Rhea98

Thanks for all the updates. If I book one of the new Virgin Red promos, I'll definitely apply for status match. I had the match a year ago, but that doesn't seem to be there now. It may work again as we're still NCL Platinum.

We did the 8 nights last spring for 100,000 (no bonus transfers at that time for us). It covered taxes and fees plus the status match got us Deep Blue Perks. As much as we don't care for the Caribbean, we did really like VV. Since they have a cruise on our anniversary (Aug 11), I am considering it. 

In case you're still in need of an answer: https://ajcbattery.com/tutorials-guides/basic-types-of-lead-acid-batteries/#:~:text=AGM batteries%2C also called dry,gel batteries for specific applications. Excerpt from the site "AGM batteries, also called dry cell batteries or sealed lead acid batteries, came into wide use in the 1980’s because they were lighter and more reliable than wet cell or gel batteries for specific applications. An AGM battery is similar to a wet cell battery, except the electrolyte is being held next to the plates in the fiberglass mats, as opposed to freely flooding the plates. Like gel batteries, this makes the AGM battery spill proof, as the acid is contained within the matting technology. They are more vibration resistant, and can withstand colder temperatures than a typical wet cell battery."

You still may want to contact the company where your device was purchased. This "wet/dry battery thing has been a PITA as companies don't/won't publish it and, apparently, some airlines don't seem to ask the correct questions. I can tell you Delta lets my spouse drive up to the airplane, leave the battery pack attached, and have it placed in the cargo area after I fold it up. If you are traveling out of the US, you may have different requirements from the airline. We did for KLM, and we will for our next transatlantic with Lufthansa. 

We used to be able to order banana splits  ($) at O'Sheehan's on NCL Epic. Our last NCL was Getaway westbound transatlantic in 2021. I don't recall it being available but don't think we asked. After a very disappointing 3rd MSC cruise (Seashore--absolutely gorgeous ship- transatlantic in Nov 2023), we are trying Getaway again this year. We don't expect banana splits or even hard ice cream in the buffet--oatmeal raisin cookies and bread puddings would be nice. 

Re MSC, our first cruise-pre-Covid (UK and Norway ) was excellent for our standards (mediocre); the second (Apr 2022) was 25 days Genoa to Norway B2B with Norway (Baltic ports had been called off at that point). That repo cruise was pretty good. Food was good. Then, when we hit Copehagen, things changed--like service and food went way down. Acceptable but noticeably different. On the second week of Norway, it changed again--even worse. We had hoped that was all a part of trying to get things going after Covid. Our TA on Seashore proved that wrong--first cruise I'd been on in our 15 yrs of cruising that I did not gain any weight--it was for 19 days. Even the steakhouse, though ok, was not particularly good.  

3 hours ago, dexddd said:

You ditching NCL?

No. We're on Seashore right now. It's okay--even really good in some areas, but we can't help but compare. Each trip, we wonder if another will be possible. We loved Virgin Voyages- Valiant Lady-- but not Caribbean. NCL, if we can afford it, has our heart if not our wallet.

I hope food has standardized/stabilized across the fleet since spring 2022--25 nights on Grandiosa that saw, granted, imo, negative food changes for each of the three cruises. While the "guys" on the buffet serving line seemed to be consistent (and happy and funny and as helpful as permitted--ALWAYS), the white uniforms hovering around the area changed several times as did the buffet. We have our preferences (mine, in particular, is hot food being served hot!) but don't see ourselves as picky eaters. We don't cruise to eat (in fact, we are so boring that we cruise simply because we love sailing-- preferring transatlantic cruises). However, we will be absolutely delighted if the fresh-prep egg station is, again, operational during our Seashore crossing coming up this week. 

6 hours ago, mexico8 said:

Not clear to me if it's included in the easy plus package or not?   One reply here says No and the other says Yes.   I wonder which is correct?

Yes, with a few exceptions. Ask when you make a reservation for a specific venue. Pick up at a bar on your way into an place where the Easy Plus package is not honored.

As posted earlier (#2) with the list of beverages. This is for Easy Plus:

"The Easy Package covers all the above served in our bars, buffet and main restaurant. What’s more, it also includes Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations, but does not cover the specialty restaurants and signature venues (Venchi 1878 establishments or Jean-Philippe Maury venues, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club). Valid for cruises of 7 nights and more.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN RESPECT TO THE SAUDI LAW, DURING THE CALLS IN SAUDI ARABIAN PORTS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS WILL NOT BE SERVED UNTIL THE SHIP WILL BE IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS."

We cruise on Oct. 28 and received upgrade email on Aug 8. (We weren't interested so beyond that, I have no idea.) Strangely, we had checked in and even received tickets, etc. on Feb. 22. However, we still cannot buy Specialty Dining on the website. 

I'm still looking at 49 days out for Seashore TA which may prove to be different. I discovered researching yesterday that package offerings vary by ship. It's possible I'm the only one who didn't know that. Customer service, both phone and email, suggested I call at 30 days if nothing shows up online to purchase pre cruise. Do have Fantastica.

Sounds like you'll be renting a scooter. If it's only/mostly for the ship, try to get a smaller, foldable one. DH has one that folds up to the size of a large suitcase: 29.5" x 19" x 18".

From other NCL ships, there is usually a "sugar free," but i have no idea what sweetener is used. If there is a hard ice cream station on two sides of the buffet, some flavors may vary. 

23 hours ago, Happymemakes3 said:

Thank you for the info, so is that a good deal for the 10 day sailing?
Do you know anything about upgrading the internet packages of the ship, does that come up in the planners? 

It's probably an "OK" deal if you want the spa access. We paid $227 (x2) for the 19 day Transatlantic which, as Fla Mike pointed out, arrives Nov 16. I'm thrilled with the price. There was a time (supposedly) that thermal spa passes often sold out on TA's. IDK. 

