25 Norwegian Cruise Line Tips, Hacks & Mistakes to Avoid (2024)

[@LifeWellCruised]

Check out the new Lifestyle by Norwegian collections, which include cruise essentials & cruise comfort items that you can use at home: www.lifestylebynorwegian.com/

[@Merrill6119]

My cruise consultant told me today that I don’t have to do the antigen covid test to board the Norwegian sun for my 14 day Australia/ New Zealand cruise. Are you able to confirm her statement? Thank you in advance for your response. Much appreciated

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Merrill6119 I can’t give specific travel advice, as I would never want to steer you wrong. However in most countries I believe that testing is no longer required. Your travel advisor and government websites are the best resources. Enjoy your cruise!

[@markwisner3972]

Good video. The best hack for NCL is the fish in the carpet. They always point forward. It helps to keep you from making a wrong turn when leaving your cabin.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@markwisner3972 yes!! So good

[@Snoopy-qe7kt]

@@LifeWellCruisednew or refurbished ships don’t have the fish carpet. The carpet is still directional but it is much more subtle and you have to look for it.

[@dorayoung1073]

Yes, we just cruised on the newer ship, The Viva, and they have triangle patterns that point forward.

[@lacl9688]

This last cruise on the Jade they did not have the fish carpet😢

[@donnamallory4526]

Yes I had to explain that to my directionally challenged Sister 😂

[@wendyposteraro9919]

Tip for the laundry bag - bring a kitchen size garbage bag to put your dirty laundry in and squeeze out the extra air before putting it inside the paper laundry bag provided. Allows you to pack more in the paper bag without the bag ripping for the set price of $29 per paper bag.

[@israelcunningham9141]

Genius.

[@smoothsketch]

tip - on embarkation day be on the lookout for and pick up the day 1 Freestyle Daily to read while you are in the waiting area before NCL allows you to board the ship, that way you can find out what's scheduled that you want to attend and what decks the open restaurants are at . Make sure to give up your luggage so you can have fun instead of baby-siting suitcases (as you are on the ship but now waiting for your cabin to be ready) , NCL will deliver your suitcases outside your room.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@smoothsketch great ideas

[@AppleJuiceQueen95]

I will be cruising NCL in December. Your videos have been a great help and I genuinely appreciate you! I purchased your cruise planner (for the organization help, but also because I wanted to support your work!) and it has been SO helpful! I went from nervous to excited. This will be my first cruise, first flight and first time out of the country.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@AppleJuiceQueen95 wow, that’s so exciting! I’m so glad you’re feeling prepared & looking forward to your cruise. Thanks for your purchase, support & feedback ☺️

[@norwegiancruiseline]

Hope you have a wonderful cruise! 💙

[@christineshields1714]

Great information and very timely. We just booked our first NCL cruise. It's quite a way off (July 2026). The itinerary was so interesting and different we couldn't resist. It starts in Honolulu, cruises the Hawaiian island then heads to Alaska and ends in Vancouver. We jumped on it because they are only doing this itinerary twice.

[@markb8954]

Wow, 2026! We booked ours a few days ago for a mid-October 2024 sailing.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@christineshields1714 that does sound great!

[@christineshields1714]

@@markb8954 I don't look for cruises. They just have a way of finding me!

[@teekm8028]

What ship is this? This sounds like a fun itinerary

[@christineshields1714]

@@teekm8028 NCL Spirit. There are only 2 itineraries; one in July, one in August.

[@SonjaStefan1969]

I just want to share my "meal planning" hack on NCL cruises. I find the best way to feel like you are always experiencing something different, but experience everything you can: buffet for breakfast, a different casual eatery each day for lunch, and dinner in a different Main Dining Room each night with a Specialty thrown in on a "special night" (we do take advantage of Captain's Night as well). The only change we make for breakfast, is room service on Disembarcation Day (to save time) and if we are going on an early excursion...we enjoy one of the decadent bakeries for some elegant pastries. Try it out!

