disneygirl10

2 minutes ago, SightCRR said:

Helo trips in general are the most canceled trips due to weather so take that into consideration. Do you mean helo to Mendenhall in Juneau? I would think Skagway has better chance at better weather. Maybe you mean Juneau instead of Ketch. Mendenhall has receded so much you get to see very little of the glacier from visitor center. Anytime you can get on a helo it is spectacular as is being close to glacier.   

Oh shoot. Yes, I meant Juneau or Skagway! 

Originally planned to do a hellicopter tour in Skagway, whale watching tour in Ketchikan.   Now considering to swap those and do Mendenhall Glacier instead.  Has anyone done both?  Recommendations are appreciated!

Question on the free air topic.. Are we able to change our flights to arrive a day early?

I have a lot of the same questions.  Hopefully we’ll see a few responses!

I have sailed both of those ships, with my kids. I just asked, and both prefer the Epic to the Getaway, although it’s a close call for the. The Epic is my favorite ship, and we’ll be sailing on her again next month.

 

That said, I’d definitely go with the Getaway based on the itineraries. It’s monumentally better on the Getaway.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! Did they say why the Epic was their favorite out of the two?

I know you already switched, but I just wanted to throw a little love towards the Getaway! I sailed the Getaway in Feb of 2016 & the Epic in Feb of 2017. I definitely favored the Getaway over the Epic. We did not sail in the Haven, nor did we get Posh/Vibe passes. We also didn't sail with kids, but we did try out the water slides on both and ropes course on the Getaway. I did get a spa pass on both ships.

 

Complimentary food in the buffet, main dining rooms, O'Sheehan's & the noodle bar were all comparable. Entertainment on both was very good and comparable (both had Howl at the Moon, comedians, live music, and a Broadway style show - entertainment on both blew away what was offered on my previous cruises on the Dawn, Sky & Sun).

 

Much preferred the stateroom, bathroom, and pool deck on the Getaway. I preferred the Getaway's Spice H2O - I felt like the stadium seating on the Epic was claustrophobic. I liked the grotto with the waterfalls to cool you off on the Getaway. The bar area in Spice H2O was very cramped on the Epic, and as one of the few places you could smoke, it became very crowded (I don't smoke, so that probably made it worse).

 

The Epic plunge is fun - the fast slides on the Getaway are better! The ropes course is awesome.

 

I was surprised at the number of people who liked the Epic's spa better - while the outdoor area was very nice, I found the rest of the spa to be kind of dark. The Getaway's spa was much bigger, had more tiled loungers (my favorite) and a salt room.

 

I felt a disconnect from the sea on the Epic that I didn't feel on the Getaway. I probably wouldn't go on the Epic again unless it was an itinerary I really wanted. I would go on the Getaway again in a heartbeat.

I'm faced with this same decision again this year!

We LOVED the Getaway! We're currently booked on the Breakaway for Thanksgiving week this year, but now kiddo is saying that he wants to go to Florida instead of NOLA, and I agree with him!

So now it boils down to the Epic vs Getaway again.

This time I prefer the itinerary of the Epic- Jamaica and Grand Cayman...but seriously, we spent SO MUCH time on the ropes course, I'm worried about not having it on the Epic.

Kiddo spent a max of 3 hours in the kids club, which means it's basically not factored in to our plans at all.

I'm torn over this decision!

That's the itinerary I am interested in (14 day Norway, Iceland, Scotland) but weird that it is on GA instead and also that it's out of Copenhagen. It goes until June 7, 2019 but nothing listed after that. With school schedule we have to do mid-June to mid-July and I am still hoping for the Spirit...although since it is almost April now that isn't looking too promising.

 

Not to mention that we just did the Baltics on GA via Copenhagen so I don't want to do that again.

I need late June or early July, was hoping for the Getaway.

Is it normal for NCL to only do one sailing with a specific itinerary? Or is there hope that more will be released?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the input. I decided to go elsewhere in June.. booked the Breakaway out of NOLA over Thanksgiving for our next NCL cruise.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We did Disney before our Thanksgiving cruise out of Miami.. If you do decide to fly into MCO, definitely give yourself plenty of time to get to Miami, and definitely rent a car. I know the Brightline train was supposed to open, not sure if it has by now or not.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Bookmarking to read later. I’ve been debating on if we should book a MSC cruise. Can’t wait to read this report. :)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We've been on all with Gem and Star twice with kids.

 

 

 

Dawn and Star have a kids pool and whirlpool aft. Kids 10 would find it about too kid like to really enjoy but it would be on the fence.

 

 

 

They are all fine ships but not all the bells and whistles as the newer ships but also not as crowded.

 

 

 

Of all Gem would be our favorite.

 

 

 

What room type are you looking for?

Aft balcony. Our balcony in the Getaway was HUGE. I think we were in 9960 if I remember correctly.

If I choose the Southern out of San Juan then I think it way he port intensive enough to not miss all of the bells and whistles, as long as there is enough for us to do together in the evenings.. evenings are when we spent most of the time on the ropes course.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the responses!

Would it make a difference if my kid isn’t interested in the kids club?

He didn’t want to spend much time there on our Getaway cruise.. he decided last minute that he wanted to do Splashtacular, so went the last day.. then he went back for their “after hours” that night til 1am.

I’m anticipating the same on the next cruise.. it’s just the two of us traveling together. We took advantage of the structured ‘family activities’ each day.. and we played a lot of ping pong and mini golf along with the water slides - over and over and over until I tapped out.lol.

