Alaskan_Kate

I'm considering my next cruise and am between an 11-13 day Canada cruise from NY to Canada or a 9ish day Baltic cruise. I live on the west coast, so will be traveling regardless; however, my family is on the east coast and would be able to get taxi to NY port, but they are totally up for a European adventure.

Travelers would be myself (f32) and my dad (m73) and possibly my brother (m34) and sister (f28). Most of us have travelled extensively, so we appreciate the lesser known ports. I'm looking for insight into what is a better cruise. Thanks!

Entirely possible. Juneau had a great show of lights last night. You will need to get to the darkest place that you can be anytime after it gets dark. Try to look towards the north.

We're on the October 21st sailing and there are 3 excursions listed. My party-mates are concerned about getting off in Nicaragua as well.

I've stayed at both the Sheraton and the Hilton numerous times. The rooms are better at the Sheraton, but it is a bit of a walk from the restaurants and shops. The Hilton has smaller/less updated rooms, but is right in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Let me know if you need restaurant/activity recommendations in Anchorage.

Does anyone have suggestions on the best NCL Cuba excursion? I am planning on doing a private classic car in the afternoon or morning, but I want to book an NCL tour for the rest of the day. I'm considering the ultimate Highlights of Havana: Old and New, but open for suggestions. We are 2 twenty-somethings and a 70-something.

I'll be on the June 4 sailing as well!

If you want Havana, I'd go with the Sun. You never know when the rules about visiting Cuba will change again.

Did the Canary Island cruise in December. Expect to pay euro in Funchal and Malaga. You could tip in USD, but I wouldn't expect anyone to appreciate it.

In Gibraltar, you will pay in pounds. What your need to look out for is British Pounds (coins) are accepted in Gibraltar, however, Gibraltar Pounds (coins) are not accepted in Britain. Gibraltar is also no longer accepting older 5 pound notes, so if you have any 5 pound notes, they will need to be the newly issued ones.

I'm looking at booking through havanacubaclassiccars dot com. My boss used them and loved them.

Also doing the colonial highlights tour through NCL.

Is this for an upcoming cruise (soon) or a past cruise. What change did the cruise line make?

 

We are doing Panama canal cruise in Jan 2019, so would be interested to hear more about your experience with this.

This is for October 2018. We were sent an email about 2 weeks ago telling us about the change. To be honest, NCL did a terrible job telling us what was going on. The original email was sent out and no one at NCL call center seemed to know what was going on. We have until tomorrow to essentially rebook and we were given two options. Rebook to the new cruise that leaves a day later and has 1 less port and changes the port of departure or book on any future cruise. Both options gave like $25 in on board credit.

A second email was sent out last week giving us the new itinerary.

My Panama Canal cruise was supposed to stop in Acapulco, but they changed the itinerary due to the situation there.

Yeah, I was on the Oct 20 Panama Canal out of LA. My understanding now is that we are leaving from San Diego on the 21st.

In Seward, I would recommend the Kenai Fjords tours. Great wildlife and natural beauty. Also check out the sealife center. I would take the train from Seward to Anchorage, just for the views. However, if you do rent a car, you could stop in Cooper Landing for a night if you want to do some salmon fishing. Book early, the guides sell out quickly. I would also recommend Gwin's lodge for lodging.

In Anchorage, I'm not sure if you are looking for food recommendations, but Haute Quarter Grill is my favorite Anchorage restaurant. Simon & Seaforts, Sullivans, and Spenard Roadhouse are all good options too. Downtown Anchorage, I would recommend the Hilton, the Sheraton, or the Westmark. The Hilton has ridiculous parking costs though, and they only have valet. If you don't want to stay in Downtown, I also like the Crowne Plaza in midtown.

If you're looking for some hiking, Flat Top in Anchorage is good or Hatcher Pass in Palmer.

For your drive to Denali, I would stop for a bit in Palmer and Talkeetna. If the mountain is out, there are great views from Talkeetna and there is a national park building there with info on the mountain. Have lunch at the Talkeetna Roadhouse or the pizza place.

In Denali, plan on either camping or booking one of the lodges. But do it soon because they book up quickly in the summer. There is an 8h bus trip that I would recommend. It's 4h in and 4h out. This is your best bet of seeing a lot of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, and eagles. There are shorter tours if you don't want to do 8h. I believe all tours are run by the park service. You can also look into the ranger walks. I believe there are 2 different ranger walks offered a day.

My last cruise on the Spirit, the fridge was locked and we had to call to unlock it. It doesn't seem like this is standard practice, so maybe because we were in Europe?

Easiest to pay NCL the $75 and get the visa when you check in for your cruise.

interesting! I booked the cruise while on another NCL cruise and the cruisenext rep told me I had to apply online beforehand.

I'm booked on the Sun for June. I would like to get on top of the visa process, as I don't know how long it will take. However, I am confused on where to go to get the visa. I was told I could do it online, but I'm going in circles on the Department of State/Treasury websites. Anyone who has been on an NCL Cuba cruise, can you give any insight?

I have a Sun forward facing balcony booked for Cuba in May does anyone have pictures?

 

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Would also be interested in pics of forward facing mini suites. That said all of you have convinced me that either a forward or aft mini suite will be in order!

currently booked in a regular mini suite on the Sun for Cuba in June 2018. Wondering if aft balcony or aft mini suite is better? I believe the aft cabins/balconies are smaller than their regular counterparts, but may offer better views etc. what are your thoughts?

What options are there to get from Orlando (MCO) to Port Canaveral? I don't see a transfer option on the Ncl website.

Can you use the cruise next on a cruise that you've already booked?

My first NCL cruise will be in December; however, most other cruise lines I've been on have at least a "Friends of Dorothy" meeting daily. IDK what that would be like on NCL, but hopefully a good group of people!

That is true, but since my sister is not able to commit at the moment, I can't guarantee 3rd/4th guest will be available. Especially since that perk seems to be available more on Caribbean cruises than on others (in my experience)

If cost is not a factor, aft suite is the choice.

 

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are the aft suites on Spirit really big enough for 3 adults?

I would call to make the reservation/at least enquire. They should be able to, in my experience (not always), tell you if a room has a sofa or not.

I'm booked on the Spirit in a balcony room with my dad . My sister may or may not join us, as she has started a new job. Assuming she can join us, looking at current prices, our options:

1) her staying in the same room (mid-ship balcony). Add on cost 3rd person (i.e. base for rest of prices below)

2) changing the reservation so my sister and I are in the same room and my dad in an inside room (appox three-four hundred more)

3) a suite, two thousand more, but an aft suite.

What do you think we should do?