tcmagnum

15 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

As long as you book a dedicated solo cabin…Studio, Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, Solo Balcony…you will have access to the lounge. I have noticed that NCL allocated some of the less desirable locations as solo cabins. If I want to book an Inside cabin with lounge access, the Solo Inside cabins will likely be on Deck 5 where it might be under the theater, in which case, no thanks. 
 

I was actually looking at a solo balcony because it looks like my 'cabinmate' might be cancelling due to having a baby (total surprise, but very happy).  I do a lot of research to see what is above and below any cabin we book.  Thank you for the information.

15 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

 

Wow.  That cabin looks better than I would have expected.

Definitely something to think about.

And I really like the snack and drinks set up.

Nice area to relax if I need to get away from the craziness.

Thank you for the pictures and your 'Barely A Live' trip report.

On 5/20/2024 at 10:42 AM, Sugar Magnolia said:

I am just a bad photographer. 
 

We are actually LOVING your photos!!!

You can't be that bad - keep them coming.

24 minutes ago, surfnsun said:

That is a wonderful memory!  Thank you for sharing!

No.  Thank you.

We've been on the Connie twice and we miss her.

You have got us pulling out our pictures - so yay!!

On 5/4/2024 at 2:52 PM, surfnsun said:

Ok guys, so I think some of yous (NY accent impression) in the know have been holding out on me and didn't mention how spectacular Venice will be!  The drive from Ravenna was about 2 hrs 15 min with a private car hire.  Our hotel is right on the Grand Canal and is spectacular and pretty fancy!  But that doesn't keep Watson from goofing off.  We have three nights here with two tours that should be great.  I'll report on those later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was very behind on reading your trip report, but I wanted to get to this day with you.

I had a feeling you would be blown away by Venice.

We cruised out of Venice on the Connie back when cruise ships were allowed to cruise out of Venice and LOVED IT!!!

There is just something about the architecture and the food and the wine and the people and the lighting and the sounds.

Our favorite day was the day we just walked around and kept getting lost.  Then a rain storm hit and we ducked down an alley to a cover.  We were motioned into a wine store by the owner and we spent hours there just tasting and talking and laughing.  Perfect day.

We also stayed at the same place on the canal.  Magical!!!

2 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Not to worry, you truly do not need to have those coupons in getting free laundry as long as you are Platinum and/or staying in a Club Balcony Suite (or higher, I believe) ... I just wish that they run out of those tiny, small paper bag and go back to the regular, full size paper bag used for laundry services ... charging otherwise $34 a bag nowadays.  We got over $400's worth of free laundry between our 2 cabins, twice per stateroom over 15 days, a nice perk that is actually useful.  We had a great time on the Epic TA and if you haven't check out our "old" Semi-Live from 2023, link is below.  

 

We are in a Haven suite so maybe…

Heading to read your ‘semi-live from 2023’.  
Thanks!!!

@Sthrngary

Great post!!!   Realistic Expectations is what it is all about.

We are new to the Haven (coming up in October) and we expect to be blown away.

But we also don't have many 'asks' - snacks in room in afternoon, ice, and maybe room service once.  We are really just looking for a place to escape the crowded madness and the Haven sounds like it will do the trick.

@erisajd

It is about relationship building - do it early and often.  

Right here!!  Say it louder for the people in the back!!

Talk with the employees you come in contact with - ask about where they are from and about their family.  It shows you care about them as a human and not a servant.

20 hours ago, mking8288 said:

There is no laundry coupon and none needed 😆😆😆 but if anyone feel strongly about needing one, see me on the next NCL cruise, I probably have more than 2 dozens in a variety of colors (Platinum, Sapphire & Diamond) "unused" - in short, just write on the laundry slip and the thin (and still small) paper bag, your status and sent it out via your room steward. 

We thoroughly enjoyed your trip report.

We could sure use a couple of those laundry coupons come October on our TA.

But we have budgeted for a bag (or two if needed).

Your cruise is one we are looking at doing next.

20 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

The Banana Banoffee Cream is layers of deliciousness served in a parfait glass.  The layers consist of graham cracker pie crust, ripe bananas, dulce de leche pudding and fresh whipped cream. It is garnished with toasted coconut flakes and mint.

