roger001

I grew up on the beaches of So. Cal. in the '50s. Speedos for guys were a definite no, no then. I retain that thought to this day. They were known as "tourist tights" back then. I don't' really know how I drifted into that . Did Jungle Jim wear Speedos???? I don't remember.

We had a coffee maker when on the Jewel a little over a year ago. Yes, we take our own brand of coffee and some 4 cup filters. If you room doesn't have a coffee maker, ask your room steward for one. He/she can probably round one up for you.

Consider a scooter next time you sail they make all the difference you can imagine and more. Special Needs at Sea is the people NCL uses and they deliver the scooter to your room and take it away at the end of the cruise. A scooters is wonderful, it increases where you can go and what you can do a 100 fold.

Thanks. I did see numerous scooters on board this time. My wife is scheduled for knee replacement in a few months, so hopefully that will make a big difference for her. This cruise did have a Wounded Warriors group of guys and gals on board. Some were using scooters, but many in wheelchairs.

The following was an answer I just wrote to a previous question on a previous thread I wrote. My answer got so long, figured I might as well post it as a separate thread also.

QUOTE=debnjoe1438;40759340]Glad things went well in Miami. How was the cruise, ship, ports, entertainment....got pictures:D

The Sun was just great. This was our third time on her. She is one of the smaller ships and does have a very different interior design though. After this third cruise on her, I'm about to figure out where everything is located. The crew were the usual wonderful folks that we've found on every NCL ship. We ate in two specialty restaurants, the MDR several times, and of course the buffet and all the grills. The Sun's buffet is small which does limit the volume of selections available there. However, all that they served was just fine for me. Enjoyed it very much. Of course the NCL breads and pastries were their usual delicious selves. In addition to the mentioned eating locations, you also have Modernos for pasta during the lunch hour and breakfast before that. The Great Outdoors is open through much of the day and evening with various selections. We had grilling out on the pool deck I believe on each sea day. Then of course the Sports Bar is available for food after 5:30 pm. One of the locations had tapas type food during some hours of the day. I didn't try that. The Sports Bar also has popcorn available.

Ports were nice. In St. Thomas, we docked at the west dock. Not much around there walking distance. However, a $4 pp taxi will take you to either downtown (which we did) or around to the other docking area which has a big area of shops. We were docked there last time. There were quite a few cruise ships in port including the Epic. We had toured St. Thomas before so this time just shopped and drank some beer in the "old town" downtown area.

The other four ports were new to us. My wife has bad knees which limits her activity. So we just took the standard bus type tours. We enjoyed each very much. They gave us a good look at the islands coasts and interiors. Excellent tour guides and very nice local population.

We didn't not go to any of the shows on the ship. We did hear some of the individual musicians playing at various location. I thought they were good. We did go to both Latitudes events and had a few free drinks. The Capt. was a funny guy.

Pics? Yep...got the usual 800 or so. Isn't digital wonderful. Sometime I'l try to post a few.

Oh..last thought on the Sun. We were in one of her few mini suites. The room and balcony are very similar to the other NCL ships' minis. However, the bathroom area...wow!!! We're spoiled now. You walk into that area first entering the open closet area to your left and big row of drawers and cabinets ahead. Then to the right is a separate sink area with numerous cabinets and storage. Turn around from the sink and there is a dressing table and chair. Then you enter the tub (full size) and toilet area. That is bigger than mine at home. It has its own frosted door that closes it off. All super nice.

This was a ten day cruise. I liked that very much. Seven days seem too quick. We've done a couple of 14 day cruises also and are really liking the longer ones now.

You can't go wrong with the Sun!!!

