violettewaits

Thanks so much for another awesome review!! I have a few questions/comments.

- Sailing out of NYC is awesome - you pass the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and of course...those city views!!

- NCL's towels are straight up GROSS. Thread-bare, yellow, and often ripped. I actually took my parents on a cruise in March and my only concern about their experience would be their reaction to those towels because my mom is a crazy neat freak. They really need to get new towels...ones that are maybe more neutral colored/concealing. LOL.

- How did you find the weather in Bermuda during your sailing? I know that was a concern for you with the earlier sailing.

Thank you so much for another amazing review! I have never considered sailing Carnival prior to your review for the Pride and now, it's on my list! The pictures were great and it looks like such a beautiful ship that I can't resist checking pricing and itinerary.

Can't wait to see your thoughts on the Dawn! I was planning this one, as well, since it sails out from a port close to me, but the pictures I saw on the NCL site just do not do it justice (looks super dated). Have a wonderful time in Bermuda!!! :)

Thank you. That does make me feel better. What can I say? I am a creature of comfort! After going through reviews and dailies, it does seem like NCL tends to nickle and dime a bit more. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that the bumper calls and roller rink are no-fee! With NCL, we pay $9 for bowling on a rocky ship! I also really like how (and, correct me if I'm wrong) there aren't any areas like Vibe, where you have to pay to hang out on a sundeck.

So far my only issue was that I read you couldn't bring your own water on board. Whaaat? Say it isn't so! I always bring a 24-case for hubby and I to have on-hand, just in case.

Edit: Also, how formal are the most "formal" dining rooms. Would my husband be allowed in with a polo and slacks, or is a jacket/tie necessary?

I am officially booked on the Anthem, January 3rd, sailing to the Southern Caribbean for 12-days! I like my NCL perks but it was time to try something else.

If it helps any, we were long time Carnival cruisers, and at the urging of our travel agent, we decided to try Royal and had a wonderful time. Ship was absolutely gorgeous and had a very nice cabin--service was excellent for the most part, except our cabin attendant. Have never sailed NCL so can't give any comparative info there. Our TA has been wanting us to try NCL, but I'm not too keen on all of the extra fee restaurants and have heard very mixed reviews on NCL. I think we've found a new cruising home for now, but are always open to other options.

Exactly!! :D

Right. I don't particularly care for the musical numbers (and thus don't usually go to them), but I would think it was bogus if NCL started charging a convenience charge to attend the shows, particularly if passengers were first made aware of such a change once they arrived on board.

I don't see anyone saying that eating is the most important part of their cruise. This thread is about a very specific topic related to a vague, yet mostly perceived as negative, policy set forth by NCL. That is why food is the center topic.

If NCL started charging for the rock wall, I'm sure there would be similarly concerned threads about how there is now a fee for the rock wall. Is the rock wall the ONLY activity to do on a cruise? No.

I feel like the point here is being missed altogether...

plus 3 and your post - Eating is NOT the only activity to do on a cruise; I would think entertainment like shows and other activities like rock climbing would be more important. Guess not on this forum....

Exactly. Done and done. I just called and cancelled my upcoming sailing and re-booked on RCCL. It was a better price with much less nickle-and-diming. I love LOVE NCL but I'm not afraid to take my money elsewhere if I feel like unfair policies are being put in place.

It's not a matter of being a "complainer." It's a matter of comfort level of what I feel I can deal with versus not. It's also a "vote" in a certain direction.

That's my plan (with the caveat that my cruise isn't until May 2016, so who knows what will change between now and then; my faith that what I've been told I purchased will be what a receive once I'm on board isn't very strong right now).

 

However, the "why not just try it," while applicable to, say, a hamburger, is less applicable to a potentially multi-thousand dollar vacation. If people feel that this would negatively impact their trip to the point that they want to cancel, I would suggest they do so and save/reapply their money elsewhere.

Thank you!! I am starting to read them now! That should keep me busy for a while. LOL.

Hey Violette. There are many Quantum reviews on this forum for you to look through with a ton of pictures, tips and advice. Anthem seems to be extremely similar, and the itineraries are exactly the same (other than the Bermuda summer routes). On the top of this page you'll see a list of all the RCL ships... click on Quantum and a whole bunch of topics come up. Look for those that say "Review". You'll find many of them comprehenive. A very popular Cruise Critic Member, "Bugsy", just finished a live review of the Southern Itinerary that you will find HUGE helpful.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2194231&highlight=quantum

 

I did one too, specific to the Southern Carib itinerary, with a million photos tips/hints etc.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2137643

 

There are many others. These will likely answer a ton of your questions.

Have great cruise! :D

Thank you! I did mention the ship in my original post. I am considering the Anthem of the Seas - Southern Caribbean itinerary.

Hello all! I apologize if this is a silly question but I couldn't find my answer on the RC website or here.

