Semi-Live Getaway 2.0 Jan 16 - Feb 1, 2023 NY - So. Caribbean ... 12 nights ( is it Live, Semi-Live or Limited ?? )

[mking8288]

Tee minus 3.  Standby, all systems going.  10 months after our last "Semi-Live" Getaway in March, 2022 - getting ready to embark this Friday for a 12 nights/13 days South Caribbean cruise, round-trip from NY.   

 

Not sure of doing another Sem-Live Report, but .. what the heck, with all things going lately.  Perhaps, this will just be an incremental pictoral update of 2022's Report, to put a personal perspective against the wind of change these days.    Interested, come along and follow - if not, nothing of interest, feel free to move along at your convenience.  Thanks to the currently Live Report onboard the Getaway by Laszlo, JIMESOPUS & cruiseinfoseeker, and others ... super informative, helpful & useful - this Friday's roll call is quite informed on what to expect & prepared - much appreciated.  Questions and constructive comments are always welcomed and appreciated - this is written, in part as a tribute & remembrance to the legacy of a fellow CC'er - see further below. 

 

Packing is 98.5% done for both of us, one 24" spinner/rollerboard for each of us (42 lbs & 45 lbs, well under domestic coach travel limits.)  Plus, we'll have a smaller carry-on bag with all the essentials needed, including a change of clothes & toiletry, medications, etc.  Had to check expiration dates, check with our PCP (family doctors & specialists) and pharmacies ... while out of town, CVS & Walgreen is our backup as well as Teledoc (urgent care/nurse line consult, as needed) and not just onboard ship's medical.  Insurances checked & toll-free/help #'s checked.  Credit card/banks with our travel plans on file.  Home testing kits & masks, additional items not shown, packed - out of an abundance of precautions.  Peace of mind - nurses in the extended family gave thumbs up, OK. 

 

Unlike shorter 7 nights NCL cruise's 150/300 minutes, will have 600 "free" FAS satellite WiFi minutes to use onboard ... unless we upgrade to at least the basic unlimited WiFi plan for 11 days (max) ... Day 1 access onboard/at sea, usually not needed - only possible "want" or like to have full internet access for 3 or 4 hours, after dinner & sailway - save us $30 for 1 day's upgrade cost.  (NCL ships were held at Pier 88 last month for 1 to 2 days due to maritime weather, going nowhere - Gem & Getaway)   Getaway's satellite WiFi connection by EMC was poor & slow last year, let's see if it's better in 2023 (Starlink, pipe dreaming - not here soon enough as it will make a big difference.)   Otherwise, falling back to our Google Fi 4G LTE (5G, where available at the islands visiting) for superior data access, speed & secured VPN.  

 

The challenge review - comparing & documenting results and differences this weekend (last year's stats for the GA below): 

 

 

TECH - Galaxy S22 Plus, Google Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone SE 2020 as hotspot/backup - on Google Fi ... 10,000 mAH usb powerbank/standalone battery pack.  Just in case, iPad Mini will come along & possibly Fire HD 8 tablet with 64GB mSD card storage (w offline videos/MP4 and music for playback) and also downloaded eBook reading.  My favorite Sony Viao notebook, upgraded memory & SSD will come along, as the HDMI output is very useful to hookup to the Sole HDTV in the stateroom, a simple & direct 6' connection.  A little more about these later ... we scored nice deals before last Fall's Black Friday, upgraded with excellent deals, DW has been using her S22 Plus & absolutely love the pictures taken - not a fan of Samsung's add-on apps, sticking with pure Android 13.   

 

It's too much gadget to carry for 2 of us, the Lenovo touchscreen tablet is staying home ... I think, although on shorter road trips, it's just as good to meet most needs.  

