troy510

I am so glad I skipped this ship and booked on the Joy for next yr. I hate the direction NCL is going in and it makes me want to go back to Carnival as much as I hate Carnival. 

21 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

Yes less Chaos in the buffet but ....... but ...... Many passengers on this cruise were older, with walkers, or scooters. The cafe is a popular place for them to hang out, socialize, and play cards thus hogging up seating for those looking to eat even though they were not. Because the Canal transit can be very hot some of the best views on that day can be seen from the buffet by the windows in air conditioning and seating can be at premium the transit day as many seem to sit there all day...... as the transit takes many hours. 

Got it. Thanks for the heads up!

5 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

Usually the longer the cruise, the age of passenger goes up and there are less children.

Yes, I figured. I'm only 31 and would prefer to be amongst my peers, but unfortunately the manners, respect, and generosity don't match that of those who are 50+ which is why I'm really looking forward to my 15 day Canal Cruise.

3 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

We went in April. The majority of passengers were 50 and over, couples. I’m 43, wife 39, kids 9 and 11. Plenty of people from around the world as the Panama Canal is a world destination unlike your typical 7 day Caribbean cruise. Very few teens, nor 20 and 30 year olds. Less than 200 children on board and the majority of the kids were probably 14 and younger. Very respectful passengers without any loud and obnoxious incidents . No riff raff.  Different than your typical 7 day cruise because of the length and higher cost. 

That's what I figured. Going with wife and son...me and wife are both early 30's but are pretty laid back...and son as well (12). Everything you mentioned sounds great. I would imagine a lot less chaos in Garden Café as well. Thanks

2 hours ago, tallnthensome said:

15 days this past April with the kids on the Bliss Panama Canal ....... 

I'm doing the Canal on the Joy next year. What were the demographics like on that cruise compared to a typical 7 day sailing?

3 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

This was posted by a poster who worked for NCL and is very knowledgable about the ins and outs of cruise lines:  The only thing that is "guaranteed" to a crew member is the minimum total compensation, which is currently $614/month for a 40 hour work week, plus overtime at 125% of the base wage for hours over 40/week. This totals out to about $1500/month. If the base wage, overtime, and DSC totals more than this, per their contract, they get that much, if the DSC is reduced, their wages can drop to the above minimum.

So, if I'm understanding correct, the DSC can help raise their monthly wages some. No?

1 hour ago, zqvol said:

 

Completely untrue. The DSC goes to NCL. All crew is paid a salary. The only people who might get a little less each week would be the waiters and stewards.

 

There is no such thing as a tipping pool. The rules for paying mariners changed about  5 or 6 years ago and  you are talking about the way things used to be, not the way theey  are now.

 

Also the OP is in GB, their booking rules are different than in the US.

Wow. So, NCL is basically up charging passengers under the guise of collecting money to distribute to the hard working staff? Where can I learn more about this?

12 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

You may like not a lot of kids being on board but I'm pretty sure your son won't Lol

 
Oh well. He'll get over it lol. 2 weeks out of school and the go karts/pavilion should keep him busy.

I've only been on 7 day cruises, but I just booked one for 15 days. Me, my wife, and our son. We are in our early 30's and son will be 13. Not sure what to expect. I do like that there won't be a lot of children on board being that it's in October. I'm excited

I’m going to be sailing on the Joy and I love where the American Diner is located. Nice views tucked away on the side of the ship. Can I go in and sit down even if I don’t intend to order any food?

I’ve been on 6 Carnival cruises and the first time I ventured out beyond CCL is when I went on The Escape two years ago. The ship was great, the food was really good, and the service was second to none, in my opinion. The only issue I had, and I think it’s a pretty big one, is that Norwegian is so concerned about making an extra dollar, that they sacrifice valuable sun deck real estate to make sure they add amenities and services that take away from one of the essentials of cruising - relaxing out on the top deck without an obstructed view of the ocean. I’ve never had an issue finding an open spot to relax without feeling so crowded while on A Carnival ship. They give you sufficient space and from what I’ve seen, so does Royal Caribbean.

All of the latest NCL ships are filled with so many activities and exclusive areas that charge, it becomes difficult finding areas where you can look at the ocean without being on top of the next person. I cancelled a trip on the Encore a couple of weeks ago because after viewing the top deck, I can’t believe that only 1/3 of the top deck seemed to be dedicated deck space and on top of that, everyone is squeezed in the middle. We ended up reserving The 15 night Panama Canal cruise next year on the Joy. It may be my last on NCL because, although I enjoy the cruise line, the fact that they skimp out on something so essential to me is problematic. Does anyone else have an issue with this?

I’m curious to see why Joy left the Asian market. A $50 million refurb after 2 years seems really expensive and unplanned. Does anyone know why?

I was on the Escape a couple years ago and I do remember the complimentary 100 mins or so they gave me. The internet was quite slow. I just thought it was that particular day or so. Thanks for the heads up. I wont be purchasing now

Wow, I guess I'll be without the internet. Thanks for the replies

I'm going on the 13 night South American cruise on the NCL Encore next year and I don't want to be without internet. I know that once I'm at the ports, I'll be able to use mobile data, but while out at sea, I'm sure it wont be possible. If I purchase the unlimited wifi plan on the ship, can I select the days I want to use or must I buy it for everyday? ....also, does the unlimited internet plan cover everyone in the room or just one person? Thanks in advance!

Me, my wife, our son, and my mother just booked a 14 day Eastern Caribbean cruise about 5 weeks ago. It is set to leave in NY and visit about 8 islands including, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Tortola. Puerto Rico, and others. We were really looking forward to going, but after the images and video of the hurricane, we just don't want to go. It's depressing enough to see on TV and we know that, realistically, those islands wont be close to anywhere near ready and in their normal condition come February.

We love cruising, but if we are going to go, it wont be that one. At this point, we're thinking about settling for a 7 day Bermuda.

Right. That's what I'm reading on the website as well; however, that would not explain an option for a 5th person. The description above would suit 4 people but the website says the room can accommodate up to 5.

I'm booked on an upcoming cruise, in room 5772 to be exact on the Norwegian Breakaway. It's an oceanview room, category 01. Does anyone know if this room has a drop down bunk bed? My personal cruise consultant told me no, but the other rooms I see on YouTube that are the exact same type have them and I think she's just misinformed. Can anyone confirm?

My wife, son, and I just recently came off of the Escape this past April. We loved the service and food. We are currently in the process of booking another trip later this yr. We'd love to do the Escape again, but the prices are higher than what we would like to pay. The Getaway presents the same itinerary, but at a lower rate. For those who've been on both, how do they compare (food and service)?