mking8288

Hear Hear 😳 😟 Anyone holding their breath for the upcoming exciting new entertainment from NCL promised this summer - end of September around the bend, Fall is in the air. All the little things that didn't matter, or shouldn't are adding up and not seeing anything to cheer about, really. One change is 99% certain ahead for 2024 - DSC will be going UP again ... COLA. The grass aren't necessary greener across the ocean with the competition ... and I am not cheering about all this, far from it. Apparently, Haven still selling out despite sky high prices and minimum asking bids, plus the live bidding frenzy - more for less. Must be lucrative with the group chartering business too. OP aren't the only household that hit that full stop button on cruising lately or at least pause to question, what the heck is one buying. The Joy's CTN next January and February, I mean ... urrrh, TA is dirty cheap ... long sea days lover, nice prices out there - especially if one is near Miami or close enough to Florida. Sadly, perhaps not, inflated and elevated prices are out there just about anywhere you look - nicer land hotels, if you haven't look or price them lately - sit down firmly first before you click on the keyboard.

@JIMESOPUS Jim - good to hear that VPN tweak works out on the upload, I was frustrated in January on the GA with u/l as well as d/l speed and cycle thru all the options ... as the server/hardware & inTRAnet speed was good & fine - then, in a nutshell, problem solved. Epic, get thru ... last week, watching the limited 300 minutes being metered, sneak chunks of data traffic thru. If by chance you are also using cellular and it's sluggish, and you are on a higher deck - go to the lower public decks - #5, 6 or 7 might get your stronger & more consistent signals ... Dockyard's towers are beaming their 4G LTE closer to ground & not aiming them 10 to 15 stories tall, not with all the low-rise homes & buildings in the "parishes" there - although, water reflected signals will reach up high across the Bay - at least, my "theory" BTW, in case you haven't check the local BDA marine forecast, NHC updated forecast for TD #16 isn'tl looking pretty up the mid Atlantic coast this weekend, likely to slide up further to the DE/NJ shorelines - expect wind, waves & swell on the probably ship route on the return to NY, worsening into Saturday. Have a look at Windy App ... past the words to friends onboard, best to be prepared for a bumpy ride. Leaving earlier than scheduled to rush back doesn't look like will make a difference - ship will have to find a weaker hole to punch thru as by mid/late day - the front isn't going anywhere away. Have a safe ride back to NY and best regards.

Overseas, they started doing that quietly already and apparently, as we are know - DOT and FAA and airlines-friendly and not opposed to these "safety" measures ... since many are flying their narrow body jets across the pond, especially when demands aren't high, slower too ... fuel savings are substantial. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12445831/Airline-weighs-passengers-safety-reasons.html Domestic carriers probably are looking into it but ... LCC in EU and Asia are stepping up their games, at least on their domestic or regional routes. All this b.s. does not enhance or move that seat pitch and most importantly, seat width in coach (747 in my teen days were 18" wide by 34" on Pam Am's 707's and later 747's ... United and others stick with those, then as the B757's and B767's began service, shrinkage came along plus thinner cushions & paddings. The movements to leverage LCC's growing restrictions on flyer's rights have been to use measures like stuffing those hollow neck pillows and king pillow cases with rolled up clothings & soft items - wear and/or hug them when boarding, and evade the gate dragons - always check the specific airline's rules about it, and what's permitted or not. Flyertalk is the place to find & ask that question. We have yet to pull these tricks on carriers that we've flown, yet - Southwest, Frontier and Frontier, etc. comes to mind as good candidates to pilot & test these schemes, in the name of safety. Not a chance we'll purposely book a flight with them - not sure if NCL selects them as partner in bookings ... cruise terminal check-in, are a piece of cake and a walk thru the park - flying, not any more. For me, the vest (actually, any multi-pocket jacket or garment - same principles or concept apply) idea ... helps keep those personal items close-by instead of getting it gate-checked, things that I like to have access to in-flight. Some can be replaced easily, others not so much, i.e. an IFAK (what's that - Individual First Aid Kit) when going ashore ... anyone in the armed services, first responders and EMS knows the importance of having something handy, except an AED (which I habitually looked around for one, depending on the situation) For Dan's scheme, he can definitely roll, stuff & fit 25 pairs of boxers in one of the larger neck pillow case - plus get to use it while flying, with room for several t-shirts, etc. Nephew works in cargo bu whenever he's inside T1 - the terminal for international airlines, he sees travelers doing it.

Airlines are now weighing pax too, at the boarding gate, so they can accurately compute gross takeoff weight for the aircraft, fuel use and ETOP, etc. Here, 6 lbs worth in transferred body weight with pouches, and a foldable bag or daypack to store once onboard and to deplane later. And, the neck-pillow case trick 😉😉😉