 

Extra tips: nowadays, smartphones, tablets, iPads & iPhones, etc. (as well as laptops/notebook PC's) do a lot of background uploads, refresh & downloads, OS upgrades & pinging servers remotely - we always optimize the configurations & disable some of them, allow for a streamlined device that won't slow down too much - making the most of the very limited & narrow satellite bandwidth onboard and while at sea.  Over the next 48 hours, making sure all the security patches, monthly updates & apps are current & working, rebooted and batteries fully charged.  Ever wonder why that email and/or website/news page isn't opening up or still loading ... hmmm.  

 

 

Legacy Tribute - a special virtual heavenly hello to one of the departed CC'er (since 2005) - first met years ago on a NCL cruise at the Meet & Greet and kept in touch ever since -  Jenette L @jaja from Northern NJ.  A regular poster on CC then, probably others from metro NY area recalled & knew/met her onboard over the last 2 decades. The pandemic disrupted cruise plans, ours and hers included; and, her health wasn't good even before that.  About a year ago, just before our 2022 Getaway cruise, she emailed her update wishing us bon voyage that she wish to join & resume, also her last post on CC.  Jaja was fighting her life battle with her ups and downs during the pandemic.  Sadly, last December - reaching out again and her hubby (John) emailed back instead, with news of her passing just weeks ago.  Going to miss a good friend, she sent along her treasured postcards & pictures from the Norwegian Sea & Crown days - while cleaning, perhaps knew then, and passed them to us to keep.  John, her hubby is fine with sharing her passing with those that knew her on CC - they sometimes cruise together while Jenette sometimes go solo.  This Semi-Live is being written in part for remembrance - she's in a better universe but not forgotten.   

Janette L. a/k/a @jaja - R.I.P.  

 

  Unlike Google, Facebook & other platforms - making a commentary here that CC does not have a way of addressing legacy account or contacts for continuity.  The disabled Message function, not making it any easier without figuring out a workaround.  I've done a fair amount of work dealing with hospice care, comfort (end of life) care and planning in my career, some of it ad hoc - something to think about for a moment & perhaps for CC admin/mods to chat among themselves about ... all those inactive & dormant accounts over the years.  

 

 

 

 

to be continued - and find out "is it live or is it (Memorex) ? ?   

Almost only 2 days remaining ...

[www3traveler]

Enjoy your cruise.  

 

Sorry for your loss.  

 

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by www3traveler
take out a word

[LouChamp]

6 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Tee minus 3.  Standby, all systems going.  10 months after our last "Semi-Live" Getaway in March, 2022 - getting ready to embark this Friday for a 12 nights/13 days South Caribbean cruise, round-trip from NY.   

 

Not sure of doing another Sem-Live Report, but .. what the heck, with all things going lately.  Perhaps, this will just be an incremental pictoral update of 2022's Report, to put a personal perspective against the wind of change these days.    Interested, come along and follow - if not, nothing of interest, feel free to move along at your convenience.  Thanks to the currently Live Report onboard the Getaway by Laszlo, JIMESOPUS & cruiseinfoseeker, and others ... super informative, helpful & useful - this Friday's roll call is quite informed on what to expect & prepared - much appreciated.  Questions and constructive comments are always welcomed and appreciated - this is written, in part as a tribute & remembrance to the legacy of a fellow CC'er - see further below. 

 

Packing is 98.5% done for both of us, one 24" spinner/rollerboard for each of us (42 lbs & 45 lbs, well under domestic coach travel limits.)  Plus, we'll have a smaller carry-on bag with all the essentials needed, including a change of clothes & toiletry, medications, etc.  Had to check expiration dates, check with our PCP (family doctors & specialists) and pharmacies ... while out of town, CVS & Walgreen is our backup as well as Teledoc (urgent care/nurse line consult, as needed) and not just onboard ship's medical.  Insurances checked & toll-free/help #'s checked.  Credit card/banks with our travel plans on file.  Home testing kits & masks, additional items not shown, packed - out of an abundance of precautions.  Peace of mind - nurses in the extended family gave thumbs up, OK. 

