PaperSniper4

Thanks, ya'll, that's what I wanted to hear!

 Doug

Looking for feedback on the noise level of those M6 mini-suite (aka Club Suite) cabins that are forward on deck 8. They appear to be located over the theater, but maybe far enough forward that the noise from below isn't too bad. We're looking at that category because it has a larger balcony than the regular mini-suite cabins.

We're looking at the Getaway specifically but I believe the two ships are probably identical.

Thanks for your insight.

 Doug

I've been looking over the deck plans for the Regal Princess. We are considering an MB cabin such as A520 on the Baja deck, deck 11. That same open area exists on the decks above and below. Does anyone know what that open/blank area is between A502 to A511? We prefer to not be too near areas that generate a lot of noise. Cabin A520 is several cabins down from the area so ought to be safe, but I am curious.

Thanks for your help.

 Doug

12 hours ago, Crookshanks said:

Here’s more info on the whole luggage debacle. ........

Thanks for reminding me why we have decided to take cruises only from ports to which we can drive! What a nightmare!🥵

 Doug

16 hours ago, Crookshanks said:

 

................

 

I will add a smattering of photos for your viewing pleasure.

 

 

Couldn't figure out how to delete the video, but here's the first photo again.....

19 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

I don't think so.  We were just on a few weeks ago and had the Plus Package and paid the $60/pp pd rate.  The $25pp OBC is separate from that which is nice that they even offer that, IMO.  We went prepared not to drink alcohol until in international waters so the extra $50 for us was a win-win.  😉

That's what we did also, drank some of our wine we brought with us; we just waited until the next day for our Bloody Marys!😎  The tiny OBC was a bonus for us, but let's not tell Princess!😉

  Doug

On 1/11/2024 at 10:29 AM, DrivesLikeMario said:

................. It wasn't any hardship for us but some people (newbies mostly) were very shocked they'd have to pay for the drinks.  What many of the waiters failed to tell people is that everyone got a $25 OBC to cover a few drinks for those first few hours onboard.

That was our experience also last March <2023>. However, maybe Princess now prices the "Plus" with the international water thing already considered? So cruisers may not see that additional OBC? Worth check if one plans a LOT of drinking that first night!😁

 Doug

On 1/8/2024 at 12:46 PM, Crookshanks said:

Yes, that has been my biggest concern going into this cruise, so I'll be as transparent as I can in regard to those issues!  My Mom is an early bird, so we'll likely be arriving at the port at the earliest boarding time.  My app shows that boarding is from 10:30am - 2:00pm. We'll be driving from Humble (where my brother lives), though stopping at the famous Buc-ees for Brisket Breakfast Burritos. 😂

 

We are planning to bring at least one bottle of wine to get us through Sunday afternoon, maybe 2 as bestie is a Green Bay fan and I'm a Dallas fan. Also a 12 pack or 2 of soda.  

Notes from my Princess cruise last March 2023:

(Dec 2022) HOWEVER: “Once a vessel is outside of Texas territory, the state’s laws no longer apply.”

“Like any business which holds a Texas permit to sell alcohol, any alcohol sold by the cruise lines while in Texas must comply with the state’s alcohol laws. Sec. 28.07 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code requires that any holder of a Mixed Beverage Permit (the permit most commonly used by the cruise lines) must obtain their alcohol inventory from the holder of a Local Distributor’s Permit. Again, once the vessel is in international waters, these requirements no longer apply.”

(Dec 2022) We have per-paid gratuities drinks and WiFi. But no drinks in Texas water on the plan! So ask before ordering a drink while still near Texas waters (an hour after sail away?) We'll probably have to pay full price that first night for any drink.

(Dec 2022) Confirmation twice on CC: We do NOT have the drinks package the first day, it is effective the following morning early. So anything we order that first night will be on our folio.

If I remember correctly, Princess credited us a little money for the Princess Plus not covering drinks that first day. I recall we asked in the bar later on if drinks were on the package, and the bartender said yes. But I remember it was pretty late, like after dinner?

 Doug

On 1/4/2024 at 8:45 AM, longhorn2004 said:

How does it compare to Royal's new terminal in embarkation and debarkation? Did they fix the passenger pick up and drop off in front of the terminal?

It would help if you specify the departure port?

4 minutes ago, FredZiffle said:

On embarkation day, the Getaway has tables set up in Headliners for passengers to book specialty restaurants.  So much easier and quicker than using the one line next to Guest Services.  Is there a similar setup on the Breakaway?

If one is booked, it's easier to make reservations before boarding, as early as possible. I can't help with your question about booking once on board.

 Doug

14 minutes ago, HoosierShipmate said:

Were you able to do same day reservations? Or did you book in advance for manhattan room?

In my case I made reservations for every evening in advance. For both out two specialty dinners and the regular ones. I made reservations early as I could,  I think was about 90 days prior to our sail date.

