debenson0723

I am sorry you had this experience. This hasn't happened to me at all when checking in. Since I have a 3 hour time difference from Miami, I was able to check in at 9pm last night. It took me 7 minutes, start to finish and I had my edocs at 11pm. I typed everything in and uploaded a photo saved to my desktop (same one I always use and sometimes they retake my photo and sometimes they don't). I think that maybe some issues have to do with the browser people are using. I use google chrome and have very few problems. I also clear my cache quite often (sometimes daily depending on what I am doing). The good news is, in 3 weeks at just about this time, we should be on board, having that first cocktail! I have a general idea of what I want to do each day in Bermuda (never been there), an idea of how much money I am going to take so now I just need to figure out what to pack. I know from your past 'lives' that you are a minimalist when it comes to packing but unfortunately, I am not. I am getting better but still have the 'but what if I need this' mentality, LOL. I am going to start my list today and see where it takes me....wish me luck!

I checked in this morning for my upcoming cruise. Took me all of 7 minutes, photo (that I have used prior and is saved to my laptop) uploaded on first try and I had my edocs within 2 hours. Couldn't be easier or maybe I am just lucky (and really excited to be boarding in 3 weeks!).

Don't be sad...tomorrow is check in day for the Bermuda 6/16 cruise that will include myself and @graphicguy (aka The Fall Guy). And you don't need a passport for it! Loved this review so much and can't wait to see your adventures in Barcelona.

I agree with this completely. Haven't seen her in quite a while but she is a favorite...always so gracious and kind.

I have gotten glasses of water from the bar and filled my cup in the buffet on every cruise line I have sailed (RCL, Carnival, Disney, Princess). No need to buy water anywhere.

Please refresh my memory. We will be walking to the port, staying at a hotel on 49th Street the night before. What is the street at 12th Avenue that we cross to get inside the port for check in? Is it easy to get upstairs (ramp, elevator, etc.)? I know when we disembark we cross 52nd to get a car service but when embarking do we need to go up to 54th? Thanks for your help.

Is it easy to get a minibus back to the port? We are only 2, maybe 3, so minibus would be the most economical (but not adverse to a taxi either). Will probably only spend an hour or two at most, just to say we did it. Thanks!

What a fabulous hotel! And very reasonable for the night I want to stay there in October...it's at the top of my list. I was originally going to stay in Murano for my 2 nights in the Venice area but now I think I will head to Trieste the afternoon before the cruise. I can't thank you enough for all the information you are providing.

Head on over to the Florida departures board and you will find many recommendations.

While I agree with you on final thoughts being the ones that stay with you, remember that everyone has a different experience based on their likes, dislikes and expectations. I did not care for my cruise on the Prima and swore I would never go on that class of ship again, but was on the Viva as soon as it got to the US and had a wonderful time (with many of the same crew as on Prima). And probably the worst thing you can do is follow groups on FB...many, many inexperienced cruisers who do nothing but complain because they didn't know what to expect and had unrealistic expectations. Your cruise is still many months away and things can and will change on the Jade and other ships (who could have predicted that when I stepped off the Encore in March 2020 it would not be possible to get on another ship for almost 18 months?). @YVRteacher you write the best reviews on this board and I am sorry this cruise was not up to your standards, which is what all of us expect from NCL. I hope your Princess cruises are better...I have a friend who sails both but prefers NCL overall for his needs, especially as a solo traveler. Can't wait to read about your upcoming adventures!

Come join our Roll Call and sign up for the Meet & Greet. It's been pretty quiet and we could use the company. Hope to see you on board!

Thank you so much for this detailed post. I am going to clip and post it to my notes for my (hopeful) cruise in November.

Not a silly question...I was wondering too, as I will be on the Joy in 4 weeks. On Viva Red Bubbles was on tap in the Penrose (Atrium) Bar, the Local and the Observation Lounge so those are the first places I am going to look. But I also enjoy the Peach Berry Sparkle from DBH (when they are open).

Thank you so much for doing this Barely A Live (wonderful title). I cannot wait to follow along. I am currently looking at doing Trieste to Rome in November on the Pearl and this might pull me in the direction of booking it. All of the ports are new to me and the solo inside is very affordable (no need for a balcony since there are no sea days). Your pictures are stunning and I love all the detail in your writing. Can't wait to read more. And don't forget...when you get back, you will have 21 days to rest before getting on the Joy to Bermuda with me and @graphicguy. Enjoy your cruise!!

@Sugar Magnolia what are your plans after the Escape? You have time to join us, it's still 33 days away!

Wow...buck fifty-eight is awesome but I'm a high roller and went from an inside to a balcony for $7 on the Bliss, LOL.

IF I had to pick a price point, I would say anything above 50% more than what I have already paid would be a deal breaker for me on a tropical cruise.

I've always taken the train from Victoria Station to Gatwick, even solo with luggage.

I really didn't and stayed in them several times (all Caribbean sailings). But once on the Encore, the first night there was banging that kept me awake for awhile. Someone told me that was the waves hitting the bow. I didn't think that could possibly be right and was determined to find the Captain and ask him. That night I found him and did ask. He confirmed it was the waves. I told him to knock it off as it was annoying and he said that night would be the last night, due to our location and the weather. And he was right! I typically don't get seasick but when I have, I was in a mid-ship cabin. Twice off the coast of Oregon on a Pacific Coastal (notorius for rough seas) and once between Miami and Colombia on a PC cruise. I just take a Bonine and a long nap and am better by the lunch. Sorry OP for getting off topic. You can blame @schmoopie17 LOL.

It's more about itinerary than money for me. If I am on a port intensive cruise where there are no or only 1 sea day, then an inside works well for me. The ship is more a floating hotel and I am there to mostly sleep and eat. On those cruises I don't even get the FAS as I won't have time to use it. If I want to be outside near the water or watch the ocean, I use the Waterfront or Observation Lounge. I know you don't have those options on a Carnival cruise. I would rather save my money and cruise more often to places I have not been to than on a balcony that I will rarely use. One of the best cabins I have had is the forward facing Oceanview...they are large and have great views. If those drop in price to the same as an inside, I will try to make the switch. I think others have discovered them as they are harder to find.

No, not really. 3 and 4 day cruises, full of last minute locals at a $299 p/p, with one or two ports are typically more booze cruises. If the price was right on this cruise and you live nearby, this could be a nice relaxing few days. I have only done one 4 day on NCL and the reason for that was to go to Cuba. There were some hard partiers on there with no interest in the port but I generally stay away from the pool deck and bars so it didn't really affect me. The destination was my reason for sailing, not the ship.

That sounds like a plan. I know the FB group is doing a sailaway meet up but I think it is on the pool deck. I would prefer somewhere less noisy. On my Viva cruise in December, they did the same thing and it was a zoo. I lasted about 30 seconds and had to move on. Spice H2O or the Cavern Club bar sound much better. Maybe you can post something on the Roll Call (as quiet as it is).

Thanks. I did sign up for the M&G and like you mentioned, it's prety quiet. For me, with a 3 hour time change, I just hope I am awake at 10am!

I was thinking the same thing.

Was hoping you would do this *Live*...I always enjoy reading them. This time I will be reading it from on board as I am on this cruise also. While looking for a cruise to do in the Spring, I came upon these dates which were good with my work schedule. Never been to Bermuda so it was the perfect solution. Starting to get excited and do some planning. 2nd time on the Joy so can't wait to see the changes...it was a nice ship before and am hoping it is even better now. I am in a lowly solo inside but have bid on an upgrade...not holding my breath but you never know. Hope to see you on board!