CruzCra-Z

On 11/13/2023 at 11:39 AM, Methuselah55 said:

Hi

We're travelling from the UK in May 2024 and are looking at staying 3 nights at the Days Inn by Wyndham; have you stayed there yet and would you recommend or not?

Thanks

Sorry for the delay but, yes, we did stay there and I would stay there again. The price was good, location was excellent.  There are restaurants and a pharmacy/store within walking distance. The port was also within walking distance. It was a short walk with our rolling suitcases the morning of embarkation.

We exchanged some money at the airport and took the public transportation (Canada line) to a stop very close by the hotel. Can't remember the name of the stop off the top of my head but I have it written down somewhere. The hotel is a little older by some Americans standards but I liked it a lot. Very "comfy" and the room was clean and had everything we could possibly need. You can even leave your luggage there if you arrive before check in time. 

We loved Vancouver, so beautiful. Next time we hope to spend more time there. So much to do.

On 11/5/2022 at 2:57 PM, The Traveling Man said:

The only other thing I can think of that might be different would be the seat assignment process.  When we booked through NCL we received a voucher which we then exchanged for our actual ticket.  When we were picking up our assigned seat tickets from the railroad agent, it seemed like many of our fellow passengers did not realize that they could request specific seating, so many of them ended up with backward facing seats, obstructed views, or seats on the less scenic side of the rail car.

was there any charge for the seat choice?

We're booked at the Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown.  Have not stayed there yet but I did a lot of research with recommendations/reviews and proximity to port. We'll take the rail there from the airport and can easily walk to the ship in the morning. Might be worth checking out for you.

On 2/24/2023 at 12:52 PM, AusWeav said:

We're very bummed about this.  We're cruising on May 24th and were looking forward to the Inside Passage as one of the highlights of the trip! 

I saw online that the Spirit is an older ship and it may have something to do with the emissions - but wouldn't they have known this earlier?

I saw this as well.  The newer ships aren't cancelled because they have cleaner emissions.  I'm sure NCL knew this well in advance since I've seen mention of it from over a year ago.  I'd like to think that they've been in some sort of negotiation or maybe trying to make the older ships "cleaner' but seems like this itinerary was deceptive. It definitely would have been something that may have caused me to book a different date/ship.   Someone mentioned icebergs but people who are booked in July have also received these emails... I can't imagine they proactively try to predict icebergs that far ahead of time. 👀 They should just come out and be honest. I'm fine... I'm going to enjoy my cruise anyway but don't like the vagueness of the itinerary change reason. 

51 minutes ago, cb2367 said:

Over the years that I've been cruising with NCL, I've typically had an NCL consultant to call with questions, rescheduling, or booking a new trip. Those consultants have come and gone from NCL.

 

I got in contact with NCL before my last sailing on Prima to schedule what I thought would be my next cruise for April of this year. I ended up having to cancel. About a month or so ago, I got a call from the same consultant I spoke with previously informing me about a promo that NCL was offering.

 

I spoke with the consultant for a while and booked my next trip. Once the confirmation was sent, I didn't hear from them again despite calling and leaving messages to ask about details on my current reservation.

 

Just wondering if most here work with a travel agent or just call into NCL and speak with whoever to book or ask questions about their reservation.

I've always booked everything myself but recently started using a TA.  Only because she gives me OBC and always can get me a lower price than what I can find due to her agency group rates offered. Good luck and have fun booking whichever you choose.  

just received and email from NCL that my may cruise has changed out Inside Passage Day to an "at sea" day. It said "Norwegian Spirit will no longer cruise the Inside Passage."  No further info...  Does anyone know any reasons why? 

for me Carnival has been an inexpensive vacation (with kids) with ports that I can drive to. Now that my children are getting older and my husband and myself are cruising without them different cruise lines will better suite our interests. I have NCL booked for Alaska and plan to book northern Europe on NCL as well.  Virgin is another that is next on our list to try.... If Carnival would stop raising their rates we would probably use them more but after this year I'm not sure how often we will.

On 10/12/2022 at 4:46 PM, Denise T said:

A little bit more about my trip. My sister and I are in a balcony club suite on deck 11 aft. My sister gets claustrophobic so a balcony it is. We chose not to upgrade because we are happy with what we have. No Haven for us as we are just not interested in it. Our goal is to relax and enjoy ourselves. We will do our best to avoid very crowded areas and take the stairs mostly (I am a diabetic so I try to walk as much as I can). If necessary, we will wear masks as I am considered high risk (I am fully vaccinated and boosted and already had COVID). We may come down with COVID as we will be going through airports and such and if that happens, it is what it is. 

 

We are booked for Cagney's and La Cuchina. We plan to try the main dining rooms, the buffet, Lotus Garden, and O'Sheehan's. Will we be able to see the Eagle's game on Sunday or a Phillies game, who knows? I would like to get a massage and perhaps I will set foot in the gym. Since my sister and I are such workaholics, we are going to attempt to be as unstructured as possible. Will it work? Let's hope so. 

