debenson0723

On the newer ships where you just hold your key up to the door pad (don't have to insert it into the pad), the room stewards use a key fob that opens all of their doors. I would think an insertable key could be programmed the same way.

No, this is not a fact. This thread is over 6 months old and things change. On my Joy cruise in June, cookies were available every afternoon in the Observation Lounge. No need to ask, they were there on a tray which was replaced with another once it was empty. The reason they have become scarce is waste. Take a walk around that lounge and you will see plates of half eaten cookies sitting at an empty table. People take more than they need and then just leave them. Not me, but some do! There is also a poster here that talks about throwing their cookies in the trash, for whatever reason. It makes sense to cut down on when/where they are available and also make people ask for them...better chance of them actually being eaten vs. having to be thrown away.

The Bliss, Encore and Joy are all this same way. You need to press the button on both sides (make sure they light up) to summon them all. I always thought it was strange and luckily, it is not this way on the Prima or Viva.

I think you are fine with either (I know, not much help). Euros are going to cost you more to purchase with the exchange rate. Most of the funds get sent home so it's not like they are being spent in port, at least not a large portion. Whatever you decide, I know the money will be appreciated by the crew.

Viva won't be the newest ship in the fleet in 2026. Aqua takes that spot in about 6 months from now. Hopefully that will make the Viva cruise prices drop a bit.

I have been to 4 of the ports on the 6/5/26 cruise too and would probably stay onboard in Santorini, Olympia and possibly Athens. But the other ports more than make up for that to me. This cruise is part ports, part ship but mostly the people that make me want to do it.

You are right about that and the airfare would be significantly less. I have been to all but one of those ports in the Caribbean so would spend most of my days on the ship...I love the Viva so that's not a complaint either! So many choices but I am sticking to Europe for now, unless prices drop for the January cruise (and then maybe I can do both!).

That Galveston cruise is almost as much as the European cruise, at least for a solo. For that price, I would stick with Europe.

Hmmm...both of the apps and the website are working for me. Just lucky, I guess 😉

Are you trying to use the old app or the new one?

Welcome to the NCL boards. It's really hard to tell how busy O'Sheehan's will be at dinner time but with both the 3 MDRs and buffet available, your chances are pretty good that you won't have a long wait. American Diner is only at lunch and is complimentary. I don't believe there are showers in the gym (not something I have ever used, LOL) And day passes for the Thermal Suite are usually only available on port days, not sea days, With that being said, it doesn't hurt to ask on a sea day, as if the passes aren't completely sold out, you may be able to get in.

You can throw out whatever you want for a Birthday cruise. I know I said I was taking a cruising hiatus in 2025 for personal reasons but I do like this cruise you suggested. Price is good for a solo, airfares aren't too stupid (and could come down...it's early) and we could bunk at @Sugar Magnolia's place on Saturday night (ok...maybe not that last part). Getaway was my first NCL ship and has a fond place in my heart, though I know she is not the same as 10 years ago (but neither am I). So while it may not work as the official #schmoopiefest 2026, it could be the official #graphicguyannualbirthday cruise. If I can't do the cruise, I certainly could come spend a Saturday night in NYC to celebrate before you leave. Pencil me in, but no promises.

What type of device did you use?

I am sorry this happened to you. Must have been very frustrating. I had an error on a charge on my Joy cruise in June and the person in Guest Services was worthless also (you would think they would have their best people be guest facing...the guy I had barely understood English). Like @YVRteacher mentioned, I did not leave the desk until my issue was understood and I felt it was going to be resolved to my satisfaction. It was corrected the next day with an apology (several, in fact). Won't help you now but I would have asked to see the GM, or at minimum, his assistant. I truly believe this happened by adding a person to the reservation within 48 hours of sailing, though that is not an excuse, and I really didn't think that was even possible. I hope the rest of your cruise was enjoyable.

No dear...our ages are almost the same. I just look better. 😉

For me personally, no, a balcony is not worth the extra money on a cruise like this. I am doing a port intensive cruise in November and am perfectly happy in an inside (I would have taken a studio but they were gone by the time I made up my mind). I have found I am never on my balcony, barely in my cabin, except to sleep and shower. For this same reason I don't usually get the drink package on port intensive cruises...just don't have the time to make the most of it. At almost 3 grand this is an expensive cruise, more than I would normally pay, but I think the memories are going to be priceless. And I am keeping my fingers crossed for a couple of price drops. As far as airfare, I priced out the same time frame for 2025 and the NCL fares are a good price. Istanbul and Venice are both expensive airports to fly in/out of. I am a person who likes to be in control (understatement) and never used NCL air but know many who have internationally and had great success. I will probably fly out of JFK, just to cut down on layovers. Hoping this all works out for everyone...the Viva will never be the same!

Doilie...haven't heard that word in many, many years.

You are absolutely correct (as usual). It is during his birthday week so cake for everyone!

If you decide that it is too late and you would like to eat earlier, just go to the MDR when you are hungry and ask to be seated. You will probably get in within 10 minutes, if not quicker.

Though I don't know where I will be living (in @graphicguy basement is a top contender) or how I will fund this (Only Fan's is a possibility) in 2026, I will put it at the top of my list, as it is a cruise I don't want to miss. Thanks for making the decision.

And you have the nerve to call me fancy...

Not every cruise is the same...while your cruise did not have people taking advantage of this service, my cruise did. And my bag was not thrown on the floor...I was allowed to place it myself up along the wall (one of us had a rolling carry on and I placed my tote on top of his bag). I am just wondering who was able to bring on a case of water, as shown in your photo, as I have never seen that on an NCL ship.

This is the correct location for the Joy but on our cruise in June, it was quite full by the time we went to pick up our bags. When you drop off your bag, you receive a claim tag...just hand it to the attendant upon your return and they will retrieve your bag from the row it was placed in. It was very organized and secure.

I see it. Try again.

There have been multiple reports here on CC in the past 6 to 8 months, both in thread topics and live reports, that NCL is no longer taking MDR reservations for less than 6 people, If I had time to look for these threads, I would do so. As far as a formal announcement, I think the fact that they are not accepting them except once on board (and even then I believe some have been denied) is all they need to say. Enjoy your cruise!