[@Onlyonepersonsview]

We are getting ready to go a Mediterranean cruise a middle October .We are not cruisers but we have been on one years ago that was the advertisement for let’s go on a crappy cruise and eat mediocre food. Oh and then spend the rest of the evening watching people being sick absolutely anywhere on the ship. So it seems to reason that we are going on a 10 day cruise and a few extra days in Greece and a few days in Rome ,where the cruise ends. All that’s said , does anyone know if I should be worried about all the cruise essentials videos or just do what I do on vacation. Why does it seem like there are so many things to bring! Not sure that I understand. Does anyone else feel this way or am I going to have to get moving.hopefully two weeks is enough time to shop forever it takes to Cruise.

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is a great tip!

[@justanothertra]

In answer to the paper versus app, we like the paper. Mark it up, highlight it, and keep better track of what we want to do!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@justanothertra I need to start packing my highlighters again. Thanks for the reminder 😊

[@WendyDyke]

Something new that was announced a few weeks ago for Norwegian, they are extending the military benefit to Canadians. The program has existed for U.S. military and veterans for awhile. I was impressed with the announcement they are now including our Canadian service members. Kudos to Norwegian for this recognition.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@WendyDyke that’s awesome 👏👏👏

[@ino6511]

Honestly the most important tip in my opinion is if your embarkation port isn't your native city, arrive to the city of your embarkation port as early as possible. For instance, if you are in mass and your cruise happens to be in NYC, drive there hours before all aboard just incase of any traffic. Even more important is if you have to fly to your embarkation port, try to get there at least a day before the cruise just in case of any flight delays. You don't want to plan to fly out the night before the cruise and arrive the morning of the cruise then when you get to the airport, your flight is delayed and you miss sail away.

[@slipknotfannumber2]

Ilana, my boyfriend and I are on our first cruise, NCL Gem Boston to Bermuda, and would not be having such an easy time if it weren’t for your videos! I’ve been referencing your videos constantly, and thanks to you we knew where to go at Horseshoe Bay, that we can drink water from the sink, to dine at an off time, etc. I love all of your videos and really appreciate all the hard work you put into helping cruisers have a better vacation!! 😊

[@jamieroberts900]

We went in July same cruise on NCL Gem horrible, food ok, shows horrible, party is 70’s 80’s white party. This ship will be retiring next year bc it’s old. The embarkation was good, however if you like trivia the atrium is where it’s done, no seating. Fav entertainment was Randon. Don’t bother with Magician was horrible. The food was just ok. Elena video is the Joy which is a newer ship. While on Bermuda for $450 for 2 days we rented an electric car we went all over the island, favorite beach is Warwick Beach, favorite thing is Bermuda Aquarium. Laundry cost $34.00 no thank you we are seasoned cruisers too. If you don’t pay for gratitudes you will be charged $20 per day per person. If want to go snorkel beach don’t bother so many rocks you need heavy duty swim shoes very expensive..

[@Ivehadenuff]

I hope you liked Boston and that your experience is better than the other comment.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@slipknotfannumber2 so glad! Have an amazing cruise!!

[@slipknotfannumber2]

@@LifeWellCruisedthank you, we loved it!

[@Krypto64]

Ta for another interesting video. Our favourite quiet spot on NCL ships is the library and/or games room, but they don’t tend to show up on the megaships. So Spinnakers wins! Our next NCL break is on the Aqua, going from Southampton to Boston in March. Roll on!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Krypto64 that’s so exciting!!

[@Sailingnicaragua]

We are Gold.. & stock holders. TA ON BLISS January then MSC for a week 😮. A week in GB THEN back on BLISS TA 5 Stops to Miami. NO FLIGHTS, round trip 😊!

[@susanboon4605]

We are frequent NCL cruisers, and are eagerly anticipating our first transatlantic crossing in early November. I just wanted to mention that, unless they've changed the program, the NCL credit card is only available to citizens of the United States (we are Canadian). Also, I think they are the only ones that can use their Starbucks cards (though I'd love to be wrong here, as I was gifted quite a few as end of year thank you gifts from students!). I agree about the Cruise Next, as you double your money - buying $500 Cruise Next gets you a $500 onboard credit - might as well pay your bill and still have the deposit for your next trip!).

