jaja

We have been in NCL suites twice... first time we did not use our butler much at all ..he was very very new..and seemed overwhelmed...and we really did not ask much...our second time...we loved our butler..he was very accomodating for the few things we required..but again..we did not ask for much..NEXT cruise..we plan on using the butler more..it is more port intensive and we may wish some meals in suite, extra snacks,etc....to make our days more relaxing...:D

(I always unpack and pack myself...! Just prefer it that way..)

We never asked the concierge for anything. (.but always tipped them)..as we know from reading here on CC...they do perform services we benefit from...ie ..priority boarding, tenders, etc..

After many Caribbean cruises, I often enjoy staying on board during port stays. No long walks on the concrete pier in the hot sun, no traffic to crowded beaches, no jellyfish, sea urchins or sharks to worry about in the empty pool. As you get older, the ship becomes more attractive on port days when you can relax in a nice lounge chair instead of laying on your towel in the sand. Lots more to do and eat on a ship than at a weeks stay in a Caribbean hotel. Plus the money you save on excursions can be spent in one of the specialty restaurants.

Yup---I also love to relax onboard...part of why I cruise is to relax!!!;)

On the Gem, Jenny is hotel director. Steve Knott is gone.

Any idea how long Jenny will be there.?.we are sailing in October...

Never sailed with her..any input;)

Quick question....what do you use the HD for? If you used them, how did they help?

The HD is the BOSS! (right there under the Captain;) who is the BIG Boss)....Many CC members have said that when there is a problem that cannot be resolved first by going thru proper channels /up the ladder in any particiular department--then the HD can be contacted and may be of assistance..

I have found that the best HD's set the tone for the ship...!!!! and that is why NCL is so good....;)

Does anyone know where Florentina is going?

A previous poster mentioned she was going home for a year...I believe

Ohhhh good to know as I will be on the Gem in May. Any one have reviews/experiences with him? (I will search of course, but thought I'd ask too.)

 

 

Interesting (I searched). Looks like he has previously been a bartender and butler. Good for him. I hope he enjoys his new position.

Would also love to hear ....though ..not sure he will be onboard..as we sail in October....:confused: (forgot how long contracts are for.._)

Great review..enjoying it....(you really seem to know what people want to know!)

Bumping up...so it does not get lost again...:D

Thought it time for a little bump :D

I do keep a packing list which I update after each cruise..(.as I often bring too much of one thing and not enough of another.):o..or needs to be changed depending on warm or cool weather..

Other useful things for me.....under bed..I have a box with my crusing items..with my packing list, extra travel toiletries, lanyard,travel mug,passport holders, etc,etc...... AND 2 large (8x12) vinyl envelopes one for cruise docs ,excursion info,etc and one for any general travel info incl print outs from CC about specific ports,etc.) for that particular cruise..and to keep receipts while on cruise.

Month before cruise I file all the info in envelopes and just slip them in my carryon..

I've heard that Dan "the man" is going to be the CD and Hugo will be HD starting in I believe it was Oct but I'm sure all is subject to change

And I wonder if Fire & Ice will follow him ....as they have done in the past (if Iam not mistaken)

Stumbled upon this thread..enjoying it...!!!

We do not skimp on our cabin..we book the best we can afford. DH spends a lot of time there..

I save "mad money" for months--to have a casino "kitty"--as that is my entertainment !!

We will not skimp on excursions IF we are in a port we have not visited before-or if it is something we really want to do ..and we will buy a piece of local art IF we see something in a port that we like.

We never skimp on tipping...and always buy insurance...

Thing we skip ... spa treatments , ship photos, bingo, art auctions , souvenirs . Just not our thing..

bumping up for any updates:)

I,too, have sailed both...and much prefer NCL and the Gem (though the Jewel is my favorite).....whatever you choose...ENJOY!!!

So even if I'm booked in a little inside cabin do I still have a chance of being chosen? I'm booked for a cruise on the Jade in March and am thinking of puting my name in. Since I'd be doing this alone, any more good tips besides letting the HD know at the m&g?

No difference if in an inside or solo...good luck:)

getting on the jewel today. It is our daughter's birthday and we are renewing our vows after 12 yrs so maybe we will be chosen!

have a great cruise!!!!!

The jewel staff is the best!

Although my DH is not that interested, I am so I think I will put our name in for next week. I think my 8 year old son would think it very interesting. My 7 year old daughter will just be there. :) Do any of the following things help or hinder selection:

 

Suite

Kids

When you put in name

 

 

Thanks for your help!

Suite or not...does not seem to make a difference.

Putting name in at M&G helps a lot!

Kids--don't know...have never seen any at two I was at

By the way what is the dress code for dinners with an officer? On other ships it generally is "formal".

On the recent Jewel... it was cruise casual -though I dressed up a bit..as I felt it was appropriate to do so...

Was on the sailing with Gregor4500....I also had dinner with an officer (in my case the F&B Director)....I had a great time...good meal and some very nice dinner conversation...:)

Glad for you :)

and well said..

"All companies have issues

Good companies address them

Thank you

They are great, but I've read on some recent threads that NCL has removed them from the MDR menus... :mad: (May still be available in the buffet...)

On our May cruise..the head chef told me "corporate" had removed the chilled soups from the menus:eek: He did not know why

Thanks for the GSC pics!

I do not think you can do two per cruise, but no harm in asking. Please come back and post if they allow it. I might consider doing that, too.

FYI--I called..she said only one :(

My sincere sympathies.....God bless..

I am not a big gambler, but each cruise a redeem 5000 points for $100 in slot play. I feel I get a lot of bang for my points that way as have a little fun on the slots and (so far) I have walked away from the casino further ahead than if I had taken $50 in OBC for my 5000 points.

I think that is what I am going to do :)

Question...can I redeem 10,000 for 2 slot play certificates??..