Doglover48

I do see that now. I've been on a cruise and I checked before I left and these were not listed. I guess they updated their website because only 2016 dates were listed a week ago.

Thanks!

Happy cruising!

Hi All.

I see Princess is cruising Japan this summer. However, when I look to see dates for 2017 there aren't any listed for June, July or August. Does anyone know why? Will they be added? Have they been removed for some reason?

I'm trying to plan for a trip in the summer as I'm a teacher and can only travel then.

Thanks so much for you insight or other cruise line suggestions.

How to Book a Cruise

 

Correct method:

 

1) read and understand pertinent terms, conditions and booking rules

2) decide

3) book

 

Incorrect method:

 

1) decide

2) book

3) read and understand pertinent terms, conditions and booking rules

I think my original point was missed in that in previous situations NCL was very flexible and reasonable and gave me OBC. In this case, yes I can read the fine print, I was hoping they would be flexible again. $200 towards excursions or OBC for my own choosing it's still going to the company. That was really my point.

Still going on the cruise. Still going to enjoy myself.

Did your book your suite because you thought you could save $200 on a excursion? or did you book it because you want the extra service and space?

 

It has always clearly stated per port and per room not per person.

 

If you do get it changed over to OBC please share it with the board because you not the only one throwing that perk away

Booked because of service and space but perks are nice when you are spending that kind of money.

So a few things, the OBC is pretty much a throwaway, book the diving on your own, Kona Divers is awesome and and Maui Dreams Dive company. These guys are the best, not a lot of people on the boats and it is whale season in Maui so they do a combo kind of dive and whale watch, they are in no rush to get the dive over and get you back in. We had a mom and a baby whale go directly under our boat. The most awesome thing is hearing them underwater while diving.

 

I understand the frustration on the suite perks, but it is not NCL it is the state law. They should have some other special perk for Hawaii cruises since you really can't get the most cost effective perk.

 

You will love Hawaii, not sure if you have been or not, if you have any questions on things to do let me know, we have been many times.

Thanks! This will be our 4th time but not on a cruise. I've emailed all the dive companies but I have yet to hear back from Kona Dive Company. I've heard good things.

Regardless of what cabin category you book it is important to understand the terms and conditions. If you keep calling NCL they might cave on the OBC so I wouldn't give up yet.

My mom always said the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Just venting and not sure if I can talk to another person at NCL. We book POA the Penthouse suite for next December. We got the perks but what I didn't know was the shore excursion credit is only $50 per couple for each port (4). The $50 doesn't accumulate. It can only be used $50 each day. The only excursion we are interested in is the dive in Kona. We plan on diving each port. The excursion is $230 pp. I can do it for half on my own. And, $50 isn't helping offset the costs.

I contacted NCL and told the, this and asked if they could make it a $200 obc to cover drinks and a spa pass. They don't do alcohol packages because of federal law.

It was a flat out NO.

I'm perturbed to put it nicely. We always get suites on NCL. We're spending a lot of money. I just don't think it was too much to ask for an obc. I'm sure we will blow more than that on drinks in the first few days.

For the people who asked about the cheese shop in Honfleur:

 

La Fromagere & Le Vigneron "Boutique d'Honfleur"

 

29, rue de la Republique

14600 Honfleur

 

e-mail: fromagere.vigneron@orange.fr

 

tele (+33) 2 31 88 60 54

 

No Caribbean menus on board now, but there are "local" dishes. Last night there was smoked pork chop with sauerkraut for example.

 

Another update from the last two days:

 

Aarhus (pronounced "ar hoose") Denmark

 

No tour here, we like many just wandered around the town. Princess had a shuttle to downtown since we we were docked at an industrial pier. Went over to the cathedral which was lovely. Gothic in style, but whitewashed inside like many of the former Catholic churches turned into Lutheran churches in the Reformation. In a few places they had removed the whitewash so that you could see the original murals which depicted saints.

 

We then walked the shopping street. For anyone who has been to Santa Monica in Los Angeles and walked the Third Street Promenade, this was like that. A former street open to cars with shops along converted to just pedestrians, so no cars. Lots of people and chain stores including H & M, Levis, as well as two local department stores one of which had Starbucks. We stopped at a coffee shop for a snack and to use the free Internet.

