amygutman

Gem is absolutely our favorite ship as well. Hands down. It has no itineraries on the NCL site after Jan 2025, so thinking it's privately chartered (don't see it on private charter lists either). I'm trying to move a Feb 2024 cruise to a Gem cruise ...I don't care where, just miss that ship. The Haven is the warmest and loveliest in the fleet. Small # of rooms, perfect pool area. Only the Pearl's crew came close to the top notch and personalized care. The only downside is not having the Haven restaurant but on the Gem it is really not that important as the MDR is great and the specialty options you get as a Haven guest are also wonderful. Haven to Bermuda...now THAT would be heaven. Anyone know where it's going to be in 2025? Warmest Amy

@graphicguy As Mark Twain Said in 1936 "Americans on their way to Heaven call at Bermuda, and think that they have already arrived". Lived in Hamilton for over 2 years right on Victoria next to Court Street. It's ... just...well, there are no words. Don't get me wrong - as you figured out it's a hard, expensive life, very distinct "haves vs have nots", and just the everyday challenges of living on an island. Covid times were awful - separated from my family due to quarantine for over 6 months. One hospital on an island in which half the population did not trust the medical establishment and only limited hospital beds and resources. Rationing of medical care was a terrifying reality I will never forget. But - "stunningly beautiful" does not cover it. 3 days on a cruise is not enough...heck, after 2 years we were still discovering new nooks and crannies. It's the people that make the island unforgettable though - along with beaches and views to make you weep. Here's a photo of my daily work commute...not a bad view. Moongates at most beautiful hotel in the world (in my humble opinion) - The Hamilton (Pink) Princess... And I truly left there with my heart literally on my sleeve...the pink sand, blue waters, and humpback tails that makes Bermuda my heart home forever... Warmest Amy

@Hlitner can I just say that you are living my dream life? Two months on a cruise ship exploring the world just sounds like heaven no matter how little or how much you pack. Warmest Amy

@CatBoiler I always do my happy dance when these arrive!!!!!!!! Warmest Amy

Very much looking forward to your thoughts. We booked the Viva for 2025 because the itinerary was outstanding (Haifa to Athens), but despite the ship as it's not our style at all, and the Haven really appears, well...ugly. We love indoor pools as well so disappointing to not have this feature. You always provide honest opinions and insight so very curious about your experiences (ship as well as Haven) for Viva's near identical sister ship. Warmest Amy

@Honolulu Blue...I see we have similar tastes in friends 😄

This....I feel this! Warmest Amy

@cruisemom42 AMEN to that! As the chief packer, un-packer, then re-packer...if I don't do it, it just isn't done. I "allowed" my husband (an amazing father, husband a critical care nurse) to pack his and my son's bags for a three week trip they took to NY/CT to visit the grands. They were at Walmart within 2 days of landing 😂 Warmest Amy

@hallux For us it's more of the "where are my belongings" vs the headache of actually getting those belongings. For cruises, we pack nothing sentimental or valuable but missing something "functional" is annoying (i.e. cruise-compliant multi-sixes). But I definitely see your point. Warmest Amy

@Nebr.cruiser That's why I asked the question - I am very curious about how different people "style" their packing. 6 weeks in Australia and New Zealand sounds just amazing.... Warmest Amy

@lenquixote66 Wow. That's both bold and brilliant. Though, rather of disposing of the clothes giving it to his stateroom attendant would have been my choice but heck, that's a very liberating way to travel! Warmest Amy

@Lois R "Two Nights At JFK" DEFINITELY sounds like a horror film! 😒 Warmest Amy

@graphicguy Agree 100%. And after living in Bermuda for a long time, we love and miss the island. However, flights in and out from Florida are 600-$1200, plus staying in Bermuda at a non-resident rate is extraordinarily expensive. For flights for three people + five nights in a hotel + meals could be thousands of dollars more expensive than a cruise out of New York or Boston, which have three nights in Bermuda. At the Haven price point, it’s still cheaper to take a cruise vs flying from Florida to Boston / NY. Alas, we are waiting for the perfect Gem class from the East Coast to Bermuda, and cannot find any that fit our schedule for 2025 (where are you NCL Gem?). warmest, Amy

@BirdTravels I’m 5’1” and XS. Hubby is 6’0” and 3XL. Kiddo is 5’6” and XL. I find that we all put various things in every single suitcase as my kiddo would be able to wear my husband closing, but Husband could definitely not where Kiddo’s or my clothing should we lose a bag. Hardest thing to find on a cruise ship or port are underwear, I can’t even imagine how difficult it would be to find 3XL. Our carry-on has at least two pairs of underwear for each of us, which, in a pinch, we could wear/ wash, wear/wash. There’s always commando…🤣 warmest Amy

@laudergayle the gum wall is on our list to see, but I can tell you, that I am physically nauseous. Just thinking about it!!! 🤣 Can’t wait to hear about your trip to Vancouver, I’ve heard it’s a beautiful town to visit pre-cruise. Warmest Amy

@brer111 ❤️ There are a number of different android or Samsung phone based AirTag-type-devices on Amazon. Seems to be quite a few to choose from, but can’t speak as to the effectiveness of any. Maybe other CCers can I offer their experiences. I will tell you that the AirTags are very helpful. I did a travel assignment out of the country and could watch my plane go to Saint Croix whilst my luggage AirTag stayed in San Juan (at least for a brief period of time). The next day, I had fun watching my AirTag, cross the ocean, without as it finally arrived in Saint Croix. So, although it doesn’t necessarily help you get your luggage, it gives you some sense of where your luggage is shouldn’t not show up on your ship/destination L’Shana Tovah!

