debenson0723

I was thinking the same thing. I never book a flight out of any NYC airport after a cruise there, as you never know what could happen or what is going on (ship, port or city related). We are doing the Joy Bermuda cruise in June and our return flights are at 4pm out of JFK.

Have you tried calling or using the chat feature? Everyone seems to think the app and/or website are the only way to book but I find those other options just as good and sometimes even better.

This is what I was wondering too. I love sea days and have no problem staying busy. I also take a day and just relax...sleep, order room service, read, just de-stress.

No plugs in the bathroom for a hairdryer (on any ship I have been on). There are multiple plugs near the desk area and a mirror so easy to dry hair there (also a hairdryer provided but I know some people like to bring their own). USB ports are near the bed. If you watch a couple of YouTube videos on the Encore cabin type you are in, you can see them all.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. For your sailaway from Seattle, I think the Observation Lounge would be your best bet. I have sailed Encore from there twice and it was practically empty, as some cruisers don't even discover it until day 2 or 3. You can grab some food and drink, park yourself on the starboard side and will have a great view. If wanting to be outdoors (it did not rain either time I was there) the Waterfront is a great place but might not work well with 25 people. The Encore does not have a Spice H2O.

All of them.

Usebounce.com. Be advised, these are local deli's, hotels, hair salons, etc. that store your luggage in the back. Make sure to check business hours as some close sooner than others. We successfully used a souvenir store on 8th Avenue and it was easy drop off/pick up.

I do this also but with a Capital One 360 account. Opened it online, received my Mastercard debit card the next day via FedEx. Have used it in many countries with no fees from any bank ATM. Prior to a London trip, 2 friends sent me USD to my Capital One account and I purchased GBP for them so they would have a little cash. But mostly they used their Apple Pay on their phones, even to tap in and tap out on the Tube.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You will find information on the Ports of Call forum on this site for most of the questions for your European cruise. Depending on where the On Your Own tour drops you off, you can take the Metro to the Eiffel Tower or possibly a cab (but the Metrol will probably be faster). And yes, Euros are the currency used in France (and GBP in the UK).

Thanks for the correction. Viva suites (non Haven) still get the breakfast and lunch in Cagney's...I wonder why they don't on the Joy.

With a suite on the Joy, you will be able to have breakfast and lunch in Cagney's...your son and his girlfriend will not be able to join you there.

Did you let anyone from the crew know about the dirty restrooms? I have never seen anything like this on any ship but they can't address the issue in a timely manner if they are not aware.

This. I will typically take 50euros for a 2 week trip and come home with 30. The only place in Greece that would not take a card was a little old man outside a monastary on a hill, standing next to his rickety little table, selling handmade religious icons. I bought 2 from him for 3 euros. Your exchange rate will be better with a card but always make sure you chose the currency of the country when processing (the machine will ask euros or USD).

Still not sure why you paid to 'upgrade' from a GTY balcony without knowing which cabin you would be in. I've done GTY several times and always got a great cabin...you could possibly have gotten the cabin you just paid for. Or if all of the balcony cabins are full, you might have been upgraded to a Club Balcony. This happened to several of us on the Jade a few years ago. You can't go down a class with a GTY, only up. And just an FYI, the Aqua is slightly larger than the Prima and Viva and does not have a race track.

That also happened on the Prima in Southampton. They called those that purchased Priority Access right after handicapped. There were some Diamond and Sapphire guests who I thought were going to lose their mind! I felt so bad for the employee (young girl) who was just doing what she was told, even though I thought the Diamond and Sapphire should have gone first. I like to get on early too but don't freak out if I have to wait 2 or 3 minutes (and I agree, earning should go before paid).

If the cruise is paid in full and you were not allowed to use the CruiseNext cert, just save it for next time. They no longer have expiration dates.

There is no special waiting area in Miami for Platinum or above Latitude members. Haven guests are in a different area and taken to the ship via their dedicated elevator. In my experience, most recently on Viva in December, next comes handicap travelers, then Diamond and Sapphire are called, then Platinum. We were about the 5th and 6th on board so I don't know what happened after that. I know most people like to book their dining via the app but have you ever tried to book via chat or calling NCL? I have had success doing that when the app shows certain times unavailable. It's worth a shot and if there is still no availability, head to the Prima theatre once onboard...there will be multiple tables set up to book dining and shows. Enjoy your cruise.

Never seen a studio GTY either. Which ship is this? Have you looked at the solo inside? Usually the price of that is same, if not a bit lower, than a studio.

The chances of your luggage being lost are very small. And it by chance your room wasn't ready (has happened before, even in the Haven) you are stuck with all those bags for who knows how long.

We did a private company...$15 per person. Lots of information on transportation options on the Florida Departures board: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/

We always do breakfast in the MDR on disembarkation day. That way we are out of the room so stewards can start doing their job for the next passenger. And we always prearrange a shuttle from the port to FLL. Pickup around 8:30.

Sorry this happened to you. I had a small magnet that had been on many cruises stolen on an RCL cruise...it can happen anywhere.

Yes. Never had anyone check our docs for check in time.

I have been to NOLA several times as a solo female traveler and after one day in or near the Quarter, I head out (via street car) to the Garden District. Get off near the Ponchartrain Hotel (another great place to stay!) and do a self guided walking tour. Many beautiful homes and if you get to Magazine Street, lots of cute shops, galleries and restaurants. You'll also come across Lafayette Cemetary (there are locals there willing to give you a tour for a few dollars) and the famous Commandor's Palace and their Jazz brunch. Pre-covid I did a wonderful food tour in the Quarter, lots of tastings and history. Can't remember the name but you should be able to find one via Trip Advisor or Viator. And if you have the time on Sunday morning, the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues is a fun time (unlimited mimosas and great food). We did manage to do this before boarding the cruise on Sunday...I think it is from 11-1. I have stayed a few times at the Mercantile Hotel, which used to be an old sugar factory, and is walking distance to the port. I do not walk alone in the city unless it is a very populated area...a few dollars for an Uber is worth piece of mind. Looking forward to following your latest adventure. Have a great time!

In and Out is actually cheaper than McD's now (and much better). Have done your cruise a few times on Bliss, which is my favorite NCL ship, and Joy. Enjoy your cruise!