herbanrenewal

On our first post pandemic cruise my roommate started coughing, achy, cold symptoms. Since we had brought test kits onboard with us she self-tested - negative for 3 days. But I wore n95 mask and sprayed everything we touched with microban24. She stayed in room, I brought her food, tea, etc. Day 4 we returned home - and she self-tested positive for the first time. Since we were both negative onboard we were not subject to NCL covid protocols - just using our nursing experience to treat by symptoms. Even though i have insurance to cover medical I have travelled with several test kits, I also was able to get a RX for Paxlovid. Personally I would self-isolate until i was negative for 5 days if i was symptomatic, even with negative tests. But I'm in my 70s have copd, and have 50 years as a nurse as a background.

Advantage of early booking include that when just-released, prices may be lower (not on brand new ships), but if prices drop or a sale with more incentives, you can rebook and get the lower rate. You can rebook for lower fares any time up to final payment date in US market but the incentive packages can vary. Really, only by waiting until after final payment date will you see lowest prices - but if its a popular cruise, the prices may be higher, or you cant get the cabin type or location you prefer. Also airfare may be highest close to sail date.

not me but i know a couple with two teens booked in two cabins with linked reservations - One family, different airlines, different flight times. no recourse except to forfeit NCL air, and pay again for self booked flights.

Re: washing light weight items - every top and dress that I bring has been hand-wash tested. I wash clothes at home in the sink, wring out in a towel, and hang to dry. I have a couple plastic travel hangers to dry things. If it doesn't dry overnight and look perfect it doesn't make the cut for travel wardrobe. My slacks or jeans I send to laundry.

Not sure if anyone else can use this info - I'm having more problems with my arthritis, and have found it tough to walk at the beach - one of my favorite things to do during the summer. I have a hard time walking into the surf because of balance issues. I got this new light weight cane from amazon, and I love it. It makes it possible for me to enjoy the surf and sand. Since so many cruisers are seniors, but still love beaches I thought I'd mention this solution to my problem-leight weight all-terrain cane. I'm thinking it may also work well on cobblestones in Europe.

really depends on what cruise - if its a Caribbean cruise I might just be staying on the ship all day - the ports aren't the highlight. If its to a place I've never been before it depends on what itinerary I've planned. But since I have a medically limited diet chances are my choices can be limited in port if i can't ascertain how food is prepared.

I print a photo from last cruise, glue a cheap magnet to the back, and hang on the door - if your room is in a long hallway it helps identify tour cabin.

I want to use OBC for upgrading internet package. Does anyone know the difference in price if booked on board vs pre-booking?

I ask my pharmacist for extra labels to put on small plastic bags of meds. then i have the smallest possible containers of properly labeled meds. To remain complient with international travel requirements, having original labels on containers may be technically required. But in 30 years of travelling, I've never had it checked.

I haven't looked at this thread in a while, but I'm now booked on b2b2b2b (4 identical week-long itineraries) in February on the Viva. So thought I'd check out what people are saying about the Viva. Interesting to see several names from the Prima inaugural b2b. Re: the ship design comments, one doesn't need to be an architect to know when some space aspect of design just doesn't hit the mark. And having a couple of the most popular venues with such limited seating that you can't even get inside for standing room only unless you stood in line for over an hour is just not good design. While I understand the concept of small intimate venues there needs to be enough space for guests to enjoy a venue without long lines. Pre-sell reserved seats, use a larger venue, or closed circuit record for showing on TV. Everyone should be able to catch a show they are particularly interested in. And since fall cruises tend to have a fair number of seniors with limited ability to stand for long periods, the Prima venues just don't hit the mark. As someone (I think Jim) said, At least the choice to base this one in Puerto Rico and a southerly TA rather than northern Atlantic crossing is a much better fit for a ship with so much outdoor space (and so little indoor space)

A couple years ago I was pricing a rental in southern Florida mid winter to escape the cold. When i realized I could do back to back cruises from any Florida port and pay less for an equivalent time period. Three years now I've spent most of February on cruise ships. And I'm booked for 2024 and 2025. By going with the less expensive cabins I can splurge on 4+ weeks cruising, with no grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning. I don't need the luxury suites - I just need the beaches, pool, entertainment, some specialty dining, a few drinks. Cruising is my idea of creating a happy snowbird,

Varies by country. most common is Type C. (that's the adapter that works of cruise ship) On Amazon you can get a 4 pack for ~$5 4 Pack European Travel Plug Adapter, Unidapt US to Europe Plug Adapter, European Adapter Type C Plug Adapter, Outlet Converter America USA to Europe Italy Spain Germany France EU, Power Plug, White Visit the Unidapt Store 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,709 ratings Amazon'sChoicefor "usa to european plug adapter"

For me both Chilean and Norway fjords tie for scenic splendor. I loved rounding Cape Horn with amazing winds as we crossed. And of course the wildlife of the area was amazing so maybe South America edges out Norway. In 40 years of cruising, I've covered a lot of territory. Really, loved them all. But now that I'm thinking about it, the first transatlantic to New York City, and seeing the Statue of Liberty welcoming us home was pretty darned cool.

