anyman

1 hour ago, Portia! said:

Hi,

I've participated in this event on the Escape, Bliss, Joy and Prima. It varies a little bit on each ship and also depending on what is going on that day (like available venues). Typically there are four tasting stations set up, each from a different wine growing region, with a sommelier pouring samples of wines available on board. Usually they each have a white and a red to sample. You are given a glass and allowed to roam between stations. They pretty much just pour a swallow or two of each wine. There are breadsticks available as palate cleaners, water for rinsing glasses, a small pad and pencil for note taking.

On the Escape it is sometimes in the Brew House, sometimes in the space between Moderna and Cagney's. Usually you are allowed to roam between stations, chatting a bit with other passengers and the sommeliers. Very pleasant. Once when I did it we were assigned to four groups and had to stick together. Which meant slower groups help up faster groups etc. Not the best experience since there was a bit of friction between groups.

On the Prima, it was held in Onda and we sat at tables. Two tasting stations were in the back of the restaurant and two in the front. We formed lines to get wine then returned to our tables to sip. As with many Prima experiences, the venue was too small for the activity. It was OK, but more time in line than tasting wine.

On the Joy, it was held in the Mondavi wine cellar. Sounds like a great idea, but on that very crowded ship they held two events and both were super crowded. So we stood in a large group and the sommeliers went around pouring samples. It was a bit difficult to know what you were drinking and impossible to talk.

On the Bliss, it was held in the Cavern Club and the least busy event I've attended. Four stations, friendly sommeliers and fewer than 20 participants. Met some nice people comparing thoughts on the sips of wine.

Overall, I enjoy it. Sometimes more than others. Overall, a nice chance to try wines you might not otherwise, which can improve your total experience as you order new wines with dinner etc. Nice chance to talk to the experts and meet other wine loving guests. For those on the drinks package it might not seem worth it, of course.

 

Done three of them, but really can't add to your concise description of how they work. Thanks.

39 minutes ago, hairychick said:

How about the shuttle back, from the port back to the airport, Was that also included?

 

If the flight was booked by NCL, it was.

2 hours ago, shipmate13 said:

My daughter and son in law are flying from Scottsdale to Florida to take a cruise out of Port Canaveral with us in March. They added airfare through Norwegian when they booked the cruise.  They received their email today with the PDF file for their air flight.  Norwegian has them flying the day before the cruise and arriving in Orlando at 530pm the night before the cruise.  Because of that, they have to find a hotel to stay at and then pay for transportation to get to the cruise pier which I believe is about an hour and a half away.  I guess I am a little taken back at Norwegian for doing it that way.  I would think that they would be a little more accommodating and have their passengers fly to the airport CLOSEST to the pier and not a whole day before making them find a hotel and transportation too.  

Am I missing something???? Not being nasty about Norwegian as I like the cruise line alot but I am a little confused on this one.  Maybe taking flight arrangements through them was not a wise decision.  Lesson learned.  

Every flight that I've been on, that was booked by NCL included the Shuttle from the airport to the port. Thinking there may be a plan here that NCL just hasn't told you yet.

On 11/10/2022 at 7:27 PM, jbcallender said:

OK, good.  Did not want to break that to the DW!

Understood.

9 hours ago, jbcallender said:

Any idea which cabin?  I'm on Spirit next week on deck 10.......

Jeff, Fox News just did a small piece on this. Says she fell from the 11th Floor.

1 hour ago, anyman said:

Jeff, traveling this week, but wife knows all about the machines (must be all those years at Barney’s, Starbucks and Macys). The last three cruise, we had them and she made coffee every day. We were in Haven, so she was able to get just about any kind of flavor coffee pod. I’ll get back to you on what she says in a few days,

 

Al

Ha, looks like I’m wrong. Just talked with wife and it is just a shot machine. Seems she was getting steamed milk from the butler every morning and was making lattes for herself, and ordered my  coffee at the same time.  If you’re in a penthouse unit, just order a large coffee delivered to the stateroom every morning.

2 hours ago, jbcallender said:

So I gather that you can only get an espresso from the machine?  I can't make a cup of coffee with it?

Jeff, traveling this week, but wife knows all about the machines (must be all those years at Barney’s, Starbucks and Macys). The last three cruise, we had them and she made coffee every day. We were in Haven, so she was able to get just about any kind of flavor coffee pod. I’ll get back to you on what she says in a few days,

Al

9 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Yes, they use original pods.

Hey Keith, how you doing?

Al

14 minutes ago, podgeandrodge said:

Was it always a requirement to take your glasses off (prescription) for the security photo - I don't recall this before.  Seems over the top if that's what you are going to be wearing all the time, not like sun glasses.

I was told it had to do with glare, and that many people now use the transition glasses that get darker.

