What you NEED to KNOW BEFORE Your NCL Cruise to AVOID MASSIVE Lineups

Sometimes it can feel like all you do is line up on your cruise; but here's the TRUTH, you don't have to! In this video I share my PRO TIPS to help you avoid some of the longest lines and save time on your next Norwegian Cruise Line cruise.
🎬 Watch next: How I AVOID Embarkation Day Lineups for my NCL Cruises
• How I AVOID Embarkatio...
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CHAPTERS
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0:00 Intro
1:05 Specialty Dining
3:28 Entertainment
5:32 Embarkation / First day of your cruise
9:15 Disembarkation
LINKS & RESOURCES
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NCL Countdown to your cruise checklist - www.ncl.com/ca/en/new-to-crui...
SOCIAL
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📸 - Instagram / cruisewithgrant
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#NCL #Norwegiancruiseline #cruise #cruiseship #Cruisenorwegian

[@CruisewithGrant]

🎬 Watch next: How I AVOID Embarkation Day Lineups for my NCL Cruises kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZStY4GNd7mdhKcsi=MmhPGVqoSyo6DpYS

[@JMyers-lg7eq]

As an NCL Cruiser, you are spot on with many of your tips and tricks. I agree that reservations on port days are way easier to get

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi J 👋 Thanks so much for your comment, and for watching along with my videos! 🫶 Do you have any favourite spots you're always reserving first?

[@anthonyr7208]

Hey Grant… love NCL I just got off the Getaway. I was onboard for a total of 28 days..Did the 13 day transatlantic from London to NYC then stayed onboard for the 15 day Caribbean cruise from NYC….loved every moment

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Anthony 👋 Wow, that sounds like quite an adventure, both a transatlantic and a back to back! I've been lucky enough to do that twice and they really were amazing experiences! What did you think of the Getaway? I may be having a little "getaway" myself soon

[@anthonyr7208]

@@CruisewithGrant Hey Grant I love the Getaway… I’ve sailed on her several times…. The breakaway/breakaway plus Fleet are my absolute favorites…I sailed on the Prima last year and honestly prefer Getaway….

[@sonnyc4105]

Good info! The one tip I found on NCL ships for drinks is to go to the Whiskey Bar, if there is one. On the Joy, it's was right beside the Social Club. Rarely a line. Beats the Atrium Bar, hands down and it's just a short walk from the Atrium.

[@jeannel7255]

Thank you as always for the great tips! Your one of a kind! Love NCL going on the Joy on the 28th foe my first Halloween cruise but 3rd time on the Joy

[@davewaters6719]

Grant my wife and I love your videos. We are getting ready to fly and start our cruise on NCL in a couple days. Keep up the great work.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Dave 👋 I'm so sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you so much 🥰 You really made my day! I hope that you had the most wonderful time on your cruise? Any highlights? Wishing you and your wife a beautiful day!!

[@sherickoos]

Hi Grant! Fantastic video! I am very excited for my first cruise! Once again, very helpful!

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Sherickoos 👋 Thank you so much!!

[@garretts874]

Thanks for these. Regarding lunch once you get on, I've always found the restaurants are a bit less chaotic especially if you get earlier boarding. The buffet is too much!!!

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Garrett 👋 Thanks for sharing the bonus tip, I agree the buffet can be a scary spot on embarkation and disembarkation day!! I hope you're having a super day!

[@PupsMom]

We book the restaurants online, once available. We just booked Pride of America 59 days before sailing. We paid in full yesterday, so can now book dining and excurions online now. This ship, traveling around the Hawaiian islands, is a smaller ship with no big shows, just simple entertainment, so I think we can just go if we feel like it. We always find a favorite lounge to reax in before and after dinner and hubby always tips every second time served, so we never have difficulty getting service.

[@SegwayStan]

I am cruising on the Getaway in 6 days and I was able to book the Behind The Scenes Tour online before the cruise.

[@gjones9409]

I'm a solo traveler going on my first ncl cruise in a few days... Paused your video to do my dinner reservations... All for a table for 2 or 4😊

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi G 👋 Glad to hear it!! It's so much more relaxing to know that it's all taken care of. With regards to your second question, they sometimes have a sharing table if you don't want to sit alone, but I haven't seen this every time I've gone for dinner. I hope you've also checked out my other videos on solo cruising for some other tips that may be helpful for you, I've also dropped them below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpi8dIaErtyKarcsi=UzoUm8vt_v4s3btB kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ3HZ3-PaKl4jc0si=QsyUQmF4mRAYi8st

[@Star-Boarder]

I solo cruise a lot too. I make reservations and also participate with the solo cruise program. You can keep your reservations or join others in the group. I reserve some dining alone. It's just nice to have a quieter dinner without the small talk. My last cruise, I ate 2 times on my own. Loved it. Also, I tell them that I want to see a show or something afterward, they rush my order. I don't need that much time to sit down for a multiple course dinner.

