NCL Star, Singapore-Hong Kong, 12/11/16 - my opinions of the ship and NCL

[walkingsoon]

This was the cruise that was delayed in Singapore for mechanical issues. We skipped the two Thailand ports and missed one in Vietnam due to weather. I thought the early decision on the part of NCL to refund the cruise fare and give a 50% credit for the next was quite generous and worked well to avoid grumbling. I wasn't really bothered by the delay at all and was very happy with the entire cruise experience. In fact, I think more highly of NCL (Princess is my usual line) after my last couple of cruises with them. I also prefer this NCL ship to the Epic - largely a size preference on my part.

 

What I liked (some of this is specific for the Star, some for NCL in general):

.. a very nice promenade deck as well as a good topside walking track (They were whitewashing over some of the murals - does anyone here know if they're getting rid of them or just changing them?)

.. nice atrium with modestly low key bird motif

.. not many long lines, either for dining room, guest services or shore excursions desk

.. O'Sheehan's is a nice place for non-bar drinkers to hang while listening to music in the atrium

.. the destination lectures were put on by an outside contractor and were actually interesting, as opposed to being simply sales pitches by the shore excursion desk

.. enjoyable variety of shows. They use musicians instead of a recorded music soundtrack like some of the competition has taken to.

.. the fill a bag ($20) laundry sale day

 

Some negatives (understand, please, that I've never been on a cruise I disliked and that I enjoyed this ship overall - these are simple talking points)

 

.. no self service laundromats

.. casino poker table has a horrible rake (10% is standard, but they take out preflop and max out at $25!!) OK, I get that this affects very few people, but I saw nothing I wanted to play in the casino. Apart from their tourney, I'm not sure if they ever got a live cash game going. A bad rake will do that.

.. buffet was a bit more limited than some others

.. embarkation was a bit disorganized. To be fair, the port employees were not NCL and the problem seemed to be caused by passport controls for Vietnam and (the previously unvisited) Sanya, PRC.

.. the breakfast and lunch menus don't change (at least very often)

.. few public area movie offerings. As well, the in cabin TV was small and had very limited offerings

.. the NCL Wi-Fi program seems, imo, hugely overpriced. Affording them wasn't the issue - I just didn't want to reward bad behavior. I survived staying unplugged :)

.. the ship photographers take over large portions of the atrium pretty much every sea day evening and are, imo, a pita. Likewise with them trolling through the dining rooms constantly setting their flashes off.

.. I prefer traditional dining, though I recognize that I'm in the minority on this issue.

 

A nice ship and, despite the hiccup at the start, a nice cruise. I'm trying to put together a series of globe circumnavigating segments using different cruiselines and the Star was figuring prominently into one of my potential itineraries. After taking this cruise, I'd be happy to get on it again.

 

I, btw, tried to post this directly on the Star subthread, but found no "start new thread button". My few other posts were in response to existing threads. I hope this finds its way to the appropriate cyberspot.

[BettyNL]

This was the cruise that was delayed in Singapore for mechanical issues. We skipped the two Thailand ports and missed one in Vietnam due to weather. I thought the early decision on the part of NCL to refund the cruise fare and give a 50% credit for the next was quite generous and worked well to avoid grumbling. I wasn't really bothered by the delay at all and was very happy with the entire cruise experience. In fact, I think more highly of NCL (Princess is my usual line) after my last couple of cruises with them. I also prefer this NCL ship to the Epic - largely a size preference on my part.

 

What I liked (some of this is specific for the Star, some for NCL in general):

.. a very nice promenade deck as well as a good topside walking track (They were whitewashing over some of the murals - does anyone here know if they're getting rid of them or just changing them?)

.. nice atrium with modestly low key bird motif

.. not many long lines, either for dining room, guest services or shore excursions desk

.. O'Sheehan's is a nice place for non-bar drinkers to hang while listening to music in the atrium

.. the destination lectures were put on by an outside contractor and were actually interesting, as opposed to being simply sales pitches by the shore excursion desk

.. enjoyable variety of shows. They use musicians instead of a recorded music soundtrack like some of the competition has taken to.

.. the fill a bag ($20) laundry sale day

 

Some negatives (understand, please, that I've never been on a cruise I disliked and that I enjoyed this ship overall - these are simple talking points)

 

.. no self service laundromats

.. casino poker table has a horrible rake (10% is standard, but they take out preflop and max out at $25!!) OK, I get that this affects very few people, but I saw nothing I wanted to play in the casino. Apart from their tourney, I'm not sure if they ever got a live cash game going. A bad rake will do that.

