Anoynmous Phoenix

We have never had a problem fitting all the large clothes (smalls we wash in the room sink; when you do, wedge the shower door open, they dry more quickly) we want washed in the the same paper bag as is offered for what you are interested in; our Latitude level gives us it free. We never worry about a plastic bag liner but we do roll the clothes. Just don't be rough handling it!!

It appears that Spirit will be doing the southern summer season in 2025-26. I would keep an eye open for how it will get to and from our part of the world Oct/Nov 2025 and Mar/Apr 2026 as they are not being shown yet. For 2024-25 have a look at the Sun which is here for summer then. It looks as if it is coming down here late in 2024 from Honolulu but that it is going away in 2025 via SE Asia.

@MR_BUTCHIE You could try https://www.google.com/maps/search/Hotels/@29.9433712,-90.0644595,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m7!2m6!3m5!2sNorwegian+Cruise+Lines!3s0x8620a66e9c6926b9:0x11168996c88d224d!4m2!1d-90.0618846!2d29.9433573?entry=ttu

@TravelFiend It is normal for the aft MDR to be open on Embarkation Day from 11.30 or Noon till 1.30 or thereabouts. On the Jewel that would be Tsar's Palace on deck 6. Go to the stern inside on deck 7 and go down the stairs. It is just the normal menu and you may have to put up with two contiguous tables for 6.

Suite equals a butler with that expense, personally have found the concierge and room steward more use. An expensive gofer!! Lots of free nibbles available via the butler or by special delivery. Special tea and coffee making arrangements. Availability of a specific Specialty restaurant for breakfast and lunch; but it is a restricted unchanging choice. Very pleasant, quiet and boring!! Having a concierge readily available for bookings, getting you priority when going off the ship or getting to a suite only area at shows. Better arrangement of cutlery and crockery and glasses in the room. Captains cocktail party. A different coloured room card so everyone knows you are in a suite!!

Never come across that but suppose it might happen if the ship is at a low percentage of capacity.

@dpavid About the only ways to upgrade are to be in NCL's Upgrade Bid System if you are eligible or to pay the present going price. Any available cabins now go to a bidding system and while you MAY be lucky I would think it very unlikely you would get too much of a bargain as many people bid.

@sbaker Which cruise terminal does NCL use in Southampton? It isn't always the same one. What's the best way to get from there to the train station? Whichever one it is, the easiest way is to use a taxi. If you are going to use the train to go anywhere buy your tickets in advance and take advantage of the cheaper fares. Advance purchase, two for one, seniors etc. A P

@seachelt We live in New Zealand and the gratuities for the "free" dining and open bar are built into our cruise fare. As is the DSC.

I wonder how many people ever calculate what the total cost, of the "free" meals that they receive, is. We booked two 12day cruises, we took recently, nearly two years ago before the number of meals decreased and had 6 meals on each; 4 Free at Sea and 2 Latitudes. I signed for each and the total of the 12 meals was USD1758. No, we wouldn't have visited the Specialty Restaurants without the "free" ones. Anoynmous Phoenix

@bluesea777 Thanks received, will read later. A P

Beaujolais Villages

@GALSews Our last Latitudes bag of laundry on the Spirit didn't have any "hidden" tags.

Can't do it as we have 4 cruises on the Jewel starting about the same time and then our two "free" Ambassador cruises after those. As soon as we get home from all those the knee will be done!!! It was put off from last December as we had all the cruises booked. I also have to be off Prednisone for three months before the Orthopaedic surgeon will operate and we have started the process of quantity reduction.

And all that for NZD17,309 pp or NZD214 (USD131) pp a day. Talk about "a steal". A P

We have just come home form 24 wonderful days on the Spirit and want more. While there I spent time talking to the Future Cruise people and found what I would consider a heavenly cruise to end all cruises. BUT we already have some cruises booked and my orthopaedic surgeon is waiting to replace a knee. Both mean that I am going to have to forgo the following:- 81 days of continuous cruising; fabulous. Much of the Pacific with lots of ports and many sea days; as I said a cruise to end all cruises!! Anoynmous Phoenix.

@lisabdh1 Hannah is on the Spirit.

@dexddd Local as in country of origin etc; we have to deal with the Australian office

Shirt pocket with pen and paper and, sometimes, small bills.

Personally I would say that you should phone your local NCL office and ask for a PCC. With luck you will get a good one!!

If you see it again make a "trial booking" and see what happens. VBG

I am on the Spirit at the south end of the Tasman Sea; no trouble accessing the cruises we have booked.

@KeithJenner Richards Bay for one.

Simple choice in two respects. Do you want a large or small ship? That means the number of passengers and children. Do you want to get to know staff from the General manager to the bartenders, waiters and steward? For me #3 the Jewel.

"Don't choose a book by its cover". To look at NCL by that one cruise and decide not to travel with them again would be a mistake. Could I suggest a 12-14 day cruise somewhere where there is a mixture of port and sea days, where there are very few under 5s and the passenger count is about 2000.