mking8288

For newbies to using NCL's satellite WiFi internet access, stop by the iCafe desk and pickup one of the printed mini-guide of how to's - it explain how to login and logout via the mobile browser, connecting to ship's WiFi, and Chrome & Firefox browsers are supported. iCafe manager has posted office hours in the morning, afternoon & early evening if extra help is needed - it's fairly easy DIY. The "Norwegian" App (iOS/Android) be sure to run the newest/updated version - is the main portal to access your account, login and passwords can be set to use your NCL username or email address and password - gateway to viewing your Onboard account charges, upgrades and bookings, etc. without necessary establishing another userID and password or 2FA, etc. There are screenshot samples as FYI, not intended as a tutorial or detailed instructions. To maximize online access, disable and/or turnoff all background cloud updates, backup or playstore patches, etc. as those will vastly slow down the device, worsen the latency with the narrow bandwidth, and easily result in unresponsive apps ... crashing / FC your device, etc.

Although, we certainly don't want ships to get stranded on the sandbar at low tide while trying to leave the Bay. We have the option of not booking or planning anything and to just wing it later this month, our stop in DR is short, almost as bad as the recently announced changes for Old San Juan, PR. If the Escape and the Encore are going elsewhere next week, then we'll know a little better, regardless of the official stories told by NCL. Our stop is on Sunday, 1/29 and no ships listed at all at Amber Cove - kind of odd & strange, as being a Carnival owned facility, local vendors & shore-based local folks aren't just going to show up to sell when they see nothing for that calendar day.

Ding Ding Ding (hint, hint) - using the other credit at La Cucina, as you can get 1-1-1-1 there (based on the latest NCL rules) and share the meals, although in the fine prints, "no sharing ... permitted"

Thank you for those menu uploads. Another subtle substitution/change is Jumbo Tiger Shrimp Trio is out, replaced with just Jumbo Shrimp Trio, which typically retailed locally with a $2 to $3 price difference per pound ... typically #8-12 extra jumbo/per pound count. Although, they looked closer to jumbo #16-20 count ("smaller" but still using black tiger shrimp, which you can taste the difference) in the past year vs. pre-Covid. Give them a pass for the cuts to trim their food costs, I get it & why not tell it like it is. The pricing logics used and the dining supplement or amount up-charge, also, IMHO, doesn't make sense. Among the more "pricey" entree items like the 8 oz. Filet Mignon at $41, Aussie Lamp Chops at $43 - "free" but by going over just a few bucks to the 20 oz. Porterhouse at $47 - we get dinged now for $20 more, ha-huh. Surf & Turf at $55 - ding extra $25 more. $10 and $15 upcharge, it seems, would be more "reasonable" when the Grilled Fisherman's Platter at $45 has zero, no surcharge or upcharge.

GSC looking pretty with sunset approaching and the RC ship docked next island over. Forecast - seas might be a bit rocky in the early morning hours as GA flip all 4 engines to bring her home, tomorrow, I see small white caps ahead for ya all ... (sorry, just calling out what the charts are saying) Hopefully, they aren't going to close the outdoors for safety reasons as Saturday will be more chilly. A quickie question for CruiseNext, as they should know - whether those Platinum BTS tour are resuming soon and/or doing Dine With Officers again (Sapphires & up) as the Jewel, reporting that they resumed last week. TIA

@Birdnutty give them another day or 2 ... ours were submitted on Dec. 19 and ... finally processed & received an updated Amenity Statement on Mon. Jan 2nd ( ... someone at that Miami HQ department WFH ??? as we're surprised) more details here while answering someone else w a question of e-signing the form, see post #7 and #9 - https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2904124-e-sign-shareholder-benefit-form/#comment-64574856 Last minute submission of less than 15 days could now possibly be categorically denied and/or not processed in time, that's a bummer. Worst, I am beginning to wonder - will they "temporary" suspend the shareholders benefits until such time ... Some of our best high yield dividends-paying stocks in our portfolio had drastically cut the payouts and/or suspended them entirely. Frankie is no stranger to these kinds of slick moves.

