steveknj
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Posts posted by steveknj
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Is there a great restaurant within walking distance of the pier to get a nice lobster lunch? Not sandwiches or lobster rolls, but an actual lobster tail type lunch. My daughter has never had Lobster and we wanted to give her the experience.
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I assume you can go get an "in person" test too? My place of work does in person testing and of course places like urgent care or many pharmacies as well. Is that acceptable?
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3 hours ago, Ed342 said:
That's great if you are on Princess. Each line has different TVs with different configurations. I don't recall NCL having LG TVs.
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9 minutes ago, scooter6139 said:
The "perks" don't mean much to us, but the nicer, bigger bathroom does. I believe it is one of the nicer bathrooms available at sea (but we've only Cruised HAL, Princess, NCL and Carnival)
We had one for the first time last March on the GA. The big bathroom was really nice for us (and I got sick during the trip, spend too much time in the bathroom so I appreciated it). The shower while bigger also had shower jets aimed at all kinds of body parts that were nice (until I got sunburned and had to turn them off!). We got snacks I think 3 times, mostly chocolates and cookies, which we enjoyed and a bottle of sparkling wine we never drank but took home for another occasion. As far as the laundry, you get one, rather small bag, which was fine to "recycle" our unmentionables. Our balcony was no bigger than our standard balcony cabins we usually get. I wouldn't spend more than $100 for the upgrade, but on our upcoming cruise we booked a standard balcony and put in a bid for a club balcony. If we get it fine, if not, I'm sure we'll still have a wonderful time in a standard balcony cabin.
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On 7/20/2022 at 8:24 PM, Travelling2Some said:
Truly excellent post! We all have causes that move us emotionally. Everyone cannot be passionate over every worthwhile cause in this world. Personally, I am far more concerned about the millions of destitute children around the globe than I am about marine life so that is where I put my energy. Hopefully we all do our own bit to leave the world better than we found it. Please don't imagine that everyone who does not share your particular focus is either evil or ignorant.
I'm all for saving sea life and our oceans as it's part of the circle of life. But to carry on about an odd duck or two (pun intended) making it into the ocean is misguided when the ship you are on probably dumps TONS of waste into the water. Sure we should definitely not throw anything into the ocean that shouldn't be, but I doubt very many of these ducks make it into the water, except at some kid's bathtub back on land.
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1 hour ago, SeaShark said:
Its nice to throw around wild stats from activist web sites (interesting how rounded and even the numbers always are...easier to parrot that way), but I'd still like to see the proof. Are these supported numbers or estimates? If the latter, what are the biases of the source?
"Over 100 Million each year"...can you reference even ONE article from an objective source that shows the death of just ONE marine mammal directly attributed to a cruise duck?
We all cruise, we all have cameras and camera phones...does anyone have photos they've taken on a cruise of all of this plastic in the ocean? Somebody must have pictures, right? Anyone have a photo that they've taken of the "over 100 million" dead marine mammals? Surely, we should be able to see them given the time we spend looking at the ocean...
I think his point has some validity, and the amount of plastic in the ocean is much too much and we need to find better options. But to make this a vendetta against cruising ducks that most likely NEVER make it into the ocean and go as far as deriding folks on here or on FB about it, just feels like it could be trolling, or misguided. Especially when cruise lines themselves are among the worst polluters of the ocean. So if you're THAT worried about sea life (and we all should be to some extent), perhaps not going on a cruise would be the first step. Otherwise, it's pretty hypocritical to worry about a cruise duck while enjoying your cruise experience on a major polluter. We all make compromises and we should all do our best to make this a better place to live in, but there are things that are just silly.
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8 hours ago, Bucket List Bohemians said:
I don't bring plastic to the beach to leave laying around to blow into the ocean, I don't leave plastic on my balcony to blow over ... nor do I leave little things around the cruise ship that can fall onto the stairs to trip people, or end up down some crevice to muck up machinery on board. We've done swim encounters with dolphins, a sea lion, sting rays & sharks - and listened to the nature talks about what plastic in the ocean does to sea life - 1 million killed a year ("Over 1 million marine animals (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles, and birds) are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean UNESCO Facts & Figures on Marine Pollution"). Its all fun and games till someone gets hurt or a dolphin dies. I don't have many "causes", but dolphins are one of them. Its really surprising that in 2022 when everyone is so concerned about the environment and animals, that so many people respond they either don't believe the hazard or don't care as long as its fun.
If you believe so strongly, I don't think cruising is really for you. Do you realize that the fuel oil, the waste from cruise ships ALSO kill millions of sea (and land) animals? If a little rubber duck, with very little odds of ever making it into the ocean bothers you, then maybe you should understand what cruise ships do to the oceans as well.
