OceanBlueWaters

I've tried to catch last minute deals on NCL for a Solo, but they always seem quite high (I want Beverage Package and factor in gratuities). There only a few ships with Studio cabins (at alleged reduced rate) with NCL.  I plan my vacation on Itinerary/budget and not the ship since I will be happy anywhere away from work!    🙂

I snagged a deal on MSC  with an itinerary I adore (7 nights).  It is an inside cabin (much bigger than Studio on NCL).  Adult Beverage package included (no gratuities added on),  water, specialty coffee, etc. was also included.  It was about $700 less for any cruise I priced on NCL for Solo.  NCL Sky wanted $500 more for a 3 day cruise to GSC and Nassau for a solo in the time frame I wanted.  Huh?!  I sailed on Sky and loved the ship, but it does not warrant the HUGE price for lame itinerary.  JMO.

Anyway, the point is, there is a market out there that will fit you and your itinerary/needs.

JMO 🙂

On 7/19/2019 at 10:16 AM, peter_krynicki said:

You could start (at 11:00) with this ---> https://keywestsebago.com/tour/bloody-mary-sail?msclkid=b14d10c5553a1c1c04b44df485501606&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=01%20Brand&utm_term=%2Bsebago%20%2Bsail&utm_content=Sebago-%20Sail

 

Pjk

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for to begin my day in Key West!  How can you go wrong starting your day on the water with Mimosa in hand?  I already booked for April 2020.  Thanks for the info! 🙂

Hello!

I apologize in advance if this question has been asked before.  I swear I searched and came up with nothing!  I know how repetitive it can get answering the same questions...

Anyway, I am an NCL gal.  Studio Cabin.  Minimum accommodations to get me to my Ports.  I am not loyal to any Cruise Line.  I came upon a great itinerary (for me) at MSC and a good price.  It was significantly lower than NCL (Inside Cabin which is larger than Studios on NCL).  So here I am.

Question:

Dining:  NCL has Freestyle.  I walked in when I wanted and asked for a table for 1 by the window and 100% of the time I got that.  I love the window seats...

Apparently MSC has assigned times.  I have the early seating which is fine.  The question is...can Solo's have "Freestyle" (or whatever they call it on MSC) even though they are booked in Bella?  Honestly I will not starve and Buffet is always an option.  Just wondering...

Misc:  Ship = Armonia.  I am actually looking forward to sailing on a smaller/older ship. 🙂

The Private Island has piqued my interest.  I am following the progress.  I sail in April 2020, so crossing my fingers it will be established by then.  Other cruse line Islands (Perfect Day at CoCo Cay) look like Amusement Parks after major renovations.  Not for me and JMO.  I am cheering this Island comes to completion for all pax headed there in November for opening.  🙂

🙂

6 hours ago, Jasonmom said:

 

Would always agree that child should be protected.

Nope.  Parents had no problem with child sleeping on disgusting floor.  Makes my head spin....

I have no problem with people posting pics of "real-time" facts.  It's what we all want/ask for, right? As another poster stated, the Observation Lounge was/is a spectacular feature.  Bring in the homeless/entitled/rude.  Eww. 

I am a mom and would NEVER have let my child(ren) sleep on the floor in that space (or sleep on any floor space for that matter).  The pic(s) posted is just what the photographer saw (and I have no problem with that).  It is real time.  Blame the parent(s).  Not the photographer.  I do not want to trip over your kid.  Put him/her in a safe place (i.e. cabin) if he/she needs a nap.  Another example of lazy/irresponsible parents on cruise ships...

JMO

9 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Relax. They're LED although they look & function real ones

The article says "candles".  Period.  It did not say LED or otherwise which piqued my interest FYI.

😲

I would LOVE to hear how open flames are acceptable on the Ship to certain people or if this is "fake news."

https://www.jpost.com/OMG/Norwegian-Cruise-Line-to-offer-kosher-food-for-no-extra-fee-on-all-ships-594371

Clearly the OP has been told NO MARIJUANA.  I do not want to derail.  Nuff said.

2 minutes ago, perditax said:

 

That sounds like a huge waste of law enforcement resources, so I assume they’re doing it for the profit motive (the thousands of dollars in fines you mention). 

 

Would much rather they were using dogs to fight actual crime, like weapons and explosives. 

 

(I know there are a lot of older and more conservative folks here, but hopefully people can at least recognize the fact that study after study reveals a lot more health benefits from marijuana than, say, scotch or vodka. The times they are a-changing.)

 

All this said: yeah, OP, legally you’re not even in the clear to fly with it, yet. I think you’re fine with CBD though (domestically). 

How about lung health?  Yes - times are a-changing, but the fact remains lungs are being jeopardized and no one wants to address that.  How about substitute those AWFUL Cigarette Commercials with the same Lung Problems marijuana users will encounter?  Hmmm.  It's all Political...

Glad you had a great time!  How was your Excursion? Catamaran?

I paid to see Choir of Man when it was still in the Supper Club.  They are amazing!

I agree with you about After Midnight...very talented, but...

Ditto on outside decks with cocktail in hand!  5 o'clock bar on Waterfront checked all the boxes for me 🙂

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and glad you got to/from home safely (albeit some hiccups) 🙂

Sir...

