Posts Tagged ‘NCL’

Your Go-To Guide: NCL Freestyle Dining and Specialty Restaurants

Norwegian Cruise Line was the pioneer of “Freestyle Dining,” where the choice is yours. They started this a few years back, and was so popular with cruisers that it has caught on with pretty much every cruise line.

Unlike traditional dining arrangements, where you receive either the early or late seating and are assigned to a particular table for the duration of the cruise, with Freestyle Dining there are no fixed seating times, assigned tables, or set dining companions. You can dine when, where, and with whom you like.

Because you will not have the same wait staff each night, gratuities are usually automatically charged to your shipboard account, to be distributed to the appropriate crew members.  Although the concept of Freestyle Dining allows for a less formal atmosphere, many people still enjoy getting dressed up for the formal nights, even on a freestyle cruise.

**TIP: There is very rarely a wait time for seating, however, the dining rooms fill quickly at popular dining hours (6-7:30pm). You are able to make daily reservations for the Main Dining Room to ensure you have no wait. This is a great option if you are dining with a larger party.

Many of their newer ships also offer specialty restaurants. The specialty restaurants are those dining venues that require advance reservations along with a service charge.

Here are some FAQ’s about the specialty restaurants:

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Norwegian – Spa and Fitness

Do you hit the gym every day?  Or go get your weekly or monthly massage? I do the former, but wish I could the latter more often!  When I go on a cruise I don’t want to get out of my routine of going to the gym. Thank goodness I don’t.  And I may even treat myself to the spa and then tell my husband about it (after he has had a cocktail).

Norwegian Cruise Line has plenty of ways to increase and/or decrease your heart rate.  All of the Norwegian ships have a jogging track high above the sea!  So you are getting fresh air while getting in a good run or walk, not to mention some of the best sights in the world of beautiful islands and the ocean.   Each ship’s track is a different length so be sure to ask one of the ship’s crew as to how many times around it takes to make a mile (most ships have a markers on the track as well).   Some of the ships have a rock climbing wall.  I don’t know about you, but just looking at it makes my heart rate increase!

If you prefer to get your exercise by playing a team sport, why not participate in a game of basketball, volleyball or tennis?   All of this is available on the sport deck of the Norwegian ships.

Some of the newer ships even have bowling alleys!  Although you may not get the most excruciating workout, it is some form of exercise and a lot of fun!

Now that you have had a good workout, it’s time to relax those muscles by going to the Mandara Spa for a massage, a facial or maybe you may want try acupuncture.  There are many types of massages including the hot stone massage that will relax even the stiffest of muscles.   I like the “Earth, Wind & Sky” massage, which is one that concentrates on your neck, scalp and face, followed hand and foot reflexology.  Sounds wonderful, right?

Along with the spa treatments there are several salon favorites available as well. Including a manicure and/or pedicure, or treat yourself to having your hair done for one of the formal nights. Be sure to make your appointments early for those days.  The spa can be a very popular place.  I know I love it!

Do you indulge in spa treatments on your cruise?  What’s your favorite?

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Norwegian Cruise Line Upgrades Latitudes Past Guest Loyalty Program

Norwegian Cruise Line recently enhanced its loyalty program, Latitudes, to show their passengers just how much they appreciate repeat business.

With this new system guests earn points faster, making upgrades to the next tier available sooner. Fast rewards, I like it!

NEW POINTS SYSTEM:

  • 1 cruise night = earn 1 point (7 night cruise = 7 points)
  • Cruise in a suite or villa = earn 1 additional point per night
  • Book in advance, 9 months or more prior to sailing = earn 1 additional point per night
  • Book the monthly Latitudes Insider Offer promo = earn 1 additional point per night.

