julig22

No, they do NOT promise that they will wait for you. They promise to wait if they can, get you to the next port if they can't. Which they attempted to do, a missing passport is the reason they couldn't return to the ship at the next port. And just how is NCL to know that a missing passenger was missing from an excursion? Unless someone had notified them that there were still excursion passengers waiting for a bus, they have no idea why there is a family missing. The tour operator messed up, NCL is left to clean up the mess.

From the NCL response, it sounds like NCL tried to call the missing family and they (NCL) called the port authority. Or maybe they both called. The cruise line shared this statement at 8 p.m. on July 16: I believe it was in Ketchikan that the captain once told us that Ketchikan is one port where they can't afford to wait because it's already full steam ahead to make it to Victoria in time. Word to the wise - always leave your passport in your safe if you aren't carrying it with you! And apparently the ship will try to contact you if you don't make it back - not the first time I've heard mention of the ship trying to call passengers while in port.

Not sure of your point? Yes, it was the tour operator not checking tickets for those on a tour. I've been on a tour that ends at the LumberJack show and it can be quite confusing with respect to which bus you should take, even when busses are clearly labeled and there are people trying to guide people to the correct bus. So people that should be on bus #1 get on #2, then there's no room left on bus #2 but plenty of room on bus #1 and so on. They were given bad information about another bus. Not your typical "pier runner" situation, if everything stated is how it actually happened (kinda a coincidence that only this family was left behind). As to calling the port - you obviously have to do that BEFORE the ship leaves port. But there are a few missing pieces - and it's also possible the ship couldn't wait for whatever reason. And in that case, NCL's responsibility is to get them to the next port if possible. For various reasons, that wasn't possible and NCL is paying their expenses. And looking for a new tour operator LOL.

The lumberjack show often ends within minutes of all-aboard (been there, done that). So even if they had chosen to try to find a cab, there might not be one immediately available. But what they should have done is call the port number listed on the FreeStyle daily to let the ship know the situation - and get instructions from there. The ship would have probably sent a bus for them - or told them to get a cab, the ship would wait. But the bigger question would be how they were the only ones apparently left behind? I've been on that tour and yes, there are people trying to take the tour bus instead of the NCL shuttle (which is probably no longer running by that time). But everyone should have tickets and/or stickers - and the tour operator should be checking.

NCL usually docks at Ward Cove, which is NOT within walking distance of the Lumberjack show. Yes, it was apparently a NCL-sponsored excursion and from the article I read, the responsibility lies with the tour-operator that was not checking tickets for the return trip. They were told there would be another bus so by the time they realized they needed a plan B, it was too late. As to NCL waiting, they only wait for the tour operator to return. If a passenger is not on that bus for whatever reason, NCL would most likely be unaware of the issue and that passenger is a no-show at that point.

Or ramped up a little. I'm not sure everyone who is directed to a roll call and M&G knows what happens (or can happen) at a M&G. And while lately the crew has been relatively well represented but often missing the list of crew contacts - which to me was always a nice thing to have. That's on NCL's side.

For once, I have to agree 100% with you LOL.

I guess I'm a little confused. Is the issue who is signing up or the fact that actual attendance is low? Attraction - bragging rights to be able to say 150 people signed up for MY M&G event??? On FB when people have been invited - sometimes by the person organizing the event, sometimes just some random person - I've seen comments basically saying it's too much effort to join CC and find the roll call. As to attendance, it would be nice to somehow get a reminder - especially when the time/place is sometimes a moving target. But not everyone is comfortable giving out their room # and/or e-mail. And sometimes it also comes down to a choice, since there are other activities scheduled at the same time.. Note, I do check the CC roll call once onboard to verify the time/place - so it would be really helpful if the host could update so it's one of the last entries, not buried 50 posts back.

I will say that the onboard crew tends to often look the other way with respect to bringing bottled water onboard at the ports. Not so much at embarkation, although there are those who swear that they bring a 6-pak of soda on every cruise. Don't believe everything someone tells you...

No, a lot of people are saying just put them in a pill organizer. Big difference over putting them in baggies or alternative containers with original labels. Just what is an original container? A generic plastic pill container that some tech filled and slapped on a label. Again, it's the LABEL, not the container. Note, I'm old enough to remember when pills came in paper envelopes with labels on them.

