idocdlw

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. 

14 hours ago, mugtech said:

          Our most financially rewarding cruise was one for which we never left the house!!!  We had scheduled and made final payment for our usual October cruise out of NYC, this time 7 days to Canada!!!  Got a phone call from NCL, made me an offer I could not refuse!!!  Offered me an immediate full refund for all we had paid, plus an additional $1000 credit for a future cruise!!!  Had to be used within a year!!!  So we booked 19 days on the Sun through the Panama Canal to Vancouver the following April.  Got double latitudes points for booking more than 6 months ahead of time!!!  Said cruise was on a special list, so we actually got triple points, 57 each for a cruise on which we paid more port taxes and fees than our actual cabin cost!!!  Decided to make it back to back and booked the 10 day Alaska cruise from Vancouver!!!  Post office held our mail for 31 days, only supposed to be for 30 days max!!!  Paid more for the 10 days Alaska than the 19 days through the canal!!!  Got the same cabin for both cruises!!!  Kicked ass in trivia and name that tune on the second cruise!!!

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!!

7 hours ago, okpaddy said:

I enjoy the relaxed environment on NCL. I tend to prefer the small to medium sized ships. I'm not interested in the mega ships, but glad they exist to cater to the more ambitious travelers. I really enjoy the freestyle dining and the flexibility of dining on your own schedule. I enjoy getting to meet the staff and have encountered some truly fantastic crew members. I appreciate the hard work it takes to feed and clean up after so many people day after day.  There are changes that have occurred over the past 22 years that I have been cruising, but I can still find plenty of things to enjoy about the experience. 

I hope you enjoy your TA, as we have made at least half a dozen crossings. I have sailed both directions, but my preference is crossing east to west. That way the long plane flight is at the beginning of the trip while you're still energetic and excited. Then the crossing coming back home has time changes added into the schedule on five or six days, which allow for nap time 🥱

I'm off again the end of March to begin a B2B2B adventure. I'll be on the Jewel and I'm interested to see the changes from the most recent refurbishment. 

Wishing the OP safe journeys and wonderful adventures and hoping everyone else is enjoying their time at sea.

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.

8 hours ago, mugtech said:

        Got to board the Jewel in a great international city, Singapore!!!!  Our first stop was Ko Samui Thailand.  They sell the best mangoes in the whole world!!!  Only $1.25 each!!!  The stores along the coast had great air conditioning!!!  They let you stay in the air con as long as you like!!!  All the excursions which included elephants were cancelled because of the cruelty to the elephants!!!  I was proud to not take those excersions!!!  They had one of the biggest coconut plantations in the world!!!!  They claimed 3 million coconuts were harvested every year!!!!  Most of the harvesting was done by trained monkeys!!!  The monkeys worked for less than minimum wage!!!!

           We got to stay in Bangkok overnight!!!!!  Saw some wonderful golden Buddhas!!!  We made three stops in Vietnam!!!  Got to see the provincial capital of Hue, scene of a great battle during the 1968 TET offensive!!!  Ate great Vietnamese food!!!!

            Cruise ended in Hong Kong, still very British!!!  They still drive on the wrong side of the road!!!  Hundreds were waiting in line for cabs, but we got a cab after only a 20 minute wait!!!  The driver spoke no English but took us directly to our hotel!!!  The driver did not expect a tip!!!!  We met family members who work there as domestic helpers!!!  They took us to great restaurants!!!  We avoided packed public transportation by walking!!! They have sheltered walkways above the streets to avoid having to cross the streets!!!

          We plan to take a similar cruise in the near 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

9 hours ago, nhtravels said:

Love NCL!  Love the Encore!  It's one of our favorite ships!  I'm an introvert, so for me, I book the Haven, as I crave the quieter times.  But when we wander through the ship, we love the Waterfront on the Encore.  The staff aboard that ship are some of the friendliest people we have met on the seas.  We'll be sailing her for the 3rd time in 2025 and can't wait!

 

Enjoy your time aboard! :😚

 

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.

6 minutes ago, mugtech said:

       We got to sail a 12 day Mediterranean out of Venice  left at 1 AM on the Spirit, my favorite ship built last century!!!  Venice was beautiful that early!!!  Late pull out allowed us to do a night excursion to the churches!!!  We were allowed to disembark in Barcelona at 6:30 AM.  Earliest time ever!!!!!  We had booked far enough ahead of time we got double lattitudes points!!!!  As a result our hext cruise we were Platinum with all those great benefits!!!!

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. 

8 minutes ago, stinkyharriet said:

My sister made me go on my first cruise August 2022.  The Joy out of NYC to Bermuda.  I really didn’t want to go, I never had any desire to cruise, I was still terrified of COVID.  I had a bit of panic when we got to the terminal and I saw how big the ship was (how the hell do they stay afloat?!) but once we boarded I was hooked.  On one of the last days there was an NCL sales pitch in the atrium.  They talked about the Prima, not yet in service, and I had an overwhelming need to be on that ship.  I looked up the itineraries and saw the Prima would be in NYC during spring break in 2023, when my sister had off from work.  Unfortunately so did every kid in the NYC area!  The ship was packed but we still had a great time.  I’d definitely go back on the Prima again during a better time.