.. buffet was a bit more limited than some others

.. embarkation was a bit disorganized. To be fair, the port employees were not NCL and the problem seemed to be caused by passport controls for Vietnam and (the previously unvisited) Sanya, PRC.

.. the breakfast and lunch menus don't change (at least very often)

.. few public area movie offerings. As well, the in cabin TV was small and had very limited offerings

.. the NCL Wi-Fi program seems, imo, hugely overpriced. Affording them wasn't the issue - I just didn't want to reward bad behavior. I survived staying unplugged :)

.. the ship photographers take over large portions of the atrium pretty much every sea day evening and are, imo, a pita. Likewise with them trolling through the dining rooms constantly setting their flashes off.

.. I prefer traditional dining, though I recognize that I'm in the minority on this issue.

 

A nice ship and, despite the hiccup at the start, a nice cruise. I'm trying to put together a series of globe circumnavigating segments using different cruiselines and the Star was figuring prominently into one of my potential itineraries. After taking this cruise, I'd be happy to get on it again.

 

I, btw, tried to post this directly on the Star subthread, but found no "start new thread button". My few other posts were in response to existing threads. I hope this finds its way to the appropriate cyberspot.

 

Can't even begin to read your review WITHOUT thinking of the fact you had a free cruise ..... Any thoughts for those of us about to be screwed by NCL 😡😡

[ECCruise]

Can't even begin to read your review WITHOUT thinking of the fact you had a free cruise ..... Any thoughts for those of us about to be screwed by NCL 😡😡

 

The difference the OP saw in treatment and those on the following cruises is night and day and I am guessing there would and will not be such a largely glowing review from those pax. Free + big future discount does not much equate to minuscule compensation later.

 

I really think that they went so overboard on the first cruise that they emptied to coffers so to speak for those later. No way the first cruise deserved that level of compensation.

[tangigue23]

The difference the OP saw in treatment and those on the following cruises is night and day and I am guessing there would and will not be such a largely glowing review from those pax. Free + big future discount does not much equate to minuscule compensation later.

 

I really think that they went so overboard on the first cruise that they emptied to coffers so to speak for those later. No way the first cruise deserved that level of compensation.

 

I am not sure how you can say that. Having been on the December 11th sailing it was a bit unnerving not leaving Singapore for a couple of days and not knowing if maybe they would cancel the cruise. Yes we could get off and try to create our own land vacation on the fly, but that would be a real hassle. Also, the cruise which many fly across the world to experience Asia only stops in 2 ports for a total of 2 days, and uninspiring ports at that. Unlike subsequent cruisers, we had no ability to make alternate plans in advance as we were already on the ship. I think the compensation was very generous, but only because I know how stingy cruise lines are with these types of issues. Overall, I think it was fair of NCL what they offered, and while I will not comment on whether 50% off the Dec 22 cruise is fair, 20% off the sailing after that seems inadequate to me. I feel fortunate for the free cruise and future cruise discount, but I do feel we deserved it and am thankful NCL agreed.

[ECCruise]

I am not sure how you can say that. Having been on the December 11th sailing it was a bit unnerving not leaving Singapore for a couple of days and not knowing if maybe they would cancel the cruise. Yes we could get off and try to create our own land vacation on the fly, but that would be a real hassle. Also, the cruise which many fly across the world to experience Asia only stops in 2 ports for a total of 2 days, and uninspiring ports at that. Unlike subsequent cruisers, we had no ability to make alternate plans in advance as we were already on the ship. I think the compensation was very generous, but only because I know how stingy cruise lines are with these types of issues. Overall, I think it was fair of NCL what they offered, and while I will not comment on whether 50% off the Dec 22 cruise is fair, 20% off the sailing after that seems inadequate to me. I feel fortunate for the free cruise and future cruise discount, but I do feel we deserved it and am thankful NCL agreed.

 

But the whole point is you paid nothing for the experience plus the windfall of a future cruise discount. I maintain that your compensation was overboard and thus it affected future compensations. And if you feel that 20% off is inadequate, I wonder what you think about a $200 cabin credit? All for people who also flew across the world and had numerous ports cancelled. And yes, they had the chance to make alternate plans, but at what cost?

 

I have had a complete cruise cancelled, less than one week from departure, so I know of what I speak.

[deefer]

Walkingsoon,

 

Thank you for your review of the ship. Can I bother you for some more feedback?

 

What visas were taken care of by the ship?

