graphicguy

Again, I don’t get it! What’s the point? A few plastic ducks here, a cigarette butt there, a few plastic straws, or styrofoam cups, etc…none of which is bio-degradable and before you know it….

Here's my issue with the ducks. I have witnessed children (and some adults) flinging the plastic ducks overboard in the water. And, anyone who has the least bit of understanding, knows that they can kill aquatic life who see them as food. That just seems like a high price to pay to hide or find a plastic duck on board.

Been a couple of years since I sailed Escape, but I don't recall seeing a heavy bag.

Pins? Did you say "pins"? I got me some NCL pins in my junk drawer....all different colors....a lot of them. I think they give me more pins every time I happen over to the Excursion or Cruise Next desk. The "duck thing"? I don't get. I wonder if NCL's cleaning crews curse people for leaving those plastic ducks around? But, if it makes you feel good, bring plastic ducks. I've found a couple and leave them in my cabin when I leave the ship. What the steward does with them, who knows? I have my suspicions where they end up, though. I do like the idea of giving ducks out to crew with a Hamilton or Jackson taped to the bottom. Now, you're talking. Those would be greatly appreciated.

I DO like the t-shirt idea!

What the heck? Permanent ban and felonious assault should be the rule of the day!

Amen! Like you, main pool area, on any cruise line, isn’t a place I spend much time. If school’s out, LOTS of kids, on either cruise line. School’s in (8-9 months/year)? Few, if any issues!

Good point! When school is in? Not much in the way of children on either line. School is out? More kids!

Done both…. Elite on Celebrity Sapphire on NCL Generally… -Celebrity is more sedate -NCL more to do, better Specialty Restaurants -Celebrity has way more foliage -NCL Prima (Prima, Viva, Aqua) class has some of the best cabins at sea -Celebrity has better “all inclusive” vs NCL’s Free at Sea -NCL is generally less expensive overall than Celebrity

Balconies on NCL are ship dependent, too. Some are bigger than others. I'll sail Celebrity if the fare is decent. I'm an incessant cruise shopper. Celebrity's (and Royal's) fares have gone up significantly. I don't shop for the cheapest fare, but best value. So far, at least over the last year or so, that's been NCL.

That covers it. My addendum.... I think most here how have been around for a while will help where we can. That said, as you pointed out, the requests do become redundant, some are actually silly, and most can be answered by looking at the "stickies" at the top of the NCL thread. Best advice I can offer is to get to the port from an airport, a hotel, an AirBnB, in a car, or bus, or plane, or train, etc. Pick the one that fits you best. Find the line that identifies your particular situation and/or status. Follow it. Get on board. The safety drill is mandatory. Do it, watch it, check in for it....as soon as you arrive. If there's a line for a particular bar, don't complain about it. Just walk 75 feet in either direction and you'll find another bar. There is no "formal night". Hasn't been for quite some time on NCL. So, dress how you want. Tux? Gown? Khakis? Polo? All OK. No one will care. And, your opinion of how someone else dresses has zero worth. Get to the shows you want to see early. Some of the smaller venues tend to fill up quickly. Everything else? Don't show up late and try to crawl all over everyone else who got their on time. Don't stand and wave for your group in the middle of a show. The hundreds of other theater goers will hate you for it, and we'll be on the lookout for you throughout the cruise to hiss at you (j/k......maybe)! If you want to dine in a Specialty Restaurant and can't get a reservation, go to their seating stand and ask if there are any openings for no shows and/or cancellations. I'd say it's better than 50-50 you'll be seated within 15 minutes. If not, find another restaurant. There are plenty. Generally speaking, the crew are there specifically to take care of you. If something egregious transpired, let customer service know so they can rectify it. Don't be a jerk about it. They'll help, if they can. You're not the only one on the ship. Crew will do their utmost best to take care of you, specifically. But, there are thousands just like you. And, my biggest rule for cruising...... don't act like a sphincter.

I was wondering that on the Prima and Viva (and soon, Aqua). I like the Food Republic. But, wondered if it was just too close in concept to INDULGE. I still believe NCL is moving to a different concept for future ships...that is, smaller buffet and more small and focused dining venues. I'd love to see the latter. I think the buffet is a worn out concept. It's crowded. It tries to be too many things to too many people. And, it takes up a lot of real estate.

Interesting.....I would do mock bookings and get NCL PCC calls. Mostly, like you, I'd ignore them. One time, I picked up the call. Had a nice chat with the PCC lady. Told her I was doing a bunch of mock bookings and usually book through my TA. But, if I was ever looking to change to a PCC, I would store her number. She was appreciative. Now, when doing mock bookings, I no longer get any follow up phone calls. I'm sure it's an NCL PCC policy to follow up on EVERY mock booking. That's just sales 101!

We’re singing from the same hymnal. I read the dailies the night before (when they’re delivered to my cabin). If something strikes my eye, I highlight it to (attempt to) attend later. But, previous cruise dailies would prove to be near useless. They either don’t align with my current cruise’s activities, or are not an accurate reflection of my cruise’s itineraries.

You have my deepest sympathies! 😉

Funny you mention solo cruises. Just saw this on the NCL site... "Traveling Solo? We are more than doubling the capacity of solo accommodations across our fleet. Beginning January 2024, there will be Solo Inside , Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony staterooms with solo traveler pricing that is less than a traditional double occupancy room."

In all frankness, I book Haven Suites for less than $5K/cabin....usually much less. I've yet been able to find ANY Oceania, Seabourn, etc sailing remotely close to that. Closest I've come was about $8K.

Two GREAT dining choices. I would have chosen the same. And, I cruise solo a lot. If you want, make sure to see when/where the solo meet ups are when you get to your cabin. They'll have the itineraries on the TV. Worth going, at least once, to meet others on board to hang out with if you want.

Only if you have sonar as one of your senses. And, BTW thanks "spell check". It's CAVERN Club...not CAVIAR Club. Who do you think we are? Thurston Howell?

Which ship? Since you've never sailed NCL, we can steer you in the right direction based on your ship's restaurants.

There you have it. Parting the fun of a cruise is getting on board, rolling with the punches, (re)adjusting expectations, and finding surprises (mostly good) along the way. If you’re planning based on another cruise’s dailies, you’re in trouble! Go find the crew’s pictures and names when you board. Play the trivia games you just happen upon in the Atrium. Listen to the house band outside of the Syd Norman’s or Caver Club at the bars on the Waterfront. Who knows? You may actually have a good time in spite of your “schedule” based on someone else’s dailies on a different date and cruise!

Celebrity's Martini Bar is, as you point out, the main bar on their ships. Fun place. But, also as you say, many of their "specialty" martinis use pre-mixes. That said, they do make a mean dirty martini....my fave.

So, you're the one I need to complain to about cold 'taters! 😉

And, they had every right. That'll learn'em to approach me with "drinks of the day" before I've had my coffee. 😉

Thanks, Henry. I'm not a disco person, either. I got the impression from the description it might have been a one man show like "Twain". I think you either are or aren't a disco fan. Not much in between. Warmest and best to you and your family during the Holidays.