Stace894

I love the Idea of the Vistaprint magnet. I had one of these made up for one of our first cruises, but could never find them again. May start doing this for our trips! Still have the one from years ago on our fridge for great memories. We also keep a dry erase board on for notes to/from family.

I do not know what the Pearl had to offer, but was disappointed in the Dawn Spa/Thermal Suite. One of the reasons I do not want to travel on her again. 1 Jacuzzi that is difficult to enter and exit. It does have the small lap pool for use. only about 8 heated loungers and then just 2 rows of upright chairs behind those. Extremely small. One Sauna and Steam room in each indiviudual locker room. No Co-ed facilities. I actually liked it better before the re-do. If there are more than 10 people in it, really no place for people to go. Nice ship with lots to do, but would not spend the money on the Spa pass again for the Dawn.

THanks.. it sounds like it should be pretty doable from what I have read in general. I always do trip insurance just for peace of mind. Will probably take our chance with the 10am train. Its only a quick cab ride to the station once we are off... even if we are there by 9:40 we should be ok to get on the train...

NCL Escape 6/17-24...The last time we were out of NYC we did the self-disembark with Carnival and it was pretty quick. Haven't done this out of NYC with NCL and Haven...

So, I know I have time but wanted to get people's thoughts. We are sailing from NYC next Spring. Amtrak has changed their Sunday schedules for their Value fares. Now last train to Boston in the morning is at 10am and the next is not until 7pm (can still travel between these times for about $350 vs the $147 for value fare). We will be doing the Self-Disembark with all our luggage and staying in the Haven, so off pretty quickly. What do people think about our chances of making that 10am train out of Penn Station to Boston? I really do not want to hang around NYC all day waiting for the 7pm train as we are arriving a day early prior to cruise to explore.

Thanks for your thoughts and Happy Cruising!

I'm 288 days out (sigh!) and I've already completed mine. Easier to just get it done.

I found NY Port to be a bit of a madhouse the one time we have sailed from there, but I'm with the early crowd. We got there around 10am...checked in pretty quickly and were onboard not long after 11:30. Its just a bit disorganized compared to other ports I have sailed from. I"m sailing again next June but am trying Haven for first time so will see what that experience is like.

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

Has anyone stayed in the Spa Rooms on the NCL Escape on deck 15? I know enough not to book directly under the pool deck under normal situations, but the Spa rooms make it tempting as it promises you Spa Access vs. taking a chance on getting a week long pass. Any reports on the noise levels, or particular rooms blocks to try or avoid?

301, just booked for next June Escape

I actually liked the Dawn before the upgrade. Not the decor, but just the atmosphere. My son felt there was not a lot to do for his age group (14 at the time) I would go with the larger ship. We are trying the Escape next year, first time on a Mega ship. Will see how it goes.

Your family sounds a lot like mine! I'm up about 2 hrs before the other 2 usually. I get some great sunrise pic from the decks. I will relax and read until they get up then its family time!

Love this review. So informative! We are splurging on a Haven Suite on the same floor , just forward vs aft next Summer. Did you find 12th floor to be out of the way or too far of a distance from Haven area? Will travel with DH and DS (16) and they will be happy about the steps as they are avid counters. Also, how did your son find sleeping on the couch/bed in the living room? That is where mine will end up too.

Keep the great writing coming!

REALLY enjoying this review... I have a son the same age as your oldest so I was happy to hear he enjoyed Entourage at least early in the Cruise. Keep the great writing coming. Hope to hear more about the ship as next June will be our first time on her or any Mega-Type ship! Had one quick question? Was the Dart board a "real" board or Electric. My husband and I are dart players and will bring our own sets if it is an actual dartboard, but would be surprised as electric would be safer with moving ship and crowds!

I have used Travelguard for all of my previous trips, luckily never having to submit a claim. I also always add the additional coverage for emergency transport. If they every had to medflight a family member off of the ship it is VERY costly. Worth the extra coverage cost.

I had the same motivation from reading the CC boards. Read all the stories of the "Upsell Fairy" and wondered how people got so lucky. Now its my turn! I started calling the Upsell line 2 wks ago for a sailing this Friday. Today was the day! Was offered a Mini-Suite for only $100pp more from an inside. Grabbed it in a heartbeat! Whenever I called everyone was always nice and polite. Was a great experience.Now I will surprise my DH and DS with the upgrade when we board on Friday. Good Luck future cruisers!

Ok, 3 days before sailing and the verdict is...........UPSELL!

I have been calling since last Friday daily and each time was told, "Nothing available yet but please feel free to keep calling". I called this morning and was told nothing now, but you can try this afternoon or tomorrow.

Called at 2pm and again was told "nothing listed" but let me talk to someone.......... I hold and they come back with a Mid-Ship Mini Suite for $100pp - $300 total. I originally had an inside. I jumped on it. By the deckplans it looks like its under the Garden Cafe, but reviews states possible the Pool Deck. I don't care either way. Can always use earplugs and my DH and DS sleep like rocks anyways.

I am SOOOO happy and can't wait to surprise them on Friday when we board. Thanks to those who have been following and good luck to those who are trying for the same thing.

Happy Cruising!

On our first cruise about 5 yrs ago Myself and my then 9 yr old son decided to be adventurous and try new things. Discovered we liked Escargot, Ahi Tuna Tartare was Meh and didn't like Caviar! You don't mind trying when your not paying extra if you don't like it!

We do bring our own Lanyards to show some indivdual taste, Basic for me, NHL for DH and Marvel for DS. Nice to have a little fun with something. Instead of punching a hole, I grab a few of the plastic Badge holders with Ziploc closures to put my card in. This also allows someplace to stash a couple of bucks as well when I don't have pockets. So far no problems! Sailing in a week! :D

I really don't want to spend the type of money it would take to upgrade into a Haven suite. Would be very happy with even just a balcony so that DS doesn't have to sleep above me on the wall bed. A mini-suite would be fantastic just for the extra leg-room in the bathroom. DH is a big guy and was a tough fit in an Oceanview last trip. Will call on Friday and see what happens and just keep trying until Wed. Good luck to all my other Upselling friends! 8 days and counting!

That's kind of what I figured. Can't hurt to call and its not like I will be upset if I don't get anything. Still get to go on a cruise in 10 days! Win-Win. Just would be nice to surprise my DH and DS with a nicer room when we arrive. But not like they will be disappointed as they don't know I'm trying to call. :D I will just start to check as of this Friday and see what happens.

We are in an inside at this point, so no looking for a Haven Suite. Would be too pricey but may consider either Balcony or Mini-Suite depending on the price.

Ok,,, a question for those who have done Upsells before. I called yesterday for an upsell for my 8/19 cruise. They didn't have anything available at that time but said call back 1 wk before. One week is actually this Friday, but in reading these threads it seems like most people call on Monday for a Friday sailing for availability. Any input or thoughts?

Also make sure everything is actually paid up.. I had confirmation from my TA that all payments had been made, but when I checked with NCL as to why I couldn't access my e-docs, they had one fee missing. My TA contacted them, reconfirmed all payments had been made, provided me with WRITTEN proof from NCl that I had a zero balance (which will come with me on the ship!) and then I could access the documents. Happy Cruising!

I didnt see any being given away on our last trip, but we bought 2 sets and a set of dice for a decent price on board. As you said, nice momento you can use.