First cruise NCL in a week any tips to budget

[disneymarie]

I prepaid the tips, there are two adult son's I do not want to charge to the room card. Hoping to prepay for a set limit.

Going ashore, would like to find the easiest budget way to get to the beach in Bermuda.
No money to scuba dive, but is there a budget boat trip? not sure about that one as dd gets car sick.

I have Bonine, she refuses the wrist bands and at $15 I do not want to buy just in case,

Clothing, and packing, space is a premium, we are on deck 4 of the Gem hoping a laundry nearby to do the midweek items.

Is the $6 a day soda prepay the way to go? The boys will want a nice place with music and gals for budget fun.

I have 2 shorts, 2 capri, 1 pants, two bathing suit coverups. ? about tops. Some are the thin strap that you can layer, two are button short sleeve. A nice one for one dinner night. Light sweater to hips.

The boys one light slacks, 3 shorts, several tops, T, button polo top. 1 button down nice.

I need a way to stretch my Croc sandle straps. Having problems with fluid retention, on water pills, but feet swell fast. I want a light weight sneaker, maybe grasshoper?

Spent $50 on $1 item rack not to carry the full size, have wipes, powder,

I could not find the Body Glide for rubbing chaffing legs....

 

[mjkacmom]

Go to cruisecritic.com, and find the Bermuda board (I've never been there). There are no laundry facilities onboard, but they have a mid-week special, $25 to stuff a bag - you can get a decent amount in. Soda card is worth it for kids, plus you can bring soda and water on yourself - just stick a luggage tag on a case.

Here's something I didn't know - there is a pastry case in the coffee bar. You pay for the coffee (cheaper than Starbucks, and delicious), but the treats are free.

 

[v.t.]

Have you been to www.cruisecritic.com ? That might be your best bet for affordable excursions. But remember that they are not as kind as everyone here on the disboards.

 

[ellenec]

My parents are going on the Gem June 19th Is that the day you're going???

 

[disneymarie]

Oh yes it is out of NY,
Our local radio station has a charter bus going, would be nice to meet them if possible. Have they cruised before?

Because is it a bus trip we are limited to one suitcase and 1 carry on(what size is still a carry on)....can not tag drinks as luggage unless we loose a suitcase. I am taking refillable water bottles.

We do not have a coffee maker in the room, that is bummer.
I worry about the tab for boys...would like to use a card limit, not run up the room key charge.

I prepaid gratuities, that was a discount.

 

[blondietink]

As others have suggested, go to the cruise critic message boards and ask your questions. Personally, we have never done the soda card, but carry on our own sodas. $6.00 per day per person is a lot for soda, IMHO. Have a great time!

 

[ellenec]

Yes, my parents have cruised before. They enjoy NCL because of the freestyle dining option. They are on deck 9 and have a balcony . We live in CT so they will have a driver drop them off. Any interesting tips you have???

 

[disneymarie]

Yes, my parents have cruised before. They enjoy NCL because of the freestyle dining option. They are on deck 9 and have a balcony . We live in CT so they will have a driver drop them off. Any interesting tips you have???

Would Love a balcony upgrade if it were just dh and I, but with 5 just way too much,

Only tips I was given so far was to take my water bottle and fill it, take a thin beach towel to go to the beach instead of carry the heavy ship one. Be careful for purses, no shoulder bag that can be cut, to carry a tote like shopping bag. I was told a must was the Onion Frog bar/grill.
I prepaid the gratuities so got that disount. Pack light no room to have lots of things, I am nervous about no contact or costlly Internet time.
Make copies of the Birth cetificates leave originals on the ship, in our safe.

Going to read the website to see what the suggestions are for excursions in Bermuda. I was confused by the web site so will have to check into it more.