Planmaam

Am truly enjoying your review, too; a great read!

"Our kids (who are now 18,18, 20) were born to cruise. I say that because they were souvenirs born 9 months after earlier cruises on the NCL Seaward and the RCI Majesty of the Seas. (They hate when I tell that story, so I tell it whenever I can)" ;)

"8 full-sized bags, 5 carry-ons, 3 kids, 3 Labrador retrievers and 1 spouse all crammed into the minivan. We then made the labs get out of the minivan" "While the family slathered up in suntan lotions with SPF factors higher than the IQs of your average congressman" LOL!!! Love your humor. :D

"While the family watched TV and eventually drifted off to sleep, I took a bag of luggage full of dirty clothes down to the self-serve laundry on the ground floor and spent a lovely couple of hours drinking beer, smoking cigars and watching the dryers go round and round." Ahhhhhhh, a man who truly knows how to keep the heart of his woman!!!! ;)

Can't wait for your next installment.

Woops, forgot my avatar was before permanent make up. Let's see if I can upload a more recent picture.

I have had my full face done, too. (Full face is eyebrows, upper and lower eyelids, and full lips.) My cosmetician told me that a full 50% of her business is fixing bad jobs done by others! She also covers scars and permanent birthmarks. She told me that there is a henna product for those who are allergic to the dyes. Maybe that would work for you, brum.

I have not regretted getting mine done; don't know if you can tell from my avatar. My lip color is not too bright; looks like a natural lip color. (At least natural before age washed out my lips!) I'm going in for a touch-up next month, going a little brighter this time since it's so slight now.

OMG, sailorjack, what an entertaining review! Must read the rest. I am posting here to be sure to have the check mark in this post so I can refer my sisters to your review. Just spent an hour searching for this again after reading it on Thursday!

Everyone says you should write a book, but I think you already have. Just compile your reviews into a book, and I bet it could get published!

Sail on!

Just won three rooms at the Crowne Plaza in San Pedro for January 27 & 28 for $65.00/night; total $153.16 each! First try! Thanks, Cruise Critic for this thread. :)

Cruising is not for everyone, but don't take this thread as the be-all and end-all of cruise experiences.

I do not like large crowds, but love cruising. I choose not to cruise when school is out of session, and therefore see fewer young people on my cruises. I prefer cooler weather, so have only cruised to Alaska; therefore no manic pool area scenes. My husband and I don't like having to dress up for dinner, be told where and when and with whom to have dinner, so I choose NCL for their Freestyle Cruising. Some cruise lines are known as "party 24-7" lines, so avoid them. There are some known as more geared towards retired people; I haven't tried them, but would not rule them out (I just love NCL, so have not found a reason to check out another cruise line.)

Last cruise I only ate in an up-charge restaurant one time, as part of the Anniversary Package. I have never had more than a 5-minute wait for a table in any restaurant, and have always found the food to be above my expectations.

I like not having to have cash on the ship, but only put my room card in my back pocket and use it for everything: room key and "charge card." I have often found quiet areas on the ship, the library on a sunny afternoon is cozy, and the card room (on the ships that still have them, I hear that is changing) usually empty.

Having a balcony or above category assures you a quiet place to sit outside and not have to fight for a lounge chair. There is something for everyone on a cruise, the work comes prior to booking, reading boards like this to find out what you want to avoid or include in your experience. I have learned about the spa and have gotten a spa pass my last two cruises and would start out 6 out of 7 days there, relaxing, relaxing, relaxing. I consider the spa a truly "secret place." Not that many people get the pass, and I love that there are always fewer than a dozen people there when I visit.

I have gotten to see areas I would not have been able to if not for cruising. Most memorable is Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Please don't let this one thread turn you off to cruising altogether. Just have patience, read on, and learn more before making that decision.

I guess I just don't get all this. It all seems like far too much preparation, for such a few days. I've often thought, that I should like to go on a cruise and I always thought of a cruise as a tranquil setting, peaceful, getting away from the noise of the world, to be found on dry land, no clubs, pubs, noisy surroundings. seems I was very wrong.

 

I viewed part of a video, filmed on one of the cruise ships, NCL, I believe. The area videoed was the pool area. It was like looking at some horror story of a beach in spain, with hundred of people in the area, loud noise coming from the pool and people swarming, like flies, around food outlets.

 

I have a friend who works for a travel company and he told me ''Well, that's freestyle cruising. It's more like an upmarket holiday camp, but on the ocean.''

 

It seems that these cruises are more expensive, than one would think. I'm beginning to realise that, there is more and more expense piled on to one, once is at sea. I am not clear in my understanding about the food one may eat. Is that all an extra, which one has to pay for, or is it included in the fee you pay for cabin and being taken across the waves?

 

Then someone mentions that a certain amount of money is added to on board accounts to cover service charges. Why should that be extra, when the cruise company, is being paid a large amount already. i find that scandalous.

 

Also people talk of tipping all and sundry. Why? I know that the custom is, in the States to tip people, but heck, these people are getting paid to do their job. They don't have to work on a cruise ship.

