Sysdeath

What does priority boarding really mean?  I am on the Mera in a couple of weeks and my embarkation time is 2:30 PM.   Does that mean I can board earlier than 2:30 PM?   I cannot get a clear answer from MSC.

My family and I returned from the Spirit sailing from July 8th on a 11-Day Mediterranean & Adriatic from Rome. We are long-term NCL fans and former TA. We were very disappointed with the Spirit!

Service was horrible, except for the cabin steward. Multiple service personnel described the ship as a prison and are miserable.

From our opinion, NCL has tried to control alcohol costs by reducing bartenders and wait staff since offer the alcohol packages in the booking price. During the World Cup there was only 1 bartender until the 2nd half in the sports bar. The bar was closed where we watched the match with about 40 other people.

The tile in my bathroom was cracked and coming loose. There is so much wasted space on this ship! We expected more with the refurb being completed last year.

To say something positive, the itinerary was great and embarkation/debarkation was flawless.

This is awesome! Thanks!

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Each cruise line have their own feel and experience. We find NCL to be one of our favorite cruise lines, most because of the freestyle cruising. You will have fun....

I wear shorts almost every time to dinner except for formal nights. Shirt should be fine.

I am not a huge Carnival fan, but we still take Carnival from time to time. Each cruise line have their differences. Talk to a good travel agent that represents most of the major lines about your likes and dislikes. Or better yet... try each of them!

Germs are everywhere. If we go eat at the buffet, I use hand sanitizer before I get my food and right before I eat.

St. Maarten - Love the beaches!

St. John/St. Thomas - Love Trunk Bay beach!

Looks like I am beach person... I am really not. Our family love those stops.

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I have been on the Epic three times and loved it.

Aspirin, Imodium, cough drops, extra sunscreen

It is so much cheaper to buy locally at home, than to buy on the ship or at the port.

Ginger and lemon hot tea helps me with stomach problems. I think I am going to take a few packets with me next time.

It really isn't about missing the ship. However, if you have a medical emergency and need to fly home or someone at home becomes ill or passes away, getting back to the U.S. via plane could be significantly delayed if you do not have a passport. We tend to think that these things don't happen but, unfortunately, they have more often than you may realize. Passengers are airlifted off of cruise ships all the time due to heart attacks (can happen at any age), appendicitis and other things that require medical attention. In these cases, they would take. you to the nearest port ...... not the U.S. You would likely be in a local hospital until transportation can be arranged and the U.S. government can verify your status in order for you to fly home.

Former TA... Medical emergencies happen all the time. Get a passport! You never know what will happen and you may need to fly home.

If I go through the buffet, I always use hand sanitizer again!

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What does this mean?

 

We put out our laundry each morning in a bag. and have it back beautifully ironed and folded or hanging by 5 each night. Per person, that's less than the price of one drink per day. And no sort-of clean underwear hanging all around the cabin!

 

I'm never sure why people won't spend a small amount of money for such a great convenience. Also works exceptionally well if you are traveling before or after the cruise.

What cruise line and did that price cover everyone in the cabin?

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Pack your bag, remove half... your done!!!:cool:

That is the best advice on packing ever for a cruise! I just need to follow it... :)

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I can only speak to Carnival as they're all I've ever cruised with but I find their ships very stable. I second the recommendations to book midships, whatever ship/line you're on.

 

Here's a video that might help address the anxiety a little where I balance a penny on end to show how stable cruise ships are normally...

 

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Great video! I've got to share the video with some friends that are nervous about getting sea sick. Thanks!

Welcome fellow addict! Longer cruise as already mentioned, but also look at different cruise lines. Find a good Travel Agent, that can help keep you aware of all the promotions.

It sounds like you have the big ticket items covered. A couple of additional ideas:

1. Watch you bill daily. Things can add up quickly.

2. If you have kids going, turn off their ability to charge to their room card.

3. Parking can be costly. You can save money by parking remote or having some drop you off.

4. You don't need to do any excursions. Most ports have a tourist area or you can walk to one.

5. Take over the counter meds with you. Expense onboard.

Good luck!

You will have the most cruise options out of Miami and Port Everglades. Port Canaveral is easy to get in and out if you're driving. Tampa and Jacksonville have fewer cruise options.

A reputable travel agent can guide you on cruise line itineraries and prices, probably including some pros and cons

 

 

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Agree.... I am a former Travel Agent. Make sure the TA represents all of the cruise lines, so they can give you a good perspective on what is best for you're family wants and needs.

Wait your data plan doesn’t get roaming charges while on the cruise ?? Thought it does. Regardless of having unlimited data.

 

 

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AT&T rates on NCL:

https://www.att.com/travelguide/coverage/coverage_details.jsp?CIDL=1581&MNC=CING

Go Cub!

Book as early as possible or you will be eating at 9:00 PM. I booked mine online, but you can also call NCL.

Paper laundry bag - 17" wide by 22" tall, roll tight & squeeze them in, we put the small items in first & try to fill up the space, then the rest - and use one piece as a flap-over.

 

Don't forget to do an itemized count for the laundry slip - you can do a lot. Ask your friendly Room Steward for a clean pillow case as an inner liner - no need to worry about the paper bag bursting when stuffed full, etc. - also, as a heads-up to pickup your laundry early in the day to send it down below deck for wash-n-dry and fold.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wt3pw2rqgscty94/IMG1504171326NCL-LB.jpg?dl=0

Great idea about the pillow case inner liner. Paper bag is thin and it has tore on me in the past! Thanks!

Twice.. I have had to go to the front desk and asked them to remove tips (NCL and Royal Caribbean) due to bad service. But..... I tipped more than the cruise line recommended, except for the one person that provided poor service. When you book a cruise.... gratuities are part of the deal.

Tips should equal the service performed. If you want great service... tip early and often.

Web site is the worst!