hallux

@happysailor1001 I'm not sure what one has to do with the other.  The incident in San Juan wouldn't have happened if they didn't have a mechanical problem.  I'm not saying the mechanical problem caused the issue in SJ, but they wouldn't have been there when they were if they didn't have the breakdown (it was a diversion, right?).

The cruise line has decided that the best course of action is to skip all foreign ports in order to return to Florida within a decent time frame - THAT is what the waiver would be for.  The return to Florida without stopping in a foreign port is due to a mechanical problem, NOT due to the damage from trying to dock in SJ...

1 minute ago, MrMarc said:

It is almost humorous to see all of the other cruise ships zip past her, you can almost hear her: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."

lol, right now it looks like Bliss is on an intercepting course...

1 hour ago, david_sobe said:

Ok just to recap because I scrolled back several pages and still not sure what is happening.

The cruise where the ship had issues, passengers are getting a 100% future credit cruise

 

Current cruise is arriving one day late and next Epic sailing is only 5 days and passengers have a right to cancel or take 50% off cruise and get 50% future cruise credit.

 

Is this correct?

If so, while unfortunate the compensation is really good

3 hours ago, Briji04 said:

We have been offered 300$ change fee for air tickets and 100% credit. 

@david_sobe Not quite.  See the text I quoted below yours.  The current cruise is the one where the issue occurred, the info above is the offer to them.  The offer to the next sailing, a day late (though really 2 since it's a floating hotel at the pier the first day), and a shortened cruise at 50% off or cancel for a full refund, if I'm reading things right.

1 hour ago, david_sobe said:

Ok just to recap because I scrolled back several pages and still not sure what is happening.

The cruise where the ship had issues, passengers are getting a 100% future credit cruise

 

Current cruise is arriving one day late and next Epic sailing is only 5 days and passengers have a right to cancel or take 50% off cruise and get 50% future cruise credit.

 

Is this correct?

If so, while unfortunate the compensation is really good

3 hours ago, Briji04 said:

We have been offered 300$ change fee for air tickets and 100% credit. 

@david_sobe Not quite.  See the text I quoted below yours.  The current cruise is the one where the issue occurred, the info above is the offer to them.  The offer to the next sailing, a day late (though really 2 since it's a floating hotel at the pier the first day), and a shortened cruise at 50% off or cancel for a full refund, if I'm reading things right.

I wonder if the stop in Freeport is to load tools/parts for whatever repair needs to be done.  Maybe 2 hours to do that then under way again?  Looks like ETA at Freeport is 10 tonight, not exactly a time when they'll have open gangways for people to roam off the ship...

This is all GREAT info, thank you!

Curious - if you're doing a tour and want to tip the guide, that should be done in CAD, right? I was planning on just using a CC (might have one that waives the fees) for everything.  At the least, my bank will refund the ATM fees I would pay if I hit one to grab some cash for the tip (they did when I was in Mexico City, no fee from my bank AND they refunded the fee the ATM bank charged).

That may depend on the port.  For example - in FLL, the airport is a VERY short drive from the terminal but in NYC or LA, not so much.

1 hour ago, 1025cruise said:

A lot of lines are starting to add USB ports for charging when they can, so that will eliminate some of the need

I'm reluctant to plug my devices into "public" USB ports, despite the devices having selectable options for allowing data transfer or charging only.  I have a "block" that plugs into a wall outlet that gives me my own USB charge ports and allows me to charge as many as 5 devices from it.

Fortunately, I don't need any other outlets except to charge a camera battery.

Just now, davekathy said:

Celebrity doesn't have clothing optional cruises. 

Not public ones anyway.  Seems they may charter and allow it during the charter though...

3 minutes ago, zdad59 said:

 

Do tell....when are these cruises?     Our first Celebrity cruise will be on Summit next February.

Glad I'm not the only one that was wondering....

9 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

We also tried to make reservations for any of the comedy shows, but they were all already listed as stand-by only!

This is very discouraging to hear.  I enjoy comedy shows, and I'm used to Royal Caribbean where they have two comedy shows in the main theater - one is suitable for all ages, the other is more appropriate for adults and is at a later hour but in a theater that seats 1,000+ you can get a decent population in.  It sounds like NCL restricts comedy acts to the smaller venues, which limits the number of people that can see them.

The other factor to consider is WHEN you're cruising.  If you're cruising during a week when a lot of schools are on break (either college or grade school) the ship can have an entirely different "feel" as there's a vastly different crowd.

4 minutes ago, ChrisCJSU said:

I believe the engines are from a German company. 

Oops, read the wrong line...

3 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

Yeah, but you pulled pollard, I was at a loss....good call...I’m assuming that’s correct..

If only there was a way to find out - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollard

I think mine did, but since I was only in my room to shower, change or sleep it didn't really matter much.

I'm curious what kind of damage this does to the ship, if any.  That bollard platform seemed to collapse fairly easily, maybe it's designed to do that to limit damage to ships?  It has you wondering though - how can it collapse so easily yet withstand being an anchor to tie up a large ship?

Seemed like the ship came in "hot", maybe a little fast for docking.

It appears @PTC DAWG and I had the same thoughts at the same time..

2 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Haven't had the virtually balcony before so that will be interesting

It's more gimmicky than anything.  How often are you in your cabin during the day?  I don't recall if it was turned off by my cabin steward at night or if she just closed the curtain in front of it.  If it's left on, you just see the virtual railing as there isn't much to see outside at night.

Keep an eye on SpaceX launch schedule.  There's a launch scheduled for "mid Feb".  If they pick Feb. 18 (though they might know by now if that's the date) expect a long wait to get to KSC.

Just now, KimPossible1 said:

People who are upset about dress code need to realize the world doesn't revolve around them and what they think and want people to do, say or dress

The same could be said for those that choose to wear shorts and flip-flops to the main dining room.  Would that attire be allowed in any decent restaurant on land?  I'm talking places that are a step up from chains.

The Joy's "Concierge Level" is where the Bliss has the Studio/solo cabins and Studio lounge (all inside cabins).  The Joy appears to still have a Haven section as well.

Definitely need a taxi or vehicle transportation of some kind.

The sense of self-respect (or lack of) people have these days is appalling!  Shoot - I feel awkward wearing a baseball cap when grabbing a lunch at a rest area on the highway, I would NEVER consider wearing one in a dining venue on a cruise ship (well, MAYBE the Windjammer, because I think I have)

A similar sense of disgust can be applied to what some people wear when getting on a plane.  Even when traveling for personal reasons, I don't feel right in anything less than jeans and a polo.

Maybe I'm old-school?

Could also be that a family emergency necessitated it...

Charging extra for the water park on their private island that can only be accessed while on a cruise?  OUCH.  I guess it's a way to limit overcrowding in that part of the island..

1 hour ago, kerryincork said:

Also because you are staying in an inside, I feel this encourages you to participate more in the cruise.

SPOT ON!  I've only been on 2 cruises but by having the inside cabin you're encouraged to roam the ship and participate in the fun activities the CD has planned.  Some ships have places besides the pool deck that folks can go to relax, read, and enjoy scenery.

On my last cruise I said that next time I'd want a balcony.  Well, that hasn't happened.  By the way - if folks think the regular inside cabins are tight, they should see what the "studio" cabins are like.  I'm by no means claustrophobic, but they are definitely small.  However I only spent sleep/rest/clean-up/clothes changing time in there so it wasn't horrible.  The new ships (and the old ones that have been through a dry dock recently) have SOOO much to do.