rocky1

Using the Mobile Pass app can help cut down that wait time.

 

 

Maybe it will work some days at some locations, but not last Sunday at Port Everglades. No help at all.

Thanks for your thoughts. But..... could you explain one thing?

 

 

"Food was overall very good in the MDR as well as the buffet. Main course selections were limited most nights, but very good on "Gala" nights."

 

I don't understand your comment about the MDR entrees being limited. Does that mean they wouldn't bring you a second choice? or an extra lobster tail? How were they limiting the entrees?

 

Usually there are 6 or 7 choices plus the "always available" choices of salmon, sirloin steak and chicken breast. Plus there used to be a vegetarian menu upon request. Are there fewer choices now? Thanks, m--

Yes, I meant the selection was limited compared to some other cruise lines. We were specifically looking for more variety of seafood choices. I normally expect to see at least one shellfish and one fish main course on the daily menu in addition to the "always available" salmon. Perhaps they would have offered more choices upon request? Food is a very subjective thing, so maybe the choices seemed extensive to others.

Definitely wait for the "final call" if you don't like standing in lines. We left the NA Sunday in Port Everglades with the last group (9:45) and still had to wait in customs line almost an hour.

Just returned from the NA 7 day Western Caribbean, and wanted to share a few thoughts, this being our first HAL cruise.

We booked a Balcony Guarantee at a good price, and were assigned Spa Balcony cabin 11004 - tiny balcony, but otherwise fine. I think it's only these few cabins on deck 11 that have the small balcony. You could not sit on the balcony facing directly out - it was that narrow. On the positive side, we were only a few steps from the Crow's Nest which had happy hour daily from 4:00 to 5:00 and 9:00 to 10:00:'). Too bad there's no live entertainment.

Almost forgot --- debarkation was a zoo --- 8 ships in Port Everglades Sunday. We got off the ship with the last group at about 9:45 and still had to wait in customs line almost an hour. No advantage at all for using Mobile Passport. They said it had gone down earlier that morning, but their answers indicated they didn't really understand it anyway.

Food was overall very good in the MDR as well as the buffet. Main course selections were limited most nights, but very good on "Gala" nights. We didn't go to the specialties.

As far as entertainment, the only place we spent any significant time was the BB King Blues Club - HIGHLY recommended. They must have changed the band members since some above negative comments. The guitarist and saxaphonist were especially good. And too loud? Not for this old couple! Music ranged from blues to 60s rock and soul to slightly more modern rock, all done well. Don't miss it! :D

The ports of call were all repeats for us, except Half Moon Cay - nothing special there, but a very nice and long beach with plenty of loungers if you are willing to walk a little ways. A little squall came through as most passengers were tendering back to the ship from Grand Cayman. Tender service had to be suspended for a while, and many were stranded at the dock, some for hours. (We heeded the Captain's warnings and came back before it got too rough, although it was none too smooth.) All guests were rewarded with a glass of champagne for our trouble. We were about 2 hours late leaving GC, but made up most of the time, arriving in Cozumel about 1/2 hour late the next day. Otherwise the weather was excellent.

Getting in around Noon and have a car. Which would you choose, the Marriott Courtyard or the Hampton Inn. They are next to each other, so location should not be an issue.

 

Cost is about the same when you consider parking fees ($6 at Courtyard and breakfasts (free at Hampton)).

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

Don't think you can go wrong either way. The location is very convenient. We just stayed at the Hampton in December pre-cruise and were very pleased. We actually had a pretty good ocean view from the balcony.

Thanks folks for all the info!

Go for it!

 

We did it and had a blast. I loved Rum Point (except I was DD so no rum for me). Rented at the airport which meant an easy return and then they shuttled us right up to the gate at the pier.

 

Driving was not hard and rental was quick and easy. We were picked up at a shop right by the pier and shuttle to the airport on the way there.

Which rental car agency did you use? Did you reserve on-line?

What I meant to say was that I would buy the speciality dining on some evenings. Thank you.

Just back from a week on the Sun. Overall we thought the food was quite good. We had the UDP, so can't comment on dinner in the MDR (MDR breakfast was good). IMHO: Cagney's was great for steak or the small lobster tails; Le Bistro not as good...had to send back cold escargot and tough lobster tail (but the staff responded well); La Cucina's warm bread w/olive oil medley and the calamari appetizer were excellent; Moderno was the best bet for breakfast or lunch (smaller selection, but way more relaxed than Garden Cafe); Great Outdoors also good for a late lunch; didn't try pool bbq, but it looked and smelled good.

