EllieinNJ

My next and probably last NCL cruise is the Prima in December because I had one CN left, two FCCs, round trip from NY and Donna Summer. Now I heard they cancelled Donna. Really pissed.

Thanks. We are staying at the Marriott Fairfield Inn. They said to call hotel once we got to LAX and they will send the shuttle to us. Hopefully at 9:30pm it will not be too crowded.

We are arriving at LAX around 9:30pm. We have a free shuttle bus to our hotel in El Segundo. LAX website says we go to upper level. So we do not have to take a shuttle to Lax-It?

Yes. We brought empty water bottles we got on a plane that were much sturdier than the supermarket ones.

I want my Prima Donna!!!!!

Our cruise on Princess is offering an excursion there in November for $55pp. for 4 1/2 hrs. Are there free lounges and/or umbrellas on the beach?

I've done the Breakaway twice, the Getaway and the Joy, all out of NY and to me, except for the Observation Lounge on the Joy and the different shows, they are all the same ship. Crowded atrium and very few places to sit. In October we did MSC Meraviglia and February we did Carnival Venezia also out of NY area, just to try different ships. Wasn't crazy about MSC but they had great shows and tons of places to sit and relax. We surprisingly enjoyed Carnival but their shows were meh but their food was good and good venues and places to sit and relax.

As far as Royal Caribbean 's pricing, we get great group rates with our TA, though usually a while out. I've seen people mention "going, going gone" rates on the Royal boards for cruises in the next few months. Why don't you check it out.

Just looked and my cruise went down $40pp in my category. Now asked my TA to get the lower price. That's two specialties LOL.

We just came off the Venezia and Dara in the piano bar had a good voice but she was very raunchy while speaking. I don't mind some adult talk and enjoy the late night comedians but she spoke from the gutter

Can you tell us what you did in Catalina Island and Ensenada? We are on at end of April.

Is this bus in walking distance from the pier? In description it says two places to get on, Marina Vallarta and other is Malecon centro. If not what is the best way to get there. We will be on the Carnival Panorama in April, 2024.

As was our Getaway to Bermuda in February 2023 that turned into a cruise to nowhere. The ship was packed, especially with 20 somethings.

Also the prices may go up. I was thinking about booking some excursions and a week later the prices were $5-$10 more pp. Also the transportation to the airport was $10 more pp.

Loving your reports. Doing this itinerary on another line in April so looking forward to your port review.

My husband ordered the pasta and seafood the last night. It came with two mussels, two small shrimp and maybe three calamari. He was very disappointed.

The bbq fish Branzino was just BBQ sauce. I had to scrape it off. Tasted like ketchup.

That was the one meal I hated. Chicken was hard as a rock and tasteless. People at other tables didn't like it either

We are on a side to side cruise doing the Radiance/Panorama in April and there were no direct flights to Long Beach from the NY/NJ area. So flying into LAX and staying in El Segundo two nights, touring LA then taking an Uber/Lyft to port. Staying at Queen Mary between ships.

If all else fails I'd try Elliot Advocates. They really try to help in situations like this.

Tomorrow's the big day. Getting excited.

Been looking at this cruise and there are very little Fantastica balcony cabins left. Nothing in roll calls. Does this mean mostly Europeans and non us residents on her? Hopefully trouble will be ended by then. Too early for airfare quotes but seems NY to Dubai and back to NY from Rome runs about $1100pp. Any thoughts?

We booked Prima for December. Yes, crappy reviews and same tired ports but wanted to experience for ourselves what it is all about .

My first time reading your reports. Quite entertaining.

What a great review. Even though I have grandchildren older than Ian I still enjoyed your blog. We also are going in April and leaving from LAX and was worried that I have a 2:45pm flight that puts us in NJ at 11pm. We could have taken an 11am flight or a 1pm flight but now I think we will stay with the original if it takes so long to get an Uber/Lyft,