graphicguy

Just looked at my sailing. Haven is sold out. So, no further price drops for me. I'm OK with that. Feel I scored a great deal when I booked (which is why I booked it). Unbelievably, the regular Spa Cabins are going for roughly 2x the cost of my Haven 2BR. The Balcony and Club Balcony cabins are going for about what I paid for my cabin. Studio Cabins are sold out and Inside cabins are going for about $2,600...and that's for Sailaway rates. Those fares accelerated quickly from where they were in June.

Thanks. I would love to hear of your impressions of the Prima. Most of the ones I've read from reviewers I trust (Bird and Syd) have been positive. Saw some grumblings from others, but hard to tell if they were just complaining because the concept was different, or there were really issues. Usually, I lean towards the reviews of those who have been here for a while and are able to give their impressions based on sailing different cruise lines. Still on the fence about the $100 excursion credits from NCL. They said they'd adhere to it, and I have it in writing. But, cruise lines in general aren't known for even sticking to their own promises. So, looking for back ups. Although, having NCL handle all the planning is appealing.

Awwwww...how cute.....!!!!! I'm a sucker for doggo pics. This was my Chi a few weeks before he passed....

Yeah...tough time for the old GG household when that happened. Game Warden found and returned the remains of my beloved Chihuahua. It was not pretty and still breaks my heart knowing how he died. Sticks with me. Your pup suffered something different, but no less devastating. So, you understand. As you found, it's like a family member who just slips away from your life. And, heart breaking when you finally have to admit to the inevitable. You know how rescues are. They are just so thankful to be with the person who rescued them. Personally, I think they're more loving and appreciative. I have a couple more cruise next certificates left. Thinking I want to try either the Viva or Prima. Won't be this year. Maybe check out Northern Europe as I've been fascinated by @YVRteacher review. She is not too thrilled with the food on board, but the pics look amazing. This cruise will be the last for me in 2023. Holidays will be upon me when I return at the end of October. 7 weeks next year? Good for you!!!!!!! I think I'm going to use NCL's excursions. Any excursion recommendations given you sailed the Epic on this itinerary?

Oh…that’s so sad. Lost my much loved Chihuahua to Coyotes last year, which were rampant before my community finally set out traps for them. That was too little too late. Swore I’d never get another doggo again. I have a friend who volunteers as a transporter for rescues. There was a big dog hoarding bust by the local game warden a few months ago. Dogs starving in cages, little water. The warden felt they were going to use the dogs as a puppy mill. My friend alerted me to my little doggo in the picture (about 10 months old in that pic). She was skeletal, matted, flea ridden. Scared so badly she didn’t stop shaking for 3 days. But, I just fell in love with her. Got her some medical attention….shots up-to-date. Gave her a nice bath and a fur cut. Fed her. She was spayed last month. She’s fully removed. She’s now a happy, bouncy little bundle of happiness. She’s staying with a neighbor while I’m gone….someone I trust. No more kennels for her. They are family, and I understand where you’re coming from. But, NEVER is an awfully long time. Still, I know you’ll have a blast on your cruises. Hope to hear about each and every one of them.

Really good point. Let me check. Thanks. I know there’s a 50lb limit before incurring extra baggage fees on Delta, the airline I’m flying. May have to look at one of those ultra light weight carry on roll aboard bags (MONOS?). I fear those might not hold up over time, however. Still might have to divide up clothes into two bags given those weight limits and check one (which I can do for free since I’m a Million Miler with Delta). Don’t want to check a bag, given their propensity to lose luggage…especially given I change planes twice each way.

Now less than 50 days out. Starting to think about what I'm taking. October in the Mediterranean, I think I'm sticking with short sleeves and shorts. Crocs as close toed shoes for the long pants LeBistro. Will take a pair of khakis just in case I change my mind. Not certain I want to use that as an SDP choice. The last 3 or 4 times I've dined there on different ships, it hasn't been all that good. I have 2 SD certs from Latitudes. I have 2 with my FAS and I have 1 LeBistro specific cert from my AMEX card. But, they usually let me change that if I request it. Double checked Passport validity...good through 2031. OK there. Airlines booked. Still keeping an eyeball open for any fare drops. Looking at my well worn luggage. May pop for a larger roll aboard to see if I can get away with just a back pack and a roll aboard. Looking at this one....pricey, but lifetime warranty. Hmmmm..... https://travelpro.com/collections/hard-side-luggage/products/platinum-elite-hardside-business-plus-carry-on-luggage-expandable-spinner-suitcase?variant=32088643338338 Pulled my packing cubes out of my old beat up rollaboard that served me well for a decade. Anyone try MONOS luggage? Those look pricey too, however.