@graphicguy Nice find on that bag ... from the specs given, as long as it isn't overpacked & using those compression straps to compress everything tightly together should help. Flying DL all the way, should be safe with your lifetime status to get past the gate dragons when boarding. Surprises happen and as long as you don't need to deal with any airport & airline hub by transferring or in-transit thru EU security & passport control, should be reasonably safe - don't they sometimes give you a special tag or pass with elite status recognition. Haven't flown much in the last 7 to 8 years until lately ... but Star Alliance is us and as long as I'm using JFK outbound, nephew @ ground ops can usually help "take care of us" with any possible boarding & often get us upgraded, subject to availability on a # of carriers. Otherwise, doubtful that you can claim that as the smaller piece for "under the seat" option, just way too big to slip it under ... front cabin, there's usually lots of OHB space to put it above, just need to be 95% sure that both items get on the jetbridge & down the ramp to greet the purser, as they are less likely to challenge elite members as they have the pax manifest, as you well know. eBags Motherlode Junior is smaller than its original bigger 22" brother, at 19" tall and I am getting to like, love it a lot - expandable & no problems whatsoever with a net total weight of 20 lbs, 25 lbs and 30 lbs with that 2 Pack-It gadget pouches and Chromebook/laptop as those are like 11 to 13 lbs alone combined. Too "expensive these days as Samsonite/eBag's corporate owner raised prices again & again - not even at $180 with 20% off code ... Amazon has it at about $145 when I last check it - practically the same. One of the nieces living in England but hop all over the world these days with her beloved said there are tons of EU spec'd spinners, rollerboards and backpack that are more compatible overseas and for transit thru Asia, smaller & perhaps, suggested that we shop for one on our next trip & haul it back on the TA. There are a # of 20L, 25L and 30L ones on Amazon that are smaller but shape-wise, should be more compliant with underseat requirements and not questioned at the boarding gate. TP-Portugal specified that the personal bag (under the seat) to be smaller and limited to 10 lbs only (yes - not even 3 kg) total ... it will get "rejected" if they choose to enforce the rules, and apparently they are inconsistent, worst if you are on a narrow bodied TA jet on the route. For the cabin overhead bin, they allow up to 22" x 14" x 9" - BUT and it's a big but, 22 lbs or 10 kg. Business/First, on their directly operated flights, I'm told - exempt ... all others, comply for gate-check with a penalty fee ($100 USD based on EU exchange - conversion rate) The other option is ScottVest, should've "invested" in one a decade ago when they're under $100 then, now - they want something like $229+ and up for a warrior-certified vest. My new travel vest cost a lot less - with several Eagle Creek pouches & soft bags, should do it, especially if the weather is cool enough to be undercover with a windbreaker as the outer layer. Checkout Amazon's options - saw an option or two for under $75 overnighted for next day delivery. DW hates using one of half dozens of backpack from the home collection & rather use a smaller rollerboard - can't convince her to use a sturdy, "pre-owned" (male styled ??) one in our collections (not going to spend $$$ on another one, too many already. Well, got a plan - stack my backpack on top of her eBags rollerboard (lifetime warranty, yet to be tested against free replacement or repair/exchange) P.S. Quick drying Under-Armour boxers ?? they aren't "cheap" (other brands are out there) but I think a dozen should suffice, wash them in the sink - once on the ship, do that 1st load, then a 2nd load and a 3rd load, should all be free with Platinum/+ status on 11 days plus the extra, for being in Haven. Not that it'll save a lot of compressed & rolled up space in the carry-on's corners.

Dan ... we are back on watch. Final countdown sequence yet, packing 98.5% done and systems checked, time for that single digital dance just around the corner - as early as today or tomorrow ? Susan "instructed" me to tune our intermediate radar to home in mediterannean options ahead, and ya know what that means. Lately, I don't recall reading "serious" live review on the Epic, yours is the one to be on. Bon Voyage and have a great trip. Love our Airtags 😁 😎 😬 on last week's dry run - remember this one, just kidding.

How are you ... what's going to be more "weird" is that we are likely going to be seeing more of us (NCL addicts, not cheerleaders) hanging out at the other lines, MSC and Princess come to mind, as Susan and I have been discussing & debating, especially seeing what NCL has on their calendars for NY/NJ folks ahead in 2024-2025. Literally not "them" sounding the general alarm for us to abandon their ships but rather, we are going to jump & leap across the river to other ships ... and, we hate the ultra-mega RCL monster ships at Cape Liberty. Manhattan's congestion pricing ahead next Spring isn't going to help with our ground transport cost either. Twice cancelled the Prima ... but, found a deal and we are well past the point of "no return" paid & ready to go soon. One more cruise for us and we'll be Diamond with the home away from home cruiseline and since one of our nieces promised to "sneak" us onboard, pretty certain she/they are going in 2024 - will do the match - supposingly, will be just "Gold" - upgrade to YC (Inside, at least ??) and see what the fuzz is all about. Kick the cans ourselves, going to be an interesting semi-live for sure. Don't you feel "at home" a bit, just kidding but what is different about it ?? Last week, we're prepared for the worst but it wasn't all that bad - aside from 2 cancelled ports and missed our Bar Harbor lobster rolls. EMC's satellite WiFi while connected was awfully slow at times but I managed to squeeze every last breath out of her, not easy and had to turn off Google One's VPN plus it turned out it was Amazon's VPN that has been the evil root cause. Final evening before disembarkation, the line at iCafe manager's desk was gone, just about everybody were on their own cellular data while docked off the VZ Bridge, either facing Staten Island or Brooklyn. Because of the lack of major production show - nothing against the Choir of Man, just not our cup of tea - avoided the possible elevator crush - used the stairs more often than not, being on steerage Deck 5 and only scouted the buffet upstairs 4 or 5 times, including refilling the water bottles. Didn't want to repeat our "exposure" like last May's Joy encounter again as we haven't gotten the newest booster, just approved. BIL/SIL that sailed together last week did feel the friendliness and helpfulness of the crew, especially during embark/disembarkation using WC assistance. They sailed MSC once before C19 when the ship was calling NE-Canada in the Fall then, with a mixed experience and like the shows ... maybe, time to do a "conference call" with the rest of my gang to go as a group, ship will be the destination as the itinerary is so familiar and boring, the same old ports again. NCL is dropping the balls themselves with their executive decisions "against" NY/NJ and folks in the Northeast, including neighbors north of the border & within a day's worth of driving distance - with their ship deployment schedule. Not happy with seeing the Getaway again and the one & only, last night - joking about the Joy instead next year on a last minute deal to Bermuda, Balcony sailaway rates is fine for Susan & me, but if the price is right - take the Inside GTY. Oh darn, those prices now are just crazy, crazy & unbelievable. And, if we don't find something to our liking at all, imagine us sailing Carnival's ship from NY ... and file a semi-live report (maybe submit that CC review with a different "identity" NHC's latest update on that tropical disturbance down in the Florida peninsula possibly create rough sea state conditions & wind, etc. by the weekend but you should be in-bound by then, nothing serious unlike last week to worry about. Cheers. Have a great day & week ahead, all ... /mking8288 - Henry

