NH Cruisers

Another thing...  I sailed on Gem in a mini suite next to the bridge wing.  

The wife and I were on the balcony in the AM, room steward came in and straightened up our room.  He opened the door and told us he was done and left.  Well, he also (our thoughts) locked us out, on our balcony.  We didn't realize for about 15 minutes.

We tried to get the attention of the bridge crew waving to them and all.  They thought we were being friendly and waved back and then left the bridge wing.

We were stuck out there about an hour before the people next to us came out on their balcony.  Of course they were not native English speakers.  We finally got them to realize we were locked out on the balcony.

The room steward was called.  He rescued us from the balcony as we were sailing into Port Canaveral.

An officer came too and we explained our story how we got locked out.  He investigated and determined we locked ourselves out there.  We tried to lock one of ourselves out there after ward and could not do it.  

Anyway, don't everyone go out on the balcony and close the door.  You too may end up locked out and helpless, maybe even miss a meal.

On ‎2‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 6:51 AM, Rhea58 said:

Entertainment was varied:    juggler, comedian, Broadway type shows etc

Take this cruise annually for last 8 years and food has deteriorated quite a bit

Friendly crew and good cruise staff

For the last 8 years all we hear is how the food is deteriorating from many reviews on these boards.  How can there be anything left?

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 2:40 AM, jethrojam said:

I enjoyed going to the caves.  To me it was something different than drinking and sand. 

Same here.  The caves were interesting and also the story of their discovery.

9 hours ago, SeaShark said:

 

That is an interesting take. Can you step back from it and look again?

 

FWIW, multiple threads on the same topic are a rule violation on CC...you should always post to an existing thread before you start another. Someone pointing that out is simply following the rules. Which, btw, exist for a reason, right?

 

You complain about being able to "discuss without constant interruption". Have you considered that multiple threads on the same topic come off as "constant interruption" on a forum? One topic, one thread...that way the topic isn't interrupting each time it is posted.

 

Your post indicates that you are annoyed by the "this was already posted. this was already posted. why is this tread activated" aspect. I'm certain that you find that to be an annoyance. I'm not disagreeing with you. But...have you considered that the poster you addressed might be equally as annoyed with the multiple threads on the same topic? Lets be honest here...it isn't really fair that you get to dress down people when you are annoyed and others can't do the same when they are annoyed, right?

 

Just a different point of view to consider.

Just by posting on this thread...  we are all breaking the rules!

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 4:17 PM, bigherky said:

 I also couldn't believe the size of the side of broccoli. Two relatively small pieces of broccoli apparently constitutes a side. 

 

 

If I am not mistaken, the sides are refillable or endless.  I always got seconds if I ask.

I never cared for the truffle oil  taste the Cagney's fries have.  Wish they would'a  had a truffle and non truffle option.  That being said, I do not go to Cagney's due to the fries.  I get a rib eye, and they will always strive to make you happy if you tell them you are not happy.  I once had a grisly steak, I said so.  They brought me another that was perfect.

I book Cagney's for the first night and last night.  I love that place.

I get it that folks like good liquor on board the ship.  To tell the truth I like it too.  But...  I would have absolutely no problem being on a dry cruise.  The drink package is a perk and I like it, but it is in no way a necessity for me.  Back before the drink packages were around, I never drank any alcohol on board, it was too expensive.

It was the first time I ever had a shot of JW Blue.  It caused me to purchase a bottle.  Now I always will have a bottle in my private stock.

On ‎2‎/‎12‎/‎2019 at 8:50 AM, don't-use-real-name said:

 

 

JW Blue was never on any tier of any NCL ship I have been on - found in the Duty Free Shop though

 

 

Further research interesting LINK:

 

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/brands/scotchwhisky

JW Blue had $3.95 upcharge on the BREAKAWAY when we sailed on her in 2016.  We sailed on the  Dawn in 2017 and it was not available.

A couple web site have faulty info.  One of them state the Queen Victoria would be in Hamiton in January 2019.  False it was in Kings Warf.  So much for my wish full thinking.

Cruise TT web site states Carnival Triumph in Hamilton, Bermuda May 25th, 2019 with 3427 PAX.

I was perusing the RCCL boards and came across a thread about emotional support dogs on board.

In 18 or so cruises I have yet to see that.  Is that allowed on NCL ships?

Evidently it is not so rare on RCCL ships.  I never saw it.  But the folks are pretty irate, they got a photo of a little dog sitting in the buffet area in a seat.  It is alone and obviously doesn't appear to be a support dog.

Just wondering if any one has seen this in the past 15 or so years on NCL?

I see that Carnival Triumph docks in Hamilton on a Bermuda cruise.  I always have heard the past few years that NCL ships are too big to go there.  Apparently not ships the size of the Gem and smaller.  Carnival Triumph is a bit larger than the Gem.  

Is there an interest in other Bermuda lovers to have the Gem visit Hamilton?  Bermuda is my favorite destination.  I would like to mix it up though with the ports.

