debenson0723

You can get off the ship the first day and not return. On our Pacific Coastal on Bliss in 2019, there were many people onboard that lived in Vancouver. They got off as soon as we arrived. The ship was very quiet on the overnight. We were out quite late and off to the airport the 2nd morning.

Thanks...I have taken the transfer before. I am rolling off my luggage because I only have a carryon. In PC we did the same thing...even though our flights didn't leave until evening, we wanted to be on the first bus because we were renting a car at MCO (none were available in PC) and going to Disney for the day. It was no problem to request an earlier time and it was granted. But I know every situation is different so plan to just go with the flow. Happy to hear the busses will be at the berth we get off on and will not have to take a shuttle anywhere else before leaving.

No we haven't, LOL. Guess we will find out on Friday (or I will ask once onboard and post to this thread if I find out).

You are correct. I have a friend using BOGO air to fly to Italy this summer and he said it was 2/1. But he's incorrect and it's 2/2. I have never used the air because I like to be in control and I typically fly somewhere either before or after my cruise...not from home to port and back. Thanks for the clarification.

Its not the worse port I have ever sailed to/from (that would be NOLA) but it has had it's challenges a few times. Other times it has been a breeze. My biggest issue is using Uber and their surge pricing, when they know you don't have a lot of options. And once I was literally the last person standing on the curb waiting for my Uber to show up (no fault of the cruise line or port). That's why I decided to take the NCL transportation, even though it may cost a little more. At least I know I can get on the bus and get to LAX fairly easily (and hopefully from berth 50 and not have to be shuttled back to 92).

It sounds to me like the OP used NCL air, which only allows 2 days prior deviation and 1 day post, as they were told.

Everyone??? I think a few people may decorate their doors but it is a very small number from what I have seen. To the OP: I place a small magnet on my door and have never had a problem. I used the same one for years until I took an RCL trip and someone stole it. I may see one or 2 doors decorated in a very long hallway but I don't think it is a 'thing' anymore.

I booked a cruise for this weekend at 21 days out (so booked and did my check in the same day). I received my guaranteed cabin number within a week and am quite happy with the location (mid ship, deck 12). I also got an offer to upgrade the day after that. I did bid on a Haven cabin, even though I know the Haven is sold out (you just never know). I did not bid on a Club Balcony Suite as there was only one showing available and it was on deck 9. Enjoy your cruise.

I have sailed in and out of this port multiple times and really can't wrap my head around how this is going to work. Guess we will find out in a week! My flight isn't until after noon but am really hoping the NCL transportation is at berth 50 and we don't have to go anywhere else. I will ask at Guest Services once we board but not too confident that they will know much. Enjoy your cruise!

On the Port of Los Angeles website. And we actually arrive at berth 50, not 46...my error.

A little off topic but our cruise on the Joy this Sunday embarks at Pier 92 but we disembark at 46. How does that work with luggage pick up and transportation to the airport. We are hoping to carry off our bags (not early) and take NCL bus to LAX...does it pick you up at 46 or do they have a shuttle to 92? We typically use private transportation but with all these port changes, thought the NCL bus might be easier this time.

Yes in 2019 until the shutdown in March 2020. He has been on Prima since the beginning and must be one of the last ones to leave. Some on the ship have had their vacations and are already back on board with a new contract.

It won't be an issue. A screenshot is all I ever use. I don't print anything out.

That's what my friends and I do that are on FB but one of them isn't so we used What's App with him.

Yes but it works best if you have the unlimited wi-fi. I would find it hard with the minutes included plan because you would have to constantly be logging in and out.

Log into your account and in the top right corner you should see a link that says Download E-docs. Or if you use the app, it will be at the bottom of your summary page. I open them and just use the screenshot on my phone. But if you need luggage tags, you can print them from there.

Lots of excursion and other information on the Alaska Port of Call forum on this site, https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/33-alaska/ Choosing between Sitka and Skagway would be hard for me but as others have mentioned, you should try and do Glacier Bay for your first time. With the Bliss (and Encore) you have a wonderful Observation Lounge for great front views, plus the Waterfront to walk around and see everything (and the bars have hot chocolate and Baileys), As far as port or starboard, what you don't see in one direction you will see on the return....more important is to make sure you have cabins above and below. Enjoy your cruise!

Another vote for Bonine. Never had an issue with sea sickness in the Caribbean but did once in Alaska.

Yes, it it's an aft balcony. But honestly, you won't be sitting in one place during the Canal transit. You want to check out the Observation Lounge, the open bow of the ship, sit out on both sides of the Waterfront. I typically have a balcony but prefer to be up top during Sailaway so my view isn't limited but if you are in a regular balcony (not an angeled one) it will be a tight squeeze with 3 chairs. Enjoy your cruise.

There many places to drop off your luggage in NYC after the cruise...we did that and went to a Broadway matinee, then took a private transfer to the airport. Or if you are flying out of JFK, book a day room at the TWA hotel and hang out there. Last resort, if you can find a better flight on your own, book that and just forget about the NCL flight home.

Must be only the Jade...I have been on Encore, Escape, Bliss, Prima and even the Jade in the past 18 months and ate lunch in the MDR on embarkation day on all of them. Will find out next week if it is still happening when I embark on the Joy.

Depends on the ship...Jewel class and the other smaller ships will usually let you check it in a bar but I don't know how secure it is (you do get a claim check but it is out in the open). Breakaway class and above do not have this available.

We had an overnight in St Petersburg a few years ago...had a private tour take us around the city at night, which was spectacular, and ended up doing vodka shots and eating caviar in a bar with locals. It was a night to remember and we got back to the ship around 1am to one sleepy immigration agent to check us back into the port. That 6am wake up call came way too early but we had another 10 hour tour starting at 7am! I am looking at a cruise with an overnight in Florence and if I do it, will get a hotel room in Florence or somewhere else nearby instead of going back and forth to the ship.

Your eye for photography is truly amazing...you are in the wrong business. I was on this ship 12 days and you have brought a whole new perspective to it. I saw things but I didn't really 'see' them like you do. Thanks for a great review.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. A quick search on this forum plus going back a page or two will get you most of the information you requested, on this topic or others. Luckily, @BirdTravelshas provided what you requested. I would base the package cost on my consumption, not the hours of the venue. I don't drink enough to make the package economical so I just use my Starbucks app onboard (and receive reward points too).