JayfromBNA

I revised a previously booked Encore Thanksgiving 2020 cruise out of NYC.   We were booked in oceanview, but revised reservation to a balcony, rate actually went down, but dining perk did go to two nights and that's not the end of the world.  Not sure if we'll actually cruise, but at this point, I need something to look forward to.

Thank you for taking the time to review this voyage! I've yet to make the 7th continent, but it's on my bucket list.

15 minutes ago, CabinForOne said:

 

I'm booked on this cruise too.  I was attracted by the no single supplement as well.  Did you happen to notice that embarkation on 9/9/20 is listed as 3PM and disembarkation on 9/13/20 is 2PM?  The disembark time especially will mean later flights out of San Diego.  On the other hand, it means a leisurely morning and lunch onboard!

I'm on the October 3 voyage on l'Austral. We embark between 4 -5 pm and shove off at 6; docking in SD is also 2PM!

Thank you for the write up on the Ocean Voyage, Gary. I've been sporadically looking at this board sand your opinion is appreciated. Sorry to see the hiccup you encountered.

I'm booked solo along with four friends also travelling solo in October 2020 from Vancouver to San Diego. This will be my first foray into small ship ocean cruising, and am really looking forward to it. The no single supplement rates offered on our voyage looked like a good value for money.

Yes. I booked directly over the telephone. The website acted quirky. Since I called, I got the $300 first cruiser discount.

Just booked a no single supplement cabin on Ponant.  Four nights Vancouver to San Diego. Great rates online to see the options and cabins,  but if you're new to this line, call and get the $300 first time Ponant cruiser discount. Expires mid July.  Several other no single supplement cruises, although none quite as inexpensive as this voyage.

All in, it's just around $1080, but that's not the lowest category.  (25% deposit required, balance 60 days prior to sailing) What I hope to be a more luxurious experience, upgraded cuisine + four days at sea with other friends traveling solo for my 50th birthday.

The cabin assignment fairy has granted us 14302 on an upcoming Escape Bermuda sailing (from balcony guarantee!).  I'm very, very happy to have this cabin. My traveling companion sleeps light.  Wondering from others who have sailed in aft facing rooms on 13/14/15 if you can hear much out of Spice H2O at night during the parties?

Reading and posting for my mother, who departs on Tauck 12/2 from Cologne to Basel.  Tauck speaks in the river cruise line jargon the others use.

On the SS Antionette, is there a companion ship that would also make the trip south -bound?

I'd be interested to hear from any Tauck 2018 Christmas Markets cruisers on their experiences.

Following along too....Please take good care of her....I'm on board for the Mexican Riviera cruise departing 5th October

Mr Sanchos was a great time for our group in October 2017. The food the hard working waiters bring from the kitchen is much better than the bbq/buffet. The beach and pools were nice and clean. It was a great way to spend the day. Make reservations!

I changed my booking to a GTY Balcony this past Saturday for the Bliss Mex Riviera, 8th October. Today I was assigned a 9th floor port cabin forward. (forward of Distrist Brew House). I'm happy. Wondering if these balconies are deeper to cover some of the Large Balcony cabins on 8? Does anyone know.?

NCL BLISS, OCT 5 - 13, MEXICAN RIVIERA...SOLO CRUISERS SPECIAL. Guarantee BALCONY, with two 'free' promos, $1574 +tax (1847). Sail away balcony rates are even lower without the 'free' promos.

Yo Rick, I've got a contact buzz from lookin at these shenanigans... I saw your name on a spreadsheet for the upcoming Bliss Mexican Riviera....are you booked on this one too?

Jay

A lunch of leisure with wine once onboard is perhaps the best way to ease into a cruise. Set your pace with the wait staff, and tip at the end even though you don't have to.

I'm going solo on the 5th October 2018 Mexican Riviera cruise out of LA. Loved the Escape last year, and I'm hoping to avoid the worst of hurricane season by going out of LA. This will be my first solo cruise where I didn't have friends/family also on board, so I'm hoping to make new friends on board.

On Star 24th May, 2019 departure - Greek Isles cruise and hoping someone posts more about this year's experience at the ports. Our nine night cruise is port intensive with no sea days. I can't wait.

This article is a great resource for those of us who still have friends on the fence about a cruise.

Charters are always an option. I had exceptional food, service and attitude on a charter out of St. Thomas. However, it was $18,000 for a week on a small 45' sailboat with a captain and first mate, both of whom served in every capacity to the highest standard. You're on NCL - even its Haven is mass market. NCL is, as it should be, beholden to its owners and stock holders. Smiles, attitude, ability and graciousness are no longer given unknowingly by the workers.

In October 2017 our group stayed for one night at the Hampton Inn Midtown Miami. There's a brew pub just around the corner (like a four minute walk out the front door) that worked great for an evening meal. The hotel was opened in 2017 and was very comfortable and clean. It's also centrally located and close for Uber / Lyft to downtown, South Beach and the Port of Miami.

RE: Maya Chan -- Really enjoying this review as I was also on the 10/7 ESCAPE Western Caribbean. Our group of 19 made it to Maya Chan, and enjoyed the day. The food was totally delicious, and the service warm and hospitable. The water wasn't the most clear, but they have toys and raft type implements for kids of all ages. Pro Tip: Mosquito repellant would have helped out following the brief rain we experienced. Make sure to take a change of clothes for post-beach fun/return to the ship.

Bargains all of October on NCL Escape. Single cruiser discount gets a balcony for $649 some sailings, inside rooms even cheaper. Western Caribbean itinerary.

I'm on the 7th October Escape voyage, Eastern Caribbean. Photographs are devastating. I'd be shocked if the islands are ready by then, but if they are, I will happily go and spend my money in local places.

Those of us lurking on these boards for info/details on how to 'save' a dollar, or 'keep something' from those greedy NCL hands really need to identify themselves for all involved. What decent person wants to eat with a real, maniacal cheapskate? You're probably used to eating something extra in your food; hard working people can spot your type a mile away. If I give a dollar more tip, I've had a dollar more enjoyment.

Really well done! Thanks for sharing. Besides a GoPRO, what did you shoot the footage with?

Thank you so much for the time and effort you've put into this review. I'm on the Eastern Caribbean Escape routing in early October, counting down the days, and really enjoyed your review.