CruiseinNJ

13 hours ago, Husky61 said:

For us 11:30 is not a problem.  However, neither one of us stress if we miss a flight. we just catch the next one or one the next day.  With that said, we not only have TSA Pre-check, we also have clear that we just used two weeks out of Seatac.  Very long lines, including Pre-check, but with Clear it took us less than 5 minutes to go through security, and we were in the Board Room in less than 10 minutes.😃

Thanks for posting - we're heading back to NJ on a Tuesday in May off the Carnival Spirit.  

I'm aware of TSA Pre-Check - what is 'clear'?

23 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

When we sail from NYC we usually get to the pier around 10. 😎

Sounds like a plan!  I'll try to catch the 9:30 ferry

Can someone please remind me if you need to stay with your scheduled arrival time if you're Platinum or if you get to show up whenever?  I've taken 2 years off cruising and seemed to have forgotten all I used to know!   We're cruising out of NYC in a few weeks and since it was a  late booking (for us at least) we have a later check in than I'm used to.  I'm not trying to break the rules or push to the front of the line because I'm platinum, but if I can get in early I will.  

Thanks!

My daughter turns platinum on our upcoming cruise. Does she get one? Not that I need or want 2 night lights! Never use even one! I'm more hoping she gets invite to platinum/diamond party so I don't go alone this time.

We leave in 8 days, sail in 9! Do we need water shoes for this excursion? If so I gotta do some shopping!

I'm concerned about the wet suit. I weigh about 215 and I know they have one in my size so that part is fine, although I feel shy about wearing one and being over weight. But what should I do about what to wear under it? All of my bathing suits are the shorts and skirts kind and the tops are lose.

 

Do I need to buy a tight fitting bathing suit to wear under? And if so, do you have to shower and put it on in front of other people?

 

:(

I don't remember seeing anything saying a wet suit was required.

I don't remember my head going under water. At one point our guide shuffled all the women to the front. And made me stay close. Because I was having issues adjusting from the sunlight to the cave. I tripped, and I was the first one moved ip.

 

When we got to the swim section our group had 2 non swimmers. He went to the most scared and helped them and the other one held on to the first. A little floating train pulled by the guide. It was a great tour.

You made my day!!! I'm all for being part of the "train"! Will remind me of when we did cave tubing in Belize and we all joined together for the rough spots.

Every review I read on this amazing- never seen this offered through Carnival before- so we definitely want to do this- but I'm a non-swimmer- can anyone comment on how much floating it is or is it actual swimming?

I'm a non swimmer and will be doing this on our 3/20 cruise. From what I've read you have a life vest on the entire time and there is only one small spot where you have to put your head briefly underwater. I'm hesitant but going to go for it! I'll come back and let you know how it was.

maybe he got grounded

love it!!!!

Stupid question... I'm thinking of booking this excursion - sounds like something my family will enjoy. Do you have to go underwater at any point?

Yes, we were blessed with his presence for a few dinners. Which was usually an entree scoffed down followed by a "see ya'". He really had such a great time. He tries to negotiate a cruise for every school vacation.

Sounds like my daughter! Except she will take the time to have dinner, while constantly checking the time to see when they are supposed to meet up! She doesn't even want to consider non-cruise vacations!

Our daughter (16) LOVED the teen club. After Day 1 the only times we saw her were for an occasional dinner or show, or when we crossed paths on the ship (usually in or around the buffet). :)

 

If you have smartphones I'd suggest investing the $7.95/phone (cannot be charged to onboard credit) to activate the phone and messaging features on the NCL iConcierge app. This allowed us to check in with her every couple hours and also made us comfortable enough to let her stay out past our own bedtime.

Thanks - My daughter normally loves the teen clubs on CCL - first time we'll be on NCL, so wanted to get an idea if it's about the same. Sounds like it is!

How does that NCL iConcierge work? Do you incur additional charges from your cell phone carrier for this? Or do you turn off data roaming and all this is over the ship's wifi?

Thanks. I was hoping that would be the case - a general place to meet other teens traveling with parents (without bringing a friend along). I know it will vary cruise by cruise but didn't know if the kids clubs tended to have activities they would enjoy at that age.

We are new to NCL - sailing on the Breakaway in 4 weeks with our 15 year old daughter. Any input on the what are the kids clubs are like??? The posts I've read really haven't mentioned anything about them.

Thanks!

I just bought this one also - was interesting that this is the only time I've ever seen coverage if they change your itinerary? Will be interesting to see how they are if (God forbid) need to file a claim!

I cruise both, and love both. IMO, CCL has bigger balcony cabins. CCL has better food in the main dining room, NCL has a better buffet, NCL has better entertainment, and if you are a gambler, NCL's larger ships ( Epic, Breakaway etc) have the biggest best casino, but CCL has a more friendly casino staff.

 

I love cruising, and would not pass up the opportunity to cruise either line.

 

Have a great time, you will notice more things similar than different.

Thanks for info. Speaking of the casino, does NCL work the same as CCL? You can use your S&S for slots vs. bringing cash? With no surcharges?

Do expect the staterooms to be smaller than Carnival. I prefer NCL food, freestyle, shows and most other things as well, but Carnival definitely has bigger staterooms...

Glad I booked a larger aft balcony!

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to see what NCL has in store for me!

We're booked on the Breakaway on 3/29 after many Carnival cruises. What main differences should I expect?

Brianna - HMC is my own slice of heaven. This time I brought a piece home with me. When I'm having a bad day at work I hold on to that little piece of ? Sand? and tell myself I'll be back again soon...

The lady who gave me the snub came in before you guys. Plus you were with your hubby and were already headed to a table.

 

It sucked and I won't go to Tea again. At least not without a buddy.

Understand. It wouldn't have mattered that Dennis was with me. He actually interacts with people on a cruise more than he does in day to day life.

After Trivia I decided to go and try Tea Time. I had always to go before but just never did because....1. I don't like tea and 2. My dad never wanted to go with me.

So I decided to go and give it a try this time. I ordered a hot chocolate instead of tea and that was good. The little snacks were very good

 

 

 

 

However....other than the hot chocolate and the tasty snacks. I didn't care for tea time. I sat at a table by myself. There were maybe 150 people at Tea Time and I was the only person sitting by myself....It was being the last person picked at recess to play kickball :(

 

I quickly drank my chocolate and ate my treat and I left. There was even one lady who came in by herself and the waiter asked if she would like to sit here (with me) and the lady said "NO." I hope that lady reads my review because she was rude and hurt my feelings

 

I don't think I will be attending another Tea Time anytime soon

I asked you if you wanted to join us as we were walking in and you told me you were fine by yourself... :confused:

My girls say one of the lounge areas is reminiscent of the haunted mansion. LOL

We're going on Sunday! We'll see if Calvin is still around.