drpclarke
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Posts posted by drpclarke
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On 9/13/2024 at 6:49 PM, tscoffey said:
We were just in Halifax a week ago on a cruise.
The port is in the city center.
Also, Halifax is 500,000 people - so not a “little town”.
Thank you! I've been to Halifax before but it was so long ago and we were there for just a few hours....all I remember is the cemetery with the victims of the Titanic and an Irish pub! Thanks!
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Hi all!
Getting ready to do a Canada/New England cruise in a few weeks. Have looked at excursions, but I think we would just like to visit the little towns. That being said - at the following ports, can we walk into town or do we need an uber?- Saguenay (La Baie) Quebec
- Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
Thank you in advance! :0)
Rachel -
Thank you everyone for responding!!!! I will share all of this information with her. You all are amazing!
Thanks!
Rachel -
Hi all!
I am a travel agent and I have a client who is taking an Alaska cruise with embarkation/disembarkation in Vancouver.She will be flying to Vancouver from Charlotte. She does not have global entry, and has heard that customs in Vancouver is just a NIGHTMARE. Anyone have recent experience with this?
Thanks!
Rachel -
13 hours ago, FlGoodShips said:
Do you have a list of officers? Its usually printed on Day 2 of the daily.
Thank you.
I'm sorry; I didn't keep a copy.
Thanks!
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Just off of the Norwegian Encore. This is my second time doing Norwegian. For point of reference, have also done Carnival (never again), Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity.Embarkation:Took us 20 minutes. That's IT! It was amazing! Arrived at our designated time and embarkation was so quick it felt like we had a whole other "sea day". Awesome!Cleanliness/housekeeping:The staff is on top of things when it comes to keeping this ship clean. Yes, some things are worn (like the chairs in the Garden Cafe, but hey, the ship is going in dry dock soon)..but everything is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. You know how passengers are just notorious for leaving plates and glasses anywhere? Only saw glasses out-of-place once. That staff is amazing!Dining (Garden Cafe):This is typical buffet. Mainstays are the salad bar, fruit, desserts, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream. Food changes each meal in all of the other bars: Wok, Indian, Pasta, and "hot bar". Things are hit and miss, but there is always something for everyone to enjoy. My personal favorite was the Indian bar, and this was pretty popular with the crew, too. Sugar free desserts also available every day. I thought breakfast was a bit lacking, as it seemed the same thing was at every station.Dining (Specialty):I only did that once, at Ocean Blue. While the sides were nothing spectacular, the sea bass was absolutely amazing! The ahi tuna appetizer was also delicious. This was worth it! (Beware, a photographer will come by to take a picture and try to sell it to you).
Dining (dining room):Only did once. I ordered clam chowder (nothing resembling a clam in it). For my entree, I ordered bluefish. Weirdly enough, it came with arugula and sauteed mushrooms, so a strange combination. One of my friends ordered the same thing. She took a bite, said it was ridiculously bland, and grabbed the salt. I took a bite of mine and it was inedible due to TON of salt on it (and I love salt).This, by far, was the worst mail of the entire cruise. I may have just had bad luck, but heck, cruise time is limited and I wasn't going to gamble on a good meal again!Choir of Man show:I had heard that this was a great show and shouldn't miss it. However, I generally hate cruise shows. I have a background in music and I tend to be pretty unreasonable about my expectations. The singers seem to be shrill and it's just very amateurish.Knowing there were good reviews with Choir of Man, I decided to give it a try. On our first night on the ship, I went to make reservations (it is needed for this show!). However, by that time, only ONE SHOWING was available...the next to last night. THIS SHOW WAS BOOKED!..and for good reason. It's a great show. The plot is a bit weak but those are some VERY TALENTED MUSICIANS who sing with beautiful harmonies. This was such an unexpected surprise and a highlight of the cruise. If you're going on the Encore, SEE THIS SHOW.We're actually due to go on the Encore again in January, and I'm determined to see this show again!Entertainment:The cruise director is friendly and energetic and an absolute joy. She is in the position of singing for some events and she isn't a very strong singer (again, note how critical I am of musical stuff on the boat, so that my comments with a grain of salt). Most games were designed to be family friendly. Comedians were funny, and the adult show