debenson0723

As a prior poster mentioned, the Dawn has a Java Cafe, which sells Starbucks products but is not a true Starbucks, like on the Getaway, Bliss, Encore, etc. (larger, newer ships). If that is the case, then you cannot use your app or the gift cards. I was unable to use my app or gift cards on the Jade.

It's similar to a passport photo. I used the same one for 3 cruises and then it asked for one without glasses so I took another one. Some people have had their photos retaken at the port but I have only encountered this once or twice.

Yes you can. I bought 2 on the Prima (total on my cc was $250) came home and applied them to my Viva cruise booked for next year. Sometimes you can also use 2 at once ($500) as a deposit but it depends on dates, cabin size and current promotions).

There is no Global Entry in San Pedro but this ship arrived in Miami.

It really varies by port. Seattle, Athens and LA (twice) all looked at my check-in times and were enforcing them (this was late 2021). Port Canaveral and Southampton did not (this year). I think the longer we are back to cruising, the less important the check-in times are becoming. Just my experience and observation.

Very much looking forward to your review. IMO, you do the best ones on CC and having your dad along again is a bonus. Enjoy your cruise!

The only disadvantage is the ability to reserve the shows you want to see. I personally have never had an issue getting to see the shows on the Escape but I get on before noon and it's the first thing I do. We don't do the comedy shows but have heard those are harder to reserve the later you board. My other non ship concern would be the drive...any type of accident could delay your arrival. If you are familiar with it and know alternate routes to PC, then that won't be a problem either. Enjoy your cruise!

I was on the TA also and never used my balcony either. The other issue with this is the nice cushions on the balcony chairs have to be brought inside so they don't get ruined with the rain and sea spray. My steward stashed them behind the curtains almost the whole cruise. I was cruising solo so not a problem for me but if you had 2 people, the person on the side of the bed next to the sliding door would have a difficult time getting in and out of bed. We didn't really get to use the outside Ocean Blvd area because of the weather...the doors were blocked off multiple days and even when they weren't, it was very windy and cold outdoors. This caused everyone to be jammed inside and there was a lack of seating for 2400 people all indoors. Prima is definitely a warm weather ship. I have booked a Caribbean cruise on the Viva so am willing to give the ship style another chance...just not in cold weather.

They were available in the Penrose Bar.

I pack at least one of those storage bins for every cruise (they pack flat on the bottom of my suitcase). I use them for socks, hair stuff, small odds and ends that don't really fit on a shelf or in a packing cube (i use those typically for shorts and underwear). I didn't realize the bins came in different sizes...never had a problem fitting them in either on the bottom or top of the closet.

You can call NCL (or have your TA do it) and book your Le Bistro or any other specialty restaurant at the 120 day mark. As far as entertainment, go to the kiosks by the elevator or the box office and book as soon as you board for the big shows. You didn't specify which ship but the smaller venues can't be prebooked.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. More information can be found on the Ports of Call forum. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/202-tortola/

In February out of PC we were on the first transfer bus out at 9am and at MCO by 9:45. You should be fine for your flight. Enjoy your cruise!

While we missed the port in Scotland, we spent an extra 8 hours in port in Iceland. Someone has to pay for those additional fees in Iceland and my guess is that those fees were higher than what we were charged for Scotland. Just glad that when port fees are higher than estimated, the cruise lines do not come back and charge for them. Not worth the stress for a few bucks,

I have been on around 15 NCL cruises and never once did we line up outside. My muster station was typically in the theatre or the Local. Since the restart, you do the muster drill via video and have your card scanned at your station once you board. Takes about 10 seconds. There was one video in a European port where the drill was done the old way but haven't seen any confirmation that it is that way on all ships.

Back in February while in the Port Canaveral terminal waiting to board the Escape, I saw a vending machine with Coke in it (this was back when Pepsi was on board). My travel companion is a die hard Coke drinker...he bought 6 diet Cokes from the machine, stuffed them in his backpack and no one said anything when we boarded. He was a happy cruiser for the week. @ChiefMateJRKback in the day when I drank soda, I could definitely tell the difference between the taste of Coke and Pepsi. Just like I am sure you can tell the difference in brands of alcohol 😉

This happened back in September and has been talked about ad nauseum on this board.

There is a charge.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/47-south-america/

Yes

NCL uses the new Horizon terminal. In September we stayed at the Premier Inn West Quay and it was fine for the night. Good price, very clean, nice on-site restaurant. Also across the street from the Mall, which has other food options and shopping for any last minute items. We were lucky in that the private driver that brought us from London to Southampton actually lives there and he insisted on coming back in the morning to take us to the port for free (wouldn't even take a tip).

Coffee makers are still available. All you have to do is ask. I don't drink coffee so I appreciate the extra counter space that it took up.

Are you asking about the Club Balcony suite? If so, the answer is no. Those are not Haven cabins.

Are you trying to book the same restaurant more than once? If so, the app will not let you and you need to call or use Chat.

You tell the hostess when you are checking in at the restaurant that you want it charged to your ship board account and not use a FAS voucher. We do this all the time at Food Republic and Q.