smillerholmes

what kind of coffee drinks? Like canned energy type coffee drinks or something else? I ask because I will have a drink card, but I am contemplating adding the Starbucks package (not for the coffee) so just wondering...

Let the record show if I "poop *golden* eggs" I am going to expect some sort of specialized treatment. But I digress, sounds like LA is a mess right now for the last few embarkations. Glad to see you kept your sense of humor.

How refreshing!

I love bourbon, so yeah on the plane it just sucks. I know they say your taste buds act wonky on a plane so maybe it's that, but I stick with either white wine OR vodka cranberry (I have yet to have a flight attendant make that undrinkable!) Enjoy your flight!

I am on the Sun next month for this exact itinerary. I am 99% I won't be doing "Live From...", but I'll be happy to share my experiences as time allows.

My last 3 cruises I have asked for the fridge to be emptied. Each time the steward has simply taken the items and move them to the stool which has the hidden/storage compartment inside. I guess it saves them on the logistics. Just in case your steward is one and done you sorta got a work around. 🙂

I know food/drink is subjective, but I would also like to know as I will be on the Sun for 20 days next month. I've had a couple of different experiences Epic/good, Getaway/BAD! Yikes that coffee was awful. Just to be clear, I am not referring to Starbucks, just the standard fare available in the dining rooms. Oh, and I do not drink decaf, LOL!

I don't know of a specified limit. I can tell you that I have applied as early as 11 months in advance of the scheduled cruise. At the time I applied it was taking about two weeks to process.

Same. I am going on a 20-day and an extra bag of laundry would do wonders for my packing. 😁

I'm so jealous...I want a coupon....(#%&*!$#!*)! I am working to keep my Tourette's under control.

I asked about the Northern Lights on my trip in Sept/2016 as it was really something I wanted to see. The cruise director at the time put us on a list and we got a call in our stateroom around 2amish to notify us of the viewing opportunity. I'm not sure this is something they are still doing, but it was awesome!

I'll do my best.... 1. 11:30ish should work, but I like to get there early so I can board by 11:30ish - do what works for you. 2. I've never noted a menu change that corellated to where I was sailing from. Interested to hear if others have experienced anything different. 3. Most sports are available - they may show highlights at odd times, but there is usually a period of time where highlights are on a loop. 4. I think it just depends on the cruiser - even on port intensive cruises there's always something going on well into the evening - you just have to pick and choose to conserve your energy if you want to hit the ports hard. 😁 5. No experience 6. No experience Hope this helps!

It can be used for existing bookings. Once I received my credit I applied it to a cruise I had already booked 10 months out with no problem.

I have done Alaska twice mid and late September. I'm kind of excited that they go a little later into October now. Like you, I have exhausted the shopping and most of the ports, but Sitka is my favorite and I love strolling through that little town even when most the touristy stuff is closed. 2024 I am going to do Alaska in May just so I can experience the difference. I will leave the peak travel times to the families. I prefer when the ships are low passenger count so June, July and August will have to do without me. As for the Northern Lights we saw them once, but only because we put ourselves on a list for an automated call if the lights were spotted.

I have only recently started using CAS to book cruises, but why would "upgrade fees" not also go back on your card? Just trying to learn in case something comes up in the future.

When I had a price drop I contacted my PCC who submitted the necessary form. Here's what I received the next day. ************************ SNIP**************************** From: RD Team <rdteam@ncl.com> Subject: RE: (reservation #) Price Drop To: XXX@gmail.com Dear Guest, Thank you for inquiry. In review of current rates for your sailing (reservation #) we have identified a price drop in the amount of $XX.XX As a one-time good will gesture, we have created 100% of that amount as future cruise credits for you below: (Latitude #) - (Name) - (Amount) These credits will be available for one year to book and sail, upon completion of your current sailing on Debarkation Day. Thank you for choosing Norwegian Cruise Line, we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon! *******************SNIP*********************** After my cruise I was never able to see it on my account, but my PCC sent me a screenshot of what he could see. Hope this helps!

I bought it once (mainly for the spa credits), I believe it showed up once I checked in at the 21-day mark. It was called "Priority Access" The cost was $179/10 days. I have checked an upcoming paid in full cruise and I don't see the option there (yet?!?) https://www.ncl.com/priority-access-faq Hope this helps!

This comment is water thread entertainment at its' finest. Bravo!

Same for me, but I also recall him saying at the time it was "just two grand" and since he didn't pay any brokerage fees it was an immediate ROI for him. At the time we happened to be on a 15-day TA so $250 for $2000 is a very nice ROI.

I have also had this thought. I submit mine for any current year cruises, but I can see how this might be abused. I first heard about the shareholder benefit from a fellow cruiser that specifically stated he would buy 100 shares when he knew he was going to book a cruise and then sell them once the cruise was booked. Now that I know a little more about the process I would think it prudent to have some sort of definitive time frame for ownership/processing. Final payment seems too long, maybe upon 21 day check in you have to show proof of ownership? Or, maybe it was just easier to restrict how the credit could be used (no CruiseNext or Casino)?

I cannot lie - a good water thread *really* does it for me. I'll dig right in whether it's about ship vs. botttled vs. boxed/price/bring your own/filling directly from the buffet/1L vs 1.5L/latitude level/was it delivered to the room. I'm here for those!

I would agree with you on the coq au vin - until recently it was so good I got it every time. Absolutely yummy, sauce was top notch. Tried it on the Bliss - something had changed. I thought maybe just the ship? Tried it again on the Getaway - I asked and was told by restaurant manager there had been a recent recipe change. So not bad by any means, but definitely changed. I now alter between coq au vin and the filet. Just not the overwhelming favorite for me anymore.

I totally get it. I am allergic to tomato seeds so I usually explain it as I can't have "raw" tomatoes, it's hit or miss because trying to explain I can have processed tomato products is very difficult.

Jewel class ships are my favorite. I upgraded to a Suite just once (old days/precovid) on the Jewel. It was my first cruise and it was an awesome experience. My favorite two memories are "shrimp at 4:00" and the Concierge escort for excursions and shows. Butler and Concierge were fantastic. On a side note - this is how I know I should probably never stay in the Haven. The level of service was so over the top I would be permanently spoiled for sure. So for now I am content with more cruising in balconies vs. less cruising in the Haven. Enjoy yourself!

I absolutely loooove your reviews. Details, details, details. So thorough. And it is much appreciated. I am newly Sapphire and was super curious about the Dine with Officers event.