Last but not least, perhaps, aside from maybe a few summary thoughts ... I think most of the bases in our sights are well covered by now - feel free to ask other questions. About 2 months remaining for the next one but the "Gang of Four" are going to be on the road pre-cruise, time to turning and look ahead. These are mainly for the tech geeks and gadget loving CC'er looking for ideas & tips, others - feel free to skip it, for your convenience of course. (Snoopy - optional, has been traveling with me for decades ... feel free to bring your own favorite "pet" along) With the newer ships and availability of bedside USB ports, it is going to be nice to carry fewer extension cords - this is what I plan to pack for the next cruise (sharing use w DW, of course) and should power all the electronic gears coming with us. GE's Triple Outlet 3-prong Cube Tap and a EU 2 prong round 220 volts to 110 volts outlet adapter (not a power converter) that is on (almost) all NCL ships these days, old & new alike, and, commonly founded in EU hotels ... these can be found on Amazon and eBay, inexpensive and compact. The third item, is a EU 2 prong 220v to 110 v adapter with an On/Off switch, that fits perfectly in the ship's cabin - found it and sold at Ponta Delgada in the Azores during our recent TA, cost about 3 Euro only at one of the waterfront gift shop frequently shopped by ship crews on leave, apparently very popular. Used it last week on the Escape, fit perfectly into the outlet, tightly and not loose - it's probably available on eBay out there but thus far, not seeing this on Amazon's USA marketplace for sale. Will have to find them & get a few extras, for ourselves and will be a nice "gift" for our F&F circles that do cruises. These are the items that I'm going to pack for the next cruise, including the iPad Mini 5 (just updated to iPadOS 17) plus the Lenovo Chromebook (just read that Google is going support newer CB for up to 10 years - nice, if they last that long, batter-wise as they aren't designed to be replaced, even by the pro's.) 2 tiny / small Anker USB-C chargers and the regular Apple USB-C charger that's good for CB charging, plus a dual USB hi-output charger, a 10' and a 6' USB 3.0 extension cable - and the usual 1 m or 3 ft. USB-C and USB-A cables (tested for fast charging) along with certified Lightning cables (3' and 6' length). A flat 6' HDMI shield cable to pair with the USB-C to HDMI 4K cable adapter (Samsung Galaxy friendly). Anker 8-ports USB dongle-charger, 2 pairs of wired earbuds plus a pair of NC bluetooth earbuds. Couple of assorted adapters, not shown, several mSD memory cards plus a Linux-based self-booting USB memory stick that'll run off most PC, RedHat OS. Just added another 10,000 mAH USB battery pack to the other 10,000 mAH USB battery pack - extra reserve & standalone power source for extended use, without the need to look for an outlet to recharge or for a quick boost. On sale for $10 at Amazon with a promo code but using points on one of the credit cards, free & delivered on disembarkation Sunday, just in time, Plus, a Coleman multi-tool. All these fit into 2 Eagle Creek Pack-It-pouch "system" (small size) except for the iPad Mini; and, will board our flight & stuff them into my travel vest, together - unde 8 or 7 lbs. How "cool" is that 😊 On a side note - her 24" spinner weighted in at 36 lbs, mine with the 23" Kirkland (by Costco) expandable rollerboard (lifetime warranty - a heavy "beast" by itself at 12 lbs - also weighted at 36 lbs. and the eBags Motherlode 19" Junior convertible, expandable carry-on at 25.5 lbs that included all the electronics & gadgets, etc. shown here ... not bad. Her carry-on 21" rollerboard by eBags at 20 lbs. No chance that the airline's "gate" police will catch us exceeding the generous allowance for our upcoming flights ... especially not when we can check 2 luggage each, up to 50 lbs or 23 kg per piece plus a carry-on & small personal bag.

The longest day of our modified cruise last week - Wednesday, September 13th - Saint John, Bay of Fundy, NB ... informed by the captain's decision, based on weather, the evening before as we sailed from Portland, Maine that we would be skipping Bar Harbor the next day as originally scheduled, Head north to Saint John with an extended stay until 9:30 PM local (ADT) time. Tours by NCL for the 2 skipped ports, including Halifax were automatically cancelled and being refunded - for those that knew our M.O. when cruising, we often just "wing" it on arrival or otherwise will only book tours that we can cancel or get refunded (within "reasons" of course) With nothing originally planned, we didn't have to scramble to try to reach out to independent tours after 6 PM in the evening ... we knew others had to, yike 😳 😟 😬 It is what it is - mother nature Several extra photos in front of & near the cruise terminal at Saint John, NB where we docked - location, location and location ... and with 3 cruise ships docked there (originally, Escape wasn't scheduled until the following morning - 2:30 AM to 2:15 PM) These video clips are short and unforgetable for those of us on the ship that evening - the ship's horn going off at regular intervals as we turned around in the basin and headed out toward the Bay of Maine, out of the storm's way. Past all abroad time, we heard (I am not 100% sure, names of 2 passengers being called over ship's PA to contact guest services) and our departure was delayed slightly ... pier or dock workers were waiting, the gangway's lights had already been switched off and DW said the uniformed immigration/border officers apparently were leaving as well. Never knew for sure if they made it back just in time or if we left them behind in that foggy weather. NCL Escape S.John NB 13 SEP 2023 - V1.mp4 NCL Escape S.John NB 13 SEP 2023 - V2.mp4 NCL Escape S.John NB 13 SEP 2023 - V3.mp4

Escape cruisers on this week's N.E. Canada sailing - nothing ??? Was hoping to see a post or two on their own, how was Bar Harbor, Maine earlier today ... we surely missed this tender port and the chance to walk uphill to Restaurant 66 for their excellent food, especially their freshly made lobster rolls - we considered it among the best we've had over the years. These photos were from our 2019 Norwegian Dawn cruise when the ship called there - For those that are heading north to Bar Harbor next week or later this season - it is worth that tendering trip to go ashore, IMHO. << prices are certainly higher nowadays, like everywhere else ... but, and they are open once again >> Two (2) extra Portland, ME photos that I selected from DW's Galaxy S22+ showing the cruise terminal area out front. NCL's shorex buses are parked out here, easy to reach & find, not a long walk from the ship for anyone worried about mobility issues, SIL made it - slowly - with her walking cane from the ship. Opposite the terminal, in front or the other side is the narrow gauge train station stop, a short 100 yards walk to the right, can't miss it. Book it online as they sold out quick, no need to print as e-Tix on the smartphone or iPhone will suffice. It's one of the best & inexpensive, independent shorex (no refund, exchange or cancellations - $15 p/p for seniors, including handling fees only !!! - in that area. Do this 45 minutes scenic tour early enough, leave you plenty of time to walk south (opposite direction) into "town" to explore the shops, find a restaurant for lunch or snap photos - Starbucks is along that stretch (with their free, unsecured WiFi - for anyone without a data plan traveling these days).

