Maleficent's Dad

I've actually said this in the past. We give cash tips, but usually on day one and the day before departure. I have literally NEVER seen a person give a bartender a cash tip for a drink. EVER. Sure, I don't cruise as much as others on these boards, but I will be platinum come this fall on NCL. I've also cruised several other lines. The last time I said as much (re tips), I was told that I don't sail or drink often. This past July, we sailed on the Joy and spent a lot of time in the Vibe. We gave the three gents working the Vibe on day 1, and then on the day before departure. One told us that no one else had given them cash that entire week. I keep saying that if the bartenders were tipped as much as everyone here claims, they'd be the wealthiest people at sea...

Big win last night in front of an enthusiastic crowd! Love the towels! Hope you get to see them play this week!

You’re amazing! Really looking forward to this trip report with your dad! Include pics of @MamaToMany ‘s son at ISP!

This is helpful. I know that we had used the credit for a clam shell. Thanks for clarifying and alleviating my own fear that I was nuts!

As for those stating above that cruises shouldn't be booked for specific ports... ummm, isn't itinerary one of the main components of a cruise? Sure I understand that weather and acts of God come into effect (actual mariner term), but many, if not most people book a cruise based on its itinerary. That means SPECIFIC PORTS of call. I'm on the same cruise, and here's the email we received:

Safe travels; thanks for the fun live report! Hope the ankle is okay!

Oh, I almost forgot, if anyone has a sweet tooth in your group whilst in the Big Apple, Economy Candy is around the corner from Katz. It’s a cool, yet small (packed with candy) place that many celebs visit. Pretty famous if you need some sugar!

If you visit the Met, you can then easily walk into Central Park from there. In Dumbo, assuming you walk the Brooklyn Bridge, either Grimaldi's or Juliana's (the original Grimaldi's owners) for pizza. Coney Island has the Original Nathan's hot dogs, it's not on the Boardwalk proper, but a block or so off. There is one on the Boardwalk, but that's not the original. If you spend time in Brooklyn, Peter Luger's is a famous steakhouse albeit overrated. Note they take cash only, no cards (unless you have their CC, which just about nobody does). If you're down at Katz Deli, you're not far from China Town or Little Italy. Hop Kee in China Town keeps things pretty authentic so it's an experience... Lots of good Italian food in Little Italy as well. The area is small and most of the places are pretty good. Stop in one of the bakeries for fresh filled cannolis. There are literally hundreds of bagel shops in Manhattan, just avoid chains for real NY bagels.

The review is great, but this had me genuinely laughing out loud!

Great post, thanks!

Great stuff so far! Loving this report!

Pistol Pete, From a fellow NY'er, I'm right with you about NCL out of NYC. Really interested in hearing about MSC!

We had Vibe passes this past July (on the Joy). There were 6 of us on a Saturday - Sunday (9 days, theoretically) cruise with several sea days. The Vibe, quite literally, made our trip. My family has stated that they won't cruise again without Vibe passes. Our friends stated the same. By the second day, the bartenders knew all of us by name. We knew all about them and their homes/families. My kids (in their 20's) are now "friends" with the bar staff on FB. The personalized service, private (never crowded) bar, ice water carafes, frozen fruit skewers, finger sandwiches, cookies... it was a fabulous experience and worth every cent. Our cruise was: 1. Sold out and very crowded, we witnessed the 6:30 A.M. chair hogs during morning walks. So the Vibe was a haven (no pun intended). 2. In warm weather the entire time - great private sun deck. 3. Not port intensive (4 sea days, I believe). Yes, everyone has opinions on such things. And opinions are personal, not wrong. Ours is that the Vibe is completely and totally worth it, and will do it again moving forward.

Thanks for clarifying. things have changed as most of those were in effect when we did sail them. I own the drink package mistake, so apologies.

We love NCL for the freestyle that so many have already mentioned. It’s definitely more chill. Add in Spice H2O and/or a vibe pass, thermal spa, and we’re sold. NCL’s drink package, imo, can’t really be beat - and I’m speaking about the basic package. It’s basically included in your fare. Entertainment on NCL has always been one of its strengths, but we’ll see what happens once they disband some of the B’way shows they currently have… Of the four you mention, we’ve sailed on RCCL. While I understand they’re slowly adjusting to a more relaxed atmosphere, my family couldn’t be paid to sail them again. Dress up for dinner, set dining times, eat with strangers…. Yeah, not for us. Additionally, their drink package is a significant cost to your cruise fare if that matters - and they limit the number you can order in a day! My family loves Disney Cruise Line, but it is expensive, and I don’t love their itineraries. Plus, they still stick to many of the formalities . NCL checks a lot of boxes for us. It’s not perfect, but is any vacay? Give me the waterfront for a sunset or after dinner drink. That’s an area where almost all other lines are lacking.