KiddieKruzer

Symphony without a second thought. Even through the ship is bigger with more passengers, it doesn't feel crowded.  Also more options for entertainment, food, swimming pools, and just an all around nicer (and newer) ship.  Only thing I didn't like was the wait time for the elevators (prepare to take more stairs).

When I was in a solo room on Epic in 2016 (so this may have change) there was always cold ice water, soft drinks, hot tea/coffee and snack available in the lounge (bar tender at times).  I believe the water and juices were always available. I would book a room closest you can get to the lounge if you think you'll be making mid-night runs.

What is the website that you used to prebook these tickets from Mestre - Trieste?

FYI-MCO  just posted they are closing operations as of Wednesday 4pm. Will open back when safe. 

53 minutes ago, doone said:

Great point, I was afraid there would be a lot of families onboard when I saw some of the entertainment options.  I think they are looking for a nice cruise to Bermuda without long lines not so many kids……

Then they should also look/consider Celebrity Summit to Bermuda

I specifically appreciate NCL offering this program to dependents. My military husband does not cruise therefore I could never apply any cruise line’s military discount, as the active member wasn’t in the room. It’s nice to see dependents being recognized as well! 

1 hour ago, purplecow15 said:

Does anyone know if this discount can be taken off already booked cruises?

It does not. I’ve been going round and round all morning trying to get it applied to a booking I made back in June for a sailing AFTER 1/1/2023. So you’ll need to cancel and rebook. Seems foolish to have to do it this way. Told terms are for bookings after 11/3. Luckily for me the price went down. If your price went up, May not be worth it (if over 10%). 
 

now I can’t rebook until my cruise next Crete are returned to account.   Silly. 

6 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

Biggest LOL post I have ever read...  Simple solution, DON'T PLAY!

We’ll no Sh*t. You’re missing the point of my post. Carry on. 

I recently played onboard and something dawned on me - it’s all electronically calculated - making it easily manipulated!  How does one know the $ value of a case isn’t truly assigned at time the final case is opened?  They know how many cards are sold, who holds a card with X amount of matches. Etc. That’s how they tell you how the audience is doing. 
 

on this one particular NCL game, the cruise line sold let’s say sold 200 cards at $35 each ($7,000 in sales). They gave back $1.00 from the “winning case”, 4 photos (worth Pennies), and 1 $ $50 winner. Later in the same week, the outcomes from the other games were similar. That’s CrAzY!  They are raking in the cash!

Same thing with ELECTRONIC bingo. At $50 a pack of bingo cards, Let’s pull some real balls!

Who audits these at sea money making scams?!?!  Playing odds Similar to the  slot machines in the casino I suppose 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve played this on NCL and during my last cruise something dawned on me - it’s all electronically calculated - making it easily manipulated!  How does one know the $ value of a case isn’t truly assigned at time the final case is opened?  These cruise lines know how many cards are sold, who holds a card with X amount of matches. Etc. That’s how they tell you how the audience is doing. 
 

on this one particular NCL game, the cruise line sold let’s say sold 200 cards at $35 each ($7,000 in sales). They gave back $1.00 from the “winning case”, 4 photos (worth Pennies), and 1 $ $50 winner. Later in the same week, the outcomes from the other games were similar. That’s CrAzY!  

Same thing with ELECTRONIC bingo. At $50 a pack of bingo cards, Let’s pull some real balls!

who overseas (pun intended) these at sea money making scams?!?!

9 hours ago, CT-Scott said:

Thanks for your input. What level were you on?

12. And I’ll agree with the poster above. It was only the first two days, then nothing the rest of the trip.  But it was not a vibration one could ignore - it was not light, and pretty concerning. Enough to make it impossible to sleep!

Be aware: the aft of Joy has a HORRIBLE rattle, shake, vibration - call it what you want. for two sea days out to Bermuda my entire room shook like a mini earthquake that kept me up all night long. Hopefully you don’t experience this. Also, it’s a Lonnnng walk from back of ship to front (observation lounge). I wouldn’t pick the back of that ship if I ever cruise her again 

I don’t believe there are casinos in Bermuda (you’re good there) and as far as cheap knock- off purses- this isn’t your typical Caribbean port. 

36 minutes ago, jancl57 said:

Thank you.  For an additional $700 it wouldn't be worth it to us.  Thank you again 

I’d like to know this too!  There is a great cruise I’d like to book solo for next summer but won’t do so bc of the deposit situation. Non-refundable deposit or pay more for the cruise. Yikes!  The cruise is already $3k!  I won’t do it, to risky.  Would love to know this answer 

What is the best way to search for cruises for “1” passenger?  NCL is easy because they ask for the # of passengers in the search field and spit you out the solo starting price.
 

But I find all other lines you have to create a dummy booking for any cruise you’re interested in - as all prices are shown as double occupancy until you dig deeper.  
 

Is there a site to search that has a standard field for one passenger that gives you cruise pricing upfront accordingly?

I’m super excited to hear the country band now!  It’s not every day you find a country band that plays the oldies!  To each their own, I guess. But I see this is a PRO! 

If your past final payment on the Joy, it would be a cancellation with the appropriate fees. Probably not a good idea and would put you way over budget in terms of overall cost to switch cruises. 
 

you can always call and ask what the repercussions are to switch.  

10 hours ago, Kenlorz said:

Thanks to those who already responded!

We booked this cabin for the large balcony (and bonus larger bathroom). 

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think these balconies are any bigger than the size on standard balcony rooms. The “larger” in the description describes the bathroom only. 

Sounds like an upgrade to me!  Own room and  (not stuffed in like a sardine). Not having to sleep in a pull out?  And STILL get Haven perks?  Sign me up.  It’s just a bed. 

On 7/18/2022 at 1:08 PM, pajazz28 said:

Also friend son is 6 years old traveling with us. How is June or July for Europe travel? 

 

 

The very last thing I’d do is take a 6 year old on a Med cruise - especially in the middle of a HOT European summer. And extra Especially,  if this is a “once in a lifetime trip” for yourselves.  
 

If they insist on taking him, be sure to make your own plans and reservations apart from your friends - because by day 5 they’ll be holding you back 😫.  

Question:  if I booked my room as a solo (not at 200% supplement) and I got an invitation to bid for an upgrade, am I still bidding at x2 or since I’m 1 person, the “per person” would be x1.  Example: min bid for suite $25 per person. If I bid $25 and win will I be charged $25 or $50?  
 

I'm interested in finding a hotel that includes parking outside of Manhattan, which will allow me to park my car for 8 days.  I'm looking to stay at a reasonably priced hotel and take the train into the city - driving in from the east. I do not mind staying a distance out and jumping on Amtrak.  Would prefer far enough out that the hotel wouldn't charge for the additional parking.  

Hard to tell what hotels are very close to the Amtrak stations.  Any leads?

p.s. Hoboken/Jersey City is too close - rates are out of my budget and these hotels being so close to the city still charge parking.

You’ll be surprised how many other solo cruisers there are. Attend the solo meet ups every night. Took my first solo at 45 and met so many people

of all different ages and nationalities. You’ll have more fun than you think (and I’m an introvert). Just booked my 2nd solo (now divorced) at 50. You have nothing to worry about and you’ll find the freedom you have to do as you please is a fantastic feeling!

If you’ve booked a (inside) sail away room, does NCL give you an opportunity to bid on an upgrade?  This is my First time reserving a sail away.