Everyone just might to chill out, take 3 steps back & slowly exhale and meditate for a moment. It's no laughing matter for any travelers from/transiting or happened to get "trapped" with these latest enhanced protocol. Reading the fineprints - each passport holder are subject to 2 rounds of testing, 1 before boarding their flights to the embarkation port, at least 1 more supervised rapid test within 8 hours of embarkation day (that's like no early than 8 am for a 7 pm sailing ... thus, most likely at the cruise-terminal before being allowed to complete check-in). Rest of the rules of getting tested once every 48 hours until day 10 ... translate into 4 more round of testing. 2 travelers are subject to paying extra, out of pocket, 6 tests each at $99 USD x 2 - that's roughly, what - $1,200, ouch. Unlike many USA cruisers, their healthcare system do not cover/reimburse for these expenses for traveling abroad. Otherwise, if they meet & satisfy the written requirements set forth, there are no further requirements that should / must be masked onboard - thus, a big loophole - risk asymptomatically spreading the virus(es) around others where social distancing isn't practical and/or doable, i.e. If they are carrying the highly evasive subvariants, it's quite possible that by the time the results turned positive or 2 lines on the test strips - hundreds could already be sharing those airborne devils. Nice ... NOT a foolproof way to handle infection control. Might as well cancel their booking, issue them a (partial ??) FCC as goodwill and tell them to stay home or go back. This has nothing (or, at least, very little) to do with unknowingly lying and misleading but rather - shortcoming of this approach on airborne infection control measures. My two cents, strictly, feel free to disagree & digress.

Photos of the sides from Sept's Joy dinner at Cagney's using our Platinum voucher with the bottle of wine. We had 3 sides, 3 pieces of Zucchini. Sauteed sliced mushrooms and spinach were better, priced then $8 each if not covered. Each of us have our own definitions and expectations ... you decide, YMMV. Warm bread with butter are still unlimited, for your convenience and complimentary ... for now. P.S. NCL should just forget "wasting" all those fancy side dish plates/bowls and spoon them skillfully in the open kitchen directly onto the entree's plate. There was plenty of space for 2 or more sides, definitely with just one with that 8 oz. filet mignon. Far fewer items going into the dishwashers using less hot water & generated electricity to dry them, and lightened the server's carried tray's weight - align with the latest eco-green friendly vision & commitment.

@HBCcruiser emailed Mon 12/19 - acknowledged same day. Follow-up Wed 12/28 - acknowledged receipt. Amenity Confirmation - Mon 1/2/2023

@22KristenB There is no minimum charger per person dining at FR, bring your teenager along - and if he is a big eater, and if 8 items aren't enough, just add 1 or 2 items ... a la carte prices aren't bad at all. Better yet, for desserts - stop by the buffet (or O'Sheehan's / The Local) afterward & it's complimentary, AYCE ... plus all the fresh fruits as available, etc.

This is almost certain to be new, AFAIK. We're on the Joy and had both Platinum & SD vouchers, Cagney waiter carefully explained the difference & choices ... told him, whatever isn't covered, just put it thru the room charges. The sides are truly small or petite for its listed price. Starters for Teppanyaki's set dinner was pathetic ... consistent with the latest "waste management" theme. No chance that we'll pay 120% pricing as add-ons for sides and some of the starters in SD.

@Laszlo - psssst 😉 Did you accidentally wanted all the CC addicts to know your cabin # next week ? Redacted the eDocs but your eLuggage tags ?? If not, maybe message a MOD and see if they can "fix" that up for ya. Did that once myself on the roll call replying to upgrade bidding, LOL. Have a wonderful cruise ... will be following along, our packing will become real soon.

We used Adobe Reader's draw function to "sign" the signature after filling out the rest of the form - skipping the old flatbed scanner entirely, attach the brokerage statement redacted and email it. Besides, they aren't matching the signature against anything. P.S. on a side note, lately ... the submitted request is taking longer to process, for whatever reasons (9% workforce reductions ??) and it took a 2nd email with the assigned Case Number, then ... posted eventually & the Amenity Statement generated, etc.

Epic is one of the NCL ships that we haven't been on at all, perhaps, we will down the road. Do you know or kindly ask & find out, if they resumed the Behind The Scene tours for Platinum members onboard, and also the Dine With Officers (Sapphires & up) already ... or plan to do it soon. Thanks in advance. Enjoy your cruise and thank you for taking the time to answer questions at sea for us.

Back in Sept 2022, we use one of the Joy's dining voucher in Teppanyaki, and the beef of choice on the menu and served to us was filet mignon. DW asked, honey - how about beef stew for dinner ... 😄 😄 😄

Years ago, I believe that would add something like OBC of xxx amount to the booking (which is rare to none these days from NCL) and/or a 2+ sub-category upgrade, i.e. from BD to BB or BA balcony as the price difference can be worth it) You really have to ask onboard to see what they are offering and book it thru them ...

