New2cruise2022

Very interesting. Thanks for the share.

No need to apologize! Thanks for all of your insights.

Only asking because of a rare mitochondrial disease that impacts energy production and metabolic needs. Just a matter of planning ahead to maintain energy levels and avoid life-threatening seizures. Different needs for different people. But I understand where you are coming from. I absolutely wish it wasn’t a consideration for our family and we could just go with flow regarding meals and food like most people.

Obviously no guarantees, but this info is very helpful. Thanks

Another thing to remember is how strikingly different are the experiences of the contributors on CC. You have contributors like @BirdTravelsthat have volume in number of cruises, historical experiences in cruising in different decades, and level of experiences including stays in the Haven. Compare that to contributors like me who are preparing for the first cruise in an inside cabin. The different perspectives and the distance travelled between opinions on CC is substantial. Haven v Inside cabin will not be comparable from the perspective of luxury and comfort — and it shouldn’t be. As it is, the inside cabin guy is benefitting from a fare that is probably cheaper than staying at home and eating out every meal. The Haven group is paying a much higher rate and the expectations should be incomparably higher than anyone outside of the The Haven. It certainly makes for a great conversation to see how people derive value from the wide range of offerings.

Thank you so much. This was perfectly well explained.

Traveller's Cheque / Cash Procedures A cash deposit may be placed on your onboard account in the following amounts: 7 day cruises - $300 USD per person Less than 7 days - $150 USD per person More than 7 days - $450 USD per person Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you'd like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess. I read on NCL site that cash can be added to the account to cover expenses. It talked about a $150 limit per person (for less than 7 day cruise) but also says that you can deposit as much money as often as you like. Can somebody share their experience with this?

Is the unlimited option available for purchase before or only onboard?

NCL is a business that is delivering a value proposition to its customers. The community here at CC are among NCL’s customers and come to this forum to discuss and evaluate that value proposition. People do it all the time. The evaluations and decisions are based on tastes, opinions, and budget. There are cruisers that are content — even happy — to get the lowest fare and pay for nothing extra. People that get value from an inside cabin and the buffet, while sipping tap water and lemonade. On the other spectrum, there are people that only travel in the Haven and eat exclusively from the Haven offerings. Then there is everything in between as well as people that will not choose NCL at all. It’s no different away from cruises. Some people go to Wendy’s and order whatever they want. Other people are only at Wendy’s for a 4 for $4 deal. Weigh the options, see what works for your likes and preferences. 🤷🏿‍♂️

We are on the Bliss on Jan 22. Will watch this thread. We are contemplating flying but honestly just planning to drive right past Vegas and on to LA.

I’m traveling as a solo adult with teenagers but I am social and looking for opportunities to mingle and meet other solo adults. I didn’t know they would grant access to the solo lounge if you aren’t staying in studios. Any additional information would be great!

That’s about 70% if the 3900 listed capacity is right.

We will be coming from the snow in Utah where we still wear nothing more than shorts and a hoodie all winter. So, sounds delightful. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you!

I’ve read a few things, but if anyone has personal experience/opinions I’d love to hear. 5-night Bliss from LA with stops in Cabo and Ensenada. The weather looks like it will be what it will be. If the temps are colder (50s and 60s) at sea, are the pools and slides warm enough for the adventurous to brave? Also does anyone have exceptional luck during this time with unseasonably warm weather? I knew the weather would likely be colder when I booked so we will have a great time either way. Just looking to hear others experiences. Thanks!

This is a great insight. Thanks! Do they seat you if you do take out?

If your camera happens to catch me being stupid, I consent to its use! 📸 🕺🏿

I’m thrilled to hear this. I can see how someone might like a cruise less crowded for obvious reasons: shorter lines, more space, more chairs, etc. But the reality is that a healthy industry brings better service and resources across the fleet if the parent company is managing correctly.

Read this 20 minutes ago. Just put the vacuum away. Nope. Just nope. (Thanks for the tip.)

Exactly. Budget + Reasonable Expectations = Fun and Memories.

Me and my two teen boys (17 & 15) will make it work in an inside cabin I think. I know, cramped. But I think this is part of the memory making. We will laugh and have fun, and if we really don’t like it, we will do it different the next time. Thanks for all of the comments. Really makes this fun and exciting to plan and anticipate.

Such a helpful explanation. Thanks!

Thanks for your great question. It was a good thread with lots of helpful information. I had been a bit uptight about dining times in MDR and now I’m much more at ease knowing that I can go with the flow. Only 78 more days …

Thanks for the heads up! First cruise here. We have been exclusive land and air vacationers forever. Florida is so great this time of year. A favorite destination for us as well! Enjoy!

For the record: Not accusing. Not feelings of being duped or misled. No worries that people are misrepresenting. Just curious. This is me asking anyone — those who have posted, those who have not — if the ships are typically less full right now. I’m grateful to everyone for sharing pictures, insights, tips, and opinions. Only here for information and fun, civil discourse. Sorry if the query communicated something else.