jtvmi77

I made a request and they added it to our file, so hope that will work out.  Thx, all.  

Good info, everyone.  Thanks.  

She doesn't have such a keen sensitivity so as to worry too much about cross-contamination (I know some folks really do).  Ideally, it's of course good to avoid it, but we can be a bit more relaxed there.  I will make a note in the reservation and make sure we are in touch with dining staff onboard. 

So, you guys felt pretty limited to MDR and specialty restaurants for meals?  I hate to say "limited"; I know there's plenty to eat there.  We tend not to like "ordeals" when eating, though.  If that makes sense?  It was handy to be able to eat at O'Sheehan's for burgers, wings, etc.  Or the buffet (esp. for breakfast).  But, I understand that we have to be more diligent and selective about where we eat on the next one.  It's still much easier to find GF-friendly options on a cruise than on many land vacations.  

Hello all-

We have cruised on NCL many times, but only recently, my spouse was diagnosed with celiac and has to follow a gluten-free diet.  We always enjoyed the midship pub in the Breakaway class ships (Eclipse, etc.), and we tend to do most of our eating there and the buffet (or at least we did).  Does anyone know if there are regular GF options in these two locales?  I would imagine we could inform the dining room/specialty restaurant staff of the dietary requirement, but just for more casual eating, is it easy to find gluten-free options, or not so much?  

Our 10 year anniversary is this fall, and I would prefer to go on the Breakaway this year, but just booked the same Canada trip for October 2022.  Love going out of NY and don't have to fly.  In 2022, it's on the Joy, though, and I may end up cancelling and doing a rebook for something else.  I think the cruise will go in 2022, mind you, but I didn't research the ship enough until now and just realized that the Joy doesn't have the thermal suite (which is, legit, my favorite thing ever on a ship).  I just thought all the Breakaway+ ships had it (shows what happens when you assume).  

We tend to do Norwegian (did Escape from NYC last month, which was the third or fourth with that line).  I’m big into not having to fly, and because we want to do one with Autism on the Seas with my son next year (they aren’t on Norwegian as much),  the Oasis out of Bayonne looked very promising (esp. the Aug 2020 sailings).  

It isn’t a dealbreaker that the decor will be lighter and in the older style, I just like what Harmony and Symphony have a little better.  Given all the added refurbs on Oasis coming in the fall(waterslides, etc), the color of the carpet is less important.  Was just curious as to if they were changing it a la Celebrity and their “Solstice-izng” of the Millennium class ships from a few years back.  

9 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

No they won’t.  They might get new carpet and touch ups if they need it but not a complete redo.

Darn.  Thanks. 

I've read a fair bit about the 63-day dry dock for the ship this fall.  I'm looking at one of the Bayonne sailings for next year, and while I think I have an idea of what is being refurbished in the public areas, I'm wondering if the cabins are going to get a makeover to be more like the decor in the Harmony and Symphony stateroom

offerings.  Does anyone know? 

2 hours ago, nolatravelgirl said:

I would definitely work on trying to get him to wear earphones before the trip. I am not sure if you are planning on driving or flying but if you start playing a movie on an ipad, even low, on a plane you will get lots of dirty looks as it is a quiet environment. You could also look for other small quiet things he can do at the table like playing with small toys, coloring, etc

If it's anything like his glasses, it just takes practice.  I'm sure we would work on it before flying anywhere and he'd be able to use them.  We haven't had him on a plane as of yet. 

We'd definitely have to fly to Florida.  I've looked at driving distance cruises (for us, that would be Baltimore or Cape Liberty/Bayonne, so non-DCL).  I've been out of NY before and, in my own experience, have found the seas more prone to chop than out of FL.  I know that can vary.

Thanks.

Disney has a good reputation for being amenable to dietary needs, and I would definitely call before booking.  Your answer is helpful because it gives me hope that he can be accommodated.  

I’d certainly like to hear from other parents who may have had similar needs.  I realize his situation is unique, but there are enough of us out there 😀.  

