graphicguy

If it’s the one I took right before the shutdown, it was a lot of fun. Tequila was the driving factor. Had to nap after the excursion! LOL!

OP...hard to pin point what it is you're looking for. Don't know why. But, some observations based on what you've posted.... -if you don't drink -if dates for the cruise don't matter -if ship condition doesn't matter -if itinerary doesn't matter -if you tend to be in bed by 9-9:30 (as you stated) -if you don't drink and don't like being around people who do I think you answered your own question. Cruising isn't for you. Go to Disney parks for a few days with your son. 22 is a bit older, but I know people in their 70s who love Disney. Find a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, where Gatlinburg is close by. That's a little cheesy, but I personally like cheesy every once in a while. Want to go upscale? Sept or October? In October, kids are in school (which is probably the biggest variable in the cruise fares). October is the start of ski season. Go to a ski resort. If you don't know how to ski, instructors there will help teach you. But, at night there are usually people around dipping into the libations.

Then you've made up your mind? I guess I'm asking what is it that you're looking for from us? Serous question...not meant to be snarky. If you like the Royal Cruise, take it. If you do not see the value in one cruise over another, take the cheaper one. Personally, FAS is a major reason I pick NCL cruises over the others. But, if all you want is a bare bones cruise, go with the cheapest fare (i.e. my Carnival suggestion) on any lines' oldest ships. That's where you'll find cheap fares. I also would never sail on an itinerary less than 7 days. But, that's just me. Last year I took a 7-day NCL cruise on one of their "Away" ships to New England with FAS for about $800. Point is, on any given week, any given itinerary, you can find "deals" if you're willing to shop. Sounds like you're not restricted to a give week given you are looking at two cruises on two different lines, on itineraries a month apart. That alone means it's not apples to apples. The NCL cruise is obviously more popular given its price delta. And, as you point out, they are sailing to more ports. So, it's not apples to apples. Only you can decide which itinerary works best for you.

This should give them a good idea what to expect….https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/norwegian-ncl/norwegian-pearl/activities

Bottom line. you’re asking us to make YOUR cruise decision for YOU! You’re on an NCL board. So, sail the Jade. I personally like the Gem class ships. That would be a good choice! Sounds like you want a la carte cruises. I’d check out Carnival!

Dinners are for two. Depends on the restaurant. I think it stipulates an app, an entre and a dessert, or some combination. Kids are not included!

Kim....Alaska is a "must do" for any cruising fan!

I love these types of threads. Unless you run aground or have sewage running down the hallway, you’re eating, you’re drinking. you’re sailing in an exotic locale, someone is cleaning your room every day, but who wants any of that?

Times to board are not set. They will suggest check in times to control the crowd. But, boarding times are determined by other factors…. Haven? Wheelchair/walker? Latitudes Status? Noon is usually the standard boarding time they quote!

That's good to hear! The bars on board tend to find me.... 😉 Will hang out on Decks 6,7,8 when I'm not in the Haven.

What time does your boarding pass state?

In addition to my Prima cruise being sold out, it looks like ALL the Prima cruises are sold out until the end of February. Looks like a popular ship.

Double WOW!!!! 47 MPH. I can't even fathom having the mooring line snap and hitting a dock worker. That would have smashed them like a bug. Glad no one was injured.

Thinking out loud….I don’t think I’m going to pre plan any excursion except for Harvest Caye Electric Boat sailing. Have been to these ports many times. Have seen the Monkeys, the Sloths, the Ruins, etc. Let’s see what the $50/excursion credit nets me without adding to it!

Good deal. Agree about the Camp LeJeunne commercials. I don't know how many people actually signed up for that law suit. But, it was ridiculous. It's subsided in recent months with me. I have Plan G as a supplement. Still way better coverage than I got with my emloyer's plan and obviously cheaper.

WOW.....how strong were those winds?

I like that….A LOT! Absolutely wear that to dinner!

I never have an issue with making a profit. Seeing what prescription drugs cost in other countries makes my eyes water when comparing them to the prices here for example! That said, my Medicare is the best insurance I’ve ever had. I have a supplement, too! Worked for multi-billion dollar corporations who did not offer health insurance anywhere as good as Medicare. Be prepared to be inundated once you make that decision!

