WYTinman

hockeyguru32, Keep up the good work.

We are enjoying your review. Hanging on every word and picture.

Can't wait for more.

 

P.S Seeing as your team is out I hope you would join me in cheering for our Sens.

 

Thanks for sharing you trip.

Hey we have a team down here that has plenty of room on their Bandwagon. Join in on the fun.

Mark & Lori

We too are former NCL Suite/Haven cruisers, looking forward to Davina in a few months and Seaside next year.

My questions....How are the Butlers assigned. Are they dedicated to a "set of suites" like NCL?

Or are they "free range" helping out where ever needed.

We are currently trying to figure out how much cash we need to bring for tipping. Thus the next questions.

Are there table servers in the Topsail or the One Pool?

No one mentions room stewards. There are Stewards...Right?

I'm assuming that there are. What is the scope of the Stewards room duties? What is the Butler responsible for within the individual Suites?

Le Muse. I've read here that we will probably have the same table and staff for dinner each evening. What about Breakfast and Lunch? Does the staff rotate through those meals? (Tipping question still) Or does the staff remain the same through all meals?

I'm sure I will have more questions. These will do for a start. TIA

Mark

Trying to get the pictures and videos from the GoPro to my iphone and my mac... I keep getting a message when trying to connect to the "Capture" app that I have no internet connection.

 

What am I doing wrong? Is there any easy way to transfer the pics and videos to my computer and/or my iphone?

 

I bought it with the intention of taking it to Alaska in July. So on my cruise in April I used it, and love it, just having trouble getting the pictures and vidoes where I can share them with friends and save them to my computer.

 

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

 

Charlie

I had a similar problem connecting with my Iphone.

After some Google research my work around was to:

1) Turn WiFi on in your GoPro settings. (Note the Password)

2) Turn on Bluetooth on your phone. (On android you don't need this step)

3) Go to settings-connections on your phone and select the camera WiFi. (Your phone will be connected to your home Wifi automatically. The Capture app uses the cameras Wifi signal.

4) If the app asks you to connect via Bluetooth select yes. ( I don't know why, but it helps to make the connection)

5) Enter the Camera Password when prompted and you should be connected.

I'm doing this from memory. I don't have my GoPro in front of me right now and have dropped all Apple products. (For many reasons) I may have missed a step, This should get you close. Someone will jump in if I missed something.

Mark

Congrats. The Royal Suite is difficult to get on Seaside because it sells-out so quickly.

We couldn't believe we found one.

Just lucky I guess:cool:

Mark

My wife and I have been searching around for a new cruise line.

Anyone who has been a loyal "Suite Cruiser" with NCL will understand why we are searching. Enough with the "other line" bashing.

To date we have a couple of Princess cruises booked in Suites. Both for Itinerary mostly. It was three, but due to some unforeseen storm damage to our house we had to "Downsize" a cruise.

In downsizing we decided on a 7 day Eastern on the Divina in the Y/C instead of a Suite on Princess going to Alaska.

Now for the First Impressions.

Over the Weekend the MSC website was a mess. I'll leave it at that.

My wife and I had already done the Status Match thinking we would book MSC for Europe in the distant future.

Status Match is a good thing for those of us looking to change cruise lines...If I was Loyal to MSC and working toward Status, I wouldn't like it in the least. Again I'll leave it at that.

On Monday I called the Toll-Free booking number to book our cruise with the 5% Voyager Club discount.

What I got, was to date, the most enjoyable booking experience I've had with any cruise line.

My call was answered by Tim Brosnan, a PVC (Personal Vacation Consultant) for MSC.

Tim listened to all of my wishes for this cruise, offered his recommendations to meet those wishes, and asked the right questions to figure out that I qualified for a 10% public service discount.

I don't need to get into the chit-chat that went on during the call but, he is a conversationalist that will make you feel good about booking with MSC.

He treated me so well I booked a Royal Suite on the Seaside with him yesterday.

Then today, I called again to change my cabin on Divina. He recognized my phone number and answered with " Good Morning Mark, How can I help you Today".

Needless to say, my first impression of MSC is a very favorable one. My hope is that my cruises will live up to the standard set by this First Impression.

When calling MSC ask for Tim, or ask here. I will post his direct number if CC will allow it.

Mark

Your butler will be able to get that done for you 😁 Just ask as soon as you unpack the formal wear.

Thanks Cruisergal,

I was hoping it would be just simple request. I was unsure if I should ask my Butler or Steward.

Different Cruise Lines....Different Duties....

Mark

I don't want to Hijack this thread but,;p;p,

I try my best to pack my bags so that I can avoid on-board pressing....To date I've failed on every cruise....