@graphicguy Gosh, that M&G was one of the best - April 2019 ... if not mistaken, does this help refresh memories ?? held in Le Bistro, Deck 6 Mid on the GEM. Then, we had a fun Cabin Crawl - didn't you have an AFT balcony ... then, the smaller group made way up to see the 2 BR suite on Deck 10 Fwd, ending in Haven and up the staircase with the special reception ... two (2) Pats on that roll call's M&G (organized by Pat & Jim) Pull these out of home server's aux drive sub-folder, as I mirrored them offline ... never trust cloud storage 100%. We've sailed the GEM 4 or 5 times, she was in dry dock by 2018, not a complete overhaul but many areas were refreshed, some of the staterooms got USB bedside lamp upgrade (others didn't) and we're on her in Dec 2019 just before Covid-19 news exploded. Missed the mid-sized ships and no matter what, despite the lack of extra "bells & whistles" ... DW and I would sail them in a heartbeat, just the ideal size and very easy to get around - 3 banks of elevators vs. 2 on the newer ships. Looking at our upcoming TA, Haven prices are absolutely absurd and there's no way that we'll upsize to them - it's crazy enough to go from our balcony to the mini-suite (hmmm, I mean the club balcony quasi-"suite" #cough #cough. NCL's out of their minds these days. Well, I was joking with DW about the Joy's westbound TA this winter after her dry dock, it's cheap for a balcony - straight sea days, not a single stop en route, disembark in Miami. Maybe, we'll sweet talk our friends to cruise & seize one of the 2 BR Family Inside Suite, it's spacious and just as big as the ones upstairs in Haven, minus the butler and concierge ... for a winter TA, don't really need a balcony - the extra space will be good. NCL clearly discovered and has deployed new strategies in 2023, Haven are filled up and basically not available, sold out weeks in advance, regardless of reasons ... I think, most of the C19-related FCC and compensated offers, old CruiseNext Deposits sold/purchased pre-C19 are expiring by now or soon, so Miami is doing some things right and fattening their bank accounts. Looking at the remaining New England-Canada cruises out of NY, Boston & the newly added port of Baltimore - same pattern emerging ... Havens selling out weeks ahead, not even hearing or reading about winning bids, never mind live bids (and, those were crazy - amounts that scored could've easily got them "winners" several non-Haven cabins) Nowadays, seemed like if one wait until the last 2 weeks or a month to hunt for bargains, going to need more than luck to find a bargain ... only category left are Insides GTY, if at all. If the price is right, book it - and it's a deal. Alaska was sold out in 2022, perhaps not the case in 2023 but I haven't really paid much attention to it - great prices appeared to be out there ... then, one quick airfare check, wow ... and it's forgetaboutit. Almost any ships sailing out of NY lately - full and above double occupancies nearly a sure thing, deals - not really but maybe by chance & sheer luck. Haven deals - not a chance out of Manhattan on NCL.

Day 2's Newport, RI Stop - accessible tendering (yes, it can be done ... with care) Refer to the letter from NCL's Access Desk about terms, conditions, requirements, limitations, etc. etc. - use with caution. In some instances, one is better off staying onboard the ship to enjoy & relax, which was our SIL's plan ... but she decided to give it a try. We picked up priority tender tickets (Sapphire & Platinum) for 12 noon, which wasn't as crowded and avoided the arrival rush with others having shorex & wishing to be ashore ASAP. Waited in the Supper Club for crew escort, lead thru the corridors and down below pax deck (Deck 4) thru normally crews-only area, along "I-95" from Fwd to Aft - then, exit to the Aft tender area to board the next lifeboat waiting ... we're the last to board that full boat & were on the way shortly. Thanks, NCL. Tender operations on the waterfront at America's Cup Avenue, near the Marriott Hotel and Hi-Speed Ferry Pier - multiple lifeboats from the Norwegian Escape being runned, tendering pax ashore and returning to the ship. Photo ID's are checked against Ship's Guest Key Cards by marina security personnel ... passports not needed. Our SIL was able to use the tender, assisted by ship crew as she needed to step down into the lifeboat and up the stairs again for the pier's landings ... luckily, sea was calm, not windy and hardly any waves at all. We saw a # of baby strollers being taken ashore by parents and returning afterward. NCL Escape Sept 2023 Newport RI tender to ship 9.11.mp4 The mini mall is just across the street on the Avenue from the cruise pier with the tender operations. Further up, the next block is Newport's "main street" for shopping - Thames Street. Very easy to get around and do things on your own, if you rather do any guided tours or seen your share of the rich & famous' mansions & castles, etc. Approximately a good 10 minutes drive away, maybe 15 ... is our favorite place to stop by to get our seafood, including their popular & fresh lobster rolls ... not as good as Boston or Portland. Bar Harbor gets our thumbs up for the best lobster rolls, however. P.S. Do not forget to pack, bring along and use suntan protection - and/or wear a hat & proper clothing - UV and sun can be harmful 😎

