ChiefMateJRK

I agree with Keith. I love to just stay on the ship and eat/drink/sleep. If the weather is nice, I'll grab a lounger on the pool deck. If not, I'll hang out in the observation lounge until other venues open up. I only got off the ship once on Tortolla. That was enough Tortolla for me.

Why aren't you just grabbing a few cocktails from a bar and taking them back to your balcony?

On the Star I would agree. That said, I refuse to book any cruise (other than POA, because I have no choice) on a ship without an observation lounge. I default to inside cabins, and if I have a nice OL it doesn't matter if I miss a port or have some sea days.

The "party" or Lattitude Rewards in general?

When I've had a 7:00 PM show and ate at 5:30, I just informed the waiter up front and they've gotten me out in plenty of time.

Next time, get the drink package. You'll sleep like a baby.

I had villas booked for two future cruises. On one, the itinerary changed so that we would only be on GSC until mid-afternoon. The other was just super expensive. After thinking about it, I decided that if all we wanted to do was sit in an air conditioned room and enjoy an ocean view, we could just stay on the ship and chill in the OL. Sure, it would be nice to have a private bathroom and place to change, but not multiple-hundreds of dollars nice. I would rather leave that money for somebody who needs it more. I've only been on GSC once and had a fantastic steerage-level time. Maybe I'll think differently after the next several times.

Great posting as always Gary. While I really liked the small crowds during Covid, I absolutely hated the port testing requirement. While greatly relieved when they made it two days prior, I still hated the whole game. None of my restart cruises required masking. I will gladly accept crowds and waits if it means that I know I'm going to get on the ship when planned. I'm surprised that you're not Platinum on NCL. Eddie Murphy?? 🤣 For me, this all depends on the act. If there is a great band/musician playing in the Cavern Club (not Beatles) or brewhouse, I'll just arrive very early and grab a seat. Comedians in the small places? Eh... I can take them or leave them. I have just been booking 5:30 reservations, which never interfere with the major shows.

I checked and the fares are dirt cheap to begin with, so 10% off isn't much of a financial incentive. I would never book a specific cruise just to save $50 - $75 a head.

That right there is just plain crazy talk.

It is probably easiest just to login into your account for those in your room and your husband's account for the others. Otherwise, you could just call to make Shorex reservations. Dining reservations likely won't matter.

Thanks.

Thanks for all the great info. Was the bar open in the buffet at breakfast for Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Screwdrivers? If so, was it open on disembarkation day? Thanks.

Fantastic thread. A bit far away from home for this Cowboy, but it sure look like a fascinating adventure. (and thanks for not providing pages and pages of food pictures, it's just food....)

Counterpoint: My last two sailings on the Encore have been deck 15 balconies, directly below the pool deck. I only remember hearing one noise (a deck chair being slid). Other than that? No issues. If I'm on a ship full of vacationing passengers, I expect to hear some noises from time to time. 😎

That's not a rookie mistake. It's just locking in a price/cabin/itinerary that you want to sail on. Nobody knows if a month later the price will be higher or lower (or you'll be stuck with a guarantee rate or no cabin in your preferred category whatsoever).

Yes, and CruisePlum provides the full price history. Are you just screwing with me now?🤡

Because your OP suggested that you might want to understand what changed and when? If it's more fun to just say "wow, look at this big surprise," then that's fine too.

LOL. I'm pretty sure that POA could be had for a very low price. In fact, they may pay you to take it off their hands. 🤣

"The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Buzzing About" I've heard mostly whining, complaining and b$tching. Are we calling that "buzzing" now? Not according to your linked article: "Norwegian Cruise Line revealed its special, one month-long Black Friday Special"

Have you checked the history on CruisePlum?

You certainly can in Food Republic. I haven't heard reports of folks trying this in the more traditional restaurants.

Is BF the sail away rate?

Unless it's dark out.

That all depends on your criteria. That said, there isn't a time when I would NOT go to Alaska.