goldmom

Thanks everyone for all this great information. And yes, I forgot that the Latitude minutes are now gone.

DH was planning to upgrade on day 2. Is he not allowed to use any of his minutes then on day one? We have the FAS minutes and latitude minutes.

Agree, the dropping off is easy. It's the pick up that is hard. We've tried several times to get picked up in the terminal at the same place as the drop off. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. DH gets the wheelchair assist and we get a porter for luggage. They have taken us upstairs by elevator to wait for our kids to pick us up. There have been a few times where the officers wouldn't let the kids in to pick us up and another time the road got closed for a bike race (that was awful!). At that point we had to then get ourselves and our luggage across the street without the help of a wheelchair or porter. Not fun! And, even if you opt to go across the street to start with it can be difficult as the NCL employee said they are not allowed to cross the street with the wheelchair. Our next trip, we're going to try again to get picked up in front of the terminal and see how it goes. I wish they would be more consistent and actually have the procedure spelled out for mobility challenged passengers.

Thank you so much for doing this. The Gem is one of my favorite ships and we'll be on her soon. Your review will help me get through the next week or so while waiting for my turn. Thanks again. Looking forward to more!

Really strange. Hopefully you'll get it all worked out and have a great cruise. Good luck!

If you are leaving this Saturday, then it's normal for the cruise docs to disappear or be unavailable 48 hours before sailing. They always tell you to print them out before the 48 hour mark prior to sailing.

If you booked through CAS, then I would call CAS first. They may be able to offer you a better price for the upgrade. Just price it out yourself first and decide what you are willing to pay for an upgrade. I've often been pleasantly surprised with what I've been offered, but other times it's not such a great deal. You never know until you try. Good luck!

I also had trouble with getting my e-docs. The button on my cruise summary never allowed me to click it. After 2 days, I did an online chat and they said the problem was fixed and the e-docs were ready. Went back to cruise summary and still nothing. So, remembering what people said here about re-entering their phone number I clicked on the update profile link. Once I got to the profile page, lo and behold, the download e-doc button was clickable and I got the e-docs no problem. BTW, the button on the cruise summary still is not providing a link to the e-docs and I also never got an e-mail that they were ready. So, if you're all checked in check the profile page for e-docs.

Okay, don't judge me but I'm just considering the breakage aspect. Our local liquor store has these little cartons of wine. They are the size of the small NCL water cartons. Do you think they would allow me to bring those on? The rules say no boxed wine, but I'm thinking that's more those big gallon boxes. And yes, I know it's not great wine. It's just to have something to sit on the balcony with, without having to carry a glass of wine back to the cabin. And it's not like the wine in the regular drink package is anything great. LOL!

Sorry you had to miss Bermuda, but appreciate your post on what's happening. One time I went to the spa and bought over priced lotion and face wash to use up the OBC. A mani-pedi also works. Enjoy!

I understand that this will hopefully cut down on food waste, but it seems to be a very silly place to cut back. You can order as much as you want in the places included in your cruise fare (main dining room, buffet, O'sheenan's) But you can't order whatever you want in a restaurant that you are paying extra for on top of your cruise fare. How does that make sense? For me, personally I'm probably full after 3 courses but I'm sure others aren't. Also, a cruise was always a great place to try something new as you could get something else if you didn't like it. Not anymore. I'm sure we'll all adjust but it does get annoying to constantly see more and more cutbacks.

Thank you for your report and all the gorgeous pictures. I also remember Jenny from the Gem and her welcome back dancing. I was sorry she left. I think I still have her card somewhere!

I've had good and bad experiences with the pre-cruise Concierge. Lately, I have found it to be a very positive experience. They straightened out a few issues for me. Also, I gave them my list of things I would like; such as emptying out the mini-bar items, extra ice, pitcher of iced tea, pillows, lap blankets, etc. For the most part everything was done when I entered the cabin. The steward and butler both seemed to appreciate that they were able to take care of all my special requests before the other passengers started asking for things in their cabins. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We were still able to establish a rapport, but it made me feel as if I didn't need to start asking for a lot of things the first instant they saw me. I did still bring my "southerngary" letter. LOL!

Another vote for the Little White House. We really enjoyed our tour. The tour guide we had was an older gentleman who said he used to sell papers there as a kid and actually sold one to HST.

Years back the host would offer to make reservations, but that was also when they were comping the dinner. Now the casino just gives us an OBC to use however we like. I doubt that the Casino Host would have any pull and they probably don't deal directly with the restaurants anymore. But, if you have or develop a relationship with him/her go ahead and ask. Worse case they say they can't help you. Enjoy!

Thank you!

So, when you say that we can bring wine onboard without paying the corkage fee if we have the drink package, is that with the regular FAS drink package or only with the upgraded drink package? Thanks

Been having issues for a week or more. Last week all my dining reservations were missing and couldn't see any package upgrade offers. Now my offers and dining are back but I'm showing a negative balance or credit of around $300, been paid in full for months now. Think they'll credit it to me if I call. LOL!

Before covid there used to be water, soda, beer and sometimes small bottles of vodka or rum or other liquors all for a fee. When they first restarted they left the frig empty for sanitary measures. I'm not exactly sure what they are now stocking the frig with as we, like many others here, ask to have it emptied.

Is there a fee to use the pool, chairs and umbrellas in Taino Bay?

Well, looks like the Captain was too optimistic. It's 3:30 and you're still in port. Hopefully, you'll have a beautiful sail away soon. Wishing you a great cruise!

Thank you so much! Yes, we are using the Special Needs assistance which only works in the terminal. They are not allowed to cross the street (although the porter will). Last time a bike race closed off the street and it was a real struggle to get across the street to get picked up. Hopefully no road closures next time! LOL!

Really enjoying your report. Thank you for taking us along. When you arrived at the pier, did it look as if there were people waiting to be picked up at the same area as you were dropped off? DH needs a wheelchair assist and it would be much easier if he can be picked up at the terminal building instead of across the street. Thank you and have a great cruise!

I would also suggest throwing in a few Covid tests. Easier to check yourself if you feel sick than going to the medical center. I'm a notorious "just in case" overpacker too, but I have saved the day at times. Enjoy your cruise!

I've often struggled getting the picture accepted and then they seem to always take another at the pier anyway. Can you download e-docs without uploading the picture? I thought you couldn't get e-docs until all the areas had a green check mark.