Did I miss anything?? What tip would YOU give for NCL???

Just booked my first Norwegian Cruise. can not wait!

I’ve traveled with Norwegian about 7 times. I’ve followed your channel for a few years. This has to be the best video I’ve enjoyed from you! Very informative! Thank you and keep up the great work!

Wow. This is one of the best detailed rundowns of a cruise and cruise line I’ve ever seen. And I really want to try Breakaway. Thank you so much for this clear and informative review / how-to. thanks!

I've been out of town and not online, but I really appreciate the time you took to put this together. It's everything I would tell someone about sailing Norwegian. We love it too. No formal nights, the laid back vibe, it's so nice. And it doesn't cost more like people think. You just have to know what kind of cruiser you are. Do you need free at sea or not? That makes a big difference like you said. If you add those things to the other lines rates, it's pretty similar. All the lines make it difficult to compare apples to apples, but I did do the math on a couple of our cruises to try to compare as close as I could and there just wasn't enough difference to give up what we like. NCL usually has better itineraries too. We compare but always end up on NCL.

Thank you for this awesome positive review of NCL. I am sapphire level, mostly Haven,passenger. It’s refreshing after all the negative comments that have been circulating lately. You brought back to mind all of the wonderful reasons why we love NCL. Getting ready to head out next week on Prima for the 2nd time and then Encore the week after⚓

I have been on 5 NCL Cruises this year as a solo traveller both with and without Free at Sea. Honestly, for me, it was cheaper to NOT get Free at Sea and just buy drinks when I was in Port or the occasional drink on board. Say I had a couple of glasses of wine a day - including tip, around $30. I don't drink everyday so let's say $15 a day. If I was going to get my money's worth from the purchased beverage package I would have to drink 7 glasses of wine a day just to break even - sorry, my liver can't handle that. Free at Sea will be less than half of that but still - I am not going to be drinking 5 drinks a day for a 15 day cruise! As for the excursions, I like to do my own thing as an experienced traveller so I usually just walk into the Port city from the ship and spend - almost NOTHING! As for the Specialty Dining - I am by myself so why do I need to go to a specialty restaurant on board when the regular food is free and very good - also if I really want a nice meal I will do it in Port where it is more memorable. Finally Inetrnet - you only get 150 free minutes with Free at Sea which is nothing so, depending on the cruise, I either just use free internet in port or if it is a transatlantic or very long cruise I will fork out for the unlimited internet which is worth it IMHO. So you can save a TON of money by not getting Free at Sea, especially if you are solo like me and follow my tips - but if you are with a group it might be worth it - especially if you don't travel much and want to have a really special experience - but I travel all the time and would rather do my own thing and enjoy the ports. Different strokes for different folks.

Great information! I have looked at NCL before but was always confused. Love watching you guys and appreciate the great content.

We love that you pick what time you disembark.

Hey! I'm an avid cruise goer. I planned my buddies bachelor party on an NCL cruise for February. It will be my first NCL, thank you so much for this video. You're delivery is great and you can really tell you enjoy cruising!

I love the Waterfront on the newer ships. Especially having outdoor dining on a warm evening...

It's very pleasant listening to you, you guys are excellent at thoroughly explaining the things that me and my wife are interested in, thank you so much

Excellent video. Thanks so much for sharing these tips. My husband and I are new cruisers. After watching this video, I do believe that we are going to give NCL a try.

This video is 100% pure value, thanks.

Thank you!! Your information was so perfect for a first time NCL cruiser (in May!)! Keep up the GREAT videos!!! Next cruise we're booking with you guys!!

Great VLOG as always! After hearing a number of mixed reviews on NCL this definitely helps!

Looking great Alisa! Love watching you guys very helpful!

Thank you for explaining the Perks on NCL to first-time cruisers! We love NCL! The only thing I would add is that the Casinos At Sea perks are awesome. After our first sailing, we were invited back with a cabin comp! We play anyway... If you do play, get a card like you would like at any casino. You will receive points, just like a casino. You can exchange them for free play OR use them on the very last night towards your cabin charges. Oftentimes, the credit you receive will be higher than the cash value. This means you may have $25 in free play, but you will receive an onboard credit for $35 or more! Also, don't be surprised if you are invited back in the future for a free cabin! You must pay taxes, port fees, and gratuities. You can even pay a bit and get an upgraded cabin. If you enjoy playing in the casino and will gamble anyway, get the players card!

