AKR2011

How is your daughter adjusting to ship life? Is she finding ways to enjoy herself and making friends?

I like to tip when a drink is brought straight to me in a lounge. If I'm playing Trivia, in the middle of the theater, or listening to music at a lounge...If I don't have to get up for a drink, that is nice service that deserves a tip in my opinion. But it's always an individual choice. No judgement from me on anyone's decision on tipping.

This is what I do. Look for my cruise and itinerary and make a countdown in my office for it. We'll see what happens when they reduce their marketing. Maybe less mail?

Thank you for another great review. The smiles on your boys' faces is always my favorite part. You're making incredible memories as a family. When is your next adventure? ❤️⚓️

Thanks for taking us along. This was a fun read, and your next one us sure to be even better. Happy sails ❤️⚓️

Yes, $10 each in smaller bills for tips if we have an excursion. We'll each tip up to that amount depending on how it goes. We buy a Christmas ornament and a lapel pin in every port, so $25 max for that. If we plan on a meal, I research ahead and budget. If not, I put in $20 for snacks and drinks in case we need them. Any extra cash is dependent on what we're doing. I do all my research, so I know how much to estimate if we're on our own. If it's a tour, I don't bring any more than what I mentioned.

I have a cruise planning book with a zippered pouch for each port. Before I leave home, I estimate the amount of cash needed for every port and make a plan to get it in various denominations. I add everything up with a list of what I need and hit the bank. Then I put everything in the separate pouches and my planner goes in my safe and comes out Before heading out for each port. Any leftover cash I usually use for extra tips on board. I am definitely an over planner, but this works out very well and keeps me stuck to a budget. I do bring a credit card without international fees to port too, for emergencies or in case I find something that I feel like I need to buy, but this is very rare.

Thanks everyone for taking is along on your vacation. I'm enjoying so far and wanted to do my part in helping you get to those 1000 posts. You'll get there within the hour, I'm sure ❤️⚓️

They are pretty awful. I would agree on that. But have you been to Utica for Tomato Pie or Chicken Riggies? I can do the chicken. The pie is not my cup of tea.

BUT the Pelligrino is the same price as the Kirkland. That cracks me up 😆

I remember your other reviews being great, and this one is already fabulous! Thank you so much for taking us along. I'm excited to follow. Wishing you an amazing vacation ❤️⚓️

As posted above, the ports of call forum is great. I also like getting port guides on my Kindle and I read the best places to go and what the locals do. Then I find private companies that go there or rent a car. I rarely book with NCL and never have. To avoid missing the ship, I try to book Excursions that leave soon after the ship docks and return at least 2 hours before all aboard. If it's a private tour or car rental, we do do the furthest point first and work our way back towards the ship to stay safe. I do extensive research on the ports before making final decisions. Where are you headed? I may be able to offer some suggestions.

That brain hemorrhage is something else! I'm glad you posted it and hope it's still around this summer when I sail The Pearl with my friends. I need to make them try it. I had it a couple years ago and it was definitely an experience!

Thank you for your great live review! I've enjoyed following this week ❤️⚓️

My biggest suggestion is the off-season and a longer cruise. In between Halloween and Christmas and not over Thanksgiving is my favorite time to travel. I prefer longer trips and these are usually not full and have very few kids. Any ship is great for couples under those conditions in my opinion.

I echo the main dining room suggestion. I started doing this on my first cruise and always order the Fish and Chips. It’s become such a tradition to me that I’m not sure what I’ll do if it ever gets pulled off the menu. It’s such a nice relaxed atmosphere and you really get to know the staff. It’s only open on sea days, so you only have a few opportunities to have lunch there. Plenty of time to visit the buffet later on my opinion. Have a wonderful cruise! ❤️⚓️

I’ve learned to take reviews with a grain of salt and go into them just thankful that I am able to travel. I have not sailed on Prima, but the reviews are not all bad. Have you read @sid_9169’s review? Also, Transatlantics historically are not as full. I can’t wait to take one someday myself. In general, longer cruises tend to have less passengers and an older and less party atmosphere. I prefer longer cruises for that reason and have not been disappointed at all with my choices. I hope you have an amazing cruise! ❤️⚓️

I'm looking for to following agree and echo @cruiseny4life. Thank you for all of your family's service. Safe travels! ❤️⚓️

Great review so far with lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us ❤️⚓️

NCL stopped selling gift cards all together unfortunately. I used to get them on Ebay or Gift Card Granny at a discount, but the value would go down if you didn't use them quickly. Lots of complaints about that, so maybe this factored into the decision to stop selling them.

I don't think the full 2025 deployment schedule is out yet. Hopefully by late spring/early summer we will have it. I'm looking for 2025 as well. NCL usually waits a bit before releasing full schedules and dates, especially for the longer cruises out of NYC.

I always used to order them extra crispy with the sauce on the side. I'm not sure how they will taste baked that way, but I'm sure that I will see on my cruise this summer. My issue last cruise was that the Buffalo sauce tasted more like BBQ. I love wings and hope they are tasty this time around.

I am so sorry that your food has been so disappointing. My mom has celiac's and I know the struggle, but ships tend to be much better than your description. You are very brave sticking with Royal on a Transatlantic. I really hope it's a better experience for you.

I'm so happy I caught your review. Yours are always a favorite of mine. I love your kids' expressions and excitement for everything. Thank you so much for giving us another great story ❤️⚓️

Happy sailing! I look forward to following along on your adventure ❤️⚓️