NCL-Harvest-Caye-Aerial.jpg

12 Things You Need To Know About Harvest Caye (Belize)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsNorwegian Cruise Line

You might think all cruise private islands are basically the same. Harvest Caye proves they’re not.

At first glance, this Belizean port ticks all the usual boxes. White sand. Clear water. Loungers, bars and organised excursions just steps from the ship.

But Harvest Caye doesn’t quite behave like a typical private island.

Aerial view of NCL Harvest Caye

It’s mainly used by Norwegian Cruise Line and sits in southern Belize, which gives it a very different feel from the Caribbean cays most cruisers are used to. And while it looks polished and easy, there are a few quirks that catch people out.

Some are small. Others can completely change how your port day feels.

And there’s one detail in particular that surprises first-time visitors every single time…

1. It’s a Private Island

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. This means that the only way to visit the island is if you book a cruise on an NCL ship, or one of the two luxury cruise lines owned by the same company – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Because it’s a private island, this means you won’t be sharing the space with other tourists – the only people on the island will be your other cruise ship guests, and the staff employed by Norwegian Cruise Line, either from the ship or those who work on the island itself.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy a little more of a tranquil space, with only your fellow ship guests taking up loungers on the beach. It’s a fun-packed location too, though, so you’ll still want to book any excursions early to avoid disappointment.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

2. A Lot of People Mispronounce the Island’s Name

The word ‘Caye’ is used throughout Central America, and it is pronounced “key”. Harvest is pronounced normally, as you’d expect. A lot of guests still refer to the island as “Harvest Kay” without realising the correct pronunciation.

That’s likely because it can be pronounced as “kay” in parts of the Bahamas, so you end up with the same word being said differently in regions which are relatively close to each other. Don’t worry about it too much, though, because no locals are going to be offended if you say it wrong.

It does cause confusion, though – so if you’re looking for Harvest Key Belize, you actually want Harvest Caye.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

3. There’s a Pier – No Need to Tender!

There is a pier terminal at Harvest Caye where your ship will dock – you don’t have to worry about taking a tender boat from the ship to shore. The pier is quite long, but it is covered to provide shade during the hotter, sunnier days – of which there are many.

Because the ship docks at the pier, you don’t need to worry about queuing to get back onto the ship. You can go back and forth between the ship and the island as many times as you want before the final departure time, which is usually around 3 pm.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

4. It’s Safe – So Relax!

While Belize itself has had some issues with high crime rates, the island of Harvest Caye is comparatively very safe, since it is a private destination where there is always a presence of staff employed by the cruise line.

There are some locals from Belize who work on the island. They aren’t employed by the cruise line, but they are given permission to work there in partnership with the government. They are generally friendly and shouldn’t try to scam you – the people who work here understand that their repeat business depends on offering good service.

5. Only Cruise Guests Can Visit

Permanent residents of Belize are not permitted to visit Harvest Caye of their own volition. They would have to book a cruise just like any other guests. There will be some Belizeans on the island who are employed by the cruise line.

There are around 400 people who work on the island that are not part of the ship’s crew, but some members of the crew will also likely have work to do on the island during port days as well.

6. Food Isn’t Included – Unlike Other Private Destinations

Unlike most other private islands owned by cruise lines, food is not included on Harvest Caye – you will need to either buy your own from one of the local businesses or return to the ship, where you can enjoy the restaurants as normal.

Usually, with a private island, the cruise line will bring food ashore and set up a buffet restaurant, but that’s not the case on Harvest Caye.

Part of the agreement that NCL has with Belize is to run the island in a way that benefits local businesses, and so guests will need to pay to eat at one of the restaurants on the island.

There are various restaurants to choose from to suit different budgets, and you can pay with a credit card or in US dollars. Bear in mind that a lot of people may return to the ship to eat in order to save money, so the restaurants might not be as busy as you would expect them to be on a regular port day.

7. Drinks Also Aren’t Free

Drinks are not included when you travel to Harvest Caye – you’ll need to pay for them. Unlike some other private islands, the bars aren’t owned by the cruise line, so you’ll need to pay by cash or credit card, instead of being able to use your cruise card.

The drinks prices are similar to those on the ship, so if you’re paying for your drinks anyway then you may as well enjoy them on the island.

Couple having a drink and enjoying at Harvest Caye Pool Bar

8. Your Drink Package Won’t Work Here

The NCL drinks package won’t work on Harvest Caye, because the bars are not owned by the cruise line. If you have a drinks package, then you can save money by returning to the ship to grab a drink, but it’s quite a walk if you’re just feeling thirsty.

You won’t be able to bring drinks ashore with you, so you’ll either need to decide whether to take some cash or your credit card with you for drinks, or if you’ll cut short your visit to come back aboard in order to make use of your drinks package.

Woman enjoying her drink at Harvest Caye beach

9. There’s So Much to Do!

There is a huge amount that you can see and do during your trip to Harvest Caye – including a selection of things that are free. Many of the most exciting activities are paid excursions, but you don’t need to spend extra if you don’t want to.

You might just want to head straight to the beach – there are some really nice ones on the island after all, overlooking the beautiful azure waters. There’s no cost for a lounger, but the beaches can get a little busier, so you might want to get there early if you want to nab a shaded spot.

Otherwise, you may want to head to the swimming pool. Not many private islands have a pool, since guests are comfortable swimming in the ocean, but there’s a huge pool with loungers and cabanas for hire if you want a freshwater dip instead.

Couple realaxing at the pool cabana area in Harvest Caye

And just a little further away from the pier, there’s a splash pad that is great for kids. If you have younger children with you, they’ll have a great time splashing each other, tipping out water buckets and more.

One of the famous attractions of Harvest Caye is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. You can explore this area for free, along with the wider wildlife sanctuary, which is home to toucans, macaws, snakes, and other animals, with lots of educational material to support your tour. The butterfly sanctuary has large glass spaces where you can get very close to the creatures flying around.

Mother and daughter looking at a blue butterfly

Shopping is another option as well – there’s a market area populated with stalls and stores owned by local business owners and selling a wide selection of gifts, handmade crafts, perfumes, rum and more. Just be wary of what you buy and what you take back onto the ship – rum bottles will be taken from you and returned at the end of your cruise.

If you want to try a paid-for excursion, why not explore the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit? A guided tour will get you close to these fascinating ruins, with your expert guide explaining more of the history during your ride.

Looking for something a little more action-oriented? The island has a zip line running across the bay, or you can try one of the many water sports offered on the island, including paddleboarding and snorkelling. You don’t have to be an expert – there are plenty of excursions aimed at novices or children, too.

Kid enjoying the zip line at Harvest Caye

There are also WaveRunner tours – essentially jetskis where a tour guide will train you on riding one before leading you around the island to some unique sights of interest.

And because the island is not far from the coast of Belize, there is a selection of excursions that take you off the island to explore some of the nearby sights. Journeys are short, so you can still explore the island itself, too, when you return.

Staying on the island, you’ll be able to try river rafting or take things a little easier with a fishing excursion – master fishermen will help you learn how to bait for the local fish on a catch-and-release trip.

The cost of these paid-for excursions varies, but expect to pay in the region of $80-100 for most of them, per person, with some minor discounts for children. If you don’t want to pay this extra amount, then stick to the wildlife sanctuary, the swimming pool, the beach or the splash pad as these are all free.

10. Cabana Rental is Available (But Not Cheap)

And if you really want to enjoy a quieter day, book a cabana either on the beach or by the pool. These private spaces are the ideal place to unwind with a cold drink and some shade.

Family relaxing at the beach front cabana in Harvest Caye

You should expect to pay $450 to $500 for a cabana for the day for up to 6 people. The cabanas do have a lot of extras to make your island visit more comfortable, including air conditioning, a TV, a mini fridge, a private bathroom and a golf cart that you can use for the day to get around the island.

11. Snorkelling is an Option

Snorkelling is an excursion option at Harvest Caye. Belize is home to the world’s largest living barrier reef, so snorkelling excursions offer plenty of incredible sights to enjoy. The excursions last for around 2.5 hours in total, so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the island.

The water entry is shallow, which means these snorkelling excursions are suitable for beginners and veterans alike. Some of the common creatures you’ll encounter include larger fish schools, eagle rays, large starfish and queen conchs.

12. You Can Take a Ferry to Placencia

The boats that take you from Harvest Caye to Placencia take around 15-20 minutes. Excursions to the lagoon give guests the chance to see the mangroves and the wildlife that inhabits them, including manatees.

These tours are fully guided, meaning guests will be able to learn about the wildlife from an expert. A complimentary drink is also served during excursions to Placencia – either a rum punch or water.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Final Word

There are loads of things to do in Harvest Caye, Belize, so you’ll want to head to the island as early as possible – and because you don’t need to tender, you should be able to walk straight off the ship.

Excited family entering Harvest Caye front gate

Just be prepared for the day, and how you’ll need to pay for your food and drink – it might save you money if you plan to return to the ship for lunch and then head back ashore for a couple of hours, if it doesn’t cost you too much time out of your day.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!


Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay




Source link
Cruise ship balcony cabin with sea view, illustrating Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid and the best balconies to book

Norwegian Aqua Cabins To Avoid (and the Best Cabins to Book)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNorwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid are mainly the balconies on Decks 9 and 10 that overlook the outdoor Ocean Boulevard (privacy and noise), forward cabins on Decks 5 and 9 near the theater, mid-ship Deck 16 rooms under the pool deck, and port-side balconies whose view is blocked by The Drop slide. For most travelers the best cabins are mid-ship balconies on Decks 11 to 14. Solo cruisers should look at the Studios, and travelers who want the most space and privacy should book The Haven.

Norwegian Aqua is the first Prima Plus ship, a longer and larger version of Norwegian Prima and Viva. That means more cabins, new solo categories and a much bigger Haven, but also some of the same layout quirks. This guide covers Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid and the best cabins to book, with specific decks and the reasons behind each choice. Check the current deck plan before you book, because individual cabins differ.

Norwegian Aqua at a glance

Detail Norwegian Aqua
Class Prima Plus (third ship of the Prima design)
Debut Delivered March 2025; named in Miami on April 13, 2025
Size 156,300 gross tons, 3,571 guests at double occupancy, 20 decks
Suites 123 Haven suites aft, the largest Haven in the NCL fleet
Summer 2026 New York (Manhattan) to Bermuda, 5 to 8 nights, through mid-October
Winter 2026-27 Miami, seven-night Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola)
From late April 2027 Port Canaveral, year-round

To see how Aqua compares with the rest of the fleet, read our Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by real customer reviews.

Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid

  1. Deck 9 and Deck 10 balconies above Ocean Boulevard. This is the most common complaint on Prima-design ships. Deck 8 has the outdoor Ocean Boulevard promenade, Infinity Beach and outdoor dining. Balconies just above can be seen from below and pick up conversation and music. Deck 9 is affected most, and Cruise Critic flags the balconies on both decks. Some Deck 9 cabins that aren’t directly over busy seating get good reviews, so it’s not a blanket rule, but don’t book Deck 9 without checking what’s below.
  2. Forward cabins on Decks 5 and 9, near the Aqua Theater. Cruise Critic notes that these forward cabins sit near the Aqua Theater, where the last show typically ends around 11:30 p.m. Bass and audience noise can carry, so early sleepers should move aft or mid-ship.
  3. Mid-ship Deck 16 under the pool deck. Rooms below the main pool area can hear loungers scraping early in the morning, footsteps all day and deck parties at night. Check whether your cabin is under open deck or under enclosed space.
  4. Port-side balconies beside The Drop. The Drop is a ten-story slide that runs from Deck 18 down to Deck 8 on the port side. Its tube blocks the view from neighboring balconies and passes through some balcony areas on Decks 9, 10 and 12. These cabins are not always clearly marked as obstructed.
  5. Top-deck cabins below the thrill zone. The Aqua Slidecoaster, the duelling slides and Glow Court sit on the highest decks, from about Deck 18 up. They are mostly busy and noisy during the day, but if you’re paying for a high-deck suite, check what is directly overhead.
  6. Deck 5 cabins under Deck 6 venues. Deck 6 holds the atrium, casino and lounges. Reports on Deck 5 noise are mixed: some guests hear nothing, others notice bass from nearby lounges. If you’re a light sleeper, choose a Deck 5 cabin under a quieter section.
  7. High, far-forward cabins if you get seasick. The bow pitches most, and Bermuda runs from New York cross open Atlantic water that can be lively, especially in spring and fall. Low, mid-ship cabins are the most stable.
  8. Cabins next to elevators, stairs and crew doors. Expect traffic noise. Cabins with connecting doors also let through more sound if your neighbors aren’t in your group.
View from the forward decks of a cruise ship toward the sea, similar to the view from forward-facing balconies
Forward-facing balconies offer dramatic views but more wind and motion. Photo: Sergii on Pexels

Forward-facing balconies and Club Balcony Suites

Club Balcony Suites are a step up from standard balconies. They have more living space and, in some categories, larger balconies, but they don’t include Haven access. On Aqua they include forward-facing and aft (back-of-ship) versions, mostly on Deck 9, plus Sailaway Club Balcony Suites on Deck 11.

  • Forward-facing balconies: you get a dramatic view of where the ship is heading. The trade-offs are strong wind at sea, more motion, and the fact that a few forward balconies have solid steel walls instead of glass because they’re part of the superstructure. Check photos of your exact cabin.
  • Deck 9 location: because many Club Balcony Suites are on Deck 9, the Ocean Boulevard privacy issue can apply to them too. A Club Balcony Suite on Deck 11 often gets the extra space without that problem.
  • Aft-facing Club Balcony Suites: these have wake views and are generally calmer, but can be close to the aft venues and smoking areas. Check what sits below.

Balcony vs Club Balcony Suite vs The Haven

Category Typical location Pros Watch out for
Standard balcony Decks 9-14 Good value; Aqua’s bathrooms are notably roomy Deck 9-10 privacy, The Drop on port side
Club Balcony Suite Decks 9 and 11, including forward and aft More space, bigger balconies in some Forward wind and motion, Deck 9 sightlines
The Haven Aft, Decks 10-16 Private restaurant, lounge, sundeck, butler, keycard elevators Price; some Haven suites sit higher and further aft, where motion is felt more
Studio Decks 12-13, forward No single supplement; Studio Lounge About 94 sq ft, no window
Inside Several decks Cheapest, from about 160 sq ft No daylight; check Deck 5 noise

The Haven on Norwegian Aqua

Aqua’s Haven is the largest NCL has built: 123 suites across nine categories, from about 368 sq ft up to the 2,100 sq ft Premier Owner’s Suite. The complex runs aft over Decks 10 to 16 and has its own keycard elevators, restaurant, lounge and bar, sundeck with an infinity pool, sauna and cold room. New categories include the Three-Bedroom Duplex Suite and the Two-Bedroom Family Villa, both good options for multi-generation groups.

The best Haven choices for most couples are the aft-facing Penthouses and Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. If you get seasick, the higher aft suites move more than a mid-ship balcony. A standard balcony mid-ship plus a specialty dining package may suit you better than a Haven suite.

Solo traveler relaxing in a bright lounge at sea, reflecting Norwegian Aqua's Studio cabins and Studio Lounge
Aqua has more solo cabin types than any earlier Prima-design ship. Photo: liu zhenao on Pexels

Best cabins on Norwegian Aqua

  • Best overall: mid-ship balconies on Decks 11 to 14. They avoid the Deck 8 activity, sit below the pool deck and are close to the elevators without being next to them.
  • Solo travelers: the Studios (94 sq ft, shared Studio Lounge) are the budget pick. Aqua also adds Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony cabins if you want more space or a view.
  • Families: Family Balcony and Family Club Balcony Suites, connecting standard cabins, or the Haven Family Villa for larger groups. Splash Academy is on Deck 15.
  • Seasickness: the lowest mid-ship cabin that doesn’t have a Deck 9 privacy issue. Deck 5 mid-ship oceanviews or mid-ship balconies on Decks 10 to 11, away from The Drop, are good starting points.
  • Wake views: aft-facing balconies and Club Balcony Suites, accepting that some aft decks are taken up by The Haven.

Pick your side for Aqua’s 2026-27 itineraries

Most guides don’t cover this. On New York sailings, the ship heads south down the Hudson, so the Manhattan skyline is on the port side and the Statue of Liberty passes on the starboard side. On Miami and Port Canaveral sailings, which side you’re on matters less than staying away from The Drop on the port side. If you’re flexible, a mid-ship starboard balcony on Decks 11 to 14 avoids almost every issue in this guide.

Thinking about another line instead? Our Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian comparison covers how the two lines differ, and our 2027 cruise deals guide tracks current offers.

Comparing big new ships? Our guide to Carnival Celebration cabins to avoid looks at the rooms worth skipping on Carnival’s Excel-class ship.

For advice that applies across the fleet, see our guide to Norwegian Cruise Line cabins to avoid.

FAQs

How many rooms are on Norwegian Aqua?

Norwegian Aqua has roughly 1,650 to 1,700 staterooms for 3,571 guests at double occupancy. Most are balcony cabins, and there are 123 suites in The Haven, the largest Haven complex in NCL’s fleet. There are also dozens of solo Studios.

What is the best deck on Norwegian Aqua?

For most balcony cabins, Decks 11 to 14 are the best choice. They’re high enough to avoid the privacy and noise issues on Decks 9 and 10 above Ocean Boulevard, and far enough below the pool deck to stay quiet. Choose mid-ship if you’re prone to seasickness.

Are Deck 9 balconies on Norwegian Aqua private?

Not all of them. Many Deck 9 balconies overlook the outdoor Ocean Boulevard and Infinity Beach on Deck 8, so people below can see up into them, and they can be noisy. Some Deck 9 cabins away from those areas get good reviews, but check the deck plan cabin by cabin.

Is Norwegian Prima or Aqua better?

Aqua is a stretched Prima Plus version of the same design. It has more guests, a larger Haven, the Aqua Slidecoaster, more solo cabin types and an expanded Ocean Boulevard. The cabin issues are similar on both ships, especially the low-deck privacy problem, so the same booking rules apply.

Where is Norwegian Aqua sailing from in 2026 and 2027?

Aqua spent summer 2026 sailing from New York to Bermuda. For winter 2026-27 she sails seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami, and from late April 2027 she moves to Port Canaveral for year-round sailings. Check NCL for the latest schedule.

NCL-Haven-Butler.jpg

14 Things Your Butler Can Do for You

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNorwegian Cruise Line

Booking a Haven Suite on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship comes with a major perk – your very own butler. But if you’ve never had one before, it’s easy to wonder: What exactly can they do for me? And just as importantly, what can’t they do?

A waiter in a formal suit pours champagne into a glass for a couple enjoying a sunset on NCL cruise ship balcony, with a serene ocean horizon in the background.

To save you the guesswork, I’ve scoured cruise forums and Facebook groups to uncover the most popular (and sometimes surprising!) requests guests have made. So if you want to make the most of your butler without feeling awkward, here’s exactly what you can ask for.

NCL Butler and Concierge Services Explained

When staying in a Haven Suite, you don’t just get a butler, but you also have access to a special Concierge. It can be a little confusing, but the butler is mainly responsible for any in-suite requests, while the Concierge handles everything else about your cruise – speciality dining reservations, reserved seating in the theatre, excursions, etc.

The courtyard of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, showcasing an inviting pool with blue lights and partially submerged loungers, flanked by rows of striped cushioned deck chairs on a wooden deck, with multi-level balconied suites providing a view of the serene, upscale area.

So, when it comes to what a Norwegian Haven butler does, it tends to be handling requests related to your suite and your experience there, rather than the rest of your cruise. However, always feel free to ask your butler for help with any aspect of your cruise – they might pass on your request to the Concierge if it’s more their area, or sometimes they’ll just do it for you.

NCL Haven Suite Deals

I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.

It’s important to know that there isn’t one butler per suite, so while you can ask your butler for anything, bear in mind they will be looking after a few different suites at once, and they aren’t at your beck and call 24/7.

A smiling steward in a vest and bow tie arranges a vibrant bouquet of tropical flowers, including red ginger and yellow orchids, aboard an NCL cruise ship with a view of the sea through the window.

Unique Haven Butler Requests

Here are some of the things you can ask your Haven Butler to do for you:

1. Unpack Your Luggage

One of the most common requests is for the butler to unpack your luggage on the first day of your cruise. They’ll make sure everything is put away neatly, and your formalwear is properly hung to protect it, before hiding the suitcases for you, leaving you to just enjoy your suite.

a woman unpacking a suitcase on an NCL cruise

Understandably, some people aren’t a fan of this service and prefer to unpack their own clothes and underwear. They won’t do it without you asking, for that reason.

2. Bring Snacks

Butlers will bring snacks to your room, sometimes on request or sometimes without you even needing to ask. You can tailor the requests, though – a lot of people like to ask for M&Ms, others prefer chocolate-coated strawberries, or maybe you’re a cookie person.

