10+ Norwegian Cruise Embarkation Day Tips & Must-Dos

Are you going on a Norwegian cruise and wondering what you should do on embarkation day? Norwegian cruise line is different than some other cruise lines, and this includes what you must do on the first day of your cruise. Do these things for a perfect Norwegian cruise embarkation day, so you don't miss out on anything!
In this video I share the most crucial things to do after boarding your Norwegian cruise ship, from reservations for specialty dining & shows & more!
We are on Norwegian Joy, and are sharing the protocols and information you need for cruising with Norwegian in 2022. If you're a first time cruiser, these Norwegian cruise tips can help!
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusic

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@user-py3ol4bb3s]

You can book your restaurant reservations 120 days out. Same for the shows. I did my pre-boarding 21 days out. It's easy and boarding is easy. 9 NCL cruises so far.

[@ChristieCarverSinger]

We were not able to reserve our specialty dining before the cruise. I sure tried. We are waiting, as we were told by our Casinos at Sea rep, that we must do so when we board the ship. Maybe thats a Casinos at Sea thing.

[@dianeallen7313]

I haven't experienced a NCL cruise yet that didn't include a "holding time" before embarking. In May we sailed from Miami and we were held in the terminal until 1 p.m. There was about 3000 people waiting with us. In July we sailed from Vancouver and we were held until 11. We made reservations for specialty dinner before our cruise. The people at the box office desk were so helpful when we booked our show times! They knew what days were sea days and port days so they guided my family to making the best choice. I love sailing with NCL! Their freestyle cruising mantra is perfect for me!

[@debrawilliams2965]

Getting ready for our first Norwegian cruise. Thank you for all your tips!

[@holly.allison]

Leaving in 5 hours headed over to Seattle to board Norwegian Encore on Sunday- Alaska bound. It's our very first cruise ever and oh man the prep work can be daunting but we are so excited, fingers crossed for smooth times!

[@mewarner84]

Have a great time!!!

[@TVHouseHistorian]

Cool! I'm booked for the Encore Alaska sailing for next month. It's my first time sailing with NCL, so I'm really excited!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have a wonderful cruise! After the “prep”, the rest will go easy:)

[@rashadholley2356]

i just booked the same cruise, looking forward to fishing in ketchican. enjoy

[@mr.smiles9948]

Seattle has some of the worse traffic in the country. You can be stuck during events or games. This happened years ago during my Alaskan cruise.

[@susanworsencroft4870]

Prepping for my first NCL cruise. Another helpful video-thank you!

[@candacekemo452]

Thank you for always providing good and useful content. Please keep up the information

[@charlottependerstaph6683]

You put so much great info on your videos! Thank you so much!

[@sam-co2zm]

We were on the Norwegian Joy in July and August and we love it. We had so much fun on both of our sailing.

[@lornekay8948]

Having cruised on Norwegian, over a dozen times, my embarcation day tradition used to be going directly to O’Sheehan’s. Back in 2016-18 it was easy nobody was there. But after the pandemic it has been incredibly crowded on embarcation day (people have caught on). So now, it’s better to go to one of the main dining rooms.(as you have suggested)

[@kimberlyswecker3829]

Its our very first cruise, im lost, im not sure what documents i need , what to do, where to go😔

[@lisawiltse9224]

Good video! I appreciate how quickly you move through the info-concise and effficient! Thanks!!!

[@rko12586]

We are leaving in 3 days on the Norwegian Joy. Your videos have been so helpful. Thank you for the great content!

[@wildwilly8909]

Thank you, Alana, for your channel. We've cruised quite a bit. But I've always learned something from your channel. So it just keep bringing updates.

[@kimtacconi3646]

So excited to see you on the Joy! I’m going on my first cruise to Bermuda on the joy in October. Super excited

[@mariasheppard83]

We also just cruised on the Norwegian joy ship and absolutely loved everything about it.

[@sarahann4007]

Thank you for all your videos and especially this one! I am going to be on the Joy in a few short days doing the same itinerary. I can’t wait! I loved the Encore and the Joy is a sister ship. I have never been to any of these ports either so it will be great!

[@j4eq894]

Our tradition is grabbing a burger and fries. Just started adding rum punch as well 🥰.

