Travel Junkie Judy

On 6/30/2023 at 12:48 AM, Jacary said:

Hi all, we are looking at doing a cruise from LA through Panama Canal and wondered if anyone knows what cruise lines go through the old locks rather than the new ones? 

Norwegian smaller ships use the old locks - The SUN in particular, just went though in April - we were on her.  Check the dates and the ships -These would also  use old locks - Star, Dawn, Spirit, Sky, Jade, Jewel, Gem, and Pearl. I see Encore, Bliss, Breakaway and Joy go to or through Panama and they would use the new locks.

Good Luck,  

Judy

22 hours ago, 9tee2Sea said:

if you are one of the newer mega ships ( 4,000 passengers), almost 100% sure you will be going thru the New Locks.  The "Old Locks" cannot handle the size of the new mega ships.  But the smaller ships can also go thru the "New Locks".  It has to do with length and beam width of ships.

7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Out of state but still in the US or out of the country?

Is this a Medicare Advantage plan?  I believe that basic Medicare is equally valid in all 50 states.

5 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Your post suggested that your "Medicare" did not cover 100%.   That's why I asked if it was Medicare Advantage or basic Medicare Part B.  Many Medicare Advantage plans only provide emergency coverage when outside your own state. I believe it is the insurance company who decides what is an "emergency," and only when they receive the claim.  I don't like insurance companies.

 

I don't believe that any Medicare plans cover medical expenses outside of the US.  Perhaps some high-end Medigap policies do.

6 hours ago, tomk3212 said:

Hmmmm...in light of this I wonder if I should try them now for this claim?  It's been 3 years but ya never know...

 

For NCL we had to wait till July to get the $$ we paid back but they paid it back completely.  They offered a FCC for 125% of what we paid but we decided to 'take the money & run'...lol

 

For AA (American Airlines) I got a call from them in mid-May right after our return flight from Rome was 'officially' cancelled by them asking if I wanted the $$ back or a credit towards a future flight on AA.  Naturally we took the money and ran...again.

 

So Kudos to NCL & AA & a BIG Bronx cheer to Allianz!

Allianz gives you 90 days to file a claim after your incident.  Don't think the 3 years old claim would work...just sayin'.........🤣😂

6 hours ago, tomk3212 said:

Hmmmm...in light of this I wonder if I should try them now for this claim?  It's been 3 years but ya never know...

 

For NCL we had to wait till July to get the $$ we paid back but they paid it back completely.  They offered a FCC for 125% of what we paid but we decided to 'take the money & run'...lol

 

For AA (American Airlines) I got a call from them in mid-May right after our return flight from Rome was 'officially' cancelled by them asking if I wanted the $$ back or a credit towards a future flight on AA.  Naturally we took the money and ran...again.

 

So Kudos to NCL & AA & a BIG Bronx cheer to Allianz!

Allianz gives you 90 days to file a claim, so I don't think the 3 years would work.....just sayin' 🤣

4 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Your post suggested that your "Medicare" did not cover 100%.   That's why I asked if it was Medicare Advantage or basic Medicare Part B.  Many Medicare Advantage plans only provide emergency coverage when outside your own state. I believe it is the insurance company who decides what is an "emergency," and only when they receive the claim.  I don't like insurance companies.

 

I don't believe that any Medicare plans cover medical expenses outside of the US.  Perhaps some high-end Medigap policies do.

4 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Your post suggested that your "Medicare" did not cover 100%.   That's why I asked if it was Medicare Advantage or basic Medicare Part B.  Many Medicare Advantage plans only provide emergency coverage when outside your own state. I believe it is the insurance company who decides what is an "emergency," and only when they receive the claim.  I don't like insurance companies.

 

I don't believe that any Medicare plans cover medical expenses outside of the US.  Perhaps some high-end Medigap policies do.

My Medicare Advantage (United Health Care) covers all expenses outside of the US - less my deductible.  If it is at an emergency clinic, I pay only $65.  If I am admitted to a hospital, I pay my $500 deductible.  This is not an expensive plan.  It is quite reasonable.  It is my only health insurance, though I do have the Allianz Travel Insurance, which covers whatever my United Health Care doesn't - as long as the trip is 90 days or less.

6 minutes ago, tomk3212 said:

Hey Judy, thanks a bunch!

 

Glad to hear Allianz covered you 'and then some'...  I'm not a big fan of them.  We booked a TA on Encore in April 2020 that was ending in Rome/Civitavecchia.  We had a 2-night hotel reservation in Rome that I used Allianz for the trip insurance.  Everything got cancelled, due to the COVID outbreak, but we got ALL our $$ back from NCL & American Airlines.  Allianz refused to cover the hotel.  They 'weaseled' out of it by claiming they had issued a travel warning re: COVID in November 2019. It was only $300 but everybody else refunded the $$ we paid.  Live and learn.

I don't blame you.  They have changed their policies concerning Covid - probably because of feedback like yours.  Shame on them for not covering it.  

29 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Out of state but still in the US or out of the country?

Is this a Medicare Advantage plan?  I believe that basic Medicare is equally valid in all 50 states.

I did not say my Medicare did not cover.  Don't know where that came from. ????  Medicare has covered every claim I have made when out of town and/or out of country.  

30 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Out of state but still in the US or out of the country?

Is this a Medicare Advantage plan?  I believe that basic Medicare is equally valid in all 50 states.

27 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Out of state but still in the US or out of the country?

Is this a Medicare Advantage plan?  I believe that basic Medicare is equally valid in all 50 states.

We were in California when I used my Allianz policy, but it is good all over the world In California, it paid the deductible from my Medicare Advantage plus a few things that Medicare A did not pay..  My Medicare Advantage did cover me in March of this year, as I mentioned before.  The Allianz annual plan is probably the best travel insurance  because it covers you for trips up to 90 days.  Most are 30 days and some are 60.  My Allianz did not cover the March incident because we were gone over the 90 day limit.  Hope this makes sense.

On 5/23/2023 at 2:28 PM, tomk3212 said:

I was looking if someone had some actual experience with a specific travel insurance provider; quality, price, what's covered, what's not, etc. etc.  Yup, I know there are separate CC forum(s) for this subject but since this thread is on this topic I figured I'd ask here.

I have had one claim with Allianz annual.  I had a minor (hairline) fracture of my arm while out of state.  I turned in all of the bills and my plane ticket to show when I arrived and left.  Allianz covered everything (and then some) that my medicare did not cover.  They paid me for the mileage to drive to the emergency clinic & back I think.  I was very happy with them.  You have to save all receipts.  Lack of proof is the #1 reason that people are turned down for claims.  When we travel, I carry a medium size manilla envelope and put ALL receipts in it plus boarding passes and luggage tags.  Of course, some of the receipts are not useable, but you never know......

42 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

Wish we could buy an annual policy but you cannot buy those or CFAR insurance in New York 😞  We take multiple long international trips most years and it would definitely save us money.  We get a better deal on secondary insurance through my husband's ex-employer so it wouldn't make sense for us to buy the Medicare Advantage but I have heard that it does provide coverage outside the US.

Wow!  Why am I not surprised about NY?   My husband used to work in "the city".  My medicare advantage is through my old employer and I feel lucky to have it.  I had a medical emergency in March in Honduras. The bill was $2970.  Medicare Advantage picked up all but $500 deductible.  Travel insurance would have picked up the rest, but we had been there 93 days and the trip limit is 90 days.  

On 5/22/2023 at 7:42 PM, Travelling2Some said:

Medicare does not cover outside of the United States.  We always buy third party insurance.  Much less expensive and better coverage than the cruise lines offer.

My Medicare Advantage covers outside USA , but we still carry travel insurance.  Allianztravelinsurance.com to the rescue. An annual policy is not expensive and covers you when 100 miles from home - not just cruises.