 

 

OMG!!  Now I'm starving (I just had some goldfish crackers for lunch).

I will definitely be ordering this on our cruise in October!!

Thank you...

On 5/12/2024 at 4:08 AM, YVRteacher said:

Have you tried the Banana Banoffee Cream? I’m thinking about it right now and I want one!

May I ask for a description on the Banana Banoffee Cream?

Loving your trip report...

Happy Birthday to you!!!

Love your attitude....

And I love your dad...

18 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Neither of us enjoyed the family sitting behind us with their kids coming and taking food off our plates. I had to whisk my dad away before he started swearing at them. He did utter “twerps” under his breath when the mom picked up the middle child and hit my dad in the head with her feet.  

 

We then headed to the thermal suite to get warm from the outside in. I had to tell the loud talkers to please respect the quiet area. The noise in the spa has been ridiculous on this cruise and I wish they would post “quiet please” signs.

You are so patient!!  I'm with your dad - Let him swear at the kids and maybe the parents will keep them away from you guys.  Some people are fit to have kids.

And maybe the ship needs to explain what Spa Voices are and to use them.  Or kick them out.  Grrrrrrr....

On 5/3/2024 at 8:08 PM, Radio said:

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed your report on your trip to Bermuda.

This is on our 'wish list'.  So pretty.

Glass Beach will be visited.

Quick couple questions:  You said you rented a scooter.

Do you have a picture?  Who did you rent it from?  Daily or for the whole trip?

Thank you!!

On 4/28/2024 at 1:10 PM, Bobbi48128 said:

Hi.  i’ve booked a TA sailing from Rome to Port Canaveral in mid october    i’ve been to rome in october so i know what kind of weather to expect in the mediterranean ports.  but what about at sea.  what kind of temps would you expect while out at sea should i pack fall clothing? summer clothing, or winter clothing. is it warm enough to swim in the pool?  i’m going on ncl and don’t plan on dressing up at all. just want to be comfortable. 

thanks for any advice. 

I think we are on the same cruise this October and are starting to think of what to pack.  We are thinking layers like OldBear and Polar both suggested.  We will be optimistic and pack a bathing suit just in case, but....

On 5/3/2024 at 8:07 PM, YVRteacher said:

Back to Juneau!

 

After lunch we all walked to the Alaskan Fudge Company for truffles (so many truffles!)

 

 

I want them ALL!!!

On 4/30/2024 at 2:24 AM, YVRteacher said:

They did not know the Full Monty would be showing tonight in the spa.

If we get kicked off the ship due to indecent exposure, I’ll be really mad I don’t get those huckleberry truffles.

I am so very behind due to Kentucky Derby week, but I wanted to tell you that 'You are one hell of a daughter'!!  I'm at the beginning of the process that you are in the middle of with your father.  My parents are both starting down that long road.  Some days great, some days.... You are showing me how to use humor to get through whatever they throw at us.  I love the fact that you are traveling with him so much.  We still go to Vegas every 3 or so months since that's what they love and know.  I can't wait to see what else this cruise brings.  Hugs to you and your father.

11 hours ago, brookie848 said:

We've sailed in 17010 three times.

 

We like this cabin because it is the last 2-bedroom port side and it is obvious where your cabin is located by the break in the hallway (it makes sense when you are there). My husband also likes this cabin because it is right across from the Haven private gym.

Happy to hear you guys liked this cabin as we are in this cabin come October for a TA.

My sister wanted it because it was right across from the Haven gym.

Getting very excited!!

13 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

So many questions….do people bring puffins into businesses?  Is that such a large issue?

 

Assuming puffins can’t read their “stay out” signs.

Those were my exact questions...

What if the Puffin has cold hard cash to spend, can they come into store then?

42 minutes ago, surfnsun said:

Some Florence photos...

 

 

 

Loving your trip report.  Bringing up so many memories.

I am a carousel fanatic and have to ride one whenever I can.

So of course, I rode this one while my 3 best friends watched.

Our first Europe trip was a cruise on the Connie from Venice to Rome (back when cruise ships could cruise in/out of Venice).

You are going to LOVE Venice!!  Remember your goal in Venice is to get lost and see things you didn't know you needed to see.

22 hours ago, surfnsun said:

Ship photos...

Love going here in the afternoon for a cookie (or 3) for an afternoon snack.

