laudergayle

We just got off Bliss Mexican Riveria last month. We’ve cruised the Caribbean so much, it was a nice switch to be in the Pacific. Spring is perfect whale watching time. Be forewarned…coming from the southeast, we thought it was a bit chilly at times while others sported shorts. But, between the ship and the itinerary…I would vote for Bliss. The flight is a two movie flight but went by quickly. I also recommend the Crowne Plaza San Pedro for pre-cruise accommodation.

So yeah…I’m going to continue to steer this topic off course…sorry @JIMESOPUS. I admit it’s been a minute since I checked out MSC. And, for those who keep up with my posts, I have ranted a little on how most of NCL European cruises are 10+ days…which for various reasons doesn’t work for us. Well…I just completed an MSC booking for Nov. ‘24. 7 nights, Barcelona-Marseille-Genoa-Civitavecchia-Palermo-Valleta-Barcelona on their newest ship World Europa. We chose Fantastica experience, Deluxe Balcony oceanview which includes Easy Plus drink package (which includes coffee and water), free unlimited internet for two devices, $50 OBC. Total cost with $210 travel insurance is $2816.64. (that price includes a 5% or 10% discount after being status matched from NCL platinum to MSC Gold). And…we just may well do a YC upgrade bid when that offer comes along. Sorry NCL🥲

While we don’t live in NY, it is actually one of the easiest and less expensive ports for us to leave out of. So we would like more options for sure. We tried MSC this summer, and thoroughly enjoyed our short trial cruise. I just wish the MSC itinerary out of Brooklyn was more exciting.

Left side…is this left as you’re facing the train from the outside, or left as you’re facing forward from the inside?

For balcony and above. OV and inside get only one specialty dinner.

Also, there are both specialty dining and theater reservations that can be made right when you board…first thing. Once you know which ship, come back to CC and inquire where on the ship upon embarkation do you make these. They are typically two venues close to each other.

Brave soul cruising out of FL during Spring Break😂 I wouldn’t recommend the Prima. The pool area is too small and congested…especially for SB. Vibe passes are now purchased online…I believe as soon as you book. Don’t wait, they sell out fast, and may already be gone for your cruise dates. Premium Plus for wine drinkers is not the greatest and is not any better than your last experience. make theater reservations in advance at 120 days for whatever shows you can. They also do comedy in the theater for those not wanting to go to the smaller venues. MDR dining is good, plus you have The Local/ O’Sheehans and buffet. Specialty reservations can be made at 120 days. SH OBC is for one cabin and is typically split $50 each for Guest 1 and 2. https://www.nclhltd.com/investors/shareholder-benefits Any ship will be more crowded and longer lines due to SB…but since you’re aware, you will be fine. have a great time!

Gosh I wish I had the guts to gamble.

Those clanging hangers!! Had not experienced the clang until our last cruise. In the middle of the night I’m combing through the closet in the dark trying to figure out how to make them stop!! Thanks for the idea.

All glorious moments much eventually end. But, so does every good book. Thank goodness for journals, diaries and, most importantly, photos. Our memories only hold so much. I was reminded of that after seeing your Roman aquaduct photos. We were there…but I had totally forgotten. Thank you for the memory. Good books do eventually end, but it’s the Author you admire and follow. Please don’t wait too long for your next Adventure Novelette. Till then…Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones🥰

Awesome! I haven’t checked lately…but I hope someone is coordinating a M&G. Looking forward to seeing you onboard!

Well one can hope!! Somehow, I think your staycation will get in the way of cruise fun. $9000 can go a long way on the homestead.

YES!! Consider Jewel May 13 Vancouver to Seward. We can meet😊

Lol…that’s how we feel about Cagney’s on the Bliss. Sorry you missed LeBistro, though. It’s definitely my favorite specialty restaurant. Thanks for your review!! Welcome back to reality…hope you feel better soon.

I don’t mind different embark disembark cities. I just wished the European cruises in ‘24 weren’t so long. When you tap on a couple pre- and/or post- days, it makes the time away from work, family, pets, daily responsibilities just too long for some…like me. I know many retired or work-from anywhere cruisers love the longer cruises. I really hope they rethink the itineraries, or at least have a mix, for 2025.

Getaway from winter in January for very little… https://www.ncl.com/cruises/5-day-bermuda-round-trip-new-york-GETAWAY5NYCWRFNYC?embarkationport=4294949364&numberOfGuests=4294949461&sortBy=duration&autoPopulate=f&from=resultpage&itineraryCode=GETAWAY5NYCWRFNYC book an inside or OV. you may not make it into Bermuda in January…but you will be on a cruise!

@schmoopie17 please share how this surprise turns out. I bet your wife friend will be happy to have friends around to help her with her husband and his dementia. To me, that changes the surprise scenario, a lot. Happy cruising!

Ours was Lisbon, Canary Islands, Morocco. We also got our cruise first certificates back yesterday when the original cruise finally disappeared. If your deposit was via credit card, it may take up to two weeks (from what my PCC has said).

We saw Marzena was CD on Viva. We enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm the week we were on the Prima last May…filling in for Simon. Looks like she jumped to Viva. Did you like?

@graphicguy was throwing out US bucks 🤣

We sailed first week of November and the show was one of the best we’ve seen. Agree, Frankie Valle was a stand out, and the rest of the cast were just as amazing. Do not miss.

The DSC covers NCL’s contract liability to the crew covered under those certain positions. This is all you need to pay if this is all you want to do. No issues…especially if you’re an occasional cruiser. If you tip above and beyond via signed ticket (like adding a tip to specialty dining, or at the bar) it goes into the NCL pool of MANY people…NCL decides how to share. If you wish to tip more, do it in cash, not via signed receipt . If you tip cash at the bar…it is split amongst the bar staff and becomes cash in the pocket. If you cash tip room steward…it is cash in pocket. Which…is why we tip room steward daily. Personally…we love to tip. Not huge amounts…but anyone making my situation better than me doing it by myself …thank you, and here’s a small gratuity.

@d9704011 OMG, I love this money plant. I made $320 in just ONE minute of watching. Imagine if it was cross bred with a Benjamin!

Loved Rhodes, inside the walls. We DIY in Rhodes. But…made the mistake to take the HOHO bus (parked to the left as you exit the port). It was really bad. We didn’t see much, the audio didn’t work and there really wasn’t anyplace you would want to hop off—except maybe the aquarium. here is one of our favorite pictures from Rhodes. Also, if walking is not an issue, I highly recommend taking the NCL excursion to Delos. So much history you will not get just visiting Mykonos on your own.

@JGmf Actually, in hindsight, the Kung Pao chicken was on the Jade, so thank you for clarifying the difference between the two restaurants. Either way, I wouldn’t stand in line for either.