In reading this thread and barring any changes that may be on the horizon, it looks like on the NCL Spirit, which is going from Hawaii to Tahiti all have to test, as that is a US embarkation, but the reverse cruise from Tahiti to Hawaii doesn't. Am I understanding this right?

My cousin is on a Viking River cruise right now. He's heard it will be official in a few days. Just as long it's official by July 12th, we're happy.

5 hours ago, GoGAdawgsWin said:

Hi,

we’re considering a package deal from Viking for the 7 day Amsterdam-Basel cruise in late October 22.  Our first river and international cruise.

the deal includes airfare.

anyone have experience with included air particularly these questions-

1.  We live in Atlanta and have daily non-stops to Amsterdam.  Are we most likely to fly non-stop?  Really don’t want the 30 hour 6 stop flights I see on kayak.  
2. I realize the included flight is basic economy,  do you still get free check bag?

3.  If on Delta will my status help with seat selection if booked through Viking?

4. is it possible to arrive a day early on included air and not use Viking pre cruise package?  I’d like to get in a day early and tour Amsterdam on my own and acclimate to time change.

 

thanks and safe travels,

 

Can give you a part answer. We're on the Basal to Amsterdam in July. We are flying out of Daytona on Delta to Atlanta, connecting with a Delta direct to Amsterdam, returning from Basal on a KLM Hopper back to Amsterdam, doing the reverse, non-stop to Atlanta. I'm Silver and had given Viking our numbers, but the reservation shows up on my Delta account. It does say not eligible for comp upgrade. Was able to select seats, with no issues. Did not try to pay for an upgrade, but the reservation only gives me the option to upgrade the Daytona to Atlanta and the reverse. We are happy where we are, and if I could upgrade to Comfort, I'm not too sure it would be worth it. the last two times we flew Delta to Europe, we did, but felt it really wasn't worth it cause we slept most of the way going, and watched movies returning. Same meals, and even the drinks were free. But there is more leg room in comfort. You can ask Viking about extending either pre or post, I'm pretty sure that's allowed.

12 minutes ago, Redsky5292 said:

Yes you do but if your room is on the other side of the ship than the statue you won't see her from your room.  You would need to go up on deck to do so.  I've sailed the Breakaway twice out of NY with the same ports.

But you'll get to see her on your return to NY.

1 hour ago, joyy7403 said:

The officers haven’t been attending because of Covid. Hopefully we’ll see them soon! Someone in your roll call group has to organize the Meet & Greet, the ship’s crew doesn’t.

On the Getaway, last October, out of Rome, to Greek Isles, there was no Meet and Greet. On the Escape out of Port Canaveral in December, we had a M & G and the Hotel Manager, Head Chef, and other Food & Beverage people all showed up.

3 hours ago, Andros said:

We are booked on the Nov. 27,2022 sailing of Getaway.  Went to look at our cruise today (something I do often to check prices) and it has dropped off the NCL website.  In your experiences what can cause this to happen?  From reading these boards most say it is either fully booked or chartered.  Anyone know anything about this sailing? 

When I look on another agent's website, what I see is the Getaway is moving to Rome mid Nov, then to NY on 11/27. But when I go to NCL, nothing is shown for Nov, so who knows.

11 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

 

This quote from the piece you cited is absolutely hilarious and exposes this source's ignorance:

 

"The Probability of Bankruptcy SHOULD NOT be confused with the actual chance of a company to file for chapter 7, 11, 12, or 13 bankruptcy protection."

To say that something called a "probability" is not an "actual chance" flies in the face of the definition of the word "probability". The definition of "probability" is the chance or likelihood that an event will take place.

 

Then of course in the next sentence they say what they really mean...that "the company is having difficulty meeting its current financial obligations...".  Wow, what a revelation that is... every cruise line is in the same boat. 😁

 

We really needed these guys, whoever the heck they are , to tell us that .

 The possibilities of a Chapter 11, or even a 12 should not be fearful to people. There both avail the company the right to reorganize while staving off the hounders for payments of debt. The key to a successful reorganization is whether the company has a future. I believe in NCL, I believe in the Cruise Industry.

On 12/28/2021 at 7:03 AM, AnitaVacation said:

Also, is this number total passengers and crew or just passengers?  The capacity for this ship is 4266 passengers, 1733 crew for a total of 6000 souls.

 

Just trying to figure out what percentage ships are sailing at now.  I can imagine that since re-opening and covid numbers were going down and onboard cases were dropping and confidence was high, the percentage went up...but now, with another surge upon us, will these numbers be reduced?

I was told a max of 60% by the Hotel manager.

On 11/16/2021 at 12:44 PM, jbcallender said:

Has there been a response from NCL yet?  We are on Spirit in November 2022, obviously  if we can't go to Bora Bora, thats a problem and possibly merits some credit?

