First Timer’s Guide to Cruising Norwegian

Cruising has been one of the most alluring ways to see the world and explore. It’s a timeless way you can travel in utmost luxury and comfort. Whether you cruise for the pursuit of culinary indulgence, adrenaline-inducing excursions, amazing Broadway-style shows, or just checking off travel destinations on your bucket list, there’s enough to get you hooked even deeper into your cruising addiction.

Norwegian Cruise Lines provides that perfect balance of affordability, luxury and fun, all wrapped into one amazing cruise experience. It’s the ultimate getaway that makes you consider booking your next cruise while being on one. But if you haven’t cruised before, you might have questions on what to expect, and what things you’ll like to know before embarking on your nautical voyage.

From our cruise experiences to yours, here is our guide for those who will be cruising with Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) for the first time. Also, don’t forget to check out other cruise tips on our site.

1. 33 Things To Pack For A Cruise Besides Clothes
2. Things to Leave Behind When Packing For Your Next Cruise
3. 18 Hidden Costs That Bump Up Your Cruising Budget

#1 Download the Cruise Norwegian App

The Cruise Norwegian App is your ultimate travel companion when cruising Norwegian. It is free to download on Google Play or Apple App Store, and brings tremendous value before and while you cruise.

Some of its really useful features include:
a. View and book shore excursions
b. Make dining reservations
c. Check out onboard entertainment
d. View your itinerary and reservations
e. Online check-in and viewing eDOCs
f. Track onboard purchases
g. Daily schedule of cruise activities and events
h. Call and message guests onboard

#2 Cruise Travel Documents

When cruising, be absolutely certain to bring with you all required travel documents. They must be presented at the pier prior to boarding or you will not be permitted to board the ship.

Acceptable Travel Documents For Cruising:

a. Valid passport

• Make sure you have a current passport that is at least 6 months from expiration.
• Valid for land, sea and air travel
• Bring this if you have one. You might need it if you ever miss your ship and need to fly to the next port, or if you need to leave your cruise because of a personal emergency.

b. Passport card

• Valid only for land & sea, but not air travel between the US, Canada & Caribbean islands.
• “Closed-loop” cruises only (or cruises that begins and ends in same US port)

c. State Enhanced Driver’s License

• Valid only for land & sea, but not air travel between the US, Canada & Caribbean islands.
• Issued only by some states to US & Canadian citizens only
• “Closed-loop” cruises only

d. Certificate of US Naturalization

• “Closed-loop” cruises only.

e. Birth Certificate with Government Issued Photo ID

• “Closed-loop” cruises only

Since Norwegian takes you to various destinations all over the world, certain destinations might require a visa even for US Citizens. Please click here to read more about travel documents required for your cruise.

#3 Dining and Beverage

Cruise ship dining is anything but ordinary. From complimentary culinary offerings to the some of the most elegant gastronomic feasts with specialty dining options, Norwegian cruises certainly know how to seduce guests with the most tempting provisions money can buy.

Complimentary Dining Options

There’s nothing subpar about NCL’s complimentary options where you may have up to three main dining rooms (MDR) with rotating menus depending on the size of the ship, a buffet-style restaurant with several food stations serving up delicious food throughout the day, plus small order type cafes for a quick bite.

Regular coffee and tea, some fruit juices and iced water are always available at no extra charge throughout your cruise.

Specialty Dining Options

If you would like to add a little more flair to the already opulent complimentary dining choices or simply cherish a more exotic flavor, specialty dining restaurants are available to provide you just that, for a nominal charge of course.

Click here for more details on Special Dining Restaurants onboard NCL’s ships.

Freestyle Dining

Cruise dining has never been more accommodating to guests preferences of when and who to dine with. With NCL’s freestyle dining, you can relax and really enjoy your meals according to your hankerings. Dining options are available, most of them complimentary to your cruise fare. You can still set up certain reservations for your party by making arrangements with Guest Services.

Specialty Dining Packages

Specialty Dining Packages allow you to save money as you savor culinary offerings at Specialty Dining Restaurants on your cruise. With one set price, you can choose how many meals you want to enjoy. Just remember that the more meals you purchase, the greater the savings. For pricing information, please click here.

Note: A 20% gratuity and special service charge will be added at the time of purchase. Please click here for some great information answering frequently asked questions on NCL’s Specialty Dining Packages.

Beverage Packages

Beverage Packages allow you to customize your experience and indulge in unlimited beverages to your liking.

a. Premium Beverage Package

• Unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks valued up to $15 per drink
• Prepaid at $99 per person per day

b. Premium Plus Beverage Package

• Premium Beverage Package benefits plus premium drinks like Veuve Clicquot, Patrón Añejo, The Macallan Quest and more.
• Prepaid at $128 per person per day

c. Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package

• Unlimited beers, wines and soft drinks
• Prepaid at $65 per person per day

d. Soda Package

• Endless fountain soda throughout your cruise
• Prepaid at $7.95 per person per day (Guests ages 13 & up) or $5.95 per person per day (Guests 12 & under).