This was very informative!! I love it. I have never cruised outside HAL but am interested in exploring other cruise lines now. This with your other videos has NCL on my radar !

Just got off my 4th NCL Cruise. Did a 11 night southern Caribbean cruise on the Dawn. Love that ship. Perfect size and less crowded. Sadly the fares on the smaller ships are higher than the larger ones. But that makes sense given the economics of business. Overall I like the free at sea, the wine selection being the only miss.

Tip #16 - NCL credit card. No annual fee. 25,000 sign-up bonus. Low qualifying cost - your cruise will be enough. Multiple points for NCL purchases. Each point is 1 cent, therefore they pay you $250 (25000 points) to get the card ! Points are good for other travel perks, not just NCL OBC

I actually followed your advice and bid on an upgrade to balcony. Got accepted and saved 😂a bunch, thanks to you 😊

Gosh swim forward! What a great tip. After 4 cruises I’m still always lost. This top is gonna be super helpful. Thanks

I’m a 1st time cruiser on Norwegian. Thanks for the insight!

Thank you so much for such an enjoyable and informative video!

What a great video Alisa. You hit it out of the park!

My girl friends from high school and I are cruising on POA in June of next year. This video has been very helpful for me. Thank you.

Going on Prima next Feb, so really appreciated seeing this video. You do such a good job of looking at the camera. Something I’m working with on.

Nice video. Great info. Thanks for all the tips.

I just booked NCL Bliss going to Alaska in October. We have never sailed NCL but from this video and others, I think I made the right decision.

Thankyou! I'm going to check Norwegian out now!

Nice job Alisa! Enjoyed your commentary. You are very informative and pleasant to listen to. Appreciate your tips. We loved discovering the fish going north on the hallway carpet, especially the 1 or 2 little red guys going south, made us laugh! Thankyou!

You did such a great job on this video! Thank you!

Thanks for this very interesting video with great advice and tips for a first time cruiser like myself who’s looking for a good cruise line.

Alisa... what a great informative video. I owned a Cruise Ship Centre travel agency back in the late 80s At the time the "Norway" was the largest cruise ship in the world. It was always my dream to go on it. I was also a waiter at the Keg & Cleaver restaurant. I was able to block 10 cabins and took all my co-workers on the cruise to the Caribbean for $999 dollars and that included airfare. I am from Vancouver Canada and it was winter at the time so what an adventure it was for us to all cruise on the largest cruiseship in the world. The service was great, the food was great... it was a very memorable cruise for all of us since we were all in our twenties. I was 27. It is nice to see that NCL has progressed so much forward today to accomodate everyone's needs. I was in tears when the Norway was beached and torn apart about 10 years ago. Thank you so much for such a great video to where NCL is going now,

i booking with you next week for Norwegian Escape in March of 24. Sarah from EECC is great in answering all my questions.

GREAT TIPS! Thank you- I'm sailing on the Viva and I cant wait to enjoy Norwegian's newest ship

Thank you for the information, I'm cruising with NCL Jade in July 2023 this will be my second cruise with NCL. Thank you again.

You are 100% right that using NCL's flights usually means a less-than-optimum time for the flight home. We usually do a flight deviation both *to* and *back* and spend a day in the port city on both ends. Reduces stress on both "ends"...but it does add the cost of hotel stays.

Very helpful tips. Thank you.

And this is why we prefer you over the other cruise bloggers...glass always half full with you!

I had no idea there were travel agents still!! You are definitely knowledgeable and I will absolutely check back with you when we get our new passports. I’m subscribing!

Your advice is awesome especially #13

Just booked my first cruise on NCL Gem for this December transatlantic from Italy with France, Spain, Portugal, SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!😊😊😊😊

I am planning my first cruise and am leaning towards Norwegian. Your videos are so helpful! Your Hawaii trip has me motivated

Just got back from Alaskan cruise on Norwegian Bliss, it was a blast. My first time is unforgettable experience. From housekeeping to the mtd, I was just blown away. They all gave us tips and show us the way. I want to try solo on September, already make deposit for next year with my daughter. Got a peak of their suite and thats what I want next time around.

Excellent information you're good in explaining lots of items, we've been sailing wincl for about 7 years now and we don't want to switch to other cruise lines thanks

What a great video! Thank you for the content.

