MrsTocko

I have a fantastic PCC that I use. She is responsive and helpful. I started using her when I COULDNT book online, because the website decided the best cabins and wouldnt let me change it online. because they were NOT the best for ME. So I needed a different way (all the cabins I wanted, were indeed available, but i couldnt select them online - so my PCC had to look at them). Even though the website has changed, I will still continue to use her. I have made the deal with her that if it is a more urgent issue, regarding an immediate cruise and is something that CANT wait, I will call her. Otherwise, if is it something that can be handled via email, I will send her an email, detailing my question(s) that way she can get the answer and get back to me. INCLUDING booking new cruises. I just send her what we are looking at, Date, Ship, Cabin Preference, destination, deviation (if needed). she will call me back and get me booked. she has (at my ok) automatically started adding in the gratuities to pre-pay, so I dont even worry about that anymore. Wish the website would allow us to do that too - would allow for a more complete comparison. Because she is so wonderful, I want to continue to make sure she gets whatever credit for it. even though I COULD do it myself online, and then just call her for the particulars. I am always sharing her info where and when I can. I know it is strongly discouraged here though. I am a member of all the roll calls, and FB groups for the roll calls. I should point out that Yessica is the ONLY one that helps with ANY of my travels. I usually do it all myself, online, after exhaustive research and comparison. if I am repeating a destination, research is easier, as I know if im ok with the area, or hotel, or ... and I know if I want to change and where. I take a lot of mental notes, and whilke I dont always JUST remember, the destination or conversation will trigger that information.

I looked at the best neighborhood site that you referenced here and I just cant agree with it. I looked at San Diego County, where I live, and some of the high value and average value areas, are in fact, very low income areas, and high gang areas. we know that by LIVING here. And seeing the day to day news reports. some of those areas we dont care to drive through during the day, much less live there. But a study says this is the new upcoming place. yes there are worse areas, but these are definately misleading. OP had the right idea to ask the question and received answers from people that KNOW, have first hand knowledge. Have driven the streets, and looked at the people in the eye. have had the residents that live there, tell you where NOT to go. Hopefully we have all helped more than hindered.

I think it has more to do with knowledge of the area. Yes, it may look good on screen, but that doesn’t mean the area is safe. I’m sure that you have areas near you that yes it looks like it would be fine, but you also know that you wouldn’t go there yourself. OP asked about walkability. This particular area of Wilmington, is a heavy traffic area, with large heavy trucks. It is a main frontage road thoroughfare to and from the Port of Los Angeles. I don’t want to use derogatory or stereotype terms, but this is an older looking and feeling neighborhood. The residents are hard working, but this is not a “rich” area. And it shows. I think it is often overlooked in favor of San Pedro and Long Beach in terms of infrastructure maintenance, and investment in attracting visitors, it is also largely residential and not catering to tourists. The terms that were conveyed to me by residents of the area, that I trust, were if we were going to stay in Wilmington only stay at the BW, the mom and pop hotels have a lot of “hourly” clientele. This attracts an unsafe feel. This is also something that can’t be seen on a google map. I think OP plan of taking Uber into San Pedro for the day, shopping, eating, and then Uber it back to the hotel is sound. When I go there, it is to visit family, or for a single night before a cruise. I need a bed and a meal (or 2 - dinner and lite breakfast). Don’t need anything else. I tend to be overly cautious and try not to put myself and family, in a wrong place, wrong time POSSIBLE scenarios. Yes, anything can happen anywhere. Example - first time in Seattle, we walked from Queen Ann area hotel to pikes place, took the rail to mariners game, all over the place. Decided we didn’t know the area well enough to feel safe walking through the park surrounding the needle after dark. So we adjusted our exploring accordingly. Plenty of nice infrastructure. But being there and seeing it is different. I have lived in places that I wouldn’t drive through now unless I made sure my windows were up, doors locked and no eye contact. And it was that bad when I lived there. I am not at all saying that Wilmington is on the same level, just that areas similar to it lends itself to attracting certain situations. Being overly cautious is not a bad thing