What is the procedure in the YC to get your formal wear pressed in time for the first Gala night?

Mark

Thanks for the responses. I know I want at least 300 so I guess I'll waffle for a while between the Tamron and the Nikon.

Here is an example of the reach a 300 zoom will give you.

This is shot at 58mm

Same location, shot at 300mm

These were shot with a D7200 using the Nikon 18.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-6.3.

Mark

Thanks for the response. I don't know if I'm willing to risk once-in-a-lifetime shots on a guess as to what settings will work. I'll have to think about that.

 

I've used a teleconverter before but not with the fancy new camera. Does it work with the auto settings?

Most of the "new era" teleconverters will transfer the lens data and auto focus to the camera. Just look for one for Nikon. It should have all of the Nikon data contacts.

Do some research on the used camera sites. You usually can find good deals on used converters.

Mark

The 500mm is definitely manual focus and I don't know how to tell whether I'd also have to set aperture and shutter speed. the last time I had to set those manually, the Nikkormat had a meter in the viewfinder. I don't know if these fancy new DSLRs have meters to tell me whether I'm under or overexposing. I'm still wading through the manual but finding a specific piece of information is almost impossible!

 

I feel so crippled. I'm normally a very decisive person but there are so many lens options and they all have good and bad points. Plus I started shopping for a larger camera bag and having the same problem with them!

I'm not very familiar with your D3400. But if it similar to my Nikon DSLRs in basic function, you will not have any kind of metering through the lens with a completely manual lens.

My advice, if you decide on the 500 is to take it out and use it.

Check your photos on the LCD and adjust accordingly. Take note of light conditions and the exposure settings of the good photos. Over time you will figure out the base line for that lens and adjustments will become easier.

Some people ridicule "chimping". But when learning how to use new gear, sometimes there is no better way.

Another option, if you opt for the 18-300 DX, (I have one and it's a fine walk around lens) consider a tele-converter to extend the long end of the zoom. Takes up less room in your bag. Probably will give you better results than an in-expensive mirror lens.

Mark

Still deciding if I should take a Fisheye lens to Alaska.

Took a trip to Florida to see the In-Laws last weekend. I think the the lens did well.

A proud fisherman and an even prouder mum.

Boys always remember that first catch

Mark

I just booked my dining. Seven night cruise, had 3 free, but booked 4 with one being a backup. There are 5 in my party. We really want to try Moderno but for some reason the seating choice only allowed for parties of 2, 3, 4 or 8 on any day, at any time. I hit it right at midnight when reservations opened so it's impossible they were all booked. Is this something I can have adjusted by calling, or by going to the desk once I'm on board, or are there no tables accommodating 5 (or 6)?

As I recall, Moderno on the Dawn only has 4 top tables.

Thus the 2,3,4, or 8 options.

I wouldn't pre-book Moderno. It and Teppanyaki are still a one fee "cover charge" which will need to be pre-paid. If I'm planning to use my SDP for either I will book them onboard.

Your other option is to pre-book a table for 3 under your account then book a table for 2 under your travelling companions account. When you arrive, have them push the tables together.

Mark

I need some advice from some seasoned Alaska cruisers/photographers.

I currently have CPL and ND filters for my 24-70 f2.8 and use them occasionally.

We are taking a late season Tracy Arm cruise and I'm planning to bring my 28-300 walk around, my 150-600 long along with the 24-70 lens.

I don't have CPL filters for the longer lenses and wonder if they would come in handy with the reflected light and whites and blues?

Along with the Fjord cruising I'm planning to walk around Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Forest on the Juneau stop. At Skagway we are planning a road trip up the Klondike Highway to Emerald Lake.

Can I get close enough to use my 24-70 for waterfall shots or will I need to use my longer lenses? (and need ND filters)

I've also just fallen in love with a couple of Rokinon wide lenses. 14mm and a 12mm fisheye. Super sharp and fun to shoot with.

The drawback is neither of these will accept filters. (Bulging front elements)

Will I find a need for some sort of polarizer on these?

If so, what?

Thanks

Mark

Thanks I'll look into the marine radio.

 

It is a comfort to him. Thx for the suggestion

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Fivekitty,

I'm a retired LEO.

For a short time after I retired I used a scanner as white noise to help me sleep. (It was nice knowing I didn't have to answer those calls anymore). So I can relate to your DS finding comfort.

As far as getting it on board, you really need to ask NCL. We can tell you what we think or what we heard. NCL has the final say, ask there.

If you chose to bring it anyway.....bring headphones......the "Squawk" is distinctive and will draw attention.

Also, a good handheld Bearcat type scanner should have the ability to scan/hold Marine 16.

