MrsKC08

47 minutes ago, elwood_98034 said:

Our schools are closed. But we have dead people.

 

Some schools here have closed too, but quite honestly...they have closed in the past for flu too. I believe it is more for the peace of mind for the parents than anything.

Only you can make this decision. I got off the Getaway this past Sunday (3/8/20) and would jump on another cruise ship tomorrow if I could. The ship was cleaner than any other cruise I've been on and they were everywhere with spray bottles spraying everyone's hands as they came and went off the ship. Quite honestly, you are just as apt to get this or any other type of virus from your local bank, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. The ships are definitely upping their policy for sanitation and cleaning.  

As for returning back to work and school. I've also seen this being reported by others, but it wasn't the case for me. Actually, we learned today that someone from the company two floors up from us has a confirmed case of this virus and the CDC and health departments both told us there was no need to close down the office and keep people away. FYI, that person hasn't been in our building since last week while I was cruising! So, everyone was concerned and giving me a hard time about coming back with something when it was actually here already!

Just there last week, and we tendered. Honestly, it will probably be a while because we didn't see a soul working on it all day and it was a beautiful sun shiny day. They are definitely taking their time.

I'm assuming this is the Norwegian Jade?

On 2/10/2020 at 11:00 PM, fastpitchdad said:

 

Ocean Blue

Le Bistro

Cagney's

Wine Show

La.Cucina

Teppanyaki

Wasabi

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Moderno

This makes me a little sad. This is the one restaurant I'm looking forward to the most on the Getaway in less than 2 weeks!

On 2/11/2020 at 12:00 PM, ronbe65 said:

1. Moderno

2-3. Le Bistro

2-3. Le Bistro

4. Cagney's

FF to 01:22:05 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvkdSR_4rk0

 

Happy cruising!

 

Whew! You made me feel a little better. Moderno is the first specialty restaurant we are doing on our Getaway cruise in less than 2 weeks. We've also got Cagney's and Teppenyaki reserved.

Absolutely loving this and joining in for the full ride! We sail on the Getaway in 10 days and I cannot wait to hear your take on it.

35 minutes ago, PortFees45 said:

Also money/time to clean the towels afterward

Which is no different than the load of towels they already have...regardless if they were used for towel animals or not.

Thanks for your comparisons. I would say that having only sailed one cruise with Royal and with Disney, and several with Carnival make this unfair. Every cruise and every cruise line can have "off" times with things like food. I've sailed many times on Carnival, many many times with Royal, and about to go on my first NCL cruise in less than 2 weeks. I've sailed Independence, and I'll say that of all my RCCL cruises, it was the least favorite, but it was also just prior to dry dock, and by the looks of your date as to when you sailed...I would venture to say the same for your sailing. I think Royal is definitely above Carnival in the food area...and other areas too! But food is subjective. 😉

I'm also sorry that you had one bad experience with St. Thomas. I recommend you trying that island again. It is actually one of our favorites! 🙂

2 hours ago, HowardK said:

Ummm. the time spent on labor. I don't need to steal though. Thanks for asking.

Since the crew member that would make the towel animal (Cabin steward) isn't paid hourly, but a salary...it makes not difference in the pay.

36 minutes ago, Hammergirl said:

We are thinking of booking a private snorkeling excursion through our genie on an upcoming cruise but wanted to hear others experience. Did you enjoy who they set you up with? Were they a reputable company? Any issues?

 

Thanks!

I may be wrong, but I don't think they will book anything that isn't already a Royal excursion.

44 minutes ago, novanoto said:

 

I want to say it was in a printout we received in our cabin, but don't quote me on that. I just remember seeing it somewhere. 

Well that is not right, period. The terms and conditions cannot be modified AFTER purchase. If that is the case, then they should be notated in the terms and conditions available when making a decision whether to purchase or not.

33 minutes ago, esm54687 said:

Ouch.... if you received the Spa T&Cs after purchasing and after boarding that is just not right...... I wonder if the pedicure doesn't count as a "treatment" and is less than 50 minutes which may explain it BUT as the OP said, she was talking to the Spa Manager who should've explained it.

 

Also, there's a possibility that the priority embarkation is only when conditions apply. It seems that she was told to arrive later which means there could've been an issue....... yet, I believe an OBC should've been given to them if brought that to the GM's attention. 

