disgirl

We loved Catalina when we were there. We did the Catalina food tour (not booked through the ship). It was 2.5 hrs long and we had an amazing local guide. The history and stories they shared were great. The whole thing was 5/5!

Princess caps their beverage packages at 15 alcoholic beverages per day. Celebrity doesn't. I find Princess to have more shellfish/seafood options in the MDR than Celebrity. Food taste is subjective - I enjoy it on both lines. Entertainment is subjective - I don't like the evening production shows on either line. I like that Celebrity has traditional dining - although Princess is bringing it back this fall (YAY!) I find the cabin sizes on Princess larger, but I find the bathroom sizes on Celebrity larger.

We are finding (this year and last) airport hotels $300-400 CAD per night. Downtown hotels $600-900 CAD per night. This is all dynamic and depends on what is going on locally and days of travel. They know when the ships depart. They know when school is out. They know people will pay it to visit.

Interesting. I apologize. I cruised a couple times out of Vancouver last year, the last in Sept, and it was still check in upstairs and they had the kiosks to 'speed things up' they said.

Be patient, be kind, be flexible. That is what I say to everyone cruising now.

Peak time is 12 to 2pm. Each line has their own hall upstairs for check in. It will be busy downstairs w 2 as there is only the 1 security and customs area. At least the US customs is the kiosk now so tends to be quick. Once through those, follow the signs for your ship.

Ive cruised from Vancouver multiple times. I like to check in early. Their busiest time when multiple ships are in port is 12 - 2pm. With only 1 ship in, it shouldn't be too bad.

I have used Viator, Shore Excursions Group and local companies (after lots of research here on the port boards and online).

I have dining booked for my March 2025 sailing with my friends. I was told that Elite and suites can book dining times as soon as the booking is make. Everyone else is after final payment has been made.

I always look at the cost difference and subtract Example a 7 nt cruise I am looking at - Standard vs Plus is apx $550 CAD difference Gratuties are apx $180 CAD WIFI is apx $150 CAD Medallion deliver is apx $15 CAD 2 casual dining are apx $40 CAD That leaves apx $165 /7 days = apx $23 a day for beverages. I budget $25 for 2 (alcoholic) beverages a day. Its a no brainer for me to get the Plus package and get more beverages, sparkling water, pop, bottled water, juice, etc.

It isnt about accepting change. It is about the service - all of my cruises on My Time dining feel chaotic and rushed and the waiters are running around trying to keep up. Guests are coming and going. We find traditional dining a bit calmer with everyone in and seated at once, not a group here and a group there. I havent been able to be accommodated with the same server/same table every night on my past cruises when I asked. I like to get to know my dining staff and them to get to know me (I like lemon with my water, I don't eat fish - and have been saved a few times when ordering). I dont want to have to repeat things every night. And when we book reservations, it only allows us an option for 2, not a shared table (unless we want to eat at 5pm or 830pm)...we enjoy sitting with others. Celebrity, Holland America, Oceania, Royal Caribbean can do it...Princess can go back to it too.

Oh PLEASE return to all of the ships! We prefer the traditional fixed dining (I know, probably a unpopular preference lol). Every cruise I have been on since they changed to mytime I have put this on the comment cards.

Duly noted! Thanks. Princess and Celebrity which I have cruise with 16 times do include it so I just assumed everyone did.

Sorry if this is a stupid question but isnt bottle water included in the beverage package? (asked by someone who hasnt been on NCL in 25 years). I may have assumed incorrectly as it is with all the other cruises i have done with packages.

The cabana cabins remind me of the Lanais on Holland America ships. You have your own loungers outside of the balcony door on the Promenade deck where everyone is walking by.