mjkacmom

Amazing. For years there were literally hundred of posts asking NCL to please add an unlimited drink package. NCL finally listened and now the posts are "it's not the package I want, please change it to suit me"!! I don't get it? There is an unlimited drink package, beer and wine package, wine package and unlimited soda. Not enough?;)

I agree! You can't make a package suitable for everyone. Normally, I carry on wine (and pay the corkage), and DH buys his buckets of beer. We had to squeeze 7 of us and our luggage (plus case of water) into the minivan, and we decided to go with the package, and not bring wine. We got our monies worth!

If we didn't have the package, our bar bill would've been lower that what we paid for the package, because we would not have consumed as much, paying OOP. I LOVED not having to worry about paying for it later, and it enhanced our week.

I'm sure you could either ask the person handing out the armbands in the morning or find another NCL cruiser at the waterpark. (We saw plenty of distinctively striped towels.) The Atlantis staff might even know, since so many of their guests are cruise ship pax.

 

Since we missed all the info on how/where/when to pick up the NCL transportation back, we just took a cab back to the ship. We probably could have figured it out, but we were feeling tired and sunburned and a little battered from all the waterslides. We were willing to pay another few dollars to get back to the port immediately, and not have to wait 10/15/20 minutes for the shuttle.

You get to the buses where you were dropped off. The property is so big, we really couldn't remember, but asked the first employee we saw, and were directed to the right spot. Hopped right into a bus, and were back in 10 minutes.

I was prepared to take a taxi there if we were waiting long, but we weren't - stood maybe 5 minutes before walking to the buses, got right in, and off we went. We are a family of 7, so the taxi wouldn't have been that cheap. We were prepared to take a taxi back, too, but the bus was right behind a taxi! Actually, the bus left the property sooner than the taxi in front of it, because the driver was waiting to fill his vehicle.

Honestly, you can wear jeans to the theaters in NYC as long as it's not an opening night or a gala event. When we saw Cindarella in March there was everything from formal evening wear to tourists in sweats, and the majority were in jeans/khakis. No one will care what you look like in the theater.

I agree. So many people in the theater are tourists, who've been running around all day - be comfortable.

We followed the guide and I was a little disappointed, I never did get to the "lazy" part of the river- just the roaring rapids and witnessed a child almost drown in a double tube with her Mom (ruined my whole day) I think there should be more warnings about how rapid that river is!!

I agree - the first time we were with our 2 oldest, who were 9 and 11 at the time, and we got separated. This time, our yougest 2 were 10, and I had them watch youtube videos ahead of time, and we all had a plan of where to meet up. I think DH was the only one injured (mild). I also saw a child fall off, and another bump his head on the side.

Lol, I must have missed all that! I guess I should have dormed then! ;)

It was definitely a dorm thing! That we brought to the classrooms, as well.

Thank you! We are just so excited we don't want to get there and be like what next and waste time.

 

 

Artman Family

NCL Sky December 16-20

This was our second time, so we went with a plan (slides/beach and or lagoon/Dig). The first time, we "wasted" time just swimming in pools. When we got to the lazy river, we had no idea that is was not a lazy river - lol. We wished we found it earlier.

After getting off of the buses, we were led through the casino. At one point, we saw a sign that said Aqua-adventure, and we followed it to the left, instead of following the leader (others did, as well). I don't know where the guide ended up taking the others.

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I will end up staying with ncl. But want all the time I can get there. We just got the 99/pp Atlantis excursion.

 

 

Artman Family

NCL Sky December 16-20

Just a FYI, but after doing the slides first (before big lines), we wanted to go to the beach, but it was closed. We ended up finding a beach where we could swim by walking left past the wall (behind the lockers), past another beach where swimming wasn't allowed, to a 3rd beach. It was gorgeous.

You can't really check out Atlantis without some type of pass, unless you want to just go to the casino.

What's the next fad? Walking around in public in "Boxers"? Or is that already in or out by now? ;)

That is so 80's! I have to say, I loved that one in college - so comfy! Of course, it was just the girls wearing them as outerwear.

