firegal2539

OV is the only cabin I book on any cruise line. I found I was never using the balcony and wanted the balcony footage in my cabin to use. If you will look at Deck plans for whatever ship you are booking and look at all OV cabins you will see on the diagrams for each deck the cabins are different, especially the forward and very rear OV cabins. I booked an OV on my last cruise that was almost pie shaped and it was as big as a balcony, even bigger. I was in awe of the cabin. Window seat under the window and unobstructed views. You must do your research.

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There is no way anybody on CC can tell you if that is enough time. You have to factor in if the ship docks on time, Customs at the cruise terminal, getting a taxi, traffic, crowds at the airport, Customs at the airport, will all weigh in to whether you make your flight or not. I would call and have EZAir and change you to a later flight. Princess will probably not honor your transfers. I have been told the earliest transfer from port to airport is between 9 and 930 am. You might make it if you do Self Disembarkation but need to be first in line to get off the ship.

You are really taking a chance because if you don't make your flight it will be your fault, no compensation to you, and paying full cost to catch another flight.

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I don't buy souvenirs, my photos are my souvenirs. My friends and family don't need or want more tee shirts, magnets, etc that they won't wear or use.

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I cruised NCL about 4 months ago. If you will Google the basic cabin, interior, ocean view, balcony, etc. Princess cabins are larger. An NCL interior is 152 sq. ft. and Princess is between 160 and 175. An NCL ocean view is 160 sq. ft. and Princess starts at 175 and up. When it comes to cabin size 10 or 20 sq. ft. makes a big difference.

Food is subjective as I am a meat and potato person so seafood, fish doesn't appeal to me. NCL meat dishes are not good.

NCL drink charges are one of the highest in the industry. You can Google drink prices and packages.

NCL charges for one or two specialty shows, Princess does not.

As you and I have both said, cruising is subjective, it is really all about what the passenger wants.

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It was NCL and I also had a problem with bedbugs. The next morning I was moved to another cabin while they took everything out of the room and did a complete disinfect. They put in a new bed, mattresses, chairs, couch, etc. then moved me back in.

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Food is better on Princess. On a TA the passengers will be older no matter what line. NCL cabins are smaller especially on the newer ships. NCL is famous for nickeling and diming the passengers. Drinks are more expensive, packages are more expensive.

Princess is known as a mid level line and NCL is known as a low level cruise line.

I agree with a previous poster a TA is not a good cruise to test a first time cruise on a new line.

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TA can give lower rates with a group cruise but the cruise lines have the right to go back to the TA and ask for all nonbooked cabins which happened on my cruise next week. She had 2 rooms not booked but was waiting for payment from a couple about 3 months before the cruise and my TA had to give up both rooms.

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You have to use the cup they give you.

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I bring Clorox wipes to disinfect the bathroom. I don't do the whole cabin. The reason I do this i took a cruise about 18 months ago and when I walked into the bathroom and there were 10 toenails and curly blonde hair all over the floor I Immediately called housekeeping and no one came. It was around 12 midnight. I went to Guest Services which was closed. I found the steward in the morning, promised to clean it better. Came back about noon and the bed was made but no bathroom cleanup. Back to Guest Services and it was finally taken care if. Since that cruise I disinfect the bathroom.

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Guindaf,

I am positive that ship and Indian owned land casinos are under different rules, they do not have to post the percentage on the slots 86 to 98%. The privately owned casinos have to give you this if you ask for it. I asked for the percentage on my last cruise and was told passengers don't get to see that. I could be wrong but it is what I have read and been told in casinos.

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109 days until the Freedom.

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So far 11 ships have them but not Liberty.

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My TA is one of my best friends. First let me say that TA"s commissions have dropped substantially from 4 or 5 years ago. They do not make commission from any airlines, that is why many stopped booking air for customers or charge a fee to book air. My TA made a decent living several years ago now she works 2 jobs.

I would tell my TA about the reduced fare and see if they will match it. That is what I have done with mine. If she can't match the offer she is fine with me booking with someone else. I like the peace of mind of knowing my TA is behind me 100% for all the bumps that occur.

It is illegal for anyone to under cut RCCI or any lines prices. What they can do is offer incentives. I would be leery of any agent cutting cruise prices.

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Sorry forgot to add this my first HAL cruise.

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Veendam, October 6, 2018. 13 day Atlantic Coastal.

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OlsSalt,

Your post is amazing. I appreciate what you said. I will be taking my first HAL cruise in 2018 on the Veendam. I have read some of the comments, some good, some bad, and I still want to sail on her. I have come to realize that way too many CC members using this as a platform for their "Whoa is me, Poor me" way of looking at everything in their life. One little thing on a cruise doesn't go right, one bathroom out of order, bad weather, it is the cruise ships fault. Pretty soon CC will become a complaint only forum and that is sad.

Thanks for your great post OlsSalt.

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Key West is my favorite port followed by Nassau. The HOHO in Key West is wonderful. You I have done it three times. There is a vendor market at the pier. The locals can be pushy but some cool stuff. You can catch a shuttle from your ship to the market. Out of the market you can catch a taxi for around $5, they are government regulated.

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I love Nassau. They have a huge shopping area at the terminal. All locals who can be pushy but some cool stuff.

There is a bus that will pick you up at your ship and bring you to the terminal. A short walk through all the vendors and you are out on the street.

You can catch a taxi for around $5 to take you anywhere, they are government regulated.

I always go to Atlantis because I gamble.

With your early docking time nothing in the downtown area will be open until 20 am.

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I know you didn't appreciate CB"s answer but I am a gambler. Las Vegas four times a year and Oklahoma casinos once a month and then cruises, eight a year. I never use a credit card for gambling because there is always a chance of charging too much.

That is why there is a safe in your cabin, bring what you can afford to spend.

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I use bundle packing and rolling my clothes. Very, very few wrinkles.

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I have not been on the two ships mentioned. I have done an NCL Canada/New England 14 day on the Dawn. It was the worst cruise I have ever been on. I reviewed on CC. I have taken 5 NCL cruises and about 15 RCCL cruises, four Princess cruises, a Carnival and HAL.

Why not HAL since you have cruised with them before. They have great Canada cruises. If I had to make a choice I would always go with RCCL.

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Since retirement a few years ago I try to cruise every 6 to 8 weeks. I hate driving and walk with a cane so a walking vacation doesn't suit me. My very first job for 17 years was travel all over the US, so I have seen a lot of it. Now it is time for me to see other countries. I, too, am a solo cruiser but between my brilliant TA and my research we get great deals on cruises and air.

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I forgot to mention that on my last cruise a few weeks ago I forgot my cane. Ever since I had my hip and knee surgery I have to use one. I got to the ship and asked if anyone had left one that I could borrow and was told to go to the Medical Center and see if they had any they would rent me. WHAT!!!!

I forgot a quart size baggie that had my deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb and a brush.

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OK Harvey calm down. While standing in line I witnessed the dining room manager sending them away. Next my table was in the King Lear right in the front, about 20 to 30 steps from the entrance and saw them turning away passengers.

It is really none of your business what I saw, since I am telling the truth but I will answer your question. It happened on two of the nights I ate in the MDR. I have better things to do when in the MDR but when you can't miss them turning passengers away, I notice.

As I said earlier, it does effect me somewhat, when you have people that can't take five minutes to change into something decent, jeans, khakis, capris (women), etc. I don't want someone in a wife beater, shorts and flip flops at my table.

Do you have nothing better to do then perform an inquisition on me? You must be really bored.