amygutman

Quick question - 

Our TA just booked a last minute cruise on the Liberty for a weekend getaway - could not beat the price. Though we love the space of suites, we chose the Premium Vista Balcony as the Liberty really has no big suite perks like on the newer ships. 

He assures us that this room class 9C / room 6452 has a pullout couch / bed for our 14 teen, but there is not one in the online room drawings nor all of the videos. 

Can anyone out there help? Will call the cruise line desk in the morning but stressed out a bit over this. 

Warmest, Amy

On 9/20/2023 at 8:43 AM, graphicguy said:

Assuming you are asking if I have ever sailed in the GEM?  I have.  It’s my favorite Jewel Class ship.  It’s not a “mega-ship”, but it’s also not small and boring.  Now, it’s been a while (maybe @mking8288 can comment how long ago, as we were on the same cruise).  

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

On 9/18/2023 at 9:05 AM, graphicguy said:

Bermuda has a warm place in my heart.  Went there for the first time about a dozen years ago on the Breakaway…first time in the Haven.

 

The bad news was it was a last ditch effort to work out deep troubles between me and my (then) wife.  The good news….it was the last trip I had to take with my (then) wife. 😉  As such, I spent a lot of time exploring by myself and cherished Bermuda not only for its beauty, but how it replenished my soul when I needed it the most.

 

Just rode around on the busses with the school kids and the locals jumping on and off wherever looked interesting.  Plus, I loved using the local “water taxi” (which has since been supplemented by NCL’s own water taxi).  Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, was kind and welcoming.  It ranks as the most stunningly beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

 

As you say, going and staying there on anything other than a cruise would be way more expensive.  Got an overview from the locals about property rights and how difficult it is to move there from the “outside world”.  

 

How long ago did you live there?

@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

14 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We are somewhat contrarian in that we like to pack somewhat "heavy" so we have a nice selection of clean clothes.  On most trips, DW and I will have two large suitcases (each weighing close to 50 pounds) as well as two backpacks (we prefer them since it keeps our two hands free).  When possible, we try to have enough clothes to avoid or minimize needing to use a laundry.

 

One problem for us is that we tend to take longer cruises trips (two months is common) and our trips can involve differing climates.  A recent trip started in Lisbon (pretty hot) and eventually moved to Greenland (pretty cold).  Another recent trip started in Japan (warm to hot) and eventually took us to Alaska!  This means having lots of layers so we can handle the cold along with the hot.

 

Hank

@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

15 hours ago, CatBoiler said:

Received my luggage tags in the mail today.

I was looking forward to crafting my own but this works!

 

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

Warmest Amy

4 hours ago, McGarrett5oh said:

 There are several differences however from what I read in this forum and others about how the Prima does things in the Haven vs. others classes of NCL ships.  Not bad at all.  Just different.

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

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said:

I've done multiple 14-day cruises with just a carry-on and a briefcase, so I guess I fit in the "minimalist" category.  Exactly what I pack depends some on the itinerary and what the laundry situation is.  I'm immune to FOMO.  Not exactly crazy or needed or regretted, I did pack my friend on my last cruise:

 

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

7 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Cruise Mom of nine adults

This....I feel this!

Warmest Amy

8 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

My desire to travel independently in Europe is one reason I decided to change my packing style years ago. It's not only Italy train stations that are challenging. I still recall a very, very long escalator in a London tube station that was out of order when DH and I were arriving from Heathrow. We had two large suitcases, a garment bag and a carry-on to manage. If there was an elevator, we couldn't find it. Then we had to get 3-4 blocks to our hotel, in the rain. I vowed never again. That was in 1988.

 

The other reason I try to pack "reasonably" is that I came to resent the amount of time it took me to pack and unpack. I want to get right to enjoying my trip, not spend 2 hours in the cabin getting everything from bag to proper place in the cabin.

 

@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

13 hours ago, hallux said:

I'm all Android, but don't really see much need for a tracking device.  Sure, it's nice that we CAN, but what does it REALLY gain me?  ok - my bag is in Chicago but I'm in Miami, I'm not going to Chicago to retrieve it.  The airline will have it and can return it, I'm not getting it any faster by knowing what airport it might have gone to...

@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

19 hours ago, Nebr.cruiser said:

I have and can pack in a 21" carry on size plus a decent sized 'personal' item--the kind that would fit under the seat, but usually, since we tend to do longer trips, we each take one 24" plus our personal item for the plane.  If I know I will also be schlepping luggage on trains or buses or many different flights I try to do the carry-on just for ease in lugging it around.

 

We spent almost six weeks in Australia and New Zealand last year which involved two cruises and about 10 days of land travel with the above, and packing for extreme heat in the Outback and cold weather in the Fiords.   I didmind doing laundry on the first ship (Princess) and did a load twice in hotels.

 

For me, what the OP is posting is way too much, but we each have our own travel styles and needs and that is ok.  For this trip it was the misc. 'what ifs' that took up the most room.

