Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo
Trip Bacon

I Tested NCL’s 5 New Rules on My Cruise – Here’s What Happened

The Independent Cruiser
The Independent Cruiser
🥈Expert
👁️ 13K views📅 4 months ago⏱️ 7:25
What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
🧍 Best for SoloVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I thought NCL's second entree fee was $5, but when I got the bill, it was $6.40.

That extra fee on top of the fee was just enough to bump me over the edge into annoyance.

If you don't change that reservation when you get on board to reflect five and you only show up with five, they hit you with a $10 cancellation fee.

If you're ordering breakfast, use the room hanger or you will be limited.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Go to the venue handling restaurant reservations as soon as you get on the ship to change your party size to avoid the $10 cancellation fee.
If you want to order more than two items for room service breakfast, use the paper hanger in your cabin instead of calling.
Visit guest services the evening before to pick up a paper Freestyle Daily if you prefer not to use the app.
Ask your cabin steward for a top sheet if you want one, as they will provide it upon request.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Unexpected fees and chargesBe aware that some fees have hidden surcharges, and always adjust party sizes for reservations to avoid cancellation penalties.
Difficulty finding daily schedulesYou can still get a paper schedule at guest services or use the app, so you won't miss out on activities.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow do NCL's new dining rules affect the cost of a cruise?
QHow can I avoid the new specialty dining cancellation fee?
QWhat are the new room service limits and how do I get around them?
QIs the end of paper Freestyle Dailies a major inconvenience?
QWill I be uncomfortable without a top sheet on my bed?

Topics Covered

Dining Specialty2½ Sad BaconDining Room ServiceMehValue Pricing2 Sad BaconService Crew2½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

I tested NCL’s 5 new rules on my recent cruise so you don’t have to guess how they’ll affect your vacation. From the “$5” second entrée fee that’s actually $6.40 to the end of paper Freestyle Dailies and top sheets, I tried all of these changes in real life and tracked the impact on cost and comfort. As an independent cruiser, I’m not sponsored by Norwegian. This is a practical, honest look at what’s really different on board – what’s just a minor adjustment, and what could surprise you at checkout. In this video, I cover: The “$5” second entrée fee that’s really $6.40 – what you’re actually paying and when it’s worth it The new $10 specialty dining cancellation fee – plus the app change you need to know before you book Updated room service limits – what’s gone, what’s still included, and how to work around it No more paper Freestyle Daily – how the digital version works and what you lose if you’re not tech‑savvy Top sheets removed from beds – what they’re using instead, and how to request what you want Whether this is your first norwegian cruise line sailing or your tenth, these 2025 ncl changes will affect how you plan, what you pack, and how much you spend on board. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – I Tested NCL's 5 New Rules on My Cruise 0:24 – The "$5" Second Entrée Fee That's Actually $6.40 1:29 – $10 Specialty Dining Cancellation Fee + App Update 3:45 – NCL Room Service Limits Now 4:43 – No More Paper Freestyle Daily (What to Expect) 5:51 – NCL Removes Top Sheets (My Honest Take) 6:32 – Are These NCL Changes a Dealbreaker? 7:14 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps 💡 Key Takeaways Some of these ncl 2025 updates are small tweaks, but a few can quietly add to your onboard bill or change how relaxing your cruise feels – especially if you like paper schedules or traditional bedding. Watch through to the end for my overall verdict and how I’d plan differently for my next NCL cruise. 🔔 New to The Independent Cruiser? I’m an independent traveler who loves DIY port days and honest cruise reviews – no sponsored hype. If you want practical cruise tips ncl advice, and real-world tests of new policies, consider subscribing for one in‑depth video every week plus short, focused updates. DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line. 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.