MAMA "B"

Vagabond Knight-

Thank you for all the information!!

Vagabond Knight

Do you know if Caribe Brewing Co. is still open for operation?

If so, what times and do they offer tours or just tastings?

Thank you for replies, but we have already done both of those excursions.

MSC does not have very many excursions available, so wondering if anyone has ideas for what to do on our own.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks to everyone for providing ferry information.

On 9/9/2023 at 2:39 PM, barric said:

Our plans from Atlantic Highlands  NJ are to take the Seastreak ferry to NY Pier 11 and then the NYC ferry to Red Hook.  Seastreak timing is aok.

Sure beats the horrific charges for parking at the Brooklyn port. 

Where can I find the Seastreak and NYC ferry schedules?  Thinking about trying this way to get to Brooklyn Cruise terminal.  Thanks for any help.

14 hours ago, www3traveler said:

It is not that hard to disembark in Seattle.  I always (as one passenger) use the transfer to the airport.

SeaTac can be a nightmare all by itself.  The Port of Seattle has a Valet Program that works really well.  Depending on your flight schedule and airline, you may be able to send your luggage from the ship to your airline and you pick it up at your home airport.  You will find more information on the Port of Seattle website and on board the ship.

Welcome to Seattle, The Bliss and most importantly enjoy your cruise.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions.

9 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Chief’s recommendations are very worthwhile.  

 

Answer some of the other questions…

 

I do self disembark.  That’s usually because I have a flight just before, or just after noon.  So, I try to be at the airport by 9:00-10:00 ish.  I know some want to tarry around the ship.  But, with the mad dash to get one more breakfast, or coffee, or many still having issues that require a trip to Customer Service, I want to avoid all of that.  The last breakfast simply isn’t something that is worth the throngs with the same idea.  Coffee?  Different story.  That’s not an option I can do without.   😉 That’s why I like having a coffee maker in the cabin. 

 

I’m out of the cabin by 7:30-ish.  Mentioned on this trip, even though the line to disembark was pretty long, it moved quickly.  If there are bottlenecks, it’s usually because the immigration facial recognition camera isn’t working well.  Most of the time, that’s not an issue.  Sometimes….well….it’s a government agency.  “Nuff said”!  

 

Another reason I pack lite, I DON’T want to drag around big bags…wheeled or not.  The pathway to disembark is usually narrow and winds through the casino.  All those folks that packed a 5 room house into their luggage are miserable hauling it on and off the ship.  Plus, I don’t want the possibility of searching/losing luggage in the terminal to be a possibility.  It’s not.  It’s with me all the time.  Frankly, I don’t think anyone dressed better or worse than me, even though I had way fwer outfits to fit in my rollaboard.

 

I was out of my cabin, through immigration (facial recognition), off the ship going down the gangway in about 15 minutes.

 

I used Shuttle Express (shuttleexpress.com) to and from the airport.  I think it was $25 each way (plus $1 for each checked bag).  Their shuttle was right there outside of the terminal upon disembarkation.  I think they have a shuttle running every 15 mins from/to the airport.  Prompt, professional, clean, good value.

 

’It takes about 40 minutes to get to/from the airport to/from the pier.  Construction?  Yes!  I’m not driving, so I don’t really care.

 

About 2-3 days into the cruise, you should have a note in your cabin about using the “FREE” luggage service, where you can have the cruise line transfer your bag to SEATAC, who will load it on your flight, for no charge (except you have to pay the checked bag fees of your individual airline).  They’ll deliver special luggage tags, and boarding passes to your cabin, all checked in and ready to go, the day before departure. Word of caution…if your flight leaves before noon… even 11:59 a.m., they can’t offer the service.  I know.  I tried with a flight that was departing at 11:57 a.m.  No go!!!!!

 

Hope this helps.

All this information definitely helps.  Thank you for taking the time to answer.  Our flight (unfortunately) is at 11:32 so no chance for luggage service.

14 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I'm not @graphicguy, but was on the same sailing.  I've got the Seattle disembark down to a science.  Here's what we did:

a) after exiting terminal, walk about 20 feet south to the two elevators

b) take an elevator to the top (5th?) level

c) walk about 500 feet across top of pedestrian overpass to Elliott street

d) call Uber/Lyft

 

There were about four other groups there waiting for rides (i.e. no crowds).  A nice Lyft guy in a brand new Tesla picked us up in less than five minutes.  I think it took around thirty minutes to get to SeaTac.  He showed us some of the nifty features of his Tesla which was good entertainment.  Cost was $68 plus tip.  This was a Lyft XL, which is roomier than the base price rides.  I have no idea what NCL charges for their transfers, and likely will never use one again in Seattle.

 

Next time, I'm going to Uber/Lyft to Elliott street and reverse the sequence for embarkation.  No fighting the crowded traffic on Alaskan Way and no problems with the trains blocking the street (which happens a lot).  This time I was on a B2B and the April 15 embarkation drop off was a breeze because there were no disembarking passengers.  I've never see Alaskan way so calm and may never again.  Have fun!

Thank you for the great information.  We (8 of us)  will definitely go to Elliott Street upon disembarking.  Unfortunately, we cannot use the valet service since our flight leaves at 11:30.

Glad you had a great time on the Bliss.  We will be on her in August 2023.  Wondering how difficult was it getting off the ship in Seattle and getting to the airport? Did you do walk off?  What time did you get to Sea-Tac?  Also did you use Uber, a shuttle or a taxi?  Any information is appreciated.

22 hours ago, eileeshb said:

This week’s cruise did prime rib in the buffet on embarkation day according to the dailies posted on Facebook 

Thank you.

Graphicguy. Could you please let us know when they serve prime rib on your Alaska cruise? We will be on the Bliss on August 19th.

Is there a limit to the number of cruise next certificates you can purchase on 1 credit card while onboard?

We are needing to purchase for additional family members.

Thank you for you help.

When you say, the cruiseport loop is available from 9AM - 11AM, does that mean it does not go back to the cruiseport after 11 AM?

Thank you all for the information.☺️

Can you post the URL that you used to purchase the hop on hop off trolley tickets?

We were also told the NCL one is sold out and need tickets for 6 people.

Also where exactly at the port will you be able to board?

Thank you for all information.

Traveling on NCL Joy on 9/6/22.  While in Boston, we want to visit the "Cheers Bar".

What is the best way for a group of 6 seniors to get from the cruise port to the bar?

17 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Hi Mama B,  I just wrote you a detailed blurb but the editor would not allow it.  The bottom line is…tip what you feel is right in the amounts you are comfortable with.  We give out our tips in the envelopes provided with short notes of thanks.

 

Thank you CGTNORMANDIE.  I appreciate the response.

2 hours ago, miataman19 said:

Here is my ballpark for a 7 day sailing. Again, as stated in earlier posts, it depends on how much you utilize the services of each individual. I'll bring an extra $200 - $300 for these tips.

Butler - $40

Assistant Butler - $20

Sommelier - $50 -$75 (I utilize him alot..lol)

Maitre d' - $25 (If he does something special for you)

Concierge - $25 (If you utilize he or she. If you don't utilize them, no tip)

Server, DR +Top Sail (if you get the same one's throughout the cruise) $20 each

DR Hostess - $20 (you see her everyday)

Favorite Bartender in Top Sail - $20

Top Sail Musician - $20

 

I know I'm forgetting someone.

 

Thank you very much for a breakdown.

Who do you normally tip in the Yacht club?  And approximately how much?  I know everyone has different amounts, I am just looking for a ballpark.

Want to make sure we have adequate cash on hand.

Thank you for your help.

On the mandatory health questionnaire, it asks "have you had a Covid 19 vaccination in the last 6 months?"

We had our booster in February.  Would you answer "yes" or "no"?  Is it just referring to the original vaccination(s)?

Thank you.

Sailing on June 19th and have already booked our dining reservations.  Have been reading about "Q" not being very good.  How can I change this reservation to another specialty restaurant prior to boarding?