hobbytravelgirl

It sounds like they are needing an extra month to get Kinky Boots together 😩. I was excited when they changed from to the Bliss to the Encore bc I looove this show and was looking forward to seeing their production. Guess I will have to book another cruise on Encore to catch it later.

I did a transatlantic cruise a few years ago and they had an “Evening with the Entertainers” where they sang their favorite Broadway hits! It was actually an awesome night. I wouldn’t mind something like that...if they have an aerial act I will 🤮. Been there done that... that being said, I do agree with everyone regarding just needing some entertainment. I was able to go see an audience limited Shakespeare production last fall and I teared up being back and the sacrifices the cast had made by observing strict quarantine just so they could perform! Happy and safe cruising everybody!

     I am another refugee from the Joy! Not sure what my next move will be. Luckily I had just used cruise next deposits for the reservation, but I had purchased my airfare directly. Hopefully I can at least get a credit for that.  I am super cautious regarding Covid and felt like this was going to be as close to “safe” as I was going to get for traveling.  I had a direct flight to Jamaica where everyone would have had to have a negative Covid test to board, and then pre and post testing on the ship as well as the vaccination requirements!  I booked a balcony and planned to eat only at outdoor options, which on the Joy are plentiful! The thought of sitting on the balcony, basking in the sun, watching the waves and contemplating life sounded so perfect!  Definitely disappointed. 
     I have been reading everybody’s comments and thoughts on the whole situation. I am skeptical about the whole thing and am feeling sad like everyone else. I do think there is an element of desperation by NCL trying to make things “stick”. I also think there is a huge political push from behind the scenes. Miraculously both sides of congress came together to quickly pass a suspension of the foreign port requirements so Alaska sailings could happen.  NCL has obviously been working hard to come up with the port plans for Alaska as required by the CDC (see article for the details...  https://cruiseradio.net/norwegian-cruise-line-closer-to-alaska-2021/.  I’m sure there have been promises made.  We will see how fast CDC actually responds and where things will come down. Another benefit to NCL under CDC requirements/rules is that if a person is vaccinated they are not required to have a covid test to board the ship. I’m sure this would be a huge savings to NCL, who was going to provide the testing on the Joy and the Gem. Not to mention avoiding potential logistics nightmares.

   I have enjoyed cruising with NCL and don’t think I’m ready to completely give up on them, especially since I still have several credits plus cruise deposits. I hope they can get it together and survive for the future. I’m going to try to be optimistic,  but with caution for sure!

I’m booked on August 14th Jamaica on the Joy. Just checked my reservation and have the same screen ! I tried to hit “make a payment” and it says to call NCL. 🙄 Will have to shift my airfare again if it cancels. Booo!

The time is now! Even if the ban was lifted today, it will take the cruise lines a bit of time to get things rolling again. Thank you to HuliHuli for the boilerplate letter to submit to senators and congress members! I think the cruising public needs to bombard CDC with calls and emails as well! As much outside pressure as possible might light a fire under their a**! Unfortunately I’m not great at searching out that information (number and email address) but will gladly participate if someone else comes up with it. Staying hopeful for a US return to sailing!

Thanks LouTheGlue for your awesome post. I'm 45 days from following in your footsteps! I too hope my transfers etc go as smoothly. Hope you are enjoying yourself on the cruise!

Hmmm not sure why they deleted sure address...it is a blog post, not a company. Missing part is hubpages dot com.

Hello!

I am in the same predicament! I have stumbled upon a place called Alcantara gorge. I am obsessed with trying to do this, but as I am traveling alone and my ship docks on a Sunday, I have yet to find a way to do this. I am looking into tour companies that offer this and maybe I can get others on my cruise to join in! Here is a great link with info about the location. http://*************/travel/Alcantara-Gorge-Sicily

I thought if I could find a tour company or even a driver who would do this, adding in a visit to a winery on the way back might be nice.

Good luck to you and if you come up with a great alternative to Taormina, I would love to hear it!

Happy cruising!