 

Warnemunde/Rostock

 

There wasn't room for us at the Warnemunde, Germany, cruise terminal as Celebrity Silhouette was there and supposedly an Aida (German cruise line) was supposed to be there but didn't show up. So we docked at an industrial dock south of there. It was convenient for Princess tours to Berlin (the whole point of stopping here) as there are train tracks adjacent to the berth. Princess chartered two private company trains which seemed to have about 10 to 12 cars each. I would guess they had close to 1,000 passengers going.

 

This actually worked very well in Princess' favor as yesterday the German state train system went on strike. So they went anyway. Made it difficult for passengers making their own arrangements though. Alla and SPB, the two tour agencies many CruiseCritic people are using I think used buses so they were not affected.

 

We chose something different here as we had already been to Berlin last week. On both TripAdvisor and CruiseCritic the most recommended tour was "Friends of Dave" who is an American living here who does local tours. Because we weren't in Warnemunde like we were supposed to be, he arranged for a cab to pick us up and take us back to the ship.

 

So off we went with 20 Celebrity and 4 Princess passengers for a walk around Warnemunde which is a North German beach town. Quaint architecture and a nice start to the day. Off and on rain during the day for which we are fully prepared (we are eventually going to Ireland!)

 

Then it was on to Wismar, an old Hanseatic League city with a couple of large brick cathedrals. The first was bombed out in the war so only the steeple stands now. The second is still being restored and is fully enclosed as it was, but not furnished. They actually said it wasn't functioning as a real church because there aren't enough people to attend. We were reminded that we were in the former East Germany where reigion was frowned upon and so an entire generation has lost that.

 

We stopped at the Brauhaus am Lohberg zu Wismar for lunch. I had goulash and Maureen had the pork schnitzel. We both had their local dark beer, which was not bitter at all. This was included in the price of the tour.

 

Then we drove about 45 minutes to a town called Scherwin. This was the old Mecklinburg family capital when this was one of the Hanseatic city/states. There is a castle there that is like an ornate version of Neuschwanstein or the Disneyland Castles but of a later period of history. Lots of towers and onion domes as well as copper roofed spires. The grounds around it were beautiful with flowers and a large lake surrounded it.

 

We then walked into the town square and had a snack. We had ice cream, but you could have had cake or a beer. Finally we drove home through a thunderstorm with lightening and thunder. We got back to the ship and the train passengers still hadn't gotten back yet. We went down to dinner, which was "open" seating in all dinning rooms because not all of the passengers had retuned. So we didn't have our usual waiters, but we had an enjoyable meal anyway.

 

Today is a day at sea (along with another time change!) and its formal night tonight.

My mom and I signed up for his tour company as well. I guess you would say it was worth it? Also, how was Alla in SPB and Stockholm? We will be using them for our excursions as well. Both companies come highly rated but I always appreciate a personal opinion. Thanks!

Marnie

Hi All!

Has anyone used this company for tours in Oslo? If so, how were they? I'm still looking for a tour outside of Princess for an excursion the day we are in port.

Thanks!!

we've got 6106 on Connie booked for our 25th in 2016 (also booked 7140 for my SIL) so I've done some simmilar research and found these

 

http://s1256.photobucket.com/user/MoreMoores/library/Celebrity%20Suite?sort=4&page=1

 

and also this

 

 

Hope there helpful:).

Thanks Greg! They are similar to Jenna's pics.

They have definitely had foot stools and you can request / get one.

 

Here are pics of 7140 on Constellation, one deck down but nearly identical.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Great pics! Thanks. Do you remember if the bed was a queen or king?

Unfortunately, I'm a bit computer illiterate and am unable to post pictures of the balcony in 8106, where I've stayed before and am booked again. The balcony is shaped in a half circle and is furnished with a table and two chairs. There is a panel between you and 8104, which is forward of your balcony. Aft of your balcony, you will be able to view the other balconies, which are not on a bump-out as you are. The balcony is wider than those of the non-suites you'll see when you stand by the railing. There is a roof overhead from the deck above you. DH and I enjoyed the room, and I'm sure you will, too. The windows are amazing, almost making you feel like you're outside when you're inside!

Thanks! I wonder if you can get a foot stool?