FWIW, we've never sailed Seashore, but the spa with private outside access looks very appealing. In 2018, we bought spa passes for 21 day B2B on Meraviglia and only paid $60 (x2) x 2 for each voyage. Honestly, even back then, it was a steal--and I believed it was a mistake when I grabbed the passes at those prices. However, I didn't care for that spa enough to get passes on sister ship, Grandiosa, for 25 days spring, 2022. 

11 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Inside, the Broadcasting Room is empty during the day. Some of the other places have a window to see outside and are mostly empty during the day. 

On Mera and Grandi, this was our go-to spot. So quiet but also a bit dark--which is something I gravitate toward. It did have windows on those ships. On Grandiosa, the inside daytime adult area was the Sky Lounge, deck 18. Honestly, after about 10AM, it was quite noisy--just a lot of loud talking. The Attic Club on Mera may have been the same. I don't see anything on Seashore that looks similar and won't be onboard for😁!

Still no Specialty dining available. 

I don't know much about it as our last (and next) flight from SeaTac was/is at night, but you might want to look into SpotSaver if you don't have CLEAR/Pre-Check.

15 hours ago, Steeler Nation At Sea said:

I had found the dining button you mentioned and still had nothing showing.  Will try again.

Same here but worth a try. I am mainly interested in looking at the packages as they seem to have changed--at least for some cruises--to offering specific venues per package. We prefer a la carte as we cannot eat all the food provided per meal--even skipping an appetizer. 

Oslo docks are "right there." This is a picture from Grandiosa May, 2022. My husband uses a mobility scooter. We had no problem along the dock and in the first "layer" (and a block or two from the harbor streets) of the port town area.

As has been posted, Copenhagen Oceanskaj is a long way. Langelinie is very close but for smaller ships. Public transport (bus/train) is excellent although since having the scooter, we have not used it.

17 hours ago, JT1962 said:

I am on the Seashore in October from Genoa to Port Canaveral and have similar issues. I haven’t checked Spa options, but there are no Specialty Dining Options available and limited excursion options in a few ports, with no excursions listed for 3 ports. ...

We're on the same. I was able to book the Thermal Spa passes Feb 23. I'm sort of expecting S. Dining to open up at Day 90--which may mean that those boarding at Civitavecchia are closer to that timeframe and, hopefully, will report on the roll call. I did notice some excursions show up a month or more ago. As we're not interested, I didn't pay much attention tot he choices.

The Seashore TA later in Oct '23 has everything available except Specialty Dining. I'm fully paid so don't know if that's also a requirement; however, "too early" seems logical--even for MSC.

Check on it. We were a week into a 25 day (b2b) a yr ago before I checked on it. The agent at the VC desk said it had happened to a LOT of the passengers. I kept looking at my cruise card as it looked different: it was the blue card. 

@Morgsmom, 

Yep, we now have an even dozen of drawstring bags! We did come home with 4 more chocolate ships, though (one for each of us per cruise). It actually makes pretty good cooking chocolate. 

This happened on our last booking (made Nov 2022 for Oct 2023). I emailed MSCExistingReservations@msccruiseusa.com with the issue (mainly no $50 OBC due to no VC# showing for DH) my booking number, my VC number, and spouse's VC number. I received a reply the same day that the number had been added. I also received a new cruise statement that showed his number AND his OBC.

HTH's.

On 3/31/2023 at 2:55 PM, jcl410 said:

 

As of 2000z, 31 March, the USA website is up to date, with the same information as the UK site.

 

Hurray!

 

Aloha,

 

John

I can see that info under the pre-cruise requirements on US website (#1). My GV isn't until end of Oct so I would not have received any message. (Ha Ha! The voyage is with MSC so messages are hit or miss--mostly miss.) I have been checking about once per month. When reading Terminal and Embarkation, I still see (#2). As usual for MSC, clear as mud. I want to think that "when required" is pretty much never for US residents as well as for most other nations. I was looking at the section GRAND VOYAGES & MSC WORLD CRUISE: TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. RESIDENTS.

#1

#2

2 hours ago, Taterace said:

Hi There. We would appreciate if you would add us to the Resilient Lady roll call

We are first time cruisers on a ship of this size, I read with interest your post re Dining. Sounds cumbersome

cheers Taterace

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2615-resilient-lady-roll-calls/

Find your sailing and sign up. If it's not listed, you can start the roll call.

On 3/30/2023 at 6:31 AM, tbmrt said:

I like to get up around 5 AM.  I know I can get coffee early, but are any muffins or danish available then?

I did check at The Galley-- 24 hr Dinner and Dash: English muffins and toast. (Bagels at Daily Mix @7). Here's a pic of Grounds Club deck 7. Their offerings may change slightly. They have cookies later in the day. This would be good for grabbing night before. Gluten free items on the covered cake plate.

On VL now. App says  Grounds Club and GC2 open at 7am. GC2 puts pastries in a bag. The sweet shop opens at 6. I've gotten coffee as early as 4:30, but I'm sure it's available 24/7 as stated. My only issue has been locating the coffee dispenser with the "hot" coffee.

Either grab your morning pastries the day/night before (muffins, in particular, may be just as good next day. I had part of an almond croissant leftover and was surprised it still tasted pretty good) or go ahead and get coffee and pastries with room service. The pastries are really good. If I remember, I'll ask about options in the morning when making my coffee run. 

12 hours ago, ociana said:

 

If you click the year it will show a drop down to select your year, instead of scrolling through the calendar. First time I ever saw that feature in a phone calendar menu it threw me off as well, but I run into everywhere now.

Thanks for letting me piggyback. Just using your reply to post screenshots I just took. Click the 2023 in upper left then the years appear.