oxygen. Guests who use
wheelchairs must provide their own. Click here for more information for guests
with special needs.
Is there a doctor on
board?
What if I'm pregnant?
-
NCL will make every
effort to accommodate you, providing you have not entered the 24th week of
pregnancy when the cruise ends. However, you must provide the Ship
Coordinator Department with a medical certificate establishing your due date
prior to your cruise.
What about Shore
Excursions?
-
An updated listing of
Shore Excursions are available approximately 3 months prior to the first
sailing of each cruise destination season. If you are booked on a cruise, a
Shore Excursions brochure and pre-request form will be mailed to you with
your cruise documents. Some tours are available to pre-request online, or
you may fax the completed pre-request form to 1-305-436-4110. Once onboard,
Shore Excursions can also be purchased at the ship's Shore Excursion Desk.
How can we celebrate a
special occasion?
-
You may purchase wine, or
bon voyage gifts, such as fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapis,
flowers or other gifts for your stateroom. Please let us know at least three
weeks before sailing.
What if I need to stay in
touch while away?
-
All of our ships have
computer terminals you can rent by the hour at the Internet Cafi. You can
also telephone, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in the world and be
billed* at applicable ship-to-shore rates.
-
NCL guests can also be
contacted on one of our ships by calling 1.888.NCSHIPS (1.888.627.4477) from
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 cabin and then they can call back* the shore via satellite. Click here
to for NCL Ship Telephone & Fax Numbers."
-
*Please use the American
Express, MasterCard and Discover card, only.
Documentation, visas and
passports
-
The United States
Government recently enacted the Border Security Act, under which, effective
January 1, 2003, all guests must provide key personal information in advance
of sailing. Guests may fill out the Advance Guest Registration online, or
they can obtain a form through their travel agent to return via fax or mail
to NCL
-
All United States and
Canadian citizens must carry proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or
birth certificate along with a government issued photo ID (16 years or older).
It is your responsibility to check with your travel professional, local
immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine
requirements for passports, visas and other documentation, including
vaccinations for infectious diseases. Guests denied boarding by local
immigration officials for lack of proper documents are not entitled to a cruise
refund. Here are some guidelines, but please note that this list is not
exhaustive.
-
For travel from the United
States
To destinations in Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean,
guests who are not United States or Canadian citizens must carry a valid
passport and multiple entry visa for entry into the United States (B-2 Visitor's
Visa), or a visa waiver.
-
As visa requirements vary by
country and are subject to change, guests who are not United States or Canadian
citizens are urged to contact your travel professional, local immigration office
and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine the entry requirements for
your cruise destinations.
-
For travel from Hawaii
At the time of printing, U.S. Immigration regulations required all guests on
Hawaiian cruises that call at Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati to
carry a valid passport.
-
For travel abroad
As visa requirements vary by country and are subject to change, all guests
traveling abroad are urged to contact your travel professional, local
immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine the entry
requirements for your cruise destinations.
Where can I keep my
valuables?
-
Security envelopes and/or
safe deposit boxes are available from the ship's purser at no charge. Most
staterooms and suites have mini-safes. Please note, however, that NCL is not
responsible for valuables left in staterooms or elsewhere on board.
Are visitors allowed on
board?
What to Pack?
-
Freestyle Cruising gives
you the freedom to dress as you please. So come as you are. No need to check
for a suggested dress code in the ship's Freestyle Daily as you would on
traditional cruises. Resort casual attire is always appropriate morning,
noon and night. If you like, you can slip into a pair of khakis and a polo
shirt, a skirt and blouse or a sundress for dinner. We do not allow jeans,
T-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, bare feet, etc. in any of the
restaurants at dinner.
-
For those who do love to
dress to the nines and get that annual formal portrait photography done, there
is one optional formal evening in at least one of the main restaurants on every
cruise; at least two formal evenings on longer cruises. This means black tie or
dark suit for gentlemen and evening gown or cocktail dress for ladies. But
remember, on formal evenings you can always choose to dine in one of the other
restaurants instead and enjoy some of the other lounges and leave your dressier
clothes at home.
-
In warm climates, shorts,
slacks, sundresses, jeans and tops - and of course a swimsuit and cover-up are
all appropriate daytime attire. Air conditioning can feel chilly, so pack a
sweater. Because weather is difficult to predict, in cooler climates dressing in
layers is the best approach. For visits to places of worship, check your
Freestyle Daily for attire guidelines. Be sure to bring a pair of comfortable
walking shoes, too. Other essentials: sunglasses, a sun hat or visor and
sunscreen. Don't forget to bring prescription medicines in original containers
and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Carry valuables and medication
in a handbag you keep with you at all times.
-
Important Note: All suitcases
are collected the night before we return to our home port, so be sure to bring
an overnight bag.
What can't I bring
onboard?
-
Passenger is not allowed
to bring onboard the vessel without the previous written permission of the
Carrier 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.
NCL Age Requirements
-
Company policy dictates
that a passenger under 21 years of age must be accompanied in the same or
connecting stateroom by a passenger 21 years or older who expressly agrees
to be responsible for the under 21 passenger throughout the cruise. This
includes, but is not limited to, preventing under-age purchase or
consumption of alcohol**, preventing under-age gaming activities and
preventing violations of any ship's rules. Passengers must be age 21 to
purchase or consume alcohol and age 18 to gamble on the ship. If the
accompanying adult is not the minor's parent or legal guardian a NOTARIZED
PARENTAL/ GUARDIAN CONSENT LETTER that authorizes the minor's travel and
further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency must be
delivered to an NCL representative at the pier. Failure to produce this
letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied, with no refund of
cruise fare provided.
-
Note: Two people under the
age of 21 may travel together in the same stateroom without someone over the age
of 21 in the same stateroom if they purchased the cruise under the family plan
and have at least one person who is 21 years or older in the adjoining
stateroom. The age limit will be waived for married couples less than 21 years
of age provided proof of marriage is presented to an NCL representative at the
pier.
-
**With the exception of
Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, NCL permits guests between the ages of eighteen
(18) and twenty (20) to purchase and personally consume wine and beer while on
NCL ships with the consent of a parent or legal guardian (Parental Consent).
Complete details and the Parental Consent form are available on board at the
Reception Desk.
|