Please to report, we are 95% safe from catching those nasty & invisible airborne bugs with our post-cruise rapid test results negative this morning, out & about - a power brunch at our local diner, huge portions as always ... loaded. About $15 p/p including coffee + tax & tips, plus free parking at the mini-mall. No, this is not the VZ Bridge that connects Brooklyn and Staten Island .... Across the Bay, the upper East River not far from us is Fort Schuyler ... That's not our next cruise ship waiting, it is the "Empire State" is docked at at the pier, SUNY Maritime College. NYC's waterway ferry can get one close to this area nowadays. Fort Schuyler is an active USNO & reserve command, plus navy museum - open to public visitors. Interesting ship - 4 lifeboats (that's 8 in total) plus a small & fast speedboat ahead of those lifeboats ... is this (was ??) the floating prison ship owned by NYC, I dunno - quick search on marinetraffic not coming up with anything & it is docked near a military base's cruise pier on the river, interesting stuff happening (perhaps ??) On Queens side is Fort Totten, USAR and support/reserve base, Little Bay Park is open to all & where we sometimes do our outdoor walks. NYPD and NYFD training & specialized bases on the peninsula ... during the early COVID months, hundreds of ambulance & reserve medics use the area & base housing as home & staging, as it's close to the "ground zero" at nearby Elmhurst, Queens for C19. These are some of the hidden gems within NYC's outer boroughs (counties) with 2 million residents ... most visitors & cruise ship passengers won

Getting a 2nd. reminder on completing NCL's post-cruise e-Surveys this morning - Casino onboard the Escape - per our CAS best friends onboard, the slot bandits were okay as he apparently collected on his initial donations and came home with a small win, not just break even ... good for him/them. There're apparently lots of active CAS players onboard last week ... discounted and subsidized pax that help filled the ship with a total of 4,850 pax (out of a lifeboat max. of just over 5,200+) and there're NOT that many school-age children & teens onboard ... the # of pre-schoolers were small, at least we didn't see any running around on Deck 5. Apparently, NCL's land partners have been giving away discount certificates to players and helping to fill the ship(s) from the Northeast. November's Viva TA is on the list ( OMG seriously ) - 11 days Lisbon to Miami, Insides and up ... Ooh La La, Mama Mia or just Wow ! that's a deal vs. those NY - Florida & Nassau 7 days run (which isn't being offered lately on a weekly basis anymore ... folks got tired of them) The other change in the casino - which apparently is still smokey but not as bad as one might expect, perhaps the HVAC & exhaust air enhancement put in place during the pandemic are helping - is that, they no longer issue a separate CAS player's club card, just the drink card for qualified players. Play with the guest's Guest Key Card(s) by tapping it (that's different & new) - embedded chip/NFC enabled - will activate the player's account, at the beginning of the player's gaming session, and, then (remember to) tap or touch again to "exit" or sign out. The exposure risk here is that, if that steps is forgotten, someone else walking by can possibly sit down & continue/resume playing with any funds still "active" on the slot bandit, unless the system detected the change & signed out the player that was there early. We saw a # of puzzled and confused players with the slot attendants, try to sort out, explain and figure out what & whose money or credits are being used and accured. Fun stuff ... casino hosts were making periodic announcements and reminders about it over the gaming area's PA system ... not sure if everyone heard it and/or pay attention to it. Late night, there used to be a "snack" area semi-hidden near the table games, for players to get wings, mini sandwiches, cookies or other similar edibles on a small plate ... like the Epic, gone with the wind / changed - now, offering crackers & buffet cookies only ... he said, isn't that "petty" 🙄 😳 😤

Smart, resort casual is the motto these days, as I can state that for the Escape that we just disembarked on Sunday on a "modified" New England-Canada cruise out of NY - for all but 2 of the specialty restaurants (we didn't go to the large (and, noisier) Manhattan MDR) where for men, long (and clean/neat) slacks, pants or equivalent and a collar (polo will do) shirt is expected/required (not sure how strictly they enforced it) - with a voicemail reminder into our stateroom ahead of the reserved date onboard. Onboard photographers no longer roam the MDR at all, unlike many years ago and are either stationary, or are seen in specialty restaurants only - approaching diners & asked nicely if one wish to take photos, and if declined, respecfully move on. We have tons of dining photos in Cagney's, Le Bistro, La Cucina, Moderno, etc. over the decades and don't really need any more, despite the 25% discount for our Latitudes tier. Besides, server(s) will cheerfully help take photos from one's iPhone or smartphone when they are free & not busy serving other guests. Welcome back to cruising, BTW. We always pack and travel light, whether it's for a week or 3 weeks including land extensions pre- and post- and whatever we can wear, carry & fit into our backpack or carry-on and that single 22" or 24" rollerboard are what come along, no extra dress shoes or heels for the Mrs. - and we try to stay with 23 kg / 44 lbs on the big piece (leave a 5 lbs allowance for gifts & souvenir(s) or shopping items picked up along the way. It makes getting around in places overseas much easier, as some of the cities & towns abroad aren't always access friendly, I leave behind that navy blue blazer, shirt & tie and Dockers khaki years ago at home when we travel, unless it's an out-of-town wedding trip. But, if you can "handle" it with ease, fits and you feel good about bringing a nicer outfit along - and there's space in the suitcase - just do it. (and, we roll, stuff & use compression/packing cubes - amazing that a 19" junior carry-on tipped the scale at 30+ lbs easily ... with digital gadgets loaded) Have a great cruise and cheers !

Room Service Menus - as of Sept 2023 (don't believe anything changed since beginning of 2023) with a service or delivery charge plus 20%. Breakfast has 3 hot entrees added, no longer free but a "nominal" $4.95 charge + 20%. Not sure if the Avocado Toast and Breakfast Smoothies are still offered & available, call Room Service and ask as it is no longer listed on the "Door Hanger" for ordering - others have reported that they can write in. We didn't order Room Services last week - otherwise, I would've tried to order smoked salmon bagel & see what happened and whether they will deliver it 😁 😄 😊 Some of the items here are "exclusive" comfort food, not available in the MDR and/or O'Sheehan's Party trays -

