Going on a NCL cruise in Jan, wondering what is actually included...?

Question

this is not my first time cruising but it is my first time on NCL. i was just wondering since i dont yet have the packet, what was really included. i know soda and drinks aren't and the specialty resturants but i was wondering more along the lines of the java bar and ice cream places.

Answer 1

included is your stateroom, and meals in the main restaurant. Extras like expresso and ice cream stations have an additional cost. Remember that tips and excursions also are an added cost. I would keep a running total of what you are spending on the ship, SO that when you come to the last day, its not a HUGE shock.  Have a great time on your cruise.

Answer 2

which ship and I can tell you exactly what is and is not included

Answer 3

NCL has Freestyle Cruising which translates loosely to, we charge you a little more for some of the nice things on the ship.  Well, not exactly but it will seem like it.

Like most every cruise line almost everything is included in your cruise fare, this includes your room, food, and most activities.  Gambling, Alcohol, Soda, and personal stuff is not included.

Now with Freestyle Cruising they have a few gotcha's.  On the NCL Gem instead of there being one or two restaurants there will be over 10.  Over half of the restaurants will be included in your cruise fare and you dont have to pay extra for them.  But there will be a few that you will pay for if you eat there.  Like the Steak House, Sushi Bar, and Oriental Food restaurants will have a $10-$25 per person surcharge.  Rumor has it that the food, ambiance, and entertainment will be worth it.

There are a few activities that may not be included.  For example, on the Norwegian Pearl there is a 4 lane bowling alley (Yeah, Isn't that cool a bowling alley on a cruise ship) and there is a $5 per game surcharge to use it.

If the Gem has a Java Bar then you will be charged extra for those drinks, however on the Pearl I know that they have an Automated Espresso Machine in the main buffet that makes Mocha's etc and it is included.

They have an Ice Cream bar in the buffet as well that has hard scoop ice cream that is supposed to be included as well.

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Noelle:

So you are going on the Gem in January  2008 from NYC?

So are we! January 16, 2008 on the 10 day cruise!!

This will be my third cruise with NCL and we  love the free style dining concept and the variety of restaurants to choose from.

If the GEM is anything like her sister ships the DAWN, and the SPIRIT, that we have been on, you will find that other more informal dining spots to be included.  There is ice cream served on the Lido deck. There is a charge for coffee served at the coffee bar, but no charge for coffee served in the restaurants.  Im hoping the GEM has an all hours pizza spot for a late night snack.

And the GEM will have 24 hour free room service, so you can have food served to your room for no extra charge.

Have you checked the NCL website for the GEM?  They just added a virtual tour of all the restaurants, bars, spa, bowling alley, and theatres.