I am amazed at the drinks package prices that you quoted. I sailed on Ovation of the Seas here in Australia for a 14-night cruise, and the premium package was $165/day. The cruise fare includes gratuities here, and maybe the drinks package reflects that in the price.

I have looked at no less than 30 videos to figure out the Encore / NCL experience this is the BEST BEST BEST!!!!

Excellent informative video. I am a regular Royal CCL cruiser and have diamond status on that cruise line. I had been on NCL several times previously and booked it last year for a cruise out of New Orleans. We paid more for a balcony room on Breakaway and I was very disappointed. The room and balcony we tiny. There was a foot between the bed and the closet. We were told the newer ships are roomier. When we went to the dining room there was a sign that Prime Rib was being served in the Garden Buffet. I expected to be able to get it in the dining room but no it was not available. We finished our mediocre meal and went to the buffet for the Prime Rib. I have always preferred having dinner in the dining room but found the food choices better in the buffet., not my first choice for dinner meals. We regularly went to the buffet after going to the dining room for crepes or other options not available in the dining room. We also had a problem with our toilet not flushing. Needless to say this was more than a regular inconvenience. After the cruise we were give a Future Cruise Credit which we have decided to use. The positives were the entertainment and deck parties were great! We didn’t take the Free at See. We don’t drink more than 2 drinks a day. We bought cheap drinks on shore and treated ourselves to the Vodka Ice Bar one day. I do prefer the Newer Ships of Royal Caribbean but probably would have preferred a newer NCL. On Royal I get 4 drinks a day for free with my diamond status, which I share. I would suggest people trying different cruise lines to see which one they find is best for them. People who drink a lot would probably be happiest with the NCL Free at Sea. Happy cruising!

Thank you for making this video!

Thanks for the tips! Going as first timers this fall to Alaska on NCL.

Great info, I have been on many cruises but coming up this May will be first on NLC , going on the Bliss to Alaska. Looking forward to checking it out.

We have our initial NCL in 2 months on Star to Iceland,Greenland, Norway. We’re experienced cruisers on Princess & Celebrity- your utube tips were very helpful in answering the many ?s in my head!

THANK YOU!!!! our first Norwegian cruise is the 7th of May aboard the EPIC in the Med. We are so excited and appreciate your tips!

Great video with great tips! I’ve yet to cruise with Norwegian and look forward to in the future. I’ve never used a travel agent, but will be sure to give you a call when I’m ready to book my next vacation.

It's worth pointing out if your are purchasing from the UK (and probably Europe) Free at Sea includes all the gratuities. You pay nothing extra for your drinks for the whole cruise. This is also true for the speciality dining, no gratuities. One thing I noticed about the excursion credit on my Alaska cruise this year is the credit often brought the excursion price down to the price of booking direct or close to it.

Wonderful vlog, thanks! Any tips for the Getaway? We're going there in August and are so excited!

Thank you for this very informative video.

I might have to check out Norwegian. Thank-u for posting

This Is Great information, I have cruised Norwegian before. I really enjoyed your video. Thank You 😊

We are platinum latitude members with Norwegian and stock owners. You gave absolutely the best tips for NCL! Cruise likes Norwegian! Pearl is next!

This is going to be my first cruise I m so excited and thanks for the information ❤

One thing I noticed as people explain the Free at Sea perks, they have always forgotten some significant details of the drink package. Two things that set them apart: a) It is unlimited drinks, unlike the Carnival brands that limit you to 15 per 24 hours. b) You can order "doubles" if you want. To me, I like this. I love a black rum float on my Mai Tai. I want a double shot of Bailey's in my coffee. The FREE AT SEA program is a great option, even if you are paying gratuities for the 🍸 and specialty dinning 🍽, as well as the slight increase in room rates over the Sail Away prices.

On our Alaska cruise we booked a thermal suite cabin it was only about $200.00 more than a balcony cabin, it's a little bit cool to use the pools in Alaska

Thank you so much for this video! My cousin and I are going on our first Norwegian cruise, May 2024 to Alaska on Norwegian Bliss. We got the free at sea package with all the extra goodies and this was a great explanation for us. How do I go about buying stock in Norwegian? Do I need to contact a broker? Thank you again, so informative!!! ❤

Very helpful tips. Thanks

Very informative video!! Very interested in cursing with NCL and this video was extremely helpful. Thank you

Super useful, thank you!