 

I've heard the Priority Access Program is a hit or miss..... sorry the OP had such a bad experience. 

 

On a positive note, I have a new saying "useful as a chocolate fireguard" 😁 

Personally, I think this is just such a "new thing" that people have not been trained properly to know how to handle those with PA. That's why it seems to be "hit or miss" depending on the sailing, the port of embarkation, the ship, etc.

5 minutes ago, hallux said:

To be fair - I don't believe the package is "board before anyone that doesn't have priority", it's more of a "we have a special line for you to check in through so there's less wait, then you can get right on the ship".

It states Priority Boarding, which means you get to board prior to those who have not purchased Priority Access, but behind those who have Platinum status, Haven guests, etc. It isn't just a "special check in line".

I think the problem lies in the fact OP didn't arrive at the port earlier and the Priority Access folks had already been allowed to board, and then the boarding numbers called. Had she gotten there earlier, she probably would have gotten on along with Platinum guests, as others have reported.

31 minutes ago, novanoto said:

We purchased Priority Access for the Encore out of Miami and luckily had a better experience. We walked on with the Platinum and Ambassador group, even though the terminal crew had no idea who or what we were. The announcement was clear. We also got priority disembarkation luggage tags. Our terms were pretty clear that the spa treatment booked had to be $100 or more. 

 

Who knows if the difference in ships had something to do with it. 

I also just went to NCL and the FAQ for the priority access. No where does it state the cost minimum, however it does state it needs to be a 50 minute or more face or BODY treatment. I can see that a pedicure might be construed as not a "body treatment", however...I would probably be one that would consider it as such.

28 minutes ago, novanoto said:

We purchased Priority Access for the Encore out of Miami and luckily had a better experience. We walked on with the Platinum and Ambassador group, even though the terminal crew had no idea who or what we were. The announcement was clear. We also got priority disembarkation luggage tags. Our terms were pretty clear that the spa treatment booked had to be $100 or more. 

 

Who knows if the difference in ships had something to do with it. 

Curious where your terms state this!? There was nothing in the terms stating this when I purchased. Simply that it was a one time credit per person and that it was to be used on a port day...period. I've also gone back to my printed confirmation and it doesn't state anything about a minimum or a signature service.

The below snip is directly from our documents as well:

Sorry you didn't think you got your monies worth. FWIW, I would have also escalated the whole spa thing as well because it doesn't say anything about needing to purchase a signature service or a minimum either! 

As for the letter stating not to arrive before a certain time on embarkation day...those go out all the time and rarely do seasoned cruisers obey them. I've seen them from other cruise lines we sail on and we still arrive by 10 am.

I've purchased the Priority mainly because it will be my first NCL cruise (no status to get me on earlier) and I want to be able to get on as soon as possible and have priority tender, since there is a good chance we will have to tender in at least one port.

For the itinerary alone I would choose the Breeze!

1 hour ago, Bonnie1222 said:

Maybe the one you are going to doesn't do that?  The one I went to was specifically for Dailies for NCL.  I can PM you the information about where exactly I found it if you like

 

Thanks, but I don't think the PM portion of the website works anymore. I'm sailing on Getaway, and I've searched for the Dailies for NCL, not even ship specific to try and find them. I'm in a few NCL groups, and did look under files but most of what I saw was packing lists, menus, etc.  So...I'll just keep looking I guess. I sail in 4 weeks.

Do you have a passport? I believe that is all you should need.

16 minutes ago, Bonnie1222 said:

I finally found something.  I joined a couple Freestyle Dailies "groups".  Then found out today when not seeing anything they have a "file" option (look to the options on the left) - BINGO I found the one  I was needing.

Hope that helps 

Thanks. I tried...and still no luck.

On 1/2/2020 at 7:54 AM, ready2cruzagain said:

If you go to a certain site which cannot be named here and search for Norwegian Freestyle Dailies Group, you will find some from the first of December.

I went to the site I believe you speak of, the book of faces...and didn't find anything doing that search. Am I missing something?

People mention alot about using phone...I personally am a "what if" kind of person. I print everything! What happens if you cannot access the things you need on your phone, when you need them...whether wi-fi/data connection issues, phone breaks, the scanner doesn't scan a bar code correctly, etc. 

