Swells1

You guys convinced me! I'm booked on the Brilliant Lady for January 2024! You're going to see me around these boards a lot in the meantime!

We were watching some YT videos two nights ago, and my partner said, “Book this now. We have to go before everyone finds out about this and ruins it.” So, I guess we’re sailing in a bit over a year.

I did a quick “apples to oranges” comparison just now between Virgin and NCL. Same date range, same basic itinerary, both new ships (Brilliant Lady vs Viva), both lowest category balcony cabins. Virgin’s end cost was $2145 NCL’s (with no add-ons) was $3268 I keep reading about how happy the crew is, and I can only imagine how contagious that must be.

Holy macaroni! I think I’m sold. 😍

Hi, all! After years of sailing with NCL, I’m considering jumping ship. Spent a little time looking at VV last night, and I’m a little overwhelmed. Let me get this straight, VV offers: *Kid free sailing *No added daily service charge *No up charge dining *Free sparkling water and soda *Free WiFi *at prices equal or less than I’m paying now Where's the downside? What are the cons? This looks too good to be true.

Thanks!! Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, GSC.

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I will definitely keep my eyes open in port as well as Miami.

One of my co-workers- the sweetest person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing- recently let slip that she collects something called the "Been There" commemorative mugs from Starbucks. I would love to buy her one or two of these. Can anyone tell me if I might find one in the onboard shops?

Is there a citrus option? I love me some Diet Mt. Dew (the only Pepsi product I drink).

Does the Sky have a Teppanyaki? It isn't on the website.

So, we're not going back to the old drill? I kind of assumed things would gradually go back to pre-pandemic methods.

It's hard to track down all 21 possible menus that are out there. BirdTravels is currently on the Breakaway and is posting good menu porn. Also, this is a good site. https://profcruise.com/norwegian-dining-and-restaurant-menus-2022/

I can't answer this question honestly without violating the terms and conditions of the site, so I should keep my keyboard quiet.

I actually have more confidence in them than NCL reps, which is why I chose to contact them first.

I've reached out to the the tour company that I've booked my excursion through to adjust my reservation. Sometimes my obsessive need to pour over every detail pays off.

This makes sense as all of the excursions I find are out of Taino Bay, but NCL's website says Amber Cove. Ugh. The best laid plans...

Can someone please confirm if NCL will dock at Amber Cove or Taino Bay? The Googles are giving me mixed results.

It's hard to find them all, but here's a small sample: https://profcruise.com/norwegian-dining-and-restaurant-menus-2022/

NCL posts specialty dining menus on their website. https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/Specialty-Dining

This is a disappointment to me as well, though I'm far too close to my sail date to seriously consider cancelling.

I'm happy to not have to worry about pre-cruise testing, but I do prefer my fellow passengers be fully vaccinated.

I guess I don't understand the vitriol this topic always causes. There is literally nothing wrong with doing something nice for someone. I understand the crew quarters are small, and I'd never give a gift that would take their valuable space, but a box of candy with a tip inside? Yes, I know they have access to snacks, but I have access to a diamond tennis bracelet. I'm not turning one down if offered. By the way, here's a shot of the goody bags I made for the breakfast room service attendants on my last cruise. Simple and easy to either throw away or give to someone else.

It's got to be better than I can do on a plane or hotel room with no car!

Oh, thank you so much!

So... we're travelling with a first time cruiser in a few months. She's had a rough life and this year has been no better. We're actually sailing the day after her 55th birthday and I'd like to decorate her cabin. She'll be thrilled, even if it's a day late. My questions are: Has anyone here had NCL decorate their cabin? Did you like it? Was it worth the price? How much will my cabin steward hate me for requesting it on embarkation day?