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13 minutes ago, TenForward said:

 

Where's the amazing breakfast on Jost? Heading there in April...we have the early morning "Escape to Jost Van Dyke" excursion. 

 

We did the same thing as DrUrsula

There are several restaurants right where you land . I can't remember the name but it has big 

signs touting their breakfast.

we ate, grabbed our snorkel gear and headed off to the far end of the beach. No one else from  the ship was snorkeling!

we swam with sea turtles and beautiful fish for hours. The water was absolutely clear and the turtles amazing!!

We snorkeled until the boat was leaving.

We are divers and snorkelers and this is in the top 3 of all our trips over 30 years , beauty wise.

48 minutes ago, scgssny said:

How many people is that for two? If we are sailing with two other friends and they just buy the Vibe pass I assume that we can share with them...unless the cabana police are going to be out 🙂  

They don't seem to be much more than a large "bed" with curtains on the sides.

Someone posted a pic and I wasn't impressed.

as there are no extra benefits to a "cabana", I doubt that there will be any cabana police!.

I'll try to find the picture.

7 hours ago, vacation44 said:

The process to book them is the same as securing a Vibe pass--online, the NCL App or phone call.  Our PCC secured a cabana for our Viva cruise instead of two Vibe passes for next year.   You can buy it online too, but then it would have to be paid for immediately instead of with final payment.

 

They are rented out for the week.  You are assigned one and that one is for your exclusive use for the week.

As Joy is just out  of rehab things are not operating as on other ships. They are not taking online reservations for thermal suite or Vibe. We did get Vibe passes for March 9 a year ago. But they are not offering either of these to pre-book for at least a month.

Price is set at 249 for Vibe, 299 for Thermal suite.

Applies to Joy only as of2/28 for "the next month or so"
 

Vibe Cabanas are available on board only, 650 for the week.

Thermal Spa the same-only available to book on board. 299 per week or 80/day .

1 hour ago, Joken35 said:

We. Will be pm the Joy this Saturday. The only  show is Elements and the bar shows.

 

 

 

There are the comedians, Beatlemania thing, magician, some other stuff this week.

4 hours ago, KyleDefends said:

I am booked on the March 9 Joy cruise.  I just checked and day passes are not available as of right now for the thermal suite.  I can buy a 7 day pass for $199 per person.  I have no idea if day passes will be available after we board.

You can't actually purchase that week pass. The transaction will not go through.

i even called to try and purchase for the same date and it's on board only for now.

the passes for the week are available for $299

a week; $80 for a day pass.

plunge pool fits one; hot tub fits 6.

4 hours ago, Rafashadow1 said:

Thanks!!  Was the show the first night?  time?  Thanks SO much - if you know days and times they will be playing, I would so appreciate knowing that to plan meals.  

There is a Beatles show almost every night.

some of them are "themed"- early Beatles, Sgt Peppers, the psychedelic years. , a complete retrospective; yada yada.

Orthodox Easter is May 5 so you will be avoiding only Western "after Easter "visitors.

I would take the Pearl or Epic cruise. But whatever you choose, once you hit the first week of May Europe gets crowded.

Happy 60th!!

2 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Thanks Crew I thought I had read it was the urban area outside the port but I just took a look and couldn’t find it actually called that any more on the map. I knew you had always called it Las Casitas and that might be more accurate for the area I was meaning. 

I am not sure if you can actually get to the coast or not that way or if you have to go all the way to the lighthouse and turn left instead of right along the malecon? 
 

However I did find a couple of interesting articles which indicate there are plans for future development “eventually”.

 

https://nuvistarealestate.com/property/nuevo-mahahual-waterpark-frontage/

 

 

https://www.earthvagabonds.com/the-neighborhoods-of-mahahual-mexico-a-beautiful-beach-community/

 

Thank you!

Left at the lighthouse the road is blocked after a bit-

last time there was a blockade and not much beyond it.

We haven't been there in 2 years so we shall see if we can venture further!

we like to go past all the bars and shops all the way until the road turns to sand; explore a little and then return for some ceviche!

On 1/24/2024 at 1:23 PM, c-leg5 said:

Thanks! 
 

