DominicAUS

Was so so hot! I got a little sunburnt, not realising the reflection of the white ship! But was great to be there and see the croc. We retired to the district and had a few cold drinks.

It’s definitely for photos. They had the same on the Panama Canal. They were asking everyone if they wanted their photo taken going through certain parts canal that were nice for a keepsake, also without any other people in the photo

I like meeting people and chatting over a drink and if it gets to let a do dinner, then great. As others have said I love being with my group and not be with others I have to make conversation over a long dinner and not being able to get out. Great that there are many cruise lines to suit all needs

The horror of not having tee shirts related to your destination……did you demand to see the captain at once? it’s cruise you’re meant to relax and chill. Enjoy your land base factions and hope there’s never a wait at a bar. if you can tell me how to get a grey goose and ginger beer from fedex in under 20mins let me know, asking for a friend.

Awesome review! I would love to do this for my big birthday, maybe do the onward to Hawaii. Thank you for the detailed review.

You’ll have the best time. When chatting with them, they really enjoyed it when the guest interacted with them and had fun. They certainly feed off from the energy and vibe off the guests. we certainly had heaps of fun. The shots we had were off the chart. Have a great time

Good job this isn’t your issue. These guys were so engaging and heaps of fun. I’m sure they don’t need your sympathy or company, considering you think it’s a money grab.

We had the best time with Gede and Ben! Especially at shot o clock! have fun!

I had this on my Panama Canal cruise, I would call them to see if they can tell you if it’s available, as we waited until final payment then it went to sold out. We managed to score some passes. if the cabana is available I’d grab them and see if they can do swap it out.

Loving this review. I’m stopping over in Tokyo for 3 days on my way to the UK to pick up a transatlantic. Thought if I’m flying a Japanese airline I may as well stopover. I’m wishing I had more time to explore. thanks for taking the time to share this with us all.

I had the same dilemma but essentially went for 17 with larger balcony, close to the pool area, bar and horizon lounge. We found it very convenient and enjoyed being so close to everything and a short walk to the restaurant. Enjoy whichever one you choose

My first NCL cruise was the Gem, in an owners suite and had the best butler and concierge. Next up was the Epic in the Haven, then Encore, Escape and Bliss. I like the bigger ships, more going on and different venues. For me it would depend on itinerary, price etc. I was looking at an itinerary on the pearl and Prima/Viva. Same itinerary a little more the newer ships of course, I’d try the newer ships. id say it depends what you value in a cruise and do some research, look up you tube reviews etc and make the informed choice. Good luck

Thanks for the review so far! Sorry you were sick but glad you’re feeling better. Look forward to reading more. Enjoy the trip. I love doing a TA but have always done it from Europe so we get 25 hr days.

I did a TA out of Rome and once we dropped our bags went through security, up the escalator and there was a section for Haven, to the right all the other check in counters. It was very easy and they had the usual juice, coffee and snacks etc before boarding. once we got to the counter we boarded straight says so no wait, but there were chairs. Below is the escalator going up to check in if you look up to the right that wall is the check in/waiting area and then the haven sign up at the top

Irrespective of the time of the year, flying in the day of the cruise with delays and cancellations could cause issues. I would fly in the day before so you’re not stressing, why risk flying in the day of and seeing ship sail away due to delays. so for an extra night hotel it’s worth the peace of mind

Doesn’t make sense if you’re paying for a meal or whatever in local currency and then would tip in a different currency I.E USD? Either add the tip to the credit card transaction. Don’t be that arrogant tourist thinking that’s acceptable to tip in USD in Europe. They won’t throw it back at you but pretty sure they wouldn’t be overly happy about it, with the issue of exchanging it etc. be a better tourist than that and respect the local currency. don’t add to the American tourist perception

Like any service industry (airlines/hotels/restaurants etc) some employees go above and beyond, some do their job well, others the bare minimum, in turn having different experiences. in my Haven experiences they range from out of this world to good. Really depends on so many factors and their staff from ship to ship. Couldn’t agree more about communication, and if things don’t change to move it up within reason.

Thanks for the review, love the Bliss and Mexican coast, never found it busy but understand the lifts can be challenging at peak times. I either go down to go up or just wait. Loved the VBC, hope Gede and Ben were there, they’re great fun and make a plethora of shots for everyone. Try the haven and the MSC YC. Both offer a ship within a ship concept. The Bliss haven is amazing and a great place to relax.

That’s a great deal. Must be timings, cruise destinations I’ve been looking at, unfortunately coming from Australia I look for longer cruises. I wish we had heaps more choices.

It’s about costing the cruises up and seeing the value for you. I’ve done many comparisons and NCL still comes out cheaper with a drinks package. I reckon I can swallow $20 whilst in port for a few drinks. As other have said, cruise lines are factoring this into the fare if not charging you.

The jump between platinum and sapphire isnt a huge benefit. Dinner with officers is not a huge draw card to me. To take a 6 day cruise to get to sapphire would be a waste but hey a 6 day cruise because you can. Do it but not just to jump up a level

When someone has to tell you their status or how much they fly and lifetime lounge status. Blah blah blah. But then they can’t even give the correct information, about basic travel requirements. Lesson learn, don’t all believe what you read in the internet as @BirdTravels who tells us all about their travels and still thinks airlines need a baggage tag, sweetie technology has moved faster than you. You do you and tell us all your travel stories and love that you give my eyes a workout rolling when you can’t give basic correct advice.

No airline requires a personal luggage tag, technology has rapidly moved on. Seems bird is stuck in past when travelling. Just ask her, she know all the answers to the questions they ask……to which none of the questions will be do you have a luggage tag 😝

That wasn’t the answer to the question and if you fly that much you’d know that airlines don’t require personal luggage tags to accept checked luggage but thanks for letting us all know you fly up the front, you forgot to add about the boutique hotels you stay in too that you love to tell people! I’ve been flying since my family moved us to Australia to Europe twice a year, always up the front and worked in travel for 30 plus years. So I’m pretty well versed in travel and your information again was incorrect

Must have been a long time ago! I’ve worked in travel for over 30 years, and maybe in the early days, but not in the last 20 or so years have airlines required this. Unless a US thing but have travelled many times and not needed a luggage tag