[@rennokid]

We cruise with NCL and this will be our 4th 14-day cruise with them. We are flying to Buenos Aires and doing the Antarctica cruise this time. This video is helpful as our last cruise was out of Australia and ended right when COVID started. Thank you for the new updates. Also, we love your site and I subscribe to it. So helpful. This will be our 9th cruise but still learn things. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@leslieraymond6372]

You have incredible tips, tysm

[@jojos9096]

I’ve watched many of you videos this week as I get ready to leave on an NCL cruise later this week. Your videos are EXCELLENT! You provide useful information in a quick, concise manner. I’ve watched many cruise videos, and yours, by far, are the best. Keep ‘em coming!

[@ruthbrown9880]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@jamess5154]

Back when we did set dining our first stop was always maitre d to check our table and change if necessary. Got some great tables that way.

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

Thank you! As usual very informative, we have an NCL Cruise coming up, have done NCL in over 25 years, all these years it has been Celebrity, Royal and Princess. Thank you again!

[@mariaaviles3380]

Thanks again for a great video!

[@ladydi8376]

Sailing on Joy in February ... Panama Canal! Can't wait!

[@donnatadlock2784]

We just booked an Alaskan cruise on Encore for September leaving out of Seattle. We are really looking forward to it. This will be our first Norwegian cruise. Thanks for the tips!

[@peytonclarke4185]

I am going on the Norwegian Escape on my first ever cruise!!!! Thank you so much for the tips. 😀

[@JayCaesar]

Love your channel! I've used many of your tips, so thanks. My embarkation day drink tradition is champagne 🥂 at sail-away. We're headed to Vancouver in May to sail to Alaska on the Norwegian Spirit.

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

I liked embarkation day on Celebrity: they gave us a time to arrive at the port, later than I would have liked but there wasn't a line. I tend to reserve specialty dining and all excursions online in advance. That way I get what I want. Great video Ilana, thank you.

[@ZaraVal]

Thank you so much for this video. It’s super helpful. I haven’t been on a cruise in like 6 years so I feel kind of new again to it lol I’ve never done NCL! Super excited, I leave in a week!

[@Mscharblake]

Thanks for all the great videos and hacks, I find them very informative! I've never cruised with NCL before, but just booked on the newest ship Viva for April 2024!

[@DeniseFranklin-qt4me]

Thank you for all the helpful tips. My Sister and I are going to cruise in April on the Dawn NCL. Will try some of your tips, Thanks again. Happy Cruising to you...

[@user-ev1ib3tk7p]

3:20 pm viewing your Video. I took notes & you gave great information. It's our 1st cruise on NCL & Alaska ❤😊

[@lornekay8948]

We did a Canada New England cruise in September 2022 which was about the same time as you. We were on the Breakaway, which is slightly smaller than the ship you were on. Your tips for cruising on Norwegian were spot on. Because the Breakaway class is pretty big you do have to be pretty patient on embarcation day.

[@kellenk1087]

Our next ship is in 7 weeks! We always like to sit back at taste or savor!! Great tips

[@themik2477]

We booked all the reservations on the touch screen right after the muster detail. It was right outside our muster station and we booked all restaurants and activities within 20 minutes.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s great!

[@Notsoaverage876]

This was really helpful 😊 I am leaving on my first cruise soon.

[@Healer4Peace]

Awesone video! I have an upcoming cruise with NCL in the coming weeks, my first cruise vacation in a long while. So embarkation tips are essential. Your tips are truly valuable and your channel has some of the best cruise-related content I've viewed. Many, many thanks.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! Have a fantastic cruise

[@nwmtngrl]

Thank you for this information. I've been contemplating trying NCL. This was helpful. I have a friend who is currently on the Joy also. Have a great time!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s great!

[@Natalie-gz2bg]

Excellent video for a first time NCL cruiser (I sail tomorrow)!

[@halucca22]

You are GOLD‼ Your information is so helpful, just what I was looking for as I plan a Panama cruise on the NCL Bliss this November. I’m looking forward to a lovely margarita once I’ve done the muster and booked the dining. I’ve already booked the excursions. Cheers🍻

[@acarpio3]

Thank you for the tip regarding the NCL app.

[@johntayloriii9715]

We cruised NCL Break away 8/28 - 9/4/2022 to RI, ME and Canada and your tips made our trip so much better. The magnetic hooks, power strip and USB hub made us really more comfortable. All the info in your videos helped us plan and be ready for what to expect. Thank you for all of your posts and the time you put into them. Howl at the Moon was so much fun. Hope your trip is also great.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!

[@helenaparks3981]

A very helpful video! Thank you!

[@arifulislamleeton]

Welcome

[@4521bubbles]

Love all your videos🤗 We're getting ready to sail the Norwegian Epic out of Barcelona on October 2nd for a long Mediterranean Vacation. Even though we cruise alot you always have some great info. Thanks for all tips and tricks. Happy Sailing 🥳🥳🥳

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s wonderful! My brother and his wife did this cruise recently and loved it. Enjoy!

[@christopherangeli8847]

Our NCL cruise to Alaska last fall we were able to pre-book specialty dining when booked the cruise.

[@SandiC518]

Happy Cruising Ilana!

[@icesk8er]

Thanks for the help

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

Great information, especially checking in early. Just returned from my cruise after 22 years, so many upgrades in tech now. It may be helpful to do a video on how to turn on the lights, really. I was on MSC and I couldn’t figure that one out, or the shower.

[@Philippa-]

Looks like you are all set up for a brilliant time in spite of the rain. Looks like a lovely cabin. Enjoy yourself all of you. Have enjoyed seeing photos on Instagram

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks! We’re lucky so fair with mostly sunny days in port. I’ll share in future videos for sure

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

I've watched this video twice before and, since I'm sailing on NCL Breakaway on 2/19, I'm watching it again and it is still as helpful as before. Thank you for all of your hard work, Ilana ❤️

[@julias2855]

How was ur cruise? Any regrets or things I would do differently?

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

@@julias2855 I had a very good time and have only a few issues. The biggest disappointment by far was the food. It was good but certainly not great. The buffet was a zoo with too few drinks stations. The JDR was okay but I never got a hot dinner z everything came out kyje warm. The lunches however were fabulous. O'Sheehan's was good and Shanghai was also quite good although always crowded. I think my single biggest issue with the food was the fact that the buffet closed at 9:30PM, leaving only O'Sheehan's as the only place to grab a late bite and good luck getting a table.....they wouldn't serve good to the bar. This was stupid and poorly thought out. The Waterfrontt was a definite highlight and was where I spent the bulk of my time. Overall, I enjoyed the Breakaway and, in spire of the food issues, would happily sail on her again.

[@JackMcVibez]

Going on a solo cruise in June! So excited 7 day on NCL escape.

[@jesseolivas3767]

My first cruise , heading to Seattle Sunday morning I’m excited 👍👍

[@bob_frazier]

How was your cruise? Ours leaves for AK next week. Suggestions?

[@jimgilley6464]

Love your channel. Very helpful. I especially love that it appears that you are using current video clips. I really dislike watching clips from archives that are used over and over.

[@LifeWellCruised]

We try, unfortunately we don’t have every cruise ship or destination, but I know as much as possible it’s nice to see how things are currently

[@user-nr7kw3dw8o]

We are going on our first NCL in October. This is my husbands first cruise and my first one in a very long time. You’re videos have helpful thank you. Leaving from New Orleans so I hope its not too baf

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

We just got back from an Alaskan cruise. We used many of your tips.

[@daylasimeone336]

This is so exciting and perfect timing. My upcoming first cruise is on Norwegian going to Bermuda. Thanks Ilana!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!! Truly fabulous cruise. I have a couple Bermuda videos from this summer

[@daylasimeone336]

@@LifeWellCruised I'm literally steps from the Boston cruise port right now having lunch, and it is getting me so ready for my trip to finally get here!

[@djredl2232]

I baked in November out of NY to Bermuda! I can’t wait!!

[@JulieWallis1963]

Cupcake that sounds delicious. 🍰🧁

[@lindseyrae8598]

My second cruise will be on Norweigan Joy, June 2024. Thank you Ilana.

[@junenelligan1729]

Thanks for this - I will be going on my first time NCL cruise so appreciate all information I can have. I thought I would mention that I have 3 specialty dinners - once I decided when and where my Travel Agent reserved for us. One less thing to think about. I booked my excursions in advance myself but so happy to know that it maybe possible to make adjustments on the ship.🙂 Enjoy your cruise!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s great! We weren’t able to for this ship (to my knowledge). Enjoy!!

[@pamcurtisdavey712]

This is great! We go on Joy this Saturday 😊

[@andysteve7201]

Hey. I like to be friends with you. I'm steve

[@themik2477]

Getting priority check in helped us move though the lines at pier 88

[@jesseolivas3767]

Great ship just got back two weeks ago

[@bettihaas6513]

Thank you for doing a ncl video. Taking our first cruise 8/24

[@chiquitazola3351]

Muchas gracias!