Thank you Aaron.....I have some Cruise Next certs just languishing in my account. This helps with looking at my next cruise booking. I'm leaning more towards the Viva over the Prima and your review is quite helpful in making that decision.

Thanks….I am anxious to sail Prima. It’s still pretty pricey since it’s new. I think I’ll like the new dining venues. Shows, as is NCL’s trademark, are always really good. Agree about Syd Norman’s shows. They are outstanding. It’s clear where NCL is going. They’re using high quality smaller shows, which is fine by me. I’ve seen the Syd Norman shows. I understand that the venue is small and you have to cue up well in advance to get a seat. But, I don’t think the shows work in a larger venue. As you pointed out, get there early. Again, thanks!

I’m a minimalist packer. If I have so many clothes that I would consider some sort of “tub” or some other hanging lines in addition to what the cabin already has, I have WAY overpacked! What you pay for disposable tub(s) or line(s), I’d save to extra luggage and space and send laundry to the NCL service. That would also give me more cabin space!

Wondering the same. Where would you put it? I can't see anything "inflatable" fitting in a cabin bathroom unless you had a suite. Might want to check the inflated size of that bathtub. The bathrooms usually have a retractable clothesline. so good to go with the clothespins. Bungee cords? OK, I'll bite. What would you use those for?

It's next to impossible to take in all of the entertainment on the Breakaway and Breakaway + ships. And, as you point out, it's all excellent. Haven't sailed on the Jewel Class ships in a while, so can't comment on their entertainment, however!

Thanks. Got that taken care of already. Going on an 11 day cruise. I figure between the free laundry for Latitudes, the Wrinkle Release Spray and SOAK, I should be good to go. Still trying to do this using only a roll aboard and a back pack. If I can keep my clothes fresh and clean for 11-12 days, I may be able to do it.

Love SOAK! Thanks for reminding me to get some!

No argument there. I'd say the majority of the time, the NCL Capts seem to be invisible. But, maybe that's what they're instructed to do. If you get a chance and the want, please try to sail a Capt Kate helmed ship. She makes it a wonderful experience and truly has a positive effect on your cruise. I know this is an NCL thread (but mentioned NCL personnel in the previous posts). But, this was taken 18 months ago, or their abouts on the Celebrity Edge. Last I heard Capt Kate is now on the Beyond.

There were 3 people who made an over the top impression on me in all my cruises on all the cruise lines. Julie Valeriote was the first. She seemed like she was everywhere.....even when we disembarked and embarked at each port. 2nd was Adrian Bicca (sp?) a Concierge I had the pleasure of working with in my Haven booking. Adrian stood out at the top of a stellar group. Unfortunately, he's moved on to greener pastures. Love to hear if anyone knows where he went. Last, but certainly not least, was Capt Kate McCue when I sailed the Celebrity Edge. Just an amazingly intelligent, engaging, and gracious person. THE BEST cruise ship Captain I've ever encountered. She was another person who seemed to be everywhere all at once....making sure her guests were well cared for....all the while Captaining one of the largest ships on Celebrity's fleet.

Anyone heard where Julie Valeriote....long time CD and then Entertainment Director went? Is she still with NCL?

Same happened with me on the Epic 2BR Haven Suite. I was able to just cancel my Spa Cabin and upgrade to the 2 BR for $113, total. I couldn't even get to a "poor" bid for less than 10X that. Always check to see how much a simple upgrade would cost before going the bid route.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts about the sites in Alaska. Agree with your assessments of Bermuda and NYC, too! 😉

I've never been able to book Teppenyaki until I boarded. That said, in all my NCL cruises, I've only dined there twice.

Butler service should be the same as any NCL ship that has a Haven. Teppanyaki typically only allows reservations once on board. This is some thing your Concierge can do for you.

Just a slight variance to Gary’s post, generally speaking concierges make reservations and escort you on/off the ship in my experiences. Butlers serve meals and takes care of your needs IN your suite (refresh coffee maker items, bring meals ordered in advance, etc).

Same. OP…is it NCL telling you to check in before dropping off luggage or another source (like a TA)? I might see where you try to get to the pier to drop off luggage too early, where the disembarking passengers are still getting off the ship. Might be an issue trying to get your luggage to the porters in that scenario. But, if you’re remotely close to the check in time they gave you, you should be fine.

Holy Moly...that grilled cheese isn't even laughable. It's not even pitiful. It is downright embarrassing for NCL. Yeah...given the food situation you've encountered, I'm thinking they owe you a partial refund or at the very least a decent sized FCC. Unreal!

Been to Hawaii a few times. I visit an old college "friend" who lives on the Big Island. Hawaii is one of those places that is better as a land trip than on a cruise, IMHO!