Ask4Jay

In all our cruises we have taken two bus tours, one in Ireland, to Jameson Distillery and one from Naples to Pompeii. That just about covers the range of our interest. Caribbean Islands don't do anything for us.

But by all means, go ashore so we can enjoy an empty ship. :)

Tap on Browse the top, about the 8th line down should be ROLL CALLS. Go from there.

Never heard such nonsense your friend is dishing up.

We are taking our 13th two-week cruise in October. Would she think that after Day 7 we'd live on left overs and stale bread?

Don't let a biased person talk you into changing your plans.

Oh man, that is a bummer. Sorry it happened to you. Just the financial loss, the paper work hassle to replace your documents and the loss of your pictures. . .

@enrmom

Cool heads prevailed, brava!

What you call ignorance tax, we call tuition in our family. And trust me, we have paid our share.

You've had an exiting start to, let's hope, a great adventure. And certainly a good story to look back on. Bon voyage.

As long as the crowds stay out of our cabin and balcony, we are ok with that. We avoid the buffet for early breakfast on port days. Too many passengers trying to get something to eat before going on shore excursion. Once they are hone, we have most of the ship to ourselves.

Starboard is not only the best, it's the only side. Which time of year are you cruising? In late summer or fall the sun sets somewhere behind the statue, making photography difficult. In winter it's too dark for pix. I've had more luck catching her right at dawn on the return trip.

If DW and I can't find any agreeable pasta dishes in the MDR, we usually go to the buffet. There we look for the Indian section or, better yet, the Wok Station. Great Middle and Far Eastern food, mostly veggies.

Sitting on our quiet aft balcony, watching the wake and prop wash fade away into the horizon. Reading, trying to solve crossword puzzles. Deflating.

Aft cabin is the only way to cruise for us. 180+° view, no wind when underway, never on the 'wrong' side. But - it's your money. :)

Don't like short cruises, not even seven nighters. Prefer 2-week TAs, either way, but will settle for an 11-nighter from NYC to the Caribbean. (2-hour bus ride to NYC Is way easier on our old bods than flying to/from Europe with transfers, hotels, etc.)

@charlami -

My suggestion would be to go for an aft-facing balcony. Since the ship will be sailing almost constantly, you may want a quiet, wind-still oasis. Anyhow, that's how we do our TAs (13 so far). Books, Audio books and a few videos on our iPhones and iPad minis usually are our main entertainment. Enjoy.

With a twinkle in my eyes I sort of remind the staff "there is a 50% discount, isn't there?" That does get their attention, and we settle on the 10%. Smiles all around. :)

@cruisingosychRN

I was responding to your question "How do you read this?"

After I responded, I wondered whether you meant to ask the OP. Or should I just have said "without moving my lips"with ? :) The pitfalls of written communication. We good?

@cruiingpsychRN

Loud and clear. On my iPhone with colors inverted, which is my default setting. White on black background, wonderful contrast. Does that answer your question ?

@BlindTraveler

I am not aware of any assistive services on NCL. Which does not mean that there aren't any.

My vision is failing me; at this point I need to invert colors on my iPhone to be able to read printed material. There just isn't enough contrast. In the restaurant on board I take a picture of the menu page and enlarge it.

While that will not help you, my iPhone has an Accessibility Section, which includes Voice Over and a couple of Braille options. I have not explored them, but they may be of interest to you.

Maybe a demo by a genius in a near-by Apple Store may help.

Agree with all above. Cruise Lines are U.S. based = no foreign transaction fee.

However, for use with Uber or for local restaurant charges, I carry a Capital One card (no fee).

. . . and no curlers, please :)

@A&Jfamily

What about a river cruise down the Danube to visit the Christmas markets along the way? You'd be on a boat, not a ship, but would have lots of opportunities to bond with your youngsters.

@HCFR10

While you may indeed be the youngest passengers, DW and I are among the oldest (80+).

Our pool days are over. We just enjoy our aft-facing balcony. In Sep 2005 we were on the Jewel inaugural Dover to NYC via Iceland. Route of the Vikings. We were able to sit on our balcony, protected from the constant wind, just with a hoodie, enjoying the cool yet sunny days. We'll do it again on Oct.15 on the Getaway CPH-MIA, our 13th TA.

I just don't understand this pre-occupation (obsession?) with changes from one cruise to the next. DW and I usually take one TA per year. Yet we approach each cruise as a new adventure - for us to enjoy. Change can be a healthy and pleasant experience. Just ask any baby after a change of diapers. :)

Leave something of value on board? Never. Do you hear me? N.E.V.E.R.

When we walk off the ship, I make sure to have my DW go ahead of me to keep an eye on her. I wouldn't find my way home without her!

@wowzz

Agreed. And don't forget that each flight has many seating options (aisle, window, leg room) all subject to the same algorithms. I didn't mention center seats on purposes :)

@rentlady

Are you asking about the side- or aft-facing balconies?

As you arrive in the Euro zone (by plane), get your suitcases and look for a currency exchange, usually close to the car rental counters. In most cities the Department Stores have a Buffet on an upper level. Where there's food, there's also a rest room. Many of their rest rooms are farmed out to immigrants who usually put a plate on a small table containing some coins. They are not for you :), you are supposed to add some to it. As tourists you are forgiven if you are not familiar with their system. I grew up there and had to shrug my shoulders indicating I had no change. Yes, I went to the cashier and asked for some change. Just double over slightly and cross your legs. Most will 'get it'