Glad things went well in Miami. How was the cruise, ship, ports, entertainment....got pictures:D

The Sun was just great. This was our third time on her. She is one of the smaller ships and does have a very different interior design though. After this third cruise on her, I'm about to figure out where everything is located. The crew were the usual wonderful folks that we've found on every NCL ship. We ate in two specialty restaurants, the MDR several times, and of course the buffet and all the grills. The Sun's buffet is small which does limit the volume of selections available there. However, all that they served was just fine for me. Enjoyed it very much. Of course the NCL breads and pastries were their usual delicious selves. In addition to the mentioned eating locations, you also have Modernos for pasta during the lunch hour and breakfast before that. The Great Outdoors is open through much of the day and evening with various selections. We had grilling out on the pool deck I believe on each sea day. Then of course the Sports Bar is available for food after 5:30 pm. One of the locations had tapas type food during some hours of the day. I didn't try that. The Sports Bar also has popcorn available.

Ports were nice. In St. Thomas, we docked at the west dock. Not much around there walking distance. However, a $4 pp taxi will take you to either downtown (which we did) or around to the other docking area which has a big area of shops. We were docked there last time. There were quite a few cruise ships in port including the Epic. We had toured St. Thomas before so this time just shopped and drank some beer in the "old town" downtown area.

The other four ports were new to us. My wife has bad knees which limits her activity. So we just took the standard bus type tours. We enjoyed each very much. They gave us a good look at the islands coasts and interiors. Excellent tour guides and very nice local population.

We didn't not go to any of the shows on the ship. We did hear some of the individual musicians playing at various location. I thought they were good. We did go to both Latitudes events and had a few free drinks. The Capt. was a funny guy.

Pics? Yep...got the usual 800 or so. Isn't digital wonderful. Sometime I'l try to post a few.

Oh..last thought on the Sun. We were in one of her few mini suites. The room and balcony are very similar to the other NCL ships' minis. However, the bathroom area...wow!!! We're spoiled now. You walk into that area first entering the open closet area to your left and big row of drawers and cabinets ahead. Then to the right is a separate sink area with numerous cabinets and storage. Turn around from the sink and there is a dressing table and chair. Then you enter the tub (full size) and toilet area. That is bigger than mine at home. It has its own frosted door that closes it off. All super nice.

This was a ten day cruise. I liked that very much. Seven days seem too quick. We've done a couple of 14 day cruises also and are really liking the longer ones now.

You can't go wrong with the Sun!!!

Four of us in our group got upgraded free yesterday from BA to MA mini suites. Other than a few more sq feet how much better are the mini's over the BA std cabins? This is my first NCL cruise.

We really like mini suites (although nothing wrong with a standard balcony room either). Here's a link to a Pearl mini which is just like a Jewel mini.

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/roganderson60/library/Pearl%20Mini%20Suite?sort=2&page=1

How did you know where to find your ship, it being in another line's berth?

 

We sail out of Miami in just over two weeks (on the N.Star) and plan to make our way there in a taxi -- how to tell the driver where to drop us for minimal baggage hauling???

First, you'll easily see your ship as you drive into the port area loop. All the ships stand out at their respective docking area. ( the docking terminals aren't really identified on the outside with an exclusive cruise line logo). But, second, just tell the taxi, shuttle driver, or whatever, which ship you're sailing on, and they all are very familiar with the POM area. They will drop you off right at the point where your ship is receiving checked luggage and passengers. POM porters will be readily available to take your luggage. If possible, have your checked luggage already tagged with the ship's luggage tag. If you don't have one, the porter can tag it for you. Give the porter five bucks and he/she will be a happy camper. The porter can also at that time point you towards the line or door that is processing your ship.

Oh...I might add reference my first post... My wife has really bad knees and cannot stand for long periods of time. However, she was able to sit, both at the long, long line snaking outside of the terminal, and again in the terminal while waiting to process, at a point up at the front of both lines. She then just waited for me to move along with the lines until finally reaching a point near the front where she then joined me. Wasn't a problem at all for her.

Here's a quick review of our Sun cruise Miami experience ending Nov. 20.

The Port of Miami was apparently setting a record for cruise ships in port on Sunday, the 10th, when we departed. I counted 8 cruise ships docked. Needless to say...busy!

