mjkacmom

1 hour ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

This always strikes me as a pain.  In order to accomplish this (assuming you and DW end up in one cabin and DS & DD in the other)... you need to get extra key cards for two of you from GS once on board.  Then those people need to keep up with one card for charging/activities and different card for room access.   

 

Obviously to each their own, but I prefer using just one card, and if we need to split between ultimate and refreshment package, I'd call and say "wife (or I) don't drink, and we'd like one ultimate package and one refreshment package."  If I get denied, hang up and call back lter. 

We’ve done it on every cruise we’ve been on (different reason) and it’s super dimple and not the least annoying. 

This will work.

43 minutes ago, spethstation said:

 

I know I can order 5 separate mojitos and have it be included, but it's the novelty of the flight I like.

If they have one I’m guessing you will be charged for it even with the FAS.

On 6/5/2024 at 8:00 PM, BirdTravels said:

A data point... We are just off the Joy and shortly after self disembarkation started, an Uber XL (since we have luggage) from the Joy to LGA would have cost $96.53. 

 

How many in your group? My sister once managed to get full sized luggage and her 3 kids into an Uberx. We get an Uber xl only if we are more than 4 people, my adult kids once managed an uberxl with 7 people with backpacks from the airport. This is in the nyc metro area.

On ncl, with and without a package, I struggle to get a second glass of wine at dinner.

I think a small wedding package is around $2000 for a wedding package, I don’t know if you can just have someone lead the vow renewal.

1 minute ago, stellarose33 said:

we are arriving at the port together but I have no problem waiting in the terminal until its our time. again, by then I am on vacation mode!!!

If you get there early you won’t be far behind them. We’ve always boarded before noon, and the MDR opens at noon.

2 hours ago, stellarose33 said:

our friends have NCL perks (been on NCL a lot) so they get early boarding. they are hoping we can do.  This will be my first NCL cruise. 

I wouldn’t count on it but we only tried it once (they were actually a couple I met on here, we are only 12 miles away from the pier so they parked in our driveway for the week and we shared a cab).

She will be able to drink alcohol on a Med cruise. Here in the US parents can sign beer/wine waivers for 18 - 20 year olds.

We usually arrive around 9:30 and are onboard by noon, head to a MDR.

One of my kids flies often, many of her flights are delayed or cancelled. Her noon flight to Chicago today is now saying 2:30, Our airport is a big united hub. We joke that no one should travel with her (she usually flies alone).

9 minutes ago, v3cruiser said:

It seems like a logistical problem that needs work. The port and or ncl needs to space out the landings on the pier to effectively get people where they need to go instead of debarking all ships at about the same time. Perhaps improve infrastructure to better accomodate the 10k people allowed per day. 

I guess that’s on Greece.

Do you think that if NCL didn’t fill those spots they would remain empty? The ports themselves allow it.

14 minutes ago, ATG said:

Yes, you can get extra keys (cards) for your cabin. The suite concierge can make them, saving you a trip to guest services.

On RCL they let non suite guests access to suite benefits?

15 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

That's why the pool and hot tub are chlorinated. Still though don't want urine in pool and definity not fecal matter. All kinds of sewage in ocean but it is diluted. Many public beaches in more advanced countries the water is tested. In any case that is one of the reasons I got the Hep A vaccine it is not just for foreign countries. Lot of sewage gets dumped in US waters. Also so I don't get sick from food in underdeveloped countries. 

I live in northeast NJ, the water at the beach is tested, there have been beach closures (more in NY) due to unsafe water conditions.

On 5/29/2024 at 10:06 PM, snorkler8 said:

Thanks everyone. I didn't know those facts about swim diapers! 

The frustrating part was they were adamant my GS couldn't even go in the splash pad. It was a big downer for the cruise. I felt bad I had not done my homework on that part of the planning. Other wise we would have gone with RC instead of Carnival. 

DH and I are trying RC for the first time in July to Alaska. It will be fun to see if we like it...whats not to like, Right?! lol So far we have loved Celebrity, Carnival and Holland. 

FYI, only DCL splash pads, and some RCCL splash pads (not all ships) allow for swim diapers. There are zero ships that allow swim diapers in pools.

Prices are fluid, I have heard it’s more expensive to buy on the ship but I never compared, I’ve purchased them in advance and on the ship. The spa is a 3rd party vendor that rents space on the ships. Now, if they tried to charge you more for your pass, that would be wrong. It’s just like excursions, prices are fluid, but you can always cancel and rebook if the price lowers before your cruise.

If it makes you feel better, I’ve never even heard about this issue on CC, and folks love to complain here. 

1 hour ago, GeezerCouple said:

One can get extra key cards (at least on some cruiselines or hotels!) without having connecting rooms.

 

On ships, the extra cards don't have "charging privileges"; they are just used for entry.

And they tend to be fairly blank (usually not color coded or such).  We'd use a permanent marker to indicate which was for which cabin or suite... something like "Nana A" or "RC", so we weren't constantly fumbling and trying card after card from a small stack. 😉 

 

GC

On ncl they actually marked them for us.

3 hours ago, KimA75 said:

I would go with connecting rooms or, if you are sailing Royal Caribbean, an ultra spacious room.  The ultra spacious are different locations depending on the class of ship.  Some are interior, others are ocean view, and some are balcony.  These have a lot more area in the room and have a bunk bed area along with the bed and pull out sofa.  Granted, the bunk beds generally only have a curtain to close between the areas and not an actual door, but it does allow for some separation and gives a ton more floor space.

 

Connecting rooms are great because you get two bathrooms.  That way there isn't a concern about someone needing to use the bathroom while another person is showering, etc.  Plus, it can give the adults a little more privacy.  You book these as one adult and one child in each room.  Once you are on board, you can go to guest services and have the keys arranged however you want.  Kids have keys to one room while adults have keys to the other.  

With connecting rooms they will just give you additional key cards.

I’ve only done RIU, took a taxi (very easy, short ride). The beach is much nicer (margaritaville is on the same lame harbor beach as the Hilton and Junkanoo). RIU is on cabbage beach with deep clear water, I could swim out and see the bottom easily. We got there early so took advantage of the breakfast and lunch buffet, both much better than the cruise ship, chairs and umbrella provided, plus all you can drink. I very much preferred it over water slides.

You can also board with a much wine as you wish without a charge.

14 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

This is horrible!  I really hope this person is local to Fl (or at least drove to the port) and is retired.  Otherwise, they have to get a hotel or get a last minute flight.  then there is the wasted vacation time at work.  For NCL is just think a full refund is enough is ridiculous.  Not like they had a choice in the matter.  Maybe a 2 BDRM haven suite with first class round trip flights and transportation to/from the port could at least showed they cared.  Not saying that would have made up for this, but at least it would look like they cared 

The OP said that a flight and hotel were needed, they received a full refund and a FCC for another cruise. Did you not read it?

I have not read any complaints here, maybe wait and see before being disappointed at the inefficiency.

Just call.