 

We will be in Boston tomorrow and I will try to get some pictures there. Looks like rain, so we will play it by ear. We may be sailing out on Friday in a thunderstorm! 

 

Stay tuned for more!

I've cruised several times this year and always have a mask with me. I also avoid the elevator unless necessary and wear a mask in it if I do take it. I wear a mask in a crowd and move if there is coughing. The moving thing I did pre covid anyway.  We all do what we have to for our own piece of mind.  Have a wonderful trip.

6 minutes ago, Fartlek said:

Took the bus.  It is exactly the same route and about 1/3 to 1/2 the time.  The bus also leave at much better times and is very reasonably priced.  

Thanks but looking for train input. Glad it worked well for you.

On 10/10/2022 at 12:09 PM, thespartyof3 said:

Going on Breakaway 12/30 out of NOLA. We will be arriving in New Orleans late on Dec 28. First time in New Orleans. 
 

I normally never book pre/post cruise stays with the cruiseline. I was quoted for the Hilton Riverside from NCL directly which included the transfer to/from the airport. The rate was very high as they charged in full for my 2 year old?!
 

I’m a flight attendant and between airline discounts and my husband’s points he banks for all his business travel it’s not worth it for us to book via NCL. My only obstacle is how to get from the airport to the hotel without a car seat? NCL says we do not need need a car seat and/or they would take care of it if we book through them (we will use NCL shuttle though to go back to MSY after we disembark the breakaway). 

I can book the Hilton Riverside on my own as well as other hotels near the port. I am leaning towards the Embassy Suites located on Julia St (same street where the port is). From Google earth I don’t think walking to the port makes sense with luggage? Friends say staying in the French Quarter is a must? 
 

Is it worth booking with NCL bc of the airport transfers? Not interested in lugging a car seat. I know there’s a cheap airport shuttle service advertised on the MSY website but it doesn’t operate at 11:00pm (when we land). Other private car services are quoting me $110 USD just from airport to hotel? Thought about renting a car but then have to deal with the logistics of returning it? 
 

Would appreciate any tips on hotels/getting to the port. 

 

 

We prebooked a cute place in the French Quarter after reading reviews a travel site. Took an uber from the airport and saved lots of money not doing it through cruiselinge. We didn't want a big hotel.  We wanted authentic french quarter vibes.   Best pre-cruise stay we've ever had.

Has anyone ever taken the debarkation scenic Cruisetrain  from Seward to Anchorage after their cruise? I can't find that much feedback on it.  What sort of timetable it is? how long it takes.  I have my airfare through NCL so I won't know for a long time when my flights are and was wondering if I should pre-purchase this now to ensure it is an option for us later.  I'd much rather do the train to Anchorage than a bus.  Any input would be great, thanks.

On 7/25/2022 at 11:04 AM, pisces223 said:

Horseshoe Bay Beach last Wednesday (July 20) $70 for two chairs and a "tent". They called it a tent, but it was just one of those 4-cornered canopies that you see vendors use and at craft shows, etc. The line was incredibly long. The beach was packed. The 6 different lines at the refreshment station had no signs (food/drinks) at all. One person waited in a line for 35 minutes, only to find out that the line was for drinks and she was ordering food. If you were only one person and needed to order both food and drinks, you would have to wait in each separate line, for maybe 30+ minutes each. Then the wait for the food was over 40 minutes. I lost my Maui Jim sunglasses in the breaking surf! 😞 Otherwise, it was a great day!

are people allowed to bring there own umbrella. I have a nice compact travel umbrella and prefer it. Thanks

22 minutes ago, Daddyfto said:

Yes they work their tails off and  almost all are awesome ...but pick one ...Prepaid Gratuities so its fair for all or grease the skids to the crew that are part of your cruise

and why exactly does anyone need to pick just one? (although I must say I have no idea what "grease the skids" means) I love to tip extra. If you're not an extra tipper then that's you.  Enjoy your cruise either way.

On 7/25/2022 at 12:00 PM, InNeedOfSaltWater said:

I'm a noob this will be my first time on a cruise (not even booked yet) as well as snorkeling.. So be gentle please.. 

 

I have watched a lot of YouTube videos about half-moon and one if them was going over all the excursions. He mainly talked about the horse one and said that you don't have to worry because they take very good care of them. 

 

My question is about the stingrays.. I know they are netted off to keep the other sealife out.

 

But are they kept in that netting their whole lives and fed by local staff?

 

Or are they 'wild' but trained to come into the netting area for the snorkel adventure every day because of feeding?

 

Depending on the answer I may not do it,  I already bought my snorkel gear (except fins) so I may just do my snorkeling at the beach.. And no I will not be venturing off to do reef snorkeling, I'm not that adventurous. 