 

What excursions did you do at the ports? Did you book independent vendors or did you use the ships excursions? In you opinion, what was the "must see" when in certain ports?

 

I'm glad you had an awesome time and I hope those that follow will also enjoy their cruises despite a varied itinerary. We will be on this cruise but in 2018 and on a different ship.

 

Thank you in advance!

[nizurc]

Walkingsoon,

 

Thank you for review of your recent cruise on the NCL Star.

 

We'll embark on her March 9, 2017 in Singapore. Is the hairdryer provided a "modern" one located in the desk area OR one of those with a hose attached to bathroom wall?

 

Thanks.

 

Carol

[Level six]

The difference the OP saw in treatment and those on the following cruises is night and day and I am guessing there would and will not be such a largely glowing review from those pax. Free + big future discount does not much equate to minuscule compensation later.

 

I really think that they went so overboard on the first cruise that they emptied to coffers so to speak for those later. No way the first cruise deserved that level of compensation.

 

I was on the cruise and believe me, unless you were there you do not know. There was little communication about what was going on. Would we need to get off in Singapore, would the ship be functional at all? (By the way they were loading the lifeboats with so much water, it was scary)How would we make it to Hong Kong where our flight home was? It was not just sitting by the pool having fun. It was also stressful for us. It is easy to say how unfair it was, but........we were on the ship......myself and others since Dubai and we did not have internet, or phone or any way to put a new plan together(some have said there was, but I never found the free internet room even with asking several times). We were stuck. How fun does that sound?

 

So what if we got a free cruise. It was a cruise to no where and horrible weather at that. We had 2 horrible ports on an 11 day cruise, who would go on a cruise like that? I seriously doubt anyone would have wanted to be on this cruise. It is easy to say from your couch at home, but you weren't there.

 

Plus, the 50% off is 50% of what you paid for that cruise.......in my case it amounts to $200 each. So, it is not the royal flush you are making it out to be. I don't even know if I will use that credit or not because this was a bad experience any way you look at it and I am not sure it is even worth using.

 

My review would be far different than this one. Maybe they had the free drink package, haha. I agree with several points....entertainment good(we were on since Dubai, so every single show was a repeat), nice cruise staff, food okay. But, I don't know what cruise this person was on when they say no lines,because the lines at the service desk were hours deep, circling the whole atrium at times. The atmosphere on board was not the normal cruise attitude, people were on end for the most part. Even the staff was nervous.

 

I don't know what fair compensation is for the future cruises, but to say we got more than we deserved?? You weren't there so you don't know. I also had a vacation ruined because I didn't get to the the main places I went to see (Bangkok and HCMC) I also spent a lot on airfare and gave up family times during the holidays just to sit on a boat day after day with no idea what the next would bring. I feel for you, but you were not on the ship when it broke, so, really, you don't know.

 

As for Visa's. Depending on your itinerary.........This cruise they "took care of" Vietnam visa($69pp). If you didn't have a China visa, then you had to pay for a ships shore excursion in order to get off the ship.

 

If you make it to Chang May, try to go to Hoi An.

[casofilia]

OP

Thank you for your balanced report on the cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong; it is probably the first I have read that has been positive but has pointed out some of the negative things about the Star.

We were on it from Rome to Singapore and would agree with many of your negatives though they were only minute annoyances.

That cruise was excellent and I hope that those doing the reverse, and the Aus/NZ cruises have great experiences also; but bear in mind the OPs comments.

[Level six]

OP

Thank you for your balanced report on the cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong; it is probably the first I have read that has been positive but has pointed out some of the negative things about the Star.

We were on it from Rome to Singapore and would agree with many of your negatives though they were only minute annoyances.

That cruise was excellent and I hope that those doing the reverse, and the Aus/NZ cruises have great experiences also; but bear in mind the OPs comments.

 

I agree with most, if not all of the positives. But, if you had just gotten on in Singapore, and not had the wonderful adventures before hand, would you still feel the same? I don't think so.........

It was the great adventures we had prior to Singapore that made this a cruise of a lifetime. The part after Singapore.............not so much.

[Da-Painter]

Your cruise really was bad. I would not sign up for a cruise like this even if it was free. The folks stating you should be grateful for a free cruise like this.....well, maybe they can experience this circumstance in the future.

 

Tell us how much you spent to fly to Singapore, how many hours you sat on a plane to get there and back, and all the associated costs. How long you planned this trip, etc. And what did you see, not all that you signed up for.

 

You told us, as others that you could not get any information while on the ship. I know how the lack of information like this is, I have experienced it on a NCL cruise before.

