debenson0723

I have never seen kids in the lounge but did see a group of teens late at night once. If someone doesn't pull the door fully shut, then anyone can access (if they happen to be walking by and know what it is). The teens took the pastries and juice and once they left, I pulled the door shut. Just something to remember if you are staying in the Studios.

I wandered into this building last year just in time for a tour and it was stunning! There were only about 6 on our tour, maybe a dozen people in the whole building total, so not a typical tourist site. We got to go up on the stage for a different perspective and also in the balcony. You probably won't spend more than an hour here but I highly recommend. I was in Barcelona about the same amount of time you will be there, then flew to London for a few days prior to going to Southampton to board the Prima TA. Looking forward to your review, as always!

This is the 2nd Annual (possibly) Latitudes cruise. The first one was on the Escape in the spring. There were various NCL execs on board, special entertainment and different types of swag. I did not go but someone I know did and it looked like a good time. Bliss is my favorite ship but I already have plans for that time of year and I don't think I want to go to Alaska again. But you never know...

There is another show on the Joy called Elements. I actually thought it was better than Footloose. YMMV

They don't have mini bar setups in the fridges anymore. Even when they did, I always had them remove it so I could put my snacks in it.

The OP hasn't cruised in 10 years and back then, that was the standard way to leave tips. All of the cruiselines I have been on in the past 7-8 years have done away with the envelopes. The only line I am aware of that still does envelopes is Disney.

Check over on the Ports of Call board for both hotel recommendations and transportation options.

I stand corrected. In my experience, I have not been on an NCL ship with a studio lounge that held the solo meet ups anywhere but that lounge, except for the first night. On the Prima it started in the Belvedere lounge the first night and 110+ solos that showed up went as a group to the studio lounge.

@hallux is correct. IF the ship has a studio lounge, the solo meet ups are there every night. In my experience, they will sometimes meet at a bar on the first evening, but once the group is there, the coordinator walks everyone as a group to the studio lounge so those not in the studios know where it is. IF there are no studio cabins on the ship (hence, no studio lounge), then those solo meet ups are held in the same location (typically a bar) at the same time every evening.

Looking forward to your comments. Pricing out a South American cruise on the Star for January 2025 so am intested in the usual...condition of the ship, quality of the food and activities...any information will help.. Enjoy your cruise!

I am looking at a cruise for next year and the solo inside cabin is only $50 more than the studio cabin. This ship does have a studio lounge so I would have access, but to be honest, I very rarely go to the meet ups other than the first night. I don't have a problem eating alone but if there is a night that I want to be in a group, I will stop by the lounge for the meet up and go to dinner with them.. As far as the Jade and other ships without solo lounges, I believe they still have the solo meet ups every night, just at a different location. I was on the Jade 2 years ago but it was with a group of solos that I had met on a prior cruise and stayed friends with so didn't pay attention to any solo gatherings.

Thanks for the info. If I do this, I will be flying in late Thursday after work, staying at a hotel near HOU and taking the NCL shuttle Friday morning. Will be on the Viva 3 weeks from today so will chat with the CruiseNext people to see what type of solo deal I can get.

Timing aside, does anyone know the cost of the NCL transportation to IAH from Galveston? I am looking at this cruise (but haven't booked yet) and plan on staying with family in The Woodlands afterwards. I just need a ride anytime after the cruise to IAH to pick up a rental car. I'm a solo so looking for the least expensive option. Thanks!

Or you can upgrade to a higher catagory as long as you pay a few dollars more. I upgraded once from an inside to a balcony for $7. But you can only do either one of these once after final payment.

Check your CN certs on the website. I don't believe they expire anymore. Mine show an expiration date of 2099.

It's a symbol of 'tying the knot'

The sushi restaurant and Food Republic are the only 2 places I have ever been told I could not take food out with me, for the exact same reason you were told.

I have always left my dishes from the buffet or room service in my cabin, and they were cleared out every day. I leave them stacked neatly in the same place, usually at the end of the desk. If it hadn't happened automatically, I would have mentioned to my room steward the first time they were left and asked them to be removed every day.

You don't have to cancel 10 reservations. Once you get on board, decide which night you would like to go to Teppanyaki, go to the venue where they are making dining changes and change that one night from Cagney's to Teppanyaki.

I agree, sounds like a one-off situation to me. Been on multiple cruises since the pandemic and never seen anything like that.

You might want to check the Ports of Call forum on this board...lots of information on transportation options, especially under the East Coast departures section.

You do lose your promotions with a price adjustment. I just did it a few weeks ago...lost my double Latitudes points but that didn't really matter to me. As far as the OBC from your TA, your price adjustment is causing them to lose commission so I can see why they would lower or remove the promo they gave you. They are getting less so you are getting less.

If you go to any bar, they will be happy to give you a glass of ice (or two). I also keep fruit, a box of cereal, possibly cookies, in my cabin, along with a yogurt and milk in my fridge, all obtained at breakfast.

I was surprised at how reasonable airfare was also when I looked at this. My only problem is I might want to go to London longer than the 2 day deviation (thinking of arriving on Monday) so it won't work for me. I will be on the Viva soon so will talk to the CruiseNext desk and probably book then.

Meet and Greets are usually reserved for 25 or more guests and with the backing of Cruise Critic. Are you looking for a special venue to use, or for the cruiseline to provide free snacks/beverages? There is nothing stopping you from putting together your own meet up. We have done it several times at both sailaway and sea days, all without the backing of NCL because we were a smaller group and then had an 'official' Meet and Greet for a larger group (up to 300 on one sailing) from our Roll Call. Maybe that is what the issue is and why they haven't replied.