Did a quick check on maritime data for GSC tomorrow, winds from the east easing overnight, waves & sea states look reasonable for tender, always expect a bit of swell - just hold tight & firm transfering onto that platform for the double-decker tender. I would be very surprised that GA won't at least make best efforts to launch tendering after coming to a full stop ... and it's a very short distance to travel from Nassau. Easily get there & get you folks ashore by 9 am, regardless of the schedule as I'm sure those local vendors will be happy to make some money selling their arts & crafts, etc. Homebound trip should be fine, typical winter weather patterns sailing north - might be a little choppy & GA is a big ship capable of handling the ride. Forecast good for Saturday & Sunday, balmy in the 30's at sunrise (by Utica standard ... baby brother worked for Rome Cable some 35+ years ago) Lovely pictures uploaded now in batches, looked like satellite WiFi coverage is good in this area - that Straw Market entrance/building looks brand new, probably part of their redevelopment & expansion, full completion by this May with berths for additional mega ships 😮 Again, thank you for taking the time to give time for CC, share the onboard stories, pictures & compose updates for all the cruise addicts. Even an 8-day cruise week go by very quickly 😇

@shof515 LOL, both you and I know the drills & NCL's modus operandi. Posting it as FYI for others in case they missed their spam mail. Gotta be thankful to the writer for not invoking or exclaiming "unforeseen circumstances" with a more straight forward & direct story ... whether I buy that or find it acceptable, that's a different opinion reserved. Been to San Juan a few times and we kind of know that neighborhood well enough, suffice to say, good enough to hit solid pavement & stretch those sea legs ... first time re-visiting that old town lately. Besides, cellular devices will be on "home" signals for a few hours to catch up with superior uploads & downloads. The stop would've been much better if arrive at 8 or 9 am and depart at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, more practical ... not to mention, expecting probably 3,500+ passengers to be onboard, if not above 100% double occupancies, as all the upper tiered cabins are virtually full & sold out - just Insides & Studios remaining. Can't say I didn't try to positive spin on this for NCL ... an extra hour at sea instead, yee-haw 🤣 😬 🙄 At least, no surprised until we are on the ship & the gangways up, ready to sail to be "informed" then ... I hope this isn't go to impact @Laszlo & others sailing on the 8th Happy, safe and healthy New Year 2023 to all - let's go cruising. Cheers !

Msg posted: Just received an itinerary change - but it was just talking 60 minutes away in San Juan. Instead of leaving at 10:30 PM (Monday, Jan 23, 2023) we will be leaving at 9:30 PM. Was expecting to see Puerto Plata taken away - update posted on our Getaway Roll Call later this month. Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners,On behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ... < snipped > committed to driving a positive impact on society and the environment. As part of our global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, we are continually seeking opportunities to reduce our overall carbon footprint, and recently committed to pursuing net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and value chain by 2050. To support this mission, we have optimized our arrival and departure times. We appreciate your understanding and support on this important sustainability initiative. The revised itinerary is as follows: We sincerely appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you aboard the beautiful Norwegian Getaway for your dream vacation at sea!As always, we are at your service.Sincerely,Katty ByrdSenior Vice President, Guest Services #cough #cough - Huh, Bah, humbug (OMG, 👴🙄😣 we gained an extra hour at sea ... yay, anyone ??) Enough time to still walk the waterfront & nearby cobblestone streets, stop in Starbucks, maybe stop at Señor Frog's ... and, oh, CVS is open nightly until 12 AM for essentials if anyone forgotten or need to restock, etc. - along Calle Marina or Route 1. Our planned stop for Puerto Plata, DR remained unchanged - discussed in another running thread - as is with this announcement. Fingers crossed - stay tuned. This might not any other ships/dates, etc. Isn't this going to result in more fuel being used ... maybe, the savings in port charges with a shorter stay, whatever.

It's a mega-sized cruise ship, not a boat, per se - besides, boats aren't generally designed to carry thousands of passengers and crews. There are lifeboat capacity and maritime rules & regulations that vessels must comply & follow forthwith - probably, safe to conclude, that someone was mislead - probably true from other reports that I've read/seen - there were around 5,900 souls onboard, passengers (4,400+) and crew members/ship officers (1,450), etc. combined total headcount. Those numbers are typical for holiday cruises, still below the maximum lifeboat capacity and legal limits based on SOLAS. Welcome to CC, post #1 for OP ... feel free to charter your own private boat or yacht.

