bellevuemountain

Every picture was amazing, thanks again @PistolPete13. The sunsets / sunrises / flowers were some of my favourites, felt like time stopped and being part of the moment. Thanks a million, looking forward to all of your reviews!

@mking8288, thanks for the info (even if it was for @PistolPete13, useful for myself). Have you ever tried the New England cruise / mid September? From QC? I’m curious about the sailing conditions. I would like to try out a B2B sailing that does not involve a plane trip. Would you recommend a bigger ship (Joy) or a smaller ship (Pearl)?

Oh the food pics… thanks @PistolPete13. That’s my favourite part of cruising. You gave me the overwhelming urge for lava cake and ice cream ☺️. Viking and Carnival have the recipe on their website. So if you get the craving, the recipe is easy to make.

And then some. Being French Canadian myself, I can only so well imagine the scene and giggle. Rest assured, we are not all like that. Many of us are plain Jane 🙃. This being said, it reminded me of a term seen on the urban dictionary. I believe it might coin the situation @PistolPete13? Thanks for the laugh!

@Naismith I agree. I personally find that the gamification in loyalty programs has been hit hard in the cruising industry. Which cruise line I choose now depends on my needs at the time of booking. @cruiseagona It’s perfectly fine to shop around and compare cruise lines to find the right fit for you for a specific trip. You are not jumping ship unless it’s literally during your cruise 😁. I have taken a liking to broadening my horizons and trying out different cruise lines. A vacation remains a vacation.

@shippmates, I am sorry that the milestone anniversary sailing did not work out as planned. I have yet to try QM2, I was worried of feeling alone since the fares are higher. How was the experience different from other cruise lines? I am interested to hear more.

@Greenpea2 thank you so much for taking me on your cruise. I can’t travel for the moment, but I am hoping to use my insurance credit for a cruise experience by December 2023, travel insurance permits. I am yearning to learn more about the H6 on the Prima… please keep us posted.

I would tend to agree. I have not been on as many NCL cruises as you, @www3traveler, but my main impression has always been that they do inquire, and aim to please. I am not sure it’s related to cruise critic, hoping to not burst anyone’s bubble. I have noticed that being in the Haven does bring extra attention. I would expect that for the price difference.

@BirdTravels I stand corrected! Thanks for the pics.

@Cruising Lynne thanks! I also had no clue either on what soca meant. I enjoyed your post, check this out: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soca-music-guide. I learned even more… IMHO if I noticed there was a chartered group onboard, I would not be worried and go with the flow. But then again, I enjoy learning new things. I first heard about William Belli onboard a cruise… and I do hum certain of his song parodies to this day 😊.

I highly doubt it, the Prima does not have the “standard pool deck” as the links you’ve referred to on YouTube about Soca cruises. From what I have understood, about 20 people can fit comfortably in / around the public infinity pool. Go check the deck plans of the Prima on NCL, infinity beach is on deck 8. It can get crowded without much happening 😁. With all of the information you have been provided, I’m guessing you will be able to reach the decision you are comfortable with. Staying onboard the Prima, and go with the flow… or switching to the Pearl.

@OrangeCatRamblersI also get it. But I don’t think you are being punished, I’m sorry you feel that way. I was trying to figure out how to make it less frustrating for you (I fully understand you). I pretended to be the one booking. I checked out the price difference (mock booking) for those sailing dates between the Prima and the Pearl to Bermuda. It is indeed about 2k more on the Pearl. In that sense, there is no penalty fee. The Prima was priced accordingly to what would be available onboard. Frustrating? Absolutely. Unfair? I am not so sure. You should have peace of mind on your vacation. I don’t think you will be comfortable onboard the Prima with your teenage son roaming the ship. Keep us posted on your final decision.

My sympathies to the OP. I did check out SOCA cruises on YouTube. Not my cup of tea. I understand the frustration. From what I understand, you were given three options by NCL (status quo, canceling or switching to the Pearl). @OrangeCatRamblers Had you purchased cancel for any reason travel insurance? It might be an alternative. If not, IMHO, switch the family cruise to the Pearl. Memories are the best part of family trips.

@luv2kroooz Yes, I am aware of this. I am disappointed to not be able to cruise because of insurance constraints in my province. I am satisfied that it is transferable, good on NCL. I can most surely gift some of my passion of the open sea to family / friends. In exchange for a nice souvenir ☺️.

@GeezerCouple thanks for all info. I also tried on the insurance thread here on CC. Mainstream travel insurance is not available for Quebec residents. The rules for obtaining a full travel insurance for preexisting conditions in Quebec are full of exceptions. You should see the form that needs to be filled out and signed by a doctor. It almost makes the doctor liable, thus they are wary of signing it. I will try again in a year. But thanks!