ella99

19 hours ago, dides said:

I meant M721 of course - doh!

Thank you for sharing! Cool! 

2 hours ago, jerbeth said:

Cabin m720 and M712. Any pros/cons for these cabins?

I am in M721 next week, so I would be curious to know too.

I am on this 9/26 sailing and we got back our negative results from test we took yesterday.  Uploaded to Bermuda TA. Just waiting on approval.

Just off the Gem and didn't see any food being served at the Bali Hai, unless we missed it. They had the BBQ for lunch by the pool.

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

I stand corrected my husband reminded me they had burgers & dogs for lunch.

Do you know if this is still valid? No date on the coupon

I just used it a few weeks ago, as well. Worked fine and saved $100 for my 11 night cruise.

Just off the Gem and didn't see any food being served at the Bali Hai, unless we missed it. They had the BBQ for lunch by the pool.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

Hi OP - been waiting so long for someone on this itinerary to post !!! THANK YOU:)

 

Please can you advise if Tim Kiminski is still the comedian on board? And if not who is it?

 

Enjoy your trip - shall be following closely from the UK and on board in less than 3 weeks:)

Tim Kaminsky was on our cruise on April 18-29th. He got off when we docked in NY. He was going on his vacation and he wasn't sure when or which ship he would be returning to.

Call your cell carrier for rates. I just got off the Gem and my plan with Verizon was $1.79 per min for calls on ship. Texting on ship was .50 per message to send and .05 per message to receive.

We just got off the Gem last weekend. Leo was still there.

As far as the specialty restaurants.....I had my reservations ahead of time, but decided to make a change onboard and did not have a problem. The board on the ship that posted the available times for each restaurant nightly appeared to always have openings.

Have fun!! We just got off the Gem today from an 11 night. Very enjoyable cruise! And yes, we docked a bit late due to fog and a pretty bad thunderstorm too.

A heads up if you aren't already aware...due to the ongoing construction at LGA the traffic situation will not be pleasant. Quite honestly, it can be a nightmare. I cannot speak for NCL's airport transfer service, but I would assume you will need to be one of the first ones off the ship. Whichever transportation you decide, will need to be off early especially for a 12 noon flight.

We booked less than 1 month before our Gem cruise and had 4 SDP. I was able to reserve online for all 4.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

With the SDP you can dine at any of the up charge restaurants and are limited to 1 entree pp and may choose as many appetizer or deserts as you wish. No credits involved.

Here you go!

Cool!! Thank you for that!! Had no idea a coupon was available. We will be parking at the pier leaving on the 18th for 11 days on the Gem. Hopefully, no issues in using it. It will save us a bundle.

OP, here's a thread regarding DSC and it's increase in cost:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2472524

 

If you look at post #9 in the link I included you'll see the letter NCL has sent out to some of us sailing soon. The DSC right now is $13.50/pp/pd and is increasing to $13.99. If you prepay the DSC online you'll pay the lower rate.

 

Not sure where your TA is getting their info from but they're wrong and more confused than you. The DSC has nothing to do with gratuites being charged for UBP and SDP so I would do as you want. Can you log into your NCL account and pay them yourself?

This is correct. Just booked a last minute cruise for mid April and we prepaid our DSC in order to avoid paying the increase. The gratuities for UBP and SDP are a separate charge.

Not sure about this, but if the cruise was booked through a travel agent they would have to pay the gratuities through their agent.

Parking at the pier in NY is $40 per day. For 11-30 day cruises $400...We have always parked at the terminal. We find it to be convenient and safe. We live on Long Island and it's just a better option for us.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app

beeline for reservations as soon as you board. you'll get in.

I am most certainly going to do that first!

You are on one of the Spring break sailings and many probably book at the 100 days and 90 days mark, taking what's available then. Tip - using a smartphone, download & install the free NCL iConcierge App before your sailing (iOS or Android), Once at the pier (if you plan to arrive early & done checking in) - you should be able to pickup the ship's free WiFi inTRAnet signal, log-in by registering and activating your device. You should be able to then check for available time slots & days for specialty, book it & you are set (write it down, there's no reminder, calendar or alarm function to remind you). Cellular signals inside pier 88 and 90's buildings are horrible and there's no free WiFi ... do all the App downloads & update before leaving for the ship.

 

Nephew did this recently on the GEM, we did this on the Breakaway & actually booked while sitting in the MDR, waiting for our sit-down lunch to be served, took less than 10 minutes, maybe 5 - no need to stand in line but the reservation kiosk/desk for dining will be open, near the ship's hotel lobby/guest services area. Good luck & enjoy.

 

P.S. Do take care of the ship and "bring" her back early - as we will be embarkation when you come back, I think - LOL. Lots, lots of available staterooms on our sailing so it's going to be a smaller crowd ... shorter lines for everything.

Thank you for the tips! I know this will be spring break time, but since this is an 11 day we are hoping there won't be too. many. We will be sure to take good care of her!!

Thank you! Good to know...this cruise was just booked a couple of days ago, so I didn't have the opportunity to reserve at an earlier time.

Just curious what everyone's experience has been in being able to get reservations for some of the specialty dining once on board. My cruise is in 3 weeks. All that is available at this time are super late dining times or just for 1 person. Also, it only appears I cannot make a reservation for La Cucina, Teppinyaki or Moderno, just Cagney's & La Bistro. I have heard there will be more open dining times to reserve once on board. Looking for some input & experiences with this... Thank you!

We will also be leaving today for this cruise. Again, not posing a threat to Bermuda. Possible 10-12 ft swell late Tueday into Tuesday night. Wednesday morning when we arrive we should be fine.