Delbankin

Interesting review. We are on Spirit in January on the same itinerary and have to admit we expect there to be some slightly rough seas at that time of year as well.

The video posted by Yossisue really shows what you were explaining in your earlier post. Have to say everyone seemed to take it quite well - can even hear people laughing. Not sure I'd be laughing with the ship rolling so much and plates and water rushing towards me across the floor!.

We're looking forward to seeing what Spirit has to offer but will not be expecting too much due to the age of the ship. We have only cruised with NCL once before in May this year on Jade and it was perfectly fine.

Our last few cruises seem to have been on older ships and we never set our expectations too highly. As long as the ship is clean, functions as it should in the heating and toilet departments, and the staff are pleasant and attentive we always manage to have a good time.

I don't believe the time of year has much to do with the conditions in the Bay of Biscay. It can be rough at any time of year. I wouldn't let the thought of rough seas put you off provided you take the usual precautions.

Judging from the pictures of the Balmoral I'd be surprised if they were all from the Bay as there is land showing in one of them.

We have had equally rough weather off the coast of Portugal and Spain that prevented us from calling at two ports on the way home. Rough seas are something none of us want to experience but unfortunately they are part of the cruising experience.

I hope you don't let the thought of possible rough seas put you off your trip and that you are lucky and have a calm sailing.

 

My question genuinely was concerning the advantages and disadvantages of an inside cabin, not what I can afford or not afford, what choices I have or not have.

 

If you read your original post this isn't what you asked. You queried if you were the only ones that liked an inside cabin and said you would love to hear what others think. I think you certainly got what you asked.

 

As for the other poster who queried why people saw fit to give their views at such length and why they tried to put a case for their own preference it is because this is a public forum for people to post their views and get answers to their questions. I think the forums are wonderful both from an educational point of view and from an entertainment one as well.

 

Keep them coming!

Hohoho! A thread like this is bound to provoke different views and it has been highly amusing reading them all.

Who said class distinction disappeared with the Titanic (or maybe QE2)? It is alive and well on cruise critic RCL boards!

I must remember on my next cruise to skulk out of my inside crummy jail cell (which in most cases isn't any smaller than a standard balcony cabin) and doff my cap to anyone I see coming out of a balcony and perhaps bow and scrape to those in suites.

If I could afford it I would probably sail in the higher grades too but as I can't I content myself with an inside. I'd like to think I wouldn't look down upon those sailing in inside cabins if I ever made it to balcony status!

I enjoy the darkness as it is easier to get to sleep. I do laugh at people who say they don't want to spend time in a dark jail cell. When we are in our cabin we generally are either in the shower or getting ready to go out or sleeping - we do that with our eyes shut so can't really enjoy the delights of the outside cabin in those situations.

As for enjoying the expense and privacy of a balcony, the majority of people on balconies are sitting less than 2 feet from your neighbour and it is a space large enough only to accommodate 2 chairs and a table.

If you can afford it and enjoy it, good luck to you. I hope to be able to try a balcony at least once but in the meantime will continue to enjoy everything the ship and cruising in general has to offer from my much cheaper hole in the wall.

We just returned from a 7 night Jade cruise and both Gary and RJ were on board. Can't quite see the attraction of Mr Glading myself - certainly very experienced (and multi-talented) and has the job down to a fine art but not very spontaneous and seems only to be doing the job to pay for his animal sanctuary! Can't fault his effort though as he appeared to be everywhere on the ship, even at the pier to say goodbye!

Hi,

We are due in Boston in September also on a cruise and we intended to do the Freedom Trail walking tour. We also thought we would take a walk to the Bull & Finch pub. Although we assume it isn't much of a "sight" we still thought we'd just like to see it when we are in Boston just to say we've seen the "Cheers" bar.

If anyone can advise what the nearest point on the walking tour would be to the pub and give some general directions how to get there it would be most helpful.

Del.