 

I can never understand how people can afford to hand out a dollar here and a dollar their. They must be very well off people. I most certainly would not be able to do all this tipping and I wouldn't, nor would I be afraid to tell the cruise ship employee why I won't tip.

 

If you get paid for doing a job, you should not expect tips. If the person isn't earning enough, then a company should pay them more.

 

It also always surprises me, that some people and I know a few, who plead poverty and being thousands of dollars or pounds, in debt, can suddenly be able to afford one cruise, or maybe more, in a year. Cruises are not cheap things. I have never looked at those people, in the same light.

 

I cannot believe the amount of things, which some people take with them, on a cruise. All, but the kitchen sink! I think that must surely, be over the top. Don't the cruise ships have shops, where they will be more than willing to accept your cash, for the things you may need.

 

Never enough electrical outlets? It's meant to be a holiday, not an expedition, or a moving of house.

 

Someone said the food can play hell with the stomach. Then don't eat it! Is the sole intention of every cruiser to become a glutton and eat all put before them. If so, that is a rather unsavoury (forgive the pun), way of looking at food and eating.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....sounds like cruising is not the vacation for you.

We had chocolate martinis on our first cruise, when they were just 1 part Godiva Chocolate Liquor and two parts plain vodka.

On our next cruise we ordered one, and it came with the vanilla vodka, & white chocolate liquor, and maybe bailey's, too. We looked at it and said that's not a chocolate martini, and they insisted it was. We tasted it, and did not like it as well, and they put some Godiva Chocolate liquor in it. Still did not like it, and we learned the cruise line had changed their recipe. so whenever we ordered one after that, we had to tell them exactly how we wanted it.

I think I have seen the recipe on NCL's liquor menu that I only was able to get to myself through these boards. You might do a search for it.

OK, maybe I have figured it out. Under my step 2 button, it says to call Travel Agent, so I have to give my PCC at NCL a call to complete this step.:confused: I'll try that.

Sign in to NCL and click on 'Make Payment'...

It will take you to a page that shows your balance.

Good luck...

That's what I was trying to do, angeljt, but the button is not making itself available to hit. Similar to being "greyed out", I guess. Only the check in and excursions buttons are available to me to click on.

Do I have to wait until they have processed my check-in? It says completed under the check-in button. :confused::confused:

I would like to see a standard title format for the roll call (date, ship, itinerary, etc.) (2/20/2010 Pearl Caribbean), so that it would be easier to locate a cruise and date! Just a thought.

I also agree with this! Would make it much easier ;)

Well, my certified letter arrived in Miami on June 3, and the post office left a notice after attempting to deliver it twice, at 8:44 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. Are they not open until 9:00? Does not anyone go to the P.O. to pick up the certified mail? GRRRRRR.

Where on the NCL website do you see your balance? I have checked in, but cannot click on "2" in the time-line of 4 things to do. Is this the wrong place?

Assistance/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

That is curious, c breeze, isn't it. :confused: I filled out the paperwork, too. I left my paperwork at home today, but it has a tracking number on it so I can see the delivery information, I will have to check on it tonight.

c breeze,

I asked to insure it, and the postal person told me the computer would not let her do it.

Thought I would post an update. I still have not received my Compass Rewards certificates! As suggested here on the boards' date=' I called NCL, then per their direction mailed them my year end statements showing the points accumulated, let them know my final payment is due in June, and that I should be receiving $1000.00 in certificates. I sent it certified mail, and it was received at the address they told me to send it to on April 6th.

 

After not hearing from them, I called and spent over an hour on the phone with several different people, having to call back several times to different numbers and persons as I got passed around. I went back to this board and called a number posted here, and finally got to someone who said she would give the information to her supervisor and I would get a call within a week.

 

After reading threads about people receiving postcards when they sent something to NCL, and getting calls, e-mails and mailings from NCL with advertising, I am beginning to think I have been put into "file 13".

 

My question is this: has anyone ever called or e-mailed a high-level executive at NCL with good results? Would this be my best bet? I know a week has not passed, but I am getting nervous. Does anyone have contact information for someone I should talk to?????????

 

Am I the only person not to get my certificates yet? :eek::eek::eek::eek:[/quote']

 

Update: Mailed my certificate today certified with return receipt (they would not let me insure it), after copying.

 

Long story short: I had received the certificate; DH brought it in when I was sick & put the mail in the downstairs bathroom with magazines. He heard me talking to someone about not getting them, and said opps, I think something came from NCL in the mail one day. (I always bring the mail in, except, of course, when I am sick!) I had called & left a message with the person who was supposed to be getting back to me (after 3 weeks of nothing again), and got a return call. She apologized for the tardiness of the call, and I laid it on the line and told her what happened. So all is better, and will be good once I see my balance credited for the certificate. :o

Sheraton downtown

9/10/09-9/13/09

4 rooms

$107/nite + taxes & fees

:confused::confused: OK, freetocruise, I have a question for you. How did you book a different number of rooms for two different nights? Can it be done with just one bid? 'Cause otherwise you chance not being at the same hotel, right?

Still learning.

Just tried Priceline for the first time, and now I understand it more. After being rejected, I now understand that I have to wait 24 hour to rebid if I am not changing any of my parameters.

I do have a question, though: I am trying to get 4 rooms. Do you think it works against me trying to get 4 rooms?

Another question: I could get 4 rooms through Hotwire for $109./night each room, but I want to try for a lower price, so will wait my 24 hours. The question is this: is it worth my wait for Priceline? Will I have a good chance of getting a lower rate?

I understand no one knows the answers, but an educated opinion is appreciated. :)

Thought I would post an update. I still have not received my Compass Rewards certificates! As suggested here on the boards, I called NCL, then per their direction mailed them my year end statements showing the points accumulated, let them know my final payment is due in June, and that I should be receiving $1000.00 in certificates. I sent it certified mail, and it was received at the address they told me to send it to on April 6th.

After not hearing from them, I called and spent over an hour on the phone with several different people, having to call back several times to different numbers and persons as I got passed around. I went back to this board and called a number posted here, and finally got to someone who said she would give the information to her supervisor and I would get a call within a week.

After reading threads about people receiving postcards when they sent something to NCL, and getting calls, e-mails and mailings from NCL with advertising, I am beginning to think I have been put into "file 13".

My question is this: has anyone ever called or e-mailed a high-level executive at NCL with good results? Would this be my best bet? I know a week has not passed, but I am getting nervous. Does anyone have contact information for someone I should talk to?????????

Am I the only person not to get my certificates yet? :eek::eek::eek::eek:

Hi, all

I have not yet received my point certificates, is this unusual? I got the upgrade certificate, and immediately called them. I left a message for someone to call, and they have not yet, and it has been over a month. :eek:

I have read a dozen or so posts, and most seem to be from people who have already received their certificates, sent them in and received their credit on their bill.:confused:

Do I need to be concerned? Do I need to call every day until I get more of a response? I know I had $853.00 of credits on 12/15/08, so should at least get $500.00 certificate.

Please shed a little light on my situation, if you would, kindly. I'm starting to get worried. My final payment is due 6/30/09 for my planned cruise.

Thank, thanks, thanks.

Am sailing on the Pearl's first Alaska sailing, and reading the boards to find out all I can.

Can anyone give me more information about the spa? I had decided to get a massage at least one day, but have just learned about the spa pass. How much is this on the Pearl; I have heard some are $10. and some are $15. I take it that is per day if you buy the, in this case, 7-day pass.

How can I find out more information about the fitness center facilities; what is free, what you have to pay for? NCL's website does not itemize these or the spa service prices, and i plan to partake, but want to be able to plan and budget.

Any help would be appreciated.

Happy (wake) trails!

Glad to see this thread. I am on Adkins, and it is good to have others to commiserate with and give/get encouragement.

SugarFree Sheila, loved your website. Great encouragement.

As I read through the posts, I found similarities throughout; great diet, works, easy, fast weight loss, feel great, movement is easier, have more energy, etc. All true here, too.

I was diagnosed insulin resistant at the end of December, but could not get back into the doctor for over two weeks. Researched the condition on the internet, and decided to give Adkins a go again, but decided to follow it up with South Beach as a lifetime way of eating. I formed in my mind a correlation between what has become the debacle in Iraq, and the news stories concerning our changing view of the situation and dieting failures. That is: NO EXIT STRATEGY! We diet to lose, mostly for a special occasion, but have no plan for the future, or maintenance. That is why I was glad to find your website, Sheila, as a reference and inspiration.

By the time I got in to see the doctor, I had lost 11 pounds, and got the 100% go ahead from her to continue with my plan. I have lost 22 pounds to date, and have 42 days until my cruise. But that is not my only target for losing, I have a family wedding in July, so will be seeing family have not seen for almost two years by then. After that there is Thanksgiving and Christmas with my daughter, who I have not seen since Mother's Day last year.

Losing weight is different for me this time, since there is a medical condition attached. I DO NOT WANT TO GET DIABETES! Let me share a couple foods that I find help. First of all, almost every breakfast is eggs, sometimes sausage or bacon too. But I buy the parmesean/artichoke/jalapeno dip at Costco and mix it thoroughly with two eggs, then micro for 50 seconds, then stir; 40 seconds & stir again, then 30 & 20, always stirring between. It puffs up similar to a soufle, and stirring makes it cook evenly, ending up like a scrambled mixture.

Another treat is fried cheese. Don't knock it until you try it. I like Jarlsburg, since there are 0 carbs. Cut off thin slices to make about a 4 X 4 or 5 X 5 square, and put into a hot, teflon-coated saute pan. Move it around with a wooden spoon so it won't stick, and flip it over after about 1 or 1-1/2 minutes. You can keep a paper towel handy to dab up the grease as it balls up on the pan when you move it from side to side, and flip it over until both sides are crispy and lightly golden brown. Remove to a non-absorbant plate (in other words, not a paper plate), and cut it into about 1" X 1" squares. They can be eaten right away or stored for a quick warm up later. They are crunchy, chewy, and a great alternate to snack foods.

I am glad to see the resurgance of Dr. Adkins's diet after the recent study was released. I have always thought it a good diet, even though DH doesn't agree. He likes the results, tho. Now to get him on it!

Good luck to all!