[@mad-qk5jh]

I’m Canadian too! For the Starbuck gift card or app… it Will work just on the ship that have the full Starbuck. Like Getaway. But like the star, they served Starbuck at the atrium so it’s not à Réal Starbuck and they can’t not accent the gift card or the app from Starbuck!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@susanboon4605 thanks for sharing. Yes credit cards unfortunately aren’t available in Canada

[@suewolf3279]

1. We love their military discount. We love their military appreciation party.. We also love the patches and the pins that we receive 2. We purchased their stock two or three cruises ago . We certainly enjoy the additional onboard credit it gives us 3. And I still believe they have the best drink package

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@suewolf3279 awesome!!

[@jim_condit]

We use our BoA NCL card for points. We just upgraded from an inside to a balcony cabin using points!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@jim_condit fantastic 👏

[@chrisrobertson3189]

Sailing NCL Prima out of Rome B2B for 26 nights this October! Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Portugal and the Azores heading to NYC!

[@daniellebutt5721]

I am also on the Prima in October from Rome, visiting Grece, Sicily, Italy and Cannes in France…. Can’t wait!!

[@mayavandoorn261]

I will be driving to the airport in 30 minutes and board the NCL Epic this afternoon ;)

[@Reneemfenn]

Update us? 🎉

[@donnalockhart50]

I cruised on the Epic in July to Italy / Greece. Loved every minute of it and we are looking at other NCL cruises tonight fr next year!

[@sarasue56]

I booked Joy because of your last review. Haven't been on NCL since 2017. This will be in a solo balcony cabin. Unfortunately I have to wait until Jan 2026, a gift to myself for my bday. Always love your content. Thanks for all you do. Happy cruising

[@jillinbama]

In July, 2023, we booked an Alaskan cruise for the fall of 2025 on the Norwegian Encore. This is our second cruise ever and our first Norwegian. We have an aft Haven stateroom and I absolutely can't wait! Still so far away but it has given us plenty of time to pay for everything. I purchased your Ultimate Cruise Planner to help with the organization. I think I found your channel from your videos on Alaskan cruises. Thanks for all of the information!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@jillinbama wow!! Awesome cruise!!

[@Wickedjj28]

they are amazing have fun! Make sure to go to Tracy’s crab shack the food is delicious.

[@Wickedjj28]

my parents went on a NCL cruise and they ate at tepanyaki they were the only people their and didn’t know what to get. The cook however decided to make them everything.

[@robinadams6614]

Leaveing Wednesday morning for Athens and a NCL Mediterranean cruise. So excited.

[@Ivehadenuff]

Have a great time!

[@karenmacksam1804]

We are doing viva from Lisbon in September

[@paj8331]

I love the paper version

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m so glad they still have it 😊

[@JoeSixpack258]

I've got a great hack for you that I learned on my last NCL cruise. If you're not a big eater (and there's only two of you dining), use only one of your More At Sea specialty dining freebies at a time (especially in Food Republic or Q Texas Barbecue). Then you can go again. You get plenty at Food Republic with one dining package to go again during the week (and there are plenty of large-portion food options to choose from). You won't be able to do this with Latitudes Platinum and above coupons, so make sure you're splitting a More At Sea dining freebie. Do this before NCL catches on and stops it.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@JoeSixpack258 that is a genius hack!! I hope people see you comment 🛳️👏😂

[@peterkapusi5882]

I dont understand. You go with your partner and you eat together only one meal?

[@BarbaraArias-r6z]

I like the paper one and can’t wait to leave on Wednesday to Bermuda on the Joy

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@BarbaraArias-r6z have an amazing cruise!

[@kingsgaurd]

I was on the Joy last winter. It is a great ship.

[@BarbaraArias-r6z]

@@LifeWellCruised thank you so much. Without your planner I would have been lost and your must haves!!

