Traci1960

I am new to Covid cruising. My cruise on NCL leaves NY 8/23. My understanding is I need to have a proxied Covid test prior to boarding ship. I also need to have an approved Bermuda travel authorization with me with my uploaded vaccine info. Since we don’t arrive in Bermuda until 8/29 & 8/30. I assume the cruise line will need to test  us again. Will they then submit the results for everybody to Bermuda? 
Also, I have read they test after returning onboard from each port ( 8/24-Virginia , 8/26 - Florida & 8/27 Bahamas.) That seems like so much testing. I want to ensure I can come ashore in Bermuda,

First time cruising out of NY. Traveling from Washington State, so a long day in the air. Just need a clean hotel near the pier to spend the night. Preferably providegrab & go  breakfast. Can anyone advise?

I am currently considering the Hampton Inn at 851 8th Avenue New York - Times Square North. . Has anybody stayed here? Is it decent? Close to pier? Thanks for your help in advance.

Is that the buffet?

My last NCL cruise was way back in 2009. My next NCL cruise will be May 2018 on Bliss.

 

With all the changes to the dining and restaurants, I was curious if they still provide complimentary burgers out by the pool??

 

Or, for burgers, do you need to dress and go to O-Sheahans or pay at Margaritaville??

They have in balcony rooms the coffee maker that takes pods and it's coffee is best if you use bottled water.

 

Bottled water? Do they provide this free for the coffee maker, or do you need to purchase?

Haven't cruised NCL in years - do they still have the Hamburger grill by the swimming pool? Or are you left having to pay extra to get a burger at Margaritaville?

Ok - sounds like I will be making my reservations - at least for the specialty restaurants for my dining package. What is meant by the place holder at mdr? Is that a regular reservation? What happens if we change our mind that day (maybe got back too late from Excursion, or not feeling well, or just not happy with the menu that day? I understand you will lose the Meal from your dining package - but what if you have already used all your package, have extra reservations that you planned to pay for, then were a no show? Will they charge you?

Our transit of the Canal took the entire day; it was dark by the time we reached the Bridge of the Americas on the southern end of the Canal. What a spectacular day it had been!

 

We have booked the Panama Canal on the Bliss for May 2018. We have a Mid ship (10th deck) balcony. Do you think we will need to head to one of the open decks to observe (front of ship) or will the balcony be a good observation point? My issue is that I am very short, and imagine there will always be somebody in front of me blocking me view on the open decks....

:confused: I haven't cruised NCL for a number of years (last 4 were on Carnival) and have seen comments concerning reservations needed for MDR, Specialty Restaurants and shows. Is this truly the case? How is that freestyle?

I am booked on the 15 day Panama Canal cruise on Bliss in May 2018, and I have a SDP for 4 dinners. Normally, I would look at the MDR menu each day, decide if there was anything that jumped out at me, and if not, then head to a specialty restaurant....I would hate to make reservations a month in advance, then see my favorite complimentary meals being on the menu on those days (prime rib, Beef Wellington, Risotto)

 

There are just 2 of us, and we usually eat early (at opening) Do you think reservations are needed?

How do I follow this thread?

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor have similar menus. There are 10 different menus that rotate, so there are specials of the day (appetizers, entrees, desserts) along with standard offerings the restaurants.

 

Shanghai Noodle Bar has Asian foods.

 

O'Shehans has great continental foods, with a special each night (open 24/7 for all of your snacking needs)

 

Garden Cafe Buffet has a wide variety of international foods. They also have nightly specials.

 

Is O'Shehans complimentary?

Some food tips:

1) Lots of Asians on the ship, and NCL caters to them. Thus the asian was far superior to those on other lines. When it doubt, go for asian food.

2) The Tomahawk chop at Cagneys was one of the handful of best steaks I have ever had. And I have been to many of the best steakhouses.

3) The buffet food is not great. Stay away when you can.

4) There are 2 free ice cream machines that have soft serve. But you can also get free ice cream many time on the buffet dessert area that is much better--more flavors, and tastes better.

5) Margaritaville for breakfast is usually empty--while there are less choices, if you are a breakfast traditionalist, and hate crowds, this is the place to be.

 

Have fun!

 

Is Breakfast at Margaritaville complimentary?