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My daughter has Celiac and we've done well on other cruises with her Gluten Free diet. We know there are usually plenty of GF options in the MDR, and in Cagney's but we wondered about Teppenyaki. She's never been to one of those Japanese cook in front of you restaurants and we thought it might be fun for her. But since they use the same utensils and such for eveyrone's meal, I don' know how Gluten safe it would be. Anyone know if they accommodate GF diets there? If not, we'll find a different specialty to go to.
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On 7/17/2022 at 12:38 PM, Bucket List Bohemians said:
Not true. Cruise ducks blow overboard, children toss them overboard, and when the crew cleans, they are an added burden to recycling.
So you have absolutely NO plastics? Never drink from a plastic bottle? I think most kids want to keep them, and the crew loves the and keeps them in place from whatever I read about them...
I had never heard of this thing before our last cruise in March when my adult son found a tag (but alas, no duck) on the stairs. We then looked it up on the internet and found that it's really a thing!! He now follows cruising ducks on FB and shows us the pics of all the unique ducks. We will be on the Breakaway in August and my adult daughter plans on spreading some ducky cheer throughout the ship and hopefully we'll spot a few kids enjoying their "find" and spreading the cheer as well. It's a harmless and fun thing to do and if it makes a kid (or an adult) smile, I'm all for it!!
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I've had the occasional sub par meal (on all cruise lines I've been on), but generally they range from fine to exceptional, and if you don't like it, you can order something else. We always check out the menu either in the app, or via the boards outside the dining room. There's usually about 10 options for the main course, including the "every day" options (like broiled chicken or strip steak, or salmon). I'm a fairly picky eater, but I can always find at least 2 options I'm deciding between, usually more. And really, if you are REALLY picky, there's always the buffet which has LOTS of options.
Last time I had lobster in the MDR was on RCCL.
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On 7/2/2022 at 9:40 AM, graphicguy said:
Unless you’re the person/family far back in line, and you see all the people who don’t have their docs/checkin together and dominate kiosk after kiosk taking 2X/3X as long to check in, causing the big back up.
It might annoy you, but in the scheme of things, what are we talking, 15 extra minutes if that? You're on vacation, chill out!! 🙂
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My son is looking to book a cruise out of NYC as a single solo cruiser. He's never sailed alone before but has heard great stories from us about how great cruising is. Initially we looked at NCL because they are well known for single cruising but for kicks and grins we took a look at other lines including MSC for pricing and such. We know that MSC will be sailing out of Brooklyn next year and they are trying to get a foothold in the NY area. So their pricing, even for a solo cruiser was very intriguing. With that said, would his experience as a single man, late 30s be good on MSC? Are there other single solo cruisers that sail MSC? We've never sailed this line before but are considering it for ourselves, but for now, looking at what his experience might be. He's not a big drinker but will have a drink or two a day probably. He enjoys music and will enjoy the stage shows. He's not very outgoing, but can certainly hold a conversation but he's a bit shy.
What say you, fine MSC cruisers?
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On 6/30/2022 at 8:12 AM, Yesimapirate said:
How bad it is matters on perspective and opinion.
To me, it's terrible. It means you have to spend longer talking to someone face to face. Sometimes they aren't the friendliest or best informed. Plus, I sorta don't like people. 😉
If that person was you who didn't complete their paperwork, then sure, you're going to have to wait longer at checkin. For me, the person behind you? I'll just go to the next available agent. No big deal to me. I agree. I'd rather be ready and prepared, but not everyone has the capacity to do that, for lots of reasons.
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On 6/30/2022 at 6:15 AM, graphicguy said:
You can always tell the person/people/families who weren’t prepared. They’re the ones dominating one (or more) checkin personnel at a station. There’s always confusion, papers and phones flying every where, etc.
But so what? For me waiting online, it means nothing, there's always another booth opening up. It's probably the difference in waiting time like a minute or two. Again, if nobody was prepared, it could be chaos. If a few people didn't complete their paperwork ahead of time for whatever reason. No big deal for me waiting.
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1 hour ago, rmurray847 said:
Agreed. Actually, I'm often surprised at how ill-prepared many people are for their cruise vacations. Maybe I'm TOO much of a planner...but I see people posting things like "My family and I are on our first cruise in 3 days, and we really have no idea what to expect. Will they give us food or should we bring our own? Are we allowed to bring luggage on board, and if so, can I bring my propane fired gas grill to put on our balcony in case I want to make hamburgers?" Slightly exaggerated example, of course. But people are often ill-prepared and I think boards like this (which are GREAT, by the way) give us this idea that every person is incredibly on the ball about everything, and if we miss one little nuance, we're totally screwed. I hate missing those nuances, myself...but then when I get on board, I see how very lost and clueless so many are. Yet, they are also obviously having a great time. So I think having to complete your check in at the port is pretty minor!