Mark

Hi Everyone,

We just got back from he 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise on he Jewell. It was a little different than I expected. So here are some things you might want to consider.

1. If you have lots of tattoos ..... you might like NCL

 

I discovered I am more of a Princess sort of girl. I fully admit I can be sort of uptight.

 

But next time I want to try another line.

 

P.S. I am 40 and from Southern California, married, with 2 kids.

OH MY GOD!!!!

I guess I need to cancel all my Princess Cruises.

I wasn't aware of the Tattoo restrictions.

Do you think they will let me use my "formal attire" to cover my tattoos while I'm sitting by the pool being forced to listen to the overly loud movie/concert on MUTS?

P.S. I'm 56 and am usually considered, as you say, "those types"

We have a couple of dinner reservations that I would like to tweek slightly. Understand that we can do that as soon as we board. Where, on the Dawn, do we go for this?

 

Thanks.

Ellen

Ellen,

Once you get onboard look around the Atrium. The restaurant staff will have a table set up with all the Menus.

The person at the table will have an computer to take or change reservations.

If you don't find them in the Atrium as soon as you board. They will be set up to one side of the Customer Service desk after Muster and for the rest of the cruise during non-service hours.

Failing those. Stop by any of the specialty restaurants during service hours and they will change your reservations.

Mark

Hello, So we are a party of 6. Me, my DH, our 2 small boys and My parents. I booked a 2 bedroom suite and a connecting mini-suite for the Dawn. I know that means only the people in the bedroom suite will get the suite perks, but as there is no Haven I'm not sure what we'll be missing out and how it worked for other people. I have plenty of time to change things so I'm trying to decide if losing the connecting room and giving my parents a suite is a necessity or if we can make do

On the Dawn the only things that the mini-suite will miss out on are the priority disembarkation, Suite section in the theater, and the Moderno breakfast/lunch perk.

On our January cruise Roeul (sp) was the Concierage.

Priority Disembarkation by Mark Davis, on Flickr

Get to know him, explain your cabin arraignment. He has the authority to extend some suite benefits to the others. NCL is known to give VIP benefits to non-suite passengers. (Roll Call coordinators etc.)

If you want the Butler to bring food for everyone. Just tell him. He will deliver it to the Suite. You can pass it out from there.

It is not guaranteed that the Concierage will do anything for you. For that you will be better off booking the second Suite.

By the way, having the built-in babysitter next door, is the best perk you have.

Mark

Sunset Over New Orleans

Leaving Roatan

How do I contact the "upsell department "

Does it make a difference that we booked with a travel agent

The phone number to Upsell is 1.800.625.4309

It does make a difference that you booked with a travel agent.

From what I understand all dealings regarding your booking have to go through your TA to NCL.

Mark

I didn't rent any I used the gear I had though I wish I would have rented a longer zoom lens. Here is the gear I brought on this trip:

 

Camera: Sony A7RII

Lenses: Sony 55mm; Sony 16-35; and Sony 70-200mm

 

Vivian,

We are thinking of an Alaska cruise.

Your comment about the longer lens prompted couple a questions.

I usually take my 150-600 f/5-6.3 on cruises.

On the cloudy/overcast days did you have stop lower than f/6.3 without bouncing the ISO really high ?

My sweet spot on this lens is around f/8. Can I get fast enough shutter speeds at that f/stop again without raising my ISO over the ISO 64 - 200 range?

I want to get the reach of that lens. I love my 70-200 f/2.8 but sometimes it's just not enough.

Thanks

Mark

Don't count on it.

We sailed during the National Championship Football game and it wasn't shown.

We were told NCL didn't have broadcast rights to NCAA games.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Forums mobile app

I love the Dawn's garden villa. Especially the 2 masters and we had 14000 so it had a kitchen and they brought in a blender and all kinds of mixers:)

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

14500 has a Wet Bar instead of the kitchen

If you need to have your ceremony indoors, the living room is quite large. They may need to move the furniture out to make more room.

Norwegian Dawn Garden Villa 14500 by Mark Davis, on Flickr

I think you should post some photos for her so she can see how beautiful. (we want to see too.)

Here are some pictures of the Norwegian Dawn GV 14500.

The Star is similar in layout but it's more cluttered with the "Old" decorations. Statues, trees, etc.

Norwegian Dawn Garden Villa Sundeck by Mark Davis, on Flickr

I'll be following Terry,

Check my reply on your other post. If that will work let me know.

Mark

Terry,

This is such a disappointment. I was looking forward to your live BLOG.

Do you use Flickr?

If you can upload there, you can email me with the photo titles. I can download them into my albums, then upload them to CC for you.

Let me know.

Mark

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Forums mobile app