Doug

35 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

I had the same delimia this past September on the Jewel.   This was the first time we would be charged for our morning delivery of coffee and chocolate croissants.   I decided to bring our large yetis to the buffet each morning and get the coffee and the croissants myself.   I figured since I was eating those chocolate croissants, I could certainly use the walk.  I brought a tray with me so it was easy to carry back to them cabin.

Yes, some suggested the tray, like for holding several beers. I have a lookout for something suitable. But, worse comes to worse, my cargo shorts have huge pockets!

 Doug

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

You are correct as there is a 20% gratuity added.

Thanks, thought I'd read that somewhere. So it will cost us $6 for our croissants and coffee in the morning......or I can go cheap and hike up to the Lido deck with our insulated coffee cups and room in my cargo shorts for the croissants.😉 I think my laziness will win out over my frugality though.......

 Doug

10 hours ago, C cruise said:

Last time I cruised it was on Prima and continental breakfast was free (no service fee)  until 10AM ... I am disappointed to see it now is $4,95....I realize $4.95 isn't much, its the point that it was free  and now its not 🫤

It's not just $4.95 is it? Isn't there also a 20% gratuity added to that? I don't know, last time we sailed NCL (Breakaway from NOLA spring 2022) my experience was like yours.

 Doug

Source: https://portnola.com/cruise/parking-directions =>

I made reservations for our next cruise. On that "paid pass" it states we can optionally drop our bags at the terminal if we want, then drive over to the Poydras lot. There is a shuttle between the lot and the NCL terminal. Hopefully the Poydras lot will be more secure than the old Whale lot.

Parking for Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Passengers ONLY)

• PLEASE NOTE, THE HILTON “WHALE LOT” IS NO LONGER BEING UTILIZED BY THE PORT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS.
  • Parking is available at the 100 Poydras Garage, located at 100 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130. The 100 Poydras Garage opens at 9:00am (CST) and has over 500 covered and secured parking spaces.
  • Parking rates: $25 per day without reservations and $25 per day plus $1/per day fee for reservations.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line parking reservations can be made here.
  • Please come directly to the 100 Poydras Garage, as a shuttle will be available to take all cruise passengers and their luggage to the Julia St. Cruise Terminal.
  • Please have your boarding information available. You must show it to the parking attendant to enter the facility.
  • Maximum height is 6' 4" and maximum 22 feet in length. Garage is secured, lighted and patrolled.

49 minutes ago, IamPEBJ said:

 @PaperSniper4 Apparently it is for breakfast on port days.  The buffet is full but I am literally the only one here besides workers. It is a small buffet but I'll take the small crowd over larger selection any day.

Thanks. I share your sentiments on the crowd!

 Doug

5 minutes ago, IamPEBJ said:

 

They have American Dinner as complementary this morning for breakfast but no one else seems to have noticed so I have it all to myself 😃

 

I've never tried that. What's your experience there? We often skip breakfast, but I'd like to try the American Dinner on our next cruise. Interested in the menu and your take on the quality, etc.

 Doug

13 hours ago, Roses_Are_Red said:

Oh!  This is fantastic news!  I didn't know you could request coffee in the room.  That's so much better than going to the buffet.  We have a balcony room, and I'd love to have coffee while sitting outside!

 

I've also read that Margaritaville used to have breakfast.  Does anyone know if there is still a Margaritaville on the Encore and if they have free breakfast?

 

Thanks everyone so much for your replies!!

There will be a placard you fill out and hang outside your cabin door at night. Not "free" however; you'll pay roughly $6 for coffee brought to your cabin. I believe, but cannot confirm, that is for the cabin, not per person. Here is the link: https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-faq/norwegian-cruise-line-now-charging-room-service

 Doug

57 minutes ago, Sam &amp; Soph said:

Hey Doug here’s a little tip for you if you’re going to do the hike up for coffee. My husband packs a cardboard 6-pack holder from beer. It folds flat in the suitcase and when you get your coffee, the cups fit great in the holder and a little extra room for extras. In his case a danish or 2. Packs it back for home. I think the Corona beer one has been on about 10 cruises with us.👍

What a great tip, Kat! Thank you for that good idea.

 Doug

11 hours ago, HoosierShipmate said:

A lot of discussion on the whale lot - as of last week, we parked in the whale lot, which was being run by Hilton employees. They do have new fencing up, we’re charging $150 for the week as a flat fee.  It’s not covered parking like the garages, but I felt very safe leaving my car there.  It may not be ‘official’ by the port, but it’s a real parking option, very easy to access and you can park, take your luggage a very short walk over to the handlers and you’re done.  It has easy access to both the ship and the Riverwalk shops.  

I dunno, that link sounds like cruise passengers can no longer use the Whale Lot. Of course, there has been misinformation on the interest before......😉

 Doug

13 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

100 Poydras Garage is much more secure than the Whale Lot.  Many reports of vehicles broken into and items stolen.   

Very true. However, $25-$26 is still very expensive for parking.