@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

19 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

Many years ago I worked with a guy who did not pack anything for cruises.

He only cruised in the summer and when he arrived at the first port stop he bought clothes for the entire cruise.He disposed of the clothing at the last port with the exception of what he needed for the last sea days .

@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

22 hours ago, Lois R said:

I sail solo and pack the same way for every cruise. One 25" checked bag and one carry on. I just returned from a 12 night cruise with 3 extra nights.......one pre-cruise and was supposed to be 1 extra post but due to flight cancellations,😮 I had to stay at JFK for 2 nights rather than 1. I was able to use my carry on for what I needed for pre and post cruise stops. (those cancellations were like something from a bad/mad movie😮).

 

But as for my clothing for the trips? I just seem to always do what I need to do, no matter how long the cruise is, I have never exceeded the weight limit and thankfully never had any luggage lost.

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

Warmest Amy

17 hours ago, graphicguy said:

I had this discussion with a friend last nite.  She knows I like to cruise but doesn't understand the comparisons to land based vacations.  

 

Comparing it to my upcoming Epic Haven cruise.  Same dates.  We took Vegas as a starting point.  Staying on the strip as starting downtown (Fremont) and get a little sleazy.  Using Paris, as it's not the most expensive, nor the least expensive.  Right in the middle.  Not luxurious like the Wynn, but certainly better than Circus-Circus.

 

Total for 11 nites in a King room is $6,119.  But, that does not include any food, any drink, any entertainment.  That's just for the room.  Or, about $1,500 more than the Haven 2 BR suite that includes Concierge, Butler, food, drink and entertainment.  Plus, for the cruise I'll be in France, Italy and Spain.  For Vegas?  I guess you can get an extra cost tour of the Hoover Dam (which is actually pretty cool).

 

I've looked at "all inclusive" over the years.  Picking a typical spot in Jamaica.  Again, nice hotel...not the best, not the worst....RIU.....$6,011.  Again, about $1,500 more than the Epic cruise, but includes drinks and food.  But, you're stuck and discouraged from traveling outside the resort.

 

Cruise in a "non-Haven" cabin, and the price delta grows.

 

In short, that's one of the reasons I keep coming back to cruising.

 

 

 

 

 

@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

5 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Full disclosure: I travel a lot for pleasure and work. I have taken thousands of flights and flown millions of miles. I can probably count on 1 hand the number of times I have had a suitcase misdirected more than a few hours. But, I don't want a cruise to be the place where we start counting fingers on the other hand. 

@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

10 hours ago, laudergayle said:

Hope you and your family have an amazing cruise.  Seattle is so fun too.  Be sure your son gets to see The Gum Wall just outside Pikes Market.  He will be in awe.🤣

 

Being a FL, NE GA girl, I at least had my fair share of colder weather clothing.  Because of layering, I found I really didn’t wear half of what I brought.  Layer up for daytime excursions, layered down once back on the ship.  My biggest wonder…how to keep legs warm with dresses without wearing tights.  I found support pantyhose (not just the control top) was perfect.

I also found the biggest space eater was shoes.  Sneaks, hiking boots, slip ons, evening.

 

Happy cruising…we’re hoping to do a mid-May Vancouver to Seward cruise next year.

@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

11 hours ago, brer111 said:

first off Amy - Happy New Year to you and your family!

 

One thing we learned years ago on any trip when flying is to pack both suitcases with half of my clothes and half of my husbands. This way if one bag gets lost we both have some clothing and under garments. Better safe than sorry!  I am also wondering about AirTags for our bags. Have thought of buying some for our trip next month which is international. We are Android phone users too. Any suggestions and info? TIA

@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
 

7 hours ago, Daniel A said:

I think I left my laptop on a shelf in the cabin.  It may have been on a shelf the steward was using to store the extra decorative pillows and cloth runner.   I never thought to look on that shelf as the runner and pillows were still there when we packed.

 

Does anyone know how to find out if it was left there?

@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

4 hours ago, McGarrett5oh said:

I bring a Contigo brand coffee carafe with me on all trips.  Keeps my coffee hot for several hours as I go about my morning activities.  It may serve you well for your needs.  

@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

6 hours ago, DMH15 said:

What about bringing a premium insulated carafe with lid to keep hot water in and keep it hot.  No heating element.  
 

 

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

11 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

I think  you're going to get used to not having a  "proper kettle".  Norwegian, like most all cruise lines prohibits: "Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, clothing irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating/hot plates, etc.

 

Your options are the coffee maker, room service, the buffet, or doing without.

@RocketMan275

13 hours ago, Number34 said:

Amy, we are in The Haven on Joy this coming November and being British we too cannot bear the thought of heating water for our morning tea in the coffee maker. Can you let us know how your friend has managed to get a “proper kettle”?

@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

On 9/11/2023 at 11:52 PM, BirdTravels said:

 

 

@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