Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions specific to the Paralegals Navigating Perilous Waters cruise event, please contact Linda directly at lmc@perfectlyparalegal.com or 305-753-2443. I am always happy to answer any of your questions or direct you to the appropriate person.
Information below is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change without notice.
Which association hosts the annual Paralegals Navigating Perilous Waters cruise event?
The annual Paralegals Navigating Perilous Waters cruise event is hosted by Linda McGrath-Cruz and her company, Perfectly Paralegal. It is not an event that is hosted by or organized by a paralegal association. Therefore, participation by all associations is welcome. If your association is interested in getting involved, we have a number of options available to you. Please contact Linda directly at lmc@perfectlyparalegal.com or 305-753-2443
Do I need to be working as a paralegal, or be a certified paralegal to attend?
No! Everyone is welcome including students and other legal support professionals such as legal assistants, legal secretaries and of course paralegals who aren’t certified or registered.
What if I need CLE today?
Don’t worry, you can still access cruise packages from prior years on our school platform. To learn more, CLICK HERE. These CLE packages are available instantly on demand.
How can I book the 2027 Paralegal Cruise? Can I use a travel agent?
In order to participate in the 2027 Paralegal Cruise you must book directly with our NCL representative using our group ID number. You can not participate in this event if you book through a travel agent or if you book through a different NCL representative. Visit the Book & Register page for all the details.
Do I need to register for the 2027 Paralegal Cruise even if I am not going to the CLE?
Yes. Every single person must register even if they are not a legal professional. The cruise line considers every person an attendee. This means even if you don’t plan to go to CLE or if you are bringing friends and family who don’t work in the legal field everyone must register. Why? Because in addition to the CLE there are many many benefits of the cruise including our fun social events, dinners, etc. Additionally, a LOT of work goes into planning, organizing and hosting this annual event to make it a very special experience for legal professionals AND their friends and family. Please make sure you register as soon as you confirm your cabin booking.
What is the date of the 2027 Paralegal Cruise?
March 30, 2027 to April 4, 2027 (5 Days)
What ship will the 2027 Paralegal Cruise take place on?
The Norwegian Dawn
Where does the 2027 Paralegal Cruise depart from?
Jacksonville, Florida
Where does the 2027 Paralegal Cruise go?
In 2027, we will be departing Jacksonville, Florida and visiting Key West, Florida and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. We will also have two days at sea. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or other events outside of our control. Check out our destinations.
Can I subscribe for updates?
Yes. Please CLICK HERE to subscribe.
When do I have to pay my deposit? When is my final payment due?
Your initial deposit is due at the time that you book. Your final payment will generally be due at the end of November 2026. Ralph can give you that specific date and once you book, it’ll be listed on your booking confirmation. NCL also offers 12 month financing which allows you to spread your payment over 12 months. (You can finance at final payment time, giving you extra time)
How can I make an additional payment on my balance owed?
Login to your profile on www.NCL.com and click on “Make a Payment” next to your booking. If you don’t see your reservation listed under “My Cruise Vacations”, look for “Don’t See Your Reservation?” on the lower left side of the page to add it. Once added, you can then continue to make a payment. You can pay in part or in full at any time.
Do I have to live in a specific state to go on this cruise?
No! Folks from all over the country are more than welcome! Each year we have folks from at least 15+ different states in attendance.
Are students allowed to attend this event?
Absolutely! Students are more than welcome and encouraged to come. Students must register for full event registration.
My family member or friend wants to join me but they are not in the legal field, can they come and will they get the same pricing?
Friends and family are more than welcome and encouraged to join you. They will benefit from the same cruise pricing and perks and will pay a reduced registration fee. There may be some restrictions, such as swag bags or raffle prizes, but they will be included in most social events, including the open bar cocktail party. Friends and family may choose to register for full event registration to obtain extra benefits.
What if I need a roommate or want to come alone?
All room types are available for single occupancy.
Keep in mind, friends and family members are more than welcome to join you, this is a great opportunity for a girls weekend or a long over due getaway with your significant other.
What if I have special dietary needs?
Please click here to learn about special dietary requirements.
What if I have a disability or special needs? Can I bring a service dog?
Please visit NCL’s Accessibility Assistance page for more information.
