cruiser2015

125 days prior to boarding.

My pleasure.

Yup - there are safety concerns nearly everywhere these days; though clearly some are at a higher risk. Pickpockets & petty crimes are a constant in most major cities and tourist areas. So, I say choose your shore option as befits your level of concern. That said, we did the PC on the mid-January LA sailing. We had some concerns about Acapulco. I stayed there for a few days about 50 years ago (different times) and, of course, went to see the cliff divers. On this cruise, I chose a shore excursion that took a balanced position - a bay cruise. Thus, we avoided roaming through any street crowds and, got to see the divers from the water - a very different viewpoint. Divers swam up to our boat for meet and greets (and, of course, tips). Not the greatest tour of all time, but one that I felt and a higher security level and included a somewhat unique experience. In any event, it seems unlikely that a ship excursion will be attacked by criminals in any port.

Clearly, at least one MDR is open on many of the ships. This option may be subject to change. You will know for certain on embarkation day by checking the daily schedule's dining options. If open, it's a wise choice; if not, try O'Sheehans's.

I agree with you and think that the Joy would be a great choice. Personally, I love the big ships! Enjoy!!

I'm guessing that you will be taking two or possibly three flights to make your journey. That adds to the complexity - and the required luck. Sure, they may hold the ship - but there are limits to the amount of time they will do that. Delays can run to many hours - or worse. About 2 years ago, I had a flight on a major airline between major airports, from TX to NYC...it was delayed for 6 hours due to a delay starting early that morning. Mechanical, weather, whatever may happen. I've done same day flights from NY to FL - even that is a risk. Last January, we sailed from LA and flew in the day before. To Europe? I hope you never again risk those odds. We did a Venice to Barcelona about 12 years ago and flew in 2 days before; but that was to give us a full day exploring Venice (of course the ship actually sailed from Venice back then. Sorry to be negative - but I hope your travels go smoothly.

Gee, that is quite the difference in cruise options. Obviously, one is longer and hits the the west coast of Mexico & Central America, while the other covers some Caribbean spots. What are your personal feelings about that? While the shorter cruise will cost less, I assume that the air to Panama is a lot more than to LA. I'd rather spend more on cruise days than airfare. As Turtles06 pointed out, there is a shore excursion from Panama City that takes you through the old locks in a smallish boat - now that is up close and personal! You are below the top of the lock walls and pass through 2 sets of locks. Great way to see the old locks. The new locks operate in a totally different fashion, so they have their interesting points as well. We sailed on the Bliss last January with the same 15 day itinerary that you posted here. Bottom line is what appeals the most to you: Mexico/Central Am. vs Carib.? Larger ship or moderate size?

I just looked up the hotel stay in Rome on the NCL site for add-ons. This is what they present: Package includes: Room and room tax (City Tax) Bellman gratuities Breakfast Transfers between Hotel and Pier This clearly indicates only the transfer to the port. I would not have expected them to include airport transfers unless you have booked NCL air. By all means, double check on this. I'm guessing you did not use a TA to book. How about an NCL agent? Did they "personally" email you at any time? If so, message them back with your inquiry. Otherwise, call again - preferably not on a weekend or other probably busy time.

Sorry, Major Steve, but no salutes for you on this thread. Sure, you have a couple of legit gripes on how things went with your cruise 9aside form the weather). But you say the service was very good, the food was quite good and the entertainment was very good (para phasing a bit with the adjectives). It seems you're not tolerant enough to sail on a large and full cruise ship. Nothing is perfection.

Based on your home location, I see two choices and two reasons for them. First, if you were to travel to Miami on embarkation day (since your are so close) that would be the best choice - no overnight stay required the night before. If that is not the case for you, because you just want to be there the day before, I would prefer leaving from Panama. It's the more difficult journey and requires flying the day before anyway. Then, on your return, you have the quick trip home from Miami. I chose something like that last January - sailed from LA to Miami (the reverse was available). The flight home was 1/2 the time, plus, we were not 3 time zones out from home. Got home in the afternoon eastern time instead of hours later.

Sounds like a plan. Sailed on the Bliss last January and had lunch in Taste. Boarded about noon. After checking in at the muster station, headed to the DR - seated immediately; able to put carry-ons right there; no roaming (buffet) required; no crowd; take as long as you want. Afterward, hung out in the Observation Lounge (seating hard to come by) until cabin was ready.

The ship deck plans do not show any entrance doors. There are no outside entries, like in some motels. Do you see "doors" on any of the cabins in the sample you posted? Or anywhere else on the ship? They will always be facing the corridor.

They offer the same upgrade in exchange for your FAS minutes either before the cruise or after boarding. To use your credits, just wait until you board and upgrade on day one. Yes, it's a bit less for the next few days - because you have fewer days to use that unlimited status. I don't recall the savings amount, but its been posted on this board previously. When I sailed last January, I upgraded mine and my DW immediately - using my OBC's.

The last post sure looks like the current (January) lineup. Lot's of Shark Tank reruns on CNBC channel at night.

That's a work in process. Some ships done, some not. Installations are working their way through the fleet.

That truly was a horrible way to treat our service people - doing their duty, as proscribed by the government. Times have, indeed, changed. Also, though that was Vietnam - which sums up the public sentiments of many in one word.

A different experience... I was aboard the Bliss in January. The gathering was in the main dining room. There were some speeches and thank you's. There were canapes being passed by some waiters. They also took orders for drinks - apparently any bar drink you wanted. Then they called up everyone by branch of service for photos. They also made free copies of those photos available to the attendees. Nothing spectacular, but a pleasant experience overall. Shame on the Jade by comparison.

Okay - I stand corrected - technically, I edited (I originally denied it because I felt I extracted critical words without changing their meaning). That said, I stand by my original comment, which was based on your statement, not mine. That is how I interpret your words. Apparently, my version is not what you wanted to say. Nonetheless, that can easily be interpreted that way. Your statement is that you CAN EVEN PAY for the excursions before final, rather than that you must pay.

Really weerd, isn't it? 🤯

Who knows what fish may be roving out there at sea...happy hunting!

Yikes! Cannot believe I never noticed that typo. Thanks.

I did not edit anything. I quoted your words. Those words, taken literally, implied that paying for the excursions was optional. I simply pointed out that, as you now stated in this latest post, that payment was mandatory - so that potential readers would not think they could reserve excursion space.

There is no "even pay before final". Excursions must be paid for at time of booking.

Forget the phone. Time to head for the sick bay - report of delusional behavior. 🤪

Not fair!! Unless she's gonna make them for EVERYONE reading this post!!!