 

Unlike shorter 7 nights NCL cruise's 150/300 minutes, will have 600 "free" FAS satellite WiFi minutes to use onboard ... unless we upgrade to at least the basic unlimited WiFi plan for 11 days (max) ... Day 1 access onboard/at sea, usually not needed - only possible "want" or like to have full internet access for 3 or 4 hours, after dinner & sailway - save us $30 for 1 day's upgrade cost.  (NCL ships were held at Pier 88 last month for 1 to 2 days due to maritime weather, going nowhere - Gem & Getaway)   Getaway's satellite WiFi connection by EMC was poor & slow last year, let's see if it's better in 2023 (Starlink, pipe dreaming - not here soon enough as it will make a big difference.)   Otherwise, falling back to our Google Fi 4G LTE (5G, where available at the islands visiting) for superior data access, speed & secured VPN.  

 

The challenge review - comparing & documenting results and differences this weekend (last year's stats for the GA below): 

 

 

TECH - Galaxy S22 Plus, Google Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone SE 2020 as hotspot/backup - on Google Fi ... 10,000 mAH usb powerbank/standalone battery pack.  Just in case, iPad Mini will come along & possibly Fire HD 8 tablet with 64GB mSD card storage (w offline videos/MP4 and music for playback) and also downloaded eBook reading.  My favorite Sony Viao notebook, upgraded memory & SSD will come along, as the HDMI output is very useful to hookup to the Sole HDTV in the stateroom, a simple & direct 6' connection.  A little more about these later ... we scored nice deals before last Fall's Black Friday, upgraded with excellent deals, DW has been using her S22 Plus & absolutely love the pictures taken - not a fan of Samsung's add-on apps, sticking with pure Android 13.   

 

It's too much gadget to carry for 2 of us, the Lenovo touchscreen tablet is staying home ... I think, although on shorter road trips, it's just as good to meet most needs.  

 

Extra tips: nowadays, smartphones, tablets, iPads & iPhones, etc. (as well as laptops/notebook PC's) do a lot of background uploads, refresh & downloads, OS upgrades & pinging servers remotely - we always optimize the configurations & disable some of them, allow for a streamlined device that won't slow down too much - making the most of the very limited & narrow satellite bandwidth onboard and while at sea.  Over the next 48 hours, making sure all the security patches, monthly updates & apps are current & working, rebooted and batteries fully charged.  Ever wonder why that email and/or website/news page isn't opening up or still loading ... hmmm.  

 

 

Legacy Tribute - a special virtual heavenly hello to one of the departed CC'er (since 2005) - first met years ago on a NCL cruise at the Meet & Greet and kept in touch ever since -  Jenette L @jaja from Northern NJ.  A regular poster on CC then, probably others from metro NY area recalled & knew/met her onboard over the last 2 decades. The pandemic disrupted cruise plans, ours and hers included; and, her health wasn't good even before that.  About a year ago, just before our 2022 Getaway cruise, she emailed her update wishing us bon voyage that she wish to join & resume, also her last post on CC.  Jaja was fighting her life battle with her ups and downs during the pandemic.  Sadly, last December - reaching out again and her hubby (John) emailed back instead, with news of her passing just weeks ago.  Going to miss a good friend, she sent along her treasured postcards & pictures from the Norwegian Sea & Crown days - while cleaning, perhaps knew then, and passed them to us to keep.  John, her hubby is fine with sharing her passing with those that knew her on CC - they sometimes cruise together while Jenette sometimes go solo.  This Semi-Live is being written in part for remembrance - she's in a better universe but not forgotten.   

Janette L. a/k/a @jaja - R.I.P.  

 

  Unlike Google, Facebook & other platforms - making a commentary here that CC does not have a way of addressing legacy account or contacts for continuity.  The disabled Message function, not making it any easier without figuring out a workaround.  I've done a fair amount of work dealing with hospice care, comfort (end of life) care and planning in my career, some of it ad hoc - something to think about for a moment & perhaps for CC admin/mods to chat among themselves about ... all those inactive & dormant accounts over the years.  