 

After the Prima we went on the Escape to NE/Canada in October and we both loved it!  By this point I was 100% addicted to cruising.  I went on my first solo cruise last month on the Getaway, NYC to Bermuda 5 days.  We were one of the lucky trips that made it to Bermuda!  I had a fantastic time, met lots of great people at the solo meetings.  I’m going back on the Joy for my second solo cruise in May.

 

I am a new cruiser.  All of mine have been post COVID shutdown so I had no feelings of “it used to be better”.  While some meals on some ships weren’t amazing, nothing was ever bad.  I laugh when I see people saying all food on the ship in every restaurant was inedible.  I have never gone hungry on a cruise ship!  I love the Free at Sea deal with at least one specialty dining and the drinks package.  A drinks package can add a fortune to the fare on some lines.  $20something a day for the gratuities on NCL is nothing.  I never felt nickel & dimed.  Every line has games, restaurants and activities that cost extra (maybe not Virgin, but they’re a niche market) so it’s not just Norwegian.  I have found the crew to be very good overall, even while they’re being overworked.  Overall I think NCL is a better deal than the other lines.

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. 

3 minutes ago, yakcruiser said:

When I sailed on the Encore last April we had a solos coordinator named Junior who was one of my favorite crew members ever.

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.

7 minutes ago, jcscv said:

My favorite part of NCL is how they treat their solo travelers.  Not only do they have a whole section of solo traveler rooms, with a dedicated lounge, but they also give the solo travelers their own dedicated crew member who, on my cruises, organize nightly meets, arrange group dinners, arrange for a saved area for the solo travelers in the shows (when possible). Disclaimer: the solo rooms/lounge are only on the larger ships.  They make me feel included ❤️.

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. 

2 minutes ago, Pookie2u said:

I love all of the options!  if what you are doing does not fit with this thread, just pick that booty up and find one of numerous other options to do.  Sone of my faves are to just sit and realize there is no other place I'd rather be, that there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than just sitting on this fantastic ship doing nothing at all!  I also love lounging and observing others having fun.  These are some of the best ways to recoup from the night before and a great way to spend your sea days

Oh yeah, and the SPA.  I love the spa!
Happy sailing @idocdlw!
My first TA is next year, same cruise as @JIMESOPUS.  I can't wait!

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 

11 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@idocdlw Welcome to the Norwegian boards, took us a while for TA's but we love them. Our last one was a B2B on the Viva starting in Rome and ending in Miami.

While " Freestyle " has taken a hit in recent years we still enjoy NCL.

Hopefully, the ship isn't full and you will find plenty of room in the Observation lounge.

A must for us is Onda, they have a killer filet, dare I say better than Cagney's.

Our next TA will be on the Aqua.

Jim

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! 

15 minutes ago, Son of a son of a ... said:

Cruising on NCL is like a knife fight at prom.  If you get through it without a cut, you had a good time.  If you get nicked, no one cares how much you bleed, especially NCL, but the band plays on.
 

We only book the Haven … fewer knives, more caring.  Otherwise, suck it up and abuse the drink package.

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. 

1 minute ago, EngrJones said:

The Encore is one of my favorites.  Brew House.  Food Republic.  OL.  The lists goes on....

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

2 minutes ago, cheersforbeers said:

Thanks Dawn, if I could ask, which ship a you going on. May be able to get more specific on what it could provide.

ie we enjoy a forward observation lounge but not all ships have them

Thanks

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.

Just now, Smitheroo said:

What I love best about cruising with NCL is Freestyle Dining.  So many choices in restaurants and other eateries and times that you can eat whenever and wherever your mood takes you.   

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!

3 minutes ago, Panhandle Couple said:

What we like....

 

The Waterfront, and the Syd Normans/Cavern Club outside bar.  We always have a good time there and the better bartenders work there.  Others may like one of the indoor better. 

 

The shows at Syd Normans.  Not so much the Argentine version of the Beatles.

 

Specialty Restaurants.  Always great to have options outside the regular offerings.

 

Desserts.  No matter which dining venue, NCL does desserts excellent.

 

Trivia, even the not so good ones.

 

Meeting people and making friends.

 

Shore excursions.  We have been to over 2 dozen ports and done lots of different things.  We live near the Emerald Coast beaches, so we look for more things than simply sitting on a beach.

 

Casual dining and freestyle approach.  Why sit at the same table for a week or more?

 

Finally, NCL just "feels right" to us.  We realize that most cruise lines have more in common than not, but NCL seems to lead the pack on trying new things.

 

 

 

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. 

4 minutes ago, cheersforbeers said:

On our recent B2B cruise we met an outstanding asst Maître d’ on our second day, from St. Lucia, discussed her island and found we had a mutual Acquaintance in a NCL employee widely known to NCL cruisers. She found out it was my brides birthday the next day and we had reservations at Cagney’s for her dinner. She showed up, ordered her a bottle of wine and poured our drinks. Also had a birthday cake sent to our room, even thought I had purchased her the Bday package. Needles too say we became close for the remainder of the 14 days, and her and my bride are Facebook pals. We were truly blessed to have met this lady, a true asset to NCL. 

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.