Everyone gets a free margarita at Krazy Lobster so no benefit there. I understand there may be some “fun” factor associated with a golf cart but really the only convenience seems to be the stops on the pink road certainly isn’t cheaper than a taxi (which is overpriced in itself now). I don’t think any of the locations on that map have an “entrance fee” but I am sure you probably got a welcome drink at each which might not be standard at all of them. 
 

I think if I ever did rent one I might venture into Nuevo Mahahual just to have a look round and try and find the old coastal path.

 

I have never noticed Barbanegra but seems to be next to Pez Quadro and gets reasonable reviews so may be one to try. I will definitely give Chunky Monkey a try. We use our cell phone service in Mexico so internet isn’t usually a problem and agree it is often difficult to connect on the malecon otherwise. 

 

 

What is Nuevo Mahahaul?( I know what it means, just where and what is it?)

where would I turn off the main drag to the beach to find it?

Thank you!!

Excellent! Thank you.

We routinely take 10am-ish ( even 9:15 once when the flight changed while we were at sea) from Miami. We take 11am and later if we fly from FLL

We  have not had an issue yet.

On 2/10/2024 at 9:00 AM, 66Olds442 said:

I'll be on the initial sailing after drydock. NCL has let passengers know the thermal suites will not be complete during this sailing.

We are unable to book for 9 March. When I called my CAS rep I  was told the spa may not be ready before we board.

We were not allowed to use one credit for the two of us on Encore last month.

maybe it's ship-specific as we had no problem doing so on Bliss in the falll.

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

1. Port of Miami - I have been reading that boarding times are not adhered to . How do I actually get on the ship at my assigned time if a bunch of others who have later times show up when I do?

 

You are assigned a time to arrive at terminal when you check in exactly 21 days prior to departure. Early times sell out quickly, so checking in at midnight eastern time on day 21 gives you the best selection. That is not a boarding time. Just the time they are suppose to allow you into the terminal. As you stated, they are not checking times any more, so enter the terminal as soon as you arrive (don't wait)

 

Is there priority line for Platinum?

Yes. Look for the Latitudes Priority Check-In line. It is beyond the general check in line (eDocs/no eDocs in photo)

 

 

Do I need my football pads? I ask because the only show my husband wants to definitely see is the comedian. We are all booked for specialties , I just would like to be able to get a comedy reservation. 

So,,, be on the ship early. Wait at the boarding door (it is marked about 2/3 the way back in the terminal) and jump in line as soon as they call Platinum. As you walk quickly to show reservations, usually in The Social but verify with greeters on the ship, try and book the shows on your NCL app. On our most recent cruise, all of the shows were not loaded in the app, so we stood in line at show reservations. You could also try a touch screen kiosk. But if either the app or kiosk is slow, just go to show reservations. 
 

2. I can't find a straight answer via Mr Google or NCL on where Bliss docks in Cozumel. We have been on Celebrity and Royal recently and they both docked at the pier away from downtown (International Pier?) You have to take a cab to "downtown". can someone please enlighten me?

NCL uses Punta Longosta (downtown - not the international pier used by RCL and Carnival)

 

3.Platinum has alleged "concierge service". I have a feeling this is a myth. Can anyone explain? 

It is a non-benefit. After dozens of cruises, we have only been offered a concierge phone number once, and it was not beneficial. You can inquire at the Cruise Next Desk and see what they say. 

 

On embarkation day, go to the Cruise Next desk and (1) verify that Platinum vouchers can be used at any specialty restaurant and any restrictions on using the voucher with wine (on our most recent cruise, one of the restaurants was serving only "NCL Sustainable Wines" and we could not get the Platinum freebie wine there. (2) Sign up for the Wines Around the World wine tasting (sign up is first come first serve). 

THANK YOU!!!!! I truly appreciate all the detailed info.

We have cruised an equal amount on NCL and Royal. 

NCL buffet wins over Royal 

Haven restaurant over Coastal Kitchen by a landslide. 

Main dining is about the same -Bird Travels sums it up nicely  with the traditional vs contemporary foods. 

Entertainment is very subjective but I would give the edge to Royal here- except on the NCL ships with the dueling pianos ( Breakaway class ?) .

You will read negative reviews about every line and every cruise. I dont usually read reviews anymore. Our absolute favorite cruise was on Celebrity on an older , small ship. it got awful reviews. The reviews did not match the amazing experience that we had.