was hysterical with no unnecessary vulgarity.Veterans:I love that Norwegian truly treats veterans well as compared to other cruise lines. There is a nice discount, but now they do receptions for the veterans. The veterans are given pins, patches, challenge coins, etc. and get their photo taken as a group. I wish they did a recognition of the various branches of service just so we could see what everyone did - even something as simple as "Clap if you served in the Marines! Hoo-ah!". As the wife of an Air Force veteran, I really appreciate that Norwegian treats our veterans with additional respect.Communication:This is a bit lacking in some areas with regards to the ports. For example, we were told there was a Juneau shuttle (and there was)...but there was also one in Victoria, and while it wasn't readily mentioned, many of the passengers went to the shuttle so we could visit Victoria. However, we were going to the shuttle not knowing any sort of schedule or how much it cost, so we all found out it was $15 round trip per passenger while we were waiting in line.We also didn't know that we would get charged taxes on the drinks that we purchased while we were in port in Seattle waiting for the ship to sail, so that was a bit of a surprise. Not a bad charge, just a "surprise" charge and those aren't fun when you've budgeted for a trip.Shore excursions:We only did one with NCL, and I appreciated that the communication and signage was very clear. Once I got off of the ship, it was obvious where to meet my group. No confusion!Disembarkation:Ran quickly so we were able to get off the boat earlier than we expected. However, we had no idea when we had to vacate the room and had to ask the room steward - the time was not communicated in the paperwork. However, it was communicated in the Atrium - so you were in the know if you hung out there.Atrium:very small, active, and very crowded. Definitely the center of activity on the ship. Here is where some of my questions were answered via a projecting powerpoint presentation (rather than in the newsletter).Observation Lounge:Rumor has it this will shrink after dry dock. It's a great place to be, and they have afternoon tea (sandwiches and desserts) too! One glitch here: a pre-recorded "audio tour" is played here during Glacier Bay and other times throughout the cruise. However, everyone is busy talking, so you don't hear the audio.Deck and outdoor activities: it was beautiful weather but cold, so I can't comment on deck or outdoor activities.Overall, it was a great cruise. As mentioned, I'm going again in January (although a different itinerary), and I know to expect. The high point was definitely the service by the staff - always professional!!Let me know if you have any questions; I'm happy to help!-
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THIS is what I needed! Thank you so much. I always go through the learning modules before I book a cruise, and I didn't see any with Explora...so your input is so valuable and appreciated! Thank you!
Rachel-
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12 hours ago, saminina said:
You need help......and this is not the place to find it.
I've found these boards to be helpful in answering all of my questions about cruises, whether it be for myself or my clients. People are always willing to help and offer recommendations, which I have found valuable. No reason to be rude to me; you don't even know me. My question was legitimate as I'm just learning about Explora and wanted to be sure I wasn't overlooking anything obvious. Thanks!
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11 hours ago, KJB416 said:
I agree, what’s there to figure out here?
I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything. As you know, sometimes a rate is higher but includes so much more that it is worth it to book. I couldn't figure out what that would be in this situation based on what I was reading, and I want to do the best for my client. Thanks!
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5 hours ago, mike@sea said:
Hi Rachel, understand your confusion. EX website, very good in some places, very bad in others.
EX pricing originally only displayed 2 fares ( and still does).
1. The regular and quite expensive „Cruise Only“ fare with a 20 or 25% deposit, due within 6 days of booking.
2. An „Early Booking“ fare, which included a certain discount, usually 10%. No deposit, but instead full payment within 6 days.
About a year ago, they started to introduce other offers as well. Pricing on website always displayed only 2 fares to chose from. Maybe due to a limitation on the user interface or booking engine. Not sure. So you could usually chose between the original fare with deposit and the offer.
Recently this has somewhat changed. The original fare with deposit disappeared, as it makes no sense over the offer, instead the Early Booking fare re-appeared, along with the special offer, and with that displaying the two cheapest fares to chose from.