 

And some folks think you got the cruise of a lifetime, because you were credited with the 'cruise only' cost.

 

I would also be very upset, you have a right to be.

 

We were considering an Asian cruise in the future, but they are putting a mega ship there, we are not interested in that, passing on that.

 

Sorry to hear this happening, just glad I was not on this 'free cruise'. :eek::eek:

[casofilia]

{Snipped}

 

We were considering an Asian cruise in the future, but they are putting a mega ship there, we are not interested in that, passing on that.

 

Don't forget that Jewel is doing Sydney to Tokyo early in 2018.

 

Mike

[BettyNL]

Walkingsoon,

 

Thank you for review of your recent cruise on the NCL Star.

 

We'll embark on her March 9, 2017 in Singapore. Is the hairdryer provided a "modern" one located in the desk area OR one of those with a hose attached to bathroom wall?

 

Thanks.

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Carol

 

CAROL: thanks for finally a laugh .... That should be the least of my worries 😟😟

 

BettyNL ... Sailing in two days on the Mystery Cruise :eek:

[littlelulu01]

So sorry to all affected on these cruises. Had someone asked me if I wanted a free cruise with that itinerary but had to take such long flights and pay for them I too would have passed- even for half off next cruise - well unless I had one of the top suites. I always have the carnival poop cruise in the back of my mind when picking a stateroom. Not to say sometimes I can't pass up the lowest price room on the ship especially for a port intensive sailings but situations like currently on the Star make me think twice about it.

 

I remember reading about some issues with the Jewel Alaska last year. I think initially the offer was pretty paltry- something like $50 obc for skipping some Alaska ports and returning to Seattle early so repairs could be made. I really had to wonder what some posters motives were who defended the offer. Some passengers felt that sitting in an industrial port while the ship was being repaired was not technically cruising and they let KIRO news know about the situation. NCL quickly changed the offer. By then they had some pretty angry customers though.

 

God luck to all affected and hoping your dream vacations can be somewhat salvaged.

[casofilia]

{Snipped)

I remember reading about some issues with the Jewel Alaska last year. I think initially the offer was pretty paltry- something like $50 obc for skipping some Alaska ports and returning to Seattle early so repairs could be made. I really had to wonder what some posters motives were who defended the offer. Some passengers felt that sitting in an industrial port while the ship was being repaired was not technically cruising and they let KIRO news know about the situation. NCL quickly changed the offer. By then they had some pretty angry customers though.

 

They changed from $50 OBC to a seventh of the cost of the cruise; 7 day cruise with the return to Seattle 1 day early. They missed 1 port.

[pieshops]

Can't even begin to read your review WITHOUT thinking of the fact you had a free cruise ..... Any thoughts for those of us about to be screwed by NCL 😡😡

 

And you had 3 weeks plus to change your plans like we did from the 22nd sailing but we only had 3 days notice, geez stop complaining on everyone's posts. Wow you must be fun to cruise with

[walkingsoon]

Thanks all for the varying feedback.

Trying to respond to various questions...

 

1) The "free" cruise didn't really amount to a great price difference overall. It was an incredibly low fare to start with. I understand the concern that some with upcoming reservations might have; I was just looking at threads about deep cleaning delays and norovirus outbreaks on the Ruby Princess for my cruise on them next week. I wish the future cruisers on the Star good luck. As I mentioned before, I won't hesitate to book on there again.

 

2) For Vietnam, those without prearranged visas needed a so-called "landing card" (a short term pass that was not really a visa according to my incomplete understanding) which the ship helped you get for $69. Sanya, as well, had some kind of specially prenegotiated deal going with NCL allowing a short term visit for non-visa holders, though they had to be on a ship's tour (and the ships tours, btw, were pretty bad). I think that the island of Hainan might have a different requirement for visitors than the mainland. I was actually impressed with the PRC immigration people who seemed to be running a modern and efficient operation. I'm considering getting my own visas for China and India on spec. - I believe they're good for ten years.

 

3) Yes - the hairdryer was in the desk drawer. It seemed to work fine, though I don't require much from a hairdryer.

 

4) I did indeed board at Singapore (heard from several that the Dubai passage was a hoot) and enjoyed the time even without a free drink package. I'm in no great hurry, however, and set a pretty low bar for what I consider a good cruise. Pretty much any cruise where I don't have to work, poop in a bag or repel pirates is fine by me.