We have headphones for him, but he hasn’t gotten used to wearing them.  I’m not sure we tried all that hard, and if we had a trip coming up, we’d be incentivized to do it.  He’s not too, too put off by noise, believe it or not (NICU kid, and I think he got so used to beeps and bells, he doesn’t get bothered by sounds).  I just don’t want to impinge on the enjoyment of others.   

Scratch the question on the swim diapers.  Google answered that for me.  

Splash pad is ok; not in the pool.  

I am certain that somewhere in these boards, an answer likely exists on this, but I guess it can’t hurt to ask for more updated info and experiences.

My wife and I have been on many cruises, but not since having our son in 2015.  He has physical and intellectual disabilities, with my main concern being his need to eat puréed food by mouth with supplemental pediasure through a g-tube.  He also sleeps with supplemental O2 at night (not sure how much longer he’s going to need that, though).  

Assuming the cruise line can be notified, are we allowed to bring pediasure with us?  And can the dining room purée food (or if not, can we bring our own pouches)?  

Portable O2 concentrators are easy enough to deal with, and I’m pretty sure the DCL brochure on disabilities said those were good to go.  

He’s nonverbal ASD, and while we are working on it, he still need diapers.  Are swim diapers allowed or would he not be able to use the pool? I do know that he unfortunately won’t be able to use the kids areas/clubs unless this has been solved by then.  We still want him to enjoy a nice trip, though.  He’s actually a pretty mellow and adaptable little dude, but he definitely does stuff his own way.  Would people freak out if he were to watch vids on an iPad at dinner?  We can keep the volume down.  Maybe we could request our own table if that’s an issue?  I know I said he’s mellow, but..for lack of a better term...he’s very busy, and the video keeps his attention.  We take him out to dinner and it’s not usually a problem, but I remember DCL does the traditional dining with shared table mates, so...

My wife and I were on the Fantasy maybe six years ago and had a great time.   

Thanks for any info info you might have, and I apologize if this is too redundant of a topic.  

Ok, thanks.

This has probably been asked before, but maybe my search parameters were too broad.

With respect to Haven suite perks, one of listed benefits is use of the concierge for booking dining reservations.

Is this something you can choose to do on the same night? Like, if you decided you wanted to eat at whatever specialty restaurant at 2 in the afternoon, could you get in that evening? I'm reading a lot about booking ahead, so was just curious as to what pull using the concierge would have if you wanted to be a bit more spontaneous.

Thanks mugtech a piano bar sounds good. I do not understand the terms 'boomers, jump jive and wail' - is that the modern disco stuff?

"jump, jive, and wail" I think is a reference to swing music.

"boomer"="Baby Boomer." That is, a member of the generation born right after World War II. People in their 50s and 60s now.

An OS on an Alaska sailing = pure heaven! Besides all the wonderful suite perks, you've got forward and side balconies - and essentially a wall of windows in the living area if it's just too chilly to be outdoors taking in the sights. You're going to love the perks, but you are REALLY going to love that suite. Even the bathroom is fabulous. ;)

 

 

Yeah, the front-facing balcony will hopefully be nice at the Glacier Bay stop. We picked Pearl over Jewel because most of the folks on here said that the stop at GB was a highlight. Here's hoping the weather will be on board with us.

 

That main bathroom looks crazy awesome. I'm excited about the shower jets. I stayed at Caesars in Vegas a bunch of years ago and it had something similar, and I still remember it fondly.

I think the wife and I looked at that video before booking. :D

We are going to be in 10504, but I imagine it's pretty similar.

Thanks for posting on youtube.

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet - here's the latest and most up-to-date version of my suite perks listing...

 

Suite categories are designated by the letter “S,” followed by a number (Haven suites) or letter (Non-Haven suites). Stateroom categories not beginning with the letter S do not receive perks.

 

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation

 

• All suites have complimentary access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service. The Concierge can assist with dining reservations, shore excursion booking and guidance in many other areas. He or she also provides delivery of invitations and information to the suite, and performs all escorts on and off the ship. The Butler provides delivery of daily amenities, meals en suite, replenishes coffee and other supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the suite. Gratuity should be based upon services provided.

