cruiser2015

Can't go wrong with the Sweet onw!

But, how about Runaround Sue (Dion & the Belmonts)?

Or,

Margaritaville...(bless you, Jimmy)

1 hour ago, D_And_K_gocruising said:

😢

I heard they're coming out soon with a new breakfast cookie - hash brown chip (extra crispy, of course).

🤪

We dined at Cagney's twice in January on the Bliss.

Was the filet the best ever? Probably not. But we found it more then adequate.

Overall, food & service was excellent.

13 minutes ago, puppyluv1 said:

Apologies if this has been answered before. We are in a Club Balcony on Prima next April and I see my booking in My Account in NCL’s website. Is there a way I can see on what date I can make dinner reservations and entertainment reservations?  Thank you!  

125 days prior to boarding.

5 hours ago, yakcruiser said:

Thanks! I now know what I am going to do in Acapulco next April.

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.

18 hours ago, Something fun! said:

Someone on a different site posted the dailies from last week's sailing on the Jade.  The MDR was not open for lunch on embarkation day.  Is this the norm now or is this crew dependent? Thank you for any info.

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.

7 minutes ago, BarnCat1 said:

  Yes, it really is quite a difference.  That's why I've been tossing both around.  I like the idea of the smaller ship, but like the Mexico/Central America Itinerary a bit better. I've cruised both sizes of ships.  I am pretty sure I am going with the Joy and doing the excursion through the canal that's been mentioned.  The Caribbean itinerary can be done on many different ships from many other ports.  The canal transit is a once in a lifetime cruise. 

I agree with you and think that the Joy would be a great choice.

Personally, I love the big ships!

Enjoy!!

1 hour ago, fun1367 said:

Really appreciate your encouraging words! Do hope we have a chance to embark ship even though a slim one! I have been working furiously to come up with a contingent plan! It is nice of some of you to offer alternatives and encouragement! 
 

Our NCL flight is with a minor airline and not cheap($1100). Trying to book another flight with a major airline! At this late date it’s  difficult to find anything reasonably priced! NCL is also not refunding us on our cancelled flights! We’re unable to fly in early either as one of us has to work on the day before! Routing through other airports is complicated too as Trieste is not major travel hub! 
 

Unfortunately we will have to stick with the same flight itinerary!!! It’s comforting to hear NCL may hold ship for late passengers! Besides, there may be other passengers in the same boat!!! If we miss ship, we’re prepared to fly, bus, train to Split(next port of call). But it is irresponsible to offer no help/ignore our poor flight predicament. 
 

Yes, I’ll try to post here about what happens to us! Thank you for your good wishes! Appreciate your sympathy! Hoping for the best!

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.

On 6/14/2024 at 12:39 PM, BarnCat1 said:

I am tossing around these 2 itineraries.  Any input would be appreciated.  Never been to any of the ports listed. Would probably get to either embarkation port a day or so early. Water activities (other than being on a boat tour) are not of interest. Mostly sightseeing, nature, etc. No children on the cruise. 

I realize the Joy would go through different locks than the Jade.  Would that be something to take into consideration for the first time going?

 

15-DAY CRUISE ON NORWEGIAN JOY

Panama Canal: Mexico & Colombia

from Los Angeles, California

 

Sailing

• February, 2025

9 PORTS OF CALL

• Los Angeles, California
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Manzanillo, Mexico
• Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica
• Panama City (Pacific Cruise Terminal), Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Miami, Florida

 

 

11-DAY CRUISE ON NORWEGIAN JADE

Panama Canal: Aruba & Cartagena

from Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

 

Sailing

• February,2025

8 PORTS OF CALL

• Panama City (Fuerte Amador),Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• Willemstad, Curaçao
• Basseterre, St. Kitts
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
• Miami, Florida

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?

19 hours ago, Mehroswitha said:

This may seem like a rather silly question, but I'm having a surprisingly hard time finding an answer.

 

Leading up to our departure from Civitavecchia we've booked with Norwegian a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Rome "including transfers." The itinerary we received specifically mentions bus from hotel to port, but there's no mention of transfer from airport to hotel. I'd assumed that was included, but is it actually?

 

Best policy would, of course, be to ask Norwegian directly. After an interminable length of time on hold I gave up. Chat function on line said all agents were busy. Does anybody here have experience?

 

Many thanks!

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.

10 hours ago, njkate said:

Looking at Panama on Jade for Jan or Feb next year. 
Would you do Miami ending in Panama or start in Panama ending in Miami?