Five fresh strawberries offered by NCL onboard, dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate, elegantly presented on a rectangular white plate against a minimalist background.

Sometimes, they can get a little eager, though, as this review shows…

3. Serve Meals

If you would rather eat in your suite than attend a restaurant, your butler will be able to serve you instead.

They can also visit multiple restaurants for you, if you want to eat from different locations, though they’re only human – don’t expect everything to arrive at the same temperature.

Also, if you dine in-suite, all of your courses will usually be served at once. It’d be unreasonable to expect a butler to trek back and forth to each restaurant to serve courses one at a time.

A family enjoys a meal together on NCL haven balcony with a clear view of a colorful waterslide and a picturesque port town in the background.

4. Draw You a Bath

One of the best ways to relax at the end of a long day exploring a port is with a hot bubble bath, and if you want, your butler will happily draw it for you, making sure it’s at a good temperature.

Of course, you’re perfectly capable of turning on a faucet yourself, but if you want to feel pampered, then this is a nice touch.

Modern NCL haven bathroom featuring a large soaking tub with ocean view, marble vanity with dual sinks, and plush towels, blending luxury and nautical charm.

5. Shine Your Shoes

Butlers are trained in shining shoes, and while NCL isn’t a very stuffy cruise line, you may still look forward to putting on your best clothes for a nice formal night around the ship. Ask your butler to shine your shoes before the evening and they’ll look as good as new.

Close-up view of a person's hand buffing a shiny black dress shoe with a white towel, capturing a moment of professional shoe shining service.

6. Remove Your Coffee Machine

Haven Suites all come with a Nespresso coffee machine in the room, but not everybody drinks coffee, and those who do might have particular tastes.

A sleek modern kitchenette in NCL haven, featuring dark wood cabinetry, a marble countertop with coffee machine and shiny stainless steel appliances, adjacent to a cozy sitting area with plush chairs.

If you’re not going to use the Nespresso machine, you can ask your butler to remove it for the duration of your cruise. It’ll free up a bit of desk space, which might be useful, or you might just prefer the suite to be a little less cluttered.

7. Clear the Mini Fridge

When you arrive in your Haven Suite, the Mini Fridge will already be stocked with a selection of drinks, but just because you’re in a Haven Suite, you don’t get to enjoy them for free.

If you’d rather use the space for your own drinks, just ask the butler to clear the fridge for you, and they’ll take away all of the chargeable drinks.

8. Bring Fitness Equipment

Have you ever considered making use of that beautiful balcony space with a bit of sunrise yoga? Ask your butler if they can bring you a yoga mat – it’s not a common request, but they should be able to fulfil it, and you can start your day the zen way.

9. Emergency Clothes Cleaning

While you will still need to go through the proper processes to get a full load of laundry dealt with on an NCL cruise, if you have a clothing emergency – even the most refined of us can accidentally spill something sometimes – then you can ask your butler to take care of it.

A cheerful crew member operates a large industrial ironing machine, pressing white linens in the laundry room of NCL haven, with a focus on impeccable onboard service.

They may not guarantee a full laundry service, but they’ll be able to remove the mark before any permanent stain takes hold.

10. Tailor Your Room Service Requests

Room service is something you can enjoy in any cabin on an NCL cruise. But if you have a butler available to help, you can tailor your requests and they’ll do what they can to resolve them for you.

A professional waiter in a formal suit serves a seafood platter accompanied by a bottle of red wine, enhancing the fine dining experience in an elegant cruise ship restaurant.

You can’t ask for anything, but minor adjustments to existing dishes or having something prepared a certain way would be a reasonable request.

11. Make Towel Animals

Towel animals are not the job of a butler – your room steward would take care of that for you. But if you do want towel animals in your room, you can ask your butler and they will see to it that it happens.

You might not see your room steward if you’re out during the day a lot, so asking your butler in person or via a note to pass on the message will usually see to it that it happens. Perfect if you’re travelling with kids.

A steward in a white shirt and vest skillfully folds a white towel into an intricate design on a bed in a well-lit NCL haven cabin, showcasing meticulous housekeeping services.

12. Help Host Parties

Some of the best suites on NCL ships are easily big enough to host a small party, and your butler can help prepare the suite for it if you want them to. Whether it’s the addition of a few decorations or making sure there are canapes served, they’ve got you covered.

13. Find Lost Laundry

Sometimes you can send a bag of laundry off to be cleaned and something can go a little wrong. It’s not just at home where those pesky socks can wander off.

Yet if it happens while you’re in a Haven Suite (or in this case, a Norwegian Jade suite with a butler), just let them know…

14. Seek Urgent Assistance

Quite a unique one this, but your butler will basically try to help with anything you ask, even a serious and urgent incident.

This story from a cruise passenger may not shed the best light on the normal Guest Services team, but it shows how a butler can take charge of a situation:

Tipping a Haven Butler

Your Haven Butler (along with the Concierge) is not included in your regular gratuities when you cruise with NCL – the expectation is that you will tip them separately.

A waiter in a formal vest and tie presents a silver tray with a rolled banknote, symbolizing the discreet and appreciated gesture of tipping for excellent service.

Because of that, your butler is likely to go above and beyond to help you as much as possible during your cruise. They want to impress you so that you, in turn, want to reward them for the service offered.

As a guide, guests tend to tip between $100 and $300 per week for their butler. If you don’t use them much, then don’t worry about tipping a lower amount – they will likely be kept busy enough by other guests, who will hopefully tip the higher amounts. Tip what you feel is right for the amount of time you keep your butler busy.

Final Word

Haven Butlers are really helpful, and will do everything they can to make your suite feel special, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Some people can feel uncomfortable asking the butler to do too much, but remember that this is their job, so they expect you to lean on them with a few requests.

At the same time, the more you use them, the higher you should aim to tip, as a thank you for the service.

And don’t panic about your request seeming a little too unusual. As long as you aren’t expecting something unrealistic, they will be happy to help if they can.

NCL Haven Suite Deals

I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.

Related Topics

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

image-41.jpeg

NCL Club Balcony Suite Vs Balcony

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNorwegian Cruise Line

So you’ve settled on an NCL cruise – great choice – and now it’s time to book your cabin. A Balcony Stateroom sounds perfect: your own private space to sip coffee at sunrise, catch sunsets, or unwind with a good book in the sea breeze. Pure bliss.

But before you lock it in, there’s another option to consider – the Club Balcony Suite. It’s not quite a full suite, but it does come with a few extra perks… and a slightly higher price tag.

So, is it worth the upgrade? Or should you stick with the standard balcony? Let’s break down what you actually get – and whether it’s worth it.

Top-down view of a two-dimensional layout for a studio apartment, showcasing two variations. The upper layout features an open-plan bedroom with a queen-sized bed, an attached bathroom, and a kitchenette with bar seating. The lower layout presents a similar bedroom and kitchenette, with the addition of a small dining area and a dedicated workspace with a desk.
Balcony (above) and Club Balcony Suite (below)

The Club Balcony Suite Explained

On an NCL ship, a Club Balcony is a level of accommodation that’s better than a balcony, but not as luxurious as a full suite. With other cruise lines, these are called mini suites or superior deluxe balcony rooms.

There are four options of Balcony staterooms with NCL, not including the full suites that you can book. These are:

  1. Balcony Staterooms
  2. Family Balcony Staterooms
  3. Club Balcony Suites
  4. Family Club Balcony Suites

Let’s take a look at each one individually, before we compare them, so that you understand what you get with each.

Balcony Staterooms

Luxurious cruise ship Balcony Stateroom interior with a view of the sunset through balcony doors, featuring a plush bed, comfortable seating area with a couch, a flat-screen TV, and elegant, modern decor with abstract art pieces.

Balcony Staterooms with NCL are the same kind of balcony stateroom you’d enjoy with any cruise line. You get a relaxing indoor space with a double bed and a small seating area, and then a private balcony with a couple of chairs. These rooms sleep four guests.

Balcony Staterooms are available on every NCL ship in the fleet.

Family Balcony Staterooms

Contemporary family balcony stateroom on a cruise ship, featuring a houndstooth couch, a comfortable bed with teal pillows, a mounted flat-screen TV, and abstract wall art, with natural light streaming in from the ocean-view balcony.

Family Balcony Staterooms are slightly larger than a regular Balcony Stateroom, though it’s a marginal difference – don’t expect a massive room.

You’ll still get a bedroom and separate seating area, but the room will be closer to the kids’ clubs onboard and the pool deck. The rooms don’t sleep any extra guests, though; they can still only handle four at maximum.

Family Balcony Staterooms are also available across the NCL fleet.

Club Balcony Suites

Elegant club balcony suite on a cruise ship during sunset, with a serene ocean view from the balcony, a beige daybed, a sofa with decorative pillows, abstract art on the walls, and stylish lamps providing a warm ambiance.

Club Balcony Suites are essentially Mini Suites – not quite a full suite, with all the perks they bring, but with a few extra benefits along with more space, typically around 33% more room than a regular Balcony Stateroom. They still sleep a maximum of four guests.

Club Balcony Suites are available on the following ships:

  • Norwegian Bliss
  • Norwegian Breakaway
  • Norwegian Dawn
  • Norwegian Encore
  • Norwegian Epic
  • Norwegian Escape
  • Norwegian Gem
  • Norwegian Getaway
  • Norwegian Jade
  • Norwegian Jewel
  • Norwegian Joy
  • Norwegian Pearl
  • Norwegian Prima
  • Norwegian Star
  • Norwegian Viva

That’s 15 out of the 19 ships in the fleet – the only ships missing Club Balcony Suites are Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Pride of America.

Family Club Balcony Suites

Spacious family club balcony suite on a cruise ship, featuring a modern design with a comfortable bed, a large sofa, abstract wall art, a flat-screen TV, and a balcony offering a view of the sea under a soft sunset light.

These are almost identical to the regular Club Balcony Suites. The only difference is that they all sleep four people and they’re located towards the back of the ship, closer to the kids’ clubs.

NCL Haven Suite Deals

I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.

A Note On Spa Balcony Rooms

You might find information online about another two types of rooms – Spa Balcony Staterooms and Spa Club Balcony Suites. These rooms would offer guests the same type of room as their regular equivalents, but with extra spa-based perks.

However, from January 2024, the rooms are no longer available, and they have been recategorised as regular Balcony Staterooms and Club Balcony Suites.

NCL Club Balcony Suites vs Balcony Staterooms

With all the different options available now explained, let’s look a little more closely at the differences between an NCL Club Balcony Suite and a regular Balcony Stateroom.