What about passports or other travel documentation?
A PASSPORT IS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED. For round-trip sailings to Mexico and the Caribbean (cruises that depart from and return to the same U.S. port), you may sail with either a valid passport, proof of citizenship and a valid government-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license with a photo), or any other WHTI compliant document.
This means you are not required to have a passport, although traveling with a passport is always easiest. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate travel documentation.
Please click here to read NCL’s information on required travel documentation.
What does my cruise fare include?
Please click here for a complete list. (Keep in mind this list does not take into account items specifically provided as part of THIS event specifically)
What about service charges?
NCL will add an automatic daily gratuity to the onboard account of each guest to be shared by Dining Services Staff, Stateroom Attendants, Other Housekeeping Services Personnel and Behind the Scenes Support Staff. Please click here to learn about service charges.
If you prefer, you can pre-pay the service charge at any time up until 24 hours prior to sailing. You can pre-pay your service charges in the vacation summary section of your profile on NCL’s website.
What about tipping?
The service charge above covers the tips/gratuities for Dining Services Staff, Stateroom Attendants, Other Housekeeping Services Personnel and Behind the Scenes Support Staff. Of course, you are welcome to tip an additional amount to recognize extra special service. It’s completely optional.
In addition to the service charge, there is a gratuity and spa service charge added for all spa and salon services, as well as an gratuity and beverage service charge added for all beverage purchases and specialty restaurant dining and entertainment based dining.
If you have a Dining Package or Beverage Package, the gratuity is included in that package and there is no additional gratuity each time you use your package.
Please click here to learn about tipping.
Is there a dress code? Do I need to bring a suit?
When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best – it’s your call. That’s the freedom of Freestyle Cruising. We even have special “Dress-Up or Not Night.” It’s the perfect opportunity to get your portrait taken with your family, that special someone or even with the ship’s Captain. Dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most specialty restaurants.
For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required. Cruise casual is also allowed day and night on embarkation day. Wear smart casual if you are eating dinner in the aft main dining room (our more formal dining room) and in Le Bistro on cruises longer than five days. For women, it includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops.
For men, it’s jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Traditional Bermuda shorts along with long socks, loafers and a blazer are all acceptable on a Bermuda cruise. We want you to be comfortable, but tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.
Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants. You may want to pack a sweater too—air conditioning can be chilly.
Is there a dress code for the Paralegal Cruise activities or seminars?
No, we really don’t have a separate dress code. You are on vacation and we want you to relax and have a good time – feel free to come as you are. You don’t need to bring business clothes for the seminars, just be relaxed and comfortable.
Can I bring non-alcoholic drinks such a water on board?
No. You cannot bring drinks on board, including bottled water.
Does NCL have a water package?
NCL doesn’t really have a water package in terms of something like the liquor or soda package, however, you can pre-purchase bottled water and have it delivered to your cabin. Please note that bottled water is not included in the soda package or adult beverage package. You can learn about pre-purchasing bottled water HERE. While drinking bottled water is certainly a preference for some, the water on the ship is perfectly fine to drink and that is what most people do. You’ll get a re-usable water bottle to conveniently fill up at convenient locations around the ship and of course you can always get glasses of water at any of the restaurants and bars.
Buying bottled water is not necessary unless you choose to do so as a personal preference. (You’ll even get a refillable water bottle in your 2026 Paralegal Cruise goodie bag!!)
Does NCL have a NON-alcoholic drink package?
In addition to the ultimate beverage package and the wine/beer package, NCL also has a soda package which is strictly for soda. You can learn more about the packages offered HERE.
Beverage & Dining Packages
You’ll get your beverage package as part of our event and a specialty dining option is also one of the perk options, check out the Cabin / Perk info.
Can I bring liquor, wine or champagne on board?
Please note that with the exception of Wine and Champagne, all guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our ships. If you purchase any alcohol at one of our ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, we will safely store your purchase(s) and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area.
Wine & Champagne Policy Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board to be served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom,. When bottles are brought on board a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted. 750 ml Bottle: $15.00 1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00 Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board.
Does NCL charge a Wine & Champagne Corkage Fee?
Please see the Wine & Champagne Policy Above.