I've never been asked BUT when you are traveling to parts of the world where certain medications are prohibited - including ones that are commonly prescribed or sold OTC - knowing what is legal and having quick and easy identification of what you have just might save you a lot of grief if someone does happen to check.

Yes, it's about the label - not the container. My pharmacy had no issues with giving me labels that I could put on more reasonably-sized containers for travel. I've traveled to a few countries where there are fairly strict regulations with respect to medications. So I go as prepared as I can - but they've never actually checked.

Yes, I took it but I suspect my experience was quite different than what people are finding now. I went in October, 2021, so early in the restart process. I think we were the only ship in port and probably less than 1000 passengers. So for me it was the perfect excursion, got to see the highlights of the island, then had sufficient time to wander around town afterwards. According to the description, the ticket for the cable car was included - it wasn't, not a big deal. But not much of a line, think the line was at the bottom of the stairs, definitely not hours long. But of course that would also depend on what time you are trying to return.

You are correct. Nothing magical about a pill bottle, other than the label that some tech put on the bottle when they filled it. I asked my pharmacy to print out an extra set of labels that I can put on my own containers - which happen to be plastic bags designed for pills. Take up a lot less room and provide the exact same information as is on the pill bottles - including name and descriptions. I also carry a copy of the original prescription, also provided by the pharmacist. For OTC supplements, etc I either peel off the label or find a picture on the web and print it out, use that to label the bag.

I was on the Jewel from Japan to Alaska in April. I don't recall anything special about dining (wasn't looking), there is an Asian restaurant on the ship. But NCL does not typically alter their menus by itinerary, they are standardized across the fleet. Not saying the head chef wouldn't choose some itinerary-specific meals though. And most provisioning for the ship is actually done through Miami as opposed to utilizing local markets. Entertainment in our case was not aimed toward the local culture - other than showing "Crazy Rich Asians" one night in the theater LOL. But again, our trip was a transpacific and leaving Asia. I have been on NCL ships that did have some regional entertainment. NCL tends to offer generic entertainment - meaning that you won't find an english-speaking comedian on a cruise where many of the passengers do not speak english as their first language. Besides the language barrier, many jokes jus don't cross to other cultures. At one time, the Spirit was intended for the Asian market - with Asian decor. But it was renovated several years ago, completely redecorated. Personally, I would choose based on the itinerary.

They've had cookies at the last couple of ones that I've gone to (at times when it was reported that cookies weren't available onboard anymore). Sr. crew has attended, getting a printed list of officers seems to be hit or miss.

Best answer. I think it depends on the type and source of the FCC. In the past, you could sell some FCC with a specified $$ value but not if it's a % for example.

Been reminding NCL for years that letting people see everything would be so much more effective - and all they've done so far is stop listing the post-cruise excursions to the airport on day 50. They said that was for their convenience.

Absolutely correct wording with respect to CN "double up" although I can't speak to whether or not it is enforced. AFAIK, you can always use 1 CN, doubleUp has different rules.

There was a 9pm show the first night - I'm guessing it was probably a short contract, possibly leaving at the next port. Then there was a comedy/juggling show on day 5, also just 1 performance. He could have easily been a local, as it was an overnight port stop. I didn't go, so can't comment.

That question was addressed at a staff q&a on one cruise I was on. European cruises tend to have a fair number of passengers where English is not their first language. So between language issues and context, comedians do not fare well on those cruises. Note, I just came back from a Norway/Iceland cruise on the Star - there was a comedian onboard.

We stayed at Bear Lodge. But that was many years ago.

Pretty clear in the t&c's.

I have to laugh - off topic but they often talk about "free chair day" in the town near where I live. That would be the day prior to the Strawberry Festival parade. People bring their lawn chairs, line them along the main highway, intending to find them available for watching the parade the following day. They often use a rope to designate family groupings. Not sure how many chairs actually disappear... Maybe sweeten the pot by adding that if your stuff is collected, you've only got so much time to collect it - then it goes to the highest bidder at the end of the day. A new NCL activity!

I believe it was 1 report (regarding NCL anyway) and it involved a very last-minute booking (ship had previously been listed as sold out), that passenger did not stick around to see if there were any last minute cancellations which would have resolved the issue. According to that same report, there was also another family - I've never seen any follow-up so guessing they found a cabin for them.