Sauna4me

My post cruise NCL transfer to LGA went smoothly.   I purchased it  when my Escape reservations were made.  It was definitely crazy watching 4,000+ people from my atrium seat wind their way through the "maze" leading into the terminal, but it was actually well organized.   Red luggage tags (NCL cruise transfers) were  called about 9:15am.  I then followed the crowd through the "maze" onto dry land,  claimed my luggage, and met up with an employee directing me through immigration (taking less than 2 minutes to clear immigration). Customs was after that if you had something to declare.   After that, I was directed to the transfer bus area.  There was more than 1 bus heading toward LGA, and they filled up quickly.  I think I waited less than 15 minutes for the bus to get moving.  I believe I was at LGA by 11:15am.  Easy Peezy!   My flight was scheduled for 2:30pm, so I had plenty of time to spare.  LGA is a construction nightmare.  Yes, the NCL shuttle driver could only let you off in front of Terminal B.  Since I was flying Delta, I needed to be at Terminal C.  No problem though. I was directed to take the PURPLE SHUTTLE, and  I  only waited 5 minutes for it to appear.  I am thankful for the ease of getting to LGA post cruise!

23 hours ago, Buckeye10640 said:

Hi all.  First time in NYC... We are flying into LGA in a few weeks midweek arriving 830am  to spend a few days in NYC pre-cruise.  What is the most efficient and reasonable cost option to get to a hotel on 42nd St. a little south of Times Square area? Not interested in public transportation due to luggage.  Taxi, Uber, Super Shuttle? Thanks!

I am cruising to Bermuda in two weeks, and I am also flying into LGA.  I am staying at a hotel a few blocks off  42nd street.  I am planning to get to midtown Manhattan using the NYC ExpressBus that leaves Terminal D. It will drop me off at the Port Authority Bus Terminal--very  close to hotel.   This is probably not the fast way, but it was a great price.  It will work for me.    

I was on the Dawn Christmas '13.  Upon boarding, Norwegian made it clear they were looking for a volunteer(s) to lead the Christmas Eve service.  It didn't have to be anyone ordained, and they would provide that person(s) with the liturgy (my Lutheran roots coming through) and anything else needed.  A family volunteered  a few days into the voyage.  A good sized crowd gathered in the main showroom for the service.  This also included off duty crew.  It was beautiful and moving as I recall!   

I really enjoyed reading your review.  You did a wonderful job in organizing and presenting your holiday!

So, the plan is to take the $7 per person shuttle from the Dockyard over to Horseshoe Bay.  After some sun and fun,  I would like to explore Hamilton.  What is best way from the beach to the city?  Public bus? Taxi?   Is it walkable?  Thank you!  

Although you can see the cruise pier from the airport (might even fly over it when landing) I remember the awful, congested traffic nightmare getting into or out of the airport.  It's one my "memories" from 2016 New England cruise.  Please keep that in mind when planning.  

8 hours ago, Lois R said:

I hope your brother was just kidding.   I am 60 and I only cruise solo. Life brings us all different things. My family is very small and all love to cruise.  So they know I go on my own and at this point, all they say to me is BON VOYAGE.....after cruising on my own since 2003, IF (that is a BIG IF), if something ever happened to me? At least I would be going out on MY terms...….in my most peaceful place in the world......on a ship on the seas. It may sound morbid to some of you, but I am happier on cruiseship than here on land...…...it is just the way it is for me.

 

 

My brother is a real pain in the ***   Since our dad died, he thinks "he's head of the family"  and is full of much unwanted advice that I ignore...LOL   Many times I take it with a grain of salt.  I know he is doing is best looking out for his little sis, but it is frustrating at times.  I keep reminding him that I must be doing something right with my life.  I managed to hold a steady job, buy 3 automobiles by myself,   and save for retirement.  One day he might listen to me!! LOL  

On 5/21/2018 at 5:45 PM, CruiseGal999 said:

 

My first solo cruise was last May to Cuba. FREAKED my brother out. He was certain I was going to be jailed for some infraction or other. It was AMAZING. I met a TON of people, I went on all private tours ... solo. I ate solo in the dining room some nights. I ate with others in the MDR other nights. It was a blast.

 

I'm going on my 2nd solo cruise in Oct. 2018. Am really looking forward to it.