So anyway, the kids club is the least of my concerns, I probably should have put that in the OP.. Does that change any of the recommendations?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

My son loved the Getaway, we went on the ropes course every single day of our trip, rock climbing wall @ 3x during the trip.

I’m worried he may be bored on the ships listed above. Would love to read input from people with kids in the 8-10yr range.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Roatan, Honduras

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The water in Harvest Caye was not even close to as clear as the water in Placencia. I’d definitely try to snorkel there.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Why not enjoy dinner in the restaurants? Spending money on clothes when you cruise is typical for kids and adults. The cost of a cruise is significant and typically all members of a family buy some new clothes for the trip. My kids both the boys and girls, felt really special dressing up. It was a great experience for them.

I’ve seen people pair khakis and button up shirts that look worse than a quality vneck tee and colored slim or skinny pants.. on men and little boys ;)

I think if the OP’s children have plain nice tees and shorts/pants they should be fine.

Maybe just pick up a pair of loafers for each. It will make the outfits a little more cruise/resort casual vs just ‘casual’.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I should add that we never ate dinner at the buffet..but when we walked thru it, I noticed that most people were extremely casual.. Flip flops etc.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

My 7 year old wore Sperry boat shoes or loafers to dinner nightly. Some nights he wore pants and a nice tee shirt.. some nights he wore flat front nice shorts and a polo shirt.

He wasn’t dressed up or dressed down.. I did bring button up shirts for him, but he never ended up wearing them.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

what you are asking would be like a hotel running a 2 week special and you wanting to get the same special 6 months after it is no longer available. Or a steak sale at your favorite butcher and asking for the special after it is expired. I understand what you are saying, but specials are only good for the time they are being advertised.

 

I do think your best option would be to cancel and just re-book the itinerary you can be happy with.

That’s the thing, I’m not showing up later asking for a sale. I looked at both Bermuda and the Eastern for the exact same week at that time, both had the promotion.

I booked the Eastern. Now it’s not available. I am not trying to get something that I wouldn’t have had anyway. We sailed with NCL during the week of Thanksgiving, on a Western, so I think they could understand why we wouldn’t want to do the exact same itinerary exactly 7 months later.

Given the circumstances I thought they would do something...maybe split the dining package or Internet.

It’s not the end of the world, but it would be nice. I sent an email so I’ll wait and see what kind of response I get.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Can you recommend some? We are on the April 15th cruise and frankly we are not happy about the change, mainly because we had been told St. John's beach was incredible, private, pristine, and beautiful. I can't really cancel or change because the timing is perfect for us but I'd like to make the best of a bunch of ports I know nothing about. Any info you can share would be appreciated.

 

 

 

DM

These photos were taken at Tabyana Beach in Roatan. (With an iPhone, sorry about the quality)

In Belize, don’t spend the whole day in Harvest Caye. The water and beach was much prettier in Placencia. We will be doing a land only vacation there next year...absolutely fell in love.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We are in the same boat, so to speak, airfare and hotel already booked so we have decided to give it a shot. Certainly not a itinerary I ever would have picked as we have no desire for these ports but am going to make the best of it. I booked Maya Chan for Costa Maya yesterday and now will look into Roatan and Cozumel, although might just stay in port area at Roatan. I consider Cozumel in the same category as Nassau so no loss there. We might try a food tour in Cozumel just like what we were going to do in Nassau. Good luck with what you decide.

We just did this itinerary over Thanksgiving. I’m not thrilled with the switch, especially this close together, but the ports themselves were wonderful.

Definitely don’t stay at the port in Roatan!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Ask again. Then cancel while you can get 100% refund (I think you only have 10 days). And make a decision when and where you want to sail. RCCL is continuing their Eastern Caribbean cruises and you could you your $$$ there for a room and beverage package.

I just looked at both the Harmony and the Allure! It is a great promotion. I haven’t been on Royal Caribbean since before the Oasis class came out.. it’s been a while.

Both the Harmony and Allure look wonderful, do you have a recommendation?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I've cancelled, and switched to Royal Caribbean for that week.

They have a great promotion right now. I considered doing the same, also considering Bermuda on the Escape. Still undecided.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Basically the perks and promos go with the SPECIFIC contract sailing and are therefore not transferable.

 

It is like the Non-Refundable OBC - use it or lose it.

 

 

 

That being noted - you - might - may - hope - to get a token on the next cruise.

 

 

 

You may have better luck with:

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Relations - Before your cruise

 

To share any questions or concerns with our guest relations team before your cruise' date=' please click below. Standard response time is 3 business days.[/b']

 

• 
   
  
• Email Guest Relations
   
  

 

• 
   
  
• Phone1.800.327.7030
   
  Call Guest Relations - Before your cruise
   
  
• Mailing AddressPre-Cruise Guest Relations,Corporate Address 7665 Corporate Center Drive Miami, Florida 33126
   
  
• Hours of Operation
   
  
  • 
     
    
  • Mon-Fri: 8am - Midnight ET
     
    
  • Sat-Sun: 9am - 9pm
     
    

   

   

   

 

And as usual YMMV - but then nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

 

 

 

 

If the answer is still a "NO" then keep browsing at NCL for a better deal cancelling and rebooking that

 

not so good a deal for the better deal as long as you remain outside that 90 day final payment when things

 

are pretty much locked in with no further adjustments other than an upgraded bid.

 

 

 

 

 

NCL plays a rough game and hard ball - have advanced Latitudes Rewards customer status I.E. Platinum

 

mention that without making an issue out of it. Loyalty sometimes works.

Thank you! I will take your advice and give it a try.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums