If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat. You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour. Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers. Norwegian was, at one time, a very family-friendly line for kids of all ages.
Card Issuer
Shoretime Partners with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings - TravelAge West
Shoretime Partners with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Posted: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Among added features, it includes a 45-minute escape room experience laced with special effects. Themed around a Spanish galleon, it's designed to be played by up to six people at a time. On some ships, you'll also find Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant; The District Brew House, a gastropub serving craft beers; and a Mexican spot called either Los Lobos or Los Lobos Cantina. Every vessel has some sort of sushi restaurant, often called Sushi or Wasabi, and there are hibachi-style teppanyaki restaurants on nearly every Norwegian vessel. At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to that of a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea.
What’s included on NCL cruises?
The open-air laser tag arenas also are significant venues that are unlike anything you'll find atop the ships of other lines. The one on Norwegian Encore, which is the largest laser tag arena ever put on a ship, is themed around the lost city of Atlantis and spans the back of the vessel. On the line's Breakaway-, Breakaway Plus- and Epic-class ships, you'll find giant waterslides and kiddie splash zones and, in some cases, even more over-the-top attractions such as go-kart tracks and laser tag arenas. You might even find Starbucks stores on some ships (the one-year-old Norwegian Prima has two!) and there are Starbucks products on every Norwegian vessel. Also, some ships have private restaurants just for passengers staying in The Haven.
Daily Things to Do on Norwegian Viva
It'll also operate trips to Bermuda from New York City and Boston, usually with two ships, and trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami.
This multi-use space can be used as a theater or nightclub, thanks to elevated seating that can raise or lower into the floor as needed. Take in the surrounding natural beauty while hiking through a national park and by cruising Sitka Sound on a custom-built expedition vessel made for adventure. Whether you sit inside the vessel or out on deck, you will enjoy spectacular coastal views with majestic mountains as a backdrop. As you pass densely forested islands and glacially carved fjords, the guide will provide commentary that describes the geological, natural and cultural history in fascinating detail. Don’t be surprised if you spot, Harbor porpoise, sea otters and whales along the way.
Norwegian also offers a less expensive plan that doesn't allow video streaming for $29.99 per person per day if purchased in advance. Port and all Panama Canal sailings (regardless of departure port). If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for most sailings from U.S. ports (including sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska). Norwegian also has rooms on its ships for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years.
Fitness and Gym on Norwegian Viva
Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities. Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.
Should you book a ship-sponsored or independent shore excursion on a cruise? - The Points Guy
Should you book a ship-sponsored or independent shore excursion on a cruise?.
Posted: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Shore excursions are possible to book online pre-cruise or via the Norwegian Cruise Line app, or by completing a paper form and returning it in advance to the Shore Excursions desk, which limits the need for lineups. The Promenade aboard Norwegian Viva is divided into several different sections, all of which offer ample outdoor seating. The promenade extends out over the side of the ship, so it's perfect for sun-seekers looking for a little Vitamin D, while still offering plenty of shaded areas for those who would rather keep out of the rays.
Cobranded Cards
Another side of Alaska awaits you in Sitka National Historical Park, where you will hike through the temperate rainforest. The trail is dotted with brightly colored totem poles that mirror the ones that were exhibited at the 1904 World’s Fair. The indigenous Tlingit people carved and painted the totems, which feature highly symbolic human, animal and supernatural forms. We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you’ll visit. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
You'll find everything from music halls with Beatles cover bands and dueling piano bars to theaters with some of the most elaborate shows at sea — including some big-name Broadway productions. Sometimes the ship’s Captain may have to switch up the ports of call at the last minute due to unpredictable weather conditions, meaning Shore Excursions will be canceled. If you’ve booked directly with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’ll automatically receive a prompt credit to your onboard account. However, if you purchased your own tour with another land-based company, you may not even receive a refund after requesting one, depending on their individual cancelation policies. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.
Just three small pools are accessible to all passengers aboard Norwegian Viva, along with two hot tubs. The rest are reserved for the extra-fee areas like the Vibe Beach Club and those guests fortunate enough to be staying in Haven-grade suites. The result is that pools often feel crowded, particularly the main pool on Deck 17 (see "Sun Decks aboard Norwegian Viva", below). Other unique bars onboard include the semi-hidden Viva Speedway Bar adjacent to the Viva Speedway go-kart track on Deck 18, though this never seemed to be open on our inaugural sailing. Mornings are stocked with activities like trivia, poolside challenges, painting classes, casino tournaments and the like. The ship's dry and wet slides open for business, as do diversions like mini-golf and the Viva Speedway go-karts, which are available for riding as either solos or doubles.
Instead of a few big main restaurants with fixed seating times, Norwegian ships offer a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times — just make a reservation. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites. If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings). If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.
Norwegian ships are also loaded with bars, lounges and nightclubs, including always-busy casinos. Put it all together, and you have vessels with a very lively atmosphere — particularly at night. If you had to compare Norwegian ships to something on land, you'd probably say they were like floating versions of the casino resorts you find in Las Vegas. Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration.
No comments:
Post a Comment