[@janetkubas-furnish9253]

We were just on NCL and booked our shore excursions online and also made our dinner reservations before we left so we had everything planned. Loved the freestyle dining on NCL. Also I loved the app as I could count down the days til we sailed.

[@richardguardiani8326]

Book your shore excursions first, then your dining reservations. Some shore excursions may extend to the evening (such as Istanbul), and that allows you to avoid a conflict if you want an earlyish specialty dining time.

[@OkieTLB]

Were you able to easily book the shows? We booked our shore excursions and dining on the app. We usually do late seating on traditional cruises, so I booked some dining at 8:00 and others at 8:30. I called NCL to inquire about the show times and the rep wasn’t helpful at all. She only said this or that show may start at 7:00 or at 9:00, yada yada… and that they last 1.5-2 hrs. That seems long for shows! But then our dining will overlap so I’m not sure how we’re going to do this. We prefer to have a few drinks, see a show, eat and then drink some more and gamble a bit. Any insight you can share with me would be so appreciated! Thank you! We sail on the Bliss on December 31, 2023 from LA.

[@dsalmeron]

On our trips on Royal Caribbean we’ve started planning a lunch at one of the specialty restaurants to start our trip

[@texasboy5117]

Thanks for the ArriveCAN app information. Doing a fall cruise out of Quebec City next month. You always have great information!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome! Just an FYI, you can download the app and input test results (you need to upload photo of certified test results) later within the time frame

[@user-ty9dt6rr1q]

On my last cruise I was able to make my dinner reservations on their website prior to departure. I’m going to try that again for my next cruise.

[@markmixer9785]

Thanks!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much Mark!

[@DP-xb4lp]

Leaving on Sunday out of Miami for 11 days!!!🎉

[@GeometricMason]

I have been on four NCL cruises since March of this year (writing this on November 21, 2022) and have another in a few weeks. I agree with most of what you've shared here except dinner reservations. Make them online ahead of time. Personally I make them as far in advance as possible. I'm platinum so I make mine 125 days out. If you're not you can still make them 120 days out. For example, I will be on the NCL Bliss the week of Valentine's day 2024 and I made my dinner reservations for that cruise in mid-October 2022... and I'm already hearing on social media there is little to no availability for Le Bistro (the French restaurant) for Valentine's Day. YES, they do keep some slots open for people to book on board, but I think you're much better off booking ahead. Also, print the confirmation you're emailed and bring it with you.

[@CityChick999]

That's all fine and dandy but what about us voyagers who booked 70 or less days out? Not all of us cruisers can book trips so far in advance. As it is I just booked an NCL Escape to Canada and New England, 60 days out, and all the specialty restaurants are booked up. My travel agent says not to worry because I can book as soon as I get on board. Also most of the NCL-offered excursions are also booked up so we'll be doing privately-booked excursions or doing things on our own.

[@barbarakardosbrown5756]

Hi!!! We are avid NCL cruisers!!! We love having a Mojito when we board!! That seems to be our tradition for when we get on the ship!! Can't v wait for Prima April 30th!! Begrudgingly going out of NY. We went out of NY years ago and said we wouldn't again cuz it definitely is not as steam lined and quick as what we have experienced in Miami!!

[@claudiapozzuolo7735]

Perfect timing! In 34 days We embark on our first ever cruise. And it’s a Mediterranean cruise with NCL! Your videos have been so helpful and this one is no exception. Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

What a fabulous cruise! Just make sure to watch for NCL emails with any updates and requirements :)

[@carriecastagnino9596]

Hello Claudia, how was your cruise? In September 2023, my boyfriend and I are doing the Mediterranean cruise with NCL. This is our first cruise also.

[@claudiapozzuolo7735]

@@carriecastagnino9596 it was SPECTACULAR! we were on the Epic - the staff and service were exceptional, the entire ship was squeaky clean and the ports were beautiful. We are not night owls, so I can’t comment on the late night fun or the even the shows (I hear everyone’s gasps). The guests were diverse and happy! I have to share this - we went in mid October and the ports were hot as heck. Linen pants, white tops and my slip on Keds were my best friends. The ship’s decks in early morning and evening were cool and breezy so sweaters or jackets were great to have. Ileana’s videos are so helpful. I wish you safe travels and the best memories to come home with!

[@claudiapozzuolo7735]

I forgot - we loved the cruise experience with NCL so much, we booked Alaska before we even disembarked!

[@huntermark1160]

We are going on a Mediterranean cruise too. Going in June.

[@debireynolds8034]

Thank you for this wonderful video! It’s my second cruise, first on NCL. Getting ready and excited for our cruise soon… heading to Bermuda from Boston!!!

[@LDilore]

Me too!! July 7

[@gailwhite3503]

Me too! 7/21

[@therabbit1224]

Hi Ilana! Greetings from Panama 🇵🇦 Thanks so much for all the love you have put into your Life Well Cruised project, it really does show 💕 Visiting your website, IG account and this KZbin channel I could evidence how much you love cruising and how you care to share all those savvy tips with the world 🌍. I feel there's information no one could have ever told me 😅 and I feel more prepared and less anxious for my first cruise thanks to you 💪🏻. I'm a little sorry to say this... but you have been more informative and thoughtful than my cruiseline website or representative to be honest! 🤐 Thanks so much for being an amazing content creator 🤗 I'm wishing you tons of happy cruising and sunny beach days on this 2023 ✨😎🍹🌺🏖️

[@stacythomas1587]

On March 1st, I'm planning on putting a deposit down on my solo april '24 Transatlantic cruise. I know it's over a year away, but I've been binge-watching all your videos. This video I plan to watch several times, though... probably right up until Embarkation Day lol. I will be ordering your cruise planner! PS: Even now, I'm starting to order a few odds and ends from Amazon and picking up some bits and bobs from the Dollar Tree based on your suggestions to make a cruise more enjoyable. I'm having a blast coming up with different outfits bc my cruise is over two weeks long. I live near Disney World, only an hour away from Port Canaveral, so maybe if I find a great deal, I'll even do a short cruise in September or October lol.

[@themik2477]

One fun thing was on sail away getting a spot up front by the crew and cruise ship director gave my children a lot of TV time when it was replayed later in the week (it even caught me walking in front of the camera) they loved it and even won tee shirts and galaxy pavilion free passes.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Fun!

[@elisaastorino2881]

I sailed to Bermuda on Norwegian a couple weeks ago. Embarkation and debarkation in Boston was barely organized chaos. Even though you're given a boarding time, you spend a lot of time in a seemingly endless line like cattle heading for the stockyard. The terminal is obviously a very old warehouse or something that was repurposed for the least amount of money they could spend. It was thoroughly exhausting both ways.

[@Carolmaizy]

We've sailed Boston to Bermuda three times. We find that reserving a port arrival time for about 11 or later makes for less time on your feet waiting in line. We also reserve whatever we can, including excursions, online, as soon as possible. I hope your next cruise is a better experience.

[@tonyaweight8519]

We always cruise with NCL #12 in April!

[@TheRecon1a]

Thanks for the info. It's been 6 years since we cruised NCL and things have changed we want to cruise NCL probably since they will have cruises out of Galveston 😁

[@donnasutton1135]

We are doing our 3rd NCL cruise this upcoming April on the Getaway.

[@jmatera44]

I was able to make my dining and entertainment reservations on line 21 days before sailing.

[@mr.smiles9948]

I normally do coffee when embarking. My cruise in may will be the first being over 21. I’ll make it a Irish coffee this time

[@kathleenstolpin8848]

Love to cruise with NCL.I have taken 8 trips with them I usually book all of my excursions and di Ning on the app before the cruise

[@brandynmayo]

56 days until our NCL cruise and it’s our first one! Great ideas

[@brandynmayo]

We are taking the Bliss though

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome!!

[@peggywoods4327]

It's so fun reading the comments from people about to go on their first cruise! (Y'all have fun!!) I am sailing on an NCL ship in November, but it's a music cruise so lots of entertainment included 😉 I pretty much have my bag packed, just have to remember where I stashed the magnet hooks. Treated myself to a new outfit for a theme night, and making the trousers work with other tops for the other nights. So it will be a cinch getting it all in a carry-on. I just hit a snag with my flight: I booked it back in February and the airline totally redid the times. I had to buy a new flight. Lesson learned, pay a little more to get a flight you can change. I always stay positive though, now I have time to visit someone and grab a bottle of proseco for a cabin treat.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very nice!! Too bad about the flights but it sounds like it’s all going to work out

[@tammystreasures8766]

How do you know what theme nights there will be?

