bedfordmom

Other than strolling around the shops, is there anything to see within that area. Also going on a Monday which I understand is another day that shops are closed. 

Funny on our TA Getaway our Cagney waiter insisted that we take the desert takeout even going as far to tell us that the cheesecake works best. I hated bringing back that whole plate and cover but really enjoyed it the next day for breakfast. 

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

NCL has an exciting Wave Season in 2024 😳🙄🫣🤔😧 ... Not  !!! 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruise-wave-season-sales-2024-8422894 

 

NCL risking to get whipped by price-competitive MSC in the NY market.  Lately, NCL's onboard experiences is not what it used to be.  I say better watch out, stock trends possibly showing the way ahead. 

 

Unless the "Price is Right" last minute, for us anyway ... @bedfordmom do check out those TA deals if you can fit them into the calendars. As frugal travelers, we stacked up the discounts plus FCC on top of CruiseNext DoubleUp and worked for us, again.  Then, the BOA card points for upgrades. Mrs is happy with a nice balcony, concierge and butler don't matter to us. 

 

Well, just can't convince DW to go on those Getaway winter runs with a planned Bermuda short stop. Oh well, leave my smoked salmon alone, given up on the greasy pucks. 

 

Pete, dress warmly for the trip over to Red Hook ... curious, how are you getting there - take a bus over VZB to Bay Ridge and then ???

 

Yes I am waiting for the WAVE perks from my online TA for the Escape TA before pulling the trigger. Though the price point is good the longer we wait the air goes up especially for the smaller BOS msrket. Realize that NCL will offer nothing so it’s a waiting game with the TA  

Looking forward to your review and analysis. You are so right about the lack of winter NYC routes. Did you take a look at Royal Caribbeans 10 day trips from Bayonne? Everyone in the metro Ny/NJ area had the same idea as they are either sold out. I on the other hand considering another  TA from NYC in the spring. 

also if you have a yearly plan like Allianz guess you don't have to worry about the travel insurance if you cancel. 

How does cruise insurance factor into booking far in advance. If you cancel don’t you lose your insurance?

On our last transatlantic we took three noon ship and two ship excursions. The only reason we took the ship ones  was to use up OBC. One ship excursion was horrible as the guide barely spoke English. The other tour was Ok  but did not compare to the three non ship ones. — Overlord (La Have) Hercules ( La Coruna) and. Ferreira ( Azores) all were excellent.. 

For those in steerage - in the buffet crackers may be at the soup section. If not ask at the counter. In the dining room ask for crackers with the cheese plate they may just bring individually packaged saltines but it’s better than nothing. They don’t automatically bring crackers. 

On our recent TA Getaway thought the once a day housekeeper went great with our amazing steward. This was in contrast to the 2/26/23 Getaway where it was a disastrous transition to go once a day where our sheets were never changed in 12 days or room vacuumed from the Caribbean sand. Perhaps I set my bar low after the first cruise. We gladly and generously tipped our steward this time whereas the first one in Feb was left with his hand out receiving zero. 

8 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Same premature-sized strawberries on the Viva out of Lisbon.

 

At least you received yours the first day. (Almost Sapphire) they forgot our strawberries. After being the run around  between housekeeping and Cruise Next had to contact the latter late the second day after a long  port day. Then two plates of small strawberries arrived day 3 or 4 in separate deliveries. Not sure it was overcompensation or related to. Club balcony. 

Thank you for letting us hitch a ride on the Prima. Hope all is well at home. Looking forward to your next semi live. 

1 minute ago, mking8288 said:

Our 3rd batch of free laundry is back, early, delivered by our steward this morning - our vacation hero on this cruise. No charge 👌

 

 

 

No basket?

I am a smoked salmon lover so my breakfast is only two of those bagels. If I want the special I will ask for one smoked salmon and another order without the bagel to ensure my daily salmon consumption. It was a sad day for me when they removed it from the buffet. It is available on the Haven breakfast buffet. Also Royal Caribbean had it in the buffet as recently as last November along with mini avocado toast. 

48 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Reviewing daily charges, credits, adjustments for surprises 🫣  Well, seeing none, looks like no refunds for missing Bermuda yesterday, 1 of the 3 scheduled ports of call.  

 

Imagine joining folks from other 1,400+ cabins to stand in line at Guest Services to ask and maybe get $10 credit p/p ... not worth it.  

 

Posting as informational only, in case someone is wondering about it.  Moving on. 

 

Go get your $10  as they are making it difficult which ensures an additional 30K ( 3000x10) for their coffers. When we missed DR it eventually showed up on account, I  heard they make you return upon debarkation to the desk for cash credit 

So sorry for the Bermuda miss. Did they give you the paid movies for free? My biggest complaint is that there is no schedule of free movies and the lack of movies in the theater on sea days. Also are you going home between cruises to pick up warm weather clothes?

Never understood the lack of gift shop items fleet wide.  Wouldn’t you think NCL would make a killing if they had decent items for sale?

9 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

More NCL consistent inconsistencies…

There were six of us on the Viva last night at Cagney’s using three Platinum vouchers and we all got two sides. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

 

Wonder it’s about cost cutting as well. Remember the days where we could order whatever so a bunch of sides  with main and that was it. At the beginning it was truly unlimited dining where we could eat each  night at a specialty .no extra taxes even on the drink package that lasted about six months in 2016 perhaps earlier. Oh I wish for those days back. 

Didn’t you used to enjoy breakfast at O Sheehan. ( aka The Local) Have you eaten there this trip?

Interesting about Cagneys in February the platinum voucher got us 1 app OR salad 1 main and 2 sides and 1 desert. This time we got 1 app 1 salad 1 main 2 sides and 1 desert for platinum We were so surprised not sure which salad or soup to get. It was same for FAS. 

41 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Casa China 2

Av. Infante Dom Henrique 7, 9500-762 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

 

Open daily, 10 AM - 8 PM.  Check & reconfirm hours ahead first, as winter & off-season and vacation closure are subject to change.  

 

We ended up buying closed to 100 € this afternoon with 2 shopping bags full of holiday gifts, lol.  These 220v to 110v outlet adapter is just 2.50 € each or about $2.75 USD+taxes, not easily found elsewhere & Amazon for much more.

 

USB charging port only puts out 1.5A, adequate for slow trickle-charging ..

 

Thanks much appreciated l. We missed it last month but will be sure to visit it if open next time.

6 hours ago, mking8288 said:

This is the local Dollar Store, unofficial stop for ship crews on the waterfront, 3 blocks from ship terminal. Largest collection of iPhones & Samsung smartphone cases. Shopping done for Susan, myself & our friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you remember the name of that store?

Our reservations were always honored for the main dining rooms on my recent Getaway cruise. Once they didn't think we had a reservation they said 30 minutes until they realized we had the reservation. If you want to eat early and don't have reservation show up at the opening of your preferred restaurant and you will most likely be seated immediately. I think as the night goes on until about 7:30 they get backed up if you don't have a reservation which they will hold for 15 minutes only. 

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

Trying to find them, no luck - will check to see if beans are in stock. First, we need a rest stop ... I break for good coffee when the smell is near

 

 

 

Yes, that's the same Alvin and he's gained a bit of bulk since we last saw him on the Joy / Getaway in 2022 ...

Oh my, he joked eight months ago how he had gained some girth.  He must really like the food. 

26 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Ran into Alvin, CD

Is that the same Alvin from the Getaway. Wondered what happened to him as Paquito  was The CD on that ship last month. 

51 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

Two...strawberries, or orders?

Two orders lol