Biffire

I am hoping they keep the free food and use of your beverage packages on the island. Hoping they don't eliminate those amenities and start charging like Harvest Cay. I know the circumstances are different, but they are spending big bucks. Looking forward to multiple pools, I like to be in the ocean, but wifey likes pools.

I am happy about the pier at GSC. The tendering was often slow and sometimes the weather is not conducive to a safe tender experience.

We signed up for a November Cruise, with free DSC, I asked our TA and she said it was a promotion from NCL. Not sure how it affects the cruise line employees. First time we have ever had this option, it does appear on our invoice from the TA.

We used to eat at the buffet on embarkation day, but it was always a zoo, crowded and people toting their carry ons. Finally learned that either taste or savor would be open, quiet and calm. Vacation starts once we sit down for day 1 lunch. I agree staff readily give directions to the buffet, but we jujst head for the MDR.

My last few cruises, the Syd Norman"s, or cavern club, had the best entertainment aboard, The Fleetwood Mack and Beatles shows were very good. The venue is too small and limits who can watch the show, and requires a ridiculous stand in line time, but the performers were very good.

I wish they would have hot tubs for the young children. My last cruise was on the Joy in May of 2023. I am 60 something male, and a big part of my cruise experience is spending time in the hot tubs. A few times I would be in the hot tub, and about 5 little girls jumped in the hot tub, splashing, diving, coming up way to close to me. The parents thought it was fine. There is a big hot tub for adults only in Spice H20, but it is undercover. My wife enjoys the sun, so we had to be separated. I think having a hot tub for children, and their family would be a good idea. Some NCL ships designate hot tubs for adults only, with one for families. Kids love the warm water, but do not understand it is not for swimming, splashing diving underwater.

We u8sually have our TA book our specialty dining reservations for us. 2 FAS and 2 Platinum, never been charged in advance like some people have been. In my experience different ports to the priority embarkation differently. One time we were shown to a priority line, but ended up at the same place as our friends who were not priority we had a shorter line, but fewer staff.

You get the 2X2 dinners each cruise you take once you earn platinum status.

I think the concerns are valid. They will continue as long as the cruiselines are sailing at/near capacity. They lost boat loads of money due to the pandemic. As long as we cruise lovers continue to pay more money for a lesser experience they will continue the trend. Many of us are hooked on cruising and we tell our friends and family how great it is, increasing their customer base. I still enjoy cruising, although we only go once per year. I think airfare is getting out of control as well, which affects the overall cost of our cruise vacations, and that applies to a lot of other cruisers. I did a little math, estimating the costs of 3 meals per day, 7 nights lodging at an ocean front resort, entertainment tickets, drinks etc. So far cruising is somewhat of a value. I do believe if NCL ever drops the free at specialty dining and drink packages that I would have to reconsider my loyalty to NCL.

I did the free tour for Platinum members, on the Joy last May, which I believe is shorter than the paid tour. It was interesting, a couple of things to keep in mind. There were 24 people in our group, Some of the areas are noisy. Trying to hear/understand some one with a soft voice, accent, or not being right next to the various people who give the tour can affect your enjoyment. I will go on the free tour, but would not pay the $139 X 2 people. But that is just me. If you want to hear the tour guides, stay close.

We used to always head to the buffet, which is normally a zoo on day one. We got tired of fighting for a table, and with people who kept their bags taking up room. Now we head to whichever MDR is open, and sit and relax. As soon as we sit down, we go into vacation mode, can't wait for November.

We tried Q on the Joy in May of 2023. I had the pitmaster platter plenty of food. I enjoyed it, however I am certainly not an expert in BBQ, your standards may be much higher. We also stopped by a few times just to listen to the music.

Some of the specialty restaurants do have a few entrees that you have to pay an extra charge for. We went to the seafood venue, and I used our FAS but had to pay extra for the lobster, (was not worth it).

I really enjoy the salad bar. The pineapple is so good. I could happily just eat those and still enjoy it, but luckily there is always several meat choices.

Many of those have been consumed by me in a hot tub.