SoloAlaska

The port authority and pilots would have a lot of say in which berth a ship is using. You fail to mention if there may have been tidal issues, a cargo ship which may have made maneuvering difficult, unscheduled port maintenance etc. 

Lots of reasons for possible changes.

You can also look up cruise terminal schedules for an upcoming cruise which will indicate how busy it may be. NCL doesn’t have the priority in a lot of ports so they often get the less favourable berths when it’s busy.

This isn’t just happening on NCL. Options were also very limited and at some times nothing but room service was available on Celebrity. The made to order pasta station however was great after several hours at the martini bar. I was really impressed at o’sheenans and the staff dealing with my new friends and I at 3 am.

An empty table doesn’t mean availability. They can move staff around based on needs aka reservation numbers. It doesn’t hurt to ask kindly.

Let me preface this by saying I have a big head and big curly hair. Buying hats is almost impossible especially nice sun hats. I am about to order from sungrubbies who actually have sun hats in a wide range of sizes.

I have very sensitive skin and burn in the shade so avoid travelling south but have an upcoming Caribbean family cruise. This hat is absolutely essential but I can’t figure out how to pack it. 
 

How do you pack your big hats? It’s an XL with a 3.5” brim and I can’t find a hat case that will fit it because it’s too wide. 

I’m not a fan of this type either and will really miss flow water. My uncle was an early investor in Flow and I’ve been a long supporter of them when I do drink bottled water(rarely). NCL not having water filling stations across the ship is one of my pet peeves. I might just start cruising with my 64 oz bottle and go fill it at the buffet once every day or two and keep it in my room.

I am of the opinion you don’t need to bring long underwear. A cozy sweater, some pants, a wrap if you’re feeling cool. I did a TA from Rome to NYC in December and it was nice to enjoy the hot tub and I even got a little time in the sun on some sea days. Yes there were people bundled up under 3 blankets while I was sitting there in a bikini. We are all different of what we consider too cold. Layers are optimal because they give you the flexibility. 
 

Next TA is London to Miami so I will make sure to bring waterproof jacket all the way to summer dresses. A down sweater is ideal for packing light yet staying warm but my one item I like to have is a comfy sweater or fleece for onboard.

I like the wash as I go technique for small items and I send a bag out for some of the bigger bulky items. I always ask for extra towels which I use to press extra water out. Soak is my wash of choice because you don’t have to rinse it out and I just bring a little bottle but even the packets will do a couple small sink loads each.

My upcoming family cruise I have an interior and everyone else has balconies. I’m going to CS to get an access only card for my parents room. This way I can join the party and enjoy the balcony.

Nothing is allowed on balconies. You can however put banners inside your patio door.

1 hour ago, mistertomatoe said:

How are getting it the next day? What's the timing and do you call for immediate pickup/return? Mine has always been two days.

In December I got next morning so less than 24 hours.

I use a plastic bag inside the paper bag but that’s because I’m sending out mostly bulky items like a comfy fleece etc. My underwear and swimsuit etc I hand wash as I go.

I do this but especially since I’m loosing weight and needing to create my wardrobe. I also sew most of my cruise clothing myself. 

I bring a “blanket” usually just a nice big shawl and dress comfy so I can sleep. My mom has short legs so she uses a foot hammock on long flights. I’m not sure what difference it makes but I also wear compression socks on long haul flights. 
 

The biggest thing for me is I have to avoid napping when I arrive. I don’t check in early to a hotel because then I’d be tempted to crawl into bed. When I flew to Rome for my last cruise I feel slept 4pm after a long day of flying and it messed me up. My last flight to Europe I went to bed at 8:30 and had no jet lag at all.

In December I’m flying into Gatwick, spending the day in London and considering going to Southampton for the night. It will be a long day but I’ll make it work.

Oh and age doesn’t have that much to do with susceptibility to jet lag. My mom never gets jet lagged it seems. She also doesn’t need 8 hours of sleep like I do. She is the one pushing me to stay awake as late as possible after we fly internationally on business.

Alaskan cruises are generally a little more casual. Think ll bean or patagonia style . You’ll want a range of clothing from shorts to warm sweaters and don’t forget a rain jacket for July in Alaska. Lots of info on what to pack on the Alaska board mentioned. My first cruise was to Alaska and I was hooked.

30 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

I was always given a number at the MCT, maybe they don’t give them out anymore?

All depends on where you’re cruising from. MCT I hear does but I avoid Caribbean cruises as much as possible.

I also recommend RCI for this. The only reason I am cruising RCI is for a family trip but it really is the one that is best for multi generational cruising like this.

We did this for our March 2025 cruise. Put my friends name down and just waiting to figure out who that extra person would be. We booked almost 2 years out and 3 of us were single. The question is which one will have a SO 3 months before the cruise.

So one thing people don’t realize is there are infants who are potty trained. My niece has only had a handful of dirty diapers  since she was a few weeks old. Finding clothes that fit was not easy because everything was meant for diapers. She also has a pool at home and will ask for someone to take her to the washroom while she’s swimming because she has to go pee.

22 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

You will get a check in time, not a boarding time, you will be given aboard g number at the terminal.

Have yet to see one of these boarding numbers when starting a cruise. Only time I saw one was when we went to port early in NYC and needed to reach zero before everyone could go back on.

I start watching at 10 months but try to buy before 6 months for international. In that period I try to wait for a seat sale or bonus points deal. Flights have just gotten insanely expensive lately. For North America I start at 8 months and try to buy before 4 months.

I just got an Air Canada Amex. Typically I fly with them and the card gives lounge access in NA and first piece of luggage free up to 9 people on the same reservation. Plus the travel insurance is perfectly adequate for me so the savings will be quite high.

Make sure you give yourself extra time in case the train runs late. I haven’t taken that particular section in many years but via rail does not run as smoothly as European trains. Plan to arrive in Quebec City a few hours earlier than required just in case. 

10 minutes ago, Seas2mountains said:

 

Thank you. That is what we experienced, too, on past cruises in 2023 and most recently in December on the Pearl.

 

This is very new to us and we are hoping it won't be the new normal.

Crossing fingers over here as well. Hopefully it was an outlier.

4 hours ago, Denbon1985 said:

The wife and I have decided we are not going on a cruise. We are going to Iceland and rent a Campervan. We are photographers and the landscape in Iceland is beautiful. Ten days in Iceland is going to great a fun time for about the same cost as a cruise. Thanks to everyone that commented.

Ok now that sounds absolutely incredible. Great option 3. Enjoy Iceland.

Azores is the one port that made me want to go there for a few weeks. Frequently it is missed due to weather though. 
 

I find it very entertaining when people ask if there enough on these massive ships to do to not be bored. I did my first TA on a ship much smaller and never felt bored. Bring a book, pack a portable hobby, enjoy the quiet days at sea. That’s what makes a TA so special. The cruise direct and their team works very hard to constantly hold a range of events on sea days.

Barcelona is a really cool city as well. I wish I had had more time to spend there but for me it was just another port stop.

Maybe new but it wasn’t the case in December on the TA of Gem. Bingo would sometimes run past 5pm in the spinnaker but there was no deal or no deal after dinner time.