Seems that there are many ships that can still use the Panamax (original) locks.

We leave on Friday on the NCL SUN.  It's their smallest ship and I love her!  We go through the canal next week.

Judy

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

When retired from cruise operations by Star Cruises, who were owned by Genting HK, she was moved to the German shipyard Werften. This yard was also owned by the Genting HK Group and was building new tonnage for Genting owned cruise lines Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises.

 

The SuperStar Libra was used by the shipyard as an accommodation vessel to house their employees building the new cruise ships. When Genting HK went bankrupt the cruise lines and shipyard were placed in receivership.

 

She was initially sold to a Greek company with a possibility of resuming operations, but was then sold and towed to Turkey for scrap last year, early summer if memory is correct. 

So sad, but inevitable.  I still love the smaller, more intimate ships.  Thanks for the information.  I wonder what happened to her.

Judy

On 2/7/2023 at 12:05 PM, CruiseMomTX said:

Thank you everyone for the information.  What is a Panamax ship?

He is referring to smaller ships that go through the original locks.  The "mega" ships have to go through the newer locks, which are not as interesting.

Judy

This was our first ship .  We sailed when she was NCL Sea.  This was in 2002 or 2003.

We loved sailing on her. 

Seaward / Norwegian Sea

This ship was built in 1988 as Seaward, but was rechristened in 1997 after a hefty renovation. In 2005, the ship left NCL and moved to Star Cruises, at that time renamed SuperStar Libra.

She continued sailing in various markets, including the Mediterranean Sea and Aegan Sea, in South America, and in Asia. In July 2018, the ship was converted to a hotel ship at a German shipyard.

9 hours ago, johnnyd said:

I am Platinum level, leaving on the Pearl from Boston to Bermuda in mid May. In Latitudes club, I am eligible for help from the on board concierge for help with booking reservations. Can anyone tell me where the concierge office is on the ship?

 

51 minutes ago, TinAlaska said:

What’s an appropriate size for that handshake?

51 minutes ago, TinAlaska said:

What’s an appropriate size for that handshake?

9 hours ago, johnnyd said:

I am Platinum level, leaving on the Pearl from Boston to Bermuda in mid May. In Latitudes club, I am eligible for help from the on board concierge for help with booking reservations. Can anyone tell me where the concierge office is on the ship?

 

Like others have said, the concierge is really only available to the Haven  guests on the larger ships that have a Haven. On smaller ships, the concierge works mostly with the guests in suites.  The number of Platinum and above guests is way too large for the concierge to be able to help them all.  You might try Cruise Next.  

Judy

I hope some folks got their upgrades.  It looks like the suites are all sold out.

I just went and checked again and it shows that all cabins are gone except inside. 

I think we will have a full ship.

Judy

1 hour ago, hmorrow said:

Does anyone know what brands of red wine are on the basic all included package, and if you order a glass from the premium package are you just charged the difference?

I'm not sure what brands are offered, but I am fairly sure that you are charged the difference if the wine is premium - unless they've changed the policy recently.  This is how it works with all alcohol.  We find that the regular beverage package is fine for us.  If we want a premium wine, the cost is minimal and most of the time we are OK with their wine selections in the regular package.  It is an inexpensive way to sample some "finer" wines.

Judy.

4 minutes ago, LatinaInTexas said:

Thank you, we are finally less than a month away and getting excited!

Ah, I just noticed - San Antonio!  I'm from Houston!  We are neighbors!!

Judy

On 4/7/2023 at 8:21 PM, smillerholmes said:

Hello All!  I’ve always enjoyed following along on the cruise adventures of others and I think it’s time I try to give back, so here we go.

 

• It’s a new ship for me.  I know the Sun is one of the older ships in the fleet, but I am actually looking forward to “less” stuff to do.

• I’ve never been through the Panama Canal.  I’m excited about that and I specifically chose the Sun because I wanted to go through the old locks.

           I have since found out that the smaller ships simply go through whichever set of locks is most convenient.

