20YearsBetweenCruises

Here are some photos going under the bridge. The time stamp is 7:47 PM. It was some mild panic as it really looked like we were going to hit the bridge. I was picturing that big ball cracking off and trying to think what direction I should run -LOL.

Thank you both!

 

 

 

20Years, was the balcony significantly smaller than 9922?

If you are asking about 9320, it appeared to me the same size as 9922 (which was ours and the pictures I posted on an earlier reply on this topic). It had 2 chairs, table and a lounge chair. Ours had 2 chairs and table originally. I asked our room steward for a lounge chair also and he brought one down later. We loved our balconies!

I’m not a parent but, can’t you make an exception about letting your kids hear curse words in front of you for a free show on a cruise you’re already paying for? I’m pretty sure your 9-12 year olds have heard a few f-bombs on the playground by now, right?

I was thinking the same thing (except I am a parent, just of 20-something’s).The f-word was probably said less than 10 times. Jersey Boys was really good.

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I really like the chicken tortilla bowl.

Funny how everyone can have different experiences. I was on the same cruise and thought it felt less crowded then the Getaway. We only had one time where’s we had an issue finding a table in the Garden Cafe. I guess it depends on time you go.

Was on the Bliss May 10-25. Was given a paper/cardboard straw at one point (I requested a straw) for a Mango Meltdown. Did not like using it because it tasted like cardboard. So if going with paper straws, try them out first to make sure they don’t ruin the drink with their taste.

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On 15 day cruise on Bliss last month, each Platinum level person received 2 free bags.

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These are pictures of 9922, the balcony for 9320 was similar. Very nice large balcony! We like the bed by the bathroom. (9320 bed is by balcony.)

9320 was my sister’s room. The bed was by the balcony. Our room was 9922, which had the bed by the bathroom.

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This is the kind of deal I’m thinking of, but yours was way better. The third and fourth free does make a big difference, so you guys were ok?

Yes, we were fine. 2 showered in the mornings, the other 2 in the evenings. We used every shelf, drawer, nook and cranny to store our clothes so try not to over pack (we had 4 suitcases and they fit under the bed)

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We did a balcony with 4 on the Epic. My husband, myself and our 20 and 22 year old kids. One kid on the couch, the other in a pull down from the ceiling. The bathroom was not optimal, but there is a curtain that blocks it off. It was a great deal as it was 3/4 sail free, unlimited drinks for 2, soda package for 2, unlimited speciality dining for all 4, and included gratuity! This was a Mediterranean cruise in 2015.

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I wonder how long it will be before we get posts from people "demanding" that NCL "do the right thing" and give them a full refund and a new cruise for free? LOL You KNOW it is coming...

Yes! This is a great idea. I demand they put me back on the wonderful Norwegian Bliss to make up for my trauma of both the “code bravo” and distress caused by trying to drink a Mango Meltdown without a straw!

We were at one of the restaurants when the “code bravo” was over the speaker and something like “all crew members report”. Our waiter’s eyes got as big as saucers. It was a bit disconcerting. This announcement explaining what happened was about 30 minutes later. It was also addressed in the “technical talk” done at end of the cruise. Basically stated it was not a drill. Fire was outside incinerator but still in a contained space and was put out immediately but following safety procedures they called the “code bravo”.

Photo of the sign by the kids area

Great review! We were on too and was fun re-living the trip reading your write-up.

Just off a 2-day preview cruise on Bliss.

NO straws at the bars. Not even upon request. A couple times when I ordered a mango meltdown, bartenders told me up front there were no straws.

Often I had a mango moustache as a result!

 

There were straws available in Starbucks. Also, I got a milkshake at Coco's, and it came with - you guessed it - a big ol' plastic straw.

On the Bliss now. You’ve just given me a reason to order a milkshake. I’ll recycle the straw for my mango meltdowns [emoji4]

While I am certainly ready to have a go at the new locks, I really think that old locks have more to offer visually. Most cruise ships that still use the old locks are referred as Panamax which basically means they are about as big as you can get into the chamber. A Panamax ship will utilize over 90% of the chamber, just barely squeaking in with 2' on each side. Meanwhile at the new locks a ship like the Bliss will only use a little more than 50% of the chamber. I don't think it will look nearly as dramatic. Then then there is the different method of taking the ship through the locks... old locks up to 8 locomotives aka mules. New locks, 2 tugs that you probable won't see very much of, so there are less items to attract your attention. Another thing is the new locks is just a single lane, so you won't see the interaction with the ship in the opposite lane. You combine all these differences and then add that passage through the new locks is a bit s l o w e r than the old locks, perhaps it could cause the casual cruiser's attention to drift away from what an amazing task is being performed for you.

 

Even though most people look at the locks as the key part of the Canal since it is the "working" part of the operation, the good news is the rest of your transit will remain unchanged. The scenic cruise across Gatun Lake where the main channel follows the original path of the Chagres River and sailing through the man made fjord of Gaillard Cut, those are just as important to the Canal as the locks are.

 

I would prefer to do the old locks first, but I would not bypass an opportunity to make atransit using the new locks.

Thank you for the detailed reply. I have some thinking to do.

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If you never did a Panama Canal cruise, which locks would you want to go through? Booked on Bliss,but wondering if I will miss the historic aspect if going through the new locks.

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Did you make any changes to your reservation after you booked 9 months in advance? I lost the extra points when I modified it for perks and lower price.

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We always enjoy the towel animal, but take it apart and use the towel the next morning.

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Our first NCL cruise was in 2004 with our then 3 grade school aged kids. They are all adults now and received credit for the several cruises they went on when they were under 18. No problems, it was all automatic.

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Yes, on Getaway 2 weeks ago we took a case of water and a 12 pack of coke. Just taped the luggage tag to the packaging and dropped it off with our luggage. It did arrive after our suitcases. Probably because they take more time to inspect it to make sure it is not alcohol.

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I agree, it would be great to have serve yourself soda machines. I hope that changes in the future.

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We walked about the length of deck five to get off the ship at one of the ports. They were cleaning many rooms and we all commented on how large the insides appeared. Also the hall way was twice the width of the one on deck 13. At least I think that was deck 5.

Two years ago we had a large balcony that was very forward. This time we went with mid-ship because it felt such a long walk to go back to the cabin. We liked mid-ship much better.

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Agree, I don't think you can mix reservations made with TA with those made directly with ncl, but a TA can still book a group as long as all reservations are through that TA.