We have had small issues at times on both RCL and NCL but nothing that ever rose to the level of "This cruise line stinks!! I will never use them again!!"  I would not say no to a cruise on either. Although ours are grown, the kids enjoyed trips on both lines as much as they did Disney cruises

For demographics, we are late  fifties,working, very active and cruise anywhere from 2 to 6 times a year both as a couple and as a family with our 3 now  adult children( and sometimes with 93 yo Gramma.!) If we HAD to choose one cruise, it would be on a smaller Celebrity ship. The decision to cruise RCL or NCL is a tossup.

Enjoy your cruise!!! 

On 1/7/2023 at 8:11 PM, BirdTravels said:

There is no “winning”’strategy on the Prima. 
 

You did not follow the golden rule of logging on at midnight Day 120 to book your dining. 
 

 

Our Prima Experience

Prima Cruise 1 (October 2022 - Bermuda)

 

We followed our normal pattern and went to the theater box office, Deck 6 Forward, Starboard door. We got our shows including comedy shows. we then went to the Improv Deck 7 midship and waited for dining reservations. We were dismayed that Palomar was sold out of early times most nights and had to shuffle to get a dinner booked there. Shortly after, Palomar sold out for the duration of the cruise. 
 

Prima Cruise 2 (December 2022 - Western Caribbean)

 

We swapped our priorities. We went for dining first. We tried to book shows using the app while waiting for dining,,, but all of the shows were not loaded into the app. When we got to the box office around 11:45 am, all of the comedy shows were sold out for the duration of the cruise. 
 

Recommendation:  

 

Be the rude Platinum member and stand at the boarding door and board as soon as they call priority passengers. 

 

Get your dining organized first. Book shows on the app or touch screen kiosks. Last resort, go stand in the theater line. 
 

Look at general show times on the show menus on the links below. 
 

Hi, Bird:

Its 

On 1/7/2023 at 8:11 PM, BirdTravels said:

There is no “winning”’strategy on the Prima. 
 

You did not follow the golden rule of logging on at midnight Day 120 to book your dining. 
 

 

Our Prima Experience

Prima Cruise 1 (October 2022 - Bermuda)

 

We followed our normal pattern and went to the theater box office, Deck 6 Forward, Starboard door. We got our shows including comedy shows. we then went to the Improv Deck 7 midship and waited for dining reservations. We were dismayed that Palomar was sold out of early times most nights and had to shuffle to get a dinner booked there. Shortly after, Palomar sold out for the duration of the cruise. 
 

Prima Cruise 2 (December 2022 - Western Caribbean)

 

We swapped our priorities. We went for dining first. We tried to book shows using the app while waiting for dining,,, but all of the shows were not loaded into the app. When we got to the box office around 11:45 am, all of the comedy shows were sold out for the duration of the cruise. 
 

Recommendation:  

 

Be the rude Platinum member and stand at the boarding door and board as soon as they call priority passengers. 

 

Get your dining organized first. Book shows on the app or touch screen kiosks. Last resort, go stand in the theater line. 
 

Look at general show times on the show menus on the links below. 
 

 

 

Hi, Bird- The famous flamingo can surely help me!!!

Great response to OP and a lot of info. Thank you.

Its been close to 3 years since we sailed NCL- it was the last cruise out of PC before Covid closed everything down.

We are on " Bliss" in a month.

We are platinum, could not get a suite as we booked just a few days ago. I know that we now can check in 21 days prior . We will get a boarding time.

I have a few questions: 

I have been reading that boarding times are not honored or checked. What is your experience with this? 

You made a comment about Platinum status and boarding- how do we assert this for priority boarding? It would really stink to get an early boarding time and be overwhelmed by those who have a later "appointment" .( I DO have good elbows...)

I really would like to be able to see the comedy show and will make the box office a priority.

I appreciate your assistance!!

On 1/7/2023 at 8:11 PM, BirdTravels said:

 

11 minutes ago, Stealthdog said:

COVID is permanently going to be part of our reality now - its not going away.  Its going to be on every ship.  But we have learned to live with it.  People are able to protect themselves how they want - vaccines, masks, social distancing.  At risk populations probably need to be more diligent.  Before COVID people still had to worry about influenza, gastrointestinal, hepatitis, and a number of other viruses that spread on ships.  If someone is really concerned about getting COVID, going on a cruise is probably a risky activity and they should really reconsider it.  

Exactly. Thank you.

