Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    I also just booked a 2 for 1 cruise to Bermuda on the Norwegian Cruise
    Line out of NY on April 27th just this morning.  The travel agent is 
    getting back to me with all the particulars and I too have the same 
    questions as you do. I am so excited because this is a first cruise for 
    hubby and me. We had planned on taking one next year for our 25th, but 
    with such a deal who could refuse right.  Had to tell somebody!!!!!!!! 
    so I'm telling all you cruise lovers.  
    
    Cheers,
    
    Loraine

    Re note .0:
    
    Al, I was on the Norway last year and can only assume that my
    experiences are the same on other NCL ships.  To answer your questions
    in turn:
    
    1.  On non-formal nights (with the exception of theme nights) wear as a
    minimum whatever you would wear to an informal dinner at a good friend's
    place.  On their 50's/60's night I wore an old high school letterman's
    sweater, but on other nights I dressed "upscale casual"
    
    2.  You pretty well have to find your own way to your cabin;
    fortunately the ship is well diagrammed and there are staff who can
    help you with directions.
    
    3.  You cannot reserve lounge chairs and they frown upon leaving towels
    to "stake your claim" on a chair for a day.  I found that there was
    enough turnover during the day that I always got a chair when I wanted
    one.
    
    4.  Your drink tips are included when you sign for your drink.  You
    only tip your waiter, busboy and room steward via a tip envelope on the
    last day of the cruise.  The cruise line will give you hints as to how
    much.
    
    5.  We got our luggage about an hour before we set sail.  If you
    absolutely want to change clothes as soon as you get on board, bring it
    with you in a separate bag.
    
    6.  Shortcuts--I would sign up for credit as soon as they will let you. 
    They usually have closed circuit TV and demonstrations which tell you
    about ports, shore trips, and shopping.  I found them worthwhile.  The
    shore trips do sell out fast so get in line early.
    
    I'm telling you all this on the condition that you post a note telling
    us all about the trip when you get back!!!!!  Have a great time--I wish
    I was going.
    
    
    

    I couldn't have said it better.
    
    We were on NCL last year an had a ball.  Most of the time when you get
    on the ship, I found it to our advantage to "look the boat over."  Go
    find your cabin, find the dining room, go find the buffet that will be
    open now!!!
    
    Some of the Formal Shops have a Cruise Special for Tux rentals.  I have
    rented from Gingiss Formalwear and have gotten great deals. 
    For $80.00, you get 2 jackets, 2 shirt, pants, 2 sets of ties.  Your
    get 2 nights of clothes...and you look good too.
    
    Have yourselves a good trip...and please "reply" when you get back!!
    
    
    ken c.

    
      ...tuxes...
      though i know its not mandatory..are there many people who do wear
    tuxes on formal night?  would i be in the minority or majority if i 
    were to get one?
    
    al

    Almost without a doubt a minority. Some people just think its fun
    and many of the older folks like the formality.
    

    I just returned from a week cruise on the Westerdam, Holland America
    Lines.  We had two formal nights and I think the majority wore a Tux
    and if not a Tux they had on a dark suit.  There were also a lot of
    men wearing white dinner jackets.  Like a note a few back, I found that
    the rental places have a cruise rate that allows you to keep it for the
    entire time you will be gone.  The place I used included two shirts,
    two ties, two cumberbuns and the charge was 150% of the daily rental
    rate.
    
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Dave

    re: tuxedo
    
    The ship will be taking pictures.  So, if you want to look reallly good
    go with the tux.
    
    KO

    
    well...everything is now all set..picked up the tickets and stuff
    friday..WE CAN'T WAIT TO GIVE A CRUISE A TRY! less than 3 weeks to
    go!