josephmz

We had one of the angled spa balconies. Asked for and received a lounger that fit perfectly.

On a partial transit on the Pearl a few years ago the showed a film about the Canal they day before.

There was also expert narration during the transit.

  Unless you are carrying the Crown Jewels, I would drop it with the porters. I always love stumbling over everyone's luggage in the already overcrowded waiting area.

 By the way, if you are in a suite your luggage will probably arrive quite early.

Like the ad says: "Don't Leave Home Without It"

We love the spas. Usually hit it at least twice a day. For the most part they are not overcrowded.

I'm sorry but I am a talker. Like to chat with fellow hot tub patrons.

Last cruise on Escape I guess we were a little loud. An officer came by to remind us it was a quiet area.

Do think it's a little ridiculous to allow folks to bring drinks in.

Once heard a woman giving a crew member in the theatre a total ration about going to her assigned muster station.

She couldn't understand why she had to walk down the steps toward the stage to her station.

And no, she appeared to be healthy. She just didn't want to do it.

I have sailed both lines, but haven't done RCI for some years. I have a cruise out of Tampa on Rhapsody in February.

Have done Mariner & Adventure and a much smaller ship out of San Juan (name escapes me). It was a 10 night repo to Norfolk.

Have done Escape & Epic big ships and Dawn, Pearl and Star (smaller). I like the smaller ships, but I think they will go away at some point due to economy of scale.

I guess you could call me and NCL loyalist, but the price of the next one was too good to pass up.

The bathroom thing on Epic didn't really bother us. After 50 years of marriage, there aren't too many secrets. I didn't care for the  ship layout. It was several days before we discovered the outside (limited) promenade.

So what are the plusses for NCL? Refundable deposits($50 vs. $500).  Booking dining in advance. More specialty restaurants to choose from. The included 3-night dining and drink package. Yes you pay gratuities, but it's still reasonable. The thermal spas. And finally, freestyle dining. Not snobbish, but don't like being locked into a set dining time with someone talking about their recent surgery or last divorce.

We are doing Anytime in Feb. Will report how that goes.

We sailed out of NOLA a few years ago. Stayed at Embassy Suites three blocks from the port.

We flew in the day before.

Had dinner at a Cajun place one block from the hotel toward the port.

If driving, I suggest finding parking away from the port and taking a cab. The entrance to the parking area was a major traffic snarl. Knowledgeable cabbies know the alternate back route. Easy Peasy.

We had an evening flight home. Don't know if baggage service to airport is still available. We dropped bags and went sightseeing.

If you are a history buff, I highly recommend the WWII museum. Great place!

As to the trip down the river, yes it is interesting for awhile, but by dinnertime it will be twilight. With everything to do there is no need to sit and watch it.

I will celebrate my 76th birthday on Rhapsody in February. Like her I am a little worn around the edges, but I do clean up nice.

Looking forward to a great experience.

As to the question about the number of lifeboats, surely you realize that these boats are for women and children.

The men will stay onboard while the orchestra plays "Nearer My god To Thee."

Thoroughly enjoy the spa on Dawn. Although it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the bigger ships. Great place to get away from the crowds. We've found it is usually not crowded except for the last day when people remember they have a pass.

Even on port days it's nice to unwind after shore excursions. Don't count on being able to buy day passes.

The changing area has steam and sauna, plus the showers are much larger than the usual cabin.

Also, the aft facing lounge area with the large windows provides a relaxing view.

The spa is open every day, early morning to 10:00 or so. They do close earl the final evening for cleaning.

Disappointed by your comment regarding the Mojito Bar. We were on Escape last October. I can confirm that all the drinks were made to order. Doubt I would have tipped the bartenders for a drink poured out of a bottle.

Good luck with that. I've been fortunate a couple of times. Once on RCCL, I went by the tv studio to see if a Va. Tech/Miami game would be on that evening. To my amazement it was.

A couple of years ago, I asked the CD about getting March Madness. She didn't sound too hopeful, but sure enough they broadcast several of the games.

Last year on Escape, I asked the CD about a crucial Red Sox/Yankees series. No luck! Surprising since most of the pax were from the Northeast and sailing out of New York.