[@peggywoods4327]

@@tammystreasures8766 The tour organizers announced them a couple months ago. There will be a "Rat Pack" night and a "Beverly Hillbillies" one.

[@shellyaodell]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been on two cruises with Royal none with NCL and this will be our first time on the Joy October. I was able to share the video with my co-travelers who some have traveled before and I do have a complete newbie with me this year. Hoping he enjoys the trip. If you have any videos at all while you're on the trip, it would be great for you to share

[@LifeWellCruised]

Exciting!! Yes I’ll be sharing several videos about the Joy & this itinerary 👏

[@andysteve7201]

Hey. I like to be friends with you. I'm steve

[@pxlbarrel]

I believe in person muster has returned.

[@annemarieatkins2262]

Omg, I am going on this cruise. Sept 23 I've watched a ton of your videos. Wish we was on the same week.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I think you’ll enjoy the cruise!!

[@lizarichards2243]

I hope I get to cruise with you one day! So many useful tips n tricks! And, as you know, in-person muster drills have re-commenced on NCL.

[@LivetheLifeMedia]

I sailed with Norwegian Encore 7/2-7/9, 2023 and we had a very quick and easy muster drill (ie meet at your station upon arrival for a few minutes and then watch a video in your cabin. First time cruiser and the process was seamless.

[@lizarichards2243]

@@LivetheLifeMedia Yes they switched back to e-muster very quickly, thank goodness! Sailing on the Norwegian Escape next month.

[@arizonashopper5095]

I'm on the Oct 2nd Canada/NE sailing out of NYC. But our ship is the Breakaway. I didn't know the Joy did the same route. I'm super happy you are doing this route, bc there's a real shortage of info about cruises to this part of the world. But we live in a hot & sunny area, so the last thing we wanted to do was go someplace sunny. 😆 Super excited for your videos of this route... esp any shore excursion reviews. Thank you for doing the most helpful, most informative and to-the-point videos!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Exciting that you’re doing this cruise. We’ve been to a couple of ports already and I’ll definitely share some info, insights & tips :)

[@j.m.7056]

If there is an excursion to visit a falconry to learn about falcons, do it. Great fun to put on the glove and have a falcon fly to you!

[@kathleenn9665]

Thank you for telling us about the ArriveCAN app. I am leaving for the NY to Canada Breakaway cruise in 3 weeks.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Definitely make sure to do this. It’s not difficult but will take a few minutes and having your documentation handy :)

[@themik2477]

We brought backpacks with all our swim wear and essentials

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good idea!

[@goldlady899]

We have been able to make specialty dining reservations online ahead of time as well as NCL excursion reservations ahead of time. I highly suggest that so there’s not so much busy work to do on day one! I have not needed to make reservations for the shows however. I do not see that as an option to do ahead of time for the Epic next week. And we did not need to make reservations in July on the Spirit but that was a smaller ship. Enjoy your trip!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

I booked my excursions in advance, however I didn’t see a way to book my shows and dining times in advance on the app. Perhaps I missed it, but I also recall doing so in the past

[@ginacota9724]

Ilana I was not able to book specialty dining in the app but when I signed in to the NCL website under my reservation I was able to do it there. Unfortunately not able to book shows though

[@cokeswigga]

The kiosks by the elevators and mobile app can also book shows and restaurants.

[@lovelylu100]

I’m going on my first NCL cruise in 2 days - can’t wait! Also nervous…

[@LifeWellCruised]

Enjoy!!

[@eminiarvii]

Well Illana you have done it again. Surprise! You know i am a Princess and Celebrity gal…but I am sailing Thru the Panama Canal again. But this time it is on the Norwegian Encore 15 days in April…your tips on the reservations for shows and where to go was great for me. Sailing on my two lines I never had to do that…🚢😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh wow!! There are some really nice things on NCL… I’ll share the good and bad 😂

[@Vzwmary]

One thing I heard only once on another blog is a dental kit. Inexpensive at pharmacy. Better to have and not need than visit sick bay for a tooth issue. In same vein an eye glass kit

[@elisaastorino2881]

Great idea. Once I broke a tooth and lost a filling. There wasn't a lot I could do, so I got a temporary filling kit at the drugstore and it really helped.

[@richardguardiani8326]

I understand that for 2023, NCL does require a full group muster.