*MoonLady*

I recently embarked in Athens. Im looking at the same cruise, BTW. Athens is easy to get around. Are you spending any time in Athens, upon disembarkation? If so, I used "Welcome Pickups." You can schedule your pick up time, tell them the # of passengers and pieces of luggage. You will get a picture of your driver, as well. You can schedule the transportation to your hotel or lodging address and/or to the airport. Your biggest obstacle will be Trieste if flying in. Decide on if you plan on staying in actual Venice or Trieste. That will determine what you can do in terms of transport.

Thanks for the level head.

That's your opinion.

I think SoloAlaska means that one can change the number of passengers to 1 but still have the ability to book other classes of cabins. That's true. I've considered booking another class and would grab a balcony if it was reasonable. But, your key card will not allow you in the solo lounge if you don't have a solo studio. So, make sure that you go to the meet up on the first night and that way other solos will recognize you and let you in.

Sorry, key card...that activates the doors.

The key to having the solo cabin is being organized so the space doesn't feel as cramped. You will have plenty of storage and as long as you are neat, you will enjoy it. You will have the living room space that has sweets, water, tea/coffee machine, tables, chairs, tv, and a small library, the Epic has books. The Epic and Breakaway class has bars in tge lounge. Newer ships above appear as they dont. Definitely no bar on the Escape. You can access the living room 24/7, but they may pull the pastries out at night. They have trays set out so you can put dishes on so you don't have to wait for your cabin steward to take. I rarely bring food into my cabin but with come back with a cocktail and water. I might bring back pizza or order room service. I just drop it off when Im done or on my way out. Great place to grab coffee thats not a trekk to the buffet or restaurant and fill my water bottle before an excursion. Also, you, if you chose, will make new friends solo cruising, too. I try to balance my alone time and social time. That's up to you and your personality traits.

Yes they do, maybe another title is solo cruise coordinator. It's a crewmember dedicated to solo cruisers. He or she will plan activities, dinners, etc. depending upon the solo cruiser participatants interests. They host the meet and greet everyday. The ones I've had have been helpful with scheduling or changing dinner plans that I had.

If I ever see a child, I'm reporting it immediately. That's no place for a kid. Shame on the parent who allowed it and those who let them in. I don't let anyone in the studio area. If they don't have a keyboard, they don't belong there.

NCL doesn't offer self service. I do not recall having the choice of wash only. You can probably ask housekeeping once you are ready. I agree with the others, sink or shower was yourself. There is a clothesline in the shower, you can bring some pins.

Hi, wondering how we should cash tip on our mediterranean cruise. Should we tip in EUROs or USD?

Hi, has anyone flewn into Israel prior to sailing from the Haifa Port. We are staying in Old City prior and just trying to figure out the best way to transport from Jerusalem to the Haifa Port. Bus? Train? Sherut? No private car. I am traveling with 2 others who are not as traveled as I am so just need to figure out something that is not as stressful for them but on a budget.

Thank you, Traveling Man! very informative and helpful.

Hi, I just booked the disembarkation Cruise Train to the airport. Has anyone taken it? What was it like? It looks like I will have to disembark very early before restaurants open. Are there food options? Is it assigned seating, etc. Please no comments if you have not experienced directly. Thanks.

Thank you so much. I was considering buying a pass but shall save my money since it doesn't have the typical NCL suite program.