[@allange395]

Been watching a ton of cruise tip videos on this channel before our first ever cruise. What are the odds to find someone in the comments that's going on the same ship the day before it sail!

[@davecaron1213]

We did a 7-day Alaska on the Joy back in 2017. I think the Great Outdoors at the stern, (now called Spice H20) was my favorite place to just sit, have a beverage and watch the sea.

[@patsigurdson2351]

In March we are going on our 14th cruise on NCL we love them the freestyle cruising. Love your videos

[@nancyprice8398]

I cruised on the Gem to the Western Caribbean. There were group gatherings, not only for military but also solo travelers. I have booked another cruise on the Pearl this time transatlantic. I'm an 80 year old solo traveler and the staff and crew took very good care of me. As long as I am healthy, I will cruise on NCL. Your video was great

[@angiemcdonald779]

Any advice for solo travelers

[@bjbj3853]

Such a timely video! I'm leaving on the Joy next month. I'm a Latitudes member. They have some great benefits in the higher tiers (for example 2 sets of dinner for two, free laundry, a bottle of wine). I also take advantage of the Cruise Next offer rebates for clearing out my on board tab. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the discount programs Ilana mentioned. Saved me $215 off my cruise.

[@AlexisKateridge]

Thank you so much! We leave for our first ncl cruise in october. Thank you for all the tips and tricks. We feel more prepared

[@beachlover2351]

We love NCL. ❤ Not many videos about them. I hope you truly enjoyed it!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad to know you enjoyed! I’ll have more videos to come :)

[@rollievancleave7753]

Love the observation lounge.

[@zinniagarden]

Be sure to get a mojito on NCL! Sugarcane Mojito Bar mojitos are the BEST!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@zinniagarden 👏🚢🚢

[@eileenbelanger5502]

My sister and I are booked on the Jewel for a 12 day cruise in February. I been watching your videos before we even booked and very much enjoyed them.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That sailing sounds amazing!

[@CherylRockhill-cr9yz]

Sailing NCL in October. Doing New England and Canada from Boston so will be looking forward to hearing more tips after your trip there. I love getting the paper dailies every night so I can see everything without scrolling in the app. Thanks for all your insight

[@cindyneubauer9288]

13 days until we head off on the Viva for ten days in the Mediterranean. Two great friends but 2 solo cabins (this is so much better than sharing and similar cost) Ten days, ten ports then a week in Lisbon! Cannot wait!

[@kirareed1865]

🎉NCL has awesome solo /single cruiser meet ups if you & pal want to participate. It's no pressure to pop in at your convenience on any day.

[@laurenschenck5355]

OMG! That cabin looks so cozy and relaxing and comfortable 🍂🛳️🛳️✈️✈️✈️🎃🎃🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🍂🍂🛳️🛳️🍂🍃🍃🎃🎃🍃🍃🍃🎃🍃🎃🎃

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@laurenschenck5355 it was!!

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised I am glad 😍😍😍

[@captainstanbig-time-cruise7560]

The NCL-MC is an absolutley great, if you like NIrwegian. I use it for everything, not just cruises. When I get enough points, I upgrade my cabin from insude to balcony. Works every time. Love your vblogs. Watching all the time. THANKS! Keep on vbloging and keep on cruising! BTW my next cruise in 34 days on NCL Escape.

[@SonjaStefan1969]

I can't believe it Ilana, YOUR 3 favorite specialty restaurants are MY 3 favorite restaurants - too funny! I am getting ready to book an NCL trip to Bermuda and I am SO EXCITED!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha those are good! Enjoy

[@caseycb79]

Great tips! Thank you! We utilized the laundry bag for $30 on Royal Caribbean this last may and we LOVED it! Never seen it before, but it was so nice to not have to spend time doing our own laundry! It was back to us within 24 hours.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That is awesome!

