Peachypooh

Sorry I didn't read through all the replies. We have been on numerous  cruises spanning the last 30 years and most  of them were  on NCL. I would have to say that behavior has slowly gotten worse over the years but the only cruise where I noticed it was really bad was February 2023 on the Getaway. My earlier cruises perhaps a bit of rude elevator etiquette or hogging the buffet stations but that was it. On my last cruise on the Getaway I was at a bar and the person next to me was telling this "hilarious" story (to him) about an elderly overweight woman that fell down in front of him on the beach and he didn't want to pick her up but reluctantly did. Then he turned to me and asked it that was me. And other general rudeness on that cruise.

I have been on the Jade twice. One time for a week and another time for I believe 9 days.  I love the Jewel class ships No feeling of being crowded or rushed. I am referring to the Encore and Getaway as the bigger ships we didn't care for.That said the Jade was sort of boring. It didn't have the energy of the Pearl or Gem.

3 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

How many people was it that "rushed over to tell the other ship that they sucked?"  I just can't see this happening.

It was dusk and we were pulling into port. Lots of the people on the NCL ship were out on their balconies and on the top deck drinking and enjoying themselves. As we pulled up to the other ship about thirty people out of about a hundred on our ship  started yelling. The other ship heard  people yelling at them and maybe not "rushed" but walked swiftly to the side we were pulling in on and started their own chants. At least thirty on the other ship too.

We went on the Getaway in February and pulling into one of the ports next to a Royal Caribbean ship people lined

up and as soon as we were even with them started shouting Royal Caribbean sucks!! Not to be outdone,

hearing that people on the Royal Caribbean ship rushed over to the railings and proceeded to yell

Norwegian sucks!  It was like we were at a football game with very drunk patrons. To be fair when we pulled along

side a Disney ship people were admiring it. Go figure

Talking to some of the people later who were yelling it was their first real vacation since Covid and they wanted

to really live it up. I hope all that pent up energy has died down. What have you found?

The last cruise we went on was a 7 day cruise. We had our two grand children in the cabin with us. I tipped the butler $400 and the room steward $400. In other words  $100 per person in the cabin for the week. I gave the concierge $100. They earned itby really going above and beyond but $900 put a serious dent in my wallet LOL  

Having a cabin near a public restroom is a plus especially if you have more than 2 people in the cabin. However when I have done this I always make sure it is not right next to our cabin or directly above our cabin. Need a little buffer not to hear swishing sounds all day and sometimes at night.

We  wanted to take a cruise this January or February of 2024. We are sapphire with NCL and have had some lovely vacations that I feel were worth the money. However....February of 2023 on the Getaway  we experienced what MIGHT happen again if we did that. Overcrowding, ridiculous pricing (that's on me), cancelled ports, late arrivals, noise and chaos. And we were in the Haven! I jus can't chance it again. Makes me sad. Hopefully things will settle down and return to what it used to be.

On 9/18/2023 at 3:27 AM, amygutman said:

@laudergayle the gum wall is on our list to see, but I can tell you, that I am physically nauseous. Just thinking about it!!! 🤣 

Can’t wait to hear about your trip to Vancouver, I’ve heard it’s a beautiful town to visit pre-cruise. 
Warmest Amy

We stumbled across the gum wall by accident and didn't know quite what to think. It IS kind of

nausea inducing. LOL

I try to pack mostly what it would be difficult to replace on board. An extra pair of sneakers, lots of OTC meds and toiletries, some snacks. Then depending on the destination clothes for about half of the days we will be gone (one day outfit one night outfit). Then I hand wash or send out laundry. Makes it very simple.

On 9/15/2023 at 12:31 PM, OKTXMama said:

Can anyone please tell me if the bed in the extra bedroom is comfortable? Does it have the springs and bars on typical pullouts or is it a full mattress on a platform? Looking at booking this and my 25 year old son would stay in that room. I want him to be comfortable and I'm concerned the bed may not work for him. He's not a big guy, but when you're used to a nice mattress in your own home then sleeping on bars and springs is a no go. Thanks!

Our teenaged grand daughter slept on it and she said it was comfortable. She weighs about

125 pounds and 5 foot 5 which might make it different if your son is much bigger.

1 hour ago, RD64 said:

Literally true - also tripped and slid down a hill in Alaska - dislocated my shoulder.

Sorry to hear that. I tripped and fell on an excursion at a resort in Curacao. Fortunately I always bring a first aid kit on excursions and I patched myself up.

Accidents happen in an instant. I know someone whose wife tripped hiking  on vacation and was in the hospital for 6 weeks in Spain. Taking care of my grandchildren once on a cruise ship I had one of them have an allergic reaction to something and fortunately I knew what to do.

Our cheapest was a 9 day on the Pearl out of New Orleans in one of the front cabins that had two balconies.( owner's suites). $6900 total (including insurance and service charge) for two people which we thought was a bargain. It also  lots of extras too like 3 bottles of liquor, unlimited soda and mixers, etc.

The only information I have on that wall(that prevented me from reserving one of those rooms) is that there is quite a bit of noise leakage. When built it was meant to be retracted to accommodate large groups. See if you can confirm they fixed the problem if that would bother you.

We stayed at the Marriott Waterfront (pre-covid). It was right across the street from

the pier the Pearl left from. I think it was in the $200-$300 range.

I don't know your circumstances. Taking an 8 year old out of school for a cruise in most school districts is not allowed. One option is to see  to see if you two can match schedules and postpone your birthday cruise to another time. Or just go alone. 

We always cruise in the same cabin on the Jewel class ships. As soon as we can we reserve that cabin. On occasion the price has dropped and it was not a problem getting a price adjustment before final payment.

The last time I cruise Feb 2023 you could cancel up to 48 hours beforehand and receive a full refund.

There is always the odd medical issue on a cruise ship (I broke a tooth once and had to buy a dental filler kit at the medical center.) After that we  we learned enough to travel with almost any type of over the counter medication we can think of and our prescriptions. 

The food in the main dining rooms on the Getaway was decent. If eating in taste or savor ask for a table away from the entrance. The noise from the bar between the restaurants can be overwhelming.

On 7/23/2023 at 9:19 PM, DZ77 said:

Thank you!

Did you make it on to the ship - and then you had to return to the check in area when the grandchildren arrived?  Or were you in the check-in area the whole time?

I assume it doesn't matter whether the grandchildren are all teenagers as opposed to younger. 

 

Sorry just saw this. As long as they are under 18 the form is required. We waited in the check in area. It was fine.

We had this situation. We checked in and when the grandchildren arrived later

with their parents we stood next to them while they checked in. Even though

the parents were on the ship we needed a special form to fill out to be their guardians.

I buy Christmas ornaments. Either the crystal  ones or the boat replica ones depending what goes on sale at the end of the cruise.

We always use a car service. Easy to arrange. They will arrange to meet you about a block or two on the other side of the street at then end of the cruise on disembark day.

I just logged into my account and there were seven cruise next credits listed that

I can use. Never purchased any. Anybody have some insight?