Size

Club Balcony Suites are larger than a regular Balcony Stateroom.

How much larger will vary depending on the specific ship, but a Club Balcony Suite can be as large as 285 square feet, while the biggest Balcony Staterooms max out at 205 square feet – though Family Balcony Staterooms are a little larger, with a maximum size of 216 square feet.

Diagram comparing the layouts of a Balcony stateroom and a Club Balcony Suite on a cruise ship. The top layout shows a Balcony stateroom with a compact bathroom, bed, seating area, and balcony. The bottom layout depicts a more spacious Club Balcony Suite with a larger bathroom, ample closet space, a bed, a sofa, and an extended balcony area.

It’s not a huge amount of extra room – if you want something really spacious, with properly separate bedrooms and sitting rooms, then you’re going to need to look at more expensive suites in The Haven.

Some of the additional space is for the bathroom and that does make a bit of a difference, since it won’t feel as crowded, particularly in the shower, which can be cramped for some people.

There is a curtain to divide the living area with the sofa bed from the main sleeping area. This can be good for families who may like a little more privacy.

It is nice to be able to stretch out a little more, especially if you’re travelling with more than two people in a room, but this perk could be something you could live without.

Luxury NCL Club Balcony Suites with a king-size bed adorned with a geometric-patterned throw, flanked by elegant lamps, a daybed near the panoramic window leading to a private balcony with ocean views, and a vanity area with a round stool.

Amenities

Staying in a Club Balcony Suite gets you a few extra amenities included that you wouldn’t get when booking a Balcony Stateroom. These amenities are:

  • A distinctive purple keycard for your room, so you can show off your Club Balcony status
  • A bottle of sparkling wine on embarkation day
  • Treats delivered to your stateroom twice per week – canapes, cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, that sort of thing
  • Bathrobes included in your room to use during the cruise (not to keep, sorry!)

It’s important to note that guests in a regular Balcony Stateroom can get bathrobes too, but you’d need to request them, and availability for those guests can sometimes be limited.

The list of extra amenities isn’t huge, but there are some nice little extras to enhance your stay.

Five fresh strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate, elegantly presented on a rectangular white plate against a minimalist background.

Perks

There are also a small list of perks you get with a Club Balcony Suite:

Valet Laundry

You’ll get one free bag of laundry during your cruise, which would normally cost you around $25. All you need to do is fill the bag with your dirty laundry (carefully – they are a little delicate) and leave it on your bed.

Your cabin steward will then take it to laundry services for you, and it’ll be returned to you washed and ironed. You’ll get it back the next day if the laundry bag is collected in the morning, but if it’s the afternoon or evening, then give it two days.

A cheerful crew member operates a large industrial ironing machine, pressing white linens in the laundry room of a cruise ship, with a focus on impeccable onboard service.

Early Dining Booking

Club Balcony Suite guests can book their onboard dining experiences 125 days before they set sail. That’s five days earlier than regular Balcony Stateroom guests, so you get a small advantage in securing the best times at the most popular restaurants.

However, be aware that guests staying in The Haven get to book their dining experiences 130 days before setting sail, so you won’t be getting first choice, but you still shouldn’t have an issue securing the places that you want to go.

Formally set dining table on a NCL cruise ship, featuring white china, crystal stemware, and golden utensils, with place cards indicating early dining reservations, all atop a white tablecloth with a deep blue carpeted floor as backdrop.

Early Entertainment Booking

It used to be that Club Balcony Suite guests could pre-book their entertainment on their cruise early as well, but that’s no longer the case. Now, Club Balcony Suite guests can book entertainment 21 days before setting sail, which is the same as guests in regular Balcony Staterooms.

Only guests in The Haven or other suites, or who have reached Platinum tier or above in the Latitudes loyalty programme, can book earlier.

Price

There isn’t a set price difference between regular Balcony Staterooms and Club Balcony Suites – it will all depend on demand, the specific itinerary and the dates. Expect to pay anywhere between 12% and 40% more for a Club Balcony Suite.

I did a couple of test bookings for Club Balcony Suites in writing this guide, and found an 11-day cruise where a regular Balcony Stateroom would cost £1,107 per person, while a Club Balcony Suite would cost £1,307 per person, so that’s only an extra £200 each – not a huge increase.

But I also found a cruise on Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship in the fleet, where a Club Balcony Suite was £1,879 per person, while a regular Balcony Stateroom was just £1,354 per person – so a difference of over £500 per person. And this was a shorter cruise, too, so it’s not just the length of the cruise making the difference.

Club Balcony Suite Service Charges

Club Balcony Suites pay the same daily service charges as a regular Balcony Stateroom – $20 per person, per day. It used to be that Club Balcony Suites would have their own pricing tier between regular staterooms and suites, but this was changed in early 2023.

So if you read anywhere that a Club Balcony Suite pays $2 per day more for gratuities, you can ignore that – that’s the old policy.

Final

There’s no definitive answer on whether a Club Balcony Suite is worth it, since the cost can vary a lot.

If you’re paying £500 per person more than you would be for a regular Balcony Stateroom, then probably not – that’s a lot of money for a bit of extra space, a few extra days to book your dining, a free bag of laundry and a few extra amenities.

But if you find a cruise where the difference is only £150-200 per person, then you might be tempted, especially if you don’t want to feel cramped in the shower onboard. The value of the amenities depends on how much you’ll enjoy them, but the Club Balcony Suites are nicer rooms – just don’t overpay when you don’t get a huge amount extra.

NCL Haven Suite Deals

I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.

Related Topic

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

Compact cabin interior with a bed and window, illustrating Norwegian Cruise Line cabins to avoid

14 Norwegian Cruise Line Cabins to Avoid (and What to Book Instead)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNorwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Cruise Line cabins to avoid are mostly the same across the fleet. Skip cabins directly under the pool deck, buffet, nightclubs or the top-deck Speedway go-kart track. Skip cabins next to elevators, kids’ clubs and crew doors, and very low cabins at the front or back of the ship. On Norwegian Epic there’s an extra warning: the split bathrooms with glass doors put the sink in the bedroom, and that suits very few couples.

This guide covers the 14 cabin types and locations that cause the most regret on NCL ships, why each one is a problem, and what to book instead. It covers the whole fleet, from the older Jewel-class ships to Prima-class newcomers like Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. If you’re sailing on Aqua, we also have a ship-specific guide to Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid.

The NCL fleet in 2026: why your ship matters

NCL ship designs vary a lot, so a cabin that’s fine on one class can be a problem on another. As of late 2026 the fleet looks like this:

Ship class Ships Cabin points to know
Prima Plus Norwegian Aqua (2025), Norwegian Luna (2026) Newest cabins. Top-deck attractions mean upper aft cabins need checking.
Prima Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva Large balconies. Some balconies sit next to the dry slides.
Breakaway Plus Escape, Joy, Bliss, Encore Busy top decks. Joy, Bliss and Encore have go-kart tracks.
Breakaway Breakaway, Getaway Lively venues on lower decks. Studios and Club Balcony Suites.
Epic Norwegian Epic Split bathrooms and curved walls in standard cabins.
Jewel and older Jewel, Pearl, Gem, Jade, Dawn, Star, Spirit, Sun Smaller cabins. Deck 7 lifeboats and fewer quiet buffer decks.
Single ship Pride of America (Hawaii) An older layout that sails year-round in Hawaii.

Norwegian Sky left the fleet in September 2026 to join India’s Cordelia Cruises, and Norwegian Sun is set to follow in 2027. Norwegian Aura, which NCL says will be its largest ship yet, is due in late May 2027. To see which ships score best with passengers overall, read our NCL ships ranked from best to worst using real customer reviews.

Long carpeted corridor lined with room doors, similar to the cabin hallways on a cruise ship
Cabins near stairwells, lifts and crew doors see the most corridor traffic. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

14 Norwegian Cruise Line cabins to avoid

1. Norwegian Epic’s split-bathroom cabins (if you want privacy)

Norwegian Epic is famous for its standard cabin bathrooms. The toilet and the shower each sit behind a sliding frosted-glass door, and the sink is out in the bedroom. Many standard cabins also have curved walls, which take away floor space and leave little room between the beds. Epic’s three-week dry dock, finished in May 2025, added a handful of new cabins with straight walls. The split bathroom stayed in the older cabins, and changing it would mean gutting every one of them. If you’re sharing with a friend, a grown child or anyone you’d rather not hear in the bathroom, choose another ship or book a suite.

2. Cabins directly under the pool deck and buffet

The highest cabin deck on most NCL ships sits right under the pool deck and the Garden Café buffet. Crew start moving loungers and stacking furniture early in the morning, and you hear foot traffic and dragged chairs all day. On Norwegian Bliss, for example, deck 15 cabins sit under the deck 16 pool and buffet. Check the deck plan for the deck above yours before you book.

3. Cabins above or below nightclubs, theaters and bars

Bass travels through steel. On Norwegian Prima, cabins at the front of deck 9 sit directly above the Prima Theater & Club, which turns into a nightclub after the shows. On Norwegian Breakaway, cabins on decks 5 and 9 near the 678 Ocean Place venues can pick up noise. Older ships have even less space between the two. On Norwegian Sun, some deck 8 cabins sit above the casino.

4. High aft cabins under the Speedway and top-deck attractions

Norwegian Joy, Bliss, Encore, Prima and Viva all have a go-kart track on the top deck. Laser tag, sports courts and other attractions are often nearby. The highest aft cabins and suites below them can hear motors, music and running feet while the attractions are open. It’s a smaller problem than pool-deck noise because it stops in the evening, but late sleepers will notice.

5. Balconies next to the waterslides

On Norwegian Prima, the tubes of The Rush and The Drop slides run past some aft-facing balconies on decks 9 to 16. They block part of the view and bring the sound of riders screaming. Viva has a similar layout. Before you book a Prima-class aft balcony, check whether a slide runs past it.

6. Cabins next to kids’ clubs and teen spaces

Splash Academy and the teen club bring lots of hallway traffic and noise at drop-off and pick-up times. On Breakaway, the kids’ areas are on decks 12 and 13. On Norwegian Sun, some deck 7 cabins share a wall with the teen club. If you’re traveling without children, book away from these areas.

7. Cabins beside elevators, stairwells and crew doors

Elevator lobbies mean chatter, chimes and people waiting at all hours. Blank spaces on the deck plan usually hold crew stairs, pantries or storage rooms, where carts and doors are busy overnight. A cabin a few doors along the corridor is usually much quieter.