[teach2travel]

First off, I know that everyone has different expectations the perfect cruise...I think I would echo, " pretty much any cruise where I don't have to work, poop in a bag or repel pirates is fine by me" My sentiments exactly. Travel has taught me a lot of patience and I have developed a "go with the flow" attitude. I appreciate your review of the Star......I will be on the March 27th sailing from Dubai and feel I know a little bit more about the ship now.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

[havenfan]

I was on the cruise and believe me, unless you were there you do not know. There was little communication about what was going on. Would we need to get off in Singapore, would the ship be functional at all? (By the way they were loading the lifeboats with so much water, it was scary)How would we make it to Hong Kong where our flight home was? It was not just sitting by the pool having fun.

 

I also got on the Star in Singapore but, like some others have commented, do not recognize the cruise you were on. I experienced eight days of very fine weather with only three days of overcast skies and moderate rolling seas off the coast of Vietnam. The captain was very clear in his announcements on Day 2 about the compensation for those who chose to remain on the ship and for those who chose to disembark. He was also very clear that there was no danger to the ship or those aboard; if you chose to stress out about non-existent dangers, well that's on you. After Day 2 it was indeed just sitting by the pool having fun; there was almost literally nothing else to do for the next four days.

 

But, I don't know what cruise this person was on

 

I think I recognize it.

 

people were on end for the most part. Even the staff was nervous.

 

I didn't notice this at all. Though some of the Thai staff were unhappy that they weren't going to be able to see their families for 4-5 hours.

 

I agree with most, if not all of the positives. But, if you had just gotten on in Singapore, and not had the wonderful adventures before hand, would you still feel the same?

 

I'm glad we agree that the staff were good and the food and entertainment decent. This was not the cruise I booked, this is not the itinerary I would have chosen. But, for me at any rate, it was far from the cruise from hell you're making it out to be.

 

As for the compensation.... When the captain announced it on Day 2, we were losing three of the six original port days including, arguably, the most major ones (Bangkok x2 and Ho Chi Minh City) so I would have been disappointed with less than a 50% refund. The swap of Chan May for Koh Samui and the subsequent loss of Nha Trang are the types of changes for which $50 or $100 OBC are usually granted. So, all in all, I think NCL were very generous to those of us on that cruise.

 

we were on the ship

 

you weren't there

 

You weren't there so you don't know.

 

you were not on the ship when it broke, so, really, you don't know.

 

And I was there.

[havenfan]

the lines at the service desk were hours deep, circling the whole atrium at times.

 

I don't know about hours deep, but I agree it felt like the lines were generally longer than on past cruises I've been on, particularly at the OBC desk.

 

I don't even know if I will use that credit or not because this was a bad experience any way you look at it and I am not sure it is even worth using.

 

Not necessarily the longest line, but the most consistent, was the one at the CruiseNext office. I never walked by when it was open without seeing at least a half-dozen people waiting to talk to the rep. I'm guessing that an awful lot of people are planning on using the future cruise credit and were supplementing it with CruiseNext credits.

[havenfan]

I think that the island of Hainan might have a different requirement for visitors than the mainland.

 

NCL themselves were somewhat confused about the requirements for Hainan. On the internet and on the NCL website initially, it states that citizens of several countries including the US do not need visas to go ashore at Hainan. Then NCL's website changed to requiring that US citizens have a visa or else go on a NCL excursion. Then, on the morning at Sanya, I received word from NCL that US citizens could go ashore by themselves without a visa.

[Level six]

I don't know about hours deep, but I agree it felt like the lines were generally longer than on past cruises I've been on, particularly at the OBC desk.

 

 

 

Not necessarily the longest line, but the most consistent, was the one at the CruiseNext office. I never walked by when it was open without seeing at least a half-dozen people waiting to talk to the rep. I'm guessing that an awful lot of people are planning on using the future cruise credit and were supplementing it with CruiseNext credits.

 

First, I never said it was the cruise from hell......your words not mine. I did say that it was not a cruise anyone would book. I still had fun, honestly, I made so many friends and was one of the people who was laughing all night long, participating in every game, trivia, etc. But, I think the best part of CC that everyone can say what their experience was.

 

Second, I also had a fun time, not my intention to say I didn't. I have fun anywhere doing anything. I was just pointing out my experience and referring to the person who said we did not deserve the free cruise and 50% off. I was stating, "they were not there" in reference to them saying we were in the same situation they are in. I was saying, they have had time on land to change plans if they wanted, or to at the very least, have free online help to check their options. None of which I had.

