hawaiideb

Temperatures were a LOT cooler than the 2 weeks prior. According to locals, they had been close to 80-85 Degrees F, but in most ports we had lows in the 50's and highs around 68-70* F. We had rain the first few days, and after that we just had some partially cloudy days mixed with sunny days.

It was cold out, so not a lot of information on Vibe. I didn't even go topside much, as we had a SPA balcony that was sheltered, and if we were outside it was there. Sorry.

Debbie

PS... we have our dailies... if I get a chance I will post them. One additional thought, we were invited to view the Ice bar, and I was underwhelmed. I don't think I would pay the $12 upcharge to be cold, especially when for this Florida girl it was cold outside. Just my 2 cents.....

Just returned from a 9 day July 4th- July 13th Baltic cruise on the Getaway. The ship looks beautiful after her refurbishment, with new carpets shipwide and in the Theater where they replaced all the seats.  The ships hull artwork was bright and vivid, obviously touched up as well. The weather was cold, although many enjoyed the hot tubs. The children's area was not used much, only a few days on the return trip as it warmed up a bit.

The ship sailed at full capacity plus, with many large/extended family groups. This made for seating challenges with Dining, and some groups were rather demanding. Otherwise, the ship didn't seem full.  The entertainment was top notch, especially enjoyed the Howl at the Moon pianists, the English Band and hosts at Syd Norman's and the cast of Million Dollar Quartet. Burn the floor was also good!  New Cruise Director Fernando is getting into the swing of things, it was obvious he was still getting to know his staff, but they seemed to respect him.

Because of the full ship, the Spa was often quite busy, especially on sea days. It settled down after Day 3, and I had no problems finding a stone lounger, relaxation lounger and enjoyed the thermal spa. The spa staff was attentive, removing towels from loungers every hour and checking on folks reserving loungers without ever sitting in them.

One area I found where the crew need to reinforce rules is adult only hot tubs and Spice H2O. I observed on several occasions underage kids with an 18  year old+ young adult in those areas, and they were never questioned. It was obvious they were very young.  There were also several large families that I would just consider rude. I understand cultural norms are different, and there were 77 nationalities represented by guest on this ship. However, there were SO MANY folks who would just TALK LOUDLY over anything not being spoken in a language they speak. When your muster drill is being given in 5 languages, folks need to be patient. Several times on tours unfortunately guides had to ask people to stop talking, watching videos without headphones and speaking LOUDLY on cell phones. It went beyond cultural norms, it was just rude.

Shows were no problem, and getting reservations for dinner weren't either. Our one and only issue came with reservation to the Cirque Steams and Dreams Dinner show.  We were charged twice due to prebooking, and all was resolved eventually. Please show up super early, as we showed up 10-15 minutes before the time given and were barely given time to eat dinner. Almost all spots were taken, and we were way in the back. I would recommend at least 30-45 minutes prior. This wasn't communicated clearly. Be sure to ask and get clear directions. Also, I would recommend checking the menu in advance, as the broccoli had red pepper flakes and was VERY SPICY.  My husband and I also found not all steak was the same, I clearly had filet mignon and his cut was more like a sirloin. It was also here we noticed folks videotaping the ENTIRE show, even after being asked to put their phones away. Recording piracy is a crime in the US, but many just said "No English", and kept on doing as they wanted. I don't know the fix for NCL, except to collect phone/cameras at the door as some concerts do.  As for the show, it was a lot like others we have seen in the past, so this upcharge experience should be done by those who have reviewed it's content. I will note that NCL shipboard management heard our issues and resolved it to our satisfaction.

The Shipboard Credit desk will exchange local money, just not on debarkation day. Credit cards are best and easiest to use.

We had a great time, and loved the ports. This area of northern Europe is very expensive for everything, so plan accordingly. We want to go to the Norwegian Fiords, and maybe England/Ireland. I wish NCL would offer more ports in Portugal, as that would be also be a place I would love to visit. We enjoyed our time, but are very thankful to be home.

We are on the Getaway in the Baltic in just a few days, and they have moved our Stockholm berth to the city instead of Nyanshamn. Also, on the 9 day NCL has replacled Stockholm Day #2 with Visby, Sweden. Looking forward to this smaller medieval walled city similar to Tallin, Estonia.

Wrong forum. Folks on CC would be the most likely to use theirs or gift them. Try either Facebook Marketplace or other online trading sites.

Hello wonderful RCCL experts. My husband and a group of colleagues are planning a cruise March 18-25, 2019 8 day Cuba. This will be our first on RCCL. We are doing the planning for the group, and have come across a concern. On the website where you check out deck plans, there is a difference for cabins up to March 25, 2019 and after April 1, 2019. Is the ship undergoing renovations? Is the ship undergoing ongoing room renovation? Please advise.....

Story hit NBC nightly News to tonight.

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Thanks for your review!! How much was the valet service?

Yeah... Welcome to Miami Vic. We are using Uber this morning to get to the port from the airport area. Debbie

We are in a Haven spa suite on 16. Do you know if the elevator goes to 18? It appears to stop at 17. Bad knees, so would like to know in advance. Thanks!

We just did. Purchased our spa passes, then Got a upgrade to a Haven spa suite. NCL refunding our credit card charge in 7-10 days.

Maybe the OP is B2B?