[@noodlemom23]

Great tips as always, thanks Ilana! One of my favorite takeaways from my last NCL cruise was my Starbucks NCL Pearl coffee mug. I highly recommend picking these up on the cruise ships when you can find them, they will either bring you joy with your morning coffee on those dreary winter days at home or keep it boxed for a bit until that series gets discontinued and make some money by selling it since they are much harder to get than the city mugs.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@noodlemom23 love that!!

[@debraleonard2440]

Hi. My first cruise ever is on NCL May 2025. To Alaska!!! Watch all your videos and have purchased lots of the things you recommend. Thanks for all the great tips. ❤

[@Ivehadenuff]

I’m a first time cruiser too. I go in October.

[@lesliev8934]

I’m going solo on the Jade on September 12th. I’m looking forward to it. This will be my first Norwegian Cruise line sailing. This is a New England and Canada cruise.

[@BarbaraArias-r6z]

You are going to love it

[@BarbaraArias-r6z]

You are going to love it

[@DavidNurbin]

I went on the Jade in the fall of 2018. Great ship. It is one of the smaller ones, and can be relaxing.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@lesliev8934 wow! Beautiful cruise!

[@monymony68]

We’re sailing on Joy in October. Looking forward to it ❤ I wish NCL offered lighted make up mirrors for the desk.

[@Sweetness-ub2ur]

I'm cruising with Norwegian in a week. Thanks for all tips and video they really do help 🎉🎉

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Sweetness-ub2ur I’m so glad! Have an awesome cruise!

[@nicolewiltsey7793]

@@LifeWellCruised@ 1:45 you show a roast beef sandwich dip w fries, was that for lunch in one of the main dining rooms? It looks delicious 😋

[@LizFord-jj7vb]

Cruising next month to New England Canada on NCL! Enjoy getting tips from your videos!

[@pbartkus]

@LizFord-jj7vb, are you on the VTG 9/29 group cruise? If so, I'll see you there! 👋

[@Jeff-w8h]

I like the paper and the app. We are leaving on our 2nd NCL cruise in 13 days onboard the Breakaway!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Jeff-w8h exciting!

[@pjumnuss6590]

My next NCL Cruise is on Epic to the Caribbean. This will be first time on a newer, larger ship. Previously cruised on 2 Jewel class ships.

[@amymanee1081]

Great tips and ideas for those of us not as experienced as you!! Thank you.

[@vionettebernis-cazelot263]

We are sailing out of Athens, Greece on Sept. 1st on a 9 day Greek Isles/ Turkey cruise. Greece has been on my Bucket List since I was a teenager! 🎉🛳️🧉🍹

[@Aaron-nj4ou]

Istanbul is my favourite place I have ever been. Awesome city.

[@juliewendt724]

Elana, I'm so happy for you about the NCL sponsorship!!We're heading to Bermuda on The NCL Breakaway in a couple of months. Just one thing, are you sure about being able to use Starbucks gift cards? A couple of years ago when we went on the NCL Pearl they wouldn't accept gift cards. They do have the specific Starbucks beverage package, now. But, my hubby doesn't think he will drink the 3 a day (if my math is right) it would take to make it worth it. Thanks for another great video!!

[@sylviajordan4187]

Great tips Ileana. I have been on a couple of NCL cruises. My next one is on the Viva, Mediterranean , my first. It will be leaving out of Athens, Greece! I am very excited! I will be following a lot of your tips here. I’ve also watched your video on cruising the Mediterranean to prepare. Thank you for your very informative vlogs!

[@JohnTillman-i5g]

Cruised to Northern Europe on the NCL Prima… very happy with the boat and crew. Norway was spectacular. Already booked a second for next year on NCL!

[@christiramares6983]

Friday will be my first NCL cruise, but several on other lines. Thanks for the tips! Love to have paper AND app options!