I'm like you. I like to be prepared (over prepared perhaps?), but there are a lot of people who look at vacations as an adventure and want everything to be new and surprising. You always hear stories about people who pack a suitcase, take the next flight to somewhere and just go. I could never do that. But, I'm surprised that those people would even look at a forum like this. I guess they need to know some minor details.
As to annoying people online because you didn't complete your pre-board check-in, my experience at the ports I've embarked from is that you get on ONE line and there's a number of people lined up behind the counter, probably 20 or more and when one opens up you go to that one. So, as someone waiting online, it's doubtful you'd even KNOW if someone is holding up the line because they didn't do their paperwork. I think it's just not a big deal. With that said, if EVERYONE didn't do their paperwork, then yeah, the lines would get really long. For the OP, just do the best you can, and if you can't , that's why they are their to help. Not everyone is tech savvy enough to complete these things. I know my wife gets really frustrated with it. I know I'VE had issues with online check in because some things are just very clear.
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We are doing Canada/NE end of August. We've been to Portland before on a previous cruise 20+ years ago and went to LL Bean and walked along the main shopping district. Is there anything worth seeing other than that? I'm thinking perhaps it's the place to go have a lobster lunch if nothing else. Anything close by to the pier or better off taking an excursion?
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18 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:
I didn't suggest it was popular. Obviously more and more people want to dine with just their party, which is why cruise lines are moving toward 'my time' dining. You wondered why cruises offer the option of dining with others and my response is that some people like that tradition, which was set forth on cruise ships. Since dining with others was never the standard at Disney (that I'm aware of); no tradition was established.
Seems very simple to me. Some people want a 'traditional cruise' experience where they dine with others so the cruise lines are keeping this as an option. However the cruise lines have heard what other people want and are offering more choices.
It's really pretty simple. if you enjoy those types of traditions, NCL is probably not for you. There are plenty of others who still maintain that tradition. NCL has made it clear over the last bunch of years that they have moved away for that sort of thing as it's just not as popular as it used to be.
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My wife and I rarely drink, never drink alcohol at home and only drink at parties and what not, maybe an occasional glass of wine if we go to dinner. The first few cruises we took before NCL started offering the "free" booze package, we never bought even a soda package. Wife prefers water and I prefer iced tea. We would get soda for my daughter. But the last couple of cruises on NCL with the "free" package we took it. I enjoy some of the sweet cocktails that I'd never order otherwise and they are fun to try, but if we didn't have it, I might buy one or two just to try them. So I am SURE they are making nice money off of us. But I like the idea that I can order and not have to think about it, but I'd never buy a drink package. This upcoming cruise will be the first where my daughter can drink and I have no idea how much she might want to drink or not. She also doesn't drink at home, so this will be her first drinking experience. But really, we probably should decline it, but we won't.
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12 hours ago, SpainAlien said:
FWIW I agree to a point about NCL's innovation but seriously how many ships need a go kart track? On the Joy in December it was hardly used at all and once you have done it in one ship are you really going to do it again? Such a waste of prime real estate
What do you NEED on a cruise ship anyway? Do you NEED 15 specialty restaurants? The MDR has all the food you need, along with the buffet. Do you NEED 25 different bars? My point is, what you find superfluous appeals to other people. In December, how many kids were on the cruise? Remember that was during the time when vaccines were required and many kids were not vaccinated. Maybe when there's cruises with kids, a venue like Go Karts is crowded? So these cruise lines try and find activities, for everyone, viva la difference!! There's nothing more boring than a ship with few activities to do. Some are content to sit by the pool all day, others want to go from activity to activity. I don't do any rope climbing, but others do, and it's great that it's there for them. I'd rather have the choice than no choice at all.
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17 hours ago, mking8288 said:
@steveknj - we think alike and perhaps, someone high enough within the NCL hierarchy is reading this or getting the feedback, that considerations can be given - at least on the GA and BA with the integrated open kitchen design, just a matter of opening it and staffing it on sea days, maybe on those longer T/A but not with port-intensive itineraries.
We walked by American Diner on Deck 16 Mid twice on sea days, it was basically empty with 2 or 3 tables - it's basically not much different than what's served in OSH, publc food ... such a wasted space. As pictured earlier, my burger loaded with extras was made to order, juicy and included free, ditto for the jumbo hotdog (Nathan or not, fine by me). This is putting on my/our "critic" hats and personal viewpoints.