8. Very low aft cabins (vibration)

The lowest cabins at the back of the ship sit closest to the propellers and engines. You may feel a hum or shudder when the ship maneuvers in and out of port, and sometimes at full speed. Aft-facing balconies higher up are some of the most popular NCL cabins. Just avoid the lowest aft cabins if you’re a light sleeper.

9. Low forward cabins (anchor noise and motion)

Cabins at the very front of the lower decks sit next to the anchor equipment and bow thrusters. In port, the anchor chain is loud. At sea, the bow moves more than any other part of the ship. If you’re prone to seasickness, these cabins are the worst choice.

10. Obstructed-view cabins (unless the discount is worth it)

Some oceanview cabins look straight out at lifeboats or the ship’s structure. NCL sells these as obstructed or partially obstructed, at a lower price. On older ships like the Jewel class and Norwegian Sun, the lifeboats hang on deck 7. The cabins with the worst views are usually the oceanview cabins just below them, while balconies one deck higher look over the boats. If you’ll mostly use the cabin for sleeping, the discount can be worth it. Just make sure you know which type you’re booking.

11. Connecting cabins (if you aren’t traveling together)

The interior door between connecting cabins lets through much more sound than a solid wall, so you can hear the neighbors’ TV, conversations and early alarms. Connecting cabins are great for families and friends traveling together. Otherwise, ask for a cabin without one.

12. Studio cabins (if you want space)

NCL’s Studios are inside cabins for one person. They’re about 100 square feet with a full-size bed, and the only window looks into the corridor. You’ll find them on Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Bliss, Encore, Prima, Viva and Aqua. Many solo travelers love them because there’s no single supplement and you get keycard access to the Studio Lounge, which serves coffee and snacks. If you need room to spread out, though, a solo oceanview or balcony cabin is the better choice. See our complete solo cruise guide for how to compare the options.

13. Club Balcony Suites (if you expect real suite perks)

The name is a little misleading. Club Balcony Suites, called Mini-Suites until a few years ago, are larger balcony cabins with a bigger bathroom, often with double sinks and a body-jet shower. On most ships the balcony is standard size, unless you book one of the large-balcony or aft-facing versions. You don’t get The Haven’s butler, concierge or private restaurant. You do get a few extras, such as early booking for dining and shows, but don’t book one expecting a true suite.

14. Guarantee cabins (if location matters to you)

Guarantee and “sail away” fares are cheaper because NCL picks your cabin, often close to sailing day. You’ll get the category you paid for or better, but the cabin can be anywhere in it, including near an elevator, under the buffet or, for some balcony guarantees, behind an obstruction. If you’re flexible, it’s good value. If you have strong preferences, pay a little more and choose the cabin yourself.

Older ships: the smallest NCL cabins

The older ships are the biggest step down. Norwegian Sun entered service in 2001, and its smallest inside cabins are around 145 square feet. Some of its cabins are on Oslo Deck 6A, which the elevators don’t reach. Jewel-class ships and Norwegian Dawn, Star and Spirit have been refurbished, but their standard cabins are still more compact than those on Prima-class ships, and they have fewer cabin-only decks to separate you from public areas. On these ships, check the deck plan for the cabins above and below yours even more carefully.

Deck chairs facing the open sea, the calm view from a well-placed cabin
Midship cabins on middle decks are usually the safest picks. Photo: Gabriele Romano on Pexels

Better picks: where to book on Norwegian

For most cruisers, the safest NCL cabin is a mid-ship balcony on a deck with cabins above and below it. On Norwegian Prima, decks 10 to 14 have no public rooms above or below them. Most other ships have a similar run of cabin-only decks in the middle of the ship.

If you want… Book this Avoid this
Quiet sleep Mid-ship, mid-height, cabins above and below Under the pool deck, by elevators, above clubs
Less seasickness Low and mid-ship Far forward on any deck
Big views Aft-facing balcony on a middle deck Lowest aft decks and balconies next to slides
Solo value Studio, or a solo balcony where offered Standard cabin plus a full single supplement
Privacy and service The Haven, especially on Prima-class ships Club Balcony Suites, if you expect butler service

The Haven is NCL’s ship-within-a-ship suite complex, with keycard access, butler service and its own restaurant, lounge and sundeck. It costs a lot, and it’s only worth paying for if you’ll use those spaces. On the newer ships the Haven is much bigger and better equipped, so if you plan to splurge, a Prima or Prima Plus ship gets you more. Our guide to the newest NCL ships you can book right now covers what’s on board each one.

Ship-by-ship NCL cabin guides

For deck-by-deck advice on a specific ship, see our guides to Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem cabins to avoid.

How to check any NCL cabin before you book

  1. Open the deck plan for your exact ship. NCL ships differ, so don’t rely on advice written for a different class.
  2. Check the decks above and below. Look for pools, buffets, theaters, bars, galleys, gyms and kids’ clubs.
  3. Look along your corridor. Elevators, stairs, crew doors and blank spaces mean more traffic.
  4. Read the category name carefully. Words like “obstructed,” “partial view” or “guarantee” matter.
  5. Look up your cabin number in recent reviews. Cruise forums often have reports on specific cabins, and they can confirm or rule out a choice.

A few minutes with the deck plan is the easiest way to avoid a bad cabin. On any NCL ship, a mid-ship cabin away from the busy venues is usually the safe choice.

If you’re booking Norwegian, it’s worth reading our breakdown of whether NCL Free at Sea is worth it before you accept the perks, because the service charges decide whether it’s a good deal.

If you’re sailing with Norwegian, our NCL drink package guide breaks down every option, the daily prices and the cabin rules before you choose.

Cabin location matters as much as cabin type, so it is worth reading our guide to the best deck on a cruise ship before you choose a room number.

FAQs

What is the best deck to stay on a Norwegian cruise ship?

Pick a middle deck with cabins above and below it. On most NCL ships that means a deck in the midship section a few levels below the pool deck. On Norwegian Prima, for example, decks 10 through 14 have cabins only, with no public rooms above or below.

Which NCL cabins are best if you get seasick?

Choose a cabin low and in the middle of the ship. It moves the least in a swell. Cabins at the very front move the most, and very low aft cabins can feel vibration from the propellers.

Are Norwegian Epic cabins really that bad?

They’re not bad, but the bathroom layout is unusual. The toilet and shower sit behind separate sliding glass doors and the sink is in the bedroom, so there’s little privacy. The 2025 dry dock left this layout in place. If that bothers you, choose a different ship or a suite.

Are NCL Studio cabins worth it for solo travelers?

For many solo cruisers, yes. You pay no single supplement and you get keycard access to the Studio Lounge, a good place to meet other solo travelers. The catch is space: Studios are about 100 square feet, and the only window looks into the hallway.

Should I book a guarantee cabin on Norwegian?

Only if you’re flexible about where you sleep. With a guarantee fare, NCL assigns the cabin later and can put you anywhere in the category you paid for, including spots near elevators, under the pool deck or with an obstructed view.

NCL-cruise-ships-1.jpg

Why NCL’s Priority Access Might Not Be All It’s Cracked Up To Be

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNorwegian Cruise Line

Cruise lines are masters of the upsell – tempting you with paid perks at every turn (unless you’re on an ultra-luxury sailing, in which case you’ve paid enough already).

Priority Access from NCL bundles six perks into one shiny package – but is it really worth the extra cost?

NCL cruise ships

For a lot of cruisers (myself included), it’s more sizzle than steak – and maybe not the upgrade you think it is…

NCL Priority Access Explained

NCL Priority Access is a package deal you can book if you have an NCL cruise. It includes a selection of features that are mostly related to ‘priority access’, but there are a few other benefits that are nice to have as well.

Here’s What’s Included…

NCL Priority Access gives you six perks:

  • Streamlined Embarkation
  • Faster Tendering
  • Quicker Debarkation
  • Complimentary Breakfast in Bed
  • $50 Spa Credit
  • Complimentary Canapes

Let’s look at each of these in more detail so you can see if it’s worth it or not…

1. Priority Check-In

One of the biggest perks with NCL Priority Access is the streamlined embarkation process.

In theory, having NCL Priority Access should mean you get through “security, check-in and boarding” faster so that you’re one of the first people onto the ship and can start relaxing right away.

An old man on NCL cruise ship relaxing through a cup of coffee and a magazine

In reality, it doesn’t seem to run very smoothly. There are meant to be priority lines for security and for check-in, but these vary, and sometimes are non-existent.

There are a lot of reports of disgruntled passengers who’ve either queued with everyone else, or had the wrong communication sent out, or had issues during check-in.

Check out this video review of Priority Access for a similar experience, where an issue meant that the guests were held up for over 20 minutes and watched regular customers checking in:

2. Priority Tenders

If your cruise calls at a tender port, you can be one of the first onto the tender boats with Priority Access. This means you’ll have more time ashore, and can really make the most of those ports of call. It’s handy if you’ve booked third-party shore excursions too, since it guarantees you won’t miss your set-off time.

NCL cruise ship viewed from a tender boat

Of course, this all depends on your itinerary and how many tender ports you have. Many cruises won’t have any, and so it’s a redundant benefit – you don’t get off the ship any faster if it is docked.

If you do have a tender port, and you’ve paid for Priority Access, you’ll be sent the information to your stateroom so that you know where to meet and when, if you want to get one of the early tender boats.

3. Priority Debarkation

The other ‘priority’ themed perk you get with Priority Access is debarkation at the end of your cruise. If you’ve never cruised before, you might be wondering why this is a perk – why would you want your holiday to end sooner?

Two men on NCL cruise ship looking at the sea

But with up to 4,000 people trying to get off a cruise ship and potentially all travel to the airport, being first off can have its advantages.

Suggested read: Here’s How Long It Takes To Get Off A Cruise Ship

You’ll get priority luggage tags sent to your stateroom before you’re due to leave the cruise. You can then choose ‘Easy Walk Off’, where you take your own bags off the ship on the last day, or you can select an early debarkation group, where you’ll meet at a lounge and be escorted off the ship to find your bags.

This is a useful perk but again, can be hit-or-miss in terms of organisation, according to some passengers in cruise forums.

4. Priority Access Breakfast

This perk is an interesting one, because the way NCL words it on their own website is a little bit misleading.

Couple on NCL stateroom talking over breakfast in bed

Officially, the perk is described as the following:

“Wake up to the wide selection of complimentary breakfast favourites from our room service menu every day of your cruise.”

Except that the continental breakfast items that are included in the perk are already complimentary – you don’t have to pay for them.