Great synopsis Elyssa.

Ty for the great info!

Super helpful! Thank you! 😊😊

As a solo traveler who’s traveled on Norwegian 3 times, I absolutely love their solo program. The lounge, activities, and getting to meet fellow solo travelers is unmatched. But beware!! The cost for a regular cabin is often less than the designated solo cabins when booking close to departure. And you have way more room in a regular cabin. Also, if you are looking at one of their larger ships, I’d highly recommend the Breakaway Plus class due to the added observation lounge. (Bliss, Encore, Joy, Escape). It’s beautiful and is a quiet retreat which isn’t found on the the Getaway or Breakaway. I first sailed on the Breakaway and I found it way too busy and crowded and there was absolutely nowhere to read a book and relax. But the Encore was a breath of fresh air with its observation lounge. Irs like a classy hotel lobby lounge in a very hectic ship. I loved it!!

I'm book on the jewel for 12 days. 1st cruising with Norwegian. You had some great tips really enjoyed it.

great tips, thank you

Loved your tips. We have booked a cruise to Caribbean March 2024 on NCL Gem. Very excited.

All great tips. Just got off Bliss to the Western Caribbean. Going to the Eastern Caribbean just after Easter, where I will become platinum.

Amazeballs!! Thank you!!

This is great info thank you !!!!!! Im sailing the prima 2024

I'm about to go on the Gem for the 2nd time and I love the smaller ships. I don't need all the bells and whistles. I'm looking to relax, not schedule every minute of my days.

We booked an Alaskan cruise 2024, NCL Jewel. First time to cruise. Thank you for the tips.

Excellent video. I’ll definitely use you for my next Norwegian cruise. I’m new to your channel. Would you consider doing a video on the cruise reward levels?

Excellent information

This is a great video!!!!! I am cruising for the 1st time on Escape in April as a solo. This was very informative. I actually got 50% off my airfare because I was solo which was great..

We removed the ‘free’ drink package from our recent cruise on NCL Joy and it dropped our price down on our trip even more, by quite a bit. So run the figures both ways to see if it really makes sense.

I am really loving your hair with this style. Even more so than when it was longer!!! You look great

Good video, very informative.

sounds like Disney in the background and I love it

You and Jason are really cool people. I think my favorite vlog was St.Martin because Jason was so surprised how nice it was

Love watching this type of content. I am just revved up I think for Joy in March. Lori has been fantastic BTW! I don't mind old ships, but would rather the newer, bigger ships for myself. I do feel like 9/10 of the older ones seem to be more run-down or put on the back burner. This is across the three lines I have traveled on. But it is all about your own perception and how you go into the trip, I think. I do tell new cruisers to go on the newer ships first for a few reasons. First being, they don't know if they get seasick and a bigger ship generally is easier to ward that feeling off. They have the newest in stabilization as well. The smaller ships tend to get thrown around a little more. Of course, the other reason is b/c you want to show off everything for their first trips!! Let them see how great it can be! Putting them on an older ship first, in many cases speaking to my friends that "did not like" cruising... they all seemed to say they did not like the ship, dirty, small, etc. Once they get a feel for what cruising is, then they can make those decisions, but also know... it isn't always like this if they come across one that isn't as maintained.

Excellent video. Thank you so much, very informative. Cheers 🍻 🍷 🍹

I loved your overview of NCL. We usually sail with royal Caribbean and wanted to try a new cruise line to see the differences for the better. 😀

We are sailing on the NCL Sun 10/30/23 for 20 nights! Seattle to Port Canaveral will be awesome! Sailed NCL Joy this past April and it's a great ship!

Love all your videos and this one was great too! You had the choice between Encore or Bliss, which would you choose and why?

Very good tips❣️ Just went through my travel agent to book my Alaska cruise for 2025.

I had a Tomahawk Steak on the Sky!!! It was AWESOME!

We also had paper schedules left in our cabin every day.

Thank you for all the info. We are embarking on our first NCL cruise this fall. I was wondering why NCL had not asked us about dining times and now I know why.

Before I ate at teppanaki, I was thinking to myself yuck. And that I was gonna go one deck below when I was done to get a milkshake. But after that meal (which was the best meal I had on the encore) I was way to fully get the shake. I just loved it