• This is my 2nd comped cruise from Casinos at Sea.   Looking forward to some of the perks.

• This cruise is port intensive so I did not take the beverage package.  This will be my first time relying solely on the casino for drinks.  My casino level is Sapphire so I should be getting premium drinks.

• I am traveling solo.  I was comped an inside cabin, but I have bid for a balcony using Upgrade Advantage:  ($100X2)

• 20 days onboard entitles me to:

•   2 specialty dining credit

•   $250 shareholder OBC

•   $200 casino OBC

 

My Latitudes level is also Sapphire which will entitle me to several benefits, but there are a few specific ones I will be looking to take advantage of.

 

• Laundry - 1 free bag.  Hopefully this will be offered more than once fingers crossed! I’ll be happy with an additional ½ price bag.

• Spa discounts - gotta love the hot stone massage!

• Priority Tender Tickets

• 2 more specialty dining credits

• Wines around the World Tasting

• Behind the Scenes Ship Tour

• Dinner with Officers

 

A few more things I will be taking note of:

 

• CAS priority check in

• I bought a transfer from MIA to the ship

• Water - I will get my main supply from the casino, but what about the 2 cartons that should be in my cabin? Oh the potential for drama…

• Internet - 300 minutes granted via FAS -  still trying to decide on an upgrade to unlimited - hence the “semi-live” designation

• Also considering getting the thermal spa, but I see no listing for the cost of access to the suite

 

Here’s the promo codes from my confirmation:

 

DISC50

DISXIN

EASYFARE

LATDBLX

LATREW*

META

NCLHBENE

PPSRVCHG

SHX50
 

I typically buy travel insurance on an as needed basis, but this time I worked with the people at the tripinsurancestore and I was very pleased with the pricing for an annual policy with GeoBlue.  So good to go on insurance.

 

I also purchased an additional 2 meal specialty dining package which brings the total to 6.  And something I have never done - an excursion for every day in port with the exception of Miami and the overnight at the Canal.  I figure 4 sea days at the end will give me more than enough time to recover.

 

Twenty days is a long time so hopefully I will be able to answer any questions that are asked.  And anyone else on this cruise is welcome to chime in on this thread with their experiences as well.

 

Hi,

There is a roll call for this cruise & you should check it out if you haven't already.

There is no thermal spa on the Sun, so no need to look for it.

It looks to me like you got many, many perks!  Good for you. 😋

The Sun is an amazing ship and her officers and crew are wonderful.

You will find that you will get to know more folks on this smaller ship.

Annual travel insurance is the best way to go.  You should be covered any time you are 100 miles from home - on land, sea or air.  It's the only way to go if you travel at least 2 times a year at least 100 miles from home.

Water - the tap water in your cabin is probably cleaner and better than most  bottled water.

Filtered multiple times.

I know I'd like you - I read between the lines that you are a very positive and fun person.

We don't have all of the perks you have, but we (hubby and I) will make Ambassador on this cruise.  2 free cruises.  Woohoo!!!

Judy

1 minute ago, AlaskaNurse said:

I've been crazy busy with setting up the multiple tours, the 2 meet and greets, bookings for my lodge, working full time as a charge nurse and starting a new Mobile IV hydration business! Luckily I'm a very organized person! We were planning on just bringing some cut 3x5 cards to have people write a name and cabin number on for the drawing we are going to do. Planning on 10 drawings for the Panama cruise and 6 for the Alaska cruise meet and greet. If you have some little things you want to add we would certainly be ok with that. I also contacted NCL and they will include some SWAG things we can put in the bags for the drawings as well. Getting excited. I've heard about the LRC before and there are usually several people who are interested in that. If you wanted to see about setting that up, I'm sure you would have a lot of participants. I believe there is someone who is setting up the slot pull, so that's not something I'm involved with. I've talked to people in the past and the gift exchange is usually a very low participation so I didn't even bring it up for this one. I'm fine with the organization and running the meet and greet with my husband, just thought I'd see if there were some cute last minute ideas. Looking forward to a great cruise.

