happytotravel

Quote "Check kids into kids club? Dh's least favorite thing on NCL is the insanely long wait at kids club to check in/out. It may have been partially more irritating bc of the extremely annoying woman who handled it on our Gem sailing."Quote

If your DH doesn't like doing it then why don't you as a DW do it and get it over with. I know you would like to feel carefree on your cruise but the least you can do is take your children to the kids club. Either that or leave your children at home with someone competent and just the two of you go.

I really find it amazing the things people expect others to do for them on a cruise. The staff...butler included... work their butts off to make the cruise awesome for everyone concerned. I wish people would realize that and not take advantage of them whether in the Haven or an inside cabin.

happytotravel

Thanks Bellemere for your reply. Enjoy your upcoming cruise to the utmost! Will be happy to hear about it when you return.

Thanks so much GAcruiser456 for answering Bellemere's questions. Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

happytotravel

Is anyone back from this cruise?

Would like to see a trip report with opinions of optional excursions.

Leaving soon for this trip.

Thank you.

Hi,:)

I'm thinking of doing this in 2017 and would also like to hear about the trip. Perhaps you can come back afterwards and give an account.

My husband and I did a Viking river cruise in China in 2007 and it was fabulous! We really enjoyed not only being in China but also the ship as well as the crew.

My husband has since died so I would be traveling solo this time. He was also Dutch so it would be great to get back to Holland for some wonderful memories of the times we visited together.

I'm presently getting ready for a transatlantic with NCL next week!

Enjoy your cruise,

happytotravel

The Laundry Dept does an excellent job. You will be fine.

Enjoy your cruise,

happytotravel

I've booked my air with NCL for years and have never had a problem. The seating on the airline really has nothing to do with NCL. I think you are blaming them because you only get your flight arrangements 60 days ahead of your cruise. But, that's unfair.

As someone suggested keeping looking up your airline in the event seating arrangements are available. At any rate enjoy your holiday!

happytotravel

Hi CP3o,

I downloaded the 10 day Escape MDR menu that someone on the board posted a link to and for the life of me I can't understand why some people make out that the food there is sub par. The food comes out of the same kitchen as does the food for the specialty restaurants.

The MDR menu is just as good and if you look at the desserts they are do die for. I've sailed with NCL many times and rarely have I been disappointed with a meal or a particular item. It is very difficult to please over 2000 or more passengers every single time.

At any rate wherever you eat I hope you enjoy your meals. And don't forget the buffet there are good items there too!

happytotravel

I think it's a wonderful idea!

God bless you.

happytotravel

I think it's a wonderful idea!

God bless you!

happytotravel

Yes, that's true at $50.00 per port.

have fun,

happytotravel

Hi,

I agree with Punkincc why waste your time on vacation getting a cut and color. If you want to get your hair done to look special for an evening fine. But other than that I would much rather enjoy the other parts of the ship and the activities going on. Get everything done before you leave and then just have fun!

happytotravel

Hi, cruising out of Auckland, New Zealand next Feb and returning from Singapore to Boston. Price is always a factor, but also concerned about the amount of stops and duration of time between flights. We have cruised over 20 times, but always made our own arrangements. Given the distance from home, we want to explore all options. Hoping people can share their own experiences with NCL air program. Thanks, Fred :):):):)

Hi Fred,:)

In over 20 cruises with NCL I've booked airfare with them 17 times. The other 3 times we were able to drive to the port. I prefer booking with them because they are then responsible for you if things go wrong somewhere along the way.

There has been a situation when we disembarked late in Miami because of a Customs delay and missed our flight. Phoned NCL and they put us up in a nearby hotel and arranged for a flight out the next day. They also picked up the tab for our meals and taxi.

I just feel better knowing I don't have to scramble on my own if something comes up unexpectedly.

happytotravel:)

As a solo cruiser and platinum as well I go to the latitudes person on board and they give me a second voucher without the wine option.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

Thank you Dennis,:)

I'll give that a try in April.

happytotravel:)

Hi All,

I agree that the spa pass is wonderful especially if you like things to be quiet as isn't the case around the pool outside. I was on the Dawn last April (12 day cruise) and it was well worth the extra money. I'm on the Star this April for 14 days and have purchased it in advance.

Have fun whatever you decide!

happytotravel

Yes thank you for making the clarification.

