The WOTTE Quick Drying Water Shoes from Amazon have been excellent for beach excursions requiring a stronger shoe, but I also carry dive socks (aqua socks) for use off of the water-sports platform.

14 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

What does this mean?

It means someone wants to negotiate a different deal than the one the cruise line is offering.  The good news is the cruise line will happily take their money at the listed upgrade price and still give them the points.

56 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

If you can’t do it online, just call. We are 7, so need an 8 top, no issues.

Ditto!

1 hour ago, MrsTocko said:

On the bliss we would CHOOSE decks 10-14. 👍

We've never had an ash/soot issue with an aft facing balcony and the view is awesome.  Choose a higher deck to minimize the noise of the wake, but not under a deck with heavy public areas, e.g., Garden Cafe.  I've got a pair of aft balconies booked on the Bliss next month.

Boarding wellness check?  Do you mean the health status form?  Trying to decide what time...?

Sounds like a great way to get the payers...uh players...back on board.  Now, If they would only put a $1.00/$2.00 TH table on the ship, I'd be All In (where you must use $2.00 bills, see:)

Buy a clear sleeve that can be attached to your lanyard.  Now that the cards are basically RFID's, holes are out.

On 1/31/2023 at 1:54 PM, Liljo22 said:

Based off your map, are you telling everyone not to cruise?  Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Jamaica are all on the bad list.  Haiti is do not travel so should we avoid Labadee?  Is the DR ok?  How do we know that Haiti risk won't makes its way into the DR?  

I didn't create the map; this is the recommendation of the U.S. State Dept.  You can take it or ignore it as you desire.  I've traveled the world to places cruise ships never go.  I've found myself in countries at the outset of military overthrows.  I've studied our allies and adversaries, and served to protect us from the latter.  I think I have a solid sense of danger around me as I travel, but there are places I won't go.  Everyone must make that decision for themselves @Liljo22.

On 1/7/2023 at 9:51 PM, Liljo22 said:

The Cartels are not targeting tourists.  There has been gang violence between gangs which have killed tourists but not gangs purposely attacking tourists.

Oh wow - That will make your family feel so much better when you get shot that they were not targeting you.  How comforting. 🥴 💀 🐀

27 minutes ago, 9tee2Sea said:

Fly Aegean Air ( Leave around 1:30pm) Athens to London Heathrow.  1.5 hour layover to change planes, then fly Non-stop on Virgin Atlantic back to Los Angeles

Good luck with Aegean Air.  We flew that route from ATH to LHR this past summer and Aegean's not an on-time airline.  We arrived at LHR too late to make our connection and there was no Aegean agent on duty at the airport to assist us.  Nearly six months later we are still doing battle with them to refund the costs we incurred for an overnight stay (as required by European regs.).  I hope your flight is on time, otherwise brace for a challenge.

On 1/21/2023 at 1:49 PM, FLAHAM said:

What are “dress shorts?”

Kilts

15 hours ago, bowlinmoe said:

I think we can all agree that the atrium area on the NCL ships is horrible in terms of making the vast majority of show watchers stand.

NOPE!

On 1/15/2023 at 1:33 PM, zqvol said:

Stock up all you want but they are difficult to spend 

Not once have I had an issue spending a $2 bill.

Ever since NCL "improved" its website, I've noted that it adds the gratuity for the UBP to all guests, even though it does not apply.  If you call your PCC or NCL to book, they will only charge the adult in the room.

13 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

Suggestion:  Be very brief.  Facts only, no opinions or sensationalizing.  Clear statement of exactly what you want.  

 

Like it or not, be aware that you will get at most 10 seconds of attention from whomever gets that e-mail.

And, a concise, well reasoned inquiry will likely receive a an equally well reasoned response.

Katty Byrd, Senior Vice President, Guest Services
vicepresidentguestservices@ncl.com

1 hour ago, geopuzzle said:

This summer my family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids) will all stay in one O5 cabin.  My parents will be staying in the room next to us, also an O5 cabin, though they are only 2 people.  The rooms are on separate reservations.  My parents have offered multiple times to have my son sleep in their cabin on the convertible couch.  Is this allowed?  Can we ask for bedding to put on their couch?    

Totally permissible - do it often.

@ChiefMateJRKand @BirdTravelswere spot-on in their responses.  But, if you happen to be in The Haven or a high-end suite, you also have the flexibility to send your dining desires to your Concierge and leave it in their hands to arrange your reservations.  Trust me, it works!

On 12/30/2022 at 1:06 PM, BugsyCruiser said:

Let me clarify what I meant with my post. It's the fact that NCL is raising the gratuities but in the article it says they're reducing the salaries of the attendants. The once a day housekeeping doesn't bother me at all. 

 

I know cruise lines all do nickel and diming to a certain extent but, again just my opinion, NCL is ridiculous with it. 

If you read the industry insider background, they also are reducing staff in housekeeping as contracts expire.  Less service + higher cost - staff = a less pleasant experience. IMHO

It's only an issue if Santa is on the balcony above you for his post-Christmas cruise and is still smoking that damnable pipe and cleaning his soiled suit/boots. 🎅🚭

The answer is a good news/bad news situation. 😜

Based on NCL's latest policy change, "... the reduction in daily housekeeping service will have a positive impact on the company’s “commitment to environmental sustainability”, and aligns with current “standard practices in the cruise and hotel industries by conservation of water, energy and reducing the use of chemicals.”

“Over the last two-plus years., the collective hospitality industry has evolved tremendously. From airlines, hotels and cruise lines, a new travel environment has emerged with renewed preferences in all aspects of the guest's travel experience Environmental sustainability is on stage more than ever and will continue to play a crucial role in all business practices now and into the future."

So yes, you get daily laundry service - your own laundry tub on the open deck complete with a wringer, clothes line and a bar of Lava soap to get those difficult stains out.

6 minutes ago, KSSS2013 said:

 

 Nice, I would have thought it was a tube of free sunscreen!

Sorry, that one is TOFsU30 🏖️

7 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

Gratias tibi ago!

non forsit

On 12/28/2022 at 4:45 PM, ulster-cruiser said:

"According to NCL the reduction in daily housekeeping service will have a positive impact on the company’s “commitment to environmental sustainability”, and aligns with current “standard practices in the cruise and hotel industries by conservation of water, energy and reducing the use of chemicals.”  “Over the last two-plus years., the collective hospitality industry has evolved tremendously."

Can you spell WOKE?

Work less, but still expect to receive more, e.g., higher DSC.

Overtly virtue signal that you are protecting the environment.  What’s next – sharing pool towels?

Keep up with the Joneses, i.e., RCCL since they did it first.

Equity for all, well except for the Cultural Elite who are willing to pay more.