We had booked the cheapest inside guarantee option we could find, online and was waiting to see where our cabin assignment was. We upgraded for $500 pp, and they refunded us our prepaid 6 day spa pass onto our credit card (we were planning on using the spa anyway). With the perks of the Haven and the Haven restaurant, We are very happy!!!

and don't want any. We snagged a Haven spa suite, and are offsetting the cost by giving up all excursions at our 3 ports. Since we have been to them multiple times anyway, it's no big deal for us. We may try to locate a free beach in Cozumel or Roatan, otherwise 2e are making the ship and it's ammenities our port day plan. We will go ashore every day, walk around and stretch our land legs and then probably just reboard the ship to take advantage of the main areas that will be very crowded during sea days (maybe ropes course and waterslides for Tim, mini golf, waterfall grotto, etc).

We just took an upsell opportunity, and are now in a Haven spa suite. We do not have any perks other than that we are both platinum lattitudes members, so we have our 2 free dinners. Nothing else- no UDP/SDP, UBP,etc. Not a problem as we aren't drinkers, usually only sodas for DH and juice/lemonaide for me.

We know breakfast and lunches are served in the Haven restaurant, but are confused about the dinners in the Haven restaurant. I have seen menus including filet, surf and turf, etc. Is that considered an upcharge restaurant for dinner, or is it just another complimentary dinner option for Haven guest only that happens to have better food options?

Also, many have talked about the butler bringing sodas and leaving them in the room. I'm assuming that's for those people with the UDP/beverage package. Other places I have read that drinks are free at the Haven bar. Is this for anyone is a Haven room? Will it be awkward with a Haven room and no UBP? I don't want to assume perks, but don't want to miss out on all the Haven designation provides. Thanks!

We booked through an online wholesaler for an inside guarantee. When we got cabin assignment it was on deck 5, and at that point we thought if we could upsell we would.

800-625-4309

They will take your reservation number and let you know what deals they have available. I called last week and they only had a Haven suite for 1,500 pp. Called yesterday and upgraded my Escape 7/31 cruise from interior room deck 5 to Haven Spa for 500 pp. Since we were going to get week passes for the spa anyway, we basically upgraded our room for $300 pp. We are thrilled!!!! We are sailing Western and don't enjoy the ports so we are really just going for the ship and ammenities :) Time to go pack!!!

and the nice lady answering the phone took my reservation number, listened politely, registered my complaint and was very professional. I had to be her first call of the day. She did say that they are listening, and the most common complaint was the cost of the water NCL sells onboard.

I would like to see NCL put a complimentary liter bottle of water in the cabin for each lattitudes member in the short term to help with customer transitions. I don't think they should base the free water on lattitudes tier. Just provide a free water for the next few months.

Now that I have registered my complaint officially, what I will NOT DO is complain to anyone on board regarding this policy. They follow the directions of corporate. 99.9% of the staff on board have any ability to change this policy. The only one who may give corporate direct feedback is the Hotel Director, and since this person is so busy, it will not be my priority to complain to them either, unless I am asked directly by that person. :)

Just my 2 cents.

Debbie

We are NCL Platinum, but also explored the MSC schedule. We are also curious about Oasis class ships on RCCL, so we anticipate sailing on those in the future. I do love many things about NCL, but do see a pattern of more and more changes trying to get extra revenue. Since we have just moved to Florida, we are going to diversify vacation oportunites for value.

My husband and I recently relocated to Florida and were excited to think that we were now closer to some homeports, and might be able to catch a last minute deal or two. Not only is that now not happening, but we are now going to HAVE TO get a soda package for my husband for each NCL cruise we book. Being so close to a homeport means we drive, and bringing a 12 pack of Coke Zero for my husband and a small 6-8 pack of water wasn't a big deal. We have purchased the soda card before when we fly into a homeport, so we aren't apposed to the cost per se, but this move is an example of just one more thing. It seems to always be one more thing to get more money.

So, what does this mean for us? Well, since we just used points on our NCL card and 2 cruise next certificates for our next trip, we are left with only one Cruisenext reward. AND, we will not be buying any more. I think it is time for us to experience other cruise possibilities. NCL, I was a loyal platinum cruiser who only ventured to Carnival when vacation options didn't fit with our calendar. Now.... well, we will see.................

While we didn't all eat together every night, some nights people dined in groups of 6-8. Those meals took on average about an hour- hour 15 minutes. We did dine as a whole group one evening to celebrate an anniversary. We reserved the table in advance with the group services manager and was given the large "captains table". That meal took about 2 hours, and some of the kids left early to go to kids club. We did this at the end of the cruise, and we all enjoyed the one big dinner together, so lingering wasn't a problem. I do believe the table we got goes unused most evenings, so it wasn't a big deal :)

and while I've seen changes, honestly your vacation is often what you make of it. We haven't yet cruised on the megaships (Breakaway, Getaway, Escape) but we love NCL. Our favorites are the jewel class ships as well, since we LOVE the spa cabins :)

Enjoy your trip, what every you choose.

Debbie

I would say the big exception to people being dressed up is Holiday cruises. Lots of people dressed up last year on Gem for Christmas and New Years!!

We are on the Spirit 12/19 and we will dress up a bit.

Prepurchase a luau!! Just stay away from 2 finger poi!

4 days now.....woohoo!