ok - Here is my take: 1. I stayed in an angled balcony on the Bliss (14152). Would do an angled balcony again. Little windier because you are the "stop" that then forces it around the corner...but still worth it. 2. I did the NCL air from Southern California to London and the return from Reykjavik. I have NO complaints. These were perfect options for us. Red Eye direct to london, and 1 layover halfway through on the way back. We will always fly at least the day before, so there is room to have issues. The length of the deviation depends on the route. SLC to SEA you SHOULD be fine going the day before. Here is the bonus...you are 1000% correct that you can shop around and book your own, if you are more comfortable. You can ALWAYS cancel that perk up to final payment. We did this for our return from Alaska cruise that ended in Vancouver. Yes, our airfare was 225 each (wasnt a perk), but I booked first class for roughly 275 each. One way (all we needed because cruise started in our home port). I was able to get great seats and time for our return. Yes, we still booked our transfer from the pier to the airport through NCL. 3. FAS beverage package. if you remove the package for you both - your free options are coffee (in the restaurants/buffet), tea (hot and cold), juice, and water (NOT bottled/carton). Sodas are around $3-4 each. Yes, taking the package you pay the gratuity oin the VALUE of the package (if you were to buy it), but it averages out to approx $20 per person per day. Average alcoholic beverage cost is $9.95-14.95, so 2 drinks per person per day would cover the cost. It DOES include soda, so you both are covered. I always figure I can drink my 2 and DH 2, in a day (and neither of us really drink - maybe 1 or 2 a month). Drink with lunch, dinner, after dinner...easy to do. Not have to think about the bar tab at the end, is worth it to us. 4. its the passenger act, that requires us to stop at a foriegn port. We have never done Victoria in 4 alaska cruises. We stay on the ship, not alot of time there, and we would rather not feel rushed (OUR feeling) to get back to the ship. Not a lot at the port (is my understanding), average time there is 4-5 hours. We will be back on board at least an hour before all aboard time (OUR preference), so down to 3-4 hours in port. if we arrive late (we have), cuts our time down even more. for US, we would rather have a stress free evening, dinner, pack (usually the last night of cruise), and get ready for departure the next morning. Hope it helps. We love Alaska - and are trying to figure out our next one. Your wife is lucky, and that will be a lovely gift. DH has told me he will never surprise me with a trip, because I plan it all so well, he is afraid that he will not get a good deal. He DOES surpise me with day trips, so it works out. I DO get to plan every little thing about our vacations, with no argument (or input) from him, he decide destination together, and means of travel (cruise, road trip....) and I take it from there.

This qualifies as not walkable in all senses of the word. This particular Best Western, is right off the freeway, there is a denny's next door. That is all the walkable you get. The immediately surrounding area is residential. Really is nothing to walk TO. So you would have to walk under the overpass, to get to some of the little convenience stores right there. This is not a nicer part of town. this is an older part of town, and it shows. It is also a BUSY frontage road with heavy traffic (and LARGE trucks), as it is within 3 miles of one of the largest, and busiest ports in the US and definately on the West Coast. I would suggest that you google map the hotel, use satelite view. Then drag the little person to enter street view. Start looking around, and then start "walking" around. I do this when ever I am making hotel reservations in an unfamiliar area. It helps me to decide if it is worth it to me to stay in a different area, that may be higher priced, but will I feel safe walking around at night. What is around to eat at, or get snacks or explore. Is there a HOHO stop close by, is there a HOHO to begin with. If I dont have a car, how am I getting to where I am going or want to go. entering street view shows me a lot of information, and I get a sense of the area. Satelite view shows stores and restaurants. Places I may be interested in going to. Gives me an idea of "ok this street for 4 blocks, then left for 2 more..." My husband is a "just right there" kinda guy, which is why we got lost in London, with dying cell phones, at 9pm, after exploring all day, and didnt want to take the tube, because the hotel was right there...you get the picture? When I was recently there, for the extra $30 a night (midweek stay) over BW I stayed at the Crown Plaza. Lots of stores and restaurants in walking distance. Had a GREAT breakfast at Happy Diner, a block away. I love Google Maps for ANYTHING that relates to me being curious about an area...including downtown of my home port, if staying there for convenience pre-cruise. I know where I do and dont want to stay, but that doesnt mean I know what is around the area.

