WendyVF

Norfolk is not a typical cruise port with year round cruises and does not have the infrastructure like at the Florida ports or even Baltimore.  I was on the Magic last May when it was a total nightmare.  From everything I have heard and read, there have been a lot of improvements especially with the parking.  I would not worry about the lot being full.  If all else fails, you can park in one of the downtown garages.  They say no cruise parking but they have no way of knowing why you are parking there. 

Something to consider, the terminal is on the second level so unless you can manage your luggage up the stairs, you have to wait for an elevator.  There are a lot of 1st time cruisers that cruise from Norfolk and they are not familiar with dropping their bags with the porters.  I've cruised 30+ times and I couldn't find the porters to take my luggage but I only had carry ons so it wasn't a big deal.  I saw many people trying to manage two pieces of the largest luggage I have ever seen and it was only a 6 day cruise.  That caused major slow downs for the elevators, security and check in. 

I agree with not trying to get dropped off right at the terminal.  I usually Uber to the port and pick the Hilton Main as a drop off point.  The terminal is half a block with sidewalks and crosswalks, sometimes even a police officer directing traffic.  

In June, they did not have it on the buffet on the Magic and it took forever each night to get any in the dining room for my grandson.  The people at the coffee bar took a liking to him and made sure they had almond milk on hand each morning.  Towards the end of the trip they were running very low so they made sure to set some aside.  

I sent a screenshot of my brokerage statement.  It's the end of the month so your statement should be available soon.  I sent mine Friday (8/26) morning and got a response Saturday morning.  

Typically the ship is on time unless there are weather or mechanical issues.  It's super easy to carry off your luggage, walk straight to your car and be out of the parking lot within minutes.  

If you come in via Waterside Drive, they will be able to pull over and drop you off right across the street from the terminal.  The other option is to come up Main street heading towards the terminal and have them drop you off at the corner.  If you are coming by Uber/Lyft, "The Main" Hilton hotel is a great drop off spot.  

I always bring an insulated tumbler for the lido deck.  Drinks melt too quickly in the sun.  If you have Cheers or Soda package, they will fill it with soda for you.  I typically buy a bottle of Vodka for the room and get my tumbler filled with soda and lime to mix drinks for the balcony!  I don't want to be bothered to carry it around in the evening.  If I want to take a glass of wine or a drink to dinner, I just take a glass back to the cabin with me.

I bought this for my grandson.  It folds up really small and is easy to carry.  We have used it all sorts of places where we needed to contain him.

https://smile.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Pop-Sit-Booster/dp/B016Q0ZMPK/ref=sr_1_9?crid=JNZ9W327O68J&keywords=fold+up+booster+seat+for+table&qid=1661521001&sprefix=fold+up+booste%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-9

We have been on several NYE cruises on Carnival and they are the best.  You should prepare yourself for there to be a lot of family and large groups.  As a fellow widow, it can be difficult when others are celebrating, especially at midnight and there you stand alone.  I'm not saying don't go, just be prepared.

There are tons of hotels near the airport with free shuttles to the hotel.  I don't know of any that offer transportation to the port so you would have to Uber.

Traffic at the terminal on embarkation day is ridiculous.  You can walk to the terminal from The Main (hilton property) and the Marriott.  The garages are all city owned and say no cruise parking but they have no way of knowing if you're on a cruise or staying at one of the downtown hotels.  Cheapest option would probably be at one of the airport hotels that offers extended parking and taking an Uber to the port.  If you do, definitely have them drop you off near the terminal and walk the rest of the way.  

We just did it a few weeks ago.  I had booked with my grandson in my room so only I had to get the drink package.  Once onboard, my daughter decided she wanted the package so we switched them out.  The only drawback was her cabin no longer had a platinum person in it so they didn't get the right luggage tags.  We were doing self disembarkation so it didn't matter.  

I am booked for my 22nd Carnival cruise in September.  Final payment is due Monday.  Yesterday, for the first time ever, I received an email with an upgrade offer.  $340 from an inside to a balcony on a 6 day cruise.  I'm still debating but will probably decline.  

The only time I have seen people almost come to blows was on a Princess ship and it was two men that were over 80 and arguing over a table.  I couldn't stop laughing when I saw them both put their fists up!

I was on the Magic last week and the lines were long at Guys.  One of the problems was people started lining up at 11:30 when they didn't open until twelve.  When it was open, people were ordering 2-4 burgers at at time which I had never noticed before.  It also looked like they were short at least 1 staff person.

1 hour ago, nlktx49 said:

Why aren't the plastic bottles allowed?

Some have been known to fill them with alcohol and sneak them onboard.  Cans prevent this.  Same reason you can no longer bring bottled water onboard.

I've sailed Carnival, Princess, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean over the last 20 years and none ever did free drinks in the casino just for playing.  As others said, you can get it as part of a Casino deal or the pit boss will comp drinks at times.  

I ordered club soda for the room and was surprised they were not the 12 oz cans but the smaller ones.  I'll take my own next time!

I found this on the Royal Caribbean website:

In 2018 I took a cruise that left from Warnemunde and took the train from Berlin to get there.  It was very easy to do and very cheap.  I agree with the above in that it might be hectic to get around as you will need to uber from the train station in Berlin.  It's definitely doable with some planning.

I've stayed at both and prefer the Hampton Inn.  It is not like any Hampton Inn you have ever seen.  There are a lot of restaurants, shops and a grocery store within walking distance.  It has more of a neighborhood feel.  Intercontinental is nice with Bayside next door.

I did a whale watching excursion in Juneau and saw quite a few whales.  The next day we were docked at Icy Pont Straight and I decided to stay on the ship.  I lucked out and got the most amazing whale show while I was sitting at the bar.  They came up and did the whole circle feeding thing.  It was absolutely incredible!

I like Quarterdeck.  Very reasonable prices, great happy hour drinks.  It's a bit further from the hotel (still a very reasonable walk) so it tends to be less busy.  

I would recommend the fruity type drinks and flavored vodka martinis as mentioned above.  Mojitos are good.  I don't like too sweet so if I go fruity I  usually go with mango.  Kiss on the lips is mango and strawberry daquiri or miami vice that is pina colada and strawberry daquiri.  With the package, it' a great time to explore.  She can even tell the bartender what she likes and they will create something for her!

20 hours ago, Cruisin Kay D said:

WendyVF -- Thank you for your response!!   I found out how to do it only a few hours ago....I was searching for info on Sanctuary and found a YouTube video by Princess of that area, and then I found a video by a TA about her tour of Sanctuary.  Then I noticed she also had a Dec 2021 video about using the Medallion App!   So I watched it and she explained how to choose Arrival Group!!   1st hour was unavailable, but I got the 2nd full hour, since we are driving to the port from TN.

YOU are on the same cruise as we are on -- on Emerald?  Great.  On a social media Emerald Group page I have found some others.    

Glad you found it.  I'm on the FB page too.  My late husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on the Emerald in 2009.  That was the only time I've sailed on Princess.  I'm travelling with friends this time and they picked this trip.  Look forward to seeing you onboard!

2 hours ago, Cruisin Kay D said:

caribill:  Any idea when, for my cruise 3/23, will I see options for arrival times?

I'm on that sailing and was able to pick my arrival time a month ago.  On the app, go under your travel checklist and select Arrival and Departure groups.  You have to select the cruise and then it will pop up.