 

 

 

 

to be continued - and find out "is it live or is it (Memorex) ? ?   

Almost only 2 days remaining ...

blessings and prayers and love 

[vacation44]

Will definitely be following along.  Have a wonderful cruise. 

[EllieinNJ]

I never met Jaja but I remember her posts, mainly because I think she only sailed out of NY.  RIP👼

[cruiservictor]

Looking forward to your always interesting reports. Nancy and I board the day you disembark. We’ll be doing Bermuda and then the Caribbean back to back. 

[cruiseny4life]

It's silly. I know. But, I'm thankful to you for continuing Getaway's string of lives. I know you understand living vicariously through them. Getaway will always be a special ship in my heart as it was my husband and I's first cruise together. Carnival's Triumph (of poop cruise fame), now Sunrise was my first cruise way back in 2009. I have much fonder memories of Getaway than Triumph. 

 

Anyway, sending you many thoughts and glad tidings as you embark on this cruise. Here's to keeping the memory of @jaja going, though I don't recall interacting with her, I'm sure she was a special part of Cruise Critic. 

 

Have a lovely cruise. Enjoy, despite any changes NCL throws your way! 

[mking8288]

Less than 48 hours, 2 Days from now  as in "Tee minus Two" 

 

As of yesterday, rechecked this morning, this GA sailing is sold out, full ... remaining Studios & Insides are gone.  Haven suites & spa balconies listed as sold out by end of December or 3 weeks ago.  Although, apparently, they were "awarding" upgrades within the few days - can I say, smell a bit like the old Fulton Fish Market.  Whatever, good for NCLH revenue and happy campers onboard, call it a win-win.  This cruise is going to feel and look very different unlike a year ago, less than 2,000 onboard then.  Will get an "official headcount" on how many souls onboard later on.  

 

Our selected MCT Pier 88 check-in time is between 10 and 10:30 a.m. and depending on how organized MCT's shore side operations for embarkation, we'll either make use of Sapphire/Platinum status among 4 of us to board, or perhaps our friend's CAS (Casino At Sea) status, after Haven & Special Needs, and Priority Boarding are called.  Unless there is (un)scheduled USCG and/or CBP special inspections or other issues, GA is currently ahead of scheduled arrival, early into NY for her turnaround, expecting nearly everything to be normal with probably boarding time around 11 am. 

 

Unlike the last year's 3 cruises on NCL, no Covid-19 testing (Yay !!) required nor recommended, different than going to Bermuda or Canada, no travel authorizations needed.  YMMV.  Pier check-in should move a lot smoother, quicker once thru port security (see pictures below).  Nevertheless, being careful ourselves these few days to not catch anything "foreign" & ride along unknowingly - home tested using soon-to-expire test kits - 1 line or negative, our pre-cruise "baseline".  

 

 

Windy App forecast not showing any major Atlantic or maritime storms in the area affecting our route, maybe for a few hours enroute, always expected that especially when crossing the weather fronts - just ride it up.  

 

Online check-in opened up for everyone at 21 days, we promptly completed ours  ... unlike our NCLH shareholders, which took 2 attempts at 10 days apart during the holidays, new Amenity summary issued just in time on Jan. 2nd. There was an I.T. glitch earlier, check-in rolled back to 83% instead of 100% - data entered in several important fields missing, re-entered & 100% completed. Fingers crossed with pier check-in and facial recognition, as eDocs & eLuggage tags available within 24 hours had already been printed.  Got the email message to watch the safety video - earlier and this week, additional email to watch again ... supposed to go back to old fashion in-person safety drill & not just go to the assigned Muster Station to swipe the key card(s) & then leave.   Probably still have to watch it in the stateroom's interactive TV.   Round #3 of emails (just now) to watch the safety video again, what the ...