2 hours ago, ltmguy said:

This was the last Whale Lot Parking for NCL. Below is direct from the Port of New Orleans.

 

• PLEASE NOTE, THE HILTON “WHALE LOT” IS NO LONGER BEING UTILIZED BY THE PORT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS.
  • Parking is available at the 100 Poydras Garage, located at 100 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130. The 100 Poydras Garage opens at 9:00am (CST) and has over 500 covered and secured parking spaces.
  • Parking rates: $25 per day without reservations and $25 per day plus $1/per day fee for reservations.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line parking reservations can be made here. 
  • Please come directly to the 100 Poydras Garage, as a shuttle will be available to take all cruise passengers and their luggage to the Julia St. Cruise Terminal.
  • Please have your boarding information available. You must show it to the parking attendant to enter the facility. 
  • Maximum height is 6' 4" and maximum 22 feet in length. Garage is secured, lighted and patrolled.
  •  
•  

Is this official? Anyone have a source for this? Sounds odd that that large "Whale" parking lot would suddenly be closed....and $25 per day is nuts; higher than the last time we parked near the Los Angeles cruise terminal.

 Doug

21 hours ago, chewsifer1220 said:

 

...............

I did a mock booking on Celebrity and NCL a few months ago. I did a Concierge Cabin on Celeb and Club Balcony Suite on NCL with a Caribbean itinerary. All in all the Celebrity cruise was about $1K more for a shorter cruise.  Not an insignificant amount of money. If I had my druthers I would have stuck to X for the ambiance due to being "higher end" (apparently I am also a curmudgeon LOL) but I just can't justify the price anymore and have a NCL cruise booked for next year. I will be able to compare the 2 myself then. 

.....

 

When I compared the Celeb Concierge cabins to the MA cabins on NCL it was for size and amenities, not price.  Yeah, Celebrity generally costs more than NCL, but there are a lot of exceptions. Gotta watch those sales!😎 Yeah, the size of the balconies on NCL, at least on the ship's we've sailed (Spirit, Star, Dawn, Jewel, Breakaway) are tiny compared to Celebrity and others. It's a big deal for us for sure, but not enough for us to switch over to Carnival. We used to sail Carnival often (remember we sail from NOLA a lot), but Carnival's demographics just don't mesh with us anymore. Too loud, too busy, too rude in our experience. We like Carnival's ships just fine, and the cabins are some of the best out there. But every cruise line has things we like and don't like; thank goodness we still have a choice!

 Doug

On 12/24/2023 at 9:18 PM, DoubleEntry said:

Hi and thanks for reading this.  We're a couple of seniors in our 70's but active.  We have about 35 cruises under our belt and most of the on Celebrity.  None on NCL. 

 

We're tired of X and their nonsense over the last couple of years and are wanting to try something different.  We usually sail Concierge or better on X and our favorite spot is the cafe Al Bacio.  My question is kind of basic.  What do I need to know when booking NCL.  They offer free drinks, wi-fi etc., but no mention of tips.  Are there other little things you seasoned cruisers know about that might be of help?

 

Thanks, and look forward to your help.  Drinks on me. 🙂 

 

Jeff

We sail on Celebrity and NCL quite a bit. We are about your age. The nearest cabin type to the Celeb Concierge cabins is the "Club Balcony Suite" cabins on NCL, IMO and based on our experience on the NCL Breakaway for the last few years. Balconies in general on NCL are much, much smaller. However, the cabins are nice on both. The "perks" packages between Celeb and NCL are vastly different. Celeb's includes much more and has always included gratuities on those beverage, etc, packages. Often the price for NCL does NOT include the grats on the specialty meals  and beverage packages - and those can be very expensive. And of course NCL's daily "cabin etc" gratuities are the highest in the industry. Cabin service and similar items usually cost more on NCL also, although I suspect Celeb will also offer the "more for less" that all the cruise lines are offering now. It's hard for them not to do so when their ships are sailing near 100% capacity. Demographics are better on Celebrity IMO with less unruly young people and kids. But then I am an old curmudgeon!😁

Hope you enjoy NCL, I'm sure you will in spite of the differences between it and Celebrity. We sail NCL often because they sail from a port to which we can drive (NOLA). We would prefer Celebrity or Princess, but alas, only NCL and Carnival and RCI <fall only> sail from NOLA.

 Doug

19 hours ago, HoosierShipmate said:

.............

 

Everyone enjoy whatever holiday you celebrate and look for the recap later in the week!

 

J

 

 

Merry Christmas, and drive carefully on the way to Nashville. We're about 20 miles east of Memphis, so wave as you cross the AL/TN border. You have provided a bunch of people with invaluable information on the ship and itinerary!

 Doug