Teibban

If you're sailing the Breakaway later this year or early next year, there is indeed a stop at Belize City... There are plenty of excursions available, or are you only looking for an NCL excursion? It may be too early to look, as they have not visited Belize City for quite some time.

Thanks. I was looking on the NCL website to see what they offer. As we have 2 young kids with us, I prefer to book this one through NCL so NCL is responsible for everything (getting us back to the boat) so the kids are not rushed as we wish to visit some ruins there. Will check if there is a change of port or if the excursions will appear at the 120days mark.

Harvest Cay is the stop for Belize. As far as I know their are no longer excursions thru Belize City on NCL.

 

This might help.... https://www.ncl.com/shore-excursions/search?destination=Caribbean+Cruises&port=BPI

 

https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/harvest-caye

Ok but we have cozumel, harvest caye, belize city and costa maya as stops. Will it be just skipped or replaced by another stop like Roatan?

Hi everyone,

I have been looking since we reserved our cruise last Black Friday 2017 and it seems I cannot find on the NCL website the shore excursions for Belize City. I read somewhere that since Harvest Caye opened, NCL was maybe checking to change Belize City for another stop. Is that true? Or if someone can send me a link to check the shore excursions that would be great.

Thanks

Jonathan

Hi everyone,

After our first 2 cruises (NCL Getaway and RCCL OTS) we are now trying a third cruiseline, Carnival. We have looked at the Carnival Breeze 7 nights from Galveston going to Belize, Mahogany Bay and Cozumel for next March 4th 2018. I have several questions for you who have been with Carnival before:

1- Is there a link to see an up to date MDR menu? Only ones I found are from 2015 unless they are still the same :)

2- How is Anytime dinning? Is there a lot of time waiting if going with kids around 6PM?

3- Does Carnival have wine packages like pick 5 from a list for a fixed price?

4- How is Galveston currently? 6 months should be enough to fix everything from the Hurricane?

5- Kids will be 6 and 9 and merely speaks English (French is our primary language). Anyone knows if they have any French speaking personnel at the kids club? this is a long shot and not a deal breaker at all :)

6- Does Carnival have sometimes promotion including the alcohol package?

7- Looking at ************* website as in Canada we have rarely nice OBC promotions from travel agents. I got offer from different travel agents such as CruiseOne etc... Are this reliable? If someone from Canada knows a good travel agent that offer perks, please let me know :)

Thanks all for your help. After this cruise, we will choose with which one NCL, RCCL and Carnival we will stick. At the moment NCL is #1 for us but might have been an off week for RCCL but service and food was not as good as NCL for us.

Jonathan

Norwegian Getaway May 2014

RCCL Oasis of the Seas February 2016

Hi everyone, on NCL and RCCL we could reserve how times ahead of time. Seems like I cannot do it on the Princess cruise website. Is that normal?

Thanks

Jonathan

Hi everyone,

Just came back several weeks ago from my cruise in WesternCaribbean (February 26th departure) with the Oasis of the Seas andwould like to offer to all the members for this forum my personal opinionbetween the OTS and the NCL Getaway.

I will not compare the excursions/stops as OTS was Western andNCL was Eastern Caribbean. I will compare only what is comparable soEmbarkation/Disembarkation, restaurants, Drinks, service, rooms etc...

1- Embarkation:

Getaway was our first cruise and OTS our second. So we did nothave any recognition on each of them yet. Both went fairly smoothly but withGetaway we had a stroller with 2 young kids which they boarded us priority.With OTS we were assigned the number 10 for embarkation and from security toembarkation, everything took less than 30min. I would say it is a draw for thispoint. However, Port of Miami is much more easy to access with taxi/shuttlethan Port Canaveral where we had to wait in the shuttle for more than 30min.

2- Rooms:

OTS rooms and Getaway rooms are similar in size. On Getaway, wehad the pullman bed and sofa near the bathroom while on OTS we had them nearthe balcony. This seemed like the room was a little bit smaller. All in all,both had great space for clothing and luggages fit under bed in both cases.Great news on OTS as you do not have anymore to ask to empty the fridge.Balcony on OTS is larger which is nice when taking breakfast the 4 of us on thebalcony. Rooms are a little more dated (older ship) on OTS but still very clean.Getaway was only 3 months after her first trip in Caribbean so it seemed morenew. I would give a slight advantage to the OTS on this one because of thelarger balcony.

3- Restaurants/MDR/Menus

OTS is filled with free food and therefore we did not try any ofthe specialty restaurants and only went to the Windjammer once for breakfastand once for dinner. Rest of the time was MDR for breakfast and Dinner exceptfor 2 times room service for breakfast. Also went for lunch at Sabor ($), Café Promenadeand Park Café. With the Getaway we went 1 time for dinner at the MDR and 1xTeppanyaki, 1x brazilian steak house and the rest at the buffet. Buffet forbuffet, we found that the food on the Getaway was better. MDR menus on the OTSseemed to be similar with the Getaway and we had very good service on bothships. Buffet on the Norwegian was never crowded and Windjammer was a completemess. No waiting time at MDR for OTS using the reservation and My TimeDining. Big difference is that OTS offers many more free options thanGetaway which helped us avoid the Windjammer. The thing we loved on the Getawayis that the buffet has seatings right outside. Overall, we will give a slightedge to the Getaway on this matter.

4- Entertainment

On the Getaway, we went to Burnthe Floor only. The Illusionist was paid and I would not pay for it. On theOasis, we went to CATS, Oasis of Dreams, The Headliner show, Come Fly with Meand Frozen in time. CATS was a little bit long and had to leave with 1 of thekids. Oasis of Dreams was amazing and Come Fly with Me and Frozen in Time(where my kids got picked on the ice) were also amazing. Headliner show wasjust ok with the 5 guys singing and making the music/sound by themselves withoutany instruments. Overall, Oasis is way ahead of NCL on this topic. Best part ofour cruise.

5- Activities for Kids (5 and8)

Getaway had the splash parkand the waterslides. There was also a kiddie pool but so small. Pools ingeneral on the Getaway are way too small and the same for the hot tub. On theopposite, the OTS had much more pools and no problem to find any seats aroundany of them. No waterslides but the kids had fun with the Carrousel and findingthe treasures on the Oasis. They also had fun on the mini-putt and the sportcourse. They were too small for rock climbing, zip lining and flowrider. OTSseems for me more targeting family with teens while Norwegian seems to be targetingthe families with your children. Overall, on the view of the kids it is a drawbut for an adult, OTS is way better.

6- Bars/Drinks

To be noted, we did not takeany drinking package on both cruises. Not worth it with 2 young kids whenmostly drinking during dinner. Getaway seemed to have more wine by the glassand the prices were cheaper (in 2014). Maybe this changed though. We also tooksome specialty cocktails and they all seemed to not have a lot of alcohol onOTS. Machines for wine by the glass on the Getaway (did not see any on the OTS)was helpful for a late night drink on the balcony. Overall it is a draw for usand it is not a point of sale when selecting a cruise.

7- Service

This is where Getaway shinescompared to OTS. While people were friendly on the OTS, on the Getaway, theywere playing with the kids, smiling, asking us everytime how we were doing etc…much more friendly on the Getaway. Our room attendant on the OTS did his jobbut not more. On the Getaway, he was bringing cookies in the room before dinnertime for the kids, was making setups with their plush toys etc… I have seendifference in the staff nationality also. On Getaway, they were mainly comingfrom South East Asia while on the OTS, we mainly had people from the Caribbeanand from China. Maybe, it is in the personality which is different. Same thingat the bar, went mostly on the OTS Sabor bar and while there was no one, staffwas mainly talking together without coming to see you. Getaway had people withglass of water, wet towels etc.. when coming back to boat. Overall, we willgive an edge to Getaway on this matter.

8- Excursions

While I will not compare theexcursions (Getaway: Sint-Marteen, St-Thomas and Nassau vs OTS: Labadee,Falmouth, Cozumel), I can say that for both cruise we had 1 stop we could haveavoided (Nassau and Falmouth) and 2 that we really loved. However, Getaway ismuch more organised for the excursions initiated by the cruise company. It wasvery clear where to go with the Getaway, while in Falmouth with OTS, we had tosearch for 10 min because we could not find the lady with the sign. Excursionsseemed to be priced similarly by both companies. In other words, try to arrangeyourself locally to pay cheaper (did in Sint Marteen and in Cozumel).Disembarkation for the excursion is much more smooth on the OTS even if it is abigger ship. Overall a draw on this one.

9- Cruise Ship Layout

OTS being a bigger ship, wethought it could be nightmare walking around. However, reading on CruiseCritics made ourselves confident it should be no problem… and there was absolutelyno issue at all, even at the end of shows. Getaway on the other side can be anightmare. Also, you have often to go through the casino which I did not likeat all. Advantage to OTS on this one.

10- Passengers

Much more kids on the NCLthan the OTS.I would say that on NCL the average adult age was 35-40 while onOTS was closer than 50. While being on OTS we had 2 Alpha Alpha Alpha calls, 2helicopters to pick up people at Labadee and had to go back to Cozumel afterhaving left for 30 min for an emergency but this did not alter our experienceat all. I would say that in general our kids behave well but sometimes they canrun. Overall, people in the OTS seemed to appreciate them (a lot recognizedthem later on in the cruise after the Frozen in Time show). Different mood buta draw here for us.

11- Disembarkation

Getaway was a nightmare. Whencalled by our number, we had to wait 2hrs to disembark. Imagine doing that withthe a 3 and 6yrs kids. OTS, 25min from getting called to getting to theshuttle. Much more smooth. I understand this can be problems coming fromcustoms but in my view, it is part of the complete satisfaction from a cruise.Advantage to OTS.

Overall we appreciated bothcruises, and the kids more importantly also appreciated both. We will choosewhich company we go on next time based on the itinerary and not on the company.NCL has a nice South America Cruise I am looking at (Santiago to Buenos Aires)while RCL has a nice one going from NY to the eastern isles of the Caribbean.

If you have any questions,let me know and I will try to answer my best.

Jonathan

Just purchased the voom and stream package for 1 device...5.41 CAD... paid 4 months ago close to 13$ per day... more than half the price.

Thanks OP for this thread.

Jonathan

Hi Everyone,

Finally we are going to do like many people suggested here and rent a car from AVIS (Thanks Costco for this amazing price) to get from the airport to our hotel prior to the cruise and drop it in the morning at the rental agency. Questions I have:

1- If I drop off to the AVIS rental, there is a shuttle to the port. Anyone knows if it is long to get on the shuttle? Ususally they are like every 30min? We are planning to leave the car on Sunday morning around 10AM.

2- Returning from the cruise, is there a shuttle to AVIS also to pick up the car and get to our hotel in Melbourne or should I just grab a taxi? Does anyone see any problem getting a car quickly if I get off the ship late (around 9AM)?

Thanks all

Thank you so much for your quick answer

Can you use it in MDR during dinner?

Jonathan

Anyone have done the western route with Oasis from Port Canaveral and knows when the drink cards appear? Thanks

Jonathan

Hi everyone,

Thinking about taking the 3 night specialty dining special and was wondering how it works for kids. We have 2 kids, 5 and 8, and it seems the youngest one is free and the oldest q0$ if theyselect from the kid's menu. When doing reservagion they charge full price.

I know I will get credited bjt what is best to do? Reserve and get credit or add them to the 3 reservations once on board?

Thanks all

Jonathan

Hi everyone,

Been on NCL only before (mainly for the slides for the kids) and will be on Oasis end if February. Is there a day during the cruise there is a special price on laundry? NCL had a fixed price for 1 bag with 3 days left to the cruise.

Thanks

Jonathan

Last day is pretty useless

But 3 days before end is not bad as there are 2 sea days and 1 port.

Oh ok. Tought they were always showing up but at different times.

Hopes for a good discount too then 😁

Thanks Bob for quick answer

Hi everyone,

Will be on the Oasis departing on February 26th with DW and both kids. Instead of taking the drink package (still need to supervise kids 5 and 8), we were thinking of getting 1 or 2 drink cards unless there is substantial discount. Anyone knows when they show up during the Western Caribbean cruise?

Thanks all for the help

Jonathan

Anyone also got this email? My shore excursion was reduced by 20% but the deluxe drink package still same price (64$ cad). Anybody has a discount on it?

Hi everyone,

We will be there in February and was wondering how are the falls for kids 5 and 8? Heard some people saying it was too dangerous but RCI is listing the excursion ok for the family.

Thanks in advance for your advice

Jonathan

Hi everyone,

Travel Agent made the reservation for Oasis in February 2017 today... YAY... With the price I got I am happy to be Canadian and not American today lol. Got my reservation number and linked it with my RCI account on their website. Is there a delay to be able to reserve shows or activities?

I can reserve/purchase anything with a price but for these it says sorry cannot access please try onboard.

Wrote to RCI but did not get a feedback yet.

Thanks all

Jonathan

Thanks a lot for the quick answer Bob.

Also, I read there is some drinking cards that you can purchase. 10 drinks for 70 to 90$. Anyone know the day on the Oasis this pops up?

Hi everyone, thanks for being so resourcefull... really like this forum.

Here are a few other question I have:

1- for the scrapbooking activity and the jewelry making, they mention on the website that material fees may apply. Anyone know the fees?

2- In a balcony room, is there a lock at the top of the balcony door as there was on the NCL boat we took? Asking because of 2 young kids accompanying us.

3- Does the new refreshment package includes starbucks? And is it the same price if I buy it on board or prepay for it?

Thanks again

Jonathan

Might be a long shot but our native language is French and my 2 kids which are 5 and 8 does not really speak English (oldest starting to learn this year). Anyone knows if they have any personnel in the kid club speaking French? We are sailing on the Oasis in February 2016 from Port Canaveral.

Thanks all.

Jonathan

Thanks everyone. Looks like we will go with the drink package for me and the coffee card for her. I know frappuccinos from Starbucks are not included but what about the iced coffees from the café promenade?

I really look forward to cruise on the Oasis.

Hi everyone,

Just reserved a cruise on the Oasis and read that compared to NCL not everyone in a room needs to take the drink package. Is that true?

Asking this because my SO is not drinking alcool but would love to have 1 or 2 starbucks coffee a day. Would that look bad if I took the package for 1 person and then take alcool for me and coffee for her?

Thanks for your advice