aliceofmpls

You can always buy CruiseNext certificates to put toward future cruises!

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You're missing our point. The sentimental value of something is priceless. A catalogue, a website.....no memories associated with it.

 

DH bought me a diamond/sapphire dolphin pendant last time the ship docked in San Juan. I absolutely didn't need it....actually didn't even want it (how many dolphin pendants do I need?) but DH wanted me to remember that trip.

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Also, you can use two certificates per cruise as long as you are in a balcony or higher and book at least 6 months in advance. So in that case you are saving $250 off the total cost of your cruise.

It always seems to me that they have gone out of their way to make the program complicated by saying that you pay one price and get OBC back. But that OBC is credited directly back to you on the purchase of the certificates. I have seen a thread somewhere on here saying that they aren't going to use that explanation anymore, so hopefully it will be less confusing because it really is a nice way to save a little money if you plan to continue sailing on NCL.

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That was very helpful! I'm definitely going to try it out for the next cruise I book. :)

I hope that wasn't too much. I hope it was helpful.

 

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To the OP: You might want to read up on NCL's Bliss. Smoking sections are isolated and/or remote. Enclosed area of casino, enclosed cigar bar, and one back corner of Spice H2O. We also hate 2nd hand smoke and found Bliss to be the most smoke free cruise we've ever been on. We hope NCL will model more ships after Bliss in this regards.

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No worries! It was actually lizp who posted the link to an article about a study on the topic of how pre-vacation planning leads to increased enjoyment of said vacation. It is definitely a fascinating area of study. I think it is so important for people to realize that the things that are commonly thought to result in happiness (money, power, rank, etc.) are really only happiness-creating up to a certain point. That is to say that we need a certain level of ease and material comfort in order to be healthy and unstressed. But, beyond that, the things that really increase our happiness are our thoughts, our beliefs, and our actions.

I'm lurking on another thread that has basically devolved into a bizarre debate on who is more deserving of perquisites and preferential treatment: suite passengers (who have presumably paid more for the particular cruise they are on) or frequent cruisers (who arguably have spent more money total with the cruiseline).

If only the proponents of each argument realized that they could squeeze more enjoyment out of each cruise by compulsively planning it instead of worrying about the tiny inconveniences of sharing their perks with the other group! [emoji182]

Oh snap sorry, I didn’t even see you posted this before I did a following post on the same topic. GMTA ;)It’s my area of study, strange little facts like this run through my head! And yours too clearly!

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Oh, and I meant to mention that I also use Sheets. Super convenient that I can access/edit/download on my computer and on my phone.

This! Glad to find my people here, because it really is true: anticipating/planning something absolutely does deepen our enjoyment of it.

 

 

 

 

 

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This! Glad to find my people here, because it really is true: anticipating/planning something absolutely does deepen our enjoyment of it.

Third of all: SCIENCE: Just planning or anticipating your trip can make you happier than actually taking it! (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-to-make-the-most-of-vacation_us_5755b42ae4b0eb20fa0e906d) So to all the critics and naysayers..... [emoji14] We (over) planners are HAPPY as all hell!

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I see the three big shows but nothing about comics or live music. What is there to do in the evenings other than drink/dance?

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I agree that having the officers available to supervise staff, chip on the work that needs to be done, and socialize with the passengers is good for customer service, brand management, and employee morale.

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So sorry for your loss!

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Personally, I would pick the Gem, since I have been on both, and I love the feel of the smaller ships. But it really depends on a couple of things. Mainly, do you want to try a megaship? If so, this might be a good time. The Escape is my favorite of the megaships. It really is a lovely ship with a lot to do, so this itinerary would be a good chance to check it out. Do you enjoy Broadway-style productions? The shows really are in another class, compared to the entertainment on the smaller ships.

But if you know yourself, and you know that you really prefer the ambiance of a smaller ship, with more personalized service and a much less crowded feel, then there is no need to try the newer ships. You already said you aren't big drinkers, so the District won't be a big draw for you. Do you like a lot of physical activities, like a ropes course, rock climbing and big waterslides?

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I love the detail in this review! Thanks for posting all of the shorex and embarkation papers, as well as the Haven menu. Very helpful!

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Great review and pics! I want to try a Hawai'i cruise, but I'm just starting my research, so this is very helpful.

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It depends on the country, but the general rule is that if you need the passport to enter a country, they typically want it to expire after however many days they give for the typical vacation traveler. Typically it's 3 or 6 months. For example, I think a lot of European countries let US citizens stay for up to 6 months without a visa. So, they want your passport to have more than six months before it expires before they even let you in (or on the plane if you're flying there). Cruising is a little different and it likely isn't an issue... until it is.

 

If you're retiring, I can see a lot more travel in your future. You've got time now before the cruise. Renew your passport now. Just to be safe.

I put off renewing my passport once, and then I had to take an emergency trip. It was fine in the end, but it was very stressful to have to go down to the passport agency and let them know that I needed a passport by the end of the business day so that I could fly that night.

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I just saw a cruise with NCL departing from Cape Town, South Africa. There is only one listed so far and not until 2020.

 

Is this new? Have I been asleep and just didn’t see it before?

 

An African Safari is on my bucket list, would love to tag a cruise on NCL at the end of it. I hope they continue to use Cape Town as a departure port. Time to start building up my air miles!

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I bet you are happy there's sorbet then, I know a lot of people have problems with intolerance. Unfortunately, I have a rare allergy called FPIES and my allergy is to all types of cream. This allergy causes symptoms that resemble Norovirus and it lasts for hours and hours. I have to carry a letter from the specialist so they do not mistake what is happening to me with Norovirus. It's considered a medical emergency and it can really ruin a great day, lol.

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I would go for the balcony, no question about it! I could see sailing in a studio under certain circumstances and at a really great price, but it mostly seems like a marketing gimmick to sell inside cabins.

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