Do you know about "Free Style Cruising" on Norwegan Cruise Lines?

Question

Have you ever done the "Free Style Cruising" on Norwegan Cruise Lines? If so, what can you tell me about it? I've been on a cruise before, on another line, but have never tried NCL's Free Style Cruising.

Where did you cruise, how long was it, and did you think it was better than a regular cruise? If so, in what ways? Was there lots to do onboard ship, and were the activities convenient? Did you get bored?

We're going to be free-style cruising on the "Pride of America" in February. I read that there are several paid restaurants in addition to the main dining room - so much for "all-inclusive" pricing!

Are there other non-included items besides the restaurants? Do you know how much a massage is onboard? And how much can I expect to spend for a meal in the pay restaurants? Any unexpected expenses you ran into that I should watch out for?

I'd sure appreciate any tips or experiences you can share about cruising (esp. in Hawaii), excursions, activities, etc.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, 8 cruises-6 to Alaska-7days then rest to New England. Freestyle Cruise allows you to dress more causal.No Suits Or formal wear unless you want to. Jeans and T-shirts &flipflops are fine. Visit their site at NCL.com for more details. Their fares are also some of the best.The buffet style is great. Open 24 hours. Some places you eat does cost. Drinks are expensive and never make a phone call from the ship. Watch out for everytime they take your picture it will cost you around $20.00 if you want a copy. Excursions you should wait till you get there incase of bad weather or how you feel. Spas as well as rest of things offered are great. Any questions you have the Ladies at the reception desk on ship will be glad to help you out. Have been on 3 different Cruise Line and Norwegian is the only one I would go on.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

We were on NCL several years ago to Caribbean.  Free Style Cruising means you don't have a reservation for dinner, just go to the restaurant of your choice and wait to be seated.  Sometimes they take you right away and other times you have to wait.  There were about four different choices of restaurants included in fare.  You shouldn't have to pay extra if you do your homework.  As far as cruising in Hawaii, I highly recommend it.  We just were there for Halloween.  You've got to visit Hilo Hattie's on whatever Island you visit.  It's for tourists, but you'll love the stores.

Answer 3

It is a matter of preference but I would never go on the NCL for their Free Style Cruising.

I have a friend who did and she was terribly disappointed.  She was not able to eat in the dining rooms except for the one with the buffet line for the entire cruise.

Cruising is a great experience.  Keep it great and avoid NCL.  Go to cruisecritic.com and read the reviews.

Whichever line you go on, be careful to sanitize your hands every opportunity so you do not catch Norovirus.

Answer 4

Just a quick suggestion, try www.cruisecritic.com and visit the boards and you will find sooo much info, its amazing.  I learned a lot with these boards before our last cruise in '04.  Read the reviews too and much more info.  Hope you like it!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisp...  This is the board for NCL.