Happy New Year! May it be sweet, happy and healthy. After months of obsessively checking YouTube, CruiseCritic, and a ton of other cruising websites, I compiled a list, checked it way, way more than twice, and have packed everything into it's proper place for a 12ish day trip (2.5 days Seattle, 7 night cruise, 2 days flying) starting next Friday. A few bits and bobs to put in last minute but this photo shows the entire haul for Alaska for myself, husband and 14 yo son: 2 Checked Large Suitcases 1 Carry-On Suitcase (with essentials we could survive on if both air-tagged bags are lost) 3 Backpacks 3 Neck pillows (stuffed with scarves, gloves and hats) 1 Box to be shipped to the hotel Why the box? We are meeting 2 friends for this cruise, both travelling internationally (London, Bermuda) and have packed things for them plus assorted items not coming back with us (i.e. room fresheners, sunscreen, bug repellant). The box also has 3 travel zippered "beach bags" that meet our respective airline carry-on requirements should we need them for souvenirs, etc. It's our first trip in over five years that we've flown to a distant location in a different "season". Coming from Orlando, Florida where it's currently in the 90s (32C-35C) to Seattle / Alaska (50Fs - 70Fs; 10Cs - 21Cs) has meant our usual backpacks and 2 small carry-on sized suitcases for warm weather cruises were not going to work. Even planning to use laundry services 1/2 way through the cruise and packing "just the basics", it still looks like "oh dear Lord...I packed my household". I am in complete envy of people like Will from Trek Trendy or Maurice Moves who make "light travel" look easy. So, I am curious: Are you a "maximalist" or "minimalist"? Does it depend on the itinerary / ship / airline vs driving? As kiddo says, Do you have FOMO? (Fear Of Missing Out) if you don't pack particular items? What about the craziest thing you packed that you needed or regretted? I'd love to learn from other CCers' examples. I think I did a pretty darned good job of going basic (not minimalistic for sure), but will know in 2 weeks if I have any packing regrets. Warmest Amy

@Daniel A Do you happen to have a "track my device" on your laptop? At the very least, if you do you could see the physical location of your computer. I am so sorry - what a miserable way to end your vacation. Warmest Amy

@McGarrett5oh and @DMH15 I always have a travel mug glued to my hand but it's apparently very important how one boils the water vs the water itself for British tea. To put the tea discussion into perspective, on my first shift in the Bermudian ED ("A&E"), at precisely 1500 in the midst of a crazily packed department 1/2 the nurses handed off their patients to go to the breakroom. Curious, I followed them and was stunned to see 5 separate kettles, tea cups WITH SAUCERS labelled with staff names, sugar cubes and condensed milk and Dunkley's milk (local Bermudian farm) all laid out on the counter with McVitie's Digestives. The nurses showed me the tea choices and when I said that I would just microwave tap-water for instant cafe bustelo I thought my first day of work would be my last. Thank goodness the matron came to my rescue telling everyone to excuse my behavior as I was American "and you know they don't know any better". So...as much as a carafe may suit us American heathens for our afternoon pick-me-up, I think that even the glory of the Haven will not be able to overcome the potential lack of a kettle for my dear friend Kate. Warmest Amy

Ran it by British Kate for an "official British response". She told me I was daft. 😂

@RocketMan275

@Number34 I learned from living in Bermuda that tea is a very serious subject. I will let you know IF the "proper kettle" happens. We requested one and the pre-concierge and I laughed about the very common request from British travelers. From online viewings of Emma Cruises, Ben and David, and Tips for Travelers (all from Great Britain / England / Scotland), it appears that electric kettles are common for European cruise lines. We have been promised English Breakfast tea and Earl Grey for our tea choices though! Warmest Amy

@BirdTravels

LOVE this series, and is a very interesting look into the "behind-the-scenes". I wish there was more in-depth information regarding the inner workings of ship life ... like how the laundry gets done and meals prepped as I think those things are the heart of the ship. Honestly, one of my least AND most favorite thing from working on a ship was turnaround day. It's baffling to me how it happens so often without major problems on a scale that is difficult to imagine. The logistics were incredible even to order a single item for the medical clinic (like, for example, a specific medication for a crew member) and have it magically appear in my supply stock. It's addicting as a cruiser as well but on a more entertaining level. I'm so glad I didn't know about the marathon, but I do admit to downloading many episodes from amazon prime when I am in-between cruises! Warmest Amy

Oh...Food happiness!!!!! 🥰 Warmest Amy