We have been cruising since restart and every ship had multiple Covid cases be it a fully masked and distanced, no smoking in the casino RCL Symphony at 25 percent capacity or a half-masked Allure at 98%. 
As a couple who worked the front lines in a large city before vaccines , we travel frequently and fearlessly but responsibly

Your chance of being exposed to Covid is just as great in a movie theater, grocery store, doctor's office or talking to your neighbors at the post office as it is on a cruise ship.

Its quite simple and I do NOT mean to sound patronizing. If you can't bear to be in a crowded elevator or excursion bus or airplane because of Covid fear, do not travel. We are seeing a large number of influenza patients and the flu is highly transmissible and quite virulent this year. Many more flu patients than Covid. Some have both. Unless the cruise lines are testing for both flu and Covid for those with respiratory illness on board, we have no way of knowing if the symptoms are from flu or Covid as it is common at this time of year to test positive for both but have a sub clinical case of Covid. You can test positive for Covid without any symptoms. You can test negative for flu with a full-blown case of influenza.
 

I have never advocated cruising for any high risk patients as cruising by nature exposes one to multiple, multiple pathogens that one does not necessarily get exposed to in their usual setting . You and your cruise mates visit 

nations that are basically "third world " nations without access to routine  vaccines or more than rudimentary health care for many of the residents.

The mask shaming and crowded elevator complaining is getting old, fellow cruisers. This is not a new phenomenon. You know the risk, you know the cruise line guidelines/restrictions and you are updated as they with the absolute ability to change your mind and not travel if you are in fear. Whether or not you have travel insurance or are able to get a FCC or reschedule - you have the ability to cancel your cruise.

This isn't on the cruise lines , it's on each of us to travel as we feel comfortable.

And for those complaints about the company only caring about profit-- I'm not an economist, but I do not know how we would be able to cruise if the cruise lines were bankrupt and not operating. You cannot expect any company to operate at a loss forever. If you find their lack of mitigation unethical and greedy then you should not support them with your hard earned dollars. 

If you do cruise, wash your hands, stop touching your mouth , nose and eyes while sitting at that slot machine , don't blow your nose with toilet paper in a public restroom, wear a mask if you want and have a great time.

1 hour ago, kwokpot said:

Attached is the Info sheet for disembarkation at Port Everglades back in March. It will take between 35-45 mins car ride from Port Everglades to MIA.  We always use Lyft and it's never a problem, usually only a 5-10 minute wait for a car. 

 

Thank you so much!! I appreciate this! 

Thanks for all the help! It will be interesting to begin our Celebrity journey on an old, small ship. We just got off RCL Adventure which is also old and small and really enjoyed it. Most of our cruises in the past 10-12 years have been on the megas and it was really refreshing to experience the smaller ships again. Infinity is even smaller, so we are really looking forward to it. Both these cruises were pretty last minute ( for us anyway) and booked a month or 5 weeks out. 
 

And the best part of this cruise  is that at the end we get to pick up our newest basset hound puppy and bring him home to Baltimore to meet his new  family! 
 

have a great week, all!!

6 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

Exactly.  Someday they may reinstate priority for the various groups and types of stateroom, but right now, outside of the suites, priority boarding is based on time, 10 before 10:30, 10:30 before 11 etc

We were lucky . We got the earliest time. Nice to be able to get key card and drop carryon in room; only when we had Star on RCL were we able to drop out bags and in the olden days on NCL.

7 minutes ago, NJRonbo said:

This article on Celebrity's own site talks about priority disembarking with Concierge Class and I can imagine it's the same in Aqua as well

 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/concierge-class-embarkation-lunch

 

My question is whether these classes also offer priority Embarkation --- especially on the initial day of boarding?

We were give priority check in.

I found that in one article about the differences between the cabin classes on celebrity but couldn't find it elsewhere.

thank you!

First time on Celebrity. Long time suite cruisers on RCL/NCL , we are accustomed to priority debarkation at end of cruise . We are on Infinity in AC in 10 days and our flight out of Miami ( yes, I know the ship is in FLL) was moved from 2pm to 12:O0pm. Does AC receive any priority debarkation? I just read the comments about self -carry and lines of 500 people. We don't care if we self-carry or send luggage out the night before, it's just 2 of us and we will be traveling light. 

I can't find anything on the Celebrity website

Any info greatly appreciated! 

Thank you