Tamera

I didn't think you'd want to try to add any of these things.  I am amazed that you are doing this with no help.  Bravo!  It takes a group to run lots of things.  We had one person who did nothing except host the excursion page.  I think our "committee" consisted of around 6 or 7 people, each assigned to one or two events.  I gracefully have to decline running R-L-C or anything.  We are doing this cruise as a "relax and do nothing".  We are traveling alone - no friends or family.  We have an aft suite and plan to sit on that big balcony a lot.  We've been through the canal and we've been to all of the ports.  If we decide to get off, we will hire a taxi.  This cruise puts us into Ambassador level, so no more counting numbers.  I will look and see if I can't find some things to donate to your gift "pile".  Good luck.  

Judy

On 4/10/2023 at 1:14 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

Since I booked months ago I have been trying to learn all things NCL, will be my first cruise on this line.

Will be on the Getaway 9 night from Orlando.

We eat in the MDR, rarely the buffet. We have one specialty dining included and are considering purchasing more.

Since it is 9 nights will we have 9 nights of different menus in the MDR or will it be 7 nights of different menus and then repeat?

 

Are you allowed to decorate your cabin door?

Have only had drink package on Carnival and MSC. On Carnival you can order 1 drink at a time and have to sign a slip each time. On MSC you could order 2 drinks at a time and there was no signing a slip at all. Do you have to sign a slip everytime on NCL, and is it one drink at a time?

 

Last question, if I'm not interested in getting an early embarkation time I can just check in wherever, no need to stay up till midnight?

I think I'm good on how and when to check in, we like dining at same time so have all reservations booked. Just a little concerned since I don't know show times but will adapt. Also booked all excursions and transfers to and from ship.

Anything else I absolutely need to know or do? Thank you.

Lots of questions...that is a good thing. 🫠

Specialty dining - buy 2 more dinners and do it before you sail.  They are cheaper on line .  Well worth the money.  Specialty restaurants are great.  The food in the main dining rooms is also excellent (in my opinion).  The menus vary each night if I remember correctly.  You will have plenty of choices.  They do have a set menu of a few items that are available every night.  

Door decorations - I have a magnetic 10 X 8 sign that I had made at Vista Print.  It has our first names and Hometown.  I put it up on all cruises.  I've never been asked to take it down. I take heavy duty tape in case the door is not metal.  I also have a few gel seasonal decorations that I sometimes put up - no problem again.  If you get too elaborate or gaudy, you may be asked to remove it.  No lights or items that could hinder passage down the hall.  Yes - I've seen some crazy ones that had to come down.  

We always get the drink package.  You do not have to sign for any drinks.  When you first board, it is one drink per person, but if you go to the same bar and they know you, you can usually get a drink for yourself and travel companion.  No limit on the number of drinks per day.  Limited to drinks $15 and under if I remember correctly.  I find it very easy to order drinks.

Embarkation - I think (don't quote me though) you can embark any time if you are waiting until the afternoon.  Lines are shorter.  

Remember that NCL is truly "Freestyle". No set times, except shows.  Do try to see the shows.  Like all things, some you will enjoy more than others.  They usually have a good comedian and/or magician.  Try the entertainment in the smaller "clubs".  

When you board, if you want to learn the ship, walk the decks and just stroll around.  The officers and crew on NCL are known for being super friendly.  Smile and say hello to them.  

Have fun!  We love the Getaway.  

Judy

3 hours ago, AlaskaNurse said:

I've set up meet and greets in the past but never had this many sign up. Right now it's at 159 that are signed up. I know not all will actually show up, but even then there will be a high number. My question for those that have organized or attended meet and greets in the past, what activities did you do or wish would have been done? How would you as a member like to see the meet and greet done? I have had professional invitations printed to give to the officers which has always been well received in the past and gotten additional officers to show up. We are also bringing some gifts (purchased by husband and I) and holding a drawing for those things (Not a raffle, no money exchanged) Just for something fun. Any other ideas? I just want everyone to have a nice time and it's more challenging with this number of people. - Also doing the second part of the cruise (doing B2B) but that one will be more manageable with only 47 signed up.