Given the fact, that the Early Booking fare requires full payment and does not come with any extras, other than the slight discount, it becomes clear, that the best offer right now would be the Unique Escapes. Only a slight downpayment necessary.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much. With there being such a price difference, I thought there was something I was overlooking. I appreciate it!
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9 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:
We just booked Explora 1 for April through our TA. We booked an OT1 and used the Unique Escapes price which apparently is a promotion to encourage the booking of OT rooms. It was definitely the cheapest for us by quite a bit.
Thank you! I appreciate your help!
Rachel
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I did contact Explora, and got this message....so it still seems like the Unique Escapes is the way to go for my clients, unless I am understanding it wrong. I probably am the only TA not to have been comped because I've never had a client ask about Explora before :0)
The Unique Escapes is a time-limited offer to enjoy value savings on select journeys and a reduced deposit of 10%. It is only applicable when booking an Ocean Terrace Suite or Ocean Grand Terrace suite.
Explora Early Booking Benefit is available for all suite categories and journeys and is a saving of 5% when booking by paying in full within 7 days of booking. It is available up to 180 days prior to departure for Ocean Residences and up to 105 days for the rest of the suite categories.
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So a cruise is "Journey" and the shops are "the Journey"...
oh my, no wonder I'm so confused :0)
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...and this is my first rodeo with Explora.
Explora doesn't seem to offer additional trainings for TAs, so I'm just popping on these boards, visiting their websites, and trying to understand all things Explora. While I am learning about it, the pricing is just baffling to me.
For example - the cruise they are looking at...(April 2025, Explora 2) ...the "Unique Escapes" rate (this looks like a short term promo) starts at $5285 per person. The "Early Booking" rate starts at $6695 per person. It goes on to say that the "early booking" rate is a great deal on the "journey" fare.
Huh? Journey fare? Is the unique escape not a journey fare?
I just don't know all of this Explora terminology...can anyone here help?
Thanks!
Rachel -
Hello travel friends!
Looking at Norwegian Sun, September 17, 2025 out of Papeete for a client...only to see there is also a September 18, 2025 cruise on the Sun out of Papeete.So I look at the 9/17 itinerary and sure enough, the Sun sits at Papeete on the 17th taking on new passengers, and doesn't take off until later on the 18th.
Of course, the cost to embark on the 18th is cheaper.
I've never known of a cruise to sit there a day before sailing away. Is that because of waiting for flights to come in?
Thanks!
Rachel -
Hello travel friends!
Helping a client with her Princess Royal cruise. She upgraded to Princess Premier, and gets two specialty dinners. A few questions for you (as I'm on everlasting hold with Princess customer service)..
1. It says two specialty dinners. Is that two for two people, or just one dinner for two people together?
2. The client tried to book specialty dining today, and she was asked for her credit card number. If she has Princess Premier, what is her credit card being charged for?
Thanks, everyone!
Rachel -
I have a client asking -
the cabins next to elevators on the Norwegian Prima - do those cabins hear a lot of racket from the elevators?
Thanks!Rachel
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My first Celebrity cruise!
For reference, I've sailed several times on Carnival (never again), Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Went on my first Norwegian cruise back in June and loved it so much I booked several more....and then came this Celebrity cruise.
EMBARKATION - what? Ten minutes? If even? SPEEDIEST EMBARKATION EVER.
CABIN - a surprise upgrade was awesome to get. Balcony cabin, spacious and plenty of storage. My only gripe was the lack of outlets. 3 of them, all by the desk. My husband and I were continually fighting for outlet use. No outlet in bathroom, so had to dry my hair there by the desk.
OVERALL SPACE: I was told that this cruise was fully booked. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but hey, I WAS NEVER IN A LINE and NEVER IN A CROWD. There is plenty of creative and cozy seating throughout the boat, and I could always find a seat on deck too.
BAR: The martini bar is pretty crowded and loud, it's right in the atrium. My room wasn't far, but I couldn't hear the noise. Martini flight was not included in drink package but got it anyway and it was yummy. Smaller martini glasses, but that was okay. Bar by the specialty restaurants was quiet and nice.
SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS: didn't hit any except for "Le Petit Chef" which was just precious, and the food was pretty good too!
MAIN DINING ROOM: my only complaint about this cruise. The food was uninspired, bland, and the menu just wasn't appetizing. Two salmon dishes on the menu? NO thank you. (however, I will say the escargot was teeny but good, and that is offered every night)THE BUFFET FOOD: I make a practice of staying away from all buffets, but I broke that practice on this cruise. In the words of Stefan on SNL: "This place has everything": salad bar, mexican, indian, carvery, hummus bar, pasta bar..I don't even know what all they had and I appreciated the fact that things didn't stay the same throughout the cruise either. I thought the quality here was better than the MDR.
CASINO: Penny slots with the lowest bets at 50 cents. Some bad seating by the "Huff and Puff" machines...too many machines, not enough space.
ENTERTAINMENT: SIlent disco is a must. I did hear a bit of the "LIFE" Musical and my ears bled, so I ran off.
DEBARKATION? Ten minutes, tops!
SERVICE: SMILES EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OVERALL? I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to go on another Celebrity cruise!!!!!!!! I hate that I'm late to the Celebrity life!
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Oh y'all...
I have a client who wants to take his wife on a cruise for their 69th wedding anniversary! The cuteness of it is killing me!
He wanted to go on Celebrity, but he just can't make that work financially. Pricewise, it looks like Enchanted Princess or Caribbean Princess are the best bets for him. I looked at reviews, and it looks like there MAY be more children on Caribbean Princess, but I'm not sure.
I imagine he and his sweetie want a nice, quiet, and relaxing cruise without tripping over little ones.
Anyone know these ships well enough and can offer an opinion?
Thanks so much!
Rachel -
Please?? 😁
I am a travel agent and I have booked a group on Royal Princess. Unfortunately, I haven't been on this ship, so I'm at a disadvantage in answering their questions!
One of the clients has many questions, and I'm hoping you all can answer:
1. This is an Alaskan sailing going Seattle RT. He thinks the port side is the best side because he'll have views of the glaciers, etc. more often than he would should his cabin was on the other side of ship. Thoughts?
2. He wants to do Penthouse suite. They are available on decks 12, 14, and 15. However, he has heard that on deck 14 and 15 that those on penthouse balconies can look up and see people above them looking down. Anyone have thoughts on that?
3. In addition, he has heard that soot is a problem on the ship, so the upper deck (especially in the back of the ship) can get a light coat of soot and it can be problematic. This was the first I've heard! Anyone know anything?
If you have any opinions on where best location of penthouse suite would be, please let me know.
Thanks!!
Rachel -
Hello all-
I must be losing my mind. I can't find out when Adventure's dining times are for the late seating. It looks like early is 5:30, there is something called "My Time", and then there is some later seating. I'm sure I am overlooking the obvious. Can someone help me?
Thanks!
Rachel -
Hello travel friends!
I will be on the Norwegian Encore in June. It's my second trip to Alaska, so the only things I want to do are DOGSLEDDING and WHALE WATCHING. Looking at the price of the shore excursions offered by NCL, I'm hoping some of you can recommend something a bit less expensive!Our ports are Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
Thanks so much!!
Rachel -
Hi everyone!
Looking at balcony cabins on the Norwegian Bliss - and want to avoid the cabins with bunk beds.I went on this page https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/bliss/staterooms/Balcony to look at the various balcony plans, and the same pic is posted for all of them. Am I to believe that there are no bunk beds in any cabins? It looks like all of them have a sofa bed instead.
Thanks!
Rachel -
Looking at having a group of four share a cabin on Norwegian bliss.
Knowing that balconies vary in size - if there are 4 people in a balcony, do they have 4 chairs on a balcony so everyone can be out there at the same time?
Thanks!
How close is the port to these little towns..
in Canada/New England
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Do you have any recommendations? I only remember a cemetery and an Irish pub. What would you recommend? Thanks!