Treasure Hunter

Just got off the Breakaway. It’s very comfortable in the Haven staterooms, cool to chilly in the restaurant and humid near the enclosed pool. Do not go to the American Diner. It is totally outside and freezing and you can get a much better burger in the Haven restaurant. We got off September 25 and it was cold in Canada. Few people brought appropriate outerwear and there was a lot of grumbling and Bar Harbour Maine sweatshirts. You need a hooded rain resistant lined jacket.

There are numerous hotels available in Manhattan in the $400-500 range. Intercontinental Mid Town East, Best Western Herald Square, several on the Lower East Side. Not cheap but good locations.

Its very exciting to be in New York Marathon weekend. We used to do it all the time and go to a show ( which the marathoners are not doing! and book a restaurant for dinner. You can stand on the Avenue and cheer them on. I say go for it.

We just did the NE/Canada cruise a week ago. We had the 9-9:30 slot and even though we were Haven and had all paperwork ArriveCAN and Negative test they were not ready for us. We were yelled at for blocking the doorway. We stood in line for 40 minutes jammed together. Once they opened up, it moved quickly. We were on the ship, done with muster and in the Haven restaurant at 11:30. You will be lucky to come a little bit later.

We just got off the breakaway in Haven suite 16714 ( two bed). We slept in the main bedroom. I found the bed too soft and lumpy. We took the getaway last winter and will do it in February with our daughter ( in the living room) and two little kids in the tiny ( and I mean tiny) second bedroom. The second bathroom is fine and there is enough storage. Six people would be terrible. Try to book the grandparents in any room that has Haven access. I believe the fifteenth floor is cheaper because you need to climb a staircase.

We took Princess in May to Norway from Southhamption and it was cold. I wouldn’t got earlier. If you are cruise that time of year go to the Med. Sicily is breathtaking and flowers everywhere.

Dramamine works great. Just buy the non drowsy type or you’ll sleep thru the cruise. Last week on NCL they had it in guest services. Wrist bands work for some people. The patches are great but I believe you need a doctor’s prescription and you are non supposed to drink alcohol while wearing it.. I bring a pharmacy with me. That’s why we can’t travel with carry-ons. One trip I had so much, a doctor we were traveling with said he could do open heart surgery on the sidewalk with what I had.

I thought proctored tests were not accepted In Greece

In the courtyard we’re peanuts, peanut m&m, gummy bears, sliced cake, cookies. We asked our butler for cut up vegetables and dip ( very good), sliced cheese and crackers, sliced fruit ( we also had a fruit bowl. I also asked for shrimp but was told there was a charge so we just had the shrimp cocktail at dinner every night. We also got canapés ( awful) and chocolate covered strawberries ( hate). The casino sent several plates of assorted chocolates.

As far as I can tell, there is reserve seating for Haven until 10 minutes before showtime. Everyone else books as soon as they board. Just off the Breakaway and there were seats available for all shows. Six was listed as sold out but there were seats open for the stand by line.

I also want to give high praise to the captain and his crew for keeping us safe. We didn’t even have one night of bad seas.

Casino was open

Yes we are sailing within sight of the cape shoreline. Seas are very calm. Bright sun. Made the finals of the slot tournament. Came in second. Having a great time. One of the comedians (Dean) spent two years on SNL and is a real professional. Very funny, do not miss. Do not have high expectations for the St John tour it is a very modest sleepy town bur our tour guide Ron Fowlie was terrific. Dry sense of humor ( dressed in 18th century costume and was very enjoyable. And helpful point out where to buy a sandwich and where the many rest rooms would be located. My husband spent three years in Boston in law school and is not a fan so we didn’t feel we had to go out of our way to see the town. . PS I’m not complaining about a missed port ( Captain made a safety call) but the immigration and customs poorly run nonsense. We once went through this in Norfolk Virginia ( before coming back to New York and it was done so much better. But if they didn’t expect us ( one day notice) i guess I have to cut them some slack,

Yes we are sailing within sight of the cape shoreline. Seas are very calm. Bright sun. Made the finals of the slot tournament. Came in second. Having a great time. One of the comedians (Dean) spent two years on SNL and is a real professional. Very funny, do not miss. Do not have high expectations for the St John tour it is a very modest sleepy town bur our tour guide Ron Fowlie was terrific. Dry sense of humor ( dressed in 18th century costume and was very enjoyable. And helpful point out where to buy a sandwich and where the many rest rooms would be located. My husband spent three years in Boston in law school and is not a fan so we didn’t feel we had to go out of our way to see the town. .

Just bought a Kate Spade wallet as a present. It used up my $200 non refundable credit

The gangway was metal. Not too long but a longish walk to the buses ( taxi stand). The casino will open tomorrow all day

In the Haven , no need. Impossible to get transportation back and forth. Best lobster roll I ever had at DeMillos in Portland. Best seafood chowder with no potatoes, just clams and lobster in St Martins on top ten tour ( which was otherwise sad)

Update. Captain decided the trip back to New York was too choppy so we are staying in Boston until 4:00 am. All aboard 3:00 am live it up. Casino closed tonight. Also the one shop on board for clothes, sun dries sweatshirts is closed due to renovation so everyone is walking around with Bar Harbor Maine sweatshirts. Bring warm outerwear

A waste. Arrived from St John ( skipped Halifax due to hurricane). Last minute substitute. Terrible mess. Would of done better with a second relaxing day at sea. Spent an hour waiting for Silver Sea to vacate our berth. Haven waited from 12:45 in 15 minute increments until 3 to go thru immigration on the ship. Perfunctory glance. Tours left late. Pier is nowhere near anything. We got a taxi after waiting 20 minutes with the intention of going to Quincy market. The Friday night traffic was so bad , we turned around and went back to the ship. At 4:30 the ship was still discharging passengers. There was a hop on bus at the port but the last one leaves at five. Fortunately we have been to Boston many times but for someone excited to see the port it was a real waste of time.

Currently on the Breakaway. Haven two bedroom, umbrella but no binoculars.

We are in Bar Harbor and the sun came out. It is beautiful and I would guess maybe 68 degrees. We came up to the sundeck. Inside all the loungers are made up but outside there was no help to find cushions or towels. I scavenged and we are dozing in the sun. And would it kill them to put out a few loungers downstairs? My knees are shot.

I don’t think it is, as it’s hot and muggy and there are people traipsing in and out of the hot tubs. I was told ( when I complained about the lack of sun lounges ) that people like it as it’s less cold than the Haven restaurant.

Sounds like NCL will make every effort to make St John. They just moved Burn the Floor from Friday and Saturday up to Wednesday and Thursday

How can they land in Canada if it’s dangerous? Can’t they get special dispensation? I do remember that we had to stop in Mexico on our round trip Hawaii ( Princess) so I guess this is the same regulations. Thanks for the input.

Yes, my guess is maybe St. John and then a slow trip home. Probably hear more tomorrow.