 

Third, I am happy you had a great time and your total experience was a bit different than mine. Isn't it always that way on any cruise? Everyone wants different things. I book for the ports. I don't care about eating or drinking or most of the things that people often go on a cruise for. My best time is off the ship, seeing all the new places. I just use the cruise as floating transportation to the next place. On the prior 21 days, we had a port almost every day and it was fabulous!! Neither is wrong, just different. On this cruise(leaving Singapore), this was not the case, right? Do we agree on that? Two ports in 11 days?

 

Fourth, honestly, I don't know how we could disagree on the weather? On the cruise I was on(starting soon after leaving Singapore), it was raining, much colder, the seas were very rough(the reason we missed Nha Trang) and very very different from the prior 21 days. Of course not NCL's fault, I was just saying that it was not this calm, sunny cruise.

 

 

Fifth, The captain did say it was safe, that's why we had to wait in Singapore for the "professionals" to come on board to clear the ship to sail. At least that is what he said at the Meet the officers meeting. But, on all the cruises I have been on, I have never seen them preparing the lifeboats so much. Adding 100's of cases of water and medical supplies. I was out on the promenade most days (to get air because the first few I was seasick and to stay out of the rain) and saw them doing things I had never seen before. Was I concerned, yes! If it had been a normal cruise, not so much.

 

Sixth, just to make my point...........how did you find out we didn't need a visa for Sanya? And where? There were hundreds of us in line waiting for a Sanya shore excursion to leave the ship who did not hear this. Maybe if you were in the Haven(just guessing?) as your name states, things are different there. But, not one of the many, many friends I made on board knew about this. I literally went to the desk almost everyday because I had a copy of NCL's website saying we didn't need a visa and I was told every time that I could not go ashore if I did not have a visa or was on an organized tour. That is the way my cruise went, miscommunication at every step of the way.

[tangigue23]

Fourth, honestly, I don't know how we could disagree on the weather? On the cruise I was on(starting soon after leaving Singapore), it was raining, much colder, the seas were very rough(the reason we missed Nha Trang) and very very different from the prior 21 days. Of course not NCL's fault, I was just saying that it was not this calm, sunny cruise.

 

Well said about everything, but this part I 100% agree with you, the weather was bad most of the time and the seas rough too. I did not mind it, but good weather was not something we experienced for the most part on this cruise and like you said, not NCL's fault of course.

[havenfan]

I don't know how we could disagree on the weather? On the cruise I was on(starting soon after leaving Singapore), it was raining, much colder, the seas were very rough(the reason we missed Nha Trang) and very very different from the prior 21 days.

 

Well, we were in Singapore harbor on Days 1-3 where there were no waves at all and sunny. My recollection is that the seas were very smooth on Days 4&5, mostly sunny. Days 6-8 were overcast with scattered showers and the sea got choppy. The day we spent in Chan May had the worst weather, but at least we were tied up. Day 10 in Sanya and Day 11 at sea were glorious. We must have different ideas about what is good weather, but I went through a bottle of sun cream for the kids and another for the grown ups on this cruise.

 

We evidently also have different opinions as to what constitutes rough seas, but that's a matter of taste. Suffice it to say that I was not nearly as uncomfortable as I have been on other cruises, and I'm led to believe that I've never been in a "real" storm at sea.

 

how did you find out we didn't need a visa for Sanya?

 

You are correct that it was Hanno, the concierge who informed me. He called shortly after 11am to say that US citizens could go ashore without a visa and without having booked an NCL excursion. Having said that, I was heading for the pool with my kids and didn't check to see whether he was correct. As I stated, NCL collectively were indeed confused about the issue.

[TheDougOut]

Walkingsoon - thanks for the report. We're currently booked on the Singapore to Hong Kong trek next March on the Jewel. It sounds like you made the best of your experience.

 

A couple comments on your original post...

 

A very nice promenade deck as well as a good topside walking track (They were whitewashing over some of the murals - does anyone here know if they're getting rid of them or just changing them?)

 

I have a feeling they're gone for good. They did the same thing on the Dawn as it was heading into dry dock, and the walls remain white to this day.

 

the NCL Wi-Fi program seems, imo, hugely overpriced. Affording them wasn't the issue - I just didn't want to reward bad behavior.

 

It's more an issue of supply and demand. The available bandwidth is minimal, and the packages are priced to limit the number of people occupying it. A couple weeks ago someone reported that a ship offered free wifi on the night of NCL's 50th birthday, and it was completely useless once people attempted to use it.

 

As someone that gets the unlimited plan each sailing, it's often a struggle even with the limited passengers online.