The Talking Suitcase

One thought that always comes to mind when planning a cruise is “What do the staterooms look like”?  Is the room large enough to comfortably fit my family of four?  Does the room have plenty of storage?

We recently sailed on the NCL Jade and chose a balcony stateroom. While it’s more expensive than an interior room, I like the extra space a balcony provides and obviously, the view.  It’s also where my husband and I escape to in the evenings, while the kids sleep.

Our Stateroom #9082

Norwegian Jade Rooms:

The balcony rooms on board the NCL Jade are approximately 205 sq. ft. with a 38 sq. ft. balcony. This is slightly smaller than some other staterooms, but is well designed with  function  in mind and makes good use of the space.

There are floor to ceiling glass doors leading from the stateroom  to the balcony. The balconies are large with plenty of room for all four of us to enjoy the outdoors at the same time.  You’ll find a small table for your wine, coffee or book and  two chairs for relaxing as you watch the scenery go by or, to be technically correct, as you go by the scenery!

Walking into the stateroom, you’re presented with an immediate view of the sea or port.  The staterooms are an inviting, open area providing plenty of space and abundant storage.

You’ll find the closet area on one side and bathroom on the other as you enter.  The closet area is generous with plenty of room for clothes, shoes, odds and ends and luggage, if necessary.  Open shelving provides a place to stash most of your clothing. I designate a shelf to each member of the family. You’ll also find a safe- perfect for stashing passports, extra cash, jewelry or iPads.

Opening the double doors of the closet reveals a location to hang items, organize shoes on the floor or stash a suitcase. Two robes are also provided for your comfort and convenience.  Life jackets are stored on the top shelf within easy reach, but hidden out of the way.

[Read more…]

One thing I must admit.  I tend to drink more while cruising.  Maybe it’s because on a ship, my movements are limited or because there are bars everywhere or  because I don’t have to drive anywhere or just because cruises are vacations and a place to let go.  Whatever the reason, you can drop some serious cash on alcohol, if you’re not careful.

We were lucky enough to get the Ultimate Beverage Package for free as part of a booking promotion.  YAY!  I think that also played a role in my drinking outlook…

There is a new More at Sea promotion with a new Unlimited Open Bar package instead of the Ultimate Beverage Package. The information below is no longer valid.

What is the NCL Ultimate Beverage Package?

The NCL Ultimate Beverage Package provides a “enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD during your entire cruise.”.   If you purchase a beverage over $15, you will receive a $15 discount and be charged the difference to your account.

The package is available to guests 21 and older and must be purchased by each adult in the stateroom or on staterooms with the same credit card on file. Additionally, they are now requiring “individuals under the age of 21 will be required to purchase the Soda Program.”

Price:

– Online pre-cruise purchase price for Unlimited Open Bar: $109/day per person
– Online pre-cruise purchase price for Premium Plus: $138/day per person
– Online pre-cruise purchase price for Unlimited Soda Package: $9.95/day per person
– Online pre-cruise purchase price for Unlimited Starbucks Package: $12.95/day per person
– On board purchase price: to be updated
*Plus a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added at checkout.

The package excludes items ordered through room service. Current pre-cruise rates can be found here.

[Read more…]