I have only ever sailed with NCL, but am considering cancelling my next cruise with them and re-booking with RC on the Anthem of the Seas (which looks insanely amazing). I have gone through the website and here, but can't seem to get a definite picture of what exactly is included in the fare. Can anyone point me to somewhere where it reads specifically what is included?

My primary concerns are: 1) Spa passes. NCL sells spa-passes that allow access to thermal pools, adult whirlpools, etc. for the duration of the cruise. I saw something similar on Anthem, but is it included?

2) Restaurants: There are so many! I am having trouble finding which ones are free and which are upcharge, and what those charges may be.

3) Entertainment: Is there any charge for any performances? How about activities like the robot bar or bumper cars?

4) Is dining open anytime, like on NCL, or do you have to pick a time, stick to it, etc?

Any information you may have is appreciated. Right now, balcony prices on the Anthem are about exactly what I am paying with NCL, but I get the perk of unlimited beverages, and access to the thermal spa pools. If enough amenities are included on Anthem, then I can better swallow the cost of switching my reservation.

For me, it really is more of a last straw situation. I also do not think you can compare a policy like this to the policies regarding smoking - a habit that can harm the health of other parties around you and should be restricted.

It's less about outrage that I can no longer eat in my room, and more about the absurdity OF the policy, the implied reasons behind it, and what is means down the line for NCL. Hardly seems fitting to call it "freestyle" cruising.

I genuinely love the NCL brand and haven't had any major complaints, but I can also see what is looking more and more like a slippery slope. In the past two years, it seems that more restrictions and "nickle and dime" behavior has happened here than anywhere else. And yes, I realize I can go elsewhere, and I plan on researching my options for that, instead of my planned January sailing, but it's still a disappointment because of my fondness for the brand, otherwise.

I really thought this was a joke when I first read about it. On my first cruise (my honeymoon), I got a mystery flu for 2 days and was stuck in bed with a fever. Obviously I didn't want to be out in the open, in case I was contagious. My food involved my husband bringing me breads and soups from the buffet. We also like to stockpile some milk for coffee, etc.

I have YET to really complain about any of the changes NCL has made. I have turned my family and friends onto this line, and now, I feel foolish for having done so when they are implementing rules like this! How about small children, being able to enjoy dessert on your balcony? A quick bite when spouse is sleeping? Cookies for a late night snack? This policy is 1,000% absurd.

I have paid mostly half of my next cruise in January on the Breakaway, but the first thing I am doing tomorrow is looking for other cruises around the same date, on other lines, that I can book instead.

Enough is enough. It's just too many negative changes - too much, too quickly. I'm so disappointed.

Salmon in the MDR

Pecan pie in the MDR. (I couldn't resist and already cut a piece off before I took the picture)

Yummy yummy O'Sheehan's wings.

Shrimp Newburg in the MDR

Banana Souffle in the MDR, with a whiskey caramel sauce.

Another random question regarding my initial inquiry:

If I DID want to move to the two bedroom but then, add on an additional person, would there be any penalties? We are 12-days pre-sailing...

They are not in a suite, but they have also never cruised before so I think they'll be just blown away by the whole experience in general. Is there a list of suite perks on the site, somewhere?

Are your parents in a suite already? If so, go for it. If not, you'll have some perks as a suite guest that they won't be able to take advantage of if that's a consideration.

Heheh. I have never been in a suite so I really don't know what to expect other than snacks. ;) I am worried that someone else may jump on it, as the price IS about what I had originally paid for a large balcony on another sailing for a 12-day next year (until those prices dropped).

Short of any miracle, maybe I can convince hubby it'll be worth the additional $1600 splurge. ;)

I have upgraded to a suite on several occasions, when I have seen that the price have gone down significantly a few weeks before sailing date. But I have always had to pay the "listed price" for the upgrade, and still felt like I did a bargain..... The suite life is really sweet... :p

PS: The price might go down even more as you get closer to the sailing date, so others might take it before you if you wait too long.

I am booked on the Norwegian Gem, sailing out of NYC March 9th. I have two cabins booked on this sailing - both mini-suites, kind-of across the hall from each other.

Today, I noticed that the price of a 2-bedroom cabin has dropped significantly. It's still $800 more per person to upgrade outright, which is a lot for hubby and I. One reason I am really, really dying to be in this room is that there is a cabin available right next to my parents, and would give the 4 of us a lot more room to exist. I have also never been in a suite and love the bathrooms available in the 2-bedroom family suite.

So I called NCL to see what my upgrade options were, and was told that they are not allowed to negotiate price so they can't cut anyone a deal for any reason, and just advised me to watch the sailing in case prices go down again.

Has anyone ever had any luck in a similar situation? I was going to try to plead my case about having 2 cabins booked, plus at least one other sailing already booked in 2016 (to show my dedication to NCL), but I stopped myself from begging because it really seemed like the rep I spoke to wasn't having any of it.

Do you think the upgrade is worth it at the full price? Has anyone ever been able to negotiate a cheaper upgrade for themselves? I guess my chances of the upgrade fairy appearing and doing this for me are very slim? Lastly, should I wait and see what happens when it gets a little closer to my sail date (maybe a week away), then try again?