Okie dokie ... would it help if I post 1 or 2 more "bonus" videos to get your comments now, or shall we wait another 2 months, LOL until 😉 😁 😎 DW took the video and I just "claimed" it to share on CC, gotta give credits when it's due, or else. For a moment, it looked like bats - they're riding the wind, touch down on the water briefly (as if they are fishing for a meal) and then rise & resume flying again. Next (final ??) batch is just "extra" menus from the surcharged Room Service, including Breakfast items, as well as ship's party trays ... in case you wish to host a private, post M&G (just kidding, the butler often "arrange" for these free, at no additional charge - well, that was years ago on the GEM in a DOS on Deck 15, with private hot tub & terrace, etc.) Mega ships, they much rather only paid guests get admitted up there & not escorted visitors, even if it is a brief one with a small group. Post-C19, cabin crawls mostly not happening and I often suggest that those interested in seeing specific cabin type to arrange it "privately" by appointment ... no more organizing group of 20 to 30 "roaming" all over - just not smart or wise with basically "strangers" going thru one's cabin or suite. Since you are going to be "upstairs" - Haven "coverage" is yours in November - took another peek at the upgrade prices ... just crazy, even from balcony to club "suite, and much more than a spa balcony, which some will definitely bid for with all the sea days to enjoy. We don't see gaining much by going higher to the club balcony - will get at least 2 loads of free laundry since it's more than 7 days, probably 4 loads (2 for each of us - will "ask" nicely at CruiseNext then) but otherwise, don't mind paying that "extra" $29 for a 3rd load using NR-OBC. Hola, I'm sure that we can use a 3rd (first batch) load once we get onboard with our pre-cruise stay in town first. Roll call is still a bit quiet, the repo segment (B2B) is busier.

I am not sure if @Steelers0854 as well as others, have time and plan to add more to the post, his contributions as a co-partner in this "Semi-Live" thread added plenty of richness & variety, including sightseeing as we simply didn't plan do much ashore from the get-go with her access issues. I believe all but 1 or 2 days of FSD had been posted as sample, Days 4-5-6-7 were all modified due to the "Lee" and will likely be different for "ordinary" sailings with this itinerary. If looking for the extra inserts or specifics, I kept them and will upload them on request only, to avoid cluttering up - also to let others on this week's NE-Canada sailing to post & write things up. Off-topic on "Access" - our BIL also does use a walking cane at times, both being past their mid-70's, did quite well and SIL managed to tender ashore using ship's lifeboat, her challenge has to do with lifting her leg and stepping up & down, post recovery with upper thigh's compound fracture last June with pins/screws & titanium ? plated braces. They plan on cruising again in 2024 as her confidence is back and she will be very comfortable next time, last week with a bit of anxiety about WC services at Pier 88, to embark - and, go ashore if they feel right or stay onboard & enjoy a less crowded ship. This is a bit late as you are onboard this week - quick check of ship's webcam - a beautiful, sunny day docked in Portland, Maine this morning and wish you & all onboard a wonderful port day. I think those in Studio cabins are likely using Deck 7 Fwd, probably somewhere near O'Sheehan's as the designated Muster or Assembly Station. Ours being on Deck 5 - Mid - at Station C at Deck 6 Fwd near the Atrium, starboard side with the cabins situated on the same side, one deck below. Supper Club on Deck 6 also used for these purposes - also noticed a wall-mounted A.E.D. in a break-glass-open-use cabinet (every minute/seconds count with cardiac arrest.) Cabins on higher & forward deck location use the Main Theater - we always check that info upon getting into the cabin, as well as the "emergency" escape routes just in case ... unlikely.

By unanimous vote - O'Sheehan's "English Breakfast" is the "winner" among breakfast choices, not in calories and not by size for sure, rather for its "distinctive" presentation, using a slim plate that's more appropriately and better used for the typical sushi and sashimi on board and at traditional fine Japanese restaurants everywhere ...perhaps, they needed to find a use for these - maybe, for Tapas and/or Food Republic for the classic California roll and spring rolls, etc. Once once a time, this was known and/or refer to as the power breakfast, loaded with everything and truly huge, with very generous servings - Grand Slam or something along that line (too lazy to find the old pictures or look it up, sorry) The problem I have with this - being that, as you started to try to eat, things begin to fall apart and over the plate, onto the wooden table itself ... make for a messy clean-up afterward, "me think" - why not use a bigger, dinner or meal-sized round plate for it (I am sure there is plenty of them around, and the tables are a good size for everything to fit) I dunno, can't figure out the logics behind it - and, they can still do portion control and measure it to keep the calories down. The grilled tomato is as "big" as that scoop of scrambled eggs ... beans were drowning in lots of liquid. P.S. If you normally order toasts, specific 1 or 2, 3 if you are a big eater ... they are small and you get one (1) slice per order unless otherwise, asked for 2 😄 See, I bring a good dose of humor with these reviews and commentaries, subjective & biased, for the fun of re-living a short cruise week, 3 nights floating inside NYC and 45 minutes (to us) from home. Otherwise, order whatever is on the MDR breakfast menu, they are all good - a happy old man here, pleased with the smoked salmon w toated bagel, and they actually seemed to put more smoked salmon with each order as served - shocked, exceeded expectations. Just don't think the crispy hash brown (round) potatoes are coming back, not anytime soon from what I heard (it's a rumor, not confirmed by NCL corporate)

Now is a quick personal, subjective & biased review of our Cagney's steakhouse dinner on the Escape - YMMV - but it does reflect the concensus of 6 seasoned NCL pax, Platinum & Sapphire tiers: In short, the dinner passed the test - apparently, they possibly knew I was one of those that made fun of the onion rings & side dishes, got a bigger scoop of mash potatoes and assorted, crispy onion rings of 6 to 7 in varying sizes. The (jumbo) (black Tiger) shrimp was fine, appeared downsized slightly with 3 pieces with MSRP of $18 or $19, a bit on the pricey end but who pays full retail, right - give them a "pass" here #cough #cough ... cost control & budget watching, I know. Oysters - BIL ordered them, looks good & he was happy with it. Dining under candlelights with dim overheads, everything appeared fine but on closer look at the photos with the S22 Plus. Almost everything seemed to be "burnt" or over-cooked, our filet mignon was supposed to be medium or medium well, none appeared medium rare. The lamp chops most definitely well done. No issues with the salmon that DW ordered. Dessert looked a bit smaller too, especially that apple pie w ice cream and the OMG cheesecake, didn't order the "huge" chocolate cake. Just a thought here, ice cream tend to melt fast or quickly, a larger scoop isn't going to "hurt" the corporate bottomline much, a bigger or generous serving can bring a better smile to most. Service was excellent and we didn't get a lecture about what's covered, not included with the voucher and dining package, as I informed our server at the onset, whatever not - just put them on my/our onboard account - whew ! The itemized bill total for each of our cabin that we signed for, zeroed out as everything was covered with no surprises - average to about $210. As usual, our protocol is to tip the server team directly, in cash. How & what s/he does & distribute it among themselves, including environmental below deck - isn't ours to sort out, but keeps management out of their hands, hopefully. P.S. Asked discretely, and watched all around us, diners aren't allow to take out anything, including those once jumbo dessert that can't be finished at one seating - policy is continuing, that wrapping them to go is a "no no" matter. However, speak to your Haven butler and ...