 

eDocs saved to the smartphone in a travel folder and also as PDF file, just in case we don't have broadband access.

 

BTW, Pier 88 - Manhattan Cruise Terminal has free (non-secured) WiFi for guest/passengers to use, log on not needed, just connect - wait briefly and go online, unrestricted in time/usage and more than fast enough, superior to satellite WiFi for sure.  If you need internet access while waiting to board, use it - it is NOT, however, not a solid & dependable signal from the ship's balcony or open outdoors. Just a good fallback.  

Upgrade Advantage bidding comments - our best friends as CAS guests cruising with us & convinced them to bid up (his spouse is super afraid of cold weather & would not step out into any balcony.)  Cancelled 3 or 4 cruises over Covid concerns, recently reboosted and remained very careful everywhere.  Surprise, they won an upgrade bid in early December (not a typo) for a low/fair offer.  Assigned balcony on Deck 12 Fwd (port side) - stone's throw from us a few doors down - nice, they can waive up to the bridge.  Under $180 p/p x 2 for 12 nights from their Insides - paid upgrade would cost much more, nice deal.  We cancelled our pending bid for a Club Balcony as we are nearby & going to hang out together ...

 

Been watching & tracking this over the years, NCL/partner handling the bids are definitely amending and writing up new formulas to maximize revenue for any & all remaining, unsold cabins up until sailing time - long & impossible odds but, it's good gaming and well calculated.  Live bidding a Haven CY suite that sleep 2 to 3 max, went up beyond $2,650 p/p  - higher DSC on top and tipping optionally for service: well, well, well and there are folks with the bankroll feeling it's worth it.  Good for them, as it's then a win-win.  Different timing and strategies needed, that's what I see ahead in my crystal ball for the bidding game. 

  

 

Next pre-cruise topic - ground transportation from Queens (both JFK and LGA Airports are in the borough or "county") choices & plans: in brief, stay tuned  ...  

Edited January 18, 2023 by mking8288

[PistolPete13]

Thank you for doing this and I'll be following along closely because I have a 12-day on the Getaway booked for 2/26/23 from NYC to the Eastern Caribbean, same itinerary.  

It'll be my first time on Getaway but have been on Bliss and Escape along with the Prima.

[PistolPete13]

I just looked up this cruise the the website shows insides still available but I'm sure it's wrong.  It showed the same for the 2/6 sailing last week and let me book all the way into the payment screen where it bounced me out with a generic error.

I got someone on the website chat to see what was wrong and they told me everything was sold out even though the website still showed availability.

You'd figure it would be a simple thing to put up a sold out message at checkout vs. a generic error!

[Sandyshore]

2 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Nevertheless, being careful ourselves these few days to not catch anything "foreign" & ride along unknowingly - home tested using soon-to-expire test kits - 1 line or negative, our pre-cruise "baseline".  

FYI, the expiration dates on home tests have been extended by the FDA. You can Google the manufacturer and find links to both the CDC and mfg sites, allowing you to check the lot numbers and see the new expiration. The ones I've checked from FlowFlex and QuickVue in my stash all extended at least 6 months.

 

Thanks for your thread! I'm following along as I pack for my Feb 6th Getaway 12-day. Have a fantastic trip!!

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, Sandyshore said:

FYI, the expiration dates on home tests have been extended by the FDA. You can Google the manufacturer and find links to both the CDC and mfg sites ...

Thanks, well aware of and using them to sort out several batches of test kits. The ones that we are bringing has about 30 days remaining on the re-extended already expired production dates from 2021 to early 2022. It's either use them or waste them. Each them we hit the unlucky jackpot, we used 3 to 4 tests each & they go quickly, 😆 LOL. Then, we go to Walgreens & reorder and they bill our insurance at no costs to us. 

 

Inventory that's newer stored in a cool closet are good thru 1st half of 2024, just hoping by then, they aren't needed anymore. 

 

I hope this upcoming 2.0 update will bring a little extra useful info & tips for those sailing soon. 