I tend to take 3 to 5 week trips- especially if to a different continent, spending a week or to before or after a cruise. Overall cost for a trip most expensive was a China/Korea/Japan cruise. We spent a week in Shanghai before the cruise, the 2 weeks cruising, then 9 days in Tokyo. But most expensive just for the cruise was Galapagos on Silver Seas - and it was worth every penny. Next most expensive cruise was Viking River cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam it was good, but first post covid voyage, after 2 cancellations. Things weren't quite up to what I had expected from Viking. BTW, I usually have interior or least expensive accommodations, least expensive airfare.

On cruises I take a photo of the people I'm particularly impressed with - including their name tag. Then when I write a compliment I have the name and spelling correct. Drop a compliment form to their supervisor while on the cruise, and for exemplary service I'll write to corporate.

Lisbon has a great metro system. Since it is such a hilly town its worth getting a day pass. There is a 24-hour pass that is valid from the time of first use for 6.40 euros. It can be used on Metro and Carris (local buses, trams, and funiculars). · When you get off the ship Terrio da Paca metro stop is an easy walk away…or continue the walk along to waterfront to Cais do Sodre From the square at Cais do Sodre youc an find bus, tram, tuk-tuk and train options for trip to Belem. How to Get from Central Lisbon to Belém (lisbonguru.com) The Belem district in Lisbon; a tourist guide for 2023 (lisbonlisboaportugal.com)

You get 100 for each cruise less than 15 days. 250 for 15+ days. I cruise 5-6 times per year now that I'm retired. So for me the return on investment is fantastic. Since I've stuck with NCL since I got the stock its good for NCL

I love cruising and have enjoyed every cruise ive ever taken with every cruise line. But no company is perfect. My shipboard experiences with NCL will keep me cruising with them. But I freely admit that the land-based company has issues. If you call with a question you can get a different response every time you ask a question. If you were told it may be considered and have enough time to get response and then apply again, I would go ahead and apply for 250. Then if they deny it (my experience) you can still reapply for the separate cruises.

With one booking number you still have two separate cruises. While I've sometimes been able to have this as one account (doesnt hurt to ask), usually they close the account at end of first cruise and start all over. You have 2 - 10 days cruises. You will receive $100 for each cruise. I have never had them count this as a 20day cruise. I've always had two applications for two $100 benefits - NOT $250. I started booking as 2 separate cruises with different booking numbers since there seems to be no advantage to having it on one reservation, and I have had a change in plans that require me to drop one part of the cruise. I have seen others who have had different experiences when they had one booking number, but you will know when you submit for the benefit. The amount you have approved shows upon your cruise summary online. And no carry over of benefit. If you don't use all the !00 on the first cruise you lose the non-refundable credit. You have 3 specialty dining meals on each cruise. While with NCL I'd never say never since so often people with the same issue are told and experience totally different things. But I would expect you need to use three on each.

You've described how I've travelled for about 20-30 years. I've rented cars in Australia, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Italy. I've also done 3-4 week train trips throughout Europe. When my kids were little we camped throughout the USA - in a canvas tent. Including a 5 week trip from the east coast to the Rockies, then up into Alberta Canada. Maine is another prime trip - and dont stop at the coast - the interior lakes are magnificent. Ive experienced sitting by a dying campfire and having a moose run between me and the tent as he headed for the lake. For me travel has always been as essential as food and shelter. Now I'm in my mid 70s and cruising suits my need to travel with minimal unpacking every few days. I guess thats part of why I look at my Alaska cruise as a missed opportunity.

You are absolutely correct. Because i travelled with a friend and her daughter we switched to a one week round trip, since daughter couldnt take more than a week off work. Thereby missing the experiences that I had anticipated. While I'm no longer much for wilderness trekking I still love nature. Bottom line - know what you are buying! Do your homework with planning. Being disappointed with Alaska was more my fault than a "bad cruise"

I strongly recommend both!

The only cruise I've ever been disappointed in was Alaska. And It was totally due to my lack of sufficient planning. A 7-day round trip out of Seattle obviously doesn't include Denali, which I think is a primary attraction to me. The ports seemed more Disney hyped tourist traps all with the same shops selling the same stuff - none of which were locally made except overpriced knives. The only excursions I thought looked interesting were way out of my price range. Norway and Chilean coast were a lot more scenic. My take home message - check out what you are booking to be sure it fits your expectations. Really no bad cruises, just bad prep, planning.

An option I like for either a Rome or Venice cruise is flying into Milan. Train to Venice is scenic route at base of Alps with wonderful lakes (Lake Como). Train to Rome Termini station is routed along the coast, another nice ride. Both trains are inexpensive, and Milan airport is usually cheaper than Rome or Venice, and a lot easier to maneuver thru. Milan is also a nice place to visit - if you're lucky the opera house may have seats available. Check out schedules and prices train from EN - Trenitalia (Italian national rail service usually has best prices).

Galapagos cruises are great mix of adventure and unique scenery. Age mix is pretty much what you are seeking so long as you stick to schoolyear when kiddies are otherwise occupied.