WendyVF

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.

From the Princess FAQ: How to prepare for a cruise

Since the passport is not required I'd suggest you take it with you just in case and use your birth certificate and ID to board.

It's been a few years, but the last time we flew from FLL on Southwest, they would not let us check our luggage until 3 hours prior to our flight time.  I have vivid memories of us all sprawled on the floor in the terminal with our luggage!

Nice!  I have found the chat convenient but have had to challenge them on several pricing issues.  All ultimately worked out.

American flies from Fairbanks to the East Coast.  

I'm on the 3/23 cruise also.  Thanks to all that are contributing to this thread!

We went towards the end of May and we were the first ones able to do the full extended tour as they had just reopened the road.  It sounds like you may be too early.

My late husband died 4 years ago and he gets better offers than I do even though I still cruise frequently and gamble more!  I've asked them to stop sending.  If they can't do that, they could at least give me his deals.

I ordered Monday from Optum and they came on Tuesday.  Expiration dates are in December but found info on FDA website indicating that the expirations were extended to one year from production date.

23 hours ago, SurfCat said:

Yes, but there will be a charge for any applicable sales taxes.

 

I bought the package for my kids once but didn't set them up with a credit card account.  They wouldn't let them use the program until they could charge the $.69 to an account.

This is only for the first day before you sail.  They have to charge tax on each drink while you are in a US port.  

On my last cruise I had to visit the medical center.  I too was impressed with their care.  Somehow I ended up with the flu and pneumonia.  They gave me breathing treatments and IV steroids and antibiotics.  I was up and about the next day after they administered another flu test and cleared me.  

They repeatedly remind you of the cost.  Honestly it's the reason I get travel insurance these days.  Most travel policies will require you to file your personal health insurance first.  Be sure to insist that your health insurance treats it as in-network care since you did not have the option to chose a provider.  My health insurance covered all but $100 co-pay that I filed with my travel insurance.  The $100 covered the cost of the policy but most importantly, I never had to worry about the bill.

You will dock right in downtown Norfolk so you will be close to most of the historic places and museums.  Many will be walkable or a short Uber ride.  

I just found this hotel and booked a room at a great rate.  Google Maps indicates there's a toll on the route from the hotel to the terminal but I can't figure out why.  Also wondering if they offering any parking options.

I know I have been charged on Carnival since the inception of their drink packages.  Prior to drink packages, we were also charged sales tax when in U S ports.  

Check the Hampton Inn.  I stayed there last January and it was perfect and a fraction of the price of other hotels in the area.  Rooms are quite small but it's a great location.

I am also platinum on Carnival and have sailed RCL.  I decided to try NCL again (had done them 20 years ago) last year on the Breakaway and really enjoyed it.  I thought the experience was fairly similar and liked learning a new ship style and the different activities.  I'm sailing again on the Breakaway in a few weeks.  

I'm happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

I think everyone answered your questions so I'll give you my 2 cents on the NCL experience.  I tried NCL last year after 25 cruises on other cruise lines.  I too am platinum with Carnival and have also sailed Royal and Princess.  I liked NCL and will be cruising them again in a few weeks.  Overall I felt the experience was about the same, some things were better others not.  It was fun to not know exactly what was going to happen when and to experience the different ships.  I do like that NCL does not limit your drinks!

When we were there in September, we planned to to the HoHo.  When we got off the ship there was no red bus to be found.  Someone pointed us toward the bus stop and we ended up taking the city bus.  I agree with the above poster that you really didn't need the bus to see the city.  We got off the city bus in a central area and explored on our own.  We hadn't intended to see the Little Mermaid Statue but wandered by this adorable park and decided to walk through it.  So glad we did!  We eventually found our way to the canals and then the market area and had a wonderful local lunch.  We waited for the bu to return to the ship but it was really chaotic, lots of people with luggage heading to the ship and such.  Thankfully we figured out we hadn't bought return tickets while we were waiting and opted for a cab.   Ended up being a fairly low cost great day!