[@toddirby1449]

Sailing NCL Prima from Southampton to Reykjavik in 20 days along with wife and two cherished friends who have graciously agreed to be my Best Man and my wife’s Matron of Honor when we renew our vows to celebrate our 33rd anniversary onboard ship-part of our honeymoon, and our first NCL cruise Experience was spent on the SS Norway. Can’t wait!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@toddirby1449 wow!!! Congratulations 🥂

[@jp1087]

We cruised on the Bliss and actually never had any issue eating at the buffet when we wanted to, even at peak times. The buffet menu changes, so it doesn't become monotonous. For the main dining areas, we wound up having some long wait times a few times, but on average were seated within 15 minutes. After the first day, we wound up planning meals around the various shows we wanted to see on the ship. Sometimes it's nice to eat late in the buffet, because then you get to converse and hang out with the show casts. But booking specialty dining early is always best. Another thing with NCL is when you are in a port where tenders are required, you need to book excursions through NCL, because otherwise you won't be getting off the ship when you want to. The tenders are done by signing up first-come first serve, and priority is given to those who have booked excursions through NCL. We wound up being 30 minutes late for our excursion in Puerto Vallarta because this was not explained until they opened up tender booking. Luckily, our excursion tour group was familiar with how it works and waited for us.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing

[@pamrochon5527]

Cruising on the Escape in July 2025. Already have our Vibe passes, hubby is former military, and we own stock. It will be our 5th NCL cruise. Heading to western Caribbean for this one. Can’t wait.

[@GayesyJ]

Another fantastic video Ilana! We have sailed with NCL three times now and we love them! ☺️ Those Lifestyle by Norwegian items look lovely! 🤩 Might have to add some to my next gift list..

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@GayesyJ so glad you enjoyed the video! Aren’t they a great gift? I thought the same (& omg the sheets 😍)

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

I was on the NCL Gem (a beautiful ship, love the colour scheme) a few years ago ... *totally LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Great Outdoor in the back of the ship's buffet deck!*

[@lacl9688]

I’ve been on 8 NCL cruises not one has been on the same ship. I enjoy being a latitude member as well

[@KandlesWick]

Thank you so much for this video. I just booked a NCL Canada/New England Cruise September 2026; I was surprised how far out you have to go to snag an inside studio cabin on the same floor as their lounge lol

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@KandlesWick that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing this

[@nealjohnson7417]

Good tips. We've cruised 4 times with NCL in last 9 years. Next one coming up in December on Breakaway. Will definitely be looking for the laundry tip. We are Gold so I believe we get 50% off.

[@robinferguson7404]

I’m actually going to stay in a solo balcony room on the Norwegian Sun heading to Alaska! So ready!!!!!

[@terriz7791]

We’re on the Joy and leaving New York City on September 2nd. 7 days to go!

[@debrapoot5434]

Thanks, Illana! You are the best!

[@raylane7056]

I have enjoyed 2 NCL cruises in the past 2 years. Smaller ships NCL Spirit to Alaska and the NCL Jade (11-day) cruise to the southern Caribbean. Looking forward to a pair of B2B NCL/Jade cruises next year. Good advice as always. Thanks!!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Fantastic!! I would love to try Spirit

[@donnawhalen8833]

I hadn’t cruised in 15 years, decided recently to get back on a ship. Cruised NCL Gem as a solo and got hooked within a day. The daily meet and greets were we fun and helpful. The perks on NCL are bountiful. I took advantage of discounts on excursions and cabin credit for being a stockholder. Really sorry I didn’t take advantage of future cruise credit.

[@williamwatson689]

As someone pointed out, so-called daily gratuties are nothing more than a service charge that should be included in the advertised price of the cruise cost. Let's put pressure on the cruise lines to fess up.

[@cindyneubauer9288]

I believe it affects them hugely in regards to taxes. If we pay directly to cruise line its taxed as income. If separate they do not have to include it in the gross revenue. The staff pays low or minimal taxes so this way spreads it out so the government gets less tax. Better for all, most importantly for the crew!