Tampa/ Panama or Panama/ Tampa

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.

5 hours ago, Jetswdo said:

I figure we will be on board around 11:30--- So I think we will try to make our way to the Local as soon as we board-- if that doesn't work out we will give to one of the mdr--- Thanks for the info.  Anita

 

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.

8 hours ago, iluvthe-c said:

Can anyone tell me if there are doors to go to and from the cabin area from the pool area on Deck 11?  In the picture, are the green circled areas doors or walls?

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.

On 3/30/2024 at 12:31 AM, michelle-nh said:

No judgement please.I have an online business and am able to travel a lot because I am okay with spending an hour or two working in the early morning or while my husband naps in the afternoon. I usually just upgrade to unlimited when cruising and do it ahead of time, but we are going on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise this summer and I’m maxing out my budget on excursions and a few days in Rome ahead, so I’m looking for other ways to cut back.

 

We have a lot of onboard credit thanks to a TA promotion, so I was thinking of using up the free time, however long it lasts me, and then upgrading once it runs out, using the onboard credit. I’ve never done this before. I am assuming they charge more once onboard. Is it a lot more than I’d pay if I upgraded now? How much is it discounted if we are 2 or 3 days into the cruise already?

 

Second question: is the regular WiFi adequate for a short Zoom meeting if I’m not overly concerned about quality? Or would I need the streaming package? We’ll be on the Epic, which I believe has Starlink now, if that makes a difference.

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.

13 hours ago, MomentsNotice said:

Are these channels still current? Particularly interested in CNBC on the escape. 

The last post sure looks like the current (January) lineup.

Lot's of Shark Tank reruns on CNBC channel at night.

On 12/8/2023 at 1:33 PM, Rick&Jeannie said:

Has NCL moved over to Starlink like some of the other cruise lines? (Princess, Carnival...)

That's a work in process.

Some ships done, some not.

Installations are working their way through the fleet.

4 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

I might add that I wholeheartedly agree about the "Thank you for your service" thing. It all rings hollow with me, since I remember the days of walking around the DC area in the early 70's with my military hair when civilians all had long hair and being swore at, given the finger, etc. My friends and I were called "baby killers", even though none of us ever picked up a weapon after basic training, nor even set foot in 'Nam. Funny how attitudes magically change over the year from "Go to hell" to "Thank you for your service."

 

Whenever someone says to me "Thank you for your service" I say to myself "Where were you in the 70's??"...silently nod, and leave it at that. If that takes away from someone else's "joy", so be it. 

 

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.

3 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

I'm shocked at the personal attacks for simply stating my opinion of something that I personally attended. But then again, it's CC, so...I guess I'm not entitled to an opinion.

 

Apparently all of the attackers missed the point that I said I APPRECIATE what NCL does for Veterans. The thing that I (and essentially everyone I spoke to after the "event") thought was that it was essentially much ado about nothing. They simply went through the motions. To have a room full of probably 125 people who took time out of their day to make sure to attend, and to have it last 10 whole minutes was a joke. No "cocktail party"...no social time afterward...nothing.

 

Sorry, I (and they) were there...none of you were. Maybe it's handled better on other ships, but this was a joke. People who attended were still expressing their disappointment the next day and beyond in bars, while standing in line for restaurants and in elevators. etc. 

 

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.

4 minutes ago, JandC_Cruising said:

So just you are very clear...you did not quote my words when your re-wrote it with the following

Here is what you posted:

 

Here is the sentence from my original post:

Very different words and very different meanings.

 

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.

16 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

I never noticed it either and I am also from Long Island so I would have thought it would have stood out when reading all of your posts.

Really weerd, isn't it?  🤯

3 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I didn't get the travel insurance, so I'm out of luck! You'll just have to deal with me. I may have my phone. Or I may not have my phone. I'll always be cruising the buffet looking for those mini grease sponges.

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

13 hours ago, d9704011 said:

I understand what you're trying to say but..... 1 USD is worth 1 USD.  If you want to talk about converting currencies and exchange rates and utility and local buying power, that's different.

 

BTW.... change your location to Long Island, NY.  Just looking at it now makes me think I'm going cross-eyed.

Yikes!

Cannot believe I never noticed that typo.

Thanks.

11 hours ago, JandC_Cruising said:

I’m not sure why you quoted me but then edited what I actually wrote in post #4
The point was you can book and pay for excursions BEFORE you have made final payment for your cruise. Yes. You need to pay for the excursion but you can do so well before you’ve done anything other than a deposit on the cruise itself. 

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.