valleyvillage

Congratulations!

If you are considering a suite or a mini-suite then I would go with the Sun. Full suites on NCL are really amazing compared to any other comparable line. Mini-suites on the Sun, while they do not have any perks, are the nicest mini-suites around, IMHO.

You will have NO problem having dinner served in your suite. It is one of the standard perks. You can have your butler supply all the menus and order as you prefer.

If the meal is from a specialty restaurant, you will pay the fee and if it is from one of the other types of eateries there will be no extra charge.

I would not think an advance tip would be necessary; however, you might want to have a brief chat with the Butler on the first day to set expectations.

Have a GREAT cruise!

I think it really depends on you and your needs.

If you will be requiring service outside of your suite (excursions, early port access, use of a conference room, etc.) then you would be using the concierge.

If you are more focused on service in your suite (parties, special room service meals, snacks, etc.) then your butler will be your go-to person.

It is possible that if you post the question "Who is the butler in July, Epic) that someone who is familiar with that ship and the concierge schedules may reply.

We have had the experience of expecting someone because of what they told us earlier in the year, but then upon boarding we discovered there had been a switcheroo!

Have a wonderful cruise!

Second the motion for you to join the roll call. It is a perfect way to introduce yourself to Freestyle Cruising!

It's a chance for you to suggest other activities, start your own afternoon tea, etc. There is usually a sail away party, gift exchange, cabin crawl and a meet and greet with the crew. Often you get invited to a tour of the bridge!

Go! Do it!

And don't worry, everything is voluntary, no pressure.

Have a great cruise!

Rebellious Fish, got it. Anyone know what's in it? I guess I'll do without the "bowl". :(

Here you go!

How about The NorAway? :)

Looking at the NCL website, it appears the mini suites and above have the flat panels and the other staterooms have small old style TVs.

and

That leaves FFL and drops them off at MIA if I'm reading it right. They want to pick up at port and drop off at FFL

I was confused at first, but I think it starts in Miami cruise port, ends at MIA but with an optional shuttle to FLL at the end.

I would not want to chance it. Too many variables!

I found you a fun tour that ends at the FLL airport!

Keep the fun coming! Bon Voyage!

Uuuuups - my only excuse is that English is NOT my first language.... :p Just glad you understood what I meant....

Du snakker engelsk bedre enn jeg snakker norsk!

PorkChopKid, thanks for the links to your photos! They are gorgeous. Reminds me of the deep meaning of the word amateur: "lover of!"

The Star is not a Jewel class ship, it's Dawn class. It does, however, present some similar challenges.

Deck 13 forward has some terrific vistas.

Deck 7 is the promenade, love the aft views.

On deck 12 by the pool, starboard (I think, at least on my last cruises) there is a nice window that actually opens. I love going there first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee to take in the sea air!

Have a wonderful cruise on the Star, she is a favorite ship of ours.

I confess I do read these tipping threads from time to time. I'm not usually inspired to participate, thinking often of George Bernard Shaw's wonderful line: "I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."

I would go with the SJs, having sailed both. They divide up nicely into 3 separate sleeping areas, they have separate tub and shower and a great walk-in closet!

We have sailed in both styles on the Star (no balcony in the Family Suite, but same general cabin layout.) The big deciding factor for me is the bathroom! The Family suite bathroom is MUCH better. The bathroom module for the Penthouse suites and mini-suites on the Dawn class is not very large, small tub/shower.

Family suite on the other hand has a huge tub and separate shower! Two sinks! Nice walk-in closet!

The balcony for the forward facing penthouse is huge, but you still have a good balcony in the family suite and then you can just go up one flight to deck 13, a HUGE balcony! And my favorite hot tub.

ENJOY!

Last time on the Star, while still in port in L.A., using the cell phone on Verizon network. Suddenly got a text message, welcome to Verizon at Sea! And from then on it was full seafaring roaming rates!

I would guess that if the Kindle icon says 3G, you are safe. Enjoy!

It's where they store all the nickels, dimes, and maple syrup!

All cruise lines are different.

All ships within the cruise lines are different.

Each particular voyage is going to be different week to week.

I stopped comparing cruise lines a while back and focus on the things I like about each one...

Very Wise!

Debate between the horse, goose, and sheep by John Lydgate. He wrote, "Odyous of olde been comparisonis, And of comparisonis engendyrd is haterede."

The Buddha said, "Beware the thicket of opinions."

This thicket is getting thick!

Hello. I recently went on a weekend cruise with the DW on the Breakaway in January. Since it was 2 nights/ 2 people, the $48 service charge was not the end of the world. However, I never saw the cabin steward nor did he/she attempt to introduce himself. Is this how NCL operates?

 

I am now going on the Breakaway again in June for a 7 nighter with 4 people. So now I'm looking at $336 for turndown service? Why $12 per person when Disney suggests $4/person per day? Is the NCL service fee going to other employees as well?

 

Has anyone actually adjusted their service fee lower on an NCL cruise?

Actually, Disney suggests $12/person per day. ($84 for a 7 day cruise.)

Can I just say....threads like this are why I love Cruise Critic.

I can just picture this sweet lady and her mom, a simple question, no lectures just nice, heartfelt advice and information!

We are always on board in time for lunch. We prefer the MDR to the buffet. It's usually quite empty and relaxed while most pax are grazing at the buffet. Have a wonderful cruise!

Traveling with my 2 teenage kids and want to know if NCL has the capability of putting a daily limit that the kids can charge on their card? Thanks.

Yes, I believe this can be done.