There were tables with big blue signs that had a visual of a wheelchair, where a family was sitting. We had to move chairs and tables and have people get up from their dinner in order to get to an available table, since the wheelchair only table was being occupied by people who decided to just plop down. Those people sitting at the WHEELCHAIR ONLY table, which had easy access in and out of the buffet area were in the wrong. We arrived at 7:00 p.m., well after the rush and it was still a crazy zoo up in the buffet area.

We sat at one of these tables (it was a booth). DH took 4 of our kids to the buffet for breakfast, and I arrived a little later with the 5th. When I sat down with my food, I was horrified when I saw the sign (DH honestly didn't notice - he was just happy to find a table where we could squeeze all of us in during a busy time). We ate very quickly, and I kept looking around, ready to jump up if someone in a wheelchair arrived (no one did). At that point, there appeared to be no available tables.

Just did this (booked through NCL), and they got us their very quickly - about 45 minutes before the slides even opened, plenty of time to grab a lounge and take a swim.

If you do not book a day pass (aqua, beach, or aquarium), you will not be allowed in the lobby - just the casino and marina. If you want to see the aquarium without paying, you have to do it at night.

I saw 2 people in jammies on the Breakaway. Dd17 wore her jammie bottoms (lounge pants) and a hoodie (she's worn them out before...), and a woman who was either wearing sleepwear, or had print bottoms which coordinated really well with her top.

I honestly don't care (but I'm not doing it). I will admit that I just brush my teeth and hair, and throw on some clothes, for the breakfast buffet.

Blue Lagoon always gets better reviews. It is my understanding (but I could be wrong) that guests are welcome to use the beach at Blue Lagoon, but aren't allowed on the beach (or pools) at Atlantis with the dolphin encounter.

There were no coffee makers on the Jewel 3 years ago (balcony).

Sorry you didn't come here first! We did the aqua adventure on the Breakaway, and it was awesome! $100 for adults, $40 for kids, got right on the buses at 9 am. We had hours at the waterpark, but since the beach was closed (it closes a lot), we just walked left, and found another beach that was open, but the lifeguards weren't letting people in. They sent us left again, and we got to swim in wonderful clear water (you could see the ships from this beach).

Atlantis closes at 5, so no way would we have paid for a 1/2 day excursion. I don't think they should even off it, honestly. We brought granola bars with us, knowing how expensive the food at Atlantis is.

I know a lot don't agree, but we love Nassau! We've been there 4 times, and have never been disappointed. We've been to Atlantis twice (once booking at room at comfort suites, the other booking with NCL), and have done day passes at both the Sheraton and Hilton. We'd like to try Blue Lagoon, the zoo, a historical walking tour (and really would like to get to the rum distillery). It just takes a little research.

Our NCL cruises had a family activity almost every day' date=' where parents were expected to stay and participate with their child(ren). Things like cupcake decorating, Lego, pizza making...that's all I can remember off the top of my head ;). We have sailed Disney, but didn't find all that many active activities to do together, most were passive like watching a movie or a show.[/quote']

 

Oops - recently sailed the Breakaway, and sent the kids to cupcake decorating by themselves (10 and 12). My kids are older, but there was the ropes course, dance lessons with the Rockettes, Nick meet and greets and shows, family trivia, family Karoeke (sp), and early shows (the circ show was at 5:30).

Nobody expects to get sick or get a cancer diagnosis so that is why the dont pay for the insurance. Its a gamble and while I sympathize, insurance is a necessary thing. Spending your hard earned money on a cruise and not being able to go is a tough situation but their focus should be on dealing with the health issues that face them. If I or someone in my family got a serious health diagnosis, my last worry would be my vacation but thats me. Sadly there will be folks who create a reason for their cancellation and there is no way to know for sure who is and who isnt. Policy is policy and for every cruise we have booked we have been asked about travel insurance. Tomorrow is not promised for any of us, we need to be prepared.