Notes:

• Price is subject to 20% gratuity and service charge.
• Guests must be at least 21 years old to purchase packages with alcoholic beverages.
• With the exception of soda packages, beverage packages must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom.

Bottled Water Packages

Hydrate yourself and save money on bottled water (1 liter) by pre-ordering and having them sent to your stateroom.

Prices are $16.95 for a 6-pack, $29.95 for a 12-pack, and $44.95 for a 24-pack. Prices are subject to 20% gratuity and service charge.

Room Service

Room service is available 24 hours a day. Most of the items are complimentary. You just have to pay a small convenience fee of $7.95 per order. If you’re staying in the Haven Suite Cabin, room service will not bring an extra charge and orders will be delivered by your butler.

#4 Internet Packages

Stay connected while at sea with these Wi-Fi packages you can purchase for your cruise.

a. Unlimited Wi-Fi Package

• Unlimited internet connection that allows you to connect to the internet except video streaming
• Priced at $25.50 per day if purchased online pre-cruise, or $29.99 per day if purchased onboard.

b. Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package

• Unlimited internet connection including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Video.
• Priced at $29.50 per day if purchased online pre-cruise, or $34.99 per day if purchased onboard.

c. Unlimited Social Media Wi-Fi

• Unlimited connection to social media sites only. No email, web browsing or streaming.
• Priced at $12.50 per day if purchased online pre-cruise, or $14.99 per day if purchased onboard.

d. 250 Minutes Anytime Internet

• Purchase a total of 250 minutes of limited internet connectivity on your cruise for $105 if purchased online pre-cruise, or $125 if purchased onboard.

Note: Each package can be used only on one device at a time.

#5 Welcome Aboard Treats

Treats you can purchase and will be sent directly to the stateroom.

a. Captain’s Choice ($41)

• Plate of assorted seasonal fruits with a bottle of wine (white, red or non-alcoholic)

b. Shrimper’s Delight ($35)

• Two-dozen jumbo shrimp served on ice with lemon and cocktail sauce.

c. Collection of International Cheeses ($32)

• Cheese platter with a good variety of international cheeses. Serves up to 4 people.

d. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries ($12)

• Plate of 6 chocolate-covered strawberries for your delight.

#6 Luggage Requirements

Guests are allowed two checked luggages with a maximum of 50lbs each. Luggages should be clearly labeled with your name, address and contact number.

Luggage tags can be found and printed on the last page of your eDocs after you check-in online.

#7 Cruise Cabin Types

NCL offers guests a wide variety of cabin options based on budget, level of luxury and personal preferences.

a. The Haven – most luxurious class complete with your personal butler, concierge service, and a private sundeck.

b. Mini Suites – cruise in luxury in these spacious cabins with a private balcony

c.Spa – pamper yourself with these special cabins (The Haven, Mini suite or Balcony type) with easy access to the spa and fitness center, along with complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suites.

d. Balcony – enjoy a breathtaking view of the open ocean in your own private balcony.

e. Oceanview – even without a balcony, you have a window and a great view of the ocean

f. Inside – same as Oceanview staterooms in size and features but without a window

g. Studio – designed for solo travelers with functional yet more compact rooms

Please click here if you would like to know more about NCL cabin types. Remember, if you are worried about being seasick, it is best to choose a cabin that’s located midship on a lower deck.

#8 Electrical Outlets

All NCL ships are equipped with North American standard, 110 volts AC and standard European 220/230 volts AC outlets.

Multi box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. You can also use a European power adapter.

#9 Laundry Services

Laundry and dry-cleaning services are available on your cruise with the added option of an express same day service for an additional charge. Just complete the order form and your stateroom steward will pick up your laundry and return it when done. Self-serve laundry services are not available.

#10 Onboard Purchases

All onboard purchases are charged to your onboard account. You can set up a method of payment when you check in. The following are acceptable methods of payment:

a. Credit Card

• preferred payment type
• pre-authorization will be done to make sure you have enough credit on your account

b. Debit Card

• based on your onboard purchases, multiple holds may be placed on your account. These may persist up to 30 days after your cruise ends.
• make sure you have enough funds as banks may charge overdraft fees.

c. Cash/Traveler’s Check

• initial deposit can be placed on your account for your purchases onboard. $150 per person for cruises less than 7 days, $300 per person for 7-day cruises, and $450 per person for cruises longer than 7 days.
• once your initial deposit amount is exceeded, you will no longer be able to make purchases until you add more money to your account.
• any unused amount will be refunded to you on the day of debarkation.
• personal checks are not acceptable

#11 Seasickness

When you’re on a cruise, the one thing you don’t ever want to have is to get seasick. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent you from being seasick.