NCL is pretty quick this time with the post-cruise online survey, both of us always seem to get them, haven't check with our friends and BIL/SIL to see if they received them. Before I get to that survey & respond ... probably a good idea to reflect on this cruise & how things went in general, what worked for NCL and/or us, and some of the other minor issues that didn't quite get the passing grade, not exactly failure as we are easy-going and will take the workaround. Embarkation was smooth & quick, the best out of the last 5 cruises (2022 and 2023) out of MCT-Pier 88 in New York, IT issues didn't exist & facial recognition worked, water & flavored juice/water provided inside the pier, along with light snack (small pieces of pound cake, for everyone) ... as I don't "count" the extras available only in the Haven waiting lounge. We're onboard just a little after 11 AM and the MDR - both Taste & Savor were open by 11:45 (earlier than scheduled - for 12 noon) ... staterooms were gradually opening up by 2:30 PM - still slower than the "old" days. We had no issues with our housekeeping and our room steward did an excellent job, going above & beyond - got us the coffee/hot water maker & set-up, kept it stocked daily & clean it. Extra facial tissues & clean towels, and emptied our mini-refrigerator. Standard white robes or disposable slippers never fit my big foot or body size, didn't bother asking for them (balcony & up, although one in an oceanview or inside can ask nicely for them, usually obliged) Didn't need the ice bucket filled & topped off daily, so that's one less item. There're subtle signs of the ship's interior, non-critical areas being worn & in need of maintenance (clear/rubber/plastic seals for the shower/bathtubs and wall panels, shower head/joints leaking, etc.) coming off & loose. Being Sapphire entitled us to 2 "cartons" of Flow water p/p x 2 or 4 cartons should be placed in the room, only received 2 cartons - asked our steward about that on Day 3 ... said he was just following the worksheet orders given by Guest Services ... could've spoke to them & asked for the 2 missing cartons, didn't bother as we had options. We had 2 small bottles of Fuji water with us, went thru security & wasn't flagged in the luggage - used it as refillable after washing & rinsing them, transfer & fill with a clean cup. Returning from Newport, Portland & Saint John, ship security also didn't pull the packable backpack to inspect or "seize" the refilled water bottles, just letting it go (AND, we did not have any beverage packages.) The strawberry chocolates were received, just 4 pieces - I thought it used to be 6 pieces until now ... and it's "smaller" and once upon a time, 8 of them. Otherwise, CAS friend said he didn't get anything else in addition - previously, CAS would have another symbolic plate of "sweets" as compliments of the casino host/manager - not this time. Subtle signs of cutback ... portion sizes are smaller, apparently not noticeable by infrequent cruisers, i.e. yogurt cups are now about 2/3 full at best, used to be 3/4 full or filled, ditto for the yogurt parfait - not a big deal, just about right in size for my smaller appetite these days.

Here's a bonus one for you, @Red-Sol and everyone else ... Now that we all know that @PistolPete13 is safe, sound & busy working, accounted for & located ... it's short video clip that, despite his top notch pro gears, can't "obtain" unless he (and others) were docked at anchor last Thursday night. DW taking her afternoon nap so I'm going thru her Galaxy S22+ for interesting photos & videos (didn't take any on mine) that we can post & share ... supplemental dining & photos coming, perhaps with a bit of extra commentary - different camera lens with different exposure under identical light conditions, sometimes, yield results that appeared not one as being the same. 20230915_212521_045821.mp4 Views from the ship, with Manhattan's skylines for 3 nights and days - simply priceless, as mostly - we see it briefly during the sailaway, often too windy or cold, too hot & sometimes under adverse weather conditions ... made it challenging to get good pictures & videos. Nighttimes, even more difficult - 2 still images taken on the S22 Plus, which isn't as sharp as I expected them to be (the one looking east toward the VZ Bridge was a little sharper ... Beltway with traffic & headlights as the backdrop. Views of Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge in the distance - the tall (rather not call it "iconic") high-rise bulding toward the middle-right of that picture is known as "One Manhattan Square" on Pike St. & Cherry St. with the back side on South St, next to the FRD Drive. Quick history on OMS - known to generations in the Two Bridges-Lower East Side-outer Chinatown area as the former Pathmark supermarket site ... torn down to construct a 72 stories tall residential tower with 811 units, nice design & unique in that neighborhood, surrounded mainly by city-owned/managed public housing projects and a # of co-op apartment buildings to the north. No, it is not a tourist attraction nor for visitors to check out, although Katz, the famous deli on Houston Street isn't that far away and served by the same underground subway line, the "F" stop at East Broadway, which was predominately an area dominated by Jewish immigrants. These "almost" reaching-up-to-sky slim & ultra-tall high-rise residential condo buildings are found everywhere in NY these days, including downtown Brooklyn (DUMBO) and Williamsburg, as well as midtown with views of Central Park. As a matter of fact, skyline of New Jersey, looking across the Hudson River including Jersey City has changed quite a bit, a lot, in the last 10 years including the waterfront development, and taller towers being built ...