As a fellow "Solo" traveler, what are your plans for Bermuda?  I am headed there in October.  I am in a Studio which I have been in before on Escape and LOVED.  Heck...shower and sleep.  Done.  LOL!

Following and hope enjoy your cruise!

🙂

Go straight to the Atrium Bar.  Relax there while the feeding frenzy encompasses the ship. My tradition and JMO. Enjoy your cruise! 

Hello ~

I will be travelling Solo via the Escape in October.  I AM A BEACH PERSON!

Question to "Charles" and/or anyone who has traveled to Bermuda solo...

I am guessing the best Beach to hit first is Horseshoe (1st day) via mini bus?

Then Tobbaco Beach via NCL Ferry on 2nd day?  Hit Swizzle Inn while in that part of the anatomy?  LOL!

I honestly don't want to book anything ahead of time, since the weather may have a negative impact.  We may end up in Canada due to Hurricane Season!  LOL!  I am basically "planning" but need a backup to Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C.

Any recommendations of "excursions" that are cool to see via vendors at dock as a solo?  Rum Swizzle Night Cruise, etc.?

Horseman and Charles have offered super valuable info regarding Bermuda.  You guys rock!

Thank you! 🙂

I forgot to mention...Trenton Airport since you would be driving from NYC.  Trenton houses Frontier and Allegiant.  I have used both those airlines.  It is another small Airport, but it gets you from Point A to point B. Keep a watch on Atlantic City and Trenton Airports if not already on your radar. 🙂

I feel your pain.  Flight $ can make/break a trip.  Have you considered Atlantic City Airport?  It is Spirit which some love/hate.  I mostly fly out of AC which is convenient to me.  Small airport and I get first flight out in a.m.  Never had a problem.

Buying a ticket last minute is tricky...that is why I feel your pain.  It is a crapshoot.  

I have been watching fares also.  Good luck 🙂

Not true.  I booked my tender to GCS as soon as I boarded via kiosk (Escape).

See post #10 above.

10 minutes ago, Greenpea2 said:

This site is about cruising, period. You can select the threads you are interested and scroll on by those you are not interested in. Easy peasy.

I am aware of that Greenpea2.  Thank you for suggestion that.

For a Studio Cabin = 0$.  My cabin is small and do not request much.  I keep it clean and therefore Stewart (Steward) does nothing.  I had cooling problems (on Escape) and he did nothing after giving him $10 to go figure it out.  Never again will I tip in Studio Cabin

Forgive me.  I thought this site was to offer real time info regarding ship, and everything regarding ship/changes and other info that would help other pax.  Not personal info deciding on a cruise....

JMO

Once you board, go to a kiosk (or App, TV in room, etc.) to get your reservations (since you can't do that online prior).  I wanted 1st tender off ship and fortunately got that since I did that as soon as I boarded (I was on Escape). 

It all depends on the ship, and which ones require tendering reservations.

Hope this helps and good luck.  I hope you make it there!

Wow.  CC turned into support group?  A whole thread dedicated to 1 person who cannot make a decision on a cruise?

Can y'all help me pick out what shoes to wear with my outfit for work tomorrow? 

Dilemma:  I spent $100 on the shoes.  Customer service sucked, but I bought them anyway.  Now I regret.  Decisions, decisions.

Heck.  We all work hard for our vacations and have disposable incomes. 

There are many more problems out there that can benefit from your energy.  Find a non-profit organization that you can help with spreadsheet data to further help people in need.

If your biggest problem is finding a cruise and posting to all...

JMO

It all depends who you are with.  If you are grouped with people you do not know, it may be awkward.  Some people just like to suck the fun out of everything!  That is a risk you take.  AGH!

I did not enjoy it because of the Group I was with.  Total fun-suckers and WAY TOO SERIOUS!

If you are grouped with people you know, it would be a hoot and tons of fun!  This is something NO ONE talks about.

Good luck and have fun!!

Just my experience as a Solo Traveler and would never do it again (for fear of the fun suckers).  LOL!

🙂

SeaShark nailed it!   

I will continue to bring my own STRAWS and risk swimming in them, once I park myself on the Beach.  LOL!

I want a STRAW with my drink.  Period.  I am on vacation.  Period.  I will dispose of my STRAW in a responsible way.  YAY!

First we had paper bags at Grocery Stores.  Nope. Get rid of them.  Too many sacrificial trees.   Okay...now plastic. Someone smarter than me decided to opt for plastic bags and save the trees.  Yay! 

Now, plastic bags are going away with a potential fee to carry my BLEEPING BLEEP out your store?!  WAIT, WHAT? 

Can someone FIRE the people who are "smarter than me" who make these decisions on my behalf and cost me more $?  Oh wait...that sounds a lot like NCL.  LOL!

Just a BIG FAT GOOD GRIEF...when will it end...

JMO

Hey Wilson!  Thanks again for the amazing review/vlog!  You never disappoint.  You have helped a lot of people by going off "the beaten path" like you always do.  You gave/give another perspective, rather than the same pics of the usual "touristy" spots.  As you can see, we all appreciate the time and effort and have enjoyed following you.

I wish you all the best and I am hoping someday I will be on the same cruise as you!  Party on!  🍹  Although, I may drop at noon if I tried to keep up with you with adult beverages and food.  LOL!  😲

Hang in there...and I look forward to your next review.  Oh yes, there will be another review...

See ya next time 😊