zubee23

Overkill?!! under-the-weather.com

So was so glad there was a DSC the first time I went on a cruise. I would hate the "Lady of the Manor" feel doling out tips!

Is it still running? Think it was $1 or $2 pp. Best money I spent! He had a van - just ran people back and forth from the public bus stop at the top of hill.

You should consider taking the train 3.5-4.5 hours and a cab from Penn. Cheap, comfortable and about the same time as flying if you include commute and nonsense.

Totally agree!

Too old! Too cheap! Too neurotic! Too out of shape to be a runner!

Sort of me too. If it was my husband drunk in the bar in Bermuda, not sure if I wouldn't leave him behind.

Which port?

Treasure Bay Casino is located steps from the Grand Lucayan Hotel. You can take the shared Port Lucaya shuttle from your cruise ship. Shuttle was $10. pp/rt. it drops you off right by the casino. Treasure Bay is the only casino in Grand Bahama.

I'm not usually a fan of staying on the ship while in port. Port Canaveral, though, is one place I have. There's really nothing near the port. Cocoa Beach can be a hot, non shady adventure. I was there with whining senior citizens!

One time I was fortunate enough to go to Ron Jon's nearby timeshare. A friend was a member so booked us for the day.

Considering your children's young ages, I would be inclined to stay on the ship and enjoy. If you have a balcony, bring an inflatable pool for the kids. They can splash on the balcony!

My brother and his family took Amtrak from Boston to NYC this past March. Took an early (around 6:30AM) train to NYC and then cabbed it from Penn Station to the Pier. His problem was a 9AM return NYC to Boston train. No taxis to be found due to the NYC Marathon. Had to run 13 blocks to Penn Station - with luggage. He did make it but not sure why he didn't have a heart attack.

Allow yourselves lots of time both ways!

Gem 1/2/16 - GTY inside - [emoji649]4501. I did not book it.

Have booked GTY many times. Have never been offered a choice of GTY rooms when initially booking a reservation through NCL. Is this something new? In the past, I just booked GTY and somewhere along the line was issued a stateroom.

Thanks to all for their knowledge and thoughtfulness!

Just checked NCL's website. 9 day Gem coupon has expired. It was good through April 24, 2015. :(

Remember when you had to walk in the water to board the tender? At least there is now a tender dock!!!

Not at all!

Love to see others "Putting on the Ritz!" but I'm happy in my resort casual.

Amtrak is another possibility.

Brings back my youth hosteling days from 50 years ago! Europe on $5 a Day!

No. I would never reduce the DSC. Feel it's a bargain for me. By the time I tipped wait staff at restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner I'd be close to $12.95 a day. Factor in the $3-5 a day I would usually leave a chambermaid per night at a hotel - NCL is a bargain. I worked at restaurants in high school and college. I gladly tip.

I've been thinking about purchasing the UBP too..BUT... Just did Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Package drink plan…$55/Day and EVERYTHING was included…EVERYTHING… Red Bulls, Starbucks Coffee, fresh squeezed juices, bottled water…. Just about everything that is an EXCLUSION with NCL is an INCLUSION with RCCL package and it was the same price and it was WORTH IT! Spent time enjoying the package instead of worrying about exclusions...:confused:

 

 

 

Hmmmm….

NCL's current promotion is a FREE UBP. That's way cheaper than RCCL's $55. a day package. I enjoy free! I'll struggle with the exclusions!

Junkanoo Beach Resort in Freeport is further away from the port than the Grand Lucayan. The Junkanoo Beach that you can walk to from the port is in Nassau.

When you take the shared van from the port (in Freeport) to the Grand Lucayan they will drop you at Port Lucaya. This is where the shared van will pick you up. Pay attention to where you are dropped off and the times they tell you they will pick you back up. You won't be in a cab line at the Grand Lucayan Hotel. You will have a short walk to the security booth to purchase your day pass.

Stateroom 9524 was bed bug free in November 2014!

Pristine! Immaculate! Staff was lovely.

Gem is one of my favorite ships. I don't bother listing cruises I've been on but I am at NCL's Platinum level. Also, totally bug phobic. I can pick out a moth (totally irrational fear of those) on flocked wallpaper! If there is a bug to be found, I'll spot it. Think part of the reason I like cruising is the absence of bugs, vermin - whatever.

NCL staff keeps everything so clean and tidy.

Cruise line? Shore excursion description? Price? Need more information.

FYI! My brother is leaving on the Breakaway on March 8th with his family. They have elected the UBP but just found out their 24 y/o daughter doesn't qualify since she's not 25. They have 3 cabins booked. Brother and wife in one, 29 y/o daughter and husband in the second and 24 y/o and (turning 25 on March 14th!) in the third.

I understand these are the rules. Also understand rule is probably due to spring breakers. Just want to make others aware. They may want to make a different choice. Yes, they did book through a travel agent.

From NCL's website: "Ultimate beverage option is only available for guests 25 and older on any sailing from 3/1 - 4/15."

I'm assuming you'll have a stroller with you? If so, the Grand Lucayan has shady places by the pool to rest with a sleepy toddler. Also, lots of beach and sidewalks to run around. Count Basie Square is across the street in Port Lucaya Marketplace. Sometimes they have music playing in the Square. Lots of little ones running around! There are tables ringing the area so it's easy to keep on eye on them.

Personally, I would drop off the backpack, shower, have lunch on the ship and head to town. Refreshed, relaxed and ready for whatever Nassau has in store for you! Have some cracked conch and a Bahama Mama!

Wishing you a wonderful time!