Here’s a few of our recommendations that helps:
a. Scopolamine patch (Prescription – prevents motion sickness)
b. Dramamine (Over the counter but get the less drowsy kind)
c. Zofran (Prescription – helps with nausea)
d. Ginger Pills (Natural way to prevent motion sickness)
e. Seabands (Naturally prevents motion sickness by applying pressure to certain point on your wrist)
f. Choose a stateroom on a lower deck and located mid ship.  Rooms closest to the front or the stern of the cruise ship experience most of the rocking motion.

#12 Freestyle Daily

Freestyle Daily is NCL’s daily newsletter guests receive each night of their cruise for the next day’s events. It features everything happening onboard and in port.

Feature Highlights:

• Schedule of activities
• Shore excursions for each port
• Dining venues, schedules and onboard facilities
• Children programming
• Onboard entertainment
• Specials and discounts of the day

#13 Bringing Beverages Onboard

Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. A corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes.

750 ml Bottle: $15.00
1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00

With the exception of purified water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula, and fully sealed wine bottles for personal consumption, guests are not allowed to bring any beverages on board, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

#14 Stateroom Keycard

Once your stateroom card is activated during the final check-in process, you will be ready to board. This will serve as:

a. Keycard to your stateroom
b. Identification card for reboarding the ship at ports of call either by swiping or scanning
c. Charge card for your onboard purchases
d. Indicates your muster station

To keep them from getting lost, check out these nautical-themed water resistant badge holders you can use.

#15 Muster Safety Drill

The Muster Safety Drill is a mandatory drill that everyone must attend before you set sail. The drill only takes a few minutes and keeps you informed of what to do during an emergency at sea.

After the drill is over, head up to the main deck by the pool for the Sail Away party and let the fun begin!

#16 Online Check-in

Online Check-in must be completed at least one day before sailing date for every guest in your stateroom in order to view and print your eDocs. Otherwise, you may be subject to an extended check-in procedure at the cruise terminal or may even be denied boarding.

Once completed, you can print a copy of your boarding pass. Please note that all guests in your cabin must be checked in before you will be able to print your boarding pass. Each guest must bring their eDocs with them to the port, as they will be required for entry.

#17 Pregnancy Policy

Pregnant moms who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy at any time during the cruise period will not be allowed to board the ship. You might need to present a medical certificate establishing your due date before you cruise.

#18 Photo Packages

Photo Packages can be purchased online pre-cruise to help save you money and get free prints depending on your purchase. You can choose between 6×8 or 8×10 sized images taken by professional photographers onboard.

Package prices are as follows:

a. 10- Photo Package ($149)

• Any 10 photos, 1 bonus print

b. 20-Photo Package ($199)

• Any 20 photos, 3 bonus prints

c. 30-Photo Package ($249)

• Any 30 photos, 5 bonus prints

Notes: Photo Packages are only available for sailings of 7 days or longer. They are sold per stateroom and not refundable.

#19 Ways too Communicate

Here are ways you can keep in touch while onboard the ship:

a. Cellular Roaming

• The ship is equipped with a cell tower that allows you to text and make calls onboard. However, roaming charges will apply and rates are based on your cellphone carrier.

b. Cruise Norwegian App

• With this complimentary app, you can communicate with fellow cruisers while connected to the ship’s Wifi network
• Phone & Messenger Package ($9.95 per person) allows you to make unlimited calls, texts, voicemail and group chat with guests onboard using the app. Rate is $0.79 per minute for calls off the ship to supported countries.

c. Internet VOIP

• You can also purchase an internet package and connect via VOIP or video calls online.

#20 Group Sitting Services

Babysitting services are not offered, but group sitting services are available for children 3 to 12 years of age.

a. Late Night Fun Zone

• Available each night between 10:30pm – 1:30am
• Rate is at $6 hourly & $4 hourly for each additional sibling

b. Port Play

• Available from port arrival to port departure. If docked in port overnight, service is available from arrival up to 8pm.
• Minimal fee is charged only during scheduled meal time per the activity booklet.

Notes:

• Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance.
• Fees are charged to your onboard account.

#21 Latitudes Rewards Program

NCL rewards its most loyal cruisers with perks and onboard benefits for their next cruise bookings.

Rewards Tiers:

a. Bronze (1 -29 pts)
b. Silver (30 – 54 pts)
c. Gold (55 – 79 pts)
d. Platinum (80 – 174 pts)
e. Platinum Plus (175 – 699 pts)
f. Ambassador (700+ pts)

Notes: 

• Earn 1 point for each cruise night
• Earn additional point booking in a Concierge, Suite or The Haven
• Earn 1 additional point per night when booking a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer
• Click here to know more about NCL’s program details and benefits.

