kcwingwalker

50! So looks like it's time to start thinking about getting serious and making a few lists:)

The "official" answer is no, but I have seen posts that say there are a couple of secluded areas outside that are sometimes used by smokers.

We are 50 days out and just checked rates. No much available and our price would be almost $2,000.00 more and NO UBP perk. I think we did well:)

I would go with the dining package. No matter the weather, etc. you will be eating.:)

When you are just positive you need more clothes, have an appointment to change your hairstyle..................maybe even brave enough change the color!

But a sure sign is when you finally recognize that friends and family have heard enough!

It really depends on what's important to you and your family. The Pearl is a great ship. I have not been on the mega ships by choice. And $1600.00 is a good chunk of $$$.

Either ship will give you a great cruise. Hard choices:)

I would renew the passport. If you think you might need your passport in the next few years, why not do it before it expires. You'll be ready for anything and no worries.

Renewal is an easy process and can be done online. You will have to mail the expiring passport, new photo and check. Your old passport will be returned to you along with a new passport. The process took me about 2 weeks.

My children live in Asia and Europe so I keep mine current. You never know when the unexpected will occur and not having passport problems is one less thing to deal with if there is an emergency.

Many times a passport can be your best form of identification.

I was happy with my PCC when we first booked. I have sent two unanswered emails, the most recent Friday morning. Are you able to request a new PCC after booking? I know you aren't able to give names but if you post an email can people on here recommend?

 

Thanks

Yes you can request a new PCC. I found my "New" PCC here on CC when several people emailed their recommendations. Good Luck:)

I never decorated, no extra room in my suitcase!

On our Jewel cruise we saw a door that was heavily decorated with lots of glitz and metallic confetti (lots) strewn in front of the door. One more thing for the crew to clean up and that's not fair.

The doors can be fun and it never occurred to me to "help myself"

A good PCC helps you before and after payment.

In 2015 I booked my upcoming cruise as solo with the UBP as my perk. Later I asked if I could include my son who wished to join the cruise later and disembark in Aruba. No problems, no extra charges and he gets the UBP. Last week he completely changed his plans and we are now past final payment. Again everything was smooth sailing.

My PCC was recommended to me by members on this board. If you start a thread asking for a good PCC responses cannot give out names and email addresses. So you'll need to provide your contact info and nice folks will email you. I use a disposable email address for things like this.

So glad the Dawn does NOT have the outdoor MegaScreen. I know some really do enjoy it, but with so much to do who needs to spend a lot of time watching TV?

All costs are fully disclosed.

 

Up front: gratuities on any dining or beverage package. Neither are required for crusing.

 

On board: a daily service charge for gratuities to the service staff.

 

You can do a zero balance trip other than that.

Agree!

We like to prepay the daily service charge. I have never received my final bill with a huge balance, usually well under $100.00. You know the little things you end up buying at the gift shop because you ran out or forgot to pack. On the other hand, DD loves the spa and was a cranky companion after she saw her bill.

Zero is the best:)

I'm adopting a new attitude for my upcoming cruise booked more than 18 months ago. We will eat when and what we want, if there are additional charges then so be it.

The MDRs and buffet are always there if I'm feeling cheap. But I will remind myself that I am enjoying a much needed cruise and will erase "nickel and dime" from my mind. We will have room service if and when we want it. A great cruise isn't entirely about price. It's also about rewarding yourself and your family.

It's unlikely that in the future I will be able to afford a 3 week cruise with a balcony given the current trends. But I'm lucky that I was able to get a great rate and beverage package (no 18% charge and discretionary service charge at the old rate). So I'm just going to enjoy myself.

If I find that the changes really are not to my liking that's not a problem. Lots of cruise lines to chose from.

Flame if you like, but please remember this is my choice. You are free to do what's best you.

Its fun and the food is good. But once is enough so no plans to go again.

Initially I did not like hull art, but over time it's beginning to grow on me. Still I don't have a favorite so I won't be voting.

We are table folks. It's nice to grab a snack or lunch and enjoy the view. We're usually there for an hour or so on sea days and have met many interesting people. Much more chatter at the tables and often if you have an extra chair or two someone will join you.

Thanks for sharing this. I can't believe Pink Squirrel is one of the drinks available. I'm sure my mother drank this years and years ago when I was young! :) I should have one on my next cruise for old times' sake. :D

Heather

Thank you for mentioning the Pink Squirrel and I'll definitely put it on my must try list:)

Thanks OP:)

Now with such a great list who needs excursions!

Can you have drinks (UBP) while you are using the Thermal Spa?

Makes sense that you cannot share one!

Too close for comfort.....................it's that simple.

Maybe I'm missing something, but this "plan" offered by NCL does not make sense. Is there more info about the situation?

Comfort Inn on O'Keefe, 2 blocks off Canal.

You need to check on whether Mardis Gras will affect you if you are going in February/March.

Luddite is right. Always book NOLA early and arrive the day before.

We can drive to NOLA in approximately 5 1/2 hrs with good conditions. BUT by time we hit Baton Rouge traffic can slow way down and what should then be a 1 hour drive to the port can sometimes be as much as 3 hours. It's not just Mardis Gras, but also events at the Superdome, highway accidents, fog, etc.

Have stayed at the NOLA Drury several times and can honestly say I do not like it and the Holiday Inn in the Quarter is downright scary.

We are being told that our cruise out of Seattle is being cut a day short and they are giving us $100 per room for this inconvenience. We just paid for an up sell yesterday and now all we will see is the port of Seattle. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of difficulty.

So sorry!

Did NCL give you a reason or the option of cancelling without penalty? I doubt NCL would give the option of cancelling without penalty since you must be close to sailing, but thought I would ask.

Has anyone sailed to Bermuda on the Dawn in October? I starting to realize it might be a rough ride.

The dividers are locked for the protection of passengers. So it's common sense that someone from the crew should open the dividers.

I've read on this board the dividers cannot be open while the ship is underway. Not sure if this is official, but it does make sense.