On 3/25/2018 at 8:34 PM, VCUSkyhawk said:

Has anybody had success filling rum runners and just carrying on there person. For example if my wife wore spandex and shirt that concealed, would this work since the scanners that you walk through only detect metal. They dont do pat downs that I saw. We have packed our rum runners in our bags that we gave to porters in the past and have always been successful. I was just curious on yalls thoughts.

Wow! I just couldn't/wouldn't.

7 hours ago, fun173 said:

From the NCL website here: https://www.ncl.com/faq/liquor-beverage-policy

 

"Effective for sailings July 15, 2016 and beyond, guests are prohibited from bringing any beverages -- including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices -- on board either as carry-on or checked luggage, with the exception of purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula; and fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles for personal consumption onboard that is subject to screening and a corkage fee (for guests 21 years of age or older)."

 

You can't bring soft drinks but you can bring wine.  In October I brought 9 bottles of wine with me and they just charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle but they may cut you a break if you have a bunch like I did. 

Thank you fun173!! Do you suggest that we put the wine in our checked luggage or keep it with us to present at embarkation? I would prefer to have the luggage delivered to our cabin and not have to pick it up from security. Many thanks!!

Foie Gras😾cruel!

O'Sheeahn's is open 24/7. The following link lists all of the Escape's complimentary dining venues- note the clause for room service. Enjoy!

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-ship/escape/whats-on-board?cid=PS_TSI_NA_NA_GOO_LEN_NA_NA_%2Bncl %2Bescape_kwd-76841161498-SL-What%27s On Board%3F_&kshid=_k_EAIaIQobChMI2IO0xrfm4QIVjcJkCh3RfwHrEAAYASADEgJo2fD_BwE_k_&kwid=4723936&anchor=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2IO0xrfm4QIVjcJkCh3RfwHrEAAYASADEgJo2fD_BwE#whats-on-board

12 hours ago, pbenjamin said:

We have 3 mini-suites that dropped about $500 each after final payment. Our useless travel agent refused to even call NCL about it. That’s the last I’ll use a travel agent. 

Wow, ouch! Us too. Our ta is never in the office and completely clueless. Of course you can't deal direct with NCL once the booking is handled by a ta. I learned the hard way.  The puny bonuses the agency threw in were so not worth the hassle. Never again. The direct booking experiences have absolutely been more pleasant and productive.

Yar, better days ahead mateys ☠

Thanks for the 411 Philly!! We'll be sure to order the lobster ravioli 😍.

On 4/19/2019 at 6:55 AM, Reina del Mar said:

 

Think I would order at Total Wine and arrange pick up at Harbor Shops.

 

If husband didn't like it...one word...TOUGH !!!!!

 

Explain to him, in words of one syllable what you intend doing and do it. This is 2019 !

 

 

Celebrity specialty dining - very impressive!

Have fun, wear loose pants 🤣

Bump😎

15 hours ago, NHProud said:

Thank you for the information. I would think a city map would be hard to look at on a small camera screen or phone. Good for you if you can manage it .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Zoom function, love it.

18 hours ago, Melinda Brasher said:

I get inside rooms and then spend a lot of time on deck watching the water.  You have just as good a view from public spaces.  Plus you save a lot of money.

Last time we went to Alaska we had an inside cabin. We were younger, energetic and very pumped to be cruising Alaska. Running and forth to the decks, jostling for a good view and a comforable seat was doable. We had a blast and spent a pile on shore excursions.

This time we spending on a balcony and look forward to relaxing while watching the stunning scenery float past. The shore excursion budget is more conservative on this upcoming cruise.

Time will tell which was more enjoyable. I'm sure BOTH approaches are wonderful for different reasons 😆. 

A gty cabin is a guaranteed category of cabin (not a specific cabin number, just the category you choose, or better).

TIP take photos of maps, with your phone or camera and leave the paper at home. No more big binders😁

Lol, my secret for carry on travel is a five day black, grey & red capsule wardrobe. I don't pack any heavy or thick clothes, wear layers, launder in the sink or onboard. Minimal cosmetics, travel sized essential toiletries and min electronics. I don't miss anything.

We..

- fly with points

- avoid high season and holidays

- are not loyal to any particular cruise. The best value and itinerary wins our business.

- book early, watch the prices drop and upgrade or get obc

- skip specialty dining, except on celebratory occasions 

- bring the max allowable amount of wine and buy wine packages, if the value is there

- fly with carry on bags only

- don't shop onboard 

- gty cabins

- sail long itineraries and repositioning cruises sometimes on older but refurbished ships

- deal with a ta or book directly based on who is offering the best price and/or perks

Consider renting a scooter for mumsy and request a handicapped room. She can continue to keep up with the fam even when the knees get cranky😁.

Enjoy!

We would like to connect our laptop to the stateroom tv via HDMI cable. I understand some newer NCL ships have blocked the HDMI ports.😤

Doea anyone have experience on the Jewel post refurbishment?? Also open to a wireless solution🤔. Appreciate any current info and assistance.

Cheers!

Our experience (not Haven class) was exactly 90 days out for restaurant reservations. Choice times filled up very quickly online. I understand they open up more slots on the first day of the cruise.

Shore excursions seemed to change from day to day. Keep checking and don't hesitate to pull the trigger- they also sell out fast.

Have an amazing time!!

Niiice! DH will definately be into that pie for late night snacks 🤣

Thank you Spanishguy, BirdTravels & Sand and Seas!! Your suggestions all sound delicious😸.

That's three votes for the souffles!

This is SO fun 😆!

Your replies are just wonderful. Thank you everyone 💙🛳

Marvelous! Thanks for replying!

What are your complimentary dining venue favorites?

Memorable dishes from the MDR, continental breakfast room service, O'Sheean's and Chin Chin?

NCL specialties, not from specialty dining venues??