Crown Plaza and Doubletree are highly recommended. The Best Western (in Wilmington) is an ok alternative, but not a walkable area. Mom and Pop places are cheap for a reason, and are not recommended by residents in the area. Stick with Major chain hotels. Personally, I have stayed at the Crown Plaza (recently - 2 weeks ago) and it was nice. Would definately stay there pre cruise when leaving out of San Pedro (Long Beach). They offer a shuttle, but uber shouldnt be that much.

Agree with the caution provided. I have extended family that live in Wilmington and that best western is the only one in that area they recommend. There really is nothing around there to walk TO. If you can swing the extra the crown plaza is very nice and offers a Shuttle to the port. Bit more walkable for restaurants. Family also does not recommend staying anyplace that is not a major chain. Mom and pop hotels are cheap for a reason. Stay safe.

Thank you @KeithJenner you are always so helpful with a plethora of useful information

I’m very excited about this. We have just recently started purchasing the 12 pack of the larger cartons. And have gotten through most of them, only leaving 1 behind. We like these, because we bring our flavor additives. Easier to dump into the carton, put the top on and mix it up. Rather that trying to mix it in a glass..we drink water through out the day and night, as well as the adult beverage while out and about. We are happy to pay the gratuities on the FAS standard package and don’t feel the need to upgrade to the + package

So we just turned platinum (yay for 125 day booking reservation option) We want to book a dinner for 4 (DH and I, and our FIRST TIME CRUISING KIDS) on our upcoming April 2023 cruise, If I call at 125 days, will they let me book for 4 , and put them on the reservation? or do we just book for 4 and then add them onboard to the reservation so they can use their FAS dining? Our reservations ARE linked. And of course we will decide on the day ahead of time. Also...the restaurant that we get the free bottle of wine is that in Cagney's? or is that any of them? (my BFF and her DH will be first time NCL cruisers with us in Nov 2024 on POA - so I will be using this info them too!

@BirdTravels, @casofilia - good to know that I am not the only one that completes check in the minute my reservation is booked...and how insane it drives me that I have 3 booked at the moment and cant even START the process yet. I keep checking and hoping this "21 Day" thing goes away...if not, I have discovered that the countdown is based on Miami time. so at midnight in Miami the number of days to cruise is updated. Meaning that at 9pm San Diego time on day "22", I can begin my check in...and watch the videos again. Thankfully, I am able to check in both DH and I at the same time. less stressful. I have our photos for check in on my phone/ipad, and a cheat sheet with our important numbers. Still working from home, so I have 2 monitors (plus laptop screen) and can really do it all in a minute or 2. We prefer the FIRST arrival time, so it is something that for US is important to get it done right away. Our daughter and son in law on the next cruise in April, it will be their first cruise, so I think I am going to make arrangements with them to do it all together, whether in person or online. we live in the same city and will be picking them up on the way to the port, as we go past their house. We want to witness all the first for them on this (they are going to love it), and be available for the questions they will have. CANT WAIT

You are booking what is considered a new cruise, not changing, therefore the new rules apply.

Totally get turning down the free at sea package…I always get the free at sea, here is why A glass or wine with dinner, and one more after dinner and you are done. When you don’t think about your on board spending total, because you don’t have to, it is much easier to do. I have cruised on a budget, and had no problem making the choice about, I would rather have a drink after dinner at the piano bar than with dinner, so I will wait till then. Don’t think of the weekly total, think of the daily. Think about how often you have sat on deck, and said a margarita would taste good right about now. If you never have, then you are golden. at home, I will have a single drink if we go to a steakhouse for dinner, or the local Mexican place. But we don’t drink at home (non vacation times) as a rule. If you have littles, you may not imbibe in front of them. But remember it also covers soda at $3-$4 each. i would suggest looking at you beverage total soda and adult beverage at the end of your next cruise. (Water cartons not included in package). Then add in when you wanted one, but didn’t get it…how close are you to that gratuity total? just offering a different angle that you may not have thought of before.