Have a few for us!!

Love your Ninja Powers!!

I also think 'how you ask' will go a long way to getting the answer you want.

If you have a smile and are easy going...

But if you are grumpy gus, I wouldn't be surprised if they say no.

Good luck and let us know what happens when you are onboard.

On 3/27/2024 at 7:48 AM, smilegirl07 said:

 

All sounds so good!  We are flying in about a week prior to Rome and then will have to fly to Lisbon before the cruise starts.  And then once the cruise is over, we have another 3 days before we fly out.  I have NOT 🙄 worked out the little details where we are staying where we are going, etc before and after the cruise and I am realizing how quickly rooms are being sold out, excursions are being sold out, etc. Thank you for the info, all sounds so good, I am planning to take it easy since we have the kids but one of my daughters def wants to check out the Pisa!

You may want to check out Airbnb for your lodging in Rome.  This way you could get of center city and with more room than a hotel.  Bonus…You may get a place with a washer and possible a dryer.  Just read the reviews carefully.

On 3/11/2024 at 9:23 AM, PitCritter said:

Better late than never...

 

My apologies, I meant to post back sooner.

 

I can confirm that the no-show approach worked perfectly.  My aunt received a refund of taxes and fees to her CC and my mother checked in without any trouble.  I'm sure this is a regular occurrence.

Thank you for coming back and giving us an update.

We are looking at a no show due to one having a baby and wanted to have no issues.

May I confirm…You checked in your aunt like she was going and then did a no show?

Correct?

7 minutes ago, Travelicious said:

So many great suggestions!  I can't eat at them all, but I am definitely taking notes.  Unfortunately, I failed in my pre-cruise weight loss efforts, so I am a bit overwhelmed just thinking of all of that food before I even step foot on a ship!  

Since you get to go on a wonderful cruise, you have to take one for the team and eat ALL the food.  I'm looking forward to hearing where you go to eat and your thoughts.  I'm living vicariously!!

Enjoy!!

3 hours ago, OrcaGirl said:

Made it to FCO in plenty of time for my flight, though not without some misadventures.

 

The train from Civitavecchia to Rome Trastevere was arriving just as I made it to the platform, and I just jumped on. I didn’t even have a chance to look for a ticket booth, and no one asked me for a ticket. Sorry TrenItalia, I owe you one.

 

 

I turned on the data roaming on my phone to help me navigate and make sure I was going the right way. Which was especially handy on that first leg because there were no ‘the next station is…’ type announcements on that first train.

 

So as we pulled into Rome Trastevere, I knew it was my stop and I stood up and grabbed my bag. Unfortunately, because I am a polite Canadian, I let an older couple I recognized from the cruise ship get into the aisle ahead of me. Big mistake. Big. Huge. 😂 

 

They each had a large suitcase, and when the train stopped and the door opened, they paused right in the doorway while they tried to confirm that it was their stop. I was completely blocked, and despite me asking increasingly urgently to let me pass, they just…

didn't. 🤷‍♀️ 

 

So yay, I got to take the train an extra stop while trying to figure out on my phone how this might change my route or arrival time to the airport.

 

 

 

Fortunately, all’s well that ends well, and I was able to catch the right train at the next station, albeit with a much longer walk between platforms and having to carry my bag up and down a couple of flights of stairs.

 

This time I had enough time to find a ticket booth and pay my €8 fare for the train trip to the airport.

 

I arrived at FCO around 9:20am, so it ended up being just a little over two hours from the port to the airport.

 

I dropped off my bag, went through security, resisted the temptation to buy Italian gin packaged as motor oil, and headed to the Premium Plaza Lounge.

 

 

A lovely cappuccino, croissant and donut were my breakfast of champions, followed by some blood orange juice and a prosciutto and sun-dried tomato sandwich. Yum.

 

 

Heading to my gate now.

 

 

Random observations

 

Looks like everyone still smokes in Italy.

 

An Uber from the port to the airport would have been €170.

I’ll have a two-hour layover in Montreal, with time to answer questions about the cruise if you have any.

Glad your train adventure didn't turn into too much of an adventure.

Hope you have a safe journey home.

I'm a little sad your trip report is ending, but it has gotten me excited for my cruise.

Thank you!!!!