 

Also to the OP when I have been sailing solo I have been allowed to split my Platinum dinner over two nights. So you if you don't find someone to invite to dinner you can always go to a specialty two nights. Just one bottle of wine though. ;)

 

 

Rochelle

Hello,:)

Which ship was that on? Did you ask them at the time of your first dinner? I sailed on the Dawn last April solo and that option wasn't mention to me. I'm on the Star this April so it will be good to be able to have dinner twice at the Bistro or once there and other time at La Cucina.

Thanks,

happytotravel:)

Do any other cruise lines stop more than once in the Canary Islands?

 

When we did the TA on Star in Oct. 2015 we stopped in Ponta Delgada, Azores for just the one day (would have loved to be there longer). Most cruises that we've been on only stay the day in port although I know there are certainly some exceptions.

 

We all make choices based on what we want most...

Greetings,:)

I will be doing the TA on the Star in April. As of yet they don't have the excursions posted for Ponta Delgada. Did you do any excursions while you were there or did you just walk around town?

Looking forward to this cruise!

happytotravel:)

It's a flat iron for the hair ... I've brought them on other cruises and nothing was ever said.

Hi,

It first sounded as if you were speaking of an iron for your clothes. There should be no problem for an iron for your hair.

Have fun:)

happytotravel

Hi,:)

There will always, always be people who will nitpick about something. I think it just makes them feel "special?". The purpose of a cruise is to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. There will certainly be somethings one enjoys more than others but why not just report the fun one had, like you did DreamingBig1.

There is enough sadness in the world today that if we are so privileged to be able to get away on a cruise lets just have a great time. I think cruising is one of the most economical ways of vacationing. Try to do all you do on board on land and see what it will cost just for a hotel for a week forget about your meal!

Remember you can spend as much or as little as you want on your cruise.

Merry Christmas to all and a wonderful New Year as well.

happytotravel:)

First time cruising on Feb 28 on the Dawn ....

 

Easy question for someone.... other than for "budgeting" as NCL states in their definition, is there any pro or con of Pre-Pay Service Charges ? :rolleyes: :confused:

Hi,

Since you are from Canada are you being billed in US or Canadian dollars? If Canadian $ I would prepay as whatever will be charged once you are on the ship will be in American dollars.

If you are being now billed in US dollars and since the Canadian dollar is so low maybe it will be a good idea to pay ahead not knowing where our dollar is going. I'm from Quebec!

Have a great cruise whatever you decide.

happytotravel:)

Hi All,:)

I've shown the same problem since yesterday. My deposit doesn't show up. I just emailed my PCC and then found this post on the problem. I'm sure it will be cleared up soon.

Computers are great but not as infallible as we think! It always beneficial to keep all paperwork up to date.

Just got a reply back from my PCC as I am writing this and he says that my deposit is fine and sent me a copy of what he sees on his screen.

Take care,

happytotravel:)

I'm new to this. If I have already paid my final payment and we cruise in April, can we get the cheaper price when it drops? Should I call my TA who booked it?

Hello,:)

Hope you called your TA. I saw the price drop on my reservation for April and have also fully paid. An obstructed view was the same price as my inside so they gave me an OV. I'm happy!

Give it a shot

happytotravel:)

Thanks. It was worth asking the question. The best thing to do then is to invite someone along for the dinner and enjoy it together whether they are platinum or not.

happytotravel

Hi,

That's a good question. I was thinking the same thing so I hope someone has the answer!

happytotravel

Hi,

That's a good question. I was thinking the same thing so I hope someone has the answer!

happytotravel

Hi,:)

The first ship my husband worked on as a doctor was the Starward in August 1992. As one of the perks I was allowed to accompany him! It was the first time both of us had been on a cruise ship. We never even thought about what if we get seasick!

We were on for 4 weeks, then onto the Sunward, the SS Norway (she was a Queen!), Seaward as well as the Crown. He stopped working on ships in 1996. After that we began traveling as passengers in 1999 up until he got too ill to cruise in 2009.

We have super wonderful memories both as crew members as well as passengers.

I've been on this website for several years now but never checked out the "whatever happened to" before. Glad I finally did.

Cruising is certainly the way to vacation.

happytotravel:)

PS: The Starward is still with Louis Cruise lines