[@Star-Boarder]

My tip...tell your server that you have something to go to after. Often, they can rush your order so you can get to the venue that you want earlier.

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Star Boarder 👋 That's a great tip! I've also found the servers are pretty great at asking if you need to be anywhere later and are super accommodating if you let them know you have a show. Thanks for sharing! I hope you're have an amazing day!

[@Carolmaizy]

Going on our 6th cruise with NCL this week. We always book everything online as soon as possible. We've only sailed the smaller ships, and don't need/can't make reservations for theater shows. It's often possible to make same day reservations on board for main dining rooms if you are willing to wait 30 minutes or so.

[@drcox012]

Yeah like my gf and I are doing our first NCL at the end of July but the theater based entertainment doesn't allow pre-reservations. So with no real practical knowledge, I'm left unsure if NOBODY can pre-book entertainment, or if I just missed the opportunity to do so lol.

[@Carolmaizy]

@drcox012 if it's a smaller ship nobody can reserve theater shows. Just get there 15 minutes early and you should be fine.

[@gsummerhays]

Hello! Love your videos. I'm going on the escape and was wondering about the Starbucks program on that ship since they don't have A Starbucks but they do have the atrium cafe which I can't find much information about their menu. Also do you know of any smoothie options on that ship?

[@allenm5443]

At least on the Star, the Behind the Scenes Tour is available for pre-booking several weeks out.

[@a.hostling7254]

what's the around the Hawaiian island ship like?

[@dianamui299]

Thank you for the tips! I am sensitive to cigarette smoke - can you tell me if the smoke from the open air casino on Breakaway travels to the nearby public areas?

[@charliedurham4248]

Ironically, we are standing in line outside in Newport right now waiting to get back on a tender boat to the Escape. Saw your video pop up and hoped you had a solution for this line, lol😅

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Charlie 👋 haha I'm not quite yet at the advice on demand, but perhaps one day 😉 I certainly hope you (and everyone else) got back on board and it didn't take too long. Tender boat operations are always... fun 😉 I hope you have a great time on the Escape, but sure to check out the new Wheel of Fortune. Would love to hear what you think!

[@hillaryhubbard2506]

Going on the Escape in November!

[@vickibreen6093]

Hi Grant. Just found your videos. I am going on my first cruise (april 2025 NCL Getaway). What are your thoughts on the Priority Access NCL offers?

[@sashahensley9742]

Though it seems NCL now charges for the behind the scenes tours. Well at least it's on my entertainment page

[@wendysoulliere1305]

Thinking about going on Panama canal cruise on the Jade. Never sailed with Norwegian before. Help

[@Cha-y412]

Go Haven --- no lines

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Which times of the year have low bookings and lower prices?

[@wendysoulliere1305]

Norwegian has great customer service on the phone.

[@fogsmart]

Glad you think so…

[@paulharris3457]

I've never been on a cruise before but we're looking at booking one for this September, there seems to be quite a bit that I find off putting though like standing in queues all the time, being forced to pay gratuities, not knowing if a drinks package would be worth getting or not and what the food etc is like and were quite private people we don't really tend to get involved with other couples on holiday but would we struggle with being in close proximity to so many others all the time. Are they really worth trying going on? Genuine question because the Mrs really wants to but I'm not sure we'll really enjoy it

[@samanthasummerall1168]

Commenting to follow along. My understanding is just to be sure you book early. NCL’s website gives good overviews of what is available so you can plan accordingly.

[@stevelavergne2852]

You can also book the BTS tour prior to the cruise through the app when they open it up. We did that on our last cruise.

[@noeinroad7294]

Can you get a reservation for lunch at a specialty restaurant on embarkation day?

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Noein road 👋 on embarkation day and throughout the cruise most specialty dining venues are only open for dinner. There are a few exceptions, like Ocean blue has a take out window open on sea days. I hope this is helpful! Any specialty restaurants you’re excited to visit?

[@robertwernerog399]

I've read several posts and horror stories about the lines/crowds around the bars due to the "free drink" package. I'm not a big drinker, but there may be a time where I want an adult beverage. Any suggestions on that?

[@nickc7318]

Hi Robert, so I'm about to go on a cruise end of this month. What should I be aware of, that pertains to my "free drink" package?

[@robertwernerog399]

@@nickc7318 I can tell you what I found on NCL's site, but this will be my first sailing with them. If the drink is $15 or under it's "free." Anything over 15 you pay the difference. Starbucks isn't included nor are the wine dispensers. You still pay a $20/day fee for the cost of the package. So, basically if you get two drinks a day, you're ahead of the game.