I did the stingray excursion my first trip to HMC.  If I could do it over I wouldn't book an excursion at all.  The beach is perfection and I felt the excursion just cut into my relaxation time.  

-I wanted to add I don't do horse excursions either.  One thing I didn't like about the ray excursion is all of the lifting of the ray(there were only 2 or 3 I think)  out of the water for photos, kissing and yes some people licked them, all encourage by the staff.  Just didn't sit right with me, it felt wrong.

I've only played deal twice and both times I won more back than I spent on it. Not to mention the enjoyment. It's entertainment.  Same with Bingo.  I highly enjoy it and have won 2 large bingos. It's fun....  If you don't want to risk your money just watch or do something else. 

On 6/26/2022 at 10:28 AM, Purvis1231 said:

We just got off the Breeze, we noticed the elegant night dress code was not enforced in the anytime dining room- cannot speak to the set-time. There were ball caps, cowboy hats, jeans, and shorts.  But with that said most people followed the dress code.

I wish carnival would get rid of elegant nights and instead make the steak house have "super elegant" night for those who want to dress up. I think it's a shame that some people pass up eating in the MDR on these nights because of the recommended dress code. Let's face it Carniva'sl elegant nights are really anything but so why have them in the MDR.

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Has anybody recently cancelled a NCL cruise without reason (i.e. let's just say plans change, nothing health/Covid related, etc.).  Assume no insurance.  Has NCL refunded your taxes and port fees?  Thanks.

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3 minutes ago, martincath said:

It's almost certainly not - like many local hotels, their online booking only opens 11 months ahead, so if you are trying for late May you'll need to come back maybe next week? Or you could call them and ask - freephone anywhere in North America on 1 800 663 1424

that makes sense, thank you. I didn't even think about that.  I had a little panic for no reason. 

2 hours ago, martincath said:

Since you name-checked me @Urban trekker Dennis I'll respond...

 

+1 to what Dennis said 😉

 

But if they're both in your price range, you'll get even better value at lower price in the YWCA Hotel around the corner from Blu - their new tower is even newer than Blu, their prices lower, their practical facilities (laundries, kitchens) better, and profits go to a charity. You're obviously not brand-loyal given the comparison between HI and a Hampton family hotel, so unless you feel the need for the extra fripperies that a trendy hotel will offer over a basic one, swap to the Y unless it's sold out already - savings will help you make use of all those extra dining options nearby!

does anyone know why the YWCA would be booked for the entire month of May 2023?  If there is a big event in town then I guess I need to start looking and booking...

I've cruised twice since April. There was an appetizer, Cured Salmon with candied tomato.  It was just melt in your mouth tender deliciousness.  I'm hoping they still have it when I cruise again in sept.. 

On 6/9/2022 at 4:48 PM, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

We take the at home free test before going to Walgreens for the test. This way we have some assurance we will pass. As for covid19 spreading fast on the cruise ships. I personally have not heard that anywhere other then on CC.

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11 hours ago, momin05 said:

Are the hang tags still working?  They were supposedly doing away with them in June. We love the hang tag and it is the last thing we do at night before we turn out the light. Just a silly routine but my daughter likes to take our order and fill out the tag. It will be awesome if they still have it. 
 

and I am glad to hear about the food quality. And thanks for the tip on the beef tenderloin!

 

(I really hate to hear about the smoke though. Grrrr.  I also wish they would realize that smoking is not a thing in any public place any more.)

we were on the Magic last month and the non-smoking Casino was an absolute joy.  I spent more time there than I ever have. Also speaking to the staff they loved working there. I just can't deal with the smoke or the people who will sit right next to you with their cancer stick right under your nose.  It's just not polite... So hopefully the future is more non-smoking options.

I've always booked my own cruises online. I love the research and comparison part of planning a trip.  This will be my first trip on NCL and someone to me that I should consider transferring my booking to a travel agent. I'm not asking for any recommendation, I know that's not allowed and I have someone in mind. I'm just curious to hear from someone who's done it.  Did you think it was beneficial and worth it?  Thanks

8 hours ago, disneylover89 said:

I had family who traveled from Seattle to NY and they had an 11:45pm flight out of Seattle. They took the NCL tour that took them around Seattle and they arrived at the airport about 1pm and sat around the rest of the time.  Personally, I would have booked a day room near the airport and enjoy the pool and nap a bit.

a day room is such a good idea. I know some airports have room areas you can book as well. Don't know about Seattle Airport.

14 hours ago, cruiserchris613 said:

I called the number found in the vacation summary under the Air, Hotel, Transfers tab - "For customized air arrangements, call 1-866-625-1163" and was able to secure a +2 day deviation when I was 110 days out.

 

 

 

is there a limit on how early you can request a deviation.  I just booked for May 2023 and would like to fly out a day early.  Thanks for any info this is my first cruise with NCL.