debenson0723

I just use my app on my phone and get the Stars for future purchases (off the ship). And I've never stood in line more than 10 minutes, even at peak times. Certainly not 'hours'.

Last year on the Prima we were sitting in Starbucks around 10:30am discussing dinner. No reservations for that night but were thinking about Hasuku (teppanyaki restaurant). Went on the app and lo and behold, 4 seats available that night at 6pm. Booked it on the app, which then opened up our 4 seats at 6pm on another night (let the hostess know when checking in that night that we wouldn't be using our other reservation). People change their plans all the time so if there is a venue you want, keep checking. Same with the show stand by line...people change their plans, forget they have a reservation, are still at dinner, etc.

The muster drill is much easier. At your 21 day check-in (which is also a change...it used to be you could complete it right after final payment), you watch the safety video then once on board, go to your muster station, get your card scanned and you are finished. The video does come up once again the first time you turn on your TV but I just unpack my tote bag while it runs. I'll never forget one of my first NCL cruises before FAS, I met a couple whose bar tab for 7 days was $1100! They are big fans of FAS and the $21 pp/pd.

As mentioned in the posts above, the theater box office, the touch screens (I guess I am lucky because the ones I have used have all worked) and typically one of the comedy clubs (depends on the ship). I have even left a show that I particularly liked, walked up to the touchscreen outside the theater and booked the late show for the same night. Standby line has always been successfuly too.

The Waterfront can be a quiet area on the Encore in the evenings if you sit away from the restaurants and bars. A few walkers going by but we find sitting out there having quiet conversations with the sound of the waves very relaxing. My last few cruises have had what appear to be families in the Library and Game rooms playing games and there is noise bleed from the Atrium. I would also suggest the Observation Lounge on the starboard side, away from the bar and music, if you want to be inside.

Never made a reservation for an MDR, never had much of a wait. If you have a large party (say over 6) then it might be quicker but I have showed up with 6 and again, not a long wait. Grab a cocktail at Mixx bar, which is in between Taste and Savor and by the time you get it, your name will be called. If one restaurant is busy, they will sometimes direct you to another MDR which isn't. All the same menus.

All of these are correct. You honestly shouldn't have a problem as long as you do it same afternoon you board. On my recent Viva cruise they didn't do any show reservations (the GM said it was a one time thing) and we had no issues getting great seats to both shows.

She wants to switch to an NCL cruise. She feels it would be a better fit for her family.

As long as you cancel before final payment, deposits are fully refundable (unlike RCL, which does charge a higher price if you want a refundable deposit). I, too, am a past final payment booker so have to pay in full as soon as I book. My friend has a family cruise booked for 2025 on RCL...after recently taking her first cruise on NCL, she wanted to switch their cruise but not being able to get their deposits back from RCL makes it cost prohibitive.

Nice comparison but I didn't think there was a restaurant on RCCL named Cagney's (that's NCL). So sort of confused on that point.

On the Viva Cagneys was used for both breakfast and lunch. My guess is the same for Prima.

This will give you an idea of the type of charters that are available for bookings. https://www.sixthman.net/festivals This article references February 2025...the dry dock is in February 2024 so not related.

I do this also...purchase in January and then don't have to think about it the rest of the year. Covers land vacations too, big or small.

I got it on my 5 day Joy cruise in February but not my 4day Viva cruise earlier this month.

I would also cancel the NCL air, spend 2 days in London, then 2 days in Paris and fly home from there. You will be lucky if you get 5 hours in Paris from an NCL excursion. I did something similar last year prior to the Prima TA from Southampton to the US. I flew to Barcelona, spent 3 days there, then took a flight to London and 3 days there. Take your time and enjoy both cities if you think you will never be there again.

I didn't receive a single email either for my 12/2 Viva cruise. Watched the video once at the 21 day check-in and that was it.

You will get 2 speciality dinners for 2, one with a bottle of wine included (from a special wine list). You will reserve the restaurant and take your vouchers with you to give to the hostess when checking in. If there are no restaurants to book online, I would call or use chat to see what you can book now. If nothing is available for the time you want, then book first thing once on board.

Just be aware it could be cold until you get down past Cabo. No one expects SoCal to be cold but one of the coldest days I was ever on a ship was the sea day between Cabo and LA on the Bliss in May.

Enjoying your review but a few corrections for those not familiar...if you have the FAS drink package, you can carry on as many bottles of wine as you want with no corkage fee. It is not limited to 2 anymore. And if you don't have the drink package, you should be charged the corkage fee, no matter where you drink the wine, so you got lucky. Honestly, with so many having the FAS package, I don't think they even bother with the corkage fee anymore.

There's one a litle closer now at 49th and 7th.

Was just going to say this...it's expensive to go thru the Canal. Alaska is expensive. Their season is just over 6 months or so plus goods and services are high. Those ports have to get what they can, while they can. $420 for 9 days sounds pretty reasonable to me.

I have a photo saved on my desktop of my computer and upload it every time, first try. Never had an issue. I prefer using it because it is easier for me to see the screen than on my phone. Glad the app worked for you best. Enjoy your cruise!

Just click the box that says 'cash' and you can give your credit card info at the port. And last week in Miami, no one even asked to see our bar code or edocs to enter the building or go thru security so I think you will be fine with the incomplete check-in online.

I did a mock booking for this cruise, adding the 10% off coupon (solo cruiser) and then tried to add both of my CN certs. It would only accept one, with the disclaimer that only 2 vouchers could be used on one cruise. It was more cost effective for me to use the 2 CN certs than the 10% off. Still more than I want to pay so will wait until after final payment and reconsider booking, based on promos between now and end of summer and what is left of inventory (not really too picky on where I am on the ship).

Your room steward will not tag your bag either. You do it prior to putting your bag outside the Cabin for the night.