Onboard Questions | On The Blue Cruise - April 1

Yes. All of our artists will be joining you for the full cruise and performing onboard the ship. However, there may be some cases where an artist needs to join us during the cruise or depart early due to a scheduling conflict or other family commitment.

WILL THE ARTISTS BE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS/TAKING PHOTOS WITH GUESTS?

Many of our artists will be doing formal photo sessions, which will be announced in more detail as we get closer to sailing. Any additional autographs, photos or other interactions will be at each band/artist’s discretion.

HOW MANY SHOWS WILL THE ARTISTS PLAY?

Most bands will be playing 2 performances. Other artists will be playing at least once and some performing multiple times.

HOW WILL SEATS BE ASSIGNED AND WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY SEAT ASSIGNMENT?

Seating for select main theatre performances will be assigned seating. Please note that NOT all shows in the theatre will be assigned. Assigned seating shows will be listed as a “Red” or “Blue” show on the concert schedule and will correspond with the Red or Blue colored laminate you receive during embarkation.

The laminate you receive during embarkation will be colored Red or Blue and your seat number will be on the back. Seating will be assigned based on the timestamp of your booking within each category and in the order listed below:

Gold VIP in order of timestamp on the reservation.
Silver VIP in order of timestamp on the reservation.
All other stateroom categories will then be assigned based on timestamp regardless of cabin type.

Please understand that once seats have been assigned, we cannot change the performance color. If you are traveling in a group, please be sure you select the same performance color during the booking process so that we can do our best to accommodate. Please also note that the performance choice is not a guarantee, but we will always do our best to honor your request.

All other performances will be General Admission and will have first-come, first-served seating.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHIP?

You can view photos, deck plans and even a virtual tour of the Norwegian’s Pearl by clicking HERE.

WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN GOING ASHORE?

Each port of call has multiple shore excursion options that will be available for purchase approximately 30 days prior to our sail date. A description can be found by clicking HERE and searching the ports of call above.

WHAT IF I WANT TO GAMBLE AWAY ALL MY MONEY AT SEA…IS THERE A CASINO?

Yes, feel free to gamble from sun up to sun down as the beautiful Pearl has a Casino featuring tables, slot machines and more!

Please keep in mind that NCL may be required to close the casino (as well as other shops onboard) while we are in port. For information about NCL’s Casinos, click HERE.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?

We will release the schedule of concerts and events a few days before the sailing. Please know that this is not something we do to torture you…but that the schedule is a delicate balancing act and we want to be sure we have made every necessary change before we release it to you. We don’t want you to miss anything due to having an incomplete or altered schedule!

AM I GOING TO STARVE ON BOARD?

Not a chance! The Pearl offers many dining options on board. CLICK HERE to view both the complimentary as well as the specialty (surcharge added) restaurant options (These options may be subject to change).

ARE THERE SPECIAL DIETS AVAILABLE?

Guests with food allergies should contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line’s policies and procedures concerning special diets and your specific allergies prior to your cruise. Because the vessels are supplied all over the world, it may be easier to meet your specific food allergy requirements in some countries, but very difficult in others. Special dietary requests should be submitted at least 45 days prior to sailing. Any requests inside 45 days cannot be guaranteed. We can arrange to have no sugar and low sodium meals for guests with those specific medical dietary restrictions upon request.

If guests require packaged foods be brought onboard, please be sure all items are sealed and that the Access Desk is aware.

Keep in mind, not all dietary requests can be met, but NCL will always try to accommodate to the extent that it is possible.

Vegetarian Dining

A variety of vegetarian meals are available on all menus in the Dining Room, Garden Cafe, as well as many other dining venues every day. Guests do not need to make a special request for these meals.

Kosher Dining

Kosher for Passover meal requests MUST be received 90 days in advance in order to be accommodated. Please let us know ASAP if you require this accomodation.

Food Allergies

Allergic to nuts, shellfish, eggs or something else? Norwegian Cruise Line will try to accommodate dietary needs such as: Food allergies, Gluten-free, Kosher, Low-fat, and Low-sodium.

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY CELL PHONE…WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CELL PHONE ON BOARD?

For an enhanced cellular connectivity experience while sailing, the Norwegian fleet features 4G-LTE and 3G cellular technologies. Most cellular carriers offer cruise packages; contact your cellular service provider to find out what options are available to you. To ensure that the right package and features are activated and that your cell phone is correctly set up, please contact your cellular carrier prior to sailing.

For more information on Cellular at Sea, CLICK HERE.

IS THERE INTERNET SERVICE? WIRELESS?

Internet access is available on board either via the Internet Café (deck 7 near the Art Gallery) or via your own personal laptop, cell phone or tablet. All cabins have internet access available via wireless connection or with the use of Ethernet cable (complimentary cables can be obtained from the Internet Café Manager in the Internet Café during posted hours). In addition, there are Wi-Fi locations throughout the entire ship. In order to access the Internet, you will need to purchase an Internet package. Internet access is based on a shared satellite bandwidth and guests may experience slower connections during peak hours. Click HERE for more information. (prices subject to change)

If you use your laptop you will need to purchase an Internet package.

