cruzperson

We are sailing on the Quest Jan 5 for Vietnam and Thailand. I have spent some time looking at various shore excursion options and find that at some locations there are more than one port that the ships dock. For example in Ho Chi Minh City there is Saigon Port or Phu My (which can add an additional 2 hrs each way)

 

How do I find out exactly where our ship docks and what is the possibility of it changing?

Ask your travel agent.

Princess and Celebrity have the best food. I've been disappointed with RCL except on one European cruise where it was great. NCL is not gourmet, but it's OK. I like the entertainment on NCL. I've been on the Breakaway, the Pearl and the Gem. All in all, I think you'll like NCL if you set your expectations. Every cruise line is different. And it's all about the people you meet! Enjoy your cruise!

Has anyone sailed on the Jewel before? How was the food? How was the ship in general? I've been on the Pearl and the Gem, but they were new then. The Jewel is now 9 years old and hasn't been renovated yet. I'm wondering how it is. Thanks!

Hi I'm a travel agent. Although NCL cruise line is great, NCL America which sails in Hawaii is a little different. The Pride of America is a ship that flies the American flag and sails only in the US. This means that it is subject to different employment and hiring laws. Most of the crew will be American. Some are from US territories like American Guan. NCL America has had a problem because the work ethics of young Americans is not the same as those on any other ships. So you will not find the International crew that you find on RCCL or even other NCL ships.

As long as you understand what you're getting, you can enjoy your cruise. Hawaii is very expensive and this is a cost-effective way to see different Hawaiian Islands. NCL America has tried very hard to address the crew situation, but it is what it is. If you're a 20 year old crew member and decide that you don't want to work so hard, all you have to do is disembark. You're only in another state. When you get many people doing it, the rest of the crew is stressed because they have to pick up the slack, so services are affected. You get the picture.

How far a taxi ride is it from San Jose, Costa Rica to Puntarenas and how much would it cost?

Thanks!