First time cruise.

That is the new normal across the lines I have booked since the reopening (NCL, Carnival, Princess). Final payment has been moved back and full check-in is not allowed until about three weeks prior to cruise.

Our cruise is on 10/29/22, when i booked last week i had to pay in full. Is this normal on all cruise lines? Wasn't crazy about giving them my money 4 months ahead of time.

I believe that to be correct.

If you go online to MyNCL and click on the check in link you will see the following message

Online Check-In can be completed starting at 21 days and must be completed prior to 3 days before sailing.

Cheers,

Did i read it right, i can't check in until 21 days before my cruise? We're on Norwegian.

Thanks!

Wow. Great information. Thanks

When we sailed the islands, we rented a car at each port and drove ourselves to the sites. Its been a while, but the there used to be rental car availability very near the ports (not sure if its still that way).

Wow ... awesome advise CruiseQueenNH

First of all, I'm super jealous as you're doing one of my dream itineraries! Second my best tips:

BEFORE YOU CRUISE:

1.) If you haven't done so already, make sure you get your COVID shots and the last dosage should be no less than 2 weeks before you go. While boosters are not required, you should consider getting those too if you haven't already.

2.) Make and bring copies of your COVID vaccine card. While they will accept QR codes and pictures, relying on technology is sometimes too risky and without proof of vaccination, they may not let you on the ship.

3.) COVID Testing: some cruise lines have this, I guess some are dropping this requirement. Check with NCL to be sure and schedule a test about 2-3 days before you leave. I know for a fact Royal requires this test 2 days out for vaccinated folks, Bring a copy of your test result with you to the terminal.

4.) Download the cruise line's app. You can check in, make reservations for shore excursions, make show reservations (sometimes), make your dining reservations, do your muster drill, and view your activities schedule all from the app. Check in on the app or website and then use the app at the terminal to do the muster drill. In some cases, such as Royal's, you can even upload your COVID vaccine card.

5.) Sign up for the Loyalty Club, you can often get discounts.

WHILE ON THE SHIP:

1.) Do NOT go to Guest Services or the Shore Excursion desk on the first or last nights of the cruise, they're often swamped!

2.) Masking is often optional onboard, however, while in port, you'll need to follow local guidance.

3.) Got kiddos? Sign them up for the kid's club, they'll love it!

4.) Have an attraction you want to see on the ship? Wait until a port day and stay on the ship, then you'll have less lines to deal with.

5.) NCL has what's called My Time Dining, meaning you can't reserve a table for the entire cruise like you can on other lines. Look either on your app or on your stateroom's TV and make reservations. You can also call Dining Services to make reservations.

6.) I'm an Activity Director for retirees. My counterparts are everywhere on the ship. If you're looking for something to do, come hang out with us! While we don't expect you to come to everything (don't even try!), we often place a variety of options on the schedule to attract a decent crowd. Don't be shy, ask us any questions you have while onboard, that's why we're here! The only thing we ask is that you READ YOUR ACTIVITY SCHEDULE we place in your cabin EVERY NIGHT! That's WHY IT'S THERE! If we miss you, check the app or get a hard copy from Guest Services.

7.) Also, don't be shy to take a pic of the Activity Staff or any crew onboard. Us Activity Directors are HUGE hams and will gladly pose for the camera!

8.) Stick around after the show, sometimes you'll meet the entertainers onboard. One of my favorites I got to meet was The Las Vegas Tenors onboard Serenade Of The Seas! I also got their autographs!

WHILE IN PORT:

1.) Stay on SHIP'S TIME! The cruise line often has to pay port fees to stay there and has to stick to a very strict schedule. I can't tell you how many times I've seen "runners" running up to the ship as the ship is getting ready to leave.

2.) While you're free to do what you want, I would book a shore excursion if you're visiting a place you've never been. I usually book through the cruise line, as they will hold the ship for you if the excursion is running late. They'll get you back in plenty of time to get back on the ship.

3.) Shopping: I stay near the port to make sure I get myself back to the ship on time. Some of my favorite shops, which can be found in almost any port are Pandora (I have about 4 of their charm bracelets plus a necklace) and Del Sol (this is a MUST, as everything they make changes color in the sun!). Other ones we go to our Diamonds International, Columbian Emeralds, and Tanzanite International.

4.) Pre-COVID, you would often find a "Port And Shopping Guide" onboard the ship and they would often get off in port as well. Pay them a visit, as their job is to save you money. They would often do a "Port And Shopping Talk" in the beginning of the cruise with giveaways, I'd recommend going. They will also help with arrangements to get your purchases onboard. It's like having a personal shopper for a day!

EMBARKING ON THE CRUISE:

1.) Arrive at the terminal a day early, especially if flying

2.) Bring a jacket with you and DO NOT pack it in your checked luggage! I did that for my April cruise out of Bayonne and I regretted it: due to COVID protocols, I had to wait 2 HOURS IN THE COLD without a windbreaker since it was in my checked luggage.

3.) You will need a mask to enter the building at the terminal and cannot take it off, so make sure you bring one in your pocket. I usually keep mine on a lanyard anyway, so this was a non-issue for me

4.) Stick to the check-in time you selected when you did the online portion of the check-in. We had several try to jump the line and it held everyone up. The Port Authorities will not let you on early and if you arrive late, you'll have to wait even longer as they will take you only when a space opens up.

5.) Unvaccinated kiddos will get complimentary testing at the terminal in addition to pre-cruise testing. They will also be tested midway through the cruise, along with back to back cruisers, also complimentary.

DEBARKING:

1.) Do EXACTLY what Guest Services tells you. They will often send you something the night before, outlining everything you need to do. Follow these instructions to T, otherwise you're holding yourself and everyone else up.

2.) Instructions will often be given via the PA system. Follow these instructions, otherwise everyone is held up.

Welcome aboard and congratz on booking a cruise. Hope you enjoy it. Feel free to browse around and join into any discuaaion. Questions and comments are appreciated.

Cheers,