JustinCornell

The Gulf Stream would certainly have an effect, whether it would be a full day's worth I'm not sure though.

Thanks everyone for their replies - it's certainly given me food for thought.

The humidity doesn't really bother us (its pretty humid here all of the time). I may speak to the TA and see what my cost to change would be and take it from there - waking up in bed and having that view is a big lure ! :D

Just booked the Star in a SB (Cabin 9056) for the Panama Canal. I thought it would be preferable to have a balcony for transiting the canal. However the SA isn't really much more and 'seems' to be a better room in terms of space. Would you stick with 9056 or go for say 12502/12002 instead ?

Would you miss the balcony in the DOS ?

I only booked yesterday so there's still time to change my mind...decisions, decisions..

I also know this is a patten on the Breakaway. Every cruise after the summer they did this. Even CHRISTMAS Week. Lowered the rate like $700 after final.

Genuine Q - Why didn't you wait until you saw the lower fare if it happens all the time ?

We were on the Sun over Christmas/New Year. Patrick was the concierge then and I must say he was so professional, courteous and charming without being over the top. He was always in Il Adagio for the breakfast and lunch times and always stopped to say hello or even to just give us a weather update for the day. In addition there was 8 of us travelling together in various rooms over the ship while we were in an owners suite. Patrick ensured that all our family were treated equitably and ensured that any invitations that we received included all the family (when we decided to dine or do something together). Would love to sail NCL again with Patrick as concierge - he really was the icing on the cake for our trip.

Tipping is personal, there's no right or wrong IMO.

We're travelling as a group in 4 separate cabins on the Sun over Xmas/New Year. Normally we like to dress up on Xmas day for dinner (thinking suit for gents and cocktail dresses for the ladies)...Having previously sailed on Cunard pretty much exclusively, where Xmas Day is usually formal (i.e. Black Tie) will we be over-dressed on Xmas Day do you think ?

We decided to book the O/S for us on the Xmas cruise on the Sun and book Mum in the adjoining balcony next door. We figured both rooms get use of the lounge and there's 2 separate, distinct bedrooms plus Mum can use the bath/veranda/hot-tub.

Not at all worried about her not being able to use suite perks, we're on a family holiday with kids and grand-kids so we're all wanting to do things together, not apart. So we won't be priority boarding or taking advantage of the suite only perks...the only thing we may do is order breakfast in the room for everyone.

Think its a good compromise this way, lots of room and space to enjoy, but still together.

Thanks for resurrecting this. We're in the OS on the 22nd Dec cruise and my Mum is in the cabin next door. We're going to leave the connecting door open to turn the suite into more like a 2 bed so we can share the lounge. We were a little bit worried about the balcony cabin being OK for mum, but these pictures have set my mind at rest, she'll be very happy with all that space !

Have a word with Dean Jones on Lonestar, he's not only a properly nice guy but a really good fisherman too.

Whilst in Bermuda the World was moored out on Front Street and I could see it from the balcony of my office - quite often just sat out there "looking in". As noted, there seemed to be more crew than passengers, i rarely saw anyone out on the deck and wonder if there were actually that many people on board. I was also surprised that it was as small as it was but as you say, it allows for you to go where most ships can't.

I must be honest, it is not the sort of cruise that would appeal to me but wow, to live on board would be fantastic! but i can dream.