I just told my brother I am cruising solo in June. I waited 3 months to tell him, and should have waited  another  two months to make the announcement.  LOL. I just wanted to share my excitement with someone.  He says I will be kidnapped or something!  LOL 

I am enjoying reading all the positive comments about cruising solo!  They reinforce my decision to solo cruise in June.  I keep telling myself, as I research and plan, that I can do this!  I can also take on a mini adventure in NYC before sailing away to Bermuda.  I am developing the confidence to "dive right in!" As I age, preconceived ideas of dining  or traveling alone begin to diminish...   It's tiring waiting for family and friends to share or be willing to participate in my vacation ideas.  This trip is for me!  I am getting so excited about my adventure on this cold January day.  

Thanks for the quick replies!!

Good afternoon everyone!  First please forgive me if these questions are not in the right discussion category.  

I am planning my June trip to Bermuda on the Escape, and I cannot wait to try a solo cabin for the first time,   My questions  are about the Solo Lounge:   The Lounge is to have a solo concierge, correct?  If so,  what is that person's working hours?   What services does this person provide the solo traveler?   For example, does this person make dinner reservations for the solo traveler in the main dining rooms or in speciality ones?  

Thank you for your help!! 😀

Good evening,     My pre cruise plans  are to fly to NYC  2 days  before boarding the NCL  Escape on June 9th.  I am eagerly making plans like attending a show,  traveling to Ellis Island, walking food tour, etc.  CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THE NYC SUBWAY?  Good way to get around the Big Apple?  Inexpensive compared to taxis?  User friendly (from small town with barely any public transportation)?  MOST IMPORTANTLY... is it safe?  I am really out of the loop...I haven't been to NYC in over 8 years.  Thank You!!   

Good day,   I have committed myself to a June Bermuda cruise.  I have been doing tons of research, and I see there are some outdoor adult zones for sun and fun.  One includes Spice H2O and the other is one you enter for a fee?  Please give me any information about these two places.  Is the Spice H20 very crowded?  Is it worth buying the pass to the other deck?  

Thanks in advance!

We will be traveling on Holland America's Veendam this July. Ports of call include Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, PEI, and Quebec City. Our journey begins in Boston and ends in Montreal. Mom is capable of climbing some stairs, but walking long distances is out. Currently she isn't interested in a motorized scooter although I keep bringing it up. We will be traveling with a light weight foldable wheel chair.

I hope this information is helpful... Thank you to everyone who has contributed information.

Concerned Daughter :)

The Veendam is docking in Montreal during Summer '16. We will be disembarking there on July 16. If not, it will be a long walk to Pittsburgh from Quebec City!

Good Evening, I posted a similar message on the Canada/New England forum, but perhaps you good people could give me some further insight...:) My 87 year old mom is getting excited for our July cruise and wants, of course, to help select the family's shore excursions. We have wheelchair and a cane to assist her mobility. I am about to call Holland America to ask some questions because I find the tour descriptions confusing... How accurate are the ratings for each tour? (I realize we won't be hiking, climbing, or biking.) Frankly, there isn't much to offer the mobility challenged at some ports. I am particularly worried about Quebec City. Should I be looking for private tours? Any information or advice would be helpful.

Thanks,

A Concerned Daughter

Oh, if this helps, Mom is still capable of climbing some stairs, but she wobbles on uneven surfaces and walking long distances is out.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Keep them coming! :)

Yes, I was very fortunate to see whales while on my Alaskan cruise summer of '09! The first time was at 6:00am--I stepped onto my balcony just in time to see a pod a orcas cruise on by. They were close, and naturally, I didn't have my camera with me! A few days later, I saw humpback whales from the balcony while the Diamond Princess was exiting Glacier Bay. Again, no camera! I considered myself lucky!

Hello Everyone,

My family and I, including my 87 year old Mom, will be taking a Canada/New England cruise in July. I have been studying Holland America's shore excursion information on their website. Frankly, there isn't a whole lot of tour options for Mom who cannot walk very far and fast. i also find the tour descriptions not very helpful in describing activity level. :rolleyes: In other words, are the described activity levels accurate? I know I should be calling Holland America. Should I be looking for independent tours? Mom will be traveling with a wheelchair, and i am particularly worried about Quebec City. Any tips or suggestions would be helpful. Thank you! :)

My 87 year old momma still has the travel bug, so we have made reservations to cruise New England/Canada July '16 on the Veendam. Momma is becoming more unsteady on her feet and walking distances is much more difficult. We are working with her doctor deciding on a cane or walker. Currently she is not interested in using an electric scooter. The travel agent I'm working with has given me some company names to investigate renting a wheelchair for the cruise. I'm looking for advice, tips on how cruising with a wheel chair works. I already know about cabin doorways and wheel chairs. Mom can get out of a chair and walk into her cabin, and we have no problems with folding a wheel chair and placing it off to the side(inside the cabin). Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!