New point structure is as follows:

  • Bronze                  1-19 points
  • Silver                     20-47 points
  • Gold                       48-75 points
  • Platinum              75 + points

Guests will receive these onboard rewards:

  • Members will now receive exclusive Latitudes Inside Offers by email that will include shipboard credit offers up to $250.00
  • Priority check-in
  • Complimentary Latitudes Rewards Magazine and Representative onboard
  • 10% discount at duty free shops onboard
  • Free work of art for attending the art auction
  • 30 min. free with a 250 min Internet package; 15 min free with a 100 min. Internet package.
  • Discounts on Photo Packages: 15% off for Silver, 20% off for Gold and 25% off for Platinum.
  • Discounts in the Spa are 15% off for Silver, 20% off for Gold and 25% off for Platinum.

In addition to its new points system, Norwegian has created a personalized online experience with MyNCL that allows guests the ability to track their cruise history, Latitudes Inside Offers and tier level, anytime.

If you are currently enrolled as a Latitudes member you will remain at the same tier level, or possibly reach the next one, based on the total number of nights you have sailed.  Your online profile will reflect 1 point for every night sailed, and an additional point for every night you sailed in a suite.  You can check your updated tier level by logging into MyNCL.

Loyalty certainly has its privileges and now it’s even more rewarding with Norwegian Cruise Line!

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Two Norwegian Cruise Line Ships to Receive Multi-Million Dollar Enhancements

Norwegian Cruise Line is dedicated to consistently updating and enhancing their fleet of Freestyle ships.

While Norwegian has the youngest fleet at sea, they see the importance of keeping their product innovative up-to-date. Which is why they are so popular among cruise passengers.

Two of their ships will enter dry-dock this fall and receive a face lift, the Norwegian Spirit was completed in September and the Norwegian Jade is scheduled for November.

Norwegian Spirit will receive the following upgrades during her dry-dock stay:

  • Installation of wireless internet access throughout the entire ship.
  • New flat screen televisions in each guest stateroom.
  • Upgrades to accessible guest staterooms and the addition of ramps in various areas of the ship.
  • Replacement of 64,000 square feet of carpeting throughout the ship.
  • Addition of new silk plants for serene decor onboard.
  •  Enhancements to the Stardust Theater.
  • Addition of an aerobics room in The Roman Spa and Fitness center for spinning, yoga, and various fitness classes.
  • Updates to Raffles Court, the ship’s buffet restaurant.

The Norwegian Jade will receive the following upgrades during her dry-dock stay:

  • The addition of Norwegian’s signature Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascia, set to replace Paniolo’s Tapas and Salsa restaurant.
  • Receiving technical enhancements, including new propeller and thrust bearings.
  • A fresh coat of paint.
  • Replacement of carpet and tile throughout the ship.

 

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All Fore an Elite Golf Experience with Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers golf enthusiasts a unique and memorable golf experience for players of all levels. And with NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept, nothing will get in your way of a full day, days, or week of golfing fun!

An Elite Golf Cruise provides cruisers:

  • A certified onboard Golf Professional for private and group lessons.
  • Complimentary Golf Clinics for beginners up to pro level.
  • Access to the “V1” Digital Coaching system.
  • Priority debarkations and VIP access to the top courses in several ports.
  • Guided golf excursions with a Golf professional who knows the course layout.
  • Round trip transportation.
  • Access to the latest and greatest Nike Golf products. You can rent or purchase these products.
  • Free custom club fitting and duty-free product sales from a certified Golf Professional.
  • Available only on the Pride of America: Club valet and storage.
  • A comprehensive liability protection program covering you from gangway to gangway.

Available in Hawaii, Bermuda, Caribbean, and the Mexican Rivera. These magical ports of call will be your backdrop on some of the world’s top courses.

Golf excursions typically last 6 hours and are available for the whole family. A child’s price, in most cases, is the same as an adult price and will vary depending on the destination, ship and sail date (prices range from $140pp-$235pp).

Choose from courses like Fairmont Acapulco Princess Golf, Nassau Cable Beach Golf Club, Huatulco Tangolunda Golf Club, and more.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced player there is always something new to work on in the game of golf, why not try a different course in each port of call?

You can add these as a shore excursion, speak with a Personal Cruise Guide today!

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