Rick&Jeannie

The title of this thread just blows my mind....

I found our Patters...think it was The Twin Trips...or something like that.

Ah! That's right...I remember her saying that now.

You would still need the internet plan to use WhatsApp, and still need to "worry" about your minutes unless you go with an unlimited plan. As others have said, it's not cheap but it's the only way to not have to worry about minutes AND have "full" functionality (voice, text, video calls).

I personally, have never had an issue with this in about 10 cruises.

Where is your citation for these statements you are making? I'd like to review *all* of the source material, please. *Specifically* in regards to the new iPhones?

Just be aware that your plan to text even short messages will require both of you to have an internet plan on board. I personally would not "trust" the NCL app for the messaging function. You both already know how to do "normal" texting...just stick to that. If you have *any* idea that trying to keep up with "Am I loged on?" or "Did I forget to log off?"...just go for the unlimited internet plan. Your cruise will be so much less stressful. (Just my opinion.) Also...I see you stated "not iPhones". I have a very late model Android. I sometimes have issues texting on board. You might want to take a look at WhatsApp. It's free and can do texts, voice calls as well as video calls. It's VERY easy to use...try downloading it on both phones and just give it a try while still at home. It's much more reliable than basic texting (this is ONLY in regards to Android phones...but WhatsApp works on iPhone as well.)

Has NCL moved over to Starlink like some of the other cruise lines? (Princess, Carnival...)

@Host CJSKIDS, is Corinne still onboard as CD? She is an absolute hoot and a ball of energy!

New app has not been released yet...

We recently did a transatlantic with another couple. We all had Premier. We booked our 4 SD meals prior to sailing...did NOT get charged. After those dinners, we paid very close attention to our folios...nobody was ever charged. The system *can* work...obviously just not all the time. I don't know what made the difference. (We are all Platinum.)

Make sure you get them applied as soon as you can.

Sounds like the "Marketing Bean Counters" got a hand in this one...they've not been getting much attention lately it seems!

I'd say this is just another "glitch in the Matrix" as far as Medallion shipping goes. It apparently got confused somehow with your location being Australia and just went out to lunch!

I'd say you got some bad info from wherever you were asking. (Sadly, that seems to happen a LOT these days!) @Coral has posted the pertinent blurb.

As others have stated...book as soon as you can. Don't worry about whether you will have other activities in mind once you get to see the ship schedule. You can easily cancel that evening's reservation should you make other plans...but in reality, I don't think very many people actually do that. I think they just end up being a "no show". The "Reservation Police" are NOT going to come looking for you, nor is anybody going to ask you about it.

It's free (currently) but in my opinion it is next to useless. There is no audio alert letting you know that you have received a message. You must constantly keep looking at your phone to check and see if you have received anything. MAYBE...this will be improved in the next version. IDK

Yes...but I prefer the "generic" protectors since we cruise different lines quite a bit.

Thanks for posting your review. We are doing this same cruise next year with 2 other couples. Looking forward to it!

Using WhatsApp is the best way to ensure connectivity across both iPhone and Android platforms. Yes, everyone will need an internet package.

While we did not see Jersey Boys on an NCL ship, we *did* see it in London just before a cruise on another line. All I can say is..."It's quite interesting to hear UK actors try to replicate that New Jersey accent!" 😄 Other than that...it was a good show.

I use a slightly different version of those since we primarily cruise on Princess. They seem to be just a tad bit wider and *should* fit any cruise line. I could not find my old order, but these are essentially the same thing: https://www.amazon.com/Oicumic-Luggage-Waterproof-Suitcases-Essentials/dp/B0CHRKR3CK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=15LVVAX3VNCCO&keywords=cruise+luggage+tag&qid=1701983083&sprefix=cruise+luggage+tag%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-5

One thing that *might* help in the future...if you happen to ask a question that somehow involves where you are located, it helps to have at least a "general" location listed in your profile. That way...someone who may be answering from the UK or elsewhere will understand that you are based in the US. It could just be something like "Southern CA" or "Western NC". But...if you're uncomfortable posting that info nobody will give you a hard time about it.

Everybody (myself included) cannot make a total lump sum payment at final payment. Yes, you can always "set it aside" like a savings account...that just doesn't work for some. I like to treat it like the old "layaway" plans.

And just to be clear...you will occasionally see some snarky replies/comments here on CC as well, but we really try to help anyone who truly has questions.