Haven't been a cruise in 30 years, need advice

wargofive · 05-05-2007, 11:44 PM

Hi It's been a long time since I went on a cruise, I have a few questions, hope you can help.
Do they supply toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, soap, like a hotel.
Is the INTERNET plan worth it?? Anyone ever purchase the Bon Voyage gifts?
We are going for our anniversary.
Thanks I know I will have more questions as it gets closer, we are going in August.
Linda

**middy** · 05-06-2007, 04:13 AM

Hi Linda and welcome to CruisingTalk

All the ships I have been on provide soap and shampoo but not always conditioner, not sure about NCL as have not cruised with them before but giving them a quick try in October.
If it's you anniversary whilst travelling it's worth letting them know, as on some cruise lines they give cakes etc.

John · 05-06-2007, 05:24 AM

Hi Linda

I have sailed with NCL. Just spoke to my wife and she said 3 years ago conditioner was provided as was moisturiser creams.

The Internet plans on all ships are rather pricey and I would recommend using the Internet cafes at each stop. One thing that does happen is that when in Port there are normally special offers on for the Internet.

The Bon Voyage gifts are expensive for what they are, however, they can be a treat and help make that cruise special. As Middy says mention to your TA that it is a special occasion and NCL might surprise you with a treat.

**alphakitty** · 05-06-2007, 09:23 AM

Hi Linda and welcome to Cruising Talk.

I've not sailed NCL, but I have purchased a Bon Voyage gift on Carnival. Friends of ours were sailing for the first time along with us and I purchases a basket with wine, fruit and nuts. It was well received and a nice collection. Especially nice to have snacks in the room.

I've read that NCL does offer basic toiletries, but you never know what you'll get for brands.

I've found the internet on board ships is slooooooow. It's a satellite connection and isn't always reliable. As John suggested a good alternative is an internet cafe in port. On our last cruise it was 20 cents per minute vs 75 cents per minute on the ship.

Hope it helps.

**Ally** · 05-06-2007, 09:30 AM

Welcome to our cruise mad family

I have sailed with NCL a couple of times and will again later this year. Although they do provide toiletries, I tend to take my own to use. I basically prefer to stick with what I know won't irritate or cause a problem with me. Generally I take travel sized versions of my normal toiletries, they can be packed into your checked bags very easily and I usually place some sticky tape over the caps to make sure they stay closed....nothing worse than showergel or shampoo all over everything in the case when you open it.

I have only ever used the ineternet once when cruising, that was on my last cruise on Braemar and I found it to be pretty fast and good value too....but it does differ according to cruise line.

wargofive · 05-07-2007, 07:45 AM

Thank you for your advice.
Linda

BoHunk · 05-07-2007, 08:13 AM

Hi Linda, I have not been on NCL so have no advise there...but welcome to Crusie Talk....we are glad you are here!

Sounds like a great way to spend a anniversary....where ya heading on this trip?

Karyn

wargofive · 05-08-2007, 07:51 AM

Hi Everyone
We are headed to Bermuda and Bahamas.
Another question: do they have safes in the cabins? And you has access to them?
I wish they had a DVD of the ship etc. My Dd BF is taking her on the Princess line and showed us the DVD and it looked great.
Linda

**Ally** · 05-08-2007, 08:00 AM

Good morning Linda

Generally you will find a safe hiding in the wardrobe that is either keypad code, key or operated via your cabin access door card. Dawn's sister Jewel (that I was on in 2005) has them in the wardrobe and if memory serves, they were operated by the cabin door card...however, as I have never used the safes on ships, I can't be certain on that one.

As for DVD's of the ships...I agree, that as a marketing idea, having the DVD is a good idea, perhaps NCL will follow the other lines one day...you never know

I, along with several others on here, will be on the Gem in October before she enters full service so perhaps seeing as she is the last of the Jewel class, NCL could do promotional video's or DVD's.

On my recent cruise I visited Bermuda and Bahamas...and tbh, I found them a little too touristy for my liking. Nassau was very tourist orientated and I thought it was a shame that the port had lost it's character. Hamilton was quite pretty, as ports go, but again very tourist orientated. But that aside everyone was very friendly and helpful and the local area outside Hamilton was very nice with stunning beaches and viewpoints. The Royal Dockyards was a nice area to visit with plenty to do such as the maritime museum, dolphinarium and shopping.

I am sure that you will enjoy yourselves....I just like the more natural and 'raw' ports of call...

**alphakitty** · 05-08-2007, 09:08 AM

Here's a website called YouTube. There are a bunch of NCL Dawn videos here...not sure about quality, but I bet you'll enjoy a couple of them...anticipation is half the fun of a cruise for me.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.