puddles99

We use Johnny's (https://www.johnnycabhi.com/) in 2013 & are planning to book with them again in 2020.  When I reached out to double check pricing, they confirmed that their prices haven't changed in the past 7 years. 👍

I would say that I've attended most of the M&Gs when we've sailed, starting with our first cruise and have coordinated a few.  Sometimes we connect with people who become friends long beyond that single sailing and sometimes we identify someone we try to avoid for the rest of the cruise - LOL! As others have said, I would recommend joining your Roll Call here, stop by the M&G if it works for your schedule, and then decide for yourself.

Happy Sailing!

I have not had this issue at the Martini bars on board various ships but in some other bars they don't always stock specialty ingredients needed for some recipes. In that case, I've been directed back to the Martini bar to get the drink I had in mind (and then took it to wherever I preferred to hang out).

In my experience, it's nearly twice as expensive on board as getting it done at home & the quality was far lower (at least on the Star - the only ship I've gotten nails done on). I'd recommend getting your nails done before you board.

Enjoy your cruise!

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Sounds like this will be a fun review [emoji1360] We loved our POA trip 4 years ago and are looking to plan another (with teenagers in tow) in the next few years. Looking forward to reading more about your adventure!

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It's been a few years, but ours was also right after the muster drill.

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Thanks for the info! Sorry to hear you experienced the worst show at sea, but appreciate that your warning saves me from enduring the same fate!

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Does anyone have a recent picture of the menu of beer & snacks from the Bier Garten on the Star? Also, I've read several (older) threads that state that this is a smoking location. Is that still the case? If so, cigars only or also cigarettes?

Thanks!

We're starting to get really excited about boarding the Star in three months to experience Australia & New Zealand. We've reached the end of our planning (so many excursions to look forward to!) and are approaching final payment and now I'm starting to actually think about our time on the ship itself.

For those of you who have sailed on the Star in the past few weeks or months, could you tell me a bit about the onboard entertainment, shows, and anything else worth knowing in advance?

Thanks a bunch :)

A party of three can absolutely be accommodated. Enjoy!

I enjoy spa services on every cruise. On the form they have you fill out beforehand, I write "No product sales please" then also tell the spa person the same before my massage, pedicure etc begin. Have never had anyone try to sell me anything.

This is exactly what I do and have had success as well. Good luck!

Thanks for all the suggestions - CBD it is! I'll do some more research on the other ideas as well. Thank you!

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We haven't had anything come up missing but we have had a few items gain new permanent stains that I can only guess are caused by the type of detergent used, so we are now selective in what laundry items we send through. The laundry process is pretty amazing - if you haven't had a chance to see it on a tour, I highly recommend it!

We will be disembarking the Norwegian Star in Auckland on Saturday, February 18th but do not fly home until the next morning. I'm currently thinking of booking a hotel near the airport since our flight out is at 7:30am.

We're looking for a "grand finale" tour and would be up for anything from ziplining to wine tasting. Are there any private tours that you would recommend to give us an experience to remember in Auckland and/or the surrounding area? In a perfect world, we would be picked up at the port with our baggage and dropped at our hotel at the end of our touring day.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Oh what sweet memories you're bringing back . . . we can't wait to cruise POA again (hopefully with our kids next time around).

I believe we are going to snorkel in the morning and then hit up the brewery in the afternoon for lunch and beer tasting.

This is exactly what we did in 2013. I will never eat another "Hawaiian" pizza anywhere else. Food is great, beers are great, walk is easy. Enjoy!

You said the balcony is connecting (I assume you mean through an interior door vs. merely adjacent) and you have kids in the connecting room. Assuming this is true and the kids are minors, the balcony room is typically extended privileges as a second bedroom to the Haven suite. You should definitely speak with the Concierge at check-in to confirm this. I have heard mixed results when the individuals in the connecting balcony are not minors.

Good luck!

Adrian may be back by then, I'm not sure. Last I heard, David Contreras will be filling in while Adrian is on vacation. Enjoy!

Are we required to go to the actual lifeboat or are we assigned locations in the ship with seating! Do we have to wear our life jackets or just carry them!

As noted by the previous poster, you do not need to take your life jackets with you and you should not need to stand. However it is important that you go on time, if not early, to the drill. If you are one of the last to arrive at some assembly stations, you may find it difficult to find a seat or seats for you entire group together.

I would recommend the Hawaii Revealed books - especially if you're planning your own excursions vs. going through NCL. Also, consider Franko's "Fabulous" maps of each island. They're a treasured souvenir for us and helped us show the kids where we were. You could also reserve a lei greeting for everyone at the airport and put some kind of certificate in their stockings. Finally, if you're planning to splurge on any expensive experiences (like a helicopter tour), I would consider making that a Christmas gift in and of itself!

Enjoy - we can't wait to return some day!

Building on Jeff&Pam's comment . . . the H8 is definitely larger than the H9. We were in the H8 (Deluxe Spa Suite) for the Escape Transatlantic. It's a one of a kind cabin which is basically an H9 with a separate living room and a double length balcony accessible from both the bedroom & the living room.

Also, I disagree that Spa Suites are exclusively intended for couples as I've only ever sailed in them with a friend, never used the jacuzzi in the room and am happy to have that shower entirely to myself. [emoji6]

Generally, no. If you're in a Deluxe Owners Suite (or the Garden Villa on other ships), soda is included.

We've sailed in an aft PH on Getaway and if the coach is made up as a twin instead of a double, there should be room for a cot. However, we didn't request one so I can't say for sure. I second the suggestion to call the pre-cruise concierge but with a caveat - don't bank on all requests being passed to the on board staff. They'll let you know what your options are, but you many have to ask again once on board.

Good luck!

Thanks. No big deal if there isn't, just would be a plus like having a shower/changing room in the spa area on some ships. Are you on the TA ? Sounds wonderful ! Have a great voyage. Gerry

Yes! A very dear friend and I are doing the TA together in denial of a certain milestone birthday we both will pass this year. We're actually in a spa suite this time as we decided with all the sea days & some of them chilly, the spa would be the place to be. We're in the new H8 "Deluxe" cabin and as such will be just below the Haven itself, but not too far of a walk!

We chose the aft penthouse for that very reason AND the extra bathroom on our Escape trip next August! Puddles, I was thinking though along the lines of what you said about your husband checking things out before changing. Is there a changing area in the Haven for those staying outside the Haven area to change without walking fore or aft to their suites ? Lets say we wanted to use the Haven amenities after breakfast or lunch some day. Thanks Gerry

I know there were small changing / restroom facilities on the Epic but for some reason I can't picture if Breakaway / Getaway had them. I would guess they do. I'll check on Escape in less than a month! :D