 

Meanwhile, ready to test my newest toy gadgets. Google Pixel 7 Pro, Galaxy S22 Plus and iPhone SE 2020, all factory unlocked and dual/eSim compatible plus the USB power bank, native wireless charging, 5 years OS update, security updates and OS upgrade/support, plus ample storage, should handle nearly all situations easily - including 10 X digital zoom lens. Except, satellite connectivity for now. 

[mking8288]

Ground Transportation - these not always "newbies" questions are often asked here and on East Coast Departure Forum ... including important questions about how, where & what in terms of parking, options and freebies.  Posted a batch of pictures on the sailing's roll call (collection from multiple cruises out of MCT Pier 88/90) go there & find them - update/amend them on this cruise & afterward, as necessary.  

 

This Friday, using Carmel car service again, best prices around for 4 passengers with 4 checked bags & of course, carry-on or cabin bags, etc.  A comfortable minivan will do, sit high to look around while in traffic for a 45+ minutes ride (weekends - just 25 minutes) as it is a weekday.  Coming from NE Queens, past LGA and distance-wise, like coming from/to JFK.  With a digital discount, $66.75 not including toll & tips (usually do 20% of base fare) - about $90 all inclusive & get FF miles added.  Carmel has been 95% reliable (nearly always 5 to 10 minutes early when pre-booked) & with a fleet of 600 to 700 assorted vehicles, fairly dependable with backup if/when the assigned driver/car failed to show up or got lost ... happened once to us, late by 25 minutes getting to MCT. 

With rising costs and inflation, prices for Uber/Lyft are catching up to traditional car services, sometimes worst with their surge pricing models.   See these sample fares from LGA to Pier 88 - Uber X for 3 to 4 passenger is $59, Uber XL is $80.  Lyft is almost the same at $59 calculated on a slightly different routing & morning pickup time.  Uber X from our area to Pier 88 is $62 and XL at $87.  

 

Carmel's minivan (equivalent of XL) is $69 before a $3 digital discount plus toll at $10 - difference of about $10 for a longer ride. 

 

It's 2023, NYC's TLC regulated yellow taxi fare rates have gone up, about 20% higher - which many recognized as long overdue and appropriate.  A short cab or taxi ride of 1 to 2, 3 miles going across town is going to cost more, on top of congestion surcharged pricing for the popular midtown Manhattan zones as a whole, including Pier 88.  

 

Stay tuned to our ride from NE Queens via the Upper West Side to Pier 88 ... in less than 36 hours.  

 

Views of Pier 92, 90 and 88 southbound coming off the Henry Hudson Pkwy approaching W. 57th Street near the Con Edison plant next to the river.  Additional pictures - helpful for those driving to Pier 88 can be found in the Roll Call section for the Getaway's Jan 20, 2023 sailing.  

 

While there's been a lot of chatter over at the NCL forum about ships docking at Taino Bay vs. Amber Cove in the Dominion Republic - NCL did notified us on Jan. 4, 2023 via email (16 days out) that our planned stop, port of call at Old San Juan, PR next Monday has been shortened by 1 hour.  Ha, we are gaining an extra hour at sea ... leaving the port an hour early at 9:30 pm instead of 10:30 pm, all abroad will be 9 pm local time, arrival scheduled for 4 pm.  

 

Our plans changed, no shorex (cancelled, not rushing anywhere ... been there & done it) - early dinner (onboard as it will be less crowded) and afterward, an evening walk along the waterfront & photo ops, then back onboard.  

 

No further comments from yours truly on this. 

 

 

Edited January 19, 2023 by mking8288

[disfan13]

@mking8288 I wonder if that car service covers NNJ. We used to use ground link but they didn't service the pandemic. I'm going to look. I may chime in once in a while as well. Looking forward to getting away. 

[Sand and Seas]

@mking8288 Thanks for the details on car service and the NY terminal!  It's been several years since we cruised from NY so very valuable info for our fall cruise! 