Thanks. I like those!

Give Cruise Lines' lack of IT prowess, I'm betting they can't.

First think I thought about, too. Do they only allow access to FaceBook? TikTok? Instagram?

Onto cruise related info..... Packing. Updated my travel gear on my last cruise. New roll aboard.....AERO TRUNK ROLL ABOARD. Had never heard of it, but took a chance. Hauled it over 6,000 miles for a month all over Europe and came through without a scratch. And, considering it was WAY less expensive than something like Travel Pro, Briggs, Monos, Hartman, etc with a lifetime warranty. I am very pleased. This duty will be much less demanding. Another tried and true (and believe me, I've tried to find something better) is the eBags Pro Slim Weekender. Between the 2, I do not need to check ANY bags, ANYWHERE. They are with me at all times. NCL allows me a bundle of free laundry due to Sapphire Latitudes. I've found being in the Haven, they'll do your laundry at no charge, anyway. Not sure if that's a function of the Butler, Concierge or the Room Steward, but I've sent laundry to be done 2X times while in the HAVEN and have never been charged. That helps. So, what to pack? -meds....which I keep in a small pill separator. I have 2-3 pills/day. Plus, I take a vitamin, pack ibuprofen, aspirin, dramamine (which I have yet needed). -7 pr boxers -1 hoodie (worn day of travel given I'm coming from cold climate to warm...how warm is Galveston in February, anyway?) -4 short sleeve shirts (rule of thumb, each shirt gets 2 wearings) -4 pr shorts (same rule of thumb) -2 pr socks -1 pr tennis shoes (worn day of (dis)embarkation -1 pr of Allbirds shoes (in case I dine in LeBistro) -1 pr Khakis (in case I dine in LeBistro -1 pr swim trunks -1 pr of workout shorts -2 t-shirts (washed in sink if required) -1 Macbook Air -1 iPhone -1 pr of AirPods -1 pr of Bose ANC headphones -flight/cruise tix -passport -cash -2 credit cards And, done........

GF is as sweet as the day is long. She's good at her job. But, it seems there's a new reality in the healthcare field. Instead of hospitals, surgery centers, etc doing everything they can to retain good employees, they're becoming more and more "corporate led" where you're just an employee number that has to fall in line with corporate policy. I don't think medical and insurance markets like the fact that they can't charge willy-nilly whatever they want anymore. Their awakening is just beginning as health care becomes more and more negotiated by the Fed. I know that's rarely a good thing. But, in this case I believe it is. Insurance, Pharma, etc have had their way with us for far too long. My GP decided to retire than to work under the new financial group that just took over the practice he was with. The GF's opthamology group now just focuses on volume rather than actual patient care. It's a new dawn, I suppose. But, at minimum they should at least take care of those who make the gears of these medical places operate. I'm now on Medicare. I was deluged with "offers" during the open enrollment period that just passed. I am with a group of physicians who I like and doesn't mind spending time on my care. I've had all sorts of "incentives" to switch. But, I'm not. I like what I've got. My health and well being are worth more than a company sending me swag or a few bucks to change. How'd I get here? Oh, I've been listening to the GF's diatribe. Off the soap box.

GF just called me on her break. Her work is holding hard and fast to not pulling ahead vacation time. I agree when she said she would have rathered they told her that up front than stringing her along. She was pretty upset and said she's beginning a search for a new job. She was only in this job for a couple of years, and came from her previous position in an ER. She thought the new job would be less stressful. It is, but it's also much more rigid. She said she's driving back to my house after work. She just left her Monday. But, I'll take her out to a nice dinner and we'll plot a way forward.

They've already refurbished the Epic's Haven (which is very, very nice). I was on her in October. During our Meet and Greet, the GM mentioned the dry dock. Overall, while the ship seems in great shape to me, I think they're updating some of the restaurants, probably updating cosmetics, etc. The GM said because of the ship's contraction, they can't install a WATERFRONT or add things like the racetrack. So, I'm thinking it's just a general freshening.