Ask4Jay

If you are ok with it, go for it and enjoy. Never mind the others.

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We (DW and I) always travel with our own place mats. Yes, cloth place mats that live in DW's purse. We do like eating in the buffet (where else can you get just ONE slice of bacon?) And if we can't have a table cloth, at least we'll have a clean place mat, a place to put our utensils. Call it hoity toity, but it does improve the ambience.

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Most likely because they are sealed shut? Duh

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Kids in Haven? Absolutely, since we are happy with our aft balcony and would not encounter them. :)

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Good experiences or bad - the big tables seem to carry the day.

DW and I started cruising because of Free Style (and no Tux). We love to eat together - by ourselves. Our hearing is diminished now and that would make any conversation with strangers awkward. We are happiest at a 4-top sitting catty corner, but will gladly take a 2-top.

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We have done well in the past walking off very early, with the VIP groups. We each have one good-size Roller case with a carry-on bag hanging very low off the handle as a counterweight, so there is no load at all on the handle. ( Have seen flight crews do that). With one hand for pulling the case we still have one hand free to hold our passports, etc. Easy peasy.

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My concern is when the buffet shuts down.

We usually are among the first to walk off, but off our TA in Oct we have an afternoon flight and plan to vacate our cabin early for a leisurely breakfast in the Garden Café. Doable!?

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Out of NYC there are 11-day cruises in spring and Oct/Nov. spring is too early, just back from a TA in Oct, so it's got to be Oct/Nov. Probably book one of them while on the TA.

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No aft-facing cabin? We don't go. So, we want an aft cabin that is surrounded by other cabins, below and above. That's our only requirement. Has been on all our cruises. Have passed up upgrades. We want to have access to a balcony overlooking the propeash and the wake. Our own private realm - without piped-in music. We don't care about the activities on the rest of the ship. Just the two of us and our balcony.

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I monitor the roll calls of our TAs. Usually I can pick up some useful information, mostly concerning hotels, transportation or any other goodies about the departure port. In turn I respond to questions that I can answer. But - I will not sign up. I remain a lurker. DW and I are sticks in the mud who'd rather quietly do our own thing. Very important: we want to know where and when the organized dinner will be held. Let's face it, no matter how civilized and well-intentioned a large group is, it will get louder and boisterous. We would rather avoid that, plan accordingly and eat at another restaurant. Yes, we have suffered through a meal next to a table of 'ladies' in high spirits with pink hats and boas. Oy vey.

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Here's a unique idea; How about brown bagging it? DW and I each prepare one plain bagel with a slice or two of our favorite hard cheese, maybe a thin layer of cream cheese to make it stick. It needs no refrigeration and with a cup of coffee or water makes a satisfying snack. And most likely it's healthier than most commercially prepared food. This of course applies only to the outbound portion from home.

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Oops, got away from me. Sorry

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During those 10 extra hours

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Not just pictures but also lots of recipes. Thanks.

Note to self: At least 2 Blue Lagoons, Iceland and Bora Bora.

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DW and I are 82/83. Our preference is to take one longer flight instead of breaking it up into two shorter segments. It is much less stressful (for us) than to sit in a plane than having to get off, checking in again for the next leg, waiting in the departure lounge or at the gate. Never mind staying overnight at a hotel with all the attendant hassle. After seven hours on the plane, what's another four hours? Piece a cake.

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And here I thought Blue Lagoon was NCL's (almost) 24-hour eating spot. It's a cocktail?

Mit Alkohol gefixt? Yumpin' yimminy.

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If all else fails, you could eat in the buffet. Meals and portions come in all sizes. And you'll have the friendliest and most efficient service - self-service :)

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OP: Just curious, you have both cabins booked. Why not test them during your cruise? Then you would know for sure and for future cruises.

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Could it be that the OP is mathematically challenged and frustrated at not being able to calculate whether to take a package or not? Just sayin'.

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Why would I want to know the reason for an emergency - if it does not affect or involve me?

Seriously, I don't get this rubber necking thing.

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Ah well . . So much for my attempt to add a little humor.

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Problem with public restrooms above you? Only if they leak :)

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Don't you just hate this Nickel & Diming?

Before y'all start judging us who prefer to eat alone or as couples, consider the following:

Some of us are elderly (not us, we are old, 80+). That means our hearing is diminished, which makes it tough carrying on a conversation. After 3 scores of marriage we are still each other's best friends and most comfortable companions. Why exchange a quiet dinner for two for a group of six or eight diners with separate conversations and crosstalk?

We are cruising to enjoy being on a ship on a big ocean, not to make friends for life. Ashore we wouldn't even think of sharing a table with any strangers. Friends and family? Absolutely, at the drop of a hat.

Somebody please give me a hand so I can climb down off my soap box.

We take neither port nor starboard. We always cruise in an aft-facing balcony cabin, w/b or e/b. No matter where the sun is, at least we don't have to put up with the constant wind when underway, which is almost all the time.