What you do normally have to pay for – and what the perk is actually giving you for free – is delivery.

The fee will be “up to $9.95” per delivery, though expect to pay that most of the time. So, with Priority Access, you don’t have to pay this delivery fee for breakfast, though you do for other room service items.

It does cause some confusion:

How good a perk it is depends on how often you want to eat in your stateroom – some people love it, while others prefer to be up and about, getting breakfast in the buffet restaurant or Main Dining Room before a day exploring the ship or the port.

5. Priority Spa Credit

One of the other benefits you get with NCL Priority Access is $50 of spa credit.

Two women being massaged on NCL cruise ship

On the one hand, it’s quite a good perk, since you get $50 of spa credit per person – even though you pay for Priority Access on a per-stateroom rate. So that’s good, since you don’t need to split the $50 between you.

The downside is that it can only be used on body or facial massages lasting at least 50 minutes, and only on days when the ship is in port – meaning you have to sacrifice time you could be spending exploring your destination.

The reason for that is because these days are less busy in the spa – they want guests to pay full price on sea days, since there are usually enough people onboard who are willing to.

And you also need to consider that body and facial massages don’t come cheap –  these example spa prices from Norwegian Joy show that you’ll be paying around $200+ for a face massage, and between $200 and $400 for a body massage.

So are you getting $50 free, or are you being incentivised to pay at least $150 extra?

6. Priority Access Canapes

The final perk you get as part of Priority Access is canapes, which will be served to you on the second night of your cruise.

You don’t get to choose the canapes though, so you have to hope that you like them. A lot of people don’t…

How Much Norwegian Priority Access Costs

When buying NCL Priority Access, you pay a single fee for a cabin, and it depends on how many days you’re sailing.

  • 3 to 5 Days – $129 per cabin
  • 6 to 9 Days – $199 per cabin
  • 10 to 15 Days – $279 per cabin
  • 16+ Days – $329 per cabin

If you book it, you can cancel before you board, and a refund will be processed to your original payment method. However, as soon as you board the cruise, you are no longer able to cancel.

That makes sense, considering one of the biggest perks is priority boarding, when it works. It wouldn’t be fair to use it and then cancel once you’re on the ship.

Remember – NCL Platinum Members Get Priority Boarding

Members of NCL’s Latitudes loyalty programme who have reached Platinum status already get priority boarding as part of their perks list. They also get priority tender tickets and priority disembarkation, as well as 25% off spa treatments on port days – which may be worth more than a $50 credit.

So, if you’re an NCL Platinum member you absolutely should not buy NCL Priority Access unless you want the extra $50 spa credit and you think the complimentary room service breakfast and canapes are worth the additional money you pay.

NCL Gold members get 20% off spa treatments along with priority tender tickets and priority debarkation, but they don’t get priority embarkation.

Norwegian Jewel

So, Is NCL Priority Access Worth It?

There’s no simple answer on whether NCL Priority Access is worth it, even though most people on cruise forums will tell you that it’s not.

It’s true that priority embarkation can sometimes be a bit of a mess, but it does work for some people, and if you’re clear about it when you get to the port, you should be able to cut some of the bigger lines.

Plus if you’re travelling with someone else and you had planned on booking massages already, getting $50 off each isn’t a bad deal, especially if your cruise is 5 days or fewer and so you’ve only paid $129 anyway – that’s already $100 of value you’ve recovered.

You do need to check your itinerary though, to see if you have tender ports or not.

And then it depends on how many days you’d use the complimentary room service deliveries – at almost $10 a day, you can quickly recover more of the value too.

So whether it’s worth it depends on if you’ll book a massage and if you’ll enjoy breakfast in bed. The canapes aren’t really worth it, from the sounds of things, and the actual ‘priority’ part of the package may be a gamble, so it’s up to you whether you want to take the risk.

Honestly, this isn’t something I would buy myself.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

NCL-Harvest-Caye-Aerial.jpg

11 Secrets To Know About Harvest Caye

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsNorwegian Cruise Line

You might think you’ve got cruise private islands all worked out, but Harvest Caye is a little different…

Harvest Caye is a destination that crops up on a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line, and occasionally other cruise lines too. It’s located in southern Belize, meaning it’s typically included on cruises that travel more to ports around the Central America region.

Aerial view of NCL Harvest Caye

And sure – it offers plenty of things you’d expect from a private destination like this, but there are some really important differences, especially regarding food and drink – you’ll want to make sure you know these before you visit.

1. It’s a Private Island

Harvest Caye is a private island, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. This means that the only way to visit the island is if you book a cruise on an NCL ship, or one of the two luxury cruise lines owned by the same company – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Because it’s a private island, this means you won’t be sharing the space with other tourists – the only people on the island will be your other cruise ship guests, and the staff employed by Norwegian Cruise Line, either from the ship or those who work on the island itself.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy a little more of a tranquil space, with only your fellow ship guests taking up loungers on the beach. It’s a fun-packed location too though, so you’ll still want to book any excursions early to avoid disappointment.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

2. A Lot of People Mispronounce the Island’s Name

The word ‘Caye’ is used throughout Central America, and it is pronounced “key”. Harvest is pronounced normally, as you’d expect. A lot of guests still refer to the island as “Harvest Kay” without realising the correct pronunciation.

That’s likely because it can be pronounced as “kay” in parts of the Bahamas, so you end up with the same word being said differently in regions which are relatively close to each other. Don’t worry about it too much though, because no locals are going to be offended if you say it wrong.

It does cause confusion though – so if you’re looking for Harvest Key Belize, you actually want Harvest Caye.

3. There’s a Pier – No Need to Tender!

There is a pier terminal at Harvest Caye where your ship will dock – you don’t have to worry about taking a tender boat from the ship to shore. The pier is quite long, but it is covered to provide shade during the hotter, sunnier days – of which there are many.

Because the ship docks at the pier, you don’t need to worry about queuing to get back onto the ship. You can return and go back and forth between ship and the island as many times as you want before the final departure time, which is usually around 3 pm.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

4. It’s Safe – So Relax!

While Belize itself has had some issues with high crime rates, the island of Harvest Caye is comparatively very safe, since it is a private destination where there is always a presence of staff employed by the cruise line.

There are some locals from Belize who work on the island. They aren’t employed by the cruise line, but they are given permission to work there in partnership with the government. They are generally friendly and shouldn’t try to scam you – the people who work here understand that their repeat business depends on offering good service.

5. Only Cruise Guests Can Visit

Permanent residents of Belize are not permitted to visit Harvest Caye of their own volition. They would have to book a cruise just like any other guests. There will be some Belizeans on the island, who are employed by the cruise line.

There are around 400 people who work on the island that are not part of the ship’s crew, but some members of the crew will also likely have work to do on the island during port days as well.

6. Food Isn’t Included – Unlike Other Private Destinations

Unlike most other private islands owned by cruise lines, food is not included on Harvest Caye – you will need to either buy your own from one of the local businesses or return to the ship where you can enjoy the restaurants as normal.

Usually, with a private island, the cruise line will bring food ashore and set up a buffet restaurant, but that’s not the case on Harvest Caye.

Part of the agreement that NCL has with Belize is to run the island in a way that benefits local businesses, and so guests will need to pay to eat at one of the restaurants on the island.

There are various restaurants to choose from to suit different budgets, and you can pay with a credit card or using US dollars. Bear in mind that a lot of people may return to the ship to eat in order to save money, so the restaurants might not be as busy as you would expect them to be on a regular port day.

7. Drunks Also Aren’t Free

Drinks are not included when you travel to Harvest Caye – you’ll need to pay for them. Unlike some other private islands, the bars aren’t owned by the cruise line, so you’ll need to pay by cash or credit card, instead of being able to use your cruise card.

The drinks prices are similar to those on the ship, so if you’re paying for your drinks anyway then you may as well enjoy them on the island.

Couple having a drink and enjoying at Harvest Caye Pool Bar

8. Your Drink Package Won’t Work Here

The NCL drinks package won’t work on Harvest Caye, because the bars are not owned by the cruise line. If you have a drinks package, then you can save money by returning to the ship to grab a drink, but it’s quite a walk if you’re just feeling thirsty.

You won’t be able to bring drinks ashore with you, so you’ll either need to decide whether to take some cash or your credit card with you for drinks, or if you’ll cut short your visit to come back aboard in order to make use of your drinks package.

Woman enjoying her drink at Harvest Caye beach

9. There’s So Much to Do!

There is a huge amount that you can see and do during your trip to Harvest Caye – including a selection of things that are free. Many of the most exciting activities are paid excursions, but you don’t need to spend extra if you don’t want to.

You might just want to head straight to the beach – there are some really nice ones on the island after all, overlooking the beautiful azure waters. There’s no cost for a lounger, but the beaches can get a little busier so you might want to get there early if you want to nab a shaded spot.

Otherwise, you may want to head to the swimming pool. Not many private islands have a pool, since guests are comfortable swimming in the ocean, but there’s a huge pool with loungers and cabanas for hire if you want a fresh-water dip instead.

Couple realaxing at the pool cabana area in Harvest Caye

And just a little further away from the pier there’s a splash pad that is great for kids. If you have younger children with you, they’ll have a great time splashing each other, tipping out water buckets and more.

One of the famous attractions of Harvest Caye is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. You can explore this area for free, along with the wider wildlife sanctuary, which is home to toucans, macaws, snakes, and other animals, with lots of educational material to support your tour. The butterfly sanctuary has large glass spaces where you can get very close to the creatures flying around.

Mother and daughter looking at a blue butterfly

Shopping is another option as well – there’s a market area populated with stalls and stores owned by local business owners and selling a wide selection of gifts, handmade crafts, perfumes, rum and more. Just be wary of what you buy and what you take back onto the ship – rum bottles will be taken from you and returned at the end of your cruise.

If you want to try a paid-for excursion, why not explore the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit? A guided tour will get you close to these fascinating ruins, with your expert guide explaining more of the history during your ride.

Looking for something a little more action-oriented? The island has a zip line running across the bay, or you can try one of the many water sports offered on the island, including paddle boarding and snorkeling. You don’t have to be an expert – there are plenty of excursions aimed at novices or children too.

Kid enjoying the zip line at Harvest Caye

There are also WaveRunner tours – essentially jetskis where a tour guide will train you on riding one before leading you around the island to some unique sights of interest.

And because the island is not far from the coast of Belize, there are a selection of excursions that take you off the island to explore some of the nearby sights. Journeys are short, so you can still explore the island itself, too, when you return.