Don't get your hopes up.

I have done a couplel M&G. I always set up a dummy e-mail account for people to register for event. You can't rely on the roll call to get an accurate head count.

I ask attendees to give names, cc screen name and state of residence, not on roll call. I then create name badges for the event. I usually spend about $50.00 out of pocket for door prizes, printed tees, mugs, etc. I also send e-mail invitations with time, place & events.

The ones that I have done have been well supported by NCL. Last one on Escape they served beer samples and hot appertizers.

I can try to answer some of your questions. You refer to BD as a suite. It is not a suite and has no special perks.

I always carry a standard extension cord in my CPAC case. Generally there are no outlets near the bed.. By the way, you can ask the room steward for a jug of distilled water. No charge.

I believe most  of the newer ships have charging stations.

Can't answer about the Pullman situation.

Dining is pretty casual. The larger main dining room requires long pants and collared shirts for men. Women at least skirt or slacks and appropriate top. Le Bistro does as well.

Sorry about the excursion thing. Unfortunately some of the more popular excursions sell out. You can go to Excursion Desk ahead of time to make changes, but no guaranty as to availability. As a first timer you may not be interested in trying this, but you can find non-ship excursions online. They are usually less expensive.

Not to be a downer, but I've always found sports coverage to be hit or miss. Sailed Escape last fall when BoSox and Yankees were playing crucial series. All we got what tennis, rugby, soccer or Australian rules football.

You might want to cozy up to the Cruise Director to confirm programming. I didn't enjoy my cigar as much missing the games I wanted to see.

Saw "After Midnight" last October. Thought it was one of the best things I've seen on a ship. The singers and dancers are fantastic. NCL has contract with three female Broadway stars who rotate onto the ship.

Celebrating 50th anniversary next week and got engaged at college prom dancing to Duke Ellington and orchestra, so thoroughly enjoy that music. I understand it may be not to everyone's taste.

What about My Time dining? The site only lets you book one night.

Haven't sailed RCL in some time. Using onboard credit to purchase 3-night dining. The site has you pick time (6:30) on second night,  but what restaurant?

Do you buy the plan with the reserved time and then book restaurants elsewhere?

  You can check with concierge about reservations. They may not have availability at the specific times you want. I believe the concierges may have some spots in their hip pockets for such cases.

  You can always go by the reservation desk upon boarding and book them. If something doesn't work out, then see if the concierge can help.

   Try to be flexible.

I always carry a "plain vanilla" extension cord in my CPAP bag (no surge). Never had a problem.

Also, just ask steward for jug of water. Easey-Peasey!

I know O.P. has lunch covered in Bar Harbor, but in case anyone else is interested, try the West St. Cafe. It is just a couple of blocks from the port (across the street from Olli's Trolley pick-up & drop off point.)

For about $25,00 you get lobster, fries, slaw and blueberry pie. Great bargain! Good food!

If you take the trolley through the park, ask the driver to tell you the Martha Stewart story.

Flying fish?

Hey klfhngr, just read your Nassau saga. Wish I had known it before our Meet & Greet on Escape last Fall. Would have made a great cautionary tale for our group.

My experience, though not as stimulating as being left in a foreign country, occurred in Bar Harbor.

DW and I got separated while shopping. Tried to call her with no luck. After scouring several shops that I knew she was going, I finally went to the port. Our HD was there and called the ship to confirm she was on board. 

JOE

I take one of my prescription bottles and parcel out all my meds for the trip. Never had anyone show any particular interest

The one exception was many many years ago flying into Bermuda. The only thing we were carrying was my wife's birth control pills in original packaging. We spent a little time clearing entry customs. I guess they are very strict about drugs, but cruising should be no problem.

Did most of that itinerary on RCCL several years ago. Have always wanted to do a repeat with NCL.

Unfortunately they are replacing Dawn with Epic. Epic was not our favorite ship. We love the Dawn.

For my future reference to they allow Uber and Lyft to pick up an drop off at the airport.

Also your pictures are beautiful. Any chance you can go back in and add labels.