Looks like our GA Teppenyaki is going to have a cancellation for 4 later this month, LOL. (P.S. - perhaps, we'll switch the reservation to Moderno, at least one should a better choice of different cuts of red meat, even they are going to downgrade the cuts) Where is that old cut of beef ?

Can confirm, NCL email message with PDF delivered to our "In-Box" this morning ... on the January sailing's roll call, seeing that maybe just 1 solo Aussie traveler that's current visiting different countries in Southeast Asia might - might possibly - be affected by this, if and only if s/he is stopping or transiting via HK and/or mainland China due to flight segments booked. Otherwise, as is, should not ... besides, crazy routing/flight options & prices traveling thru places mentioned above with their recent "relaxed" protocols.

Good info & thanks. A quick question - what's open late night for food onboard the Epic this week, after say 9:30 or 10 p.m. when the MDR are closed and perhaps the buffet switched to the late night until 11:30 ?? Or, do they close down for cleaning ... leaving places like O'Sheehan's/The Local as the only option, plus Room Service for a fee. Apparently, above is true onboard the Getaway now. Not going to be popular especially if there's late show in the main theater & folks come out at 9:15 pm and finding out ... oops. Thanks in advance. Yeah, we know - eat first before the 8 pm or 9 pm late show.

Nowadays, the typical 5 to 7 nights cruise has a final payment / cancellation cutoff at 120 days +/- and since for most sailings, vaccination & rapid testing results are no longer required nor collected, aside from a verbal/quick tablet click away - allowing partial online check-in much earlier could - help - travelers that hasn't check their passport document's validity & expiration date, and get it promptly renewed. Easier at 3 to 4 months as it's not an emergency or urgent travel, while uploading some of that data well in advance of travel ... most will probably panic should they did not notice and only realize at Day 22 or Day 21, oops NCL can easily reset their parameters for cruisers to finish uploading most entries & fields, but hold it for final eDoc release at 21 days or 30 days out, i.e. someone doing a long B2B or B2B2B - and fully communicate changes, revised port requirements for visitors, and, perhaps, do away with the "unforeseen changes" in substituting port of calls as best as they can in a straight forward manner. Afterall, color luggage tags are selectively being mailed before 21 days, am I mistaken ... LOL.

Different points of views, different exposure (some haven't gotten it) and just to put things in our perspective. We resumed cruising in late March 2022 while the winter surge here in the Northeast was still happening and being careful pre-cruise ... comfortable to do a 7 nights. Still hit the jackpot toward the end of the cruise with 2 lines ... DW "blamed" me for sharing as she turned positive several days later after coming home - self-isolated for basically 2 weeks. Among the first to get the bivalent booster once available at local CVS, in time for our mid September cruise on NCL - this time, tested negative before the cruise & also post-cruise, not catching anything onboard - exercised same precautions, masks & hand sanitizer use, social distancing when practical. Ready to cruise later this month, 12 nights this time and NCL again - extra natural immunity should be good for us. Reasons being that, despite being careful in the late Fall, exposed somehow & initially felt like a cold or seasonal flu - nearly asymptomatic, minor sore throats & coughs, no fever and wasn't tired. DW tossed me to 2nd bedroom/my home office to camp, sleep & stayed home for 10+ days ... Forget lottery, 5 or 6 days later, 2 lines on her 3rd rapid test results, clearly ... and was me, again. Had the HEPA filters running plus everything else, except for negative air flow in the house as it isn't central HVAC. DW recovered faster ... despite other risk factors and given both of our health factors. Used up 3 to 4 tests each during our "shelter-at-home" period until results were negative ... one of the BIL recently recovered from prostate surgery. Walked to local CVS and Walgreen stores last week, saw the entire section of cold/flu OTC racks being nearly empty aren't positive signs, as I picked up some extra free test kits (thanks to our insurance for covering, zero out-of-pocket costs). Odds are that we could be "exposed" onboard but perhaps not catching it, universal precautions & measures, etc. but we are prepared and let the body's immune system do its job. Pack a bottle of Vitamin C's. Perhaps, we are at the early stage of moving into a pandemic but the trifecta indicators aren't looking pretty - we live in a NORC and seeing plenty of older neighborhood folks masking up. If only we can tell several of the friends we lost due to Covid that it's gradually becoming business as usual, maybe ... kind of. Happy & healthy cruising - cheese empanadas from our local bakery tasted wicked good.