RB9643

It's good to be an Xer. The Boomers and Millennial's always seem to be in a constant battle, while we just kick back and laugh at both of you. 🤣

Encore over Joy, barely. Either one over Prima until we try again. Sailing Escape in November. Love SpiceH2O, which isn't on Encore, but know we're going to miss the observation lounge which isn't on Escape. Short version -- you'll love Encore.

I have heard HAL is changing. We'll be taking our first cruise with them next year. I think as we Gen-X'ers start pushing 60 and are looking for that more subdued type of cruise, they are changing some of their more "rigid" policies, especially concerning dress code. I still believe pants and a collared shirt should be prerequisites for any line's MDR, but you can throw out the tie and/or sports coat. We ain't Boomers.

Will do. I believe a 7-day pass is $199, which would be twice a day, every day. Too much. However, if it's steeply discounted on a 21-day, it might be worth it. We'll see.

Can you tell us why?

That's disappointing to hear. We're on the Encore repo next April. With 9 seadays, fewer kids, and less than capacity, I was hoping to get a pass and ride the heck out of those things. Guess I'll just shell out the $15 the first time and see how it goes.

How does that work? Do they have a separate gangway that bypasses the normal boarding system if you've already checked-in?

I think their system uses some algorithm no one truly understands. I've been posting on the Internet since before the Web existed. Sometimes my pics work, sometimes they don't. I don't think technical savvy has anything to do with it.

First, the Joy is not the Prima. I can't imagine your son not being thrilled with the Joy. While we don't travel with teenagers, I can see the difference. Secondly, as stated previously, it's a two-room suite in the Haven! Is there really any comparison? Finally, you're comparing a brand new, first-in-its-class ship still working out all the problems and kinks that inevitably come with it, to a tried and true, proven Breakaway+ class ship. No-brainer.

If you can get it at $600 by all means, go for it! The Johnnie Walker Blue alone over 10 days will pay for that. Heheh. That said, you have about zero chance to get it at the minimum bid. Good luck though.

Point taken. This can go down the rabbit hole quite quickly. I will simply stand pat saying that your inference of what a non-explicit post implies is not necessarily true.

Just to nit-pick, a little, because it happens to me all the time. 😁 You may infer anything you wish from a post, but that's on you, not the poster. Only the poster knows what they are implying. Your inference is nothing more than a guess based your own reasoning.

No reason to book an excursion in Sitka. We will also be there in August (unfortunately on another cruise line). There is a shuttle that takes you from the port to downtown. From there, Sitka is small, easily walkable, and a bunch of sites in a small area. Look at Google Maps and do a bit of research. It's worth the effort.

Yep. As soon as the ends of those tags start to curl, the itch is unmistakable.

I first read it as "jerky" and was pondering what a growing degree of jerky looks like.

Right now, roughly on your dates, it's $400 cheaper and 2 hours shorter to fly through Boston. NCL must have a sweet deal going with Delta on international flights.

That seems quite unique to me. The thought never crossed our minds when our kids were young. But then, I feel far safer flying than I do driving down a curving two-lane highway. So, to each their own.

A club balcony mini-suite is definitely worth a few hundred bucks. But you won't get to choose your cabin. That said, the club balconies are not usually in undesirable spots. But if there is one, you're going to get it.

Not sure it's worth it on a 5-7 day cruise, but if I could grab that on a 21-day transitional, I'm all in.

What's that smell?

That's the clincher. I'm booking the Haven just to bring these to our dog.

I think that's the vibe. I'm sorry OP that you chose the Epic as your first NCL cruise. I would urge you to try again, on literally any other NCL ship.

Not at all. You're a lucky man with complete control. Good for you -- sorry for your partner, I told the wife that Chief and I are invading MDR wearing Red and Black flannel pajama pants. She just rolled her eyes and said, "guys are dumb". 😂😆😂

Not sure if this helps, buy I delete all cookies and browsing history and go in clean. I have seen differences, but they didn't apply to me.

Agree with everything above. We book club balcony for the larger bathroom and closet/storage space. But the price has to be worth it. If you can get it for $400, it's a no brainer, if it's $1000, not so much, The added amenities change based on the day and ship. Once we got wine, once we got chocolate strawberries. Once we got a free bag of laundry and a $29 bag. Once we got cookies. The cabins aways seem to be in the better spots, with a higher quality of service. And no, balcony suites will no longer get an extra latitude point. it