New2cruise2022

I know this isn’t as sexy a topic as Specialty Dining, but are there items that stand out on the buffet that you seek out? Any hacks for stopping in at the buffet? What action stations are favorite? (If this is a long or often discussed post, please direct me to the right thread. Thanks for your opinions!)

@BirdTravels When ordering, is it one or two drinks per order?

I chose NCL because of the Freestyle mentality. I know most of the industry has gravitated to this model, but NCL seems to embrace it as a value. It feels more like vacation to me.

I lived in Atlanta, they do have both inexpensive and good Teppanyaki.

Beyond cosmetics and comfort, the condition of a ship — as well as a plane, a car, etc — communicates confidence or, in this case perhaps, LACK of confidence. Attention to detail with non-critical systems (appearance in staterooms and public areas) instills confidence in the areas that consumers cannot see (the food prep areas, the lifeboats, the engine) etc. I’m not saying any of the failings demonstrated in this post are in actuality linked to anything of a safety concern, but it is considerably harder to believe that this ship — or her crew — are equipped and ready to handle emergency situations. Beyond value, there may be valid reasons to consider other options until the concerns are addressed.

Thanks for sharing. I think this makes sense for everyone.

I’m ready to experience what so many people have shared. I’m sure every experience is different, but it honestly sounds like such a nice way to vacation.

Anything you regularly ordered because it was so good?

Agree with this. Let the vacation begin. 🍹🧉

I think you can order it all the way up until 24 hours before embarkation. Then you are locked in. That’s what NCL representative said in chat to me today.

This is great advice. I assume you mean when you first board the shop on embarkation day.

I’m 45. I don’t know where that falls in age group compared to the average. But I just like meeting new people. Finding out where they are from, what they like to do. I can enjoy a conversation about anything other than politics or religion.

This is why I’m so looking forward to this.

Love it!

I was at a resort in Jamaica and made some friends the first night of a week. That was 7 years ago. We live across the country from each other and still keep regular contact.

Thanks @dbrown84 I need to get those wings at sea.

This is very encouraging. Thanks. I assumed as much, but it is good to hear personal experiences.

@ChiefMateJRKI see what you mean. I’m just saying that some steak is melt in your mouth and some steak is “pass the A1”. But if you like both types of steaks, it works. But along the lines of my previous comment, if I pay $60 for a filet, it better not be the “pass the A1” variety of steak.

It’s encouraging to hear that it is still a common occurrence that people welcome meeting others. Trivia is a great idea. I have useless knowledge that is wasting away in my brain.

Thanks. If I have speciality dining but other people with me don’t, is there an option to go to Food Republic or American Diner and use my specialty dining to order some things and share with others with me that don’t have a specialty dining to use?

This is precisely why jackpots are so fun. For a few minutes — hours — you get to be the Captain of Fun. Good memories. I never buy groceries with big wins.

If I already upgraded to unlimited WiFi (about $89 for a 5-night) but I’m considering purchasing the Premium Plus package for drinks, will NCL work with me to credit back the WiFi and just do the FAS+, which includes WiFi, the drinks and specialty?

Thanks. Yeah, I’ve seen that they are included but I’ve never seen it published or discussed what the offering is — brand? Can vs poured? Etc.

Hopefully I can explain the premise of the topic well enough for feedback. It’s a first time cruise. I’m traveling solo with my two teens. They will no doubt have their own plans and doing their own thing much of the time. I know there are solo/single get togethers. Beyond organized events, are many people social or do people generally keep to themselves? I get that EVERYONE is different. Some people are shy, some are more outgoing. Some are together for a romantic getaway, etc. So I guess, in your experience (traveling alone or as a couple), is it welcomed to have a conversation with strangers in line, at a bar, at a restaurant, a show, etc? I know how to read people so I’m confident I can figure it out when I get on the ship, just curious about how well it is received or not. (Or if I will feel like “that guy” if I show up at an activity in the evenings/night.) Thanks!

Do you know what kind of energy drinks are carried?