Staying on the island, you’ll be able to try river rafting or take things a little easier with a fishing excursion – master fishermen will help you learn how to bait for the local fish on a catch-and-release trip.

10. Cabana Rental is Available (But Not Cheap)

And if you really want to enjoy a quieter day, book a cabana either on the beach or by the pool. These private spaces are the ideal place to unwind with a cold drink and some shade.

Family relaxing at the beach front cabana in Harvest Caye

The cost of these paid-for excursions varies, but expect to pay in the region of $80-100 for most of them, per person, with some minor discounts for children. If you don’t want to pay this extra amount, then stick to the wildlife sanctuary, the swimming pool, the beach or the splash pad as these are all free.

Cabana rental costs a little more – expect to pay $450 to $500 for a cabana for the day for up to 6 people. The cabanas do have a lot of extras to make your island visit more comfortable, including air conditioning, a TV, a mini fridge, a private bathroom and a golf cart that you can use for the day to get around the island.

11. Snorkeling is an Option

Snorkeling is an excursion option at Harvest Caye. Belize is home to the world’s largest living barrier reef, so snorkeling excursions offer plenty of incredible sights to enjoy. The excursions last for around 2.5 hours in total, so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the island.

The water entry is shallow, which means these snorkeling excursions are suitable for beginners and veterans alike. Some of the common creatures you’ll encounter include larger fish schools, eagle rays, large starfish and queen conchs.

12. You Can Take a Ferry To Placencia

The boats that take you from Harvest Caye to Placencia take around 15-20 minutes. Excursions to the lagoon give guests the chance to see the mangroves and the wildlife that inhabits them, including manatees.

These tours are fully guided, meaning guests will be able to learn about the wildlife from an expert. A complimentary drink is also served during excursions to Placencia – either a rum punch or a water.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Final Word

There are loads of things to do in Havest Caye Belize, so you’ll want to head to the island as early as possible – and because you don’t need to tender, you should be able to walk straight off the ship.

Excited family entering Harvest Caye front gate

Just be prepared for the day, and how you’ll need to pay for your food and drink – it might save you money if you plan to return to the ship for lunch and then head back ashore for a couple of hours, if it doesn’t cost you too much time out of your day.

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

Vibe-beach-club.jpg

Inside Norwegian Cruise Line’s VIP Vibe Beach Club – Is It Worth the Hype?

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNorwegian Cruise Line

Imagine having your own private retreat at sea — no crowds, no scrambling for a sunbed, just pure relaxation. That’s exactly what NCL’s Vibe Beach Club promises.

But is it really as exclusive and luxurious as it sounds? And more importantly, is it worth the extra cost?

NCL Vibe beach club

Before you book, there are a few things you need to know… including one big catch that might change your mind!

Vibe Beach Club Is Only For VIPs

The Vibe Beach Club is an exclusive area of some NCL ships. It is an outdoor area that’s a little more sheltered and private, and you need to pay for a pass to access it.

The Vibe Beach Club is open to anyone, no matter your stateroom category, but passes are limited.

Norwegian Bliss Architectural Rendering
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Bliss

The Vibe Beach Club isn’t some feature-packed area of the ship, but instead it’s an exclusive sun deck space with whirlpools, loungers and a bar. Some of the ships have an infinity pool, and others have private cabanas you can rent for an additional fee. 

Really, you’re paying for the exclusivity – the fact that only a limited number of guests are allowed to book passes to the area. That means it’s quieter, so you don’t have to worry about how loud or crowded the space is, and it just feels more serene and relaxing.

Because it’s quieter, the bar staff are able to be more attentive too. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh cocktails (including a couple of exclusive drinks, which can change throughout the cruise) with the bar attendants often wandering around the deck space, so you can relax on your lounger or day bed without moving.

Vibe Beach Clubs Don’t Have Pools

You might see some references to an infinity pool on the Prima-class ships (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva), but none of the Vibe Beach Clubs have actual pools.

These two ships do have extended hot tubs, but NCL does classify them as a hot tub rather than a swimming pool.

Infinity pool on Norwegian Prima
Infinity hot tub on Norwegian Prima

If you’re hoping to swim, you’ll have to leave the club and head to the regular pool. The other Vibe Beach Clubs have smaller whirlpools only, not the big infinity hot tubs…

Whirlpool at Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore
Whirlpool on Norwegian Encore

Even with the exclusivity of the Vibe Beach Club, don’t assume that you’ll get a spacious pool area where you can enjoy a soak.

Passes Cost A Whopping $99 Per Day!

You do need to pay for the Vibe Beach Club, and you need to book it in advance to secure a pass as despite the high price tag, they usually sell out.

You can expect to pay around $99 for a day pass if they are available, although week-long passes are better if you want to secure your place for your whole cruise. The price of these varies, but it’s likely to be around $250 for 7 days.

If your cruise is longer than a week, the price won’t jump up much – it’s unlikely that you’ll pay more than $350 per person for a full cruise up to two weeks, so the longer itineraries tend to offer even more value.

Cabanas Are Even More Expensive

For the ships that have cabanas, these need to be booked too. Instead of paying a solo price for a pass to the Vibe Beach Club, you have to buy a couples pass, and it’ll typically cost around $680-750 for a cruise.

Per person, that’s only $340 to $375, so it’s not a huge sum more than buying the passes without the cabana hire.

Cabanas on Norwegian Bliss
Cabanas on Norwegian Bliss

People Are Lining Up To Splurge

The Vibe Beach Club is designed to be exclusive so the prices aren’t cheap. The limited numbers also mean that you need to be quick to buy a pass once they become available.

While the number of passes sold hasn’t been revealed by NCL, it appears to be around 80-100 passes per cruise, likely depending on the capacity of the sailing. That’s not many at all.

And it’s important to note that they don’t have a set time to go on sale either. Some people have reported being able to call up over 200 days before their cruise to book a pass, while others say that they can book them via the NCL website from anywhere between 80-140 days before the cruise departs.

The best advice, if you want to get a pass for the Vibe Beach Club, is to call NCL directly and ask to add it on or ask when the passes will go on sale. Otherwise, check once a week once you get to 140 days out from your cruise date, and you should be able to secure one.

Another good idea is to check cruise forums and social media for discussions related to your specific sailing. People will often post in there as soon as the Vibe Beach Club passes go on sale (once they have secured their own pass, of course!)

Day passes will only be available if the week-long passes don’t sell out, or if there are cancellations.

Vibe beach outdoor lounge
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Breakaway

Vibe Beach Club Is Only On The Newest NCL Ships…

The ships that have Vibe Beach Club for NCL are the Breakaway-class ships (Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway), the Breakaway Plus-class ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore) and the Prima-class ships (Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Aqua).

This means you won’t find Vibe Beach Club on the following:

  • Norwegian Dawn
  • Norwegian Epic
  • Norwegian Gem
  • Norwegian Jade
  • Norwegian Jewel
  • Norwegian Pearl
  • Norwegian Sky
  • Norwegian Spirit
  • Norwegian Star
  • Norwegian Sun
  • Pride of America
Vibe beach pool
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Bliss

As a guide, here are the features you can expect to find on the ships that do have Vibe Beach Club:

Ship Bar Loungers & Daybeds Showers Cabanas Whirlpools Infinity Pools
Norwegian Breakaway YES YES YES YES 1 No
Norwegian Getaway YES YES YES YES 1 No
Norwegian Escape YES YES YES No 1 No
Norwegian Joy YES YES YES YES 1 No
Norwegian Bliss YES YES YES YES 1 No
Norwegian Encore YES YES YES YES 1 No
Norwegian Prima YES YES YES No 2 YES
Norwegian Viva YES YES YES No 2 YES

Take a look at this video for a closer look inside the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Prima…

You Can Get A Refund If You Change Your Mind

Vibe Beach Club passes are refundable if you purchase them before your cruise, provided you also cancel before you’ve boarded the ship. Some people on social media have reported being told they cannot be cancelled, but others have cancelled successfully, so it clearly is possible.

To cancel your Vibe Beach Club passes and get a refund, you’ll need to call NCL and ask for them to be removed. It seems like the answers can be inconsistent, so if you’re told you can’t, try again.

I know for a fact they are refundable, at least they were in December when I canceled them and was fully refunded back to my CC

Haven Suite Guests Should AVOID The Vibe Beach Club

Haven Suite guests do not have automatic access to the Vibe Beach Club on an NCL ship. They are entitled to buy their own Vibe Beach Club passes if they wish, but there’s no need, since it offers a similar experience to the Haven sun deck anyway.

When you book a Haven Suite, you’re essentially paying for access to the Haven, and so also purchaisng access to the Vibe Beach Club would be a waste of money, in my experience.

The Vibe Beach Club is open to all guests on an NCL ship, not just suite guests, provided you’ve bought a pass. Nobody gets a free pass, even if you buy the best suites on the ship.

NCL Haven sun deck
The Haven Sundeck

There’s No Smoking In The Vibe Beach Club

You aren’t allowed to smoke in the Vibe Beach Club on an NCL ship – it’s a non-smoking area, just like most of the spaces on the rest of the ship. This includes vaping, which is also only permitted in selected smoking areas on the ship.

So, Is Vibe Beach Club Worth It?

Whether the Vibe Beach Club is worth it for you depends on how much you’ve paid for your cruise, and how much you value being able to relax in a quieter location on the ship.

If your main aim on a cruise is to take it easy and sip cocktails from a lounger or daybed, and you don’t like crowds, then it can be absolutely worth purchasing a week-long pass for the Vibe Beach Club, and getting an exclusive quiet corner of the ship to use.

Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Viva
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Viva

But if you’re more likely to spend the week taking part in all the fun activities around the ship, or you don’t mind the busy vibe, then you can probably put the money to better use.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

Norwegian-Escape-in-New-York.jpg

NCL Shareholder Benefits Explained

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsMoney saving tipsNorwegian Cruise Line

If you decide to become a shareholder in the parent company that owns NCL, you’ll be able to enjoy a bonus perk every time you sail with the cruise line.

Norwegian Escape in New York

The NCL shareholder benefit is available to anyone who invests in sufficient stock of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which is the master company that owns NCL along with two other cruise lines.

And the good news is, your shareholder benefit applies to those cruises as well – so you get the Norwegian Cruise Line stock benefits whether you’re sailing with NCL or one of the sister brands.

Let’s learn more about what that benefit is, who it applies to, and how to claim it.

What Is The NCL Shareholder Benefit?

The NCL stock benefits are for anyone who owns 100 shares or more in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. You’ll get up to $250 to spend on-board every cruise you take with NCL or a sister cruise line as long as you remain a shareholder. The benefit has to be claimed in advance.

