cruise4kicks

Just checked my planner for upcoming Ruby 12/16. Share is shown as $39pp.

Is the rate of $29 only available once onboard?

Great video! :')

I much prefer the architecture of the Escape to the Epic. The Epic is too inward focused. It's like being in a mall. The Escape gives a much better sense of being at sea.

Both have pretty much the same features and activities, just to differing degrees.

Not to mention the weird bathroom set-up on the Epic...

Moderno

Sorry to hear some haven't liked Harvest Caye.

We had a very pleasant time there last December. Plenty of chairs. One of our party really enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

If I required a service animal I would not consider taking that animal on a cruiseship. I can't imagine that a dog is comfortable in this environment and I'm sure the poor dog would be miserable. There are many land vacations that could accommodate service dogs and the dog would actually be happy. Sometimes we just have to make lifestyle changes for the benefit of everyone, including the dog.

I used to think the same thing. I talked to a blind man with a service dog on a cruise once and asked. He said that dogs don't get seasick, and that four on the floor is more stable than two.

Service dogs are trained to be around people. When they're "on duty," they have eyes for no one but their human and their well-being.

One of my favorite things about the Caribbean Princess is the Terrace Pool. The way Skywalkers Lounge is situated above, the Terrace is mostly in the shade. It's the only cruise ship pool (along with its sister ships) that I can enjoy without worrying I'll fry to a crisp.

Shaver outlet only in the bathrooms. That's pretty standard across cruise ships/lines. It's a safety thing... they don't want anybody electrocuting themselves.

They wouldn't give you the same perks you had on the Gem?!?!??! That's horrible by them and would really tick me off.

I'm willing to bet its a limitation in their reservation system. There is probably no way for the CSR's to override pacakages/pricing or to add promos retroactively.

For promos, all they would have to do is create a few new promo codes to apply to those who are re-booking. Not that big a deal, a supervisor task.

As of February, it was prime rib. Nothing to write home about.

I was booked on this cruise also. Called last evening and was told the perks would not carry over. I am losing my double points for booking more than 9 months out. Very disappointed about this. Working on rescheduling to a new date.

That bites. I'm sorry.

You have to wonder... Did NCL think about the negativity that would ensue by treating re-bookings as new bookings? It seems like it would have cost them little to carry over perks and points, in the interest of maintaining customer goodwill.

Quick question, do you tip as the Butler delivers things to the room (i.e. each time you request something), or just tip once at the end?

I just tip at the end of the cruise.

Some people also tip a bit at the beginning of the cruise. I've had a few butlers that made me glad I don't do that.

The regular coffee on Princess is horrendous. For a decent cup, you'll want the brewed coffee at International Cafe. You'll get that with the coffee card -- no charge, no punch -- unless you want to buy brewed coffee a la carte.

I called NCL to rearrange to take the breakaway for this Sunday and the only thing they had was the gty balcony. You lose out of all the perks, like the UBP and specialty dining with the gty. The UBP is another $1,500 for the week plus gratuity at 18% and the special dining. May have to plan for a different week. This was my 50th birthday cruise. So I'm pretty bummed out.

I'm sorry for you.

And PO'd. That was the part of the "offer" that ticked me off. IMHO, since NCL cancelled the cruise, they should guarantee your perks, not treat you as a new booking.

Inflatable neck pillow. Eye mask. Ear plugs. Benadryl. Lots of water. Lysol wipes. Zycam as a prophylactic.

I think the only question for the OP is ... <snip>how will you feel if, at the restaurant they say... " I'm sorry, you'll need to change your apparel or please go to different restaurant"

 

If you don't mind and won't be embarrassed being asked these questions, then just wear the jeans... however, if you think you'll be embarrassed... choose something else to wear..

Ditto this.

Log in. My two vouchers are listed in the left-hand pane.

The restaurant was about 25-30% full.I counted 14 empty tables for two and several larger tables. By the time weleft the larger tables were still empty as well as 6-8 of the tables for two. Ihave read about this enigma and have now seen it with our own eyes. We askedstaff about this inconsistency and always got answers that avoided thequestion, like talking to a politician.

Raleigh, my understanding is this has more to do with staffing than the availability of tables.

Inquire at the desk when you check in for your massage. I think I remember they automatically charge a gratuity (17 or 18%?). We usually round up if the service is good.

Beware the hard sell for products at the end of your massage! Some therapists can be quite insistent.

You might dangle a little bit of extra cash at the beginning of your massage, in exchange for them skipping the sales talk and instead using that time for massage.

Any updates on Breakaway Captain and CD???

Captain Hilden is one of the captains of the Breakaway, but I don't know when he's on/off.

Spirit 4/16-4/23/16

Captain: Peter (something?)

HD: Armando Da Silva

F&B: Carlos Dinis

Executive Chef: Matthew Cole

Restaurant: Martin Cliff

Beverage: Evaristo Lucente

Executive Housekeeper: Clyde Harbin

CD: David "Dave" Klooster (the man formerly known as "Dingo Dave")

Guest Services Mgr: Alfie Barrete

Group Services/Access: Shirlyn Valdez

Concierge: Patrick

CruiseNext: Luciano Cabral

Thank you, Mrs.C05, for the lovely review! Your Tommy did a great job with the upgrade and keeping the surprise! And, your Ethan is a real cutie!!!

I'd add just one more tip for those going to Dunn's River Falls, beside what you already mentioned (take water shoes!). Also take a little $$ to tip the waterfall guide. And, since you'll not be wanting to carry anything with you as you climb -- you need both hands to hold the person in front and behind you -- be sure to stick a bill somewhere on your person. (Ladies, you know where to put it. :cool:) It may be wet, but your guide will appreciate it nonetheless. I don't know if the same goes for Blue Hole, never been there.

Sorry I'm late posting this. Just got back Thursday from an extended stay in Florida. I've noted the changes I know about.

Norwegian Star: 2/28/16-3/6/16

HD: Ignacio Garcia. Leaving 3/13, replaced by F&B Emmanuel Kampanakis

F&B: Emmanuel Kampanakis

CD: Iain Bagshaw. Left 3/6, replaced by newcomer from Celebrity, Mark Thompson (?I think that was his name?)

Executive Housekeeper: Jude Pereira

Guest Services Manager: Michelle Taladhay

Executive Chef: Barrington Burke

Restaurant Manager: Marlon Bryan

Beverage Manager: Evaristo Lucente

Group Services Coordinator: Cindy Haw

Concierge: Roel Gonzales

Executive Casino Host: Shellyn Lacson

Our butler was Putu from Bali. He left on vacation 3/6.

Can anyone tell me the current concierge on the Star ?

Roel

I'm interested in the Star info too. Anyone know if Yannis is the HD?

Ignacio Garcia is currently HD, but will go on vacation this week and hand the reins to Manny, the F&B Director.