 

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through security and check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering.

 

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. All other categories do not receive complimentary liquor.

 

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (these suites cannot accommodate these devices).

 

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests.

 

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship.

 

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name, fitted with upgraded bedding. Also provided with upgraded bathrobes, as well as slippers.

 

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it.

 

• Some suites have access to a reserved section of the theater on some ships, based upon stateroom category, as well as other factors, which can vary from sailing to sailing.

 

 

Prepare to be pampered royally.

 

:)

My wife and I have done about 6 or 7 cruises, and wanted to go kind of big on our next one. We've never done a suite before, but have sailed on Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Disney, and Royal. I sailed on the three-night NCL Sky a couple of years ago with two guy friends (bachelor weekend before I got married). We shared an inside cabin. I got a very good vibe from the line, even though we were doing about the most economical cruise possible. Technically, this was not my first NCL experience, because as a kid I went on Starward and Windward, if anyone remembers those.

Based on what is posted here, and on other threads, it really seemed like NCL offers the most for suite guests. We booked an Owner's Suite on Pearl for Alaska this July (a place neither of us have been).

This is where I think CC is very helpful in sharing info, because I would not have thought to book NCL for our cruise had posters not shared this kind of stuff. We are pretty excited about the trip.

A couple of years ago, a couple of guy friends and I did the Sky 3-night over the 4th of July weekend (bachelor weekend before I got married). We shared an inside cabin and it was about the cheapest way one can possibly do a cruise. It was hit and miss with the staff (although mostly "hit"), but I had tempered my expectations in light of the fact that it was a short and economical cruise. I thought the wait staff was pretty happy but the cabin stewards were a bit haggard. That ship has such a quick turnaround, and the pax, it seemed, tended to be of a younger demo that were more interested in partying over the long holiday weekend (many younger Floridians, who I imagine take the cruise a lot). There were still plenty of families, though.

I think that can wear on a crew, regardless of recent events. It's fun for the passengers, no doubt, and I had a great time.

The wife and I just booked the Pearl to Alaska, and we are doing one of the Haven-access suites. So, it's the opposite of my most recent Norwegian experience. :D Everything I've read on here convinced me to choose NCL over other lines as the service and onboard experience will be great, so I'm excited.

I haven't actually gone on one yet but recently booked on the Solstice for next August. Our reasons (my boyfriend and me) were that Seattle is on our must see list, he hates the traditional look of cruise ships and the ports looked fun. You will get to see the Inside Passage unlike what a previous poster said. We have a balcony and plan on ordering our dinner from the MDR and eating out there this night. We also plan on taking the Tracy Arm excursion to get up close to a glacier. The biggest appeal was the ship itself. I know many people say that's secondary to the ports but for us, the look (and feel) of the ship is more so. We love the Cosmo in Vegas and the Solstice reminded us of that vibe (young but more upscale). It seems like it will be more comfortable for us. Again, we haven't sailed this route yet, been on Celebrity or been to AK but I thought I'd give you our reasoning for choosing the Solstice out of Seattle.

Solstice is an awesome ship, no doubt. I was on her on a Caribbean itinerary in 2010, and it was the most chill ship I've experienced. Very hip, yet sedate. Loved the Solarium area in particular, and the layout/decor of the cabins (comfy beds, very nice bathroom design for a cruise).

My wife is 32 and I'm 36. We are a bit tired of the Caribbean routes, so want to try something different (that is also a mix of active events and relaxation). We like the idea of cool weather to escape the DC summer heat, too.

Just so there is no confusion as you are researching ports, Icy Strait Point is at Hoonah, not Haines. And you are correct -- Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway are the "standard" ports.

 

Hoonah is the largest Tlingit community in the state, and if you are looking for non-commercialized ports, this is one. Folks who cruise to Alaska looking for yet another Diamond International store are disappointed in ISP/Hoonah; folks who