9tee2Sea

How exciting..first trip to Europe! Just a suggestion...learn how to say " do you speak English" in whatever counties you are visiting. NEVER assume that everyone speaks English. Once the Natives figure out you dint speak their language, they will most likely start talking in English. I always learn these four phrases... Do you speak English.....Where is the toilet....the check please, and Thank You. Once , in Italy, I asked at the ticket guy at the train station if he spoke English, he said no, Spanish. In my broken Spanish, we got me the ticket I needed.

If you have time while in Venice, take the vapparetto over to Murano. Tour the glass blowing factory and stroll the quaint streets. Not as hectic as Venice. NCL does have a White Party, but I think it's called Glow ( it's on the pool deck at night). Have fun....10 days in Italy, how can you not!

you will make it to LAX, but you may not make to to your gate on time. Sunday traffic is light ( usually). Might take about 25-30 min to get to LAX. Getting to your gate and going thru security s what might be the issue

I think this trip would be the perfect time to not pack much in clothing, and purchase unique clothes while in Italy for that long period of time. I always try to buy some unique article of clothing. Italy/Greece have wonderful lightweight clothing for men and women. While visiting churches, make sure women's shoulders are covered ( might buy a nice shawl )

I always buy those $10.00 watches ( maybe $15.00) when the ship has their watch sales. Like you said, almost cheaper than buying batteries.

I am not going to judge, but I have a story that sort of relates to this issue of the ship not waiting. We were on a Panama Canal cruise earlier this year. We were in one of the Mexican ports where my partner saw a gold chain he was wanting. He told the shop keeper he will think about it, and come back later. Well, we get back on the ship, 30 min before departure, my partner decided he wanted to go and get that chain. It was in the gift shop area when you get off the ship. I kept telling him it's too late, the ship will be be leaving in 30 min. As you know, sometimes you just cant reason with someone that wants something. I told him to grab his passport, phone and I will see you in the next port ( or back in Los Angeles) . He ran to get the chain ( the person at the exit said you have 5-10 min before they pull up the walkway). Well, he got the chain and got back on board. He came into the cabin just as we were starting to pull away from the dock. He said he was going to play a trick on me by waiting and having a drink at the bar first before coming back to the cabin, but then he said that would be too mean ( I am a worry wort). He still has not worn that new chain he risked staying behind for.

i did not purchase NCLH to make money, I just purchased it for the OBC. I dont care what the stock is worth once Im dead.

I cruised Haven (first time) earlier this year. Never received my luggage tags. I called, and NCL said just use the ones provided at the pier, it will be fine. As for the luggage, when we were walking to our cabin after the announcement was made that the rooms were ready, I found our luggage in the hallway ( about 1/2 way up the hallway..not close to the cabin). I just grabbed it and wheeled it into the cabin. Not sure what the "Proper Haven Passengers"do, but that did not diminish the Haven experience. Just a side note, we stayed in Aft cabin, large balcony, not inside Haven complex, but a Haven cabin none the less.

The only time I was n Haven was on the Bliss earlier this year. Ate breakfast on the outer dining area daily ( nice relaxing way to start the day). Lunch was from the buffet ( I like to make BIG salads). Dinner was either Specialty or Haven. I agree the menus got stale, but hey, at least I didn't have to spend hours cooking/cleaning. So it was a fair trade off. I think the best part of Haven dining was the cappuccinos/espressos ( I never do those at home).

I got confused just reading about your tricks.

we were on the Bliss earlier this year and we just asked the bar server for the lounge if we could use their cutter and lighter. No problem. Just return the items directly to whoever you borrowed them from. Dont leave them on a table in the lounge. As for the lighters, they will probably use those cheap plastic ones. The Torches seem to vanish when borrowed.

you can always try Anthony's on the pier. But Smith Tower is the one I have always wanted to do as well, just the timing has never been right.

I received an email from Casino at Sea ( or whatever it's called) and the offer was for two people at a really good price. I did a mock booking as a solo traveler, and of course the price was much more ( like 3 times more). What happens if I only show up, and the other person dosen't. Will they charge my onboard account the extra money, since I am now a solo? I doubt I will ever do something like that ( it feels like cheating the system), but just curious how the cruiseline handles a no show at the pier.