[@kombatarts99]

I’ve done 10 cruises. If your Haven you’ll have zero issues and I suggest going Haven if you can afford it. That said Whiskey Bar is the least crowded generally. Casino Bar is also less crowded

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Entertainment normally does not sell out.

[@camillaandersson5050]

A question about behind the scenes: is it free to book for everyone, or only if you have platinum? If it is free for everyone, where do you book it ? This is something I would really like to do, so I hope there is a possibility to participate :)

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi Camilla 👋 There are actually two behind the scenes tours; there is one for people who have Platinum or above status which is free (if space permits), and there is also one that is sometimes offered at a cost as a shore excursion. They actually visit different places so you won't get all of the same stops from what I've heard. Hope this is helpful!

[@bijoujohnson]

@@CruisewithGrant So glad I found your channel! We will be first time cruising with NCL this summer. We will be doing The Haven. Do you know if that would "count" as platinum as far as booking things like the behind the scenes?

[@MissBreeLea]

When you’re solo cruising can you still reserve for dining when it only has the 2 person option?

[@CruisewithGrant]

Hi MissBreeLea 👋 As someone who travels solo often I book for whatever the minimum number is available and I often either invite some new friends to join me, or I adjust when I'm on board (this was actually one of my bonus tips for this video that didn't quite make the cut). Do you have any cruise plans lined up?

[@MissBreeLea]

@@CruisewithGrant thanks !! Yes ! I’ll be on Norwegian for the first time for the Hawaii one in November. I’ve only ever done carnival before appreciate your videos 👏

[@teddy7684]

yes, you can when I was on the Prima, I requested a table to myself, and they let me sit alone @@MissBreeLea

[@amyj4714]

I'm taking my first cruise next year in june the baltic cruise on ncl dawn

[@suzymansfield8859]

I need help!! We had paid up front for Norwegian to book our flights to and from Los Angeles. When it came time to check in online for our flights home, we found out that there were no flights booked for us. We went to the cruise help desk and found out through the airline that NCL had reserved flights, but never paid for them so our flights were canceled. We were told by cruise personnel (after speaking with supervisor) that we would need to book our own flights back(for the next day) and then request a reimbursement for the money we had to spend. After multiple emails and phone calls, it is 6 months later and we still have not been able to get out money back. And no one is returning my emails or phone calls. I’m now reaching out to online cruise persons such as yourself for suggestions- short of trying to go to court, is there anyway to get our almost $800 back? My husband and I are retired, on a fixed income and can’t afford to just write this off. Please help- who can we contact to address this issue?

[@gjones9409]

As a solo traveler do you have to eat alone or do they have larger communal tables available?

[@elizabethhouse2910]

One way to find others to dine with is to attend the solo meet up listed in the Freestyle Daily each evening, usually about 5:30. The solo host can even arrange reservations for dinner or shows.

[@vonniebench]

So we're cruising next year in a suite. First time - two birthdays, and an anniversary. It comes with Butler, Consiere, and the special ammenities that come with a lot of Haven rooms. What happens with our friends that have joined us that are in a standard Club Balcony cabin? Can they join us for our breakfast, lunch?

[@leom4479]

no

[@kombatarts99]

No Haven is private for Haven only no guests

[@Paterson340]

Hi Grant! Im looking everywhere online to find more info about SAIL AWAY RATES. The questions we have are...what can you eat with this rate on ship? Is anything at all to eat or drink included? Or do you have to pay for each thing you consume? Please get detailed with this specifically. MUCH THX

[@teddy7684]

NCL was my worse experience on a cruise. I was on the brand-new Prima. The main theater was flooded, the go cart area caught fire, and then we did not get to go to our ports they claimed the weather was too bad, they nickel and dime you to death the app on your phone did not work could not book the few shows they did have the food was good I can say that, and the staff was very kind and hard working but as brand they did not deliver on experience. I have been on 12 plus cruises and this one was the worst I definitely would not recommend.

[@helenalovelock1030]

It was my best cruise and value for money. I’ve been on a Crystal 6 star cruise too and P&O. You clearly had a bad experience

[@teddy7684]

@@helenalovelock1030 it was a bad experience and it was the most expensive that’s what made it worst all the up charges and lack of services.

[@helenalovelock1030]

@@teddy7684 have to say that one looks a bit crazy and hectic.

[@sergeypolietilenovychsneg]

I was really green doing cruise to Argentina And in Versailles they served this quiche So I called a girl named Celestina and asked How much is the fish?

[@Krystaldoll282]

This makes cruising sound like no fun. So many, many people. Crowds everywhere and that’s fun?? That’s relaxing??