We got to the port much later than usual because we shuttled down from Ft. Lauderdale, arriving about 1 PM, middle of the biggest crowds. All the ships had crowds lined up out the terminals and snaking all around, the guests waiting to process in. The Sun was no different. However, much to my surprise, and to the credit of POM employees, security folks, and NCL employees, it actually moved extremely well, considering the size of the crowd. From the time we arrived at the port until on the ship was probably not more than 1 hr, 15 min. It seems that all shuttles and buses arrive at the same time. With that many people, it went surprisingly well. The Sun was using an RCCL terminal. Once past security and in the processing area, there was an expediter feeding us into two processing lines, whichever one was shorter at the moment. All the processing clerk stations were open and working as quick as they could.

Debarkation on Wednesday was totally painless. We had breakfast and when the colored tags were called, we headed off the ship (about 9:15). We were off, luggage claimed, and through customs, and on the street in probably no more than 20 minutes.

With that many people to handle in such a short time, both arriving and departing, good job POM and NCL.

just back last night from 10 great days on the Sun. We had a great time and loved the ship and the staff were the best. I would highly recommend this ship to anyone

We are too. I'll second all of that.

For us, a balcony is a must have. We've done two PC cruises and have a third booked. Not only is a balcony nice for the day you cross the PC (although I'm out and all over the ship also that day), this is a 14 day cruise. The balcony will be a very nice to have for all of those days. We enjoy them also while in a port. A balcony is your own private world and private view of the ocean. Sit out for coffee in the morning, adult beverage in the evening. Balcony.

And I forgot to add....do read The Path Between the Seas before you go. Super excellent book about the PC. After reading it, the journey through will mean much more.

Heading to the Sun again this weekend. Will soon be able to verify.

And....on our last two cruises, we were advised that we could take our carry ons to our room......being aware that the rooms were not yet available, and would we then please leave the area so the room attendants could finish with the preparations.

This day and age.......just get a passport and make life easier. I even use it to buy beer (I'm old, ugly, and bald....but my state still requires ID for beer purchase).

We always take them off the ship with us, although they are seldom needed. However, in an emergency, medical or whatever, I would want mine. We did on some excursion once have the tour bus stopped and all passengers had to show passports. Yes...or no....your choice really. And I do carry a copy of them also when traveling.

The sports bar, and I can't remember the name at the moment, on the Sun serves the same purpose as a Blue Lagoon on the other ships.

They run the tenders if at all safely possible. We've been there three times. On our second visit, the tenders were running, however my wife looked down at them rocking and rolling and said no way for her. I went and it was an exciting ride. NCL can't make it all perfect. Some days you just won't be stopping there.

It is unusual for a ship to not sail with the maximum permissible number of persons on board. As mentioned, some cabins may be unused though. That is when last minute cabin upgrades are offered to already booked guests. When you have all the persons permitted on board, you can now, if some more expensive cabins are still empty, upsell them at a reduced price (but still making a little bit more money in doing so), which then leaves some of the less expensive cabins now vacant during the sailing.

We always take a pair. You never know what you might want a closer look at. Even in port, we sometimes use them to get a better look at something.

I believe the only IPAs I've ever seen were on the ships doing the Alaska cruises. They had Alaska Brewery beers stocked, including an IPA. I'm an NCL fan but do wish they would improve their selection of beers.

I am leaving on the Epic in January and in just pricing the same cruise on Cruises Only, I found the same cruise for 200.00 less per person. I contacted NCL and the rep told me that was a very good price.I asked if she thought my price might change. She that the possibility would be very likely since the ship still has a lot of availability. I have until the end of the month to make my final payment. Has anyone had similar experiences where the price did go down? If so, did it occur before or after the final payment? Ship credit is okay if it matches the lower price.

 

I like the room that I booked but it's not worth a 200.00 difference.

