TSUmom

I was just thinking the same thing with the dry erase boards. Before everyone had cell phones that is how we kept in touch on our early cruises. We all had dry erase boards on our doors and would leave messages...my how times have changed.

Your review and pictures take me back to my cruises....I can't wait to board a ship again in August. Although it will be alaska and I won't see the warm sandy beaches I am still looking forward to being onboard. Next spring we will be on the Escape!

If gratuities are included as part of your cruise deal then it should say paid on your NCL account. Look at your summary, scroll down to pre-pay gratuities - mine says paid, when I booked it was part of the "deal" I got.

Enjoying your live review!! Looking forward to more.

This is hopefully good news for us. We are on the Jewel scheduled to stop on 9/1/23 and it shows ORE. One of the main things my DH is looking forward to is the train.

We tip just as Bird does. Also on bus or van tours in most Caribbean ports the guide hints about tipping and the driver usually has a box or something similar up near him. At least that has been our experience.

Already bought them...My DH said he won't need them LOl I guarantee he will be happy to have them. I also bought waterproof daypacks to keep everything in...

As a Texan I understand those from Florida and Arizona....anything below 70 is cold to me. We will be cruising Alaska in late August and I plan on dressing for winter 😂

shadowmeboy's reviews and pictures in Alaska are the reason we decided to book our August cruise!

Congratulations to your husband and you on his retirement. Also a great big thank you for his service and as an army brat thank you for yours also.

I understand that this is a guideline and in the past I have actually tipped my room steward more than the butler and concierge. We saw the butler only a few times but he always left us treats so we tipped him. The concierge introduced herself on day one and we never needed her services or saw her again until our last morning.. Of course we tipped her also but our room steward went above and beyond - he was always smiling, sharing pictures of his family and just so friendly.

I only had my deposit when it showed available. It was under activities on my NCL for my Escape booking.

We are flying. Booked our flights from DFW to ANC to FAI through American airlines they codeshare with alaska airlines so it is all done on one ticket.

My Escape 2024 was available when I booked my cruise 3 months ago.....

Thank you for this post - I too want to thank all those that contribute with reviews. I for one read all reviews even if it is not my itinerary or ship. I live through others cruises while waiting for mine and enjoy each and every one!!

I just printed this out to save with my cruise papers....I always seem to forget the suggested amount and have to do a search. Now it will be at my finger tips - I am going to scan and add it to my desktop. Thank you!!

I always bring thank you cards and have never noticed envelopes at the concierge desk

Thank you. Mine is Aug 28th with a land tour pre cruise...

I am curious also - we are on the Jewel in late August Alaska SB and I tried looking for a FB roll call with no luck.

I am ready for normal pre-covid travel so I will smile and attend....I will be on vacation and aboard a ship and it will feel like "old times".

I have a pair of Brooks and love how lightweight they are. I am not a runner but they are great for everyday wear.

Yes they are I am looking at them now. I think I need to head to Academy and try them on. I want a proper fit since I will be wearing them a lot.

I would definitely prefer athletic shoes. I will look into the Brooks Ghost Gortex. Thank you!!

Thank you for the tip! We cruise late August early Sept so I will probably overpack ( I always do) I do not like being cold or wet and plan on layers as that is the biggest tip I have read. My biggest concern right now is shoes as I have light weight rain jackets, plenty of shirts and fleece jackets along with a hooded sweatshirt. We are taking a land tour precruise also.

We are actually thinking of a relaxing beach day pre-cruise so a hotel near a beach would be fantastic.