14-Day South America From San Antonio (Eastbound): Flight from Miami to Santiago, Chile: At airline check-in, we were surprised with a $90 a bag fee and $54 seat fee. We used Norwegian to book our flights and there was a web site on our reservation to check the baggage regulations. Our bags were under the weight and size limit. Clearly stated that for our first checked bag there was no charge. We were asked if we wanted to pay it. What else can you do? Thought we would take it up with Norwegian when we returned. We did and were informed that they make air arrangements as a convenient way of reaching the ship and are not responsible for seat assignments or baggage fees. I understand that but they sent us the link to find out about those things. Flight arrived around 5A.M. and we thought NCL would have a holding area while we waited for boarding to open but no, the bus took a “longer route to the port” and stopped at a store so we could souvenir shop.

1. Embarkment: Very disorganized. We are platinum status and were directed into a shorter line. However, we stood at the counter for 15 min while the staff checked on something. She came back and herded us to a roped off area saying one of our cabin cards had not printed. And the printing machine wasn’t working. Just wait there until it could be fixed. No sorry or coffee/water while we waited for a little over an hour. Be advised they will take your passport and return it at the end of the cruise. Years ago when I worked in Europe we were told to never, ever give up our passport but maybe this has changed. Even when we visited Russia we kept our passport. However, if you want to go on this cruise, you must give it up.

2. Cabin – Oceanview picture window. Good size with a big window and plenty of storage. Cabin steward didn’t clean up every day, i.e. left glasses and would forget to bring towels. Read more