laudergayle

This is not an NCL excursion but we’re going to the Chocomuseo in Puerto Vallarta. They have 2 and 3 hour workshops where you take cacao beans, roast, grind, make chocolate drinks and candy. For two it was $112 USD. They are located in the Malecon area. It’s about a 15-20 min taxi ride. Here is the link. http://www.chocomuseo.com/puerto-vallarta/

You can apply a CF at a later date within the certificate terms. An unused CF certificate can sit in your account but must be used on a cruise that sails before the expiration date and is at least 120 days from when you purchase it. if you bought a CF on 10/30/23, you can use it for any cruise after March 3/4, 2024. If you pick a March cruise in January you could apply your CF as a down payment or an additional payment.

Would that be the chicken tender?

That was my first thought, as well. 🤣

Yes…I did that last year and almost missed our excursion. It didn’t occur to me that since the phone was on airplane mode that it wouldn’t automatically adjust. We sail the Mexican Riviera this weekend. I have made an index card with the days snd time zones since there are so many. We will go from EDT to PDT to PST to MST to CST to MST to PST back to EST all in 8 days! I’m really enjoying your posts…thanks.

Awwh…are you revealing your identity? 😊

What a perfect quote. I’m thrilled you are sharing your adventure with us. Let the journey begin!

Are you certain of those flight times? I think a red-eye of 12:15 am to 4:15 am is more like something NCL air would book.

MDR is Hudson’s. Other lunch places on embarkation day are the buffet, the Local, Indulge and light bites in the Observation Lounge.

Our son raves about Los Tacos #1..lyay you introduced your DH. We saw Beetlejuice debut in April 2019 and totally enjoyed. Hope to see it on the Viva soon.

I watched a morning show today that talked about the Orsen Wells radio broadcast in 1938, The War of the Worlds. Eighty-five years ago, people believed because they believed the broadcasting source. And many people didn’t tune in at the beginning so they never heard this was a fiction story. They ended the segment with a comparison of how today’s internet can spread disinformation and how we might view that 85 years from now, it left me scratching me head.

I bet the parks have beautiful color right now. We love cruising out of NYC…wish NCL had more options. Wishing you a fabulous cruise. Happy Birthday to both of you.

I have been able to apply to existing reservations as long as it’s 120 days from purchase and uou haven’t used a Cruise Next cert already.

I really like the CruiseFirst $500 certs. I purchase when they are offered and have them available for when I see a good deal that works for us. As has been stated, the cruise you book must be 120 from the “date of purchase”. So if you buy today, it sits on your account until you’re ready to use. It can be used as a down payment on any cruise length or cabin type, as long as it’s 120 days from your purchase date. iMO, Cruise Next has more restrictions on cabin type and length. Also, I like to spend $250 in months when I am not funding the “extra expenses” that come when you travel.

YES…we fly to LA in 8 days and I am just as excited as if this was the first. I’m tempted to do a LIVE so you can join me on our adventure.

Thank you. I had to read your reply several times to grasp your info. I know you cruise a lot, and typically solo, so I try to relate this as a double occupancy. I appreciate your insight. Thanks. And, your June cruise sounds amazing. You are used to the Pacific NW…at least you have warm clothes..lol.

Glad it worked out for you. Did you originally booked an obstructed OV with/without solo supplement. And, if so, could you have upgraded to anything up to a BA if available? I just did our first ever upgrade and booked an OA just to be safe, but more knowledge would be helpful. TIA.

Definitely Atrium and Pool Side. Also O’Sheehans. I’m second guessing the Casino…likely just blender.

So pleased you are having great weather. I had been watching windy.com after the first report of rough seas early this month, and it looks like your sailing is the first this month that wasn’t exceptionally rough. Enjoy your cruise.

The BF sale last year was the 50% off pp. The cruise I had been watching had been 35% off base price. With the BF sale, the base price did not change and the 50% discount ended up being a savings of around $200 pp. We booked a Club Balcony on the Bliss…which sets sail in 9 days. Over the past year, that same cabin has gone from to what we paid up to almost double. In the last 90 days it dropped to $200 less than what we paid, but was for a guarantee cabin. Moral of the story: you really can’t tell with pricing and sales, so book something you are happy with.

Last February it was Atrium and Pool Bar, and maybe casino bar.

I know you’re fretting about being stuck on an inside with your family of four, but honestly, I think you will be successful in getting an Family OV or Family Balcony without bidding a lot through the upgrade program. There are still 75 Family Balcony, and about 16 Family OV. And, they are about the same price. Therefore anyone needing space for 4 is most likely to book a Family Balcony vs OV. Also, many of those already in a Family OV will be bidding to move up to something better. I don’t think a 14-day cruise that is 2 weeks before Christmas is going to be a sell out. And, the Prima prices of $1049 for a Balcony on a 14 day cruise is really low suggesting lower occupancy. Hope this info relieves a little stress.

I just did our 1st WP upgrade and I’m thrilled. The cruise is mid-May on the Jewel, Vancouver to Seward…with inside passage, full days in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway…plus Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. We booked an OA on Deck 8 for $600 pp. The NCL site is currently showing Balcony cabins as Guaranteed for $1799 pp. the WP rep we worked with was able to select a BA cabin on Deck 9. So, the 30K points upgrade saved us around $2400. Yay! And, now with the BoA Double Rewards Day on 11/9, I’ll be able to start rebuilding my points balance. a special thank you to @MagnoliaBlossom @julig22 and @vince_g for your helpful insight.

And….the “plot” thickens. Can’t wait to start reading your LIVE from the PR1MA TA, Barcelona to NYC. And why exactly, Haven cruising is now favored over roughing it with a backpack in summer heat in the belly of the Grand Canyon. 🤔

I highly recommend the NCL excursion to the Olympic Site and Museum. And, the one we took ended with an Olive Oil tasting at Magna Grecia where we were served a tasting plate of local foods, olive oil and red wine. It was one of the best excursions we’ve ever taken.