[@nicolewiltsey7793]

Great Video!! We’ll be on Breakaway to Bermuda Oct.27th for our 30th 💙wedding anniversary🩵 Very excited, it’s been 5yrs since our last cruise. Only NCL🤍 Thanks

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@nicolewiltsey7793 wow!! So exciting! Happy anniversary 🥂

[@joansouza6457]

Just got back from a 10 day Mediterranean cruise to Italy and Greece on NCL Epic. Off to Hawaii and French Polynesia in November on the Sun. Love the perks from the NCL credit card. We generally book an OV room and are able to upgrade to a balcony using points.

[@timmersgal]

Love your tips and recommendations. I am going in October from Hawaii to French Polynesia on Norwegian Sun...Cant wait. I have purchased some of your recommendations for this cruise. travel hangers, solid shampoo and condtioner, and the travel outlet adapter..

[@TwoTuras2]

Prefer the paper planner, especially for sea days. Some of the tips are definitely ship dependent. For instance when we were on Pride of America there was no white party nor were there buttons to communicate with the cabinet steward.

[@easton516]

Heading on the Breakaway December 12th....cannot wait. Our first time on NCL...loved these tips.

[@dennisdemonceau318]

Next cruise on November 6th on the sun. French polynesia/ Hawaii cruise. Super excited bucket list for me.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@dennisdemonceau318 wow! Amazing itinerary

[@victoriacaruso-mcdonald907]

We used your great tips last year on our NCL cruise! While on that cruise we did book this year’s cruise (Nov 30-Dec11). We used the Cruise Next and used the NCL card. Double benefit was putting the Cruise Next amounts and deposit on the NCL credit card. We’ll be cruising on the Prima in The Haven to celebrate my husband’s 70th. Have you cruised on The Prima? Love your videos and tips! Thanks, Ilana!

[@gerardacronin334]

I have never sailed on NCL but I have booked a solo cabin on the Breakaway for a Mediterranean cruise in October 2025, out of Barcelona. It’s a very port intensive cruise so I figure I will be too busy to miss having a balcony. And when we have a port day in “Rome” (I.e. Civitavecchia) I plan to stay on the ship, as I have visited Rome many times, and the journey into the city takes an hour each way!

[@sandishull2378]

We are booked on the Encore for January 2025, after the refit later this year. I like both the paper and the app on Royal can't say for sure on NCL as this will be our first with this cruise line. I love crepes but my understanding is they are made at COCOs, and they are taking that venue off. So is there any other place to get them? I read on different facebook pages that you can get a one cup coffee maker in your cabin, is this true or only for certain cabin types?

[@donnamallory4526]

The Chili and the wings at 0’Sheehans are delicious 😋

[@louchurch4475]

We are taking a Nlc Encore Caribbean cruise on February 2, 2024. Really appreciate all you’re tips😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome! Enjoy!

[@mrgold3591]

Planning to take a Cruise on NCL Joy in Dec/24. Does the NCL crew expect tipping at bars, spa, or specialty dinning?

[@lorithompson4528]

NCL app is very helpful and love the paper version of activities

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@lorithompson4528 so true

[@jimwisnieski6355]

I have 2 Norwegian cruises booked 1 on the Viva in February to the Southern Caribbean and 1 on the Getaway in August to Bermuda. We love NCL’s newer ships. Can’t wait to go.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@jimwisnieski6355 lucky you!!!

[@timmersgal]

Dont forget to check the price of your cruise just before you go,,,if the price has dropped, you can call and they can give you the difference in future cruise credits..We got $800 each for our next cruise! They will not refund the difference but the cruise credits give you a start on your next cruise.

[@susanjacobson1875]

Thanks for the info! Have sailed NCL in the past but has been over 15 years ago. Sailing as a solo traveller in Oct 2025 and your tips are very helpful!!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@susanjacobson1875 have an amazing cruise!! We’ll have some more tips soon on NCL’s channel as well :)

[@TheGersh18]

First ever cruise coming up in a few weeks (New England).

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@TheGersh18 one of my favorite itineraries 👏👏

[@karaatoz]

Thanks for all the info on the Joy! we are sailing to Bermuda from NY 10/2! SOOOO looking forward to it!