Syd Norman's Pourhouse entertainment - of course, (college days then) Fleetwood Mac ... had we stayed on for an additional week, GM's secretary and our favorite MDR waiter are spot on, "just do it." Regrets - got to made it up and book soon again, before the band move on.
@YVRteacher - Of course, that was cleverly design & artistically done, it is all chocolate - including the flower and hidden in the base, mostly dark chocolate (some with fillings). All of it tasty, perfectly compliment a hot cup of coffee or English tea - even that thin "slice" of pineapple is chocolate. Perhaps, it came from the Bake Shop ... someone onboard next week, check out the place & see if they got it - darn it, another stop that we missed last week. Compliments of the F&B Director, or was it the Restaurant Manager ... surely overwhelmed with the extras and unexpected surprises, including a complimentary visit to experience the Ice Bar, from Mario, the GM (thank you all).
Disclosures: we do own NCLH stocks but otherwise, the review is not endorsing or written expressly to promote NCL's products and cruises.
I have a hard time understanding why The American Diner is even needed. The food is standard American food and it's not free. I can get the same thing on land. Not to mention a lot of that kind of food is available on the buffet. I kind of "got it" when it was Jimmy Buffett's place, because that's a little different and not every location had one of those. I don't think I saw one person at the American Diner the whole time we cruised on the Getaway. We would hit the jogging track every day at different times and that passed right by it. Nobody there. I think NCL needs to rethink that approach. Maybe do something like what Carnival does where they have Guy's (Fieri) Burgers and a Mexican food place that's open for lunch and no extra charge. It's one of the things I liked about Carnival the couple of times we've done them.
As for the noodle bar, same thing, I think it's a perfect lunch spot, not sure about dinner and it's close to the smokey casino which isn't ideal.
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On 3/29/2022 at 4:10 PM, BermudaBound2014 said:
Be sure to do tons of research on MSC. I've sailed them twice, both in and out of the Yacht club. They are a budget cruise line and largely you get what you pay for. Of the mainstream lines, MSC is the farthest away from a traditional product offered by RCL/Celebrity.
With that said, MSC is the only privately owned cruise line and they have been backed financially by their extremely profitable parent shipping company. They are now a larger cruise company than NCL. In order of size.. CCL, RCL, MSC, NCL, so MSC is making a run at the USA market.
I would sail MSC again, but I would do so when my primary goal is value over quality and I would sail with adjusted expectations.
We have been looking at MSC since they will be sailing out of Brooklyn next year and we are looking for "something different". What types of things do they not have that NCL does? The one thing in my current research was that they "seemed" to have traditional dining, fixed times and all that, which is not something I'm thrilled with but something we could deal with.
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I'm surprised there was no mention of our favorite entertainment on our cruise earlier in March, and that was Syd Norman's Pourhouse. We went there a few nights and the band was fantastic. if you are at all interested in classic rock music, this is for you. The band one night just did the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours in it's entirety. If you do a cruise on the Getaway, I highly recommend this.
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18 hours ago, mking8288 said:
The other free option for the evening is Shanghai Noodles, next to or behind the casino, by the no-smoking section (but, it's still smell of cigarette smoke) - there are good reasons to keep a K/N95 or KF94 mask around - filtration works. We like sitting at the counter and watch the junior chef prepare items cook-to-order at the Open Kitchen ... as close as we can get to "Behind The Scene" tour for the gallery portion below deck.
Food pictures - Char Siu (roast pork) Noodles Soup is our favorite here, along with the crispy Fried Dumplings, and the Panda (fruits) Salad.
P.S. Open hours reduced, closing at 9:30 pm nightly instead - on the Breakway, it used to close at 10:30 pm - perhaps, maybe ...
Sorry, apology if you get hungry after watching and scrolling thru the last 30+ pictures with food.
This is one restaurant that I'd wish they had open for lunch. On one of the Carnival ships we'd been on they have a similar restaurant that's open for lunch (they can either do Italian style pasta or Asian style noodles). For dinner I'd rather sit in the dining room or a specialty restaurant. But this would have been a perfect lunch stop.
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2 hours ago, ColbyCarrington said:
Great info. I can’t wait to get on in a few days. Can you clear up for me is the casino smoking or does the casino have the mini casino smoking box? I’ve heard various things from people.
The Casino has no non-smoking area, you can smoke anywhere in the Casino (I was on this ship in early March).
Portland, Maine, Excursions
in Canada/New England
Posted
I've had fresh lobster before, but my daughter hasn't. Personally I've never felt it was worth all the "work" but I like it. It's something she wants to do, so we'll do it!