Thanks for any suggestions. Cruise is in one week on the Sun.

Tamera 

This is an interesting question.  I have run and helped run quite a few M & Gs.  Several were very large, with the largest one being attended by over 250 guests!  This was on the Dawn around 10 years ago.  We had a committee run it.  It's too late now to add some of the fun activities that we had, but in the future you could do some of them.   Our biggest undertaking was a horse race. Folks set up teams before we boarded.  Each team had a name, a horse, a jockey and supporters.  Some horses were people, some were "props".  We had the help of the cruise director who called the race.  We did have betting.    The Captain, Hotel Director and most officers were in attendance to watch.  We did this horse race on 2 or 3 cruises.  We had a very large slot pull (0ver 50 people) which required lots of planning.  We had a Cabin Crawl with Poker (more betting and lots of planning).  We had a sail away party and we had a Cruise Critic luncheon - they set it up in the smaller main dining room because there were so many of us.  Our M & G was in the dining room also.  We had a large gift exchange at the M & G.  We also had R-L-C games on sea days.  Those brought in as many as 35 people.  (more betting).  If you've never played Right, Left, Center, look it up.  It is a fun, past paced game and doesn't cost much.  Each person bets $3.00 per game and we played one or 2 games.  When 35 or more people, one game was about all we had time for.  I can tell you more about these activities next week on The Sun.  I will look around and see if I have any trinkets to add to your drawing.  We've done that also.  I had a large roll of double tickets that we used for the drawing.  If I find the roll, I will bring some.  

Judy

On 3/31/2023 at 8:48 PM, Lreeves316 said:

Hi everyone! Our cruise is set for June and it’s paid in full. I declined the drink package because my husband and I really aren’t big drinkers. Unfortunately, now I’m wondering if maybe we should of got it. It’s not much more than the soda package and I might get maybe a drink or two a day. Can I call to see if they could add this perk now or is it too late? Has anyone added a perk later on after final payment?

On 3/31/2023 at 8:48 PM, Lreeves316 said:

Hi everyone! Our cruise is set for June and it’s paid in full. I declined the drink package because my husband and I really aren’t big drinkers. Unfortunately, now I’m wondering if maybe we should of got it. It’s not much more than the soda package and I might get maybe a drink or two a day. Can I call to see if they could add this perk now or is it too late? Has anyone added a perk later on after final payment?

It is easy to add a perk.  If you booked directly with NCL, call them.  If you booked with a Travel Agent, call them.  If you paid for the soda package, it is probably worth it to move up to the drink package.  A glass of wine (or two) with dinner plus another drink during the day would probably make it worthwhile and if would definitely be easier.  No tabs to sign is the biggest plus.  Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

Judy

On 4/1/2023 at 2:35 PM, alliecat44 said:

Hi all, 

 

So I managed to snag the (supposedly) last suite on the upcoming Spirit 16-day Hawaii to Alaska. I am trying not to freak myself out about the limitations of a forward-facing cabin (especially with six sea days and the potentially limited use of the balcony!), and instead trying to focus on the extra room and other “suite stuff.” 
 

Is there anyone out there who can reassure me that forward facing isn’t ALL bad?? I woukd really appreciate it!!! 
 

happy sailing! ❤️

A cruise is what you make of it.  We've sailed in forward suites several times and loved it.  It is very quiet with no one going up and down the halls.  When in port, it is awesome.  You can see everything.  When heading into port, it is the best place to be. We even enjoyed being out there when leaving ports.   I honestly don't remember missing the balcony on sea days.  It's been a few years since we've had one, but if it had been "terrible" I would remember.  If you've never been in a suite before, you are in for a lot of fun.  Use your Butler.  Enjoy all he/she can do for you.  Enjoy being pampered.  You will love it.

Judy