[@marthatarlton949]

We are planning our next NCL cruise on the Breakaway on Dec1. We will have a haven suite this time. 😊

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I finished my last cruise with 45 Latitudes points. I'm on the Joy in about a month for a 15 day jaunt through the Panama canal in one of the new solo balcony cabins. Because I'm Gold, I'll get one 1/2 price laundry which I'm seriously thinking about using. I'm also getting double Latitudes points so when the cruise ends, I'll be Platinum. Really looking forward to the extra dining credits and priority embarkation and disembarkation that come with it. I would like to point out that the 10% military appreciation discount is now available for Canadian veterans.

[@migdaliagarcia5166]

As always another great video with great and useful information and tips. Thanks Ilana!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching & I’m so glad you enjoyed it

[@kingsgaurd]

These comments and tips are pretty good. One warning is that it seems that on board credit from the NCL card is on a "one per cabin" basis. So a couple that each has an NCL card can not both use their onboard credits on the same trip.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@kingsgaurd very interesting, thanks for sharing

[@danacasey8543]

I use the laundry bag special midway through the cruise. I have my travel outfit for the plane home, and shorts and t shirts washed and folded. It saves packing space! My last NCL cruise on the Jade, a few weeks ago, we used the Freestyle Daily every day to plan evening activities, and found a hidden gem - Luca! He played a set of Santana songs! It got us ready for the Santana concert we're going to next month!

[@jenbrooks5872]

Wow! We always cruise NCL... I need those packing cubes lol

[@jenbrooks5872]

Okay maybe I don't need them, as we have 5 sets but, I want them! Lol

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha I hear you! Honestly they just make packing better 😂

[@jenbrooks5872]

Shhhhhh... We love the great outdoors lol... Dont tell everyone! Hahahaha

[@natashiarush8946]

I’m going on a 18 day cruise this December 2024. This video was very helpful and I wondering if you know anything about the Norwegian starship specifically

[@Snoopy-qe7kt]

Doing the Canadian itinerary from Quebec in two weeks.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Snoopy-qe7kt so good! Enjoy

[@joseelemonde6405]

Good tips😀! Sailing from Rome to Lisbone on Viva in less than 15 days. Can't wait. So existed 🎉🎉🎉

[@coffofcuppee]

Thanks llana, Perfect timing, our next cruise is NCL in November. Our first time on NCL and celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. 🛳🛳

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@coffofcuppee wow!! Happy anniversary 🚢🥂👏

[@pincushionllama]

@2:48 this is specifically The Joy. I did the class for that Sunflower painting and caught the last show of elements with the crew fairwell (Which actually cut the Element show short, if you want the whole show, do NOT go to the last showing)

[@debrabessette2699]

Cruising on the Breakaway in October! Thanks for the tips, interesting about the credit card..didn't know that one

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have a fantastic cruise!

[@elainemcdonald1539]

Ilana, can you advise if the thermal spa has day passes only? We are headed for a Mediterranean cruise on the Pearl in 2025 and wondered about a 1 day only pass.

[@nancybusch4486]

Thank you for video love Norwigian cruises one of the best, will be Canada 🇨🇦 on September 1 this Sunday Norwigian breakaway from Manhattan

[@johnd.9]

Thank you for a video that is focused on NCL. On my last NCL cruise in May/June, I waited until the 2nd last day of the cruise when they added a bonus for purchasing future cruise credits. Not only did I get 50% back in credits on my current cruise, but they added 10 Latitude Points, which bumped me up to Silver in time for my next cruise. Speaking of next, my upcoming cruise is from and to Lisbon, including the Canary Islands, Casablanca, Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal. I am about to book two more cruises for 2025: mid-March Tokyo to Seoul, and mid-August Reykjavik via Norway and Brussels to London. 🫶🇨🇦🛳

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@johnd.9 wow!! Thanks for sharing

[@izengolf1]

I think we are on the same cruise on the Star this November. Lots of great places to visit and, other than the first sea day to get started, ports every day!