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It's been a couple of years since I cruised. In my past experience, Europeans preferred Euros tho they were more than happy to accept USD from US military personnel. Caribbean countries then were always happy to get USD as the exchange rate worked to their benefit. It is interesting & informative to have this important thread now to know how to prepare for international travel. Thanks to the OP for posing the question & thanks to respondents for their feedback.

Wow! Absolutely fantastic experience

Oh my...I am so glad so many have participated & continue to participate in this "glad game". I can no longer reply to each post individually, but rest assured, I read them all & it makes me feel so good about taking a chance on NCL. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Thanks for the share & the well wishes okpaddy. I'm doing west to east but will have to try an east to west (or even a B@B TA) in the future.

Wow mugtech - you have traveled to so many places that I would love to see. I can tell that you had a great time & made good memories by all the !!!!!! lol

nhtravels - your post makes me feel so much better about my upcoming NCL adventure...thanks!

DrUsula - it is memories of moments like you experienced that are so precious. I am so glad you had such a good time you Super Star! Thanks for sharing this awesome memory.

That trip on the Spirit sounds heavenly! My cruises that included Roman ports were always awesome. I am looking forward to porting in Vigo, Spain. I've kind of been in Spain before...on Palma on vacation while stationed in South Korea, but this will be my first time on the mainland. It is awesome that you were able to score all those latitudes points. Enjoy all those wonderful platinum perks as you continue your cruising adventures.

First cruises...brings back memories. My first cruise, with my 8 yr old son on the CCL Elation to the Western Caribbean out of Houston in 1998 gave me the "cruise bug". I haven't had a complaint for any of my cruises. Were things always perfect? Oh hell no! But most issues were quickly put into perspective..."$hit happens". Often, crew is discouraged by how they are treated & question why they should go above and beyond. I try to remind them of their worth and how they make my journeys worthwhile.

I'm hoping it is the same for all of us solos on our cruise. Dabbling in metaphysical stuff so maybe I can manifest it...lol.

Oh jcscv...thank you for sharing that. I am sailing solo...in a studio (tired of paying double occupancy when I travel alone). I am happy to hear good news of how NCL treats solos. Encore has studios & a solo lounge...looking forward to the experience.

Thank you for the positive post...I do love people watching. Will maybe try the spa (depends on how thick my wallet is when I sail). Happy sailing to you as well! Enjoy that TA

Full or not, I always find a quiet place...I need one as I am an HSP, introvert & empath. It is rare for me to post this much but I am trying to change some lifelong unhealthy patterns. Thanks for your comments...I really appreciate them!

Son of a son of a - this may not be the thread for you. May the universe bless you & keep you & make its light shine upon you.

So glad that both my stomach and my psyche will be pampered on my cruise! Thanks EngrJones.

Thanks cheersforbeers - Nov 3 Encore TA MIA-LON. Encore has an observation lounge that I fully intend to take advantage of. All positives for this ship or for NCL TA's are appreciated.

I am looking forward to Freestyle Dining...none of my previous cruises offered that option & I am excited to try it....I think I will like it very much. Thanks for the share Smitheroo!

Thanks Panhandle Couple for noting so many positive things for me to look forward to. I'll be sure to visit some of the venues you listed.

What a wonderful trip this must have been. I'm so glad you were treated so well & the journey fostered a long-lasting relationship. Thanks so much for the share.

Lol...we all wish! ROTFLMAO!! Thanks for the chuckle Distinctive Destinations.

VUCruiser...for my first NCL experience, I am doing a TA on the Encore. Your post makes me even more excited about my sailing as the Encore has a Waterfront as well. Looking forward to that!

Pitzel - so nice you make cruising a family affair. Agree with all the things you like...most are things I really appreciated on my many previous cruises (CCL, HAL, RCCL, Princess). Have a fantastic journey in April!

Oh, Alatraveler1...bowling on a cruise ship sounds like so much fun! Probably a lot more fun (and entertaining) after a cocktail or if the seas are a little rough...lol. Have a wonderful time on the Epic!

mugtech...only positive...no negative. I appreciate the info, but not the intent of this thread. Thx!

Sorry Blueberry89, but it is better than "Ay...macarena". Oops...now you probably have that in your brain too.