DuckTollerFans

Thanks for all the photos. This has definitely upped my interest in sailing on the Joy, possibly this September to Quebec. We were in Bermuda for a few hours only on 4/28 (Getaway) and very much enjoyed the National Museum and the grounds. Beautiful views, and we happened to be on the veranda at the Commander's home when the Gem sailed in to join the Getaway. Fun to see them lined up.

Last week (4/24/24) we took the NCL "Escape to JVD" excursion, and without a doubt it was the best excursion we've taken on any cruise. Could not be any easier getting to the Rebel Yell from the dock. The gorgeous ride from Road Town to the island. Helpful staff as you walk off the catamaran into the water...kind of awkward but they held hands or bags as needed. Super soft sand. A lot of loungers or chairs; a bit crowded as we were the second load of NCL that day. The water temp was perfect and such clear water. (No snorkeling -- did not see one fish) Fancy boats anchored right in the swim area. Bars right there. Decent restrooms. Didn't eat at either of the bars so can't speak to that. It was our favorite day of the 10 day cruise, and we'd choose this excursion again in a heart beat.

OK, good to know. Yes - we've purchased Cruise Next each time and have one left. Upgrading within the category of stateroom and/or location isn't too important for us. Thanks for the info!

Are there any special discounts/perks etc if you book another cruise while you're onboard vs booking while at home? They promote it, but to me that's emotion-based marketing -- hey, don't you want to do this again! OF course you do - Sign right here. If the benefits are real, I'd be looking at something about 5 months out from when we're onboard.

Is this only on the app once you're onboard? That would be very handy. Made a note to try this .. sounds great!

Hello from Rochester! Are there any wine or whiskey tastings that interest you? 2 of those would cut a big chunk into your $50.

Oh, Henry, I used to like you. I will say we've enjoyed the sushi we've had especially on the Gem. A couple of rolls before a show, to keep us from "starving" (as if), and then dinner after a show.

The entertainment for shows etc ... too early to know. There's been a lot of changes recently and who knows what more will happen. But the excursions are fairly consistent and can help you know how to budget your time and money. It also gives you time to research the ports to see if you'd rather venture on your own. Be like the rest of us -- start obsessing early! 🙂

Kind of related question .... I seem to recall reading that you can access Cruise Critic w/o using up your own internet minutes? Is that something I dreamed up? I am considering a semi-live for next month, but also not willing to upgrade my 150 minutes.

We had made reservations late that February for a May Canadian/NE cruise. At some point before the 13th I read that Canada was not allowing cruise ships in until further notice -- so then we just waited to get the official word from NCL. We rebooked with all the FCC etc to head to Bermuda in 2021 -- also got cancelled so we rented a lovely Finger Lakes cottage. Then finally, in March '23 we were able to sail the Gem, then at ~50% capacity. Staff still wore masks, as did some cruisers. Many of the Caribbean ports were still in flux - when we booked, there were 5 ports listed, by the time we actually sailed I think 3 of them were substituted. We were just happy to be sailing anywhere by then. Last fall some friends were on a non-NCL cruise (forgot which) when the husband tested positive. He was stuck in the cabin the whole time and thankfully they had a balcony. But his wife could go out and do whatever she wanted. Doesn't make too much sense.

I think this deserves printing on a t-shirt

Yes! It was 2018 and our first cruise ever. (Gem/Bahamas) I still fondly remember Pat walking around the terminal looking for the roll call folks and giving us beads! Talk about a great welcome to cruising. That whole week had a lot of great activities onboard, thanks to @PatJim organization!

We can play in a bar and cover all the bases. Why choose?

Top moments: * First cruise ever: stepping on the ship. Seriously, that moment you're onboard for the first time ever is unforgettable to me. * Like @bkrickles1 and his family: Totally swooned over The Choir of Man. Their musicality and performance and energy make it the best show I've seen on a ship and better than many seen in a theater. I play the CD and I'm transported back to the ship, grabbing a beer onstage, and being wow-ed. And as an amateur musician I'm always analyzing their harmonies and picking one to follow. 🎵 * Meeting wonderful people, many of them b/c of the interactions here on CC first before you board. Even if you don't do much with them, seeing their familiar faces is nice. Checking in with how they're enjoying the cruise, their tips on whatever. Maybe getting together on a sea day for a drink or a game of Left-Right-Center. (note: add to packing list) * There's a local dive I go to often enough that the staff *should* know my name by now. But they don't. On a cruise, it takes no time for staff to start greeting you by your name, especially in some of the bars. And they engage - asking you how you spent the day, or telling you about their home country. (like Mauritius -- will I ever meet someone from there again?) There's that famous Maya Angelou quote: "'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." And I think cruising is like that. Happy to be in sailing along the beautiful sea, or exploring in a new-to-me location, or not having any worries other than what to eat or drink, all that .... and knowing I am fortunate and grateful to be able to do vacations like this.

So, my phone app says it's getting up to 65-67 here in Rochester, NY today and only 63 in Bermuda. Crazy.