alibubba

We had 4 cabins and 12 of us for our 50th anniversary.  I booked them all in advance.  There was no problem.  We do like to eat early because we liked going to the early show, so that wasn't a problem for us.

We have loved every cruise in Europe.  Hoped to go to Australia/New Zealand this year and after trying to get  everything in to get the temporary visas just for New Zealand,, which we could never get accepted--picture too blurry, too close up, too many pixels, etc, even after trying a professional photographer, we decided it wasn't worth the hassle.  Nothing needed in the med.  Also, what others have mentioned-the time in an airplane.  We've been to Australia before and the air time is horrible.Would only do that in shorter stages at our age now.

Had to cancel our back to back cruises in the South Pacific and within 2 weeks had all we had paid refunded.  They are equally fast when they canceled our South American cruises during covid.  We love sailing NCL and they have been so reliable,, will definitely be looking to them for our next cruise.

Booked back to back which will take us to Australia and New Zealand, both of which need Visas.  Went to the suggested site NCL sent us.  Filled out all the paperwork and tried taking the pictures.  Paid the fee. Every time (3 now) the pictures are turned down.  It is supposedly easy to do,, but having no luck.  Also the copies of our passport weren't what they wanted.  Just about ready to cancel the cruise just because we can't manage the Visa part.  Any suggestions?

On 5/3/2022 at 5:33 AM, bookbabe said:

Has anyone in a Gem (or Jewel, or really any ship) suite with a hot tub on the balcony been told they couldn’t use the hot tub because of the weather or sea conditions?

 

We’ve booked a Panama Canal (Panama to NYC) cruise on the Gem in one of the DOS with the hot tub on the balcony, and before fully committing to the extra expense, we want to make sure that we’re going to be able to use the hot tub on the final two sea days on the way to NYC.  We did a trip out of NYC at the end of December many years ago, and remember pretty rough seas that first day.  This cruise is mid-February, so approx same weather maybe?  We’re Canadian, so don’t care if it’s cold/rainy out, the issue is more whether NCL will say no to us using it.  We know there are lots of times they close the main pools, but what about people’s balcony hot tubs?
 

Yeah, we realize that we won’t be able to use it if there’s an actual storm, but what about in normal winter weather conditions?  Anyone had a suite with a hot tub on a cruise to/from NYC that can chime in on the usability of it?  Thoughts?

We were on Gem March 20-30 out of NY to the Eastern Caribbean.  Had the three bedroom villa in the haven with private hot tub and sauna. Used it a lot, but could get windy and if weather was too bad, they emptied it so you couldn't use it.  Then refilled when safe.  So totally depends on what weather you are getting.

On 3/8/2022 at 8:38 AM, BarefootMom said:

So if we did 2 adjoining club balcony rooms we would not get lunch/dinner access that the suite has but would still get butler/concierge? I understand there would be a door between the two rooms to access, is there also a way that the 2 balconies would be able to be open to each other? 

I want us all to have the same "perks" so I do not think I want to do the 2 bedroom suite attached to a club balcony room.

I am also thinking that squishing into the 2 bedroom may still be ok - however that 1 small balcony is a little disappointing. Are the extra benefits of a suite (non-haven)over a club balcony room just the nicer designated breakfast/lunch places? 

 

thank you all!

We have done the 2 bedroom with children and it was fantastic, but would not work well with adults unless they are happy being very crowded at night.  A suite is super nice for the butler.  We never used the concierge.  We had almost every breakfast in our suite and plan on using our butler that way for our next cruise.  A regular balcony does not get you anything but a view.  If you can afford connecting aft suites you can get much bigger balconies and because they are suites, the benefits of the butler/concierge.  We love the Pearl.  Hope you can find what would be perfect for you.

21 hours ago, dcassetta said:

New to NCL so am not sure about options.  We do see the weekly thermal spa pass available for pre-purchase and I think we would enjoy the space, but not sure we would use it every day. Are day passes available, and if so what would we expect to see for price?

 

The would be on the Bliss for a March cruise.  I would guess part of the answer depends on how many guests are on the ship. 

Our first long cruise we got a spa pass and we are so sold on them.  If it is a short cruise with not many sea days, we don't do it because we are too busy.  We use the pass every day on long cruises, but especially on sea days. I always take in a book, have some of their great teas, read, nap, etc.  We totally love them.  Worth every penny.  Grabbed one as soon as they let us.

Thanks for the update.  We go in March and wondered whether Grand Turk would be open.

If book more than year out.  I have had tours get cancelled and I always get back the money within a week or less.  That included cancelled cruises and cruises that I went on.  I care more about getting what I want.  I am very particular.  All it took was one cruise when I first started where I couldn't get anything I wanted and I learned my lesson.  I am booked for all but one island on my March cruise.  Next I will start booking for my 2022 Dec. cruise.  I have only held off because I need to have more money available for the Dec. one.

My husband and I each bring a small fan on every cruise.  Never have had a problem..

3 hours ago, All-ready2cruise said:

Is your departure from Tahiti? If so, it's b/c of the regulations set out by that Island's govt not due to rules by NCL.  Most anyone can  do a deviation of 1-2 days either end of the cruise. 

 

@alibubba If it's been a while since you've booked the cruise, you may want to check out Tahiti's status. 

 

https://www.airtahitinui.com/us-en/french-polynesia-entry-requirements-air-tahiti-nui

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruises.  

