I Wish NCL Would Do This — 7 Changes, Here's Why
If you love NCL like I do but wish a few things were simpler and clearer, this video is for you. Brian here with The Independent Cruiser sharing my NCL wish list with 6 things NCL gets right and 7 changes I would love to see based on my own sailings and research across the fleet. In this video I cover Norwegian Cruise Line tips for first timers and loyal cruisers, from Free at Sea value math and freestyle dining to Broadway shows, family communication, main dining room menus, service charges, late night food, small fees, and vegan and dairy free options. If you are booked or still in research phase, use the timestamps below to plan your cruise with less stress. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Cold open - If you love NCL but wish planning was simpler, this wish list is for you 0:08 Welcome - Brian here with The Independent Cruiser and how we will cover 6 wins then 7 wishes 0:30 Quick question - Are you already booked or still in research phase, drop your answer below 0:38 Win 1 - I like the a la carte model and how to price the cruise and Free at Sea add ons separately 1:14 Win 2 - Freestyle dining with no assigned tables and no formal nights for multigenerational families 1:46 Win 3 - Well maintained ships and crew service including why I have never had a bad room steward on NCL 1:58 Win 4 - Strong port heavy itineraries in Alaska, Bermuda, Caribbean, Asia and Europe that fit DIY exploring 2:08 Win 5 - Solo program with Studio cabins and Studio Lounge where the supplement is not double 2:18 Win 6 - Thermal Spa and Vibe Beach Club as popular add ons my wife books every cruise 2:30 Transition - Keep all of that, plus subscribe ask and why I am loyal to NCL and keep booking NCL 2:59 Wish 1 - Please bring back Broadway shows after Beetlejuice on Viva wrapped in spring 2026 3:39 Wish 2 - Fix family comms with no in app messaging and why the $6.99 text plan is almost $200 for a family of four 4:15 Wish 3 - Publish main dining room menus pre cruise so we can plan specialty dining around favorites like eggplant parmesan 5:08 Wish 4 - Publish a simple clear breakdown for daily service charges so cruisers feel confident keeping them on 5:39 Wish 5 - Fix included late night dining when The Local or O'Sheehan's is the only option for 3,500 people after the buffet closes 6:20 Wish 6 - Simplify small gotchas like $5 second entree fees, $10 specialty no show trap for odd parties, room service limits and flyers 7:30 Wish 7 - Add more built in vegan and dairy free main dining room options based on my family experience with two dairy free daughters 7:52 Your turn - Let me know in the comments what you love about NCL and what you would add to your wish list 8:00 Reminder - Always confirm details in your cruise contract and with the cruise line directly because policies can change 8:07 Sign off - Any questions drop those in the comments, subscribe if you found value, and thanks so much for watching. Thanks so much for watching and I will see you in the next video. Disclaimer: This channel is independent and not affiliated with, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) or any of its subsidiaries. All product names, logos, brands, and screenshots featured in this video are property of their respective trademark holders. Their use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. Content is created strictly for independent educational and informational purposes under Fair Use guidelines. This educational video represents my personal experience and opinion as a passenger. Always review your specific cruise contract and consult with the cruise line directly regarding your booking.