Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
Try to avoid booking the tours from the cruise ship. Usually you can find the same tour company selling the tours on shore for a lot less, and you can often book online in advance.
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I've only sailed with Norwegian, so I'm not sure if this policy is just them or is universal....it was also a couple of years ago, so I'm not sure what has changed.
What previous posters said is true- when the itinerary says the boat leaves at 4, THE BOAT LEAVES AT 4....and in many cases, you have to be on board no later than 2 hours prior to sailing (so 2 pm). If you miss the ship, you are responsible for catching up with it at the next port (usually by flying in, and then waiting for the boat to arrive).
Anyway, with Norwegian, if you booked an excursion on the ship, and the tour company ran late, they would hold the ship for you until you got back. If you booked the same excursion on land, even with the same operator, and you were late, you were SOL. Yes, you get HOSED in terms of pricing by booking on the ship, but if there is a built in guarantee that you'll be back on the boat that night (as opposed to paying for a plane/ferry ticket and a hotel room and cabs), it may be worth it.
Check the alcohol limits for boarding- I know Norwegian searched luggage when you embarked, confiscated any alcohol, and held it for you until the cruise was over.
And, budget for tipping. We tipped our room attendant (just like previous posters said, if we left the room for 3 minutes, it would be spotless when we got back), our waiter at dinner (we had the same guy every night, since it was a set seating- same time, same table, same people), and I think a couple of other people as well...can't remember. All in, we spent $1300 on tips on the ship.
Use hand sanitizer a lot, and avoid open buffets- Norwalk is called "Cruise Ship Disease" for a reason. The last thing you want is to spend 7 days on the toilet. If you can, eat only at the places that cook you food right there for you.