We always try and guess “Will it actually BE lava?” before the first cut….

I have noticed that 98% of the people that are on my CC Meet & Mingle sign up are also on other social media sites, on a more frequent basis. I have seen that the people that are NOT CC members, do not tend to go. I will invite people/guests im traveling with, that have expressed an interest specifically in cruising, and CC and want to know more to join us. so they can see what it is all about. Then they can decide for themselves about joining. There are also the people that say they are going to go, and then dont show. So it is usually balances out number wise.

And us suckers in balcony cabins

That is where I fall on it. I am good with the cup or 2 of the free stuff I have with breakfast each morning. My son in law though, he may have a hard time not getting it...haha

The aforementioned DH loves Goodfellas so I have seen it (well most of it), and Gangs of New York. I saw the last episode only on sopranos…it was a thing if you recall, so went to a party…but didn’t have HBO at the time, so never saw anything else. We have discussed watching it now though…but that would take time from The Godfather…you see our issue…we started boardwalk empire, but haven’t finished it…but come on, Steve buscemi. You know that has to be good…every documentary, of any type, we watch…we did watch The Irishman, that was good too

The standard free at sea drink package does not cover “specialty” drinks, which the Starbucks at the atrium cafe is considered. So you have to pay per drink. Which is more than you pay in a regular Starbucks store on land. Starbucks in places like an airport, or hotel are more expensive than a regular Starbucks. On the ship you are paying closer to the airport prices. My usual go to is a venti Carmel macchiato and I pay 5.45 for that at my neighborhood Starbucks. I paid 6.20 on the Star last month for a grande. Yes, the 6.20 did include an automatic gratuity. if you want the specialty coffees included in your drink package, you will need to upgrade to the premium beverage PLUS package. Here is a photo of the atrium cafe, Starbucks menu:

Correct…

I know it’s iconic..(good or bad), put a lot of names on the map…I have tried, but not fully committed to it. DH has said he will watch it with me…we just have busy lives, and have a hard time finding time to watch anything…I’m back to being a football widow/fan again. He is a HS football coach, so practice every night till late, then I go to the games on fridays. but maybe next time we have a day to do nothing we will try again. I enjoy mob movies, and he loves mob..anything.

I was on the Star last month, no Starbucks. They have the atrium cafe, where your get a limited Starbucks menu. They will auto include a gratuity automatically to your total. In addition, if you are paying per drink, they are more expensive. You can not use your Starbucks card on board, only room charges. I had the standard FAS. Did not upgrade to the plus, as we didn’t feel it was worth the added expense to buy for both of us, when I would be the only one using it. And that would be the ONLY reason for us to add it.

We are a balcony family regardless of the destination. We like having a place to retreat from the general public, without suffering from FOMO. Love the Viking Voyages commercials - they are flipping genius. I try to be aware of little pitchers with big ears in the vicinity before I start dropping f- bombs and other choice vocabulary words. and finally, I do NOT have an informed opinion on The Godfather as I haven’t seen it. DH and I do have a difference of opinion on whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

I have been successful with a door flag that DH got for me on our door. I have a hook magnet for the top and then 2 bulldog ones for the bottom. We buy magnets as souvenirs and then use them to stick stuff to the walls, (notes, shore excursion tickets, dailies....)

That makes sense...except im not the only balcony cabin doing it. those all around me are too. or if they are not, they are up on deck because we are cruising through glacier bay...so, until they install speakers on the balcony so I can hear the rangers. Or turn the balcony doors into floor to ceiling windows that dont open forcing me to the public areas...Apologies for screwing up the AC system to my former and future fellow cruisers. 🤪