Crazy planning mom

This is why you were wise to fly in early. You can choose to fly up to 2 days early with NCL airfare deal you just have to let them know at least 75 days out. That's what we did in October when we flew to Athens.

Thanks for sharing your review. Gad you had a good time despite some hiccups. We were on it a few years ago and also enjoyed it . Unfortunate, that you didnt get to a couple ports. We loved Kauai also and rented a car there as well.

The sea pass is your id card and it opens your stateroom like a key. Flowrider, rock climbing, ice skating and zipline are included. I would say the shows are included and a must do. You should be able to reserve the shows on the app 45 days out. Also, definitely download the app. Yes, if one adult wants to buy the drink package, the other adult in the room has to buy it or if they arent a drinker, then they have to buy the royal refreshment package. it would be worth it having 2 connecting rooms anyway with 4 kids.

Thanks for the review. We aren't sailing until 2024. Hopefully, they get the MDR situation improved by then.

NCL certainly has some great itineraries available. I don't think the other mass market lines such as RCL and Carnival offer the same level of itineraries. Yes, you can take a premium or luxury line but NCL offers some great itineraries for a more modest price. Thank you again for your wonderful review.

On the Jade, La Cucina was Ala Carte. I went there after using our dining credits on other restaurants. I just ordered a pizza there and it was delicious so much better than what they have in windjammer.

NCL also used to offer an excursion called Rome on your own which provided transportation to Rome and back. Then, you were free to see what you wanted.

With Royal Caribbean, if you sail on Celebrity, they match your status. Why doesn't Carnival do that with Princess?

We sailed on NCL in October. We enjoyed it very much. We dont stick to 1 line and like to try different things.

They are trying and succeeding in getting younger people with Edge class.

Thanks for sharing your experiences on this truly amazing journey with us. Safe travels and happy holidays.

Ok, I didnt remember that about Puerto Plata. I am supposed to go there on the Celebrity Apex. I wonder if we will have the same problem.

We used Athens Walks. It was a great tour. The guide had an archeology degree and really added to the experience. https://www.athens-walks.com/

Why cant you get into Puerto Plata? Bad weather? The weather isnt their fault. The shows are a different story.

Amber Cove or Taino Bay? Havensight or Crown Bay? Thanks.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BEETLEJUICE-to-Play-Norweigian-VIVA-Cruise-in-2023-20221217

Have a wonderful time. Enjoy reading your reports.

Enjoy your safari!

We used their airfare deal this past October from NY to Greece. Going there was great. However, my husband caught covid on the cruise and I caught it afterward. We had to stay an quarantine extra days in Greece. They said our airfare through them was nonchangeable and nonrefundable. We had to book all new tickets to go home and then submit for insurance reimbursement. Maybe, just book airfare through them going there and then book your own airfare in Europe and going home. Just ask for the 2 day pre-cruise deviation asap because once your are 75-90 days out, you cant.

Definitely, skip the NCL airfare if you stick with them this way you arent stuck with 2 days pre and post.

We just sailed the Jade in October. She has been renovated, was immaculately clean, the crew and service was great. The regular food was fine and the specialty dining food was very good The entertainment was mediocre. The Jade doesn't have the bells and whistles like the Odyssey. However, I would rather sail a nicer ship in a less port intensive itinerary. Our next cruise is on the Celebrity Apex in the Caribbean.

Glad that you had a nice time. Obviously, the itinerary is different than the usual and is a major appeal for this cruise. We recently sailed on an older Norwegian ship and tne cabin and ship seemed well maintained and in pretty good shape. I wonder why Royal can't do the same. I think this was an issue even prior to the pandemic.

If you cant switch to 9/6, have you thought about flying to Athens, spent a night or two there and then taking the high speedy ferry to a Greek island or two?

When did shows become available for booking for your Allure cruise?

The people who own Harbor 360 also opened a new hotel called the Gateway. Both hotels sell months out in advance. Alternatively, you could look into air b & b. We loved Seward. Definitely, stay 2 nights if you can.