Cape Hernlopen

Dear Fellow Terrapin: We have done two extensions with Viking in Asia. In Hong Kong we stayed at the Shangri La (great location). The room was very nice and the hotel was fabulous with an outstanding breakfast and two Michelin starred restaurants. In Beijing we stayed at a Marriott and had a top floor room with unbelievable views. Facilities and restaurant were ordinary. In Asia we prefer Shangri La brands and in Europe Kempinski hotels. Review what they offer. Joel Barry

Dear AC2: The Rome Airport Hilton is a very nice hotel with good service and decent restaurants. I would not stay there for three days when Rome and all of its wonderful sights and great food is only 1+ hours away. I would stay in Rome and either private car service or taxi to the airport. if you have an early flight spend your third night at the airport Hilton. Going back and forth to Rome each day is a hassle and wastes "valuable time". My personal opinion. Joel Barry

Dear Fellow Cruisers: We were on the May 28 2022 POA and on the three day pre tour. Overall we were satisfied with the experience but there were some "hits and misses". On the pre tour we were disappointed with the Hyatt Regency Hotel (lacked soul) and the unusually early starts to two days of the tour (6:45 and 7:00 a.m.). The sights and tours were enjoyable but the included lunch was poor. The ship was very nice and well maintained. The staff was excellent and very friendly and helpful. We sailed with less than 900 passengers and the ship felt empty most of the time. The food in the Aloha Cafe was good for breakfast (fruits, bread/pastries, french toast and coffee) but mediocre at lunch (the Asian section was good). The MDR service was excellent but the food quality (Hake was served twice and Tilapia once) and preparation was very spotty. The coffee and expresso were not drinkable. Cagney's was passable and the Bistrot was very good. Coffee and expresso were awful. Entertainment was either absent or High School quality and the House Band was mediocre. The only worthwhile act was the Pinks Bar "lounge singer". The island visits were very good and most tours were worthwhile. The only negative was the cancelling of the Kona stop because of phantom winds effecting the Tenders. We enjoyed the cruise and were satisfied. It was our first time on Norwegian but we have sailed HAL, Viking and Oceania. After the cruise we stayed for three days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Ali Tower) and it was very superior to the Hyatt. We were told that the POA pre tour used to stay at the Hilton HV. I will try to answer any specific questions. Joel Barry

Dear W: We have stayed at the Hilton Airport several times. It is a short cab ride (20 mins.) to the port. There is also a pay shuttle available. Hilton offers a free daily trip to Rome (morning to and late afternoon back) or you could tour Civitavecchia. The Hotel is connected to the International Terminal. Joel Barry

Dear Fellow POA Cruisers: I do not agree with the comments regarding reasoning on the 21 reservations that were cancelled. A company that is operating at reduced capacity (POA at 50%) with a limited shelf life while bleeding cash would not prioritize cash paying customers over FCC customers with a definite expiration date. This would make no reasonable economic sense! Joel Barry

The effected cruiser posted on the POA May 28 Rollcall and the letter was as described. Only reason provided was staff shortages and keeping the quality of the guest experience. There was no explanation regarding the why or how of selecting the cruiser to be "debooked". The terms included 100% refund for cruise within 2 days and a 100% of cruise fare in a FCC available until end of 2023 and up to $500 per person to cover (actual) airline rebooking fees. It is still a ruined vacation 10 days out. Very sad and disconcerting. Joel Barry

We are on the May 28 POA and as of 7:42 p.m. (east coast time) we have not received a cancellation notice. We also signed up and paid for the pre- cruise tour. It would not prove economical for NCL to cancel people who are on the pre-cruise tour and still have to run the tour with two less paying guests. Simple micro economics, hopefully, NCL staffers passed the course. We are very sad and uncomfortable with how you have been treated. We are first time Norwegian cruisers but have long (and happy) experiences with HAL ,Oceania and Viking. Joel Barry

We are on the May 28 POA and as of 7:42 p.m. (east coast time) we have not received a cancellation notice. We also signed up and paid for the pre- cruise tour. It would not prove economical for NCL to cancel people who are on the pre-cruise tour and still have to run the tour with two less paying guests. Simple micro economics, hopefully, NCL staffers passed the course. We are very sad and uncomfortable with how you have been treated. We are first time Norwegian cruisers but have long (and happy) experiences with HAL ,Oceania and Viking. Joel Barry

The reported cancellation is not from me but from another unlucky cruiser. As of 4:55 pm (East Coast time) we are still a go! We have the pre cruise tour and it would be foolish for NCL to cancel passengers who booked both since they would still have to run pre cruise tour with two less paying customers. I hope that NCL staff passed Micro Economics! Joel Barry

Dear Ariane: Thank you for your posts and videos on Instagram. We are joining them as we prepare for our May 28 cruise. Can you present copies of the "Dailies" and menus from the Main Dining Room either on Cruise Critic Message Boards or your Instagram account. Joel Barry

We are first time Norwegian cruisers and are sailing on POA on May 28. We have Onboard Credit Certificates from our TA and when we called NCL we were told that they could only be used at Starbucks and onboard shops. On other cruise lines they could be used for excursions and service charges (tips). What is the actual Norwegian policy on use? Joel Barry

Dear Go2SeaTW: On page two of the Documents under Cruise Tour there is a PDF to click on. Joel Barry

Dear Mark: Thank you for your clear and concise review of your POA cruise. We are on the May 28 cruise (and pre cruise tour) and are very interested in your comments on food quality in the two main Dining Rooms and in the two (open ) Specialty restaurants and the Buffet. Any comments on the "shows" would also be welcomed. Joel Barry

Dear Fellow POA Cruisers: We are scheduled for the May 28 POA cruise. We are also on the four-day pre cruise tour and were originally told that we would be tested at the Terminal on Saturday, May 28. Our cruise documents stated that we would (now) be tested at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday information to follow. Joel Barry