OP, we have been on a # of NCL ships over the years ... mistakes happened, we are human and it is natural ... been on the Joy twice within the past year, great ship and crew - nothing is perfect but we would sail her in a heartbeat. There is a suggestion box with comment card at Guest Services in the atrium lobby, can't miss it - write out your "dissatisfaction" address to the GM (General Manager) on duty - not sure who's running her this month ... could be Rohinton ("Rob") or Ricardo, if they aren't on vacation or rotated to run another ship in the fleet. I'm guessing that you didn't join the sailing's Roll Call and/or attend the CC Meet & Greet, as otherwise, you would see the senior hotel operations team, including the F&B Manager - regardless, a written note will get their attention and someone will be assigned & contact or get back to you, to discuss the matter further. It might not be what you wish to learn, maybe or maybe not. Our NE-Canada last week on the Escape was affected by Lee & cut short, 2 ports cancelled with a view (great ones) of Manhattan & NYC's skylines for 3 evenings on the floating hotel with 4,850 fellow passengers and over 1,600 crews - you know what, it is what it is. Those "cards" that you refer to are for Latitudes Platinum & higher tier members ... on the Getaway, Epic, Escape and Joy, they were affixed with the cabin # and names of the guest(s) on it - perhaps you didn't notice it, or it might've been left out in error on their part. Also, each time those vouchers are turned in & used to dine, they are validated by the host/ess on duty at the specialty restaurants, and the associated guest keycard(s) are swiped - surprised that it actually "slipped" thru the systems of checks & balances. NCL didn't charge you for the mistakes, isn't that great ... (and, I'm not a blind cheerleader for NCL, but a tiny micro-minority NCLH shareholders) for a cruiseline that's on the "nickels & dimes" watch to ding everyone's wallet. Perhaps I missed something else reading your post & overlook something, and yes, the "manager" on duty could use a refresher in customer services. Feel free to look elsewhere for that perfect cruise experience, and good luck. Time to move on and enjoy the ship for the rest of the cruise. Regards & cheers

A little more details for those interested ... Escape's disembarkation, as we're "bouncing" a bit in Carmel's Toyota Siena minivan heading home yesterday morning - broke a record for non-express walk-off, curbside outside our co-op townhouse at 9:15 am & into our unit at 9:17 (checked against security video cams to reconstruct the timeline.) It was the smoothest & between the terminal's contracted workers & NCL crew, clockwork precision and ahead of schedule - Rise-n-shine at 6:00 and get ready, final packing, check & clear the mini-safe, cabinets & drawers, etc. and headed to Taste for breakfast @ 7:05 (starboard side - at one of our favorite tables for 6 next to the picture windows, look out & down watching the pier activities, forklifts busy lifting luggage carts from the ship and moving them inside into pier's lower level. Smoked salmon w. toasted bagel & cream cheese at 7:15, everyone done eating - listening to updated announcements from Jack, CD about disembarkation status - still seated & watching, breakfast done by 7:50, light luggage in tow - a quick restroom stop first. By 7:55 - Yellow (Diamonds, Sapphire, Platinum & Gold and Priority Access) and Brown (NCL airport transfers) were called together, proceed to Deck 7 Fwd & Aft gangways to disembark. Our SIL/BIL needing & using WC assistance for embarkation, their instruction is to report to Deck 7 AFT's Skyline Bar (next to/opposite the casino and meet, wait for their turn - scheduled to begin after 8:15, FCFS basis. Insider's tips: use the AFT gangway as it has the shorter walk into the terminal building and line move a lot quicker. Elevator weren't jammed full, yet, took it up one level to Deck 7 and immediately directed to go thru the Manhattan MDR - security podium stationed there for screening. By 8:05 - 4 of us were outside on Deck 7 and turned for the gangway. 8:17 - porter has all of our luggage in his moving cart and heading thru the CBP checkpoint, waiting for us on the other side and with facial recognition, easy "green light" and we are heading out to 12th Avenue (bathrooms to the left along this passage way) 8:22 - Carmel app ordered a mini-van pickup at Pier 88 @ 08:35 By 8:30 - seeing that lower level pickup isn't a good idea, contacted Carmel's assigned driver to change pickup location across 12th Avenue by W. 49th and W. 50th Street. With 3 ships docked at MCT - traffic jam has been worsening all morning - saw no taxis or car services permitted to come into lower level to do drop-off and new pick-up ... there must be easily 20 buses or full-size coaches taking up nearly all the designated bus parking spaces. With a bit of struggle, we managed to walk our luggage across to the pickup spot to wait. By 08:50 - we're zipping north on the Henry Hudson Pkway to I-95 for Queens. 09:15 - car servcie pulled up to the townhouse complex ... we are home; with a total time of about 90 minutes. (Footnote: these were photos of Pier 88, upper & lower level as taken previously) Carmel's base fare was $84 plus toll and 20% tips - rounded up to $115 per the minivan ... and that's with a $2.75 congestion fee added. Fare to LGA Airport would be less, about $20 to $25 lower in a sedan, shorter distance traveled as we are about 4.5 miles further east. While waiting for the pickup - check prices for both Uber & Lyft, just about or practically the same. Going to or coming from JFK (with a fixed, flat rate for yellow taxi, it's now about $80 with the fees/surcharges PLUS toll & possible congestion fees. Budget travelers that pack light - airport trains, bus/subway transfers and LIRR to midtown Penn Station is an option ... but, be prepared to walk with luggage in tow. Our SIL/BIL joined others using WC assistance in the Skyline lounge, and NCL started getting the Special Group off ... they were able to get a yellow taxi and got home about 10:30 - an hour later than us, but uneventful and according to plans.

Having been in Barcelona earlier this Spring plus the other ports, just make sure your cellular plan has coverage or activate them as needed, cities in Portugal, Spain and Ponta Delgada, along with Bermuda all have excellent data networks & great speed ... there were supposed to be a couple of zones with "known" interference (but, while at sea 😳🙄😉 ???) during the crossing after/before reaching EU's coastlines where satellite WiFi connectivity is said to be bad to none, often dropping out ... likely a matter of not having good overhead coverage ... and weather was perfect with calm seas for us. But, I can't see us not upgrading either - do that after midnight on Day 2 or maybe Day 3 and see what happen, apparently - Starlink isn't happening anytime soon on that ship either 😤 😤 per the iCafe manager on Saturday, FWIW.