 

Either way, I'm cruisin'!:D

Cruise prices can go either up or down...usually up as the cruise approaches. Until you make final payment, if it goes down, you can get the lower price. After final, no. Price changes are just impossible to predict. However, if a ship still has a lot of vacancy a few weeks before a cruise, then prices will usually be reduced for the remaining rooms. On our next cruise however, from when we book until now, the price for what we booked went up $1400. A Panama Canal cruise we have booked for next spring has sold out already for the cabin types we booked. Just can't tell.

The overhang balconies are great. We won't book a mini without one, especially for a Caribbean or PC cruise. As another has mentioned, you will get plenty of sun, but have excellent rain protection for those tropical storms. The tropical latitudes sun will make your balcony completely unusable much of the time without some sun protection.

Actually, I had only heard of the Kid Rock concert charters. However, here is the link to the Rock Boat event. If you like a music event like that, consider Bonnaroo. I only live a few miles from where it is held each year. It's not for me but it is getting great respect as a super music event.

http://www.therockboat.com/lineup/

Actually, while I'm at it, here's a link to some Bonnaroo pics I took this year while flying over it. They will give you an idea of the size of the event. The Rock Boat sounds fun...if I was younger. The Pearl is a great ship, our favorite. Don't get too drunk and tear her up!!

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/roganderson60/library/Bonnaroo%202013?sort=2&page=1

Lucky you Roger to have three more cruises booked!! I'm just amazed at how many cruises folks take - some multiple cruises in the same year! Guess it's a real testament to the affordability and enjoyment factors. It took many years to convince DH to take our first cruise to the Mediterranean but it was so awesome he was easily hooked after it. We would cruise more often but are so wrapped up in our two young grandsons that is is hard to tear ourselves away - and so we are now doing the Disneyworld thing with them.

 

Thanks for the good advice about booking the next cruise while on board this one - had heard it has many benefits like OBC - so will look into it now that we are retired. Also, we seem to have the same mindset regarding suites - while it seems like something we might do in the future -it's a little out of our comfort zone at the time and we'll have to ease into the luxury of a suite and all it entails - butler/concierge etc....afraid we could get addicted to that!!

 

Happy sailing on all your future cruises!

That might be my fear of the suites...addiction. I might have mislead you about on board booking. You can't actually book a cruise while on the ship (unless you use internet and do it yourself through the NCL web site). What I was referring to is purchasing Future Cruise Certificates while on board. Your account is charged $250, but you immediately get $100 back to your account as on board credit which you can use on your present cruise. Then, the $250 certificate can be used anytime in the next four years as deposit in full up through the smaller suites, and will give you a full $250 down payment for that next cruise. It's a good deal. Deposit in full and an immediate $100 discount on your next cruise.

Thanks to all for the helpful latitudes information. As a 2nd time cruiser/bronze member I hope we get the invite for the Monday session at Spinnaker! It appears NCL makes an effort to keep repeat cruisers connected and a fun way to meet staff and other fellow cruisers. We are also looking forward to the Meet & Greet a fellow CC cruiser set up. This cruising thing is more fun than DH and I ever thought it would be. Who knows, some day we may upgrade to a suite-something to look forward to-but for now we are happy to be in a mini-suite!

I see you are an Alaskan Pearl cruise next. That was our first and probably still our favorite. Beautiful scenery and wonderful ship and crew. Like the Jade, the Pearl also has the Great Outdoors and Spinnaker Lounge, both of which we really like on a ship. You're right about cruising being way tooo much fun. That first cruise addicted us. We've done numerous since and have three more booked. Be sure and buy some Future Cruise Credits while on board this time...if you think you will be sailing NCL again. Oh...might add. Mini suites are just perfect for the two of us. We've booked suites twice and then canceled both times. Just couldn't figure out what we would really do with more than we had with the minis.

The first Latitudes party, open to all latitudes members, is just a fun gathering, usually about an hour. Drinks (wine and rum punch) and light snacks are served, the ships officers introduce themselves and the Capt might say a few words. Then the CD takes over and talks about available offers from NCL and holds a drawing for a bunch of small prizes. It's no big deal but is a fun thing to do.