 

Thanks for sharing with us.  Hope you have a wonderful cruise😎

[mking8288]

@disfan13 - Tony, aren't you driving or getting someone to drop you off ?  I just priced out on Carmel's App (go online to their website/portal) - one way from Paramus Fashion Center/Mall, NJ (off Rt. 4 and Rt. 17) as a random pickup point, not knowing where exactly your whereabouts, a full size sedan for up to 3 and 3 checked bags is $56 or $64 for a luxury sedan, and $74 for a deluxe sedan or minivan (up to 5, maybe 6 plus bags) plus toll ($16 across GWB) and tips.  That's not bad at all.

 

Use digital coupon code "CNY2023" and it will save $3 off the base fare, cash/credit card accepted in advance or pay the driver directly.  On these longer trip, we often book just a basic sedan for 2 and 50/50 chance of getting a free upgrade to a mini-van.  With 4 people ride-sharing and 4+ bags, booked a minivan, sharing the costs with our friends.  Will check those Uber/Lyft rates in the morning just to compare & see how competitve everyone is -  a typical yellow taxi return to our house is about $70 to $80 including toll + tips, traffic permitting on weekends, higher on weekdays.  

 

See you all onboard soon and are you ready to run the M&G, don't worry about it.  

[Joesantos]

For what it’s worth! We drove down today from snow ⛄️ in New England and stay park cruise 🚢 through trinity reservations with private car transportation! Pretty cool 😎 as tomorrow snow is worse as excellent service. Private car service just called to confirm time. Used these guys 4 or 5 times  including Bayonne and Baltimore cruise tooo! Beats expensive park at pier less stress 

[Joesantos]

Getaway is slowly coming back to NYC 

[mking8288]

NCL's Online check-in opened up for everyone at 21 days, promptly completed ours - eDocs and eLuggage tags were available in less than 24 hours ... unlike our NCLH shareholders, which took 2 attempts at 10 days apart during the Christmas/New Year holiday.  Finally & perhaps, someone was WFH and on Jan 2nd - a legal US holiday, posted our $100 OBC to the account, all good.  I.T. glitches aren't new with getting checked in, etc. but that too recovered. 

 

One of the questions for tomorrow's Embarkation is the mandatory safety/emergency & muster station drill - is it Live or not, virtual or in-person.  Take a wild guess, whatever.  The only thing that is certain is we already 6 emails already - don't recall when we initially booked - between 2 of us, to re-watch the 94 seconds YouTube Video about emergency/life/fire safety drills & putting on the PFD.   Hence, is it Live, Semi-Live, or Limited - definitely not Memorex per se ... not looking forward to being jammed into the (main) Stardust Theater - as I think, being Deck 12 Fwd - our "Assembly Station" is probably there and not O'Sheehan's - will be packed as ship is full, egress will take easily 20 to 30 minutes jamming the elevators if sailaway is on time at scheduled 3 pm.  Time to wisely mask up !

 

We booked a "BA" Balcony on Deck 12 Fwd, Port side with considerations to bid for a Club Balcony, as they are usually mid-ship, not that we care for the bigger double-sink bathroom or the tub with the taller side to step over, in/out of ... or the tiny extra space (length-wise) in the "living" area, as long as the bid is reasonable.  Well, no Club Balcony for us.  Reason for staying put, our best friends will be coming along as CAS guests.  Cancelled & postpone cruises since the pandemic & it's their first return "post-Covid"  They bidded and won, very early, surprisingly, on an upgrade bid in early December (not a typo) for a low/fair offer - under $350 in total.  Assigned "BA" balcony on Deck 12 Fwd (port side) - stone's throw from us a few doors down.  Nice win.  Cancelled our pending bid for Club Balcony, money "saved" to do other things *****

 

A few words about Upgrade Advantage bidding -  this isn't new to most seasoned NCL cruisers on CC, but my basic analysis lately suggesting that NCL and its partner handling the bids are re-writing their playbook and gaming strategies, with live bidding ... Psychology 101.  Haven suites & spa balconies listed as sold out by end of December ... Insides & Studios remained available last week.  Club and Balconies were briefly available this month and then "sold out" again.  There are those doing live bidding (eBay style) - end up paying for, on top of whatever base fare all-inclusive total already, an extra $1,500 to $5,000 plus (+) to be in Haven, ship within a ship.  What a frenzy, good for them, win-win results.  

 

Everything is ready for tomorrow and the next 12 nights with us.  Those "live reports" are really useful and the Getaway is going to feel very different unlike a year ago, with less than 2,000 onboard then.  Looking forward to doing the Dine with Officers again but not expecting Behind The Scene tour to be offered unless NCL feels they no longer need to protect & isolating the bridge team.  

 

*****  Google & Samsung got our money, pay for the balances on 2 out of 3 smartphone upgrades.  DW's Samsung Galaxy S22+ was free, after trading in her barely used Galaxy S21 into Google Fi.  More about this later as it's not related to the Semi/Live Cruise Report.

 

A single checked 24" bag for each of us, final check on its weight, mine at 42 lbs, hers at 39 lbs.  NCL eLuggage tags attached and an interior tag, photo'ed for easier ID in case they are "lost in transit" to file insurance claim, with digital proof of content. 

 

There are, at least, 3 power outlets in each stateroom - excluding the one in the bathroom clearly marked that it is low voltage & for shaver use only - two (2) for 110 volts and one (1) for 220 volts, which with a simple adapter plug (used with the Samsung charger on the right) - you can tap it for your iPhone/smartphone charger as those are dual voltage, auto-sensing ones.  Now that newer iPhones are almost switching with fast charging (middle one) with USB-C connector, invest in 2 or 3 high output, dual or multi-USB charger (on the left - by Anker) so you can quickly boost them.  Check that they are UL-approved/certified, electrical & fire safety on a ship are vital.)  Also, bring along a 10 ft. and 2 6 ft. USB A-B extension cords, making it much easier to reach all the way to the far side of the bed and out to the balcony.  

 

There is a fourth hidden power outlet that should be hiding but easily tapped - need to verify first  onboard before I share this "secret" - perfect for laptop, notebook & Chromebook connections and charging devices.  Follow this & if I am correct, "reveal" and share this discovery.  

 

Take a closer look at Pier 88 port's pier operations, see those safety nettings - they are there in case the forklifts used to lift fully loaded luggage carts (20 to 25 bags easily or about 1,000 lbs total) lost its balance or slipped, to avoid being dropped straight into the Hudson River below on the pier.  There was a report going back a few years that CC'er spotted luggages floating beside the ship during turnaround.  Accidents do happen and tip those unionized port workers accordingly as they aren't with NCL - and, yes, they now do cross 12th Avenue when you disembark the ship post-cruise.  
 

 

 

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Getaway currently north of Atlantic City, approaching Toms River, NJ at 14 kn, light breeze and calm seas, waves at 1.3 meter or about 4.2 ft, aided with a good tailwind.  This is earlier than being already quite early ... welcome home to all those onboard.  

 

 

[SunshineGal2022]

I love your tech updates.  
 

I am looking to upgrade my old Galaxy 10+ to either a 21+ FE or 22+ so I am anxious to hear what differences you find between the phones.

 

I also appreciate the tips on the charging cords!

[Joesantos]

Is Smokey back in New York City yet?

 

[mking8288]

Rise-n-Shine, let's get ready. Our ship is here, see all soon. 

 

Always take pictures of your bags, besides using whatever, like Air Tags, for tracking & lost recovery.

[Turtles06]

@mking8288 have a safe and fun trip!  

[dexddd]

Have a great time MKing and friends.

 

Guard the wallet with the new Sail and Sustain, for your convenience, of course.