ggTexasGal

Unless you are in the Haven, or have some status priority, or plan to utilize Easy Walk Off (get in line with all of your luggage EARLY), you probably want to book closer to noon.

The perks for Aft suites on the Pearl depend on which suite category and which deck, which means that a butler and concierge service might not be included (some on deck 9 do not receive those services). There is no special dinner restaurant for any suites (nor the Haven) on the Jewel class ships. You will need to reserve whichever restaurant suites you each evening.

Each of those ports are good to great. You just don't know, if you never go!

Did you book on your own, or book through NCL? NCL won't let you book their excursions without a reasonable time gap between them. Just be sure you are following the ship's time!

Sorry for my mistaken posts. I stupidly read your VIBE as Viva and was using the Viva's itinerary! Leaving New Orleans could be hit or miss for certain! On the first sea day, it typically warms up significantly, and the temperatures on the Western Itinerary can be significantly "warm". However, we were on one January trip when the staff at Harvest Caye were bundled up with jackets because a front made it's way down that far south.

With year-round, or, home schooling being so popular, as well as some schools not returning as early, plenty of families will still likely be able to take that cruise. As for weather and "cooler" daytime temperatures, I think you might be very surprised. Have you searched for average temps in the lesser Antilles in January? January is during the peak tourist season (for exactly this reason). Here's one example: Barbados weather in January Daytime high: 29°C / 84°F Nighttime low: 23°C / 73°F Hours of Sunshine 9 hours daily Rainfall Low (70mm) Relative Humidity Low (77%).

Only port hours (or storms) are likely to make H2O and pool decks less crowded.

I just measured a paper laundry bag that came home with us in the past. It measures 21" long by 14" wide. (It's definitely not the size of a standard pillow case.) Unfortunately, I don't recall how old this bag is, but it might be the "OLD one", which was a larger bag than the new ones!

Truly enjoying your posts and photos! Thank You!!!

It is very difficult to predict what packages might included from one cruise to another. Brand availability has been changing on a regular basis, from cruise to cruise and ship to ship. The package price has increased, and possibly will again by 2025. With all that said, if I were you, I would go ahead and book the upgrade now, if you see what you like. Then, closer to the cruise, recheck what is happening to determine if keeping that package fits your needs.

@UnbridledEnthusiasm A post that is four months old isn't so bad to resurrect, since the cost and the T&Cs are still the same. Posts that are quite a bit older, when the costs or T&C's being discussed have changed, are often a problem because it's more likely for readers to confuse the relevant facts.

Although it is not currently more expensive at $34.80 per person per day to upgrade, it is certainly possible that NCL might increase the per day cost before your cruise. If you are particular about your selection, perhaps taking a few bottles (that you know you like) onboard at no extra charge with FAS, could be an option for you to consider.

Possibly less expensive. (Lots of variables) However, even when we have booked onboard, we usually ended-up "tweaking" our reservations later.

(From the "Terms and Conditions") Specialty Dining Packages (SDP) are available online for pre-sale or onboard during the first two days of the voyage. SDP is not available on 1 and 2-day sailings; On 3-day sailings, SDP is for sale on day 1 only. No refunds available if not all meals are used. SDPs are personal (per person, e.g., 2 guests cannot share 1 SDP meal) and non-transferable (guests cannot give their SDP meals to someone else). An SDP meal in a la carte restaurants includes 1 appetizer, 1 soup or salad, 1 main course and 1 dessert (does not apply to cover charge restaurants or Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar and Sushi, where a meal includes any 4 menu items). No sharing or to go orders permitted. SDP does not include beverages and additional and/or premium menu items will incur charges. A 20% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. No SDP kids pricing available. We encourage guests to visit ncl.com/myncl to make dining reservations in advance. Reservations are not required but highly recommended, once onboard, reservations will be subject to availability. SDP meals can be enjoyed at American Diner, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Food Republic, Italian, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Raw Bar, Seafood, Sushi and Teppanyaki. Dining options vary by ship. You may choose to use SDP meals in entertainment-based restaurants. There will be a 20% gratuity charge on all SDP entertainment-based restaurants. Venues/Events not included in SDP include: Room Service, SWIFT, District Brewhouse, The Bake Shop, Coco’s, O’ Sheehan’s Ice Cream Bar, Dolce Gelato, Special Occasion/Holiday menus and select Entertainment-based meals.

Yes! Le Bistro, and some others, do require a bit more coverage (nicer) clothing for evening meals.

NCL is very good at sending emails that seem extremely attractive. Unfortunately, it is up to the buyer to "be aware", which does require reading the Terms and Conditions (also are badly worded)! I hope you can find a cruise that satisfies your "wants" and your wallet!

And date of Inaugural cruise (age of ship).

No true "Buffet Menus." However, they might have "Tonight's Feature" sign and/or table cards.

A further up-side to two Studios would be you each would receive the $50 per excursion credit (if that is of any importance to you).

I would call to verify, (I don't have actual knowledge). However, NCL tends to have similar policies for most things like this. I booked a "Thermal Spa Pass" and the reservation states, "ALL CHANGES MUST BE MADE THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO SAILING. THERMAL SPA PASSES CAN ONLY BE CANCELLED ON DAY 1 OF THE SAILING AS LONG AS THE SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN USED." Probably best to cancel no later than 72 hours prior to embarkation!

"Refundable" OBC can be used for everything onboard, so, if your TA gives "non-refundable OBC," then you'll need to pay the things you listed out of your own pocket.

You might want to have your TA ask NCL to email you an Amenities Invoice (which 'should" include any perks that might not otherwise be showing on the TA's invoice).

Last year, we were contacted somewhere around 75 to 60 days prior to embarkation.

Thank you for the virtual tour. I appreciate being able to see it all without dealing with lingering cigarette smoke odors.

Thank you for posting the wonderful photos!