NW Pacific

our experience in Le Bistro many a time, closed toe shoes for men required, Hubby wears them as recent as Sept., do not know if that "rule" has changed or enforced.  It used to be for sure   

This is really scary.  NCL insurance I found out is strange, would not even give me a email confirmation that I had insurance with them or a confirmation #.  Only used once. never again.  Most other travel insurance I have bought would kick in with trip interruption clause??   Have friends flying with NCL this weekend, they asked for the deviation 2 days before cruise.  Well 2 of them got it, the other 2 not so.  Yes the 2 without should have looked closer at their email's confirmations.   We used NCL Air once, it worked out, but it was a direct flight. Never would I go with that plan again.,

So glad I watched video, no way would I pay for the Haven experience without the Observation Lounge on the Bliss and I think Joy.  the Breakaway and Getaway do not have them but I was wrongly under impression Escape did.   thanks for getting me in the know.  

mmooreark:  thanks for the info about John, gosh darn, he was so excited about Christmas with his kids.

the crab sandwich on the Bliss last 2 times, pretty tasty!  Would only go to American Diner since it was "free" for Haven Day 1.  Another experience.

Aruba beautiful but very windy

mmoorerark:    We have sailed many times with John the concierge, last time Sept. this year on Bliss, Alaska.  thought he was going on his 
"leave" before the Ship repositioned to Mexico.  He was excited about spending Christmas with his family.  Could you possibly ask him if he scheduled to be home for Christmas??

only problem I think is that your edocs  do not get completed without photo, I have read that you can still board without edocs, just need your original email confirm from NCL (or maybe not, your name should show up somewhere as being a paid passenger?)   and of course passports, etc.  Last two cruises since this new online check in started, had photos taken again at the Port checking in.  Have no idea why this is required????????????  

We were never weighed in 2020, but I do think this a good thing, same for everybody, not just selecting those who look a little over the limit  

San Pedro embarkation process:  last 2 times departing from there, you get inline outside, there is a very large white tent area you enter to go through security, then into a real building.  At that point you are directed to a large " seating" area.  there is a "latitudes" section you may be directed to, if fortunate enough to be in Haven, a small waiting area.  this was our experience in 2020 and 2022 January.  Will say, it is not the best experience, but doable.  The length of the line getting into the "tent area "will vary upon when you arrive.  Everyone wants on early so 11am to noon seems to be the rush.  If I had a choice, I would fly out of LGB.   We do carry off our own luggage the last 2 times, have been to LAX within 30 minutes max.  But was on a weekend.  Once at LAX, horrible crowding, have had to wait for a seat in the gate area to even become available. I will say curb to gate at LAX if not in first class was one LONG LONG line, but that's just my experience.

Breakaway, Bliss, Dawn, Gem, Getaway, Jewell, Joy, Pearl, Sky, Spiri, Star, Sun

Dwayne G:  think you have it covered, if the name and contact number is for "emergency contact". use daughters info in those spaces

Did Bliss from LA , January 2021, I think the 10th.  (7 day),   Long pants first day, then shorts .  Cabo should be nice and warm, Ensenada a little cooler.   San Pedro was maybe a light jacket weather night before and day of boarding.

 I will say Cagney's is a very popular choice of restaurants.  On our Bliss Cruise in September, it was FULL, thus not a quiet type dinner.   More like the noise level in one of the MDR, not complaining just stating it is not a quiet zone dining experience.  Guess every Ship experience can be different.

The Joy and Bliss are pretty much alike, the Encore I haven't been on, but similar I have read.  think different activities, entertainment onboard for all 3. A balcony cabin for 4 people I guess is doable, I would never put myself in that crowded position, the Club Balcony I believe just has a larger bathroom.  If you can afford it, get two rooms.  Maybe an inside across from the balcony.  Know kids can't be assigned a cabin, but once you get onboard sleeping arrangements can be changed easily.  Just my opinion.

Extra charge for movies on demand unless in Haven- at least our experience  (7.95??)

Six was on the Bliss Sept. 2022 Alaska Cruise

At least in the Haven no more paper laundry bags.   they are "plastic" type.  We did not need to laundry but used the bag to put dirty clothes in, and took home,

Have no idea why NCL requires you take a photo online when completing registration at the 21 day mark.  Since they have done this, both cruises we have been on, they took photos at check in.??  I know it can sometimes be a real pain to get photos uploaded into system.  Wish they would do away with that,

I have walked from Doubletree to the entrance to the Port, for my morning walk, before taking the shuttle to the Pier.  It will be partly downhill   after getting out of the marina area.  I was not towing luggage.  Early morning 8-9am, little traffic but pay attention to crossings as you get near the Port.  Once at the Port there will be traffic/pedestrian issues.  Doable for sure 

FYI, Lobster thermidor has a $25.00 up charge at Le Bistro

hmm, have a good cruise!!!

Curious how many passengers coming home with Covid after cruising in last 30 days or there abouts?  We did along with many others on Alaska Cruise, Bliss, departing Sept. 10th.  thankfully very mild.  Fully vaxed and boosted.

We  pack light, one roller board and backpack which we  do  not give up at the Port.  Easy.  Too many times notices delivered to room with pictures of "lost luggage" not making it to rooms.  I know everyone has their comfort zone with travelling, this is  just our way

Lobster thermidor is an additional charge if you have the dining package or your latitudes coupon  (25.00).    for Le Bistro, at least on the Bliss sailing Sept. 10th.