*An Activation fee of $3.95 may apply. If you book your internet package in advance on NCL’s website this fee may be waived.

HOW DO I PAY FOR THINGS ON THE SHIP?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. Sign up when you check in, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card or Diner’s Club. You may also use your debit card, however, please be advised that NCL will obtain pre-authorization, as they do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. Cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

Using your debit or ATM card

NCL does not recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio.
Please be advised that multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.
After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.
To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.
Norwegian Cruise Line will not be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.

Cash/Traveler’s Checks Procedures

A cash deposit may be placed on your onboard account in the following amounts:

7 day cruises – $300 USD per person
Less than 7 days – $150 USD per person
More than 7 days – $450 USD per person

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you’d like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed on board.

I RAN OUT OF CASH GAMBLING. ARE THERE ATM’S ONBOARD?

Yes, there is an ATM located on Deck 6 near the casino.

DO I NEED TO TIP FOR ANYTHING DURING THE CRUISE?

Pre-paid onboard gratuities are included in the $325 per person fee supplement added to your reservation during the booking process. However, if you receive excellent service, you may always tip any additional amount you feel.

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to bar service beverages, mini bar items, cabin/room service and spa & salon services. These gratuities may be itemized on your on board receipt.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE CRUISE?

Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. On the Blue Cruise, On The Blue Cruises, Inc. and Norwegian Cruise Line reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Please refer to ShipBoard Etiquette.

CAN I SMOKE ON THE SHIP?

For the comfort and enjoyment of guests, NCL ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests do smoke. Therefore, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas.

Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the starboard side of the ship. To assist in locating areas where smoking is permitted, guests will find visible signage posted within all smoking areas and ashtrays that are provided for use. Outdoor areas near restricted areas, food venues, and kids play areas and pools will not allow smoking.

Pearl Club Casino allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking guests. There will be visible signage indicating the non-smoking area in the casino.

On board, all interior public spaces are smoke-free. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, theater, bar, lounge, hallway, elevator, and/or jogging track.

Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or any stateroom balcony. This applies to all stateroom categories on board. If a guest is in violation of this stateroom policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to their Sign and Sail account and may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of the Guest Conduct Policy.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. Cigar and pipe tobacco is limited to designated outdoor areas and Cigar Bars. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are only permitted within the designated smoking areas.

Norwegian Cruise Line kindly asks all guests to please observe the smoking policy. These requests are made to provide a comfortable cruise for everyone. Guests may also inquire at Guest Services for the location of the designated smoking areas onboard.

Guests who violate this smoking policy may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of this Guest Conduct Policy.

Norwegian Cruise Line updated the smoking policy September 2013 and the above policy is in enforcement on all ships with cruises departing on or after January 1, 2014.

ARE THERE HAIR DRYERS AND IRONS PROVIDED IN THE CABINS?

All staterooms have hair dryers. Staterooms do not have irons in them and are not allowed in staterooms. However, please use the laundry/dry cleaning service for all of your pressing needs.

IS LAUNDRY SERVICE AVAILABLE?

There is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available onboard for reasonable rates.

While the ship does not have self-service laundry, they do offer laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service for a nominal charge.

Irons are NOT permitted in cabins, do not bring them.

ARE THERE ANY BABYSITTING SERVICES ONBOARD?

Due to the nature of this event, babysitting services may be extremely limited or unavailable.

ARE THERE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN ONBOARD THE SHIP?

Due to the nature of this event, children’s regularly scheduled activities and services may be extremely limited or unavailable.

ARE CRIBS AND/OR ROLLAWAY BEDS AVAILABLE?

Pack ‘N Plays may be available, however, they need to be reserved at least 30 days prior to sailing.

Due to maritime law, however, each cabin is capacity controlled and rollaway beds are not allowed.

**Infants under six (6) months of age are not permitted to sail.

ARE THERE MEDICAL SERVICES ONBOARD?

A physician and 2 nurses are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. These charges will be billed to your onboard account.

Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship’s doctor.

Please be aware that onboard medical facilities do not accept normal insurance policies. We highly recommend finding travel insurance that can cover these types of unforeseen circumstances.

CAN I BRING DRINKS ONBOARD?

Per NCL’s policies, guests are prohibited from bringing any beverages onboard*– including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices -either as carry-on or checked luggage, with the exception of purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula. Open beverages of any kind must be consumed or discarded at the security check-point, on embarkation day and at any port of call.

*Guests may bring sealed bottles of wine on board for personal consumption. They will be checked prior to embarkation and a corkage fee applied at that time of $15.00 USD for a 750 ml Bottle or $30.00 USD for a 1,500 ml Magnum bottle. Box wines are not allowed on board.

WILL DRINK PACKAGES BE OFFERED?

Cruise lines do not typically offer drink packages to chartered cruises like ours but we always try to negotiate to see if it is possible. If we are successful, an email will be sent out 30-45 days prior to sailing with all the information you will need.