mresend

Have a great trip! Enjoy every moment!

I would suggest going on the Breakaway out of NYC. The Explorer of the Seas is a great ship -A older one and will be retired by the end of the year and be replaced with their new one. Also the 5 days sailing to Bermuda only gives you two days in Bermuda- just not enough- its really beautiful there. I had a group go last year and most told me they needed more time. The breakaway shows and entertainment is really good plus there are plenty of things for the kids to do. They will like the ropes course, slides and kids clubs. There are a lot of extra pay dining options on the Breakaway but you don't have to do them because there is plenty of places to eat. I guess you have to figure out the costs between the options you have and see what works for you and your family. If flexible with dates- make sure you check the rates each week since they may be different.

You will not see it on the planning area, you will need to call NCL to add it or just get it when you board the ship. There will be tables set up around the ship. Its a easy process and you will get your souvenir cup right away,

You should be happy with the location especially because you got a great rate. Your not in your stateroom very long. Happy Sailing!!

Yes- one of the MDR will be open- either Taste or Savor, also like previously said O Sheehans is a great place to grab a bite to eat. We always loved stopping there for a little snack too.

From what I have seen through the years, Buying the insurance through the ship will be more money with less benefits. I always suggest using Travel Insured which we always had great feedback from the guests.

You will most likely receive your cabin assignment before the sailing. Keep checking with who you booked with or even check every now and then on your NCL check in since it will just show up. Happy Sailing!

You will have to go to the Ice Bar which will have a little desk out front, from there you can pre-book. If there is no bookings at that time- they should let you right in. From my experience ,the ice bar opens after the ship sets sail or around 5:30.

I will be on it Jan27-29 and will be sure to post some pics. It should be basically the same as the Breakaway but with some different colors.

Yes it is bigger than a balcony. Including the bathroom. We enjoyed the extra space plus the picture window was one a large one. I guess you have to decide which will work for you. How many people will be in your stateroom?

We stayed in a Family oceanview on the Breakaway in November. I think you will really like this stateroom for a Oceanview. The picture window is very Large and you can even sit in the sill. The bathroom is large with a double sink, full bathtub which includes soap and shampoo. Plenty of bathroom storage. This stateroom can hold 5, has two closets one large double and a smaller one. there is a curtain so you can close off the two sleeping areas. Also a large desk, mini fridge, blow dryer. Plenty of space. I will try to upload some pictures later. If you have any other questions- just let me know

You should be able to get Honey Mustard, If you don't see it out, just ask for it. Im sure there is some on the ship.

You are not able to purchase a spa pass at the terminal, I would suggest purchasing it as soon as you board at the guest services since there are only a limited supply of passes.

Yes you can get discounts if that sailing is offering it. When you make your reservation/ or if you already did let the booking agent know to add this to your reservation. Yes you can bring wine but they will charge you a 15.00 corking fee. When they charge this fee they will put a sticker on your bottle so you will be able to bring the wine to your table for dinner. I know many cruisers also take the chance and just sneak it into the luggage, just pack it very well. Happy Sailing!

Yes bring your cases of water or soda on the ship- add a luggage tag to it and it will be delivered to the stateroom. As for salt, I'm sure there is a lot in the food which may also contribute to the swelling.

How far is this walk up the hill? My parents will be coming along and my mom has a hard time walking sometimes.