 

Sounds like Windstar and Gaugin have been doing some lobbying.

The Spirit is under the 2500 mark, so if the ruling holds Bora Bora is the only concern at this moment. From what people are saying about not much to do there, the Island may not have  excursions, or maybe they will allow morning excursions and afternoon excursions, who knows.

1 hour ago, OurAnniversary25 said:

I'm wondering if that is only the Epic or if they have changed policy since I sailed on September 13.  I made the arrangements for our Meet & Greet on the Getaway.  They did NOT set up any refreshments, but we did still meet the heads of departments.

Who did you contact on the Getaway?

I found an article from Forbes, dated August 31st, and it says that the Italy's latest edict on Covid was till October 25th. Has anyone heard that with cases going down, that they might lessen the "bubble" restriction?

Italy Announces New Covid Restrictions For U.S. Travelers (forbes.com) This was dated August 31st.

4 hours ago, toddw2u said:

If you like wine, I'd also highly recommend the Cagliari wine tour.  The winery was absolutely beautiful.  On the way back to the ship, they brought us to one of the "rocks" of Cagliari, which afforded a spectacular view of the city on one side, and the wildlife refuge on the other, where the pink flamingos nest.  Our guide, Fabio was entertaining and informative.

This is the only one available for us on the Getaway:

Countryside & Wine Tasting

Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

After a relaxing scenic ride through the lush Tuscan countryside, you’ll arrive at the estate of one of the area’s renowned wine cellars. You’ll tour the winer ...

9 minutes ago, toddw2u said:

Just disembarked the Epic yesterday in Civi.  IN Naples we did the Spacca Napoli tour.  The tour consisted of a bus drive around the city which was informative as well as a walk down the Spacca Napoli to a pizzeria for folded pizza.  If you have ever been to Napoli, specifically the Spacca Napoli, it is a crazy, crowded ancient street.  We really enjoyed it, but there was no chance of maintaining a bubble in that environment.

 

In Livorno, we did the Tuscan countryside and wine tasting.  A bubble was enforced quite strictly, as the tour consisted of a visit to a winery about 30 minutes from the port, where tables were set up socially distanced and wine and some cheese and salami were served by 2 masked winery employees.  The wine was very good as was the olive oil (we had a case of each shipped home).

 

 

thanks for your comments.. We also have the Tuscan Wine tour scheduled and we are really looking forward to it.

3 hours ago, Shellbelle28 said:

NCL doesn't provide any recommendations of which test to use, they just say "Norwegian Cruise Line will assist with applicable expenses related to any mandatory quarantine that are not covered by a guest's travel insurance only if the guest provides proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours prior to their sail date. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours of sail date must show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible." This is the purpose I'm using this test for. 

 

Many airlines are partnering with Emed.com for international travel testing, but you should do your own research to be sure. 

So is the home test kits an antigen test, or PCR test?

On 9/9/2021 at 6:07 PM, Shellbelle28 said:

There has been a lot of conversation on the roll call for the 10/24/21 sailing of the Bliss about testing (that meets NCL's standards of time and identity verification) done before traveling to the port to go through NCL's pre-boarding testing. Those in larger urban areas are fortunate to have good options, but rural and smaller suburb dwellers have limited options. In my town, most testing locations are only doing tests for people with symptoms or who've had exposure. The only places that will do testing for travel are Walgreens and Rite Aid and they don't promise how fast results will be or that there will be appointments available when you need them for your travel timeline.

A couple of our roll call members have purchased Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test Kit from Emed.com. This kit lets you do documented tests with verified identity and supervision by a certified tester online from your home by video call. The results are available in Abbot's app called Navica and you also get a PDF result document by email. (I'm hoping it has a QR code that I can scan into my Common Pass app so I'll have the test and my vaccine documentation in a single app!)

This has relieved a ton of concern I've had about the timing and availability of a test 72 hours (or potentially 48 hours) prior to the testing by NCL at the port. We've got cruise insurance, but who wants to fly somewhere and then find out you can't go on the cruise.

This YouTube channel also had a great video of the entire test process. 

 

Maybe I missed something here, but are these tests approved by NCL? And if so, are they approved by the Italy for a NCL Cruise out of Rome?

On 9/8/2021 at 8:26 PM, Rummblestrip said:

BTW...Congrats on the milestone! This is where the real loyalty perks kick in. 

 

Also, I suggest that you seek out the concierge on the ship. Many people do not utilize them nearly enough. We will always introduce ourselves to them. Even if we do not need their services, it is always nice to have another point of contact for any issues that may arise. We have had them pull some rabbits out of the hat for us. 

Things change. If we have a Specialty Reservation and are Platinum, and find it you will miss something that is going on at that time, I always use the Concierge Service to change that reservation. Never had a problem.