FireEater

Here is one that works a lot of ports:

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com

They will have one waiting in your stateroom and all you do is leave it there when done.

I can not comment on MSC cruises as I have not been on one yet, but I wanted to let you know:

1) School starts late August to 1st week of September in most States within USA, so 23 Sept will be school period for kids. Not sure how many would take out their kids to cruise.

2) I have been on 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 day cruises and quality has always been good on all the cruise lines I have traveled on.

3) On hurricane time frame, hope for the best is all I can say. I live in Florida and one just never knows when it will hit, so having the insurance is worth it.

So, have you hit the buy button yet?

Best to call corporate and have it added in special notes then when on ship, notify the restaurant on first night at the desk, then your waiter. With 3 notifications, am sure the ball will not drop.

Deck 18 forward shows a VIP Restaurant.

Depending on which ship you book (Divina or Seaside), will depend on the Suite Restaurant location. I read that the new Seaside ship coming to Miami has the Suite Dining room up front in the Yacht Club (Deck 18), thereby keeping everything in the Yacht Club.

Read where the Suite Dining Room is forward (in the YC area) on the Seaside, as where on the current ship(s), they are not.

I would bring the receipt onboard and see if the bartender can make it....

Found this on the web: It has a dark-brown colour with a reddish tint, and tastes subtly of spice and citrus fruit. As a summer long drink, it is also commonly served with "English-style" (clear and carbonated) lemonade, as well as various chopped garnishes, particularly apples, cucumber, oranges, lemons, strawberry, and mint or borage, though nowadays most substitute mint. Ginger ale is a common substitute for lemonade. Pimm's can also be mixed with Champagne (or a sparkling white wine), called a "Pimm's Royal Cup". Pimm's Winter Cup is generally mixed with warm apple juice.

Found the following on the web:

OWNER’S SUITE PERKS

•Embarkation:

•Personal escort to stateroom

•Metallic colored key card

•1 Bottle of French Champagne

•1 Floral Arrangement

•1 Fruit Bowl (replenished when used)

•2 Bottles of Spring Water (replenished when used)

•2 Bottles of Sparkling Water (replenished when used)

•3 Bottles of Liquor From Menu

•Variety of 6 sodas Pepsi/ Diet Pepsi/Sierra Mist/Tonic/club soda - (replenished when used)

•Whole Milk/Skim Milk for Cappuccino Coffee set up

•Warm face towels, embarkation by Butler

•Upon request, unpack guest suitcases by Butler

I would call the concierge desk in Miami about 2 weeks out to arrange what liquor you want waiting...if that is too early, they will let you know.

I have 1 X cruise under my belt. I am late 50's in age. I found X to be boring and appeared to self promote future cruises way too much. The food was mediocre at best (per all at the table).

For a 21 yo, I think NCL would be better suited.

Driving for work around Central Florida Thursday, I found a lot of gas stations out of gas. I filled up Wednesday, so it was not an issue for me UNTIL i get back to traveling the roads Monday. I will have to meter my distance until the stations can get replenished. I am staying FAR FAR away from the East Coast too for about a week....

I sailed on her last year as a trial for a 7 day NCL cruise. I found it no different then any of the other 14 cruises I have been on, on multiple cruise lines for 5 to 10 days. I found the cruise to be relaxing and I enjoyed myself. You will find passengers excessively drinking on any length cruise.

What ever it is, hope they have it all in line and working by late March for my cruise through the Panama Canal...:)

As long as you have "Proof" some how, some way, you have it covered. Paper, digital, smoke signals....:)

I have read way too many stories on here where the cruiser gets to the ship and the ship PC does not show their dinner package, drink package, certain excursion's, OBC, correct cabin type, etc. With a trail of proof, no matter the way, it will help if you have "Proof".

I've gotten those mailers before and can tell you with just about 100% certainty that they are not direct from NCL, but from a timeshare/vacation club company. The only free cruises that NCL give directly come from Casinos at Sea. Anything else is a come on.

My sister got one too. They went. It was to purchase a coupon book for stores she never knew about or lists...even on line.....then they told her the taxes have to be paid. They walked away!!!

Have been going in circles trying to find out which ports NCL docks at or anchors at?

Any insight where I can find it?

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA, COLOMBIA

PANAMA CANAL/GATUN LAKE,PANAMA,

COLON, PANAMA

PUERTO LIMON, COSTA RICA

ROATAN, BAY ISLANDS, HONDURAS

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE

TIA

No matter the line we have been on that allows soda, we have always just left them in the cardboard. Wife rides a scooter and puts 2-3 12 packs on her floorboard and away she goes.....we use her seat back to hold a backpack, and her baskets for incidentals. They take it all out and run it through the x-ray, but we have never had an issue with anything my lil pack mule carries onboard...:cool:

Comes to a little over $270 a day pp. Would you stay in a hotel that costs $540 a night with food and entertainment included?

As to the accessible cabin, expect to be moved and you will not be shocked IF it happens. They can move you anywhere to a similar cabin (aft, mid, forward, port, starboard) or they can bump you up. I have to book assessable for my wife, and most times, they are all taken on cruises, so we book early.

I like the Southern routes too, but I leave out of Port Canaveral. Only 1.5 drive and no flying hassle and transfer problems. A little longer cruise and a tad higher in price, but again no hassle with airport or transfer issues.

Does anyone know how to start a new post/thread? I can't find it anywhere?!

Go to the main page that lists all the post. At top left is a button to press for new thread.

My checkbook is geared more towards this cruise ship at the moment:

To each their own.

I have done the Sky 3 day one. Sure it is short, but it is close (5 hour drive) and fitted my needs (trial to try out NCL before a 7 day Sun (sister ship cruise). I usually go to Port Canaveral for RCL 3 day cruises. Its 1.5 hours drive and fits my needs to get away on quick weekend getaways to Bahamas. I have found all ships pretty much clean, no matter the line. Sure you will see some rust here and there, but I look beyond that and enjoy the time on the ship and at the ports.

Disney also offers a 3 day to the Bahamas and their private island. Totally enjoy Disney Cruise line as well.

I would recommend Hampton Inn.

 

Good price.

 

Includes Breakfast.

 

And close by to Mary Brickell Village with lots of restaurants.

 

Keith

Keith, when is your next cruise? Where to? On what line?

I got addicted to your blogs....:)

Holiday Inn - Port of Miami is excellent IMHO.

 

The Bayside Marketplace is right across the street and the rooms have an excellent view of the cruise ship dock.

I have stayed at this place twice. Both on points though...:)

It has a bar/restaurant on property and I must say, it was pretty good both times I used it. A few blocks South is a drug store (forget which one) that you can find last minute items to take onboard or replenish. If you get port view, you can see all the ships when you wake up from your room. It is right down from the Areana and across the street to some park you can stroll.

I was able to bring on caffeine diet pepsi twice....

My guess is they charge way too much..with it not being all inclusive, and are trying to find a happy number that will suit them and the customer...