Norwegian Cuise

jgourdain Posted: Aug 21, 2008 12:47 PM

Norwegian Cuise

Has anyone ever taken one? My FH has always wanted to go on one and wants us to go for the HM. The Norwegian Gem actually leaves from NY the day after my wedding so it is a possibility. Any advice would be great. Thanks

ttdiff11 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 12:56 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

thats so funny bc i posted about that recently bc thats the exact idea i have! i thought it was great bc i can save on airfare! lol. good luck and i hope people post with opinions for us both! haha.

chicky724 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 12:58 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

I went on the Norwegian Dawn leaving from NY and going to Miami and the Bahamas (about 3 years ago though)… it was great!! I love that you can eat whenever you want – you’re not on a set schedule and you don’t have to eat with a bunch of people you don’t know. The ship was sooo clean too and they had a lot of different restaurants. Let me know if you have any ?s!

ttdiff11 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 12:59 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

is the food included?

littlepixie12 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:00 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

we are going on a southern caribbean cruise out of PR for our HM. FH has been on 3 cruises and LOVED them!! We dont want to sail out of NY because you dont get to see all the nice islands becusae you lose two days just getting to the caribbean and we wanted to see all the St islands

jgourdain Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:01 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

I am worried about to many hidden extra cost. What are your thoughts?

FuTuRe MrS MaZz Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:02 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

Posted by chicky724

I went on the Norwegian Dawn leaving from NY and going to Miami and the Bahamas (about 3 years ago though)… it was great!! I love that you can eat whenever you want – you’re not on a set schedule and you don’t have to eat with a bunch of people you don’t know. The ship was sooo clean too and they had a lot of different restaurants. Let me know if you have any ?s!

My parents went on that one also, back in 04 ... that was the only cruise they went on and they seemed to love it.... minus my mom claiming she got food poisoning when in fact my dad & i are convinced she was sea sick... if you arent sure if you will be, take bonine anyways... it doesnt hurt... i swear by that stuff!

NickandTara426 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:03 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

I am taking a cruise on the Norwegian Gem on my HM. I've never been on a cruise before so I really can't comment but I've hear great things about NCL. I believe drinks, two restaurants, and spa treatments aren't included.

FuTuRe MrS MaZz Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:05 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

Posted by jgourdain

I am worried about to many hidden extra cost. What are your thoughts?

there are now fuel fees factored into the cost.... so all you ahve to worry about is your tips (about $10 p/p per day), your booze, any specialty restaurants you try (about $20 p/p), gambling (if you do that), and any excursions you purchase (which i would NOT get through the cruiseline b/c they are overpriced) .... check out cruisecritic msgboards to find out what to do on the islands and such...

FuTuRe MrS MaZz Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:06 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

Posted by ttdiff11

is the food included?

yes, minus any specialty resturants .... we never do those... they are about $20 pp.... there is perfectly good food in the dining room for free... LOL

ttdiff11 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 01:20 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

thankss!!

chicky724 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 02:14 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

Posted by ttdiff11

is the food included?

Like Gina said, most of the food is... but be careful with drinking bc drinks aren't included and they add up quickly!

Autumnbride03 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 02:41 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

we took the norwegian Spirit two years ago. from NY to Fla and the Bahamas. We LOVED it!

the food was really good and we didn't even eat at the 'specialty' restaurants- unnecessary. We loved the 'freestyle dining' format (no set times, eat whenever you want wherever and with whoever) and that they have a dress code for the restaurants. you don't have to dress up by any means but you won't be sitting next to some overweight guy in a wifebeater, like on some other cruises.

the rooms were clean and comfy. a little small, but you're never there anyway! (well, maybe on your honeymoon! ) the bathroom/shower was surprisingly really big, and the beds were SOOO comfy! they had down comforters! that and the gentle rocking of the boat, we slept like ROCKS.

the entertainment was phenomenal as well, they had a world-class juggler who held world records it was amazing, and a little broadway medley and we were impressed by the performance.

I agree tho, be careful of the drink bill! if you don't specify 'well vodka' they will give you grey goose!! we found that out unfortunately a bunch of $13 drinks later

i'd definitely take it again, it was by far our best vacation! we swam with the dolphins, snorkeled with the stingrays, and took the shuttle to cocoa beach, but they have a ton of activities to choose from.

the only 'complaint' was that we hit really rough seas between fl. and bahamas, which they said is normal in that area. so many ppl were sick- including me, but FH was fine. it definitely ruined that night for me, lol- but I wasn't aware that they gave out dramamine at the front desk, lol. Once I took that, I was completely fine- so just now you can get it there!

We also didn't realize they left you daily itineraries in your room. the first day or two we were bored because it was march and freezing while we were still up north and failed to read all the fun stuff going on! there are definitely activities to do, just be sure to check out the newsletters they leave you.

ttdiff11 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 05:12 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

wow, thanks for all that info as well!!! thats wat i plan on doing!!! are the balcony rooms small?

gbrwneyez1581 Posted: Aug 21, 2008 06:15 PM

Re: Norwegian Cuise

FH and I went on the Dawn last yr June, which is where we got engaged. It was a great trip. the entertainment manager, Matt was great and the shows were really good. Fm me if u have any questions