I stayed at Pullman Blue Lagoon. They have shuttle to/from airport. I think the shuttle drive had a side hustle of taking folks to the POM, but dont know the price he was charging.

the only rough seas you will probably encounter is when you get out of the Inside passage and get back to Vancouver. The inside passage is surrounded by Mountains, so it's just basically the ups/downs of the tide. I get dizzy looking at rollercoasters, but have done Alaska cruising at least 5 time. Only take my bonnie on the first day

I purchased a nice pair onboard ( used my On Board Credit). I think the brand is Vortex? Good sized, HD lenses for crisp viewing. I wish I paid extra to get the No Shake feature ( my hands vibrate when holding things). So farther came in handy. Saw whales while cruising the Mexican Coast. Alligators on the banks while going thru Panama Canal. The most vivid blues on ice floats while cruising Alaska. Comes with a case, but the neck strap to attach requires a degree in physics ( you just don't hang it around your neck...there is a waist holster and shoulder support). I just put it in a crossbody day bag for excursions.

I've got enough points for a $1,000 statement credit. I will probably book a nicer balcony ( I don't want the upgrade option because I don't know where they might put me) and use the credit to off set the cost.

I used two CruiseNext certificates ($500.00 total) for a deposit on a cruise for March 2025. If i cancel the cruise ( before final payment obviously), how is the deposit refund handled? Is it refunded back to CN certificates? If refunded as CN's, does the expiration date then go beyond the original date of expiration? just asking now, because it looks like I will be cancelling the cruise, but I want to wait until the last minute, just incase things change by March 2025

before I left on the cruise, I put my Haven tips in three different labeled envelopes ( concierge, butler, and cabin steward). Much better than having a wallet full of $$$. It also gave me a chance to adjust my tips before I handed them the envelopes ( I gave my cabin strewed more than I had originally planned).

you can cancel on line ( except maybe in the chat bubble). Once you board, go to the Specialty Dining area that is set up in the lobby and cancel the reservation.

Hater is a very strong word. I find it to be a silly game, that I don't partake in. But like in life, to each their own. I can do what I want, without hurting anyone in the process.

I believe there are walking maps located in some, or most of the hotels. Just go into the lobby and pick some maps that are to your liking. If you take the trolly into the Garden District, I believe there are maps on board as well ( with routes to take, and what to see). I think there is even a map of the cemetery's. I would also look online for "walking tours of New Orleans". You might find some very interesting routes online. If Bourbon Street is too hectic, just keep walking up ( its a very long walk) to Frenchman's Street. Defenitly more quiet than Bourbon street. 1 more tip, check out ( on the internet) the sites to see while cruising out of New Orleans. A few important civil war battle sites or located along the Mississippi.

i enjoyed my aft balcony during the entire transit. It was interesting to see the "mules" ( the little trains) go thru the tie up process. It was fun twitch the gates close, and see the ship slowly rise up to the next lock, then watching the gates open back up. You can always watch the bridge cam station for the entry views of the canal. I left the that station on during the entire transit, so I could hear the narration. Being in aft, sure beat out standing in the hot sun for hours ( In my opinion). AND, I had access to a bathroom without having to "save my place".

I thought Gibraltar was really interesting. Not so much for the British feel, but for touring the military formation carved into the mountain. I last visited there about 10-15 or more years ago ( just after OBL was killed). You hear about terrorists living in caves, and you think it's just a hole in the ground. Not so. The "complex" in Gibraltar had a mess hall, living areas, etc. Its was very interesting to see the massive complex, and have it so well hidden in the mountain. But those Monkeys will steal anything that is not securely fastened ( hats, glasses, wallets)

I found one once, didnt know what to do with it. Gave it to the first kid I saw. From what I have heard, I think you are to post a pic on social media of the duck and where you found it. It seems the game with the ducks is to have a traveling profile of the rubber duck. Kind of like the Traveling Gnome thing a few years ago. I choose not to partake in the duck hunt game. Next time I see one, I will tell someone where they can find a duck