No all balconies are the same except for angled balconies, they give you more room. Haven't had one yet, booked for BA in an angled & from what I've been told, they are bigger, can fit 2 chairs & a lounger, so if you can score an angled, I would recommend you do it.

 

How can you tell if it is an angled balcony? I am looking at booking the new BLISS

(yn)Since this ship is slated for Alaska - Are we sure there will be an outdoor pool?

When did this process start? And is it really strictly enforced?

Just read on the internet the Willie Aames resigned from the Cruiselines and is back in Hollywood trying to revive his career....

have been on 3 cruises but always had sourced my cabin number, my next cruise have just booked a guaranteed cabin can you tell me if this always turns out well? can it turn out better?:confused:

 

We will be going on our 6th cruise in a week. This was the first time we had tried the Guarantee Cabin (saved $600 doing this!) The cabin they assigned was not ideal (right below the pool) But, we just contacted our Travel agent and asked her to see if we could get a different cabin. We ended up with a slight upgrade from what we requested....:D

[quote name='Ocean Boy']Same with us though I did have some issues with the Windjammer on our first cruise on Oasis.[/quote]

In 2 weeks I will be on our first RCCL Cruise. We have sailed NCL and Carnival.... Question on the buffet - We never eat there for dinner, but for lunch on SeaDays is possible. Carnival had Guys Burgers and Cantina Burritos (FOC) The Buffets have serving stations for Burritos, Mongolian, Deli, etc.....Does RCCL have serving stations? Themes that change daily?

Good question!

 

I don't know the answer for sure but I bet it does. You pay at Starbucks on a debit/credit machine you find at regular stores.

 

Hopefully someone can answer who has actually tried.

 

Sent from my XT1058 using Forums mobile app

 

Can you use your SeaPass card at Starbucks?

Nice review. A buddy of mine told me that he used the refillable soda mug for ice cream sodas. He filled it half way with ice cream then topped it off with soda. He started a trend on the ship after that.

 

One question. Your photos are fantastic. What camera/lens did you use??

 

OHHH Ice cream floats. I MUST try that!!

The Comedy Club is located on deck 4. It's between Jazz on 4 and Studio B... near the casino.

 

I cannot believe how small the comedy club is. Such a large ship and such a small comedy club. I love going to the comedy clubs on cruise ships and was disappointed with the size of this one.

 

Make sure if you want to see a comedy show to make reservations. Everyone got turned away from the show without reservations because there just wasn't enough space.

 

This is one place where Carnival truly excels.

 

The comedians themselves were really good. Very funny. I liked how they played off one another and used current things specific to our cruise to play off of as well.

 

 

My last 3 cruises were on Carnival, and I too love the comedy clubs. But, Carnival does not make reservations, and I was not able to attend even one comedy show last cruise. The lines started an hour before each show.. Boo

I made reservations for a comedy show on my upcoming Allure cruise!

Oh okay thanks. Getting the soda package was a last minute decision we made on the ship. But I was wondering because I heard rumors about having to wait to get them so I wasn't sure what I would do on a future cruise. Buying in advance seems like a good idea, I don't mind waiting until I get in my cabin :)

 

If your seapass is imprited witht he Coke pkg from pre=purchasing the beverage package, I would assume you can get a coke from any bar once onboard and waiting for the all clear on your cabin to get the special cup?

Set your sea pass card as a cash account when you check in. Grab cash from the casino when you need it without being charged the service fee. Last day of the cruise go down pay off with a credit card, and have the credit card placed on the account for any additional charges you have that night.

 

I am new to RCCL - Can you explain how the casino works? On Carnival you inserted your SeaPass and all monies were charged to your seapass - and added to the card if you won. If you put Cash into a machine and leftover cash went to your seapass card.

 

Then at the end of the cruise, you collected any winnings on your card. Is RCCL Different?

You can do either. If you have OBC that you don't know how to use, you can use that. If getting cash from the casino expect a 5% charge.

 

Can you explain this post? If you play slots with Cash - and Win - do you get cash ticket ? Do you pay a fee to collect?

 

If you play slots on SeaPass and win - does it credit your SeaPass? Do you cash it out on final day of cruise?

 

This is my first RCCL and not sure exactly how the casino works.

I Purchased the Royal Replenish non alcohol beverage package. This includes the FreeStyle machine, right?