Turns out I was wrong. :o That is exactly what they have done: Raised all drink prices and increased the auto-tip to 18% for bar service. (see NCL FAQ)

Refreshing to see......admitting an error, and adding useful info in one post! Thanks!

I don't drink 6 beers in an entire cruise to begin with. :D

Not quite as refreshing.

VP1, thanks for the very comprehensive review! I just posted a link on the roll call for our upcoming Sun cruise.

can you only make reservations at Cagneys onboard with the UDP ? We are 41 days out and still can't reserve Cagneys on the Sun but we can reserve any other venue.

For some reason it seems you can't reserve Cagneys online on the Sun. Just call NCL and reserve....they'll send you a confirmation email if you want. Just did it last week with no problem.

Bumping this up...........any recent Sun sailors out there have a bar/bartender recommendation? Not so much for location as for quick, friendly service!

Thanks in advance for your quick, friendly posts.

Thanks for the good info here. Do I understand correctly from this thread that reservations for a party of two for the MDRs are completely unnecessary? Our last cruise on NCL was before that option was available, so we wondered how that had changed the dynamic. We enjoy freestyle and have never had a problem, but sometimes had a reasonable wait at the busiest times. We were almost always asked if we were willing to share a larger table, and were then seated quickly....seems now we have to ask?

Yes, there was a recent time when the TA's could only offer perks or OBC to give you a discount, but now you can definitely get a lower rate through an on-line TA. In fact, you can book through NCL with whatever promotions they are currently offering then transfer the booking to the TA, get their best discounted price, and keep the perks. I can assure you it works well, as I did it twice this month. Of course they will quote you their price before you transfer.

They have not released a more current list, and maybe they don't need one, if the $10 limit is now the only rule. They continue to mention excluded "designated Super Premium brands (subject to change)" in the T&C, suggesting that there is a list somewhere, but this may just be vestigial language left over from the previous incarnation of the package.

Thanks, that was my concern: the "designated Super Premium brands (subject to change)" clause that is still there, but doesn't make sense with the new guidelines. Common sense would dictate that SPB drinks over $10 would obviously be excluded, otherwise they would be part of the package.

Here's a list from 2013.

 

http://mrose.org/cc/BeverageBrandsList2013.pdf

 

Thanks, tripto.

Anybody out there have a more current list?

Don't email. Call.

 

NCL UK: 0845 201 8900 http://www.ncl.co.uk

 

Do not tolerate more than one phone call for an explanation of the charge. If NCL doesn't explain it to your satisfaction on the FIRST phone call, escalate to American Express.

I agree. Don't hesitate to call Amex if the charges can't be immediately explained. It could well be fraud. My card was compromised last month while traveling (not NCL), and Amex handled it promptly and professionally.

I usually book late, but there are exceptions........ e.g. Alaska, balcony, prime season. My experience is you're not going to get a real bargain on that combination regardless of when you book. Prices are unlikely to go any lower, and balconies will sell out before you know it.

................maybe we'll leave the robes in the closet.

Or give them the "smell test" before use (LOL)!

Thanks for posting dailies. They answer a lot of the questions you see on these forums.

Just make sure the robes are clean. I've read posts from people finding used tissues in the pockets and "track marks" on the back.

................maybe we'll leave the robes in the closet.

We were just wondering, since it has been a while since we were on the Sun and it wasn't specifically mentioned in the cabin description. We surely don't want to pack anything that bulky. Enjoy your cruise!

Any recent Sun cruisers.......Are robes included with the Sun's balcony cabins? Last time we cruised NCL we had them, but that has been a couple of years ago. Thanks!

The cards can be purchased by calling or faxing Princess using the product code that you find on the Gifts & Services page of the Princess website. Or, if you booked through a TA, they can order them for you. A voucher will be left in your cabin when you board, which you can exchange for the card at the first venue you approach for a drink.

I assume the package would be charged to my credit card at the time of purchase, rather than being added to my final payment? Also, does anyone know if I buy the package ahead of time am I protected against any possible price increases before the cruise date?

Interesting thread. Many thanks to kelly94942 for working up the evaluator.