debenson0723

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!

Did you book on the app or did you call NCL? I would give them a call or use the chat to see if you can change to another date and time. Failing that, I would do it once onboard.

I always eat in Onda, twice if I can swing it. So many great choices in that restaurant. When using our vouchers, we chose Le Bistro (totally agree about the lifeboat view being off putting though), Cagney's and Hasuki. We pay out of pocket for Food Republic and Los Lobos, usually only getting the tableside guac, maybe splitting an entree or the quasadilla, and topping off with the tower of churros. As others have mentioned, eating a dinner in Indulge is a great option too.

I am new to MSC and was looking for cruises last night. I found one I liked but the booking automatically defaults to 2. When I changed the passengers to one, it came back that the cruise was sold out. I had heard this was happening but found it hard to believe. I guess MSC does not want solo cruisers so I will look elsewhere.

This was my experience too and I was on before you. My friend was called up and he did not go anywhere before hand to sign up. He won $600 cash!

You can adjust your dinners once you are on board.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/ Also lots of videos on YouTube that show options from Rome to the port.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. Lots of info on Barcelona here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/465-spain-ports/

Yes she will. I am a solo cruiser and invite someone to share my voucher with me on every cruise. She will get 2 meals for 2 so one of you will be her guest and the other will use the extra 2 meal package.

I don't do the casino either but still find a way to be entertained. Stop by the atrium and watch what they are doing there (usually a couples competition, live music duo or bands), karaoke, the Beatles review or Syd Norman's, silent disco, comedians (some better than others)...various options on different ships. Sometimes we just sit out on the Waterfront or in the Observation Lounge having a cocktail and a nice conversation. I barely watch TV at home and certainly not on a cruise. I've seen all of the shows more than once and will go back again sometimes but I never seem to have an issue finding something to do in the evenings.

Just call or use the chat feature. You can make these changes as long as you aren't 3 days from departure.

USD is fine. Smaller bills are best.

No, it does not include specialty coffee. If you don't think you will drink 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day (basically the same cost as the $22 a day gratuity), you might be better off just paying as you go and getting your coffee on the side. And the ship only has the atrium cafe, where they serve Starbucks products, but not a dedicated Starbucks (so no SB app or gift cards).

The tax charge is on embarkation day at the US port. I have been charged in Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle. Don't remember about Port Canaveral. There is typically a sign on the bar stating the tax will be charged. It's less than a dollar per drink and I don't even really notice it.

You should look again...I seriously doubt it was filled up already. Or try the chat feature on the website. Last option if it doesn't allow you online is to use the kiosk or box office once you board.

Any ship larger than the Jewel class typically has reservations for their main shows. There was talk that they may do first come, first serve on the larger ships but I have not seen that in normal practice yet.

I agree completely with @UKstages. I am Sapphire status on NCL and have had extra treatment given to me, when I allow it. As an example, I was in line at the Local for lunch on a sea day. It was very busy and quite a number of people were waiting. The group in front of me was 5 people, I am a solo. They were asked to step aside and told the wait would be about 15-20 minutes. I placed my card on the scanner and was immediately taken to a table...for 6! I looked at the hostess and told her I did not need to be sitting at that huge table by myself and to please let me go stand in line and seat the party of 5 that was in front of me. She looked a little taken aback but I walked back to the podium and she took the party of 5 to 'my' table. I then told her I wanted nothing larger than a 2 top and I would be happy to wait. I have also had a hostess apologize (multiple times) if there were no window seats available in the MDR when I was being seated. I always tell them it is not necessary that I have a window...I just want to eat. These are only 2 examples off the top of my head and yes, service should be exceptional for every guest onboard but sometimes it is a touch more exceptional for Haven and elite status members (without waving our cards around).

If you miss the ship you will get back the port fees, taxes and FAS gratuities (basically the things you didn't use because you weren't on board). So I don't see much of a need for the insurance but you already paid for it. Good luck and I hope you make the ship.