ALadyNCal

If you are in suite, you can call now (55 days out) and make your reservations. Otherwise at 45 days out you will find the option to make your reservations once you log in to your cruise at MyNCL. You pay when you make your reservations so if you have OBC you should wait until you are onboard to make them.

Another odd thing I found is during trial attempts at dining reservations -- which require $$$ -- it would give me the option to choose 5 or 8 guests but NOT 7 :confused: My group is 7. Clearly it can be worked out onboard but seems strange it wasn't on the drop down menu. At the moment I don't remember which restaurant, but I think it was for La Cucina.

Great job with the OBC! Our cruise dropped in price and I spent half a day on the phone going back and forth with TA and NCL -- huge hold times for both. We were specifically advised that NCL will not give additional OBC after final payment, only an upgrade :mad: We took the small upgrade and spent the rest of the week escalating with the TA to get SOME additional OBC (which is what I really wanted to begin with). HUGE hassle unfortunately. So if you got what you wanted and it only took 10 minutes -- BIG CONGRATULATIONS :D

-----excursion in ocho rios - Courtney Taylor trip to secret falls/blue hole - was our favorite excursion on the cruise

We are booking w/CT and seriously considering the blue hole. Is it good for non adventurous (adults)? I don't think that many in my group will be jumping from rocks or swinging from a vine.....so is it still worthwhile? One even had knee surgery in December and another is not a strong swimmer. Thanks :)

I assume there is not a 15% gratuity added to the package price? Good list to have. The is the first cruise I've had with a corkage fee for wine consumed in your cabin.....so we are considering our best options!

Also, do the bartenders do 'measured pours' when you order by the glass?

Thanks :)

What is the theme of the show? Is it similar to any of the existing cirque shows? Some in our group are interested in going. Thanks :)

Also having a hard time finding an independent snorkel trip for our group of 7. One from ship is $59 pp but doesn't seem to be more than a couple of hours. Allot of $$$ times 7. Did look at Island Mktng but their catamaran trip appears to be mini catamarans that hold four adults -- not really what I'd like. Did look at Pez Quadro site but not sure which kind of boat they use :confused:

Best option at the moment is to go to Tropicante and then book one of the little independent vendors after arrival. This will also give the option to not be locked in if the weather isn't great that day. All those vendors seem to use fishing boats to take you out to the reef. While workable, not quite as fun as a sailing or snorkeling excursion. Also emailed Steve @ Tropicante and he had no referral for a catamaran.

CREWSWEEPER -- very good overview. Thanks allot :)

Have read about at least four beach clubs that would be great. Allot of it has to do with cost. We don't need unlimited drinks and food so I hesitate to pay for those clubs. On our cruise (late April), there will only be two ships in port. Is there any discounts for some of the beach clubs if you just book LAST MINUTE in person? Or the prices are all set regardless? Yes, I realize some beach clubs have a limit and might be booked that day. BUT there are so many great ones to choose from that I'm sure something worthwhile would be available.

We want a beautiful beach, shade, snorkeling out front, and good food. A la carte would be great but I am considering a few of the AI clubs that are $50 or less per person. I did see the (very helpful) recent thread with descriptions http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1920888

Have not been to Costa Maya port but previously stayed in Riviera Maya and know they have some gorgeous beaches there!

Anyway, does anyone have feedback about 'last minute discounts' for the beach clubs? Otherwise I will try to narrow it down and make an advanced reservation :) Thanks!

In the dining room after dinner, is there a charge for cappuccino and lattes?

Iraklion I enjoyed much more. We visited Knossos in the morning and walked (about a 10-15 minute walk along the water) to the Old Town in the afternoon. Much nicer IMO than Souda/Chania. If you are weighing itinerary options, my vote would be for Iraklion over Souda/Chania by a mile.

We are considering a cruise that has one stop in Messina . Read that some folks have booked with Mario Astone. Just want to hear more feedback from people who have used his service. Just a bit concern about one family arriving late in port and almost miss the ship. Another family got into the van and was eventually told to get off and they ended up taking a taxi tour with a taxi driver. Please share your experience in Messina, including do it yourself kind of excursions. Thank yoo.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=26155358

TripAdvisor also has a ton of information about him. You should have no trouble finding recent information about his services.

Anyone actually use the "funtrain" in Chania? We have a LONG day there (11 hours) and I am considering doing one of their trip.

For those that have rented a car, are you aware of any agencies that are open past 1 pm on Saturday afternoons?

I have googled & searched allot and 'think' Avis 'might' open, but would appreciate any other possibilies.

Argusrentals came back with 'nothing' fwiw.

Thanks :)

This link might be helpful ~~

http://caymanislandsdiscounts.com/GrandCaymanDeepSeaFishing.htm

I think we do stop at the Falklands -- have to double check. That along with Puerto Montt is two places to tender. Bummer! Oh well... Hope it's calm seas. We had to convince my Mom she would be OK on the tender last time and that was only at St. Kitts! lol

~~Celebrity Infinity 02/2005~~; NCL Sun 02/2003; Celebrity Millennium 05/2002; Ocean Princess 10/2001; Ocean Princess 8/2001; NCL Sea 7/2000; Ocean Princess 3/2000; Celebrity Mercury 10/1998; Star Princess 3/1996; NCL Dream 8/1995; Azure Seas 2/1991

Can someone who's been on that itinerary comment? Are you able to dock at all the ports or do some require tendering? Thanks!

~~Celebrity Infinity 02/2005~~; NCL Sun 02/2003; Celebrity Millennium 05/2002; Ocean Princess 10/2001; Ocean Princess 8/2001; NCL Sea 7/2000; Ocean Princess 3/2000; Celebrity Mercury 10/1998; Star Princess 3/1996; NCL Dream 8/1995; Azure Seas 2/1991