That's perfect! Thanks!

Hi All! I've booked this cabin for next March 2016 for our anniversary. I wanted to know if anyone has stayed in this cabin or similar suite class and has pictures or can describe the balcony. I know the ship had them added but can't find pics. Thanks!

Almost tempted to get one of those aft corner balcony rooms. The pics of the balcony are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

thanks!

West end divers. We used them last year. We are using them this year. Theto brick you up and drop you off at the the cruise terminal. Super nice. Great dive!

Hi we did this excursion last year when we were on the Pearl. It was easy convenient. With that said, however, we will not be using the ship excursion again. We did not get back to the ship until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. They had us stay at the "resort" for an hour hoping we would buy more food and drink. We just wanted to go. Also, we had to pay additional money when we got their for the rental equipment even though we signed up for the excursion which said we would need rental equipment. Took it up with NCL and they did nothing. We will be using Sea Sports Belize and hope we have a better experience.

Hi. We were in Bonaire at Christmas and used Harbor Village. It's about 10-15 minutes from the cruise port. They have 1 tank dives at 3 different times, 8:30, 10:15 and 2. These may work as each dive site is super close to the resort. They even have shore diving. We loved them! Very nice resort. Quiet. Good food for lunch.

Good luck

BTW Other places in the area Buddy Dive.

cansas.. Thanks! for the info

yes, we will be docked in Nynäshamn. Hence, the reason we will be using the Princess excursion bus ($65) to travel back and forth. Then we have 5 1/2 hours in the old town to investigate.

Thanks for the helpful advice!

Thanks for the replies! I'm going to keep investigating. The walk does seem pretty easy but I will be traveling with my 70 year old mom. She needs a plan or she will be very stressed. Then I'm stressed. And, well you know how it goes! Loll! Going to look for a good map and plan from there.

I will be on a cruise in July on the Regal and had a question about Stockholm and walking tours. The excursions princess provides don't interest me. They do provide a bus($65pp) into Stockholm and leaves you at city center. However, I'm not into wondering aimlessly for hours with my mom. I've been checking private guides and walking tours but wanted to know if anyone has done this. Or, has been dropped off in" city center". Was it easy to walk around? Trying to keep costs down as well since the other excursions, Berlin and st. Petersburg, are so expensive. Any advie or steering me in the right direction would be great!

Unfortunately I dont have experience diving with NCL, but my wife and I have taken dive trips from many other lines, and have never had one canceled. Also I have had very good experiences with the shops they choose to work with. We bring all our own gear which I recommend, but have seen other use the rental gear with no issues. You should have great trips. Enjoy!

 

6&8

Thanks 6&8 (love the craps reference)! we've dove on other cruise ships but I've made all the arrangements. Good to know you had a good experience.

We were just in Cozumel for a week in August and my DS got his advanced open water certification. He and DH said the diving was very good. Belize is typically amazing and Key West (we have heard) has gotten much better over the past few years. It has been too long to comment on Roatan.

 

We loved the Pearl. She is a great ship not too big, not too small. Enjoy your holiday!!!

Thanks! You too!

My pleasure! :)

DH and DS are diving in Costa Maya and Cozumel. It's a shame that they don't offer a dive in Jamaica. Our DD does not dive so we have made plans to hang onboard and hit the water slides (and maybe the spa!).

I don't think so. We are on the Pearl March 21. We don't go to Jamaica. We do Belize, roatan, Cozumel and Key West!

Hi Getaway4fun!

Thanks for finding the info out for me! Good to know we can change the res. I kind of thought we would as we were able to do it on a Celebrity cruise as well. Will you be diving at any of the ports?

This is our first cruise on NCL and I had a few questions I hope someone may be able to answer.

1. We wanted to do the chefs table during our cruise and I booked our specialty restaurants. Can we change our reservation once we get on the ship if the 2 overlap?

2. We booked the ships excursion for diving at Cozumel and Belize. Has anyone else done this? Have they ever cancelled? We would be really bummed as this is the purpose of our trip. Thought of booking on our own but worried about the tenders and times even though we have a suite.

Last one!

3. Anyone know the cost for a 7 day pass for the spa to access the thermal room, sauna, steam room etc?

Thank you so much!!