I do! We are a family of 7, and I always buy trip insurance, because I know there is always a chance someone will get sick, injured, or die, or the house will burn down, DH will lose his job, etc. (I'm more of a glass half empty gal ;)).

Honestly, I'm shocked we never had to use it! I figure we're on borrowed time, never having to cancel. I can't understand anyone gambling a vacation that costs thousands of dollars, especially one that is totally non-refundable after final payment.

I kind of figured it was most convenient and well worth every penny! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I researched several different options, but none seemed as convenient as the port itself, especially when returning home. How easy/difficult is it to get to the port in Manhattan? That is my next worry, navigating NYC! :eek:

It is very easy! And if you get turned around, you will find your way. The pier is on the West Side, so you are barely driving in Manhattan. I don't know what scares people - you can only drive so fast with the traffic and lights.

It's very easy to park at the pier, and it's not a bad price for NYC.

Looks like RCL will move kids up, I've had experience with DCL moving kids up, BUT - NCL does not move kids up.

Thanks for the tip. I was thinking o getting the water from the hot water dispenser at the Coffee and Tea station not ordering it from room service. Do you think that would work?

I didn't know that water from the tap was reverse osmosis. That is interesting! LOL - I have always gone up to the buffet and got water for myself from the drink stations!

All of my babies drank formula mixed with regulation tap water - babies don't need special water (we have city water). The tap water on cruise ships is fine.

She said, 'all our water as its seal was open'. Why would ALL the water's seals be open? That makes me think it might have been one bottle??? I can't see ALL the seals being open on a case of water! LOL

 

Even if the cruise line allows unopened bottles that still would have nothing to do with the opened bottle.

 

Guess we'll actually never know the true answer to 'all bottles of water' or just he unsealed bottle of water?

 

Harriet

I re-read the OP, and it made no mention of a case of water - I assumed they were carrying water bottles that they were drinking from.

There are plenty of venues that don't allow you to bring in unsealed bottles (Hershey Park is the first one that comes to mind).

I have two questions. We will be there on Thanksgiving Day. I assume this will be a peak time? Will it be crazy there?

 

I went ahead and became a Comfort Choice Privileges member to rent a room for the day, but because we just booked our cruise and this is all very last minute, the rate was not that much lower than our ship's rate (NCL Breakaway), which I already booked. So I guess I'm going to stay with that. I love the idea of ditching the excursion group right after we get our passes, though, and taking a taxi to beat the mob, get a locker and snag some loungers. Thanks to everyone who posted tips and info in this long thread (which I read in its entirety)!

 

My second question is this: Is there a wait for the lazy river? Because that's all I want to do, and it's probably all my 8-year-old will really want to do (he says different now, but he hasn't seen the slides up close and personal yet)?

 

Thanks again.

I would assume it will be crazy. When we did the ship's excursion on the Breakaway, we were given our wristbands when we got off the ship (before 9), walked to the buses, and were at Atlantis before 9:30 (before the slides opened). You will want to get a lounge ASAP by the slides. There is a finite amount of tubes for the lazy river, and we rode it as soon as it opened, and there was a small wait for tubes when we got off 20 minutes later.

There are different degrees of slides, and I'm sure your 8 year old will love most of them. There was only I couple I didn't do, and I'm a chicken.

Next, the ****s at the check in at Miami made us pour out all our water as its seal was broken. Woman at security said drink it all or pour it out:eek:. Very objectionable and rude..

They won't let you bring water on a plane, either - just a heads-up....

Thanks. I guess I'll try to book the early magician show as soon as we board. I don't understand why people can't book it BEFORE boarding like the other shows. 2nd city is on all ncl cruises. I won't go out of my way to see them. I'd rather see the new stuff. I saw pics of Headliners and it seems that if you're a rather short person (like me!), there will definitely be visibility issues unless you're in first row. Not an ideal space for shows for sure.

The poles were annoying (we were in the back) but there is a large screen on the wall if you can't see something.