SuzanneH

I did a mock newspaper once with specialized headlines. I wish I could remember what program I used. It was a great surprise. I've also done the gift card thing recently for our next Disney trip that is right before our cruise. My son was less excited than I hoped when he saw the Disney gift card, but was super excited when he heard we were cruising, too! I should have thrown in one of my Carnival gift cards, too!

A great big thank you to RANYW for posting this!! I headed to Verizon to get gift cards but they are showing sold out, so just bought them through this opportunity instead. Yay!!!

I am normally a balcony cabin cruiser, but only do OV if I have to pay up to a suite category to get one. How long is the cruise? Is it port intensive? Do you spend a lot of time in your room? Only you can decide if it's worth it, but for me I'd rather cruise twice for the money. But people that do inside cabins probably think the same about my balcony cabin. Lol.

Subscribing to this thread. We took eight suitcases full of things to the orphanage there many years ago and will be doing it again next year so would love info on how things are working now. Thanks!

105 until the Imagination and 364 until the Breeze. Pretty sure I need one in between, though....

Wow-- we are a sneaky bunch!! Lol. I have surprised my kids with cruises before-- it's so much fun!!! I actually have a secret cruised booked for my youngest son's birthday in December. It was soooo hard not to tell him earlier this summer when he told me he wanted to go on a cruise again and didn't want to wait until next August when we have the Breeze booked.

I just submitted my very first price protection form. Only for $20, but I'm still excited!! I hope I did it right. I guess we shall see!

Thank you!! I was able to get a couple through the Verizon program.

I was so excited to watch this but it says the video was removed-- clicked on the link in the OP-- am I doing something wrong? Thx!!

I just paid off my January cruise using these, and am now using one to prepay the gratuities. Just can't beat 10% off!! I booked one cabin online and one through a PVP. Sorry, not sure about a travel agent but I have read on these boards that some have used them with their TA's so I am sure someone will chime in.

I have done this in the past when my two oldest kids were in their Tweens. The only big surprise was video game charges. That was before you could check your account daily on the tv. My kids just know if you have to swipe your card it's going to cost you. I think it's a great way to give them some control over their vacation while also learning some responsibility :).

Very good info-- thank you!!!

YOU GUYS WILL NEVER BELIEVE THIS!

 

CMPD (Charlotte-Mecklenburg) Police Dept just came to our house and guess what...they personally dropped off my husband's ID card. He dropped it in the street near Panther Stadium.

 

OMG

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

This is all of that good karma coming back to you from all of the help you have offered others on this board :D. Time to celebrate!!!!

Welcome to Cruise Critic, Peaceful85! Whichever you choose, enjoy!! I truly believe a cruise can be whatever you want it to be-- nice and relaxing, a huge fun party, or somewhere in between :).

I have only been on three different lines but definitely am planning on exploring more, as well as more ships from the lines I have already been on :). I usually look at ports and price first, then go from there. This time I just chose by ship-- the kids really wanted to check out the Epic. Bonus for me is two ports I haven't been to yet.

I absolutely agree-- BEST first post EVER!!! THANK YOU Emtee3511 for looking out for everyone that will book with that agent. Hopefully there is a CLIA complaint that can be filed, as well!

Hi Tripletsmommy! We are booked on the Epic for Saturdays sailing. This will be our first time on the Epic as well as the first time at two of the three ports, so unfortunately I am not much help but I found a TON of information on the ports of call boards-- might want to check there for ideas for do it yourself excursions :).

Since he thinks you are booked in a mini-suite tell him NCL has changed policies so that the mini suite guests check in with the regular suite guests. My DH would buy that without any explanations needed :D.

Just read all four pages of this thread-- whew!!! I see someone beat me to letting you know you can get through tsa without the photo ID. I am so happy he realized that it was gone when he did!! And how amazing that he still had the old one that is valid!! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you but I think you will be fine :). Can't wait to meet all of you on board! Now I am headed to go check the safe to make sure our passports are still there..... I know I put them there a few months ago, but just want to have them in hand. Thanks for the reminder to all of us to check our documents now instead of last minute :D.

What an awesome surprise!! Congratulations!!!! I did this for my daughter on the Star. They did not ever say anything at all about it being a balcony room. She was absolutely shocked and so happy when she opened the door to the cabin :D. Hope you enjoy your balcony as much as we have ours in the past :).

We were told last week that the expected opening date is Nov. 1st or 2nd. Was so disappointed not to get my bushwacker.

I am keeping my fingers crossed-- any news? Sorry you missed out on your Bushwhacker :( I am hoping to try one soon!!

MDR Entrée - Salmon or Fried Cod

MDR Dessert - Tira Misu Cake

 

SR Appetizer - Le Bistro Cream of Mushroom soup, almost as good as my mamas

SR Main dish - Lobster at Tepenyaki - cooked in butter no soy sauce. So yummy.

SR Dessert - Le Bistro - Vanilla Crème Brulee

 

Other - Pretzel rolls, chocolate croissants

 

I eat breakfast and lunch in the Suite venue and my faves are: Eggs benedict, crab benedict for breakfast and I loved the salad with hears of palm at lunch. I had it almost every day! I also enjoyed the kosher chicken.

 

Also, great memories and great food at Chef's Table and Moderno.

Oh wow!!! I had totally forgotten about the chocolate croissants!! Thanks for the reminder :D. I can't wait!!!

17 days until the Epic. Booked in January, so you would think I would be ready--- eeek!!! Trying to get everything ready now. Guess I kept thinking I had plenty of time. Lol.

Last week they were down in the morning, but were running in the late afternoon. We got back to the ship late and I didn't have time to go down and check them out but I assume they were putting people in the gondolas. Hard to tell from the balcony, which is where I took this shot from using a telephoto. This was taken on 10/10/13. I watched them run for at least an hour. So open? Don't know. Running? Yes.

 

THANK YOU!! There may be hope still for our visit :D.

Thank you for the update! Sorry it wasn't running yet :0(.