anotterchaos

It came from PortValet and had the correct confirmation number.

I learned here about Port Valet in Seattle, a free service which would take your bags from your stateroom and check them in at the airport for you. Since I’m arriving early in the morning and don’t have to be to the airport til 7 pm, I jumped at this.

Well, I just got an email yesterday that NCL is no longer participating in the service and my reservation is canceled. I’m a bit annoyed especially as I board TODAY and have made plans for my arrival day depending on this.  Now I’ll have to find a bag drop off (there are lots, fortunately, I even saw a shop in Pike Place that offered the service yesterday) and then get back there to pick up my bags before going to the airport.  Just an extra step, and thought I’d put it out here in case anyone else had been planning on the same. 

Boarding in 5 hours, and that’s what matters!

Following with interest just to get the cruise vibe going, as I’ll be getting on after you get off!  I’m wondering if my cruise (Seattle/AK roundtrip) will be as filled with children, as Spring Break is over for most, and it’s a bit longer cruise.  Also I’m wondering if anywhere will offer a Painkiller…it was a special on the Broadway cruise I did last year on Gem, but I’m not sure if it was specific to that cruise.  But anything with fruit & rum and I’ll be happy. 

BTW Magic Castle is members only and is (or used to be) verrrry exclusive.  I remember my parents getting an invite from a member in the 70s, and one dressed up for it (of course this was the era when one dragged out one’s fur & gown to go to Las Vegas). 

HECK no lol. I could get out earlier on another airline and have a long layover in an airport or spend a nice day in Seattle…easy choice!

Oh, I get in at 5:30 the next morning and I’ll be on call as soon as I get off the train LOL…fortunately it’s a Sunday.  Unfortunately the only flights to Philly with Alaska Airlines are too early to guarantee getting to, or red-eye. 

This is amazing information. I don’t fly out til 9:30 p.m. after an early a.m. arrival, and I had been researching luggage drop spots; they exist but I’d have to get there to drop it, do my sightseeing, and then go back by before heading to the airport.  

19 minutes ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

Yes all your other bids are gone.  Once your bid is processed all the other pending bids expire

Brilliant, thank you!

I just upgraded to Gem 8130 for 9/13 and can't wait! My only concern is I'm over the Bliss lounge...hopefully we won't hear thump thump thump all night.

Gem, 9/13, Quebec City to Boston

$740 PP from mid ship Balcony to Aft Penthouse.  Rm 8130.  We're now over Bliss lounge so hopefully I won't regret that!

My bid was the lowest you could bid to get from "poor" to "fair" chance.  Also bid for an H5, same level.  There was no availability when I tried a mock booking so I was pretty amazed to get it!

Is my H5 bid automatically now gone?  I don't see an option to edit it anymore. z

7 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

 

CHECK THAT - OP is going northbound to Canada - NOT returning where all you have noted is correct !

Actually, Bar Harbor is our last stop...we leave Quebec City on 9/13. (But I'm not the OP either)

So yes, it will be our first American call. 

We hoped to catch the 9:30 tour as it is longer than the later ones;  I'll call the tour operator and see what their policies are if late.  We're only two. Thanks for the info everyone!

22 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

 

 

NCL Ships DAWN and ESCAPE out of NYC - GEM out of Boston

Bar Harbor * always a tender port

 

We are going to be in Bar Harbor on Sept 19 from GEM.  I hadn't realized it was a tender port (I was reading the wrong places apparently!). We are the first ship in port that day... we arrive at 8, other ship at 9.  We booked a 9:30 excursion (not through NCL).  Having been on only two cruises and never tendered, is that likely to be enough time to make our bus? 

Thanks!

Ordinarily I'm 100% behind a 2pm or later arrival - but OP has solid reason not to do that, and frankly on the first 4 ship day in many years with almost brand-new minions at the terminal, it's quite possible that at 2pm queues will be peaking rather than declining. Prior years have seen the first 3 shipper with delays of up to 5 hours to board... it truly is a huge mess, so combining that potential with a child that needs naptime in the early PM, I know that I'd be heading to the pier for 10am myself despite being a staunch 3pm boarder normally!

Thank you, you’ve decided me!

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Arriving as early as 10 or 10:30 am not only disrupts disembarkation, also you won't find porters available.

 

 

 

What will you do with your luggage?

 

 

 

You might be looking at 5,000+ guests trying to get out of the terminal, taxis and buses attempting to get out, and a shortage of CBP.

 

 

 

I would suggest to arrive after 2 pm if at all possible.

 

 

 

David

Even if one decides to arrive later, luggage drop off is available from 10 on, so I assume there are porters ready.

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I anticipate getting the same email. According to the port schedule there are four ships May 13. After reading similar posts I had just about decided to do a leisurely breakfast and trip to the aquarium, but now I am reconsidering. My usual instinct is to be early. What to do!!

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Beautiful!!! In 18 days I will see it for myself...

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Holy crow, looks like there are *four* ships on May 13 when we depart. Good thing I’m a patient person on vacation!

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I'm pretty sure it won't get awarded til May 13th. We'll report back what kind of fuss they make for us ;)

This is an EXCELLENT upsell offer! Congratulations!!!! What ship?

Left out one detail LOL..Westerdam. Wonder if GwenA and I are on the same cruise. They said they were only a couple suites left when my travel agent called back, and the signature suite offers had all already gone.

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Just have to say that yes, Virginia, there is an upsell fairy... we just got an offer to go from a standard verandah to a Neptune suite, 8 day, 7 night cruise, Alaska (Vancouver to Anchorage) for $219 per person. JUMPED ON IT. There were also Sig. Suites available at $49 per person. By the time my agent called, those were gone. We are 37 days out and this is going to make those days even longer! Trying not to tell my husband til we board...we'll see how that lasts... BTW, this is our first HA cruise, so definitely not a perk for a frequent cruiser.

Just waving as you have lots of replies already...we will be on your cruise :). We booked at Auberge. Counting the days!

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AirBnB is kinda risky with the way the city may be targeting them in the coming weeks/months.

This is interesting. I recently booked there for next May. It was clear from some of the listings that the town is not entirely Airbnb friendly. One listing, it was clearly illegal in that building's rules. I have just started using Airbnb and enjoy the experience so much I try to use it wherever I can.

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On Gem last year, we brought magnets, and they worked on the cabin walls and bathroom door. Didn't try them within the bathroom itself (honestly I can't think of where there'd be enough room. OK, maybe on the toilet area walls).

We did. The staff was awesome, felt very safe. We were with a group that included several kids. My husband loved it; I hated it, but that is because I hate heights, not the company. The guide was the only reason I unpeeled my fingers from a post and got down the last yoyo line. I have a t shirt to prove I survived.

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(am I the only one who opened this thread thinking someone was trying to escape Beef Wellington night? guess so. shuffles off)

I can't wait to read the rest of your review! We are booked for the same cruise next year and I am just beginning to investigate our destinations, so I really appreciate the information and insight. We are in cabin 9108 so we aren't even far from your cabin :)

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