Does the pilotage fees and maybe extra port fee make it too expensive that NCL corporate won't think of it?  I personally would be willing to pay an extra $100 p/p to dock on Front Street for a couple days and nights.

That would be so nice to travel on my local cruiseline out of Boston to my favorite destination and stay over downtown.

Thanks, Hope they do in May.

NCL was doing a high speed ferry to St. George a year or so ago.  Sitll doing it?

On ‎1‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 12:57 AM, esm54687 said:

Well, if you cruise out of Boston and come the day before..... you could catch a ball game and see the World Champion Boston Red Sox...... 

I have been lucky on two cruises, once out of Seattle we caught Mainers and Redsox night prior.  Once in New York we saw Yankees and Red Sox.  Icing on the cake.

I prefer Gem, but I am getting to be an old fart my son says...  Don't really know why he says that, he and his wife prerferred the Dawn over the Breakaway.  Dawn is like the Gem, just not as good as Gem IMO.

If you book direct through NCL you can book online or phone it in.  If through a travel agent book through them.  I personally would book 4 of 6 prior and 2 while onboard.  I always try to book when I cant see land, like an hour or so after we leave port or any sea day.

16 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

Sorry, I never noticed your last question. I think it would be difficult to set this up before you board. The butler will be busy with his current peeps. But once onboard, ask him or her and it will be fine. Enjoy!

We have a party every cruise for the last 5 or so.  Telling the butler when you first meet then a reminder a day or so prior always worked for me.  If you mention it to the concierge, and they are good, you will get nice special attention from both.  We always get a complimentary bottle of Champagne and a nice cake.  We always have some sort of Anniversary party.  Remember the concierge is the butlers boss.  If they are both in the loop, it helps.  John D'sousa NCL concierge gave me that tid bit of info.  He was awesome.

11 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

I’ve never been on the Dawn, but my favorite spots on the Gem are the great outdoors and spinnakers lounge, I believe both were removed from the Dawn.

As stated above...  These IMO make the GEM a better cruise.  Also of little importance to most, but I like it, GEM has the Bridge Viewing room.

If I remember right, the DAWN has the stadium seating for loungers on pool deck, it is a plus to me.  GEM does not.

GEM has a dedicated Haven, DAWN not.  Dawn not having one is a plus if you are not a suite guest, now you don't have to wonder what the guests are doing in that special area.  (I will tell you... dancing girls or guys, drinking and all sorts of fun bachelor et party type things going on in there!.  But that is a secrete, so don't say anything.)

8:30-9:00 perhaps.  

1 minute ago, DMH15 said:

I am kind of the opposite of you… Last cruise on NCL we were on the epic in the deluxe owner suite. We purchased the thermal spa passes and we did not really enjoy the spa… And I am a spa person!

 

 During our cruise the people in the spa were loud drinking in the hot tubs... partying and such! It was very very difficult to even get a ceramic tile lounger or a daybed as people camped out on them literally all day. There was nothing Zen about that spa experience. A waste of money. 

To spend that money and have it be that way really sucks.  Why, oh why don't the attendants enforce some type of civility is beyond me. 

I will tell you though, if I were a loud mouth they would talk to me and ask to be quiet, I am that guy they will always pick to be made an example.

57 minutes ago, FLcruisergrl said:

For me, they are 2 different things. If you want relaxation, but don’t use the butler or concierge services (including priority embarkation and disembarkation) and don’t miss the upgraded breakfast/lunch or dedicated restaurant, then I would totally go with the spa pass. It gives you the feeling of having the private area without the much larger cost. We love the priority stuff, though, so it’s Haven only for us. I’m considering adding a spa pass on our December cruise, as I’d love a place to escape  to if the weather is bad.

Once you get platinum status you will get the priority embarkation and disembarkation.  I will miss the Haven or sometimes Cagney's restaurant for breakfast though.  French Press coffee, no big crowds.

From what I have experienced, if the weather is not conducive to being out doors the day passes are hard to get.  Otherwise they are usually available.

I would not willingly sail on a NCL ship without the Thermal Spa Pass.  Once I did it, I cant imagine or even think of not doing it.

The spa on the DAWN has a pretty big, but only 3 feet deep or so pool.  It is great, and generally not crowded. 

No screaming kids, but sometime loud and obnoxious adults. What happens is the thaloplasy pool and hot tub are real loud, one needs to talk loud to be heard. 

The heated tile loungers are better than I would have imagined. 

No Salt room on DAWN, did that on the Breakaway... I didn't  miss it. 

The view to the aft is so relaxing while underway. 

I sailed on Dawn 4  time and always purchased the pass,  it has gotten rough a few times too.  They never closed off the pool or the hot tubs on us.  They probably should have because the water went everywhere.  Good Times for sure.

Men's dressing room has a sauna, steam room, hot and cold dip tubs.

6 hours ago, sargemrs said:

I'm curious, no one has mentioned the Haven Restaurant, so are they not open the first night (we're in the Haven on our next cruise....1st time)  just wondering?

The Double Cut pork chop was my favorite in the Breakaways Haven restaurant.  That's were I eat lunch on embarkation day if staying in a suite.