#22 Youth Programs

Keep your junior cruisers entertained with NCL’s Youth Program and the plethora of fun-filled activities especially designed to keep the young ones entertained while you enjoy port days or a romantic night out.

a. Splash Academy for Kids

• For kids 6 months up to 12 years old
• Lots of fun activities for your little ones in the following age groups: Guppies (6 months to less than 3 years old), Turtles (3 – 5 years), Seals (6 – 9 years) and Dolphins (10 – 12 years)

b. Entourage for Teens

• video games, art, movies, dancing and whole lot of fun activities to keep your teens entertained

Please click here for more details on NCL Youth Program’s list of exciting activities.

#23 Gratuities

Automatic gratuity is added to your onboard account at a rate of $14.99 per person per day for those staying in standard cabins and mini suites, and $17.99 per person per day if you’re staying in The Haven and other suites.

A 20% gratuity and service charge is added to the following:
a. Spa and salon services
b. Beverage purchases
c. Specialty restaurant dining
d. Entertainment-based dining

#24 Booking Port Excursions

Port Excursions are integral to many cruisers’ itinerary. There are plenty of things to do in port, most of them unique experiences that allow you to immerse a little with local attractions.

Here are some benefits of booking your shore excursions through NCL:

a. Convenience – you’ll be presented with shore excursions that will work with your cruise schedule. You just pick and choose which one you want.
b. Value – no hidden costs or surprise fees. Only reliable tour operators giving you the best value for your money.
c. Peace of mind – if an unforeseeable delay happens on an excursion booked through NCL, the ship will not leave you behind.
d. Unpredictable weather and refunds – if bad weather prompts the captain to change port, what you paid for your excursion will be refunded right away to your onboard account.
e. Ease of booking – You can call to book your Shore Excursions: 866-625-1167 (US & Canada) or 0845-201-8907 (UK), or log in to My NCL online.

#25 Shows and Entertainment

Cruise entertainment is renowned for its mesmerizing acts, Broadway-style musicals and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Norwegian Cruise Entertainment is of no exception, plus it’s already part of your cruise fare.

Each ship has its own lineup of shows. Please click here to check out which shows are on which Norwegian Cruise Ship you’ll be cruising on.

Show reservations are recommended but not required. If you want to ensure that you have a good seat to the show that best agrees with your dinner plans, then you might as well do so.

#26 Dress Code

Cruise Casual is the main dress code on NCL ships. Thanks to their concept of Freestyle Cruising, this means that comfort is always a top priority. So if you don’t want to pack any formal attire, you don’t have to. 

You can dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most specialty restaurants. 
a. Women can wear summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. 
b. Men can wear khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts. 

Notes to consider:
a. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required.

b. Tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.

c. For those who enjoy dressing up for dinner, there is one (two on cruises longer than seven-nights) completely optional “formal night” in various areas of the ship.

d. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all restaurants.

#27 Romance & Party Packages

Whether you’re celebrating a big win, a romantic relationship milestone, or simply want to add a little bit more flair to your cruising experience, you can purchase special packages ahead of time.

Romance Package Options

Celebrate love and romance with flowers, wine, sweets, breakfast in bed, romantic dinner for two and an 8×10 professional photograph. Deluxe packages include a revitalizing couple’s massage. Orders must be placed at least 5 days prior to cruise sail date.

a. Honeymoon/Anniversary Package ($179)
b. Deluxe Honeymoon Package ($299)
c. Romance Package ($169)
d. Deluxe Romance Package ($299)
e. Ultimate Romance Package ($429)
f. Private Vow Renewal with Ceremony ($499)

Party Package Options

There’s always a reason to party, especially when it comes complete with a party cake, decorations, and even some confetti. Packages are priced at $39.68 each. Decorations are set up on your requested date.

a. Anniversary Package
b. Birthday Package
c. Bon Voyage Package
d. Congratulations Package

#28 CruiseNext Program

NCL’s CruiseNext Program allows you to place a deposit towards a future cruise while getting free onboard credits to spend on your current cruise.

$250 deposit = $100 onboard credits
4 x $250 deposit = $500 onboard credits

#29 Stateroom Amenities

All staterooms have a television, personal safe, hair dryer and shower essentials. There is also a well-stocked mini-bar on a pay per consumption basis even with the purchase of a drinks package.

Each stateroom is equipped with a phone which you can use to make complimentary stateroom-to-stateroom calls.

#30 Smoking Policy

Smoking is allowed, but only in designated areas. Smoking in staterooms or stateroom balconies is strictly prohibited and may incur a $250 cleaning charge plus damages to your stateroom account. 

According to NCL policy, since electronic cigarettes look so much like the real thing, they are not allowed in public areas with a no-smoking policy.

Since designated smoking areas differ from ship to ship, here is an unofficial guide that I’ve found online indicating where those designated areas are. Click here to check it out. If in doubt, you can always call Guest Services to make certain.