Help! The countdown is on! 30 more sleeps until we leave for Hawaii. I have just started packing...I am one of these that must have EVERYTHING organized. Anyways, we have cruise NCL before in fact on the Wind which is the same ship for our journey this time.My problem is that last time it was an Alaska cruise...no pools, etc. so didn't have to pack swimwear etc. as well this time we are taking the kids. I am worried about this freestyle, last time we went was before freestyle and I don't know how to pack...I have packed mostly beach casual like I would if we were going to an all inclusive and some dressy outfits for about three nights of our stay our cruise is 11 days. I'm just feeling like it's not really a cruise if I don't have to prepare like I'm going to see royalty....are we going to be underdressed? Should I pack like when we went before freestyle..I love the idea of not having to do formal all the time but I don't want to be prepared. Thank you all in advance! Anyone else going April 01 honolulu to Esenada?
On the Hawaiian itinerary, you'll love Freestyle. The only time you must watch the time is the time the ship departs a port, or you'll miss the ship.
How many in your party? From what you wrote, I'll assume at least four. Treat dinner like a shore side restaurant, just arrive and wait to be seated. If you have more than six in your party, you should consider reserving a table for all dinners, including the main restaurants. Definately reserve a table for dinner at the specality restaurants as soon as you get aboard the ship, as they are fairly small in comparison to the main restaurants and fill up fast.
The Wind is an older ship than many of the newer ships in service today. All the public places will be smaller, and more crowded. The Wind was extended around 1999, more cabins were added than public places........
One of the few advantages of older ships is an open Promenade Deck completely aroound the ship. So make a point to check out the views from the open fore and aft ends of the ship, something that's impossible to do with newer, larger ships.
On an eleven day cruise, NCL has two "optional" formal nights. If you wish to dress to the nines, remember to pack some formal clothes. But you don't have to dress formal if your don't wish to, it's been my experience only 30% to 40% do. For dinner on every night, all you need for attire is "resort casual", men in a pair of slacks and a collared shirt, women in a cocktail dress or slacks. Tuxedoes, business suits, or evening gowns aren't required. Remember, the key word is "optional".
I was on the Wind, 11 day in Sept 2004 (hard to believe so long ago!). Dinner everynight was, as Ron said, "shore restaurant" - or what I like to call, Sunday after church dining. The formal nights saw some folks fully togged out in dress-up clothes, others not. Try to avoid the Main dining room at dinner time. The Terraces had shorter waits and the Trattoria on Deck 11 had really short waits. The Main dining room and the Terraces had the same menue daily. The Trattoria featured Italian cuisine, with the menu changing once during the 11 days. It did feature the same menu as the the other dining rooms on the formal nights.
Since you'll have several at-sea days, why not pack for one formal night and enjoy dressing up, but otherwise plan to eat more casually? That way you have the best of both worlds, so to speak. Have fun, either way!
Thank you all for your responses. They all help. Ron, we are booked on the promenade deck. I love the wind we were on this same ship for Alaska in 2000 so I am not worried about sizes etc as it is the only ship I've been on before...haha. I can't wait to get going. Ron, I have read many of your responses...this must be a full time job for you! Your input is very helpful...Thanks again.
For dinner on every night, all you need for attire is "resort casual", men in a pair of slacks and a collared shirt, women in a cocktail dress or slacks.
My idea of a cocktail dress is not "resort casual." To me, a cocktail dress is very dressy, sequins, etc. Much more formal than "resort casual."
I imagine the common black or red dress when I wrote cocktail dress, not a formal evening gown one sees movie stars wearing at the Oscars, or brides at weddings.
There is a difference...........
You guys are great...I understand what you are both trying to say...I like the idea of doing some formal for the days at sea. Do any of you know about cabin size? When we were on this ship 5 or 6 years ago we were only two, now we will be 4 in a room. We are on the promenade deck again and the other day when I tried to upgrade to a suite instead of the oceanview stateroom we are in for more space, they wanted 3,000 more each for the adults...I think I can maybe put up with smaller quarters.
Aloha, Slyon, just booked hubby and myself on the Wind a couple days ago. Last minute great deal.
From what my travel agent said this is pretty much a casual cruise. Indicated there would not be a lot of formals. I like that idea. I really am tired of lugging all that formal stuff around. Decided this cruise is Hawaiian shirts and flip flops all the way. packing light! I guess some of the restaurants will be formal night and the others will be for casual. We may just choose the BBQ on deck or maybe room service. No hoopla this trip. Just plenty of sunshine and a good book to relax on those 6 long sea days after the islands. I will miss not having a casino to pass some time. Not been on this small or as old of a ship before. Hope I will not be dissapointed. Are you spending any days on Ohau? Where are you coming from? We are getting there on the 29th and we are coming from Texas flying out of Phoenix on Hawaiian Air. See you there!
Glad to hear you will be joining us. We have been on this ship before for Alaska...small and yet comfortable.We are flying into Oahu on the 30th from Calgary, Alberta Canada. Staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village because the last time we were in Hawaii...8 years ago we said we'd stay there next time. We are bringing our children this time so we will see how that goes. I hope you enjoy the cruise. My understanding is that Josee & Patty still sing in the lounge...I think it was the oberservatory lounge they were very good and we are looking forward to seeing them again. I do hope you enjoy your trip! Aloha!
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