No, we are doing back to back, so we fly in from Portland, Oregon then do the islands and leave from New Zealand.  Would love to get in two days ahead.  Will check again with our agent once we finish our March cruise and things may be more open.  Thanks for the advice. By the way, we lived in Guelph, Ontario for a year and a half while my husband was working for a company there.  Loved our time in Ontario.

On 6/28/2021 at 7:05 AM, 300dtc said:

People are talking about a deviation?? Is this something you ask for? How does that work? We are flying to lax from Pittsburgh to leave from San Pedro. Would they fly us in day before? Never used their air before. 

Depends on where you are going.  We were going to South America and there was no problem getting a deviation.  Now we are booked the South Pacific Islands in 2022 and said we couldn't deviate there.

Filled everything out and got the email from them verifying my email, but nothing had saved when I rechecked, so will do it closer to time.

We are booked on the Gem out of New York in March.  Hoping that is still going to happen.

Have never seen that before.  I will certainly continue to watch.  It would be the first time if we could. When I go to mine it says this:  

11 hours ago, AndyCapn said:

They advertise that you save $20 versus the onboard price. But there's no way to buy a pass in advance? 

I always book my excursions online, pay ahead and the cost is now taken off right when I book.  In the past it was credited after I took it.  When you miss an excursion because the ship does not go there, they reimburse you for what you paid on your daily bill.

Don't I wish they did.  I've been on many NCL ships.  We sign up for the spa every cruise where there are lots of sea days, but can never sign up until we get to the ship the day it leaves.  Usually they have a person in the waiting area before you board signing people up.  This is something we have wanted for years.  We sign up for all our meals and excursions ahead but can't do this.  Don't know what their reasoning is.

We are platinum also and we always book all our restaurants in advance on line.  As soon as we have booked all excursions and know what time we will be back on the ship, I plan out our dinners and make the reservations.  We tend to be early eaters and those times fill up fast.

3 hours ago, deefer said:

We are booked on a 12 day Cape Town cruise in Jan 2022.  Our plan is to get to South Africa 10 days before the cruise, do a Safari in Kruger Park and explore some of South Africa before getting on the ship.  
 

We have never been on a Safari before but our understanding is that the best game viewing is very early in the morning and at dusk.  These times will make it difficult to get a good safari experience as a shore excursion.

 

I am following this thread with great interest as would love to hear what others have experienced!

 

Fingers crossed that our cruise will be a go and I will be able to post a review 🤞!

You will absolutely love Kruger.  We stayed at Hippo Hollow and went out two days on Safari, saw everything we had hoped to and more.  Best trip ever.  Nothing to do with a cruise, but just wanted to encourage you on your safari.

Have sailed the Pearl twice, from Seattle to Miami through the Panama Canal and to Alaska with grandkids.  We loved it both times.  Have been NY to Bermuda and it was a wonderful, relaxing cruise.  Bermuda was amazing, weather was perfect in May and the port was so easy to get around and do things.  Have a wonderful trip.

Have two booked for 2022.  I am forever hopeful and if it doesn't;t happen, pretty sure we will book again for the next year if we are still in good health.  We do love our cruising.

After reading so many people having problems with refunds, we wondered if and when we would get one after getting our email saying they had cancelled our Feb. cruise.  So sad, we really wanted to go.  Absolutely amazed when we saw all our funds were returned 6 days later.  Certainly hope the rest of you have this kind of service.  There is no doubt we will be booking again as soon as we can.

On 7/8/2020 at 9:22 AM, KKB said:

DM75, DD22 & I  are cruising both the UK & an Eastern Europe itinerary in June 2022. (since our Med cruise was cancelled this June for DD's college graduation)

17 days total.

An OV is $400 more each for the 17 days.  (so $1200 total) 17 more sq. ft. 

We are active cruisers who spend little time in our room; there are also only 2 sea days total over the 17 days.

We did find our interior on the Breakaway the most cozy room we have ever stayed in (and there were 2 of us)

We are not getting the Free at Sea--it would run us $1300 more total. DM doesn't drink much & as port intensive as it is, we didn't think we could justify the extra cost. 

DM often arises before us, gets ready & heads up for coffee & walks around. 

I realize that only we can determine if the cost is worth it.

Can anyone share personal experience with 3 adults in an interior or can compare to OV size?

(our YA kids have done INT together on other lines but they weren't QUITE as cozy)

 

My husband and I and a female teacher friend did  the Hawaiian Islands on Pride of America in an inside cabin.  That was just one week, so not as long, but we were fine with it.  My husband always got up earlier and brought back goodies for us to have for breakfast.  We were never in our room during the day.  Only slept there late at night as we attended everything.  Could never have done this trip without doing it this way.  Well worth it.

7 hours ago, Samstress said:

Hey Alibubba.  I had the pleasure of spending some time in Oregon.  Mainly Portland, Eugene and Oakridge.  My husband was consulting on a fibre optics installation thru your state in 2001 & I travelled down from Alberta Canada to spend some time with him.  Beautiful place...love your big trees.  I do remember that Oakridge was in a downturn because of a forestry wildlife concern?  Hopefully that little town has recovered....it was very pleasant.  

Cheers

 

What a small world Seamstress.  We spent a year living in Guelph, Ontario 1990  because of my husband's work.  We loved learning all we could about Eastern Canada while we were there and did a lot of camping when we could.  My great grandparents had actually lived there and my grandparents were married there so we got to see where they lived.  I'm glad you like Oregon.  We absolutely love it.  Let's hope we all get to do this trip on the Star.