MNcruisingcouple

Really appreciate these details! Just wondering what day of the week you were on Maui. It appears from the Hertz website that this location is now closed on Saturday and Sunday. In 2019 I know we rented from this location on a Sunday, but obviously things change.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing for our December sailing. I'd love recommendations as well.

All venues now.

My first question would be, when did they sail on the POA? They've definitely had a rough start up after the pandemic. We sailed on it in Dec 2019 and are planning another trip for this coming Dec. It is for sure a different style cruise but a fabulous way to see Hawaii. Much more of a floating hotel, just using it to sleep and eat, compared to other cruise ships. To your second question, we have a friend that is similar and they've always been accommodating. Removing veggies and providing mashed potatoes or fries.

It's true that Manhattan is larger with more big tables. But we've found that the service is much better in Taste or Savor. I've reserved for groups of up to 13 people on embarkation day. On Breakaway you would need to go to Headliners to reserve. I'd recommend getting to the port early so you can board early and get the reservations you need.

Other lines have different restrictions on the drink packages. For example, number of drinks at a time, number of drinks in a day, $ limits, brands included. These are NCL's restrictions, accept them or chose a line that better suits you.

In February, we arrived at the port about 10:30am. There were a lot of people because the previous week was still disembarking. But the line for security and the line for check in went quickly. It helps to know that the line for taxis for those disembarking and the line for those embarking can cross, so be sure to get in the right line. Once we checked in, we waited about half an hour before boarding started.

Have a wonderful cruise! We are planning our second POA cruise right now.

We've sailed three times since NCL started using check in times and no one has ever verified our time. I've heard similar reports from others on these boards. You should be fine just going from your hotel to the port.

When we were on the Breakaway in February at Maltings, the whiskey bar, they couldn't do blended drinks or mojitos. But just outside at the bar on the Waterfront they could. So, it isn't as if you're going to have to go far to find your drink of choice.

I've traveled on three cruises with my SIL who has celiac, and they took wonderful care of her. She met with the maitre d on embarkation day and was given examples of the alternatives that they had available. Also, each evening she pre-ordered for the next evening. By doing that, the separate kitchen can be prepared, and it doesn't slow down service for the rest of the table.

I've always just booked restaurant reservations once on board, even with groups of up to nine people. I've been able to get good times by being a bit flexible. That being said, we get to the terminal early and have priority embarkation. So, we are one of the first groups on board and reservations are the first thing I do.

For us, it would definitely be worth it to upgrade. The last few cruises we've been disappointed with the food and service in the MDRs.

We love the shows at Syd's. The final night is especially fun, if you're of a certain age.

Get to the port and get checked in early (no matter what check in time you have), then you'll get and early boarding group. As soon as you board, ask someone where to go for restaurant reservations and make them immediately. If you do that, you should be able to get the reservations you want.

We were on this sailing the third week of February and had fabulous service! Be sure to look for Aaron & Noemi at the Whisky Bar (give them greetings from Doug the Enigma drinker and Cathie the Veuve girl) Also, Newanz the host at Le Bistro and Savor (greetings from Cathie whose cousin lives in NE India) Enjoy your dinner at LeBisto and be sure to get a bottle of Veuve!! Have a wonderful cruise.

We had a similar experience in February. Arrived about 10:30am, later than I'd have liked, but breezed through security and checked in. There were a lot of people waiting to board, but boarding started within half an hour of us getting to the waiting area. We really couldn't have timed it any better. No long lines and no long wait to board. It helps that we are Sapphire, so we were called to board just after those that need assistance.

As you arrive on board, the staff will try to direct you to the buffet. Don't assume that's your only option. Just ask directions to Savor/Taste or O'Sheehans. The unique energy that you might experience at the buffet on embarkation day could also be called complete chaos!

I'm just grateful that there are classic rock options on cruise ships now. Several years ago, it was still primarily ballroom, 40s & 50s music.

As others have said, don't go to the buffet. We eat breakfast at the Local or at Taste/Savor. Also take advantage of the Waterfront, quiet outdoor space on deck 8.

I use a large online travel agent because of the extra perks. For our last two cruises we received approx $250 in OBC and free gratuities. The agent we use has been really good about getting us a great room, too. Several time we've been able to get large, angled balconies.

We are going to be on the Breakaway on 2/19 sailing. I'm trying to find out if I could use onboard credit to purchase the Free at Sea Plus package while onboard. Do you know if they were offering it on embarkation day? Or would you be willing to go to guest services and ask if it's possible to purchase?

That's a great idea, thank you!

Thanks! I don't always trust NCL phone reps, so I was hoping to get some firsthand experience. I did end up using the chat feature and the person said that FAS+ cannot be purchased onboard. Thanks for sharing your extensive research on all things cruising. We've enjoyed your posts.

We are on the Breakaway out of New Orleans in 12 days and had intended to use OBC to purchase FAS+ as soon as we board. Trying to verify that our plan is possible or if it's only possible to purchase FAS+ before boarding?? I could have sworn I read somewhere that it is possible to purchase onboard but now of course I can't locate the post. Maybe in a post by @Sthrngary or @BirdTravels I'd love to hear your first-hand experience!