goldmom

Looking forward to more. I have always enjoyed your posts!

I would suggest taking any and everything you have in writing regarding the cruise, any invoices, etc. I'm sure you'll be fine, but it's definitely anxiety laden. I'm like you, I like a paper copy in my hand. Good luck and wishing you an easy check-in and great cruise!

Thank you!

That's funny! Glad it wasn't just me!

Ha Ha, funny story. When I first saw Gary's screen name I looked at it quickly and thought it said "stingray Gary" I have no idea how I came up with it, but thought it was a cool name. It took me months to realize I was wrong and it's "Southern Gary! LOL!

Thank you! I appreciate the information.

Thank you for the great review. Was the Haven check-in room right after the security check or was it all the way down at the end of the terminal? I've seen it in both places. DH has some mobility issues so trying to decide if he'll need a wheelchair in the terminal. I've already requested one to transport him onto the ship. Thanks!

On the Jewel class ships (at least for sure on the Gem) the Deluxe Owners Suite up the stairs on Deck 15 have a private hot tub. Loved that suite!

I feel your excitement and totally get it. Just did our 21 day check-in so I'm also doing my happy dance!

Also, when we have checked in at the Haven check-in our key cards are right there. Anyone who is not a Haven guest would need to go to the regular check-in line to check in and get their key cards. You would then need to ask the Concierge if they can join you in the Haven Lounge, then find them in the regular line and bring them in to the Haven Lounge. I would think that this could become pretty convoluted. As far as getting off in ports, I would guess that if they wait with you in your room they could be escorted off early with you as long as you had prior agreement from the Concierge. I think this is done quite a bit as I have to say that I seem to see a lot of new faces when we get escorted off early in ports. Enjoy!

We like to have the items removed so that there is space in the frig for other items. We usually ask for a pitcher of iced tea and regular milk for our coffee. I also like to make coffee to keep in the frig for iced coffee. Even if the steward just puts the items on the shelf, it frees up space in the frig. You need to have the steward remove the items so you wouldn't get charged. Enjoy!

Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. If, when you get onboard, it's still stocked then just ask the steward to remove the items. Enjoy!

You used to be able to get old cruises credited to your account with documentation. I seem to remember though that several years ago (maybe as many as 10) NCL put out the policy that they would no longer give credit for old cruises and that anyone who had missing old cruises needed to submit their documentation by a certain date, After that date, they would no longer accept or apply points for old cruises. It certainly can't hurt to ask, but I'm guessing the answer will be no. Good luck!

We had that happen the opposite way. We were gathering our luggage at the pier. My daughter had a purple paisley bag which was next to our luggage, but after looking closer realized it wasn't hers. We looked all over, but her bag wasn't there. We were able to contact the people whose purple bag was at the terminal and they had taken my daughter's bag and didn't realize it. We told them we would take their bag and they could come to our house and switch bags. Luckily we all lived within an hour of the port. So, it can even happen with very distinctive bags. We always check carefully now.

I've been in forward facing penthouses on both the Breakaway and the Gem. I have always loved these cabins and stayed in them many times. It can get very windy, but I have always used the balcony on sea days. You may get really buffeted by the wind, but i like that. The only time we were unable to use the balcony was in rough seas when all the furniture needed to be tied down. It will also depend to some extent where you are sailing. Enjoy!

I can't believe your cruise is over already. Really enjoyed following along and looking forward to your final thoughts.

It really is beautiful. If you have some extra time there, just wander around. There are surprises around every corner and alleyway. But with so many historic sites to see, it's hard to take it all in unless you're there for several days. Wishing you a fabulous time!

Yeah, just not good planning on their part. I'd prefer the Joy or Breakaway from NYC. Although I miss the Gem. Guess I'll have to check out the Prima at some point.

The other thing the Concierge can do for you is to fix billing errors on your onboard account. No need to wait in the long guest services line. They also got us new key cards when ours stopped working. Enjoy!

It is not that far, but generally there's one or two turns and the ramps are definitely inclined and for people with mobility issues it can be a struggle. Your best bet would be to contact NCL special needs department and request a wheelchair assist. It will take them from the terminal to the ship. It's been super helpful for my DH. The only thing is you may have to wait a little while for a wheelchair to become available.

That is a problem. I really don't understand why NCL decided that the ship without a covered Haven would be their pick to sail year round from NYC. Who thinks that way!

Port: Venice (when you were actually in Venice) Ship: Gem or any Jewel class ship Cabin: In my dreams the Garden Villa, but any suite will do depending on price

I also wish they had loungers by the pool. My understanding is that children are allowed in the Haven pool area and can also use the loungers on the upper deck surrounding the pool area. As far as I know the only area where the children are not allowed is the outdoor sundeck area. Enjoy!

Safe travels and have a great trip. Hoping the wi-fi cooperates and we can follow along. Just looked at the NYC webcam and the Joy is sitting there waiting for you looking pretty!

I know. Really stupid. Lol! I just kept thinking there would be a box or something that I would have to click to say I watched. After all the hoops we had to jump through to sail during the pandemic, I think I was paranoid worrying that I'd do something wrong and not be allowed to board.