thirstyman1

The inside

bonvoyagie, thanks for all the great info!!!

We are booked on Jewel to Alaska 5/13 - 5/20, and the next 3 days on "land tours". Anyone have any information on what the land portion will consist of? Reservation forms just list them as days at sea, but we actually disembark on 5/20

Thanks!!

Ok new direction. If I transfer my points to OBC, can I use that in the casino and cash out whenever I want?

Even for a good solid stamping of my passport? 🙂 Thanks for the info

Anyone have any do's/don'ts on tipping in SE Asia countries? How do locals feel about accepting American dollars or do we need to get money in local currency?   Thanks!!

Safe Travels!!

Anyone have any pro/con tips (airlines used etc) on NCL Air to Bangkok from Chicago?

Thank you!

Anyone have any recommendations for transfers/tours from Laem Chabang to Bangkok?

1 hour ago, lfplenore said:

If this is your port of entry, I was told no by the Vietnam Embassy. If your ship docks elsewhere in Vietnam first, then maybe. Check the embassy website; there is a list of ports that are approved. I assumed (incorrectly) that Phu My was the same as HCMC but was informed that this is not true.

 

Thanks so much ! Smooth sailing!

9 hours ago, luvluv2cruise said:

Hello, thank you for this great information.  I can't seem to find the port of Hanoi listed as an approved e-visa location.  Do you know the actual name of the Hanoi port?

Thank you for all the information, but also in this thread someone stated that if your port is Phu My, not Ho Chi Minh City, you cannot obtain an EA Visa???

18 hours ago, lfplenore said:

I checked with the Vietnam Embassy regarding the e-visa. Be sure that your first port of call in Vietnam is on the list of approved entry ports. Our first stop is Phu My, which is NOT. The port of HCMC is not the same as Phu My, though NCL calls it HCMC.  For my cruise, I cannot do the e-visa😥.

On my itinerary our port is listed as - HO CHI MINH CITY(PHU MY) so I cannot apply for an E Visa??

14 hours ago, lfplenore said:

$99, I believe. E-visa is $25. Be sure to find the Vietnam government site; there are lots of official sounding scam sites out there. 

Thank you for the great info!

Expat, thanks so much for all the information! The one site I checked had a pretty high upcharge for their services. I'll be sure and check the official government sight. 

Thanks again!!

Taking a cruise over the holidays on NCL Jewel that has switched ports of Call and will now be stopping in Vietnam. Can anyone give more info on Visa requirements. I saw somewhere it was only $25.00 but online "Service fee" was $96.00??

Kasper Gutman, yes but it's an upcharge!

In regard to laundry, the rumor mill says all laundry is washed in scalding hot water, no variances allowed?

Thanks for the information!!

I have several points on my card also. Is it possible to transfer them early into OBC?

Cruise is not for 6 months, but if booking shore excursions in advance would like to use the points??

Sailing on Bliss This Saturday the 25th. Supposed to port in Acapulco one day, but the State Department has issued a "Do No Travel To" for the State of Guerrero. Any news of substitution or will it just be another day on the ship?

It's two Martini's in public, but allow 3 at home!!!!

Thank you

A wee bit off topic but didn't see this listed. We Received two extra meals at Specialty restaurants, plus promotional 3 dinners @ same. Going with friends new to cruising so can we take them to dinner one night and use up credit for two dinners? 

May 17  No

Padragain - we will see you there!!