PATRLR

NCL won $159 million. Anyone know what an azipod costs?

You got that right! While we don't do public hot tubs, private tubs the only time we use them are in the winter! Typically after a day on the slopes or other cold weather fun.

Good for you. But I'll say I definitely don't miss those days, working for a very large computer/printer maker that seemed to have RIFs as their primary core competancy. I know now that when they finally did get me, it was the best thing that could have happened to me :).

The earlier you arrive, the lower your boarding group number and therefore the earlier you can get on the ship. We like to get on as earlier as we can so we also have the 9:30 checkin time and we plan to be there at 9:30. We understand that we will then need to hang around for a couple hours waiting to board, but we're OK with that.

My friends at Google tell me: If you wanted an exact recipe, the first item in the list from Google is here:

Doesn't appear to be: https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/specialty-dining

Prices typically drop as you get closer to departure. The risk is that they actually don't drop (maybe inflation gets worse and prices go up) or that your cabin choice is unavailable.

Not correct. Depends on where you are. In Australia I am pretty sure I insulted a tour guide whom we spent a day with by offering a tip. @Traveling Fools you should ask this question in the specific port call forums for the ports you will be in.

I really didn't expect that the knive being used on board could be found for purchase, but sure enough here they are and Amazon has them for sale. https://www.walcostainless.com/products/steak-knives/best/index.php?id=910

Did the suit really prove "the propulsion system is neither safe nor reliable"? Or is it possible the suit decided that the propulsion system isn't as safe nor as reliable as ABB promoted it to be?

my profile "pic" changed from a "P" in a blue circle to a "BI" in a green circle. The "P" made sense, the "BI" does not. I assume today's upgrade has something to do with it.

Spicy mustard on a lobster roll? Really? I acknowledge I am a lobster roll snob and believe the only way to do a lobster roll is the Connecticut way (hot with butter on a toasted roll) but will tolerate those who insist on putting mayonnaise on their lobster roll. But spicy mustard? Ick.

2 or 3 very easy to avoid areas.

I know this won't be popular on this board, but, I think the Princess is better looking. I don't know what it is about Prima but from the first renderings I saw of her, I never was impressed with her lines. Just my opinion of course.

It's a good plan so long as you are very fleixible and don't have your hearts set on any specific excursion. If you really, really want some specific excursion or tour, best to book it now.

I suspect wind is going to be the deciding factor more so than cold. We spend winters in a ski town and we've dined out side in below freezing temps (and the outside area was full, it wasn't like we were the only fools out there 😉 ). We'll be on Encore in a couple weeks, hoping we can dine outside when we do Cagneys and/or Ocean Blue. I'm certain it will depend on the wind.

You may be correct. But, I've been to a quite a few dueling piano bars on land and I'd hardly call them an older crowd. We were at one in Newport RI and I felt out of place the crowd was so young. If we're talking about the traditional lounge lizard with one guy playing "soft hits" on a piano, I suspect that crowd is definitely older. Not so much with dueling pianos. I suspect not having them is more of a financial decision. Also, Beatles/Cavern Club I would think attracts an even older demographic than the dueling pianos.

I suspect, much like car dealers, there is the markup portion of the profit which is relatively small but then there are the incentives and others means for TAs to make money.

@JK B My recommendation is that if you have a TA you trust, use them. If not, call NCL direct. Despite what others say here, there is no right or wrong answer.

My experience with TAs is they get me substantially more than NCL direct gets me. Coming Encore cruise was on the order of $700 on a $3000 cruise. Substantial. And I still call NCL and talk with them about my booking. Right now I am trying to change category and that would need to be done by the TA. Last night I waited over 30 minutes to talk to someone at NCL who reminded me that level of change needs to be the TA (I knew this, but wanted to confirm something with NCL first). Then called TA and they picked up within minutes. Mine is a standard TA booking.

Just yesterday (Saturday 29-Oct) - 30+ minute wait for NCL, my TA picked up within minutes.

Interesting. My guess is, your in some sort of window. Probably won't know till the support folks get back to you.

How far from your embarkation date are you?

Maybe hit those three dots next to a post and report it to the mods the proper way?

What's amazing about it? At least in the US, you'd have a difficult time finding a company that doesn't lie.