CruizinSusan70

Things obviously have changed in 10 years. It would be shortsighted to assume that things would be the same since your last NCL cruise that was 10+ years ago. If you make your decision as to which ship to sail on based upon the shows they have there are numerous other choices in the fleet to choose from instead of the newest state of the art ship.

The only saving grace is that there could be a contingent of Astro fans on board since we're embarking from Galveston. Some cruise lines like Carnival do show many of the available NFL games, but the World Series I assumed would be difficult since they usually don't carry Fox.

You can't always get the sailaway rates and the regular rate is a bit extra. If you're a bare bones cruiser who doesn't spend extra for specialty meals or Cheers, then the sailaway would obviously be the closest to Carnivals rate since they don't provide packages similar to RCI.

The dinner theater did cost extra. And which ship was it and when?

They have lunch on sea days similar to Mongolian Wok on many of the other ships in the fleet or the lunch on those ships with Jiji's. Besides the made to order noodles they have broth bowls with either shrimp, beef or chicken that are excellent.

The other big show is Noise Boys. There will be game shows as well. Price is Right has already debuted. Others will include Supermarket Sweep, Press Your Luck and Beat the Clock. After the late showing of Donna Summer the theater pushes back the seats like a high school gym and the area transforms into Studio 54. There are comedy shows to reserve at the Improv as well as a single comedy show in the theater. Syd Norman's Pour House is first come first seated for live music. Regarding the Donna Summer show, I believe there are 3 different performers reenacting her career at 3 different stages, so it would not just be her "disco phase".

I also factored in 1.75 hours going from Lido to MIA, which is generous. I was basically letting the OP know that there are better options than taking the Carnival bus. Didn't know any better 35 years ago, but in 2022 there are better options than having to rely on a bus to fill up when you can take a private cab or Uber and also save money. The bottom line is saving time and money are always a good thing.

The Prima will start her 7 day routine when she has 3 sailings from Miami in November and December and then thirteen 7 day sailings with a 5 & 9 mixed in from Port Canaveral through March.

You save 250.00 and get whatever you wish to drink while gambling for free, even if it takes a bit to get served. It should be an easy choice.

If it's not broke, don't fix it. Will be free and looking forward to the broth bowls at sea day lunch.

No reason for early disembark if your flight is not until 12:26 out of Miami. Have a leisurely breakfast and then self disembark when you want. If you leave the Lido by 845, you should easily clear customs and make the airport by 10:30, 2 hours ahead of your flight. No reason to use the Carnival bus as a transfer either. If you don't want to use a cab, which is easier and cheaper, then an Uber or Lyft would be another cheaper option than two on the Carnival bus. You also don't need to wait around till the bus fills up to leave. So, it's cheaper and quicker to use a cab or Uber.

👍

Will be on the Prima for games 3-7 between the Astros (probable) versus the out of nowhere Phillies. 4-2 on the road & 5-0 at home upsetting the Cards, Braves and Padres. Hoping to see the game on the big TV in the Local instead of being relegated to cricket or soccer.

250 vs 225. And 40% larger than Excel Class, but only 1000 more passengers.

Wait till the Icon OTS comes out in 2024. 250 K tons, but only 1000 more people than the Excel Class and 40% bigger.

This seems to be the primary reason for many Carnival cruisers, only embarking from one or two ports that are drivable. Whether it be Galveston, New Orleans, Tampa, Jacksonville, Charleston or Baltimore. Of course Galveston would give them the most versatility since various lines embark from there. We are within 4 hours of Baltimore, Bayonne and NYC, but the ship takes priority so we only embark from metro NY occasionally. We do have two booked for next year on the Anthem out of Bayonne and the Meraviglia out of Brooklyn.

Since you like different lines out of NYC, look into the MSC Meraviglia, which will be sailing out of Brooklyn next year.

Brewed with slivered onions and pickles.

After seeing your cruise history, you never sailed on one of the 3 Vista Class ships, so it was quite a jump up to the 180 K ton MG. If you thought the MG felt like a hotel, don't ever cruise on Royal since they have a handful over 225 K and their newest under construction, the Icon OTS will be over 250 K tons. The overwhelming majority of their fleet are larger than the Breeze or the Magic. Enjoy your future smaller ship cruises.

On the Bliss there are only two areas that will be off limits to you. The Haven and the Vibe. So you're good for 95+% of the ship. Check out the Cavern Club for the Beatles tribute band shows. They are first come first seated and the venue is small, so take it into consideration and show up early. NCL does nickel and dime at times, but you do get the drink package for 20 bucks a day to cover tips.

With no bacon 🥓 police.

Can never see it coming. They have already reduced the quality of items like the everyday steak going from strip steak to flat iron to strip loin, combined with the elimination of the filet at the brunch and the size of many entrees being reduced. If they ever decide to charge extra for a second entree at the MDR, it could result in an exodus to their competition.

Currently sitting on 3/4 of a million points. Have purchased around 10,000 worth of cards, so been around for awhile. 😁

That's on RCI because of their idiotic Dynamic Pricing policy. It basically makes beverage packages and excursions fluid price wise depending upon the ship you're sailing and when you sail, resulting in ridiculously high prices on most cruises. Their Black Friday sale could result in as high as a 50% discount and up to 40% on their alcoholic packages.

Grand Cayman. Stingray City Cozumel. Nachi Cocum Beach Club