Thanks in advance!

1) Temps. I know it's going to be cold in the winter, but I was wondering what it's going to be like during our sea day on Saturday.

On our January 16-18 CTN it was about 50-55 degrees during our sea day.

2) Boarding. This is the biggest issue. I follow a school schedule, and I would rather not take a day off at this time of year, as it's the time for semester exams. The earliest I would be able to get out would be around 1:30. It's a 3 hour 15 minute drive to New York, straight up 95. So, if there's no traffic and things go well, I'm in NYC by 4:45, parked, and on the lido by 5:30. The website says the ship leaves at 6PM, most likely ideal for people who are driving or working or whatever. What time does boarding end? There's no customs and I wouldn't imagine the ship needing much clearance to depart. But in the event of an accident, or an issue, if we called NCL, could they hold the ship until 6:30? I know that's a lot to ask but in the event of something happening. I know that if you book a shore excursion through the ship, the boat can't leave without you. Does NCL have a similar thing for departure from the homeport?

If you're not there for the ship to leave at 6, they will not hold it. All aboard is at 4pm, and while there may be exceptions to getting on, it's not something I would chance ever.

3) Sea Conditions. Many say the seas are like glass in January and February, is this a fact or a myth?

Seas tend to be kinda rocky in January but you won't really feel it at all. The Breakaway is huge and going really, really slowly, so it shouldn't be too bad. We slightly felt the boat move on our sea day. Very veeeeery slightly.

4) Onboard Activities. Breakaway is famed for its Ropes Course, Plank, Waterslides, Rockwall, etc. I cannot imagine that all of these things would be closed, but what is going on on deck during this cruise? Can you still do the ropes course? Not too bummed about the Waterslides, but are there any pools with retractable roofs or covered hottubs or anything? What are other popular NCL activities going on inside the ship.

Hot tubs are all open, and you better believe people we in them in 30 degree weather. Pools are also open and some people took advantage during the sea day, but not many. No slides or ropes courses. Everything indoors is business as usual!

5) Formal Night. Is there a formal night on a 2 night cruise?

There is no "formal night" but they do their famous "glow party" where many people dress to impress in white.

6) Parking. How much is parking at the Port of NY? We parked offsite last time.

$40 a day

7) What to pack. Big suitcase or little suitcase? Are there porters for a short cruise? Any specific items I should bring?

There are no porters. A small suitcase should suffice.

8) Any tips, tricks, and insiders about NCL and/or the Breakaway :D

It's a crazy, party atmosphere so you have to be prepared for that! Get to places early to get a seat. O'Sheehans is almost always packed.

That picture with the crowns is hi-larious!!!

I am definitely worried about the chair situation during my March sailing with my parents and husband. We made do last January, but now there's 4 of us! I really wish Norwegian would do more to enforce the rules a la Carnival. The last thing I want is to get into a fight with a person and ruin my cruise day...or hour.

As far as I know, the one for the Breakaway is the only one that exists. :(

Unfortunately, I don't believe there was one, and I spend a good while in the Casino. Checking back at the Dailies confirms my assumption. :(

Hi all, Anyone remember if there was a poker tournament on the CTN? I asked on a few other blogs and so far I got 1 yes and 2 nos. Just hoping for at least one other yes :) We will be on 1/30 and my brother in law is hoping for a poker tournament.

Here's a quick video I took of the super fun Glow Party at Bliss:

[YOUTUBE]Kov4pel7eMk[/YOUTUBE]

Yes!! We were indeed in the Theater for muster and maybe 5-6 rows behind us was a guy yelling things out non-stop about being from "Queensbridge" and drinking Hennesey, etc. Then I heard a commotion to the right of us with ANOTHER male wanting to have security called for some reason? Oh boy.

Here's the infamous Google Spreadsheet showing room sizes, balcony sizes, etc. I use this as a reference anytime I am booking the Breakaway (though I am not the author).

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AkRUeqCmOMnGdFZWTVVzZndrc0NkN1N0TGpZb2ZYU2c&single=true&gid=0&output=html

As you can see, the Large Balcony Mini-Suite is a total of 289 - 325sq. ft., with the balcony ranging between 85 - 118 sq. ft.

The regular Mini-Suite is 236sq. ft., with a balcony sized between 31 - 35 sq. ft.

Had to go down to the Cruise Consultant desk to get the pin. Guest Services turned me away. :p

Oooo, just thought of a question (who will answer first;))- were Latitudes pins in your cabin waiting for you or did you have to go to guest services to get them?

Oh! We were able to leave our luggage in the room and explore. Our rooms just weren't ready until about 1:30pm.

Unfortunately, didn't book the 1/30, since I have a 9-day sailing on the Gem in March, but we are already planning for a friend's birthday on the CTN in December. Would be GREAT if they did them more often...and during the warmer months.

Did you book the 1/30 also?