davencl

I would love to know how much it would cost to charter the entire Jade or Gem... 🙂 Yes I realize if I have to ask I can't afford it. My wild quess is about $10,000,000 for 7 days. Here's a nice brochure with usefull info for all the ships, chartered or not. https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/826201_CMI_Brochure_Web2_4_26_2023.pdf

The press release notes it doesn't start until April 1. None of the sample cruises listed in the press release reflects this deal. It would be good to note price today and then price on April 1 to see if this really is "free".

Was on the Gem last August. Saw none of the issues reported. Ship is in great shape. Wouldn't hesitate to sail again.

Yes Disney just did this. Added a 5 year timeframe then credits expire.

Yes meant San Pedro...

However the whales are migrating now so you may see them. Whale watching week is this week off the coast of Oregon. Hopefully will be further north by the time you sail.

My quess is this occurred during cold engine startup. I wouldn't expect that kind of soot from a warm engine but I'm no expert.

That is what they imply but not the case. We had a Mexican riviera cruise out of san diego and used NCL transport from LAX to port. The transfer was the latest NCL would book. We had to loop the airport twice to pick up, each loop took 1 hour(yes best to avoid LAX if possible). Got to the ship 45 minutes before scheduled departure. Took 15 minutes to check in. They left on time. They started pulling up the gangway as those of us on the bus reached the end of the gangway on the ship. 🙂 That being my experience I would never count on this being the case. I would always be sure I'm on the ship 2 hours before.

I'm on the Prima april 5th. No upgrades are available if the ship is fully booked. Which is true in my case.

Thanks hadn't noticed that before. Will avoid when I see this.

Regarding Oceania, I wasn't aware that Oceania sold a "guaranteed" selection. Can someone please explain? Whenever I've booked you either selected a room or weren't able to even start booking that category.

Just noticed my AMEX blue cash card has a new offer from Oceania. $200 off $1000. May be worth checking your card. Note my AMEX Delta card has no offer which is typically the case.

Yes we were on that tender too. I fully understand when the captain chooses to play it safe after that experience. And the sea "didn't look that bad"...

And just like that Donna is back from the dead.... Showing up now for our April 5 sailing.

Oh no you've let everyone in on the secret. 🙂 🙂

FWIW this was San Pedro but we used NCL transport from the airport. We flew in same day(I would not do this but had no choice for this cruise}. Didn't have an option to fly in earlier the same day. The NCL transport had to circle LAX twice which took 2 hours or so. Didn't get to the ship until 4PM, ship sailed at 5PM. Yes they say must be on ship 2 hours before but then there are exceptions. However I would not count on it... You'll be fine either way. Big advantages of a later checkin: No line, you get right on the ship. You can go directly to your room.

Yes there is a concierge located in the Lounge. I didn't have occassion to use as the butler takes care of things like restaurant reservations etc. There is food in the Lounge. Breakfast items in the morning snacks at other times.

Lounge access is 24x7 and there is a coffee machine inside.

The best steak I've ever had was in Ocean Blue. Go figure... 🙂

Haha, Us too we have a couple dozen sheep. However that tour appeared to be very popular during our cruise with 3 or 4 busloads(of people not sheep 🙂 )...

Was this just started today?

On our recent cruise on the Marina the CD (Peter the shoe) specifically stated after the show each night he would answer any questions as we were leaving except for when or how to get a tender ticket for independant tours. Very adament about it too.

I'm not sure of the proper term but seems too many steps. Or perhaps I like simple and the ability to taste the underlying food. I have great respect for chefs that can make good tasting food regardless of the base but I like simple.

It was in Puerto Montt, Chile. The Volcano and waterfall tour. It was an 8 hour tour. Feb. 12.

Yes this worked for us on recent Marina Antarctica cruise. Called to get on waitlist. Thought we were out of luck but got informed the day we boarded the vessel and entered our stateroom. The tickets were in a separate envelope. A nice surprise.