The amount of onboard credit you’ll enjoy depends on the length of your cruise. You will get:

  • $250 onboard credit to spend per stateroom on sailings of 15 days or more
  • $100 onboard credit to spend per stateroom on sailings from 7 to 14 days
  • $50 onboard credit to spend per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or fewer

The benefit also applies to the other cruise lines owned by NCLH – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The amounts are the same, meaning you’ll likely enjoy the benefit from your NCLH stock more on an NCL sailing since that $250 will stretch further.

On a Regent Seven Seas voyage, most things on board are included in your fare anyway – you’ll probably want to spend your credit on either a specialist experience on-board or at the stores on the ship.

While people generally love cruising with NCL, one of the biggest complaints people have is how many of the activities on board cost extra. So with the NCL stock ownership benefit you can at least mitigate that, and enjoy more of your cruise without paying out your own funds.

How To Buy NCL Shares

To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.

I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my NCL shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.

I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.

(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)

Read more: Should you buy shares in NCLH?

NCL Encore

How To Claim NCL Shareholder Benefits

You need to claim your Norwegian Cruise Line shareholder benefits every time you sail with NCL, or with Oceania or Regent. It’s not applied automatically, and each time you apply you’re only claiming it for your next cruise.

To claim, you need to fill in an application form at www.nclhltdinvestor.com providing proof of your share ownership. You then need to send your form to the cruise line, either via email or in the mail.

The email address for NCL is [email protected] and the mailing address is:

Norwegian Cruise Line Shareholder Benefit Department
7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami FL 33126

The cruise line has to receive your application at least 15 days before you are due to sail, otherwise, you won’t be entitled to the credit.

Your form should include your name, address, email and phone number, along with your sailing date and the ship you’re sailing on. The proof you need to provide as a shareholder can either be a photocopy of your shareholder proxy card, or a photocopy of your current brokerage statement.

Things To Know About NCL Stock Benefits

Unline with Carnival shareholder benefits which require 4 weeks of notice to claim, according to the NCLH terms and conditions, you have to apply at least 15 days before your cruise.

You have to own the shares as an individual – stocks owned as part of a mutual fund don’t count.

You can use the credit on the ship for buying drinks, food, shore excursions or items bought at the souvenir stores. You can’t use it towards your cruise balance or for gratuities, and you can’t transfer your credit to another person or another cruise.

The benefit is also available on a ‘per stateroom’ basis. This means you can’t buy 200 shares, put 100 in your name and 100 in your partner’s name, and then share a stateroom and get double the onboard credit. 

NCL in Alaska

To Conclude

Whenever you’re investing in anything on the stock market, there is inherent risk. You shouldn’t invest in a cruise line just to get onboard credit – you could lose a lot of money if something bad happened to the market. Just look at how many people took a hit when cruise line stocks fell during the 2020 global shutdown.

However, if you were thinking of investing in a cruise company anyway, the NCL stockholder benefits are a nice bonus, especially since they apply to every cruise line in the group. And as long as you remember to claim every time, you’ll get the benefit for every cruise you book – which could end up being good value if you’re someone who cruises with the same cruise line on a regular basis.

Read more: Should you buy shares in NCLH?

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link

over-40-single-man-on-cruise-ship.jpg

Looking For The Best Singles Cruises Over 40? These Are The Cruise Lines You Need!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsHolland America LineNorwegian Cruise LineRoyal CaribbeanSilverseaSolo

There could be many reasons for seeking out the best cruises for singles over 40. Searching for solace and relaxation after a divorce? Or just want to time away by yourself? Looking to meet new friends with shared interests? Plotting a romantic fling or true love on the seven seas?

No matter the reason, cruises are a great option for solo travellers over the age of 40.

single man over 40 on cruise

The thought of cruising solo might seem daunting at first, but the ships offer thought-out plans, daily programmes and evening entertainment to keep you occupied. Not to mention visiting multiple destinations in one trip without having to keep packing up your suitcase!

The average age of a cruiser is 45, so you’re sure to be amongst passengers your own age. One of the main benefits of a cruise is that they take the hassle away of researching places to stay, eat and drink while travelling as it’s all there for you on your ship.

Read on to find out the best cruise lines to choose if you’re over 40 and planning a singles cruise.

There are plenty of cruises perfect for singles over 40!

While any cruise is well suited for this demographic, there are some organised group cruises for singles. These are ideal for finding friendship and romance at sea.

If you want to know more about organised singles cruises, take a look at my guide: Single Cruises – How They Work & Best Options.

However, you don’t need a dedicated singles-only cruise – sometimes it’s better to choose a regular cruise. You’ll still get a lot of arranged events where you can meet other singles in your age group. Singles-only cruises are good, but not the only option.

Some people may be considering a singles cruise as an easy way to hook up with fellow guests. With social spaces such as bars and restaurants, as well as nightclubs, there are lots of places on a cruise ship you can meet a love interest. Take a look at the best cruises for singles to hook up to read more.

In general, whether you’re seeking platonic or romantic relationships or just a passing travel partner, all cruises will welcome you aboard as a solo traveller over 40.

single people on a cruise

The best cruise lines for singles over 40

Here are the best cruise lines to choose as a 40+ single traveller:

1. Royal Caribbean

Energetic and fun, Royal Caribbean cruises bring you plenty to keep you occupied and then some. Surfing and sky-diving simulators, dodgems, rock-climbing walls, zip lines, laser tag, escape rooms, circus schools and more are the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle of a busy life 40-somethings can often get caught up in. It also means there’s a good chance to be a big kid again!

Life onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise as a 40-year-old needn’t be all fun and frolics. If you prefer relaxation, there’s also an adult-only Solarium on every ship in the fleet, as well as and a range of bars, lounges and a casino for grown-ups to hang out and socialise.

Single cabins feature on selected Royal Caribbean ships, with a mixture of inside, balcony and virtual balcony staterooms, which include no single supplements. It’s a good idea to book these as soon as you know you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean as they can get booked up very quickly!

Adults-only solarium on Anthem of the Seas

2. AmaWaterways

Another option for active solo cruisers is a river cruise with AmaWaterways. Instead of cruising the ocean, this cruise line features ports along European waterways such as the Rhine, Seine and the Danube.

With a smaller guest capacity, there isn’t as much to do on the ship, and you will find yourself bumping into the same people – but that makes for great mingling opportunities!

Not only can you cruise right into the heart of the destinations you visit with AmaWaterways – think Budapest, Cologne, and Paris – but you can enjoy cycling along the riverbanks and enjoying food and drink-themed tours that will ensure you fully experience the regions you visit.

With a great price point and service, the cruise line is a top choice for those over 40 travelling alone and seeking an active and busy holiday experience.

Suggested read: AmaWaterways Vs Viking River Cruises

My double room for single occupancy on AmaVerde

3. Silversea

When it comes to luxury cruises for solo travellers aged 40 and over, Silversea is one of the best options.

Bringing fellow passengers onboard with similar views and interests, guests can enjoy smaller ships where activities are adult-oriented and offer educational benefits. Just one of the ways Silversea creates this is with their resident photographers who offer tutorials on wildlife and nature photography, as well as how to edit digital images in the onboard lab.

Each cruise offers a program centred around a certain field of interest, so you already have a great talking point with other passengers to break the ice.

Be aware that aren’t any solo cabins on Silversea cruise ships. Instead, solo travellers will pay between 25 and 75% supplement charge, so it’s wise to keep an eye out for promotions or deals where this might be waived!

A large table of solo travellers on a Silversea cruise

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the best solo cruise lines overall is Norwegian Cruise Line. It was the first major cruise company to create studio cabins specifically for single cruisers as well as the exclusive Studio Lounge only for solo travellers.

These solo cabins offer a chic décor set in 100-feet of space and can be found on board Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway and Pride of America.

As well as the Studio Lounge where solo travellers can enjoy their own space to drink, have a snack and meet other travelling singles, there are many other spaces where guests can mingle including the varying bars, lounges and adult-only areas for events and live music that runs right into the early hours of the morning.

From 2024, there are more NCL solo cabins than ever before. The cruise line has said that, because they’re so popular, they want to expand the number of cabins available to single travellers.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Studio Lounge

5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another luxury cruise line to consider is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Though the demographic for customers is closer to 60 years, sorter and 7-night sailings still bring a younger audience in their 40s and 50s, so choose your itinerary carefully.

Despite this, the cruise line is proud of the emphasis it places on creating an environment and community for solo travellers to feel welcome. Dedicated hosts, butlers and concierge will ensure you have all you need both in your suite and around the ship. They will also plan activities for singles including gathering at dinner or over cocktails and excursions, so you needn’t worry about going ashore along.

The cruise line consistently offers discounts for solo travellers too, with up to 75% saving on single supplements in some cases. Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the most inclusive cruise line at sea including Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities in your package. So although the cruises can seem very expensive, they offer great value for what you get.

Regent Seven Seas Navigator

6. Holland America Line

With over forty activities available purely for solo travellers to meet one another during a cruise, Holland America Line is rightly prepared for the mingling and ice-breaking a singles cruiser might be craving.

This cruise line is one of the top choices for those travelling alone and the cocktails, games, team trivia, and line dancing planned into the sailing speak for themselves.

Guests who love live music will enjoy the range of musical events and shows on offer during their Holland America cruise. Dance the night away at the B.B. King’s Blues Clue or rock out in the Rolling Stone Rock Room, created in collaboration with Rolling Stone magazine.

For a more chilled vibe, you can test your kitchen skills in America’s Test Kitchen with demonstrations or enjoy some yoga and book club with the Oprah Magazine-branding activities. There’s certainly a wide range of activities to keep you active and likely to meet new friends onboard.

Only selected ships in the Holland America Line fleet offer solo cabins, including the biggest and newest ships in the fleet: Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. So, it’s best to book as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on securing your very own room, supplement free!

Single room on Holland America Line

To conclude

It’s always wise to book your stateroom early, no matter which cruise line you choose. Solo staterooms, or studios as they’re often called, are in high demand and are usually the first options to sell out. Keeping an eye on which cruise lines are offering reduced or 0% single supplements is key to making sure you can save some money on your overall cost too.

There are so many cruise lines to choose from when it comes to cruising as a solo traveller, and more cruise lines are working to cater to these groups more widely. 

The best recommendation is to go for a cruise line that is appealing to what you would like out of your cruise.

Luxury and educational activities? Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are perfect!

Looking for an energetic and active cruise, both on the ship and ashore? Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and AmaWaterways are for you!

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


Source link