Hubby has done them all, with the exception of Disney because we have no children and we cannot justify the cost of their cruises when we can do two for the price of one with them. Our preferences are as follows:

Royal (RCCL checks all our boxes for food, entertainment, activities, ship experience as a whole)

Princess (Love the decor of the ships, the live music options they have, the ports they visit, and the food)

Celebrity (More laid back, not as many activities as Royal and the price would have to be just right for us)

NCL (hubby has sailed them, I will go on my first come March 1st)

Carnival (we swore them off for many reasons, but we are currently booked for the new Mardi Gras for Feb 2021)

We have considered MSC, and would do Seaside if the itinerary, timing and price would work (they status match with Royal btw)

One and done with Holland (unless you are a senior citizen, and I mean 75+ years old, you would probably not enjoy this line at all.

Hopefully you all can meet in the middle. For us, it's just as much about the ship experience than the itinerary. 

On 1/28/2020 at 12:43 AM, Ren1216 said:

Hello, Harmony deck 14 friend!  Glad your luck finally changed this sailing.  Looking forward to the rest.... and your pictures!

 

So the dining issue, is this because you hadn't made a reservation?  We've always chosen early traditional dining, but my mom was just saying she'd like to try My-Time.  I'm not so sure it's a good idea.  Personally, we don't mind a late dinner but the rest of my family eats around 5pm.... 6 at the latest.  I haven't looked into this much, but on the surface it seems like My Time isn't exactly flexible.  And even with a reservation, you still wait?  Hubs and I have done the Anytime dining on Princess and it worked fine, no wait that I recall.  Maybe things have changed.  Wonder why this seems more complicated on RC.

 

Quick edit to add:  Also very glad we chose the starboard side!  And I agree, muster drill was cringe worthy.  Get rid of that absurd video and give us a professional safety presentation, please.  Elected not to fight the crowd afterward, stayed in Boleros for our first 🍹.

I can chime in here with our Harmony MTD experience. We actually loved it. I pre-reserved all our dining times long before we ever cruised through the cruise planner. We reserved for 6:30 every single night...no problem. Yes, MTD doesn't start until 6:30, but if you reserve it ahead of time instead of just showing up, you will have no problem getting in at 6:30 when your reservation calls. The reason for this is that they are busy with caring for the thousands of passengers who have early dining as well. NOW, I will say that sometimes if you go a little early...about 6, they can go ahead and seat you because there is always those who have early dining that either go to buffet or a specialty restaurant, so tables can be available, but they won't know for sure until closer to 6 in case there are any late stragglers. We were also able to request the same table and wait staff the first night, as we thoroughly enjoyed them! Even though I had specialty dining reserved for 3 of our 7 nights, I left our my time dining reservations in tact in case plans changed...no problems at all. I don't consider there to be any complications at all for MTD.

20 hours ago, Drock20J said:

 

 

After 3 cruises on an Oasis class ship, we FINALLY took a ride on the Rising Tide Bar

We also rode the Rising Tide Bar for the first time in November after 3 Oasis class cruises. Quite honestly, it just moves to slow for us. We are always on the go and felt "trapped".

Your daughter is precious by the way.

On 1/19/2020 at 9:52 PM, casofilia said:

This is an NCL thing.   Princess don't give you anything at all even when you politely point out gross failures to proof read important documents.

This is not true. We've sailed several times on Princess, and there were a few times we just happened to mention something either in light conversation with our waiter, or at Guest Services, and we received nice little "treats" as others have called it.

2 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Guess my whole family is lucky? My parents and my brother and his SO have also always gotten the offer.

That's awesome. Others just haven't had that kind of luck.

10 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I don't know about "completely random"... I have never NOT gotten the upgrade offer on any of my 8 cruises. Some I have booked a year in advance and some I have booked only a month or two out. I *have* booked all of them directly through NCL.

I've been told both by NCL, Travel Agents, and those who have asked top officers that it is truly a random "lottery" system that is generated by their systems. You must be one of the lucky ones who ALWAYS gets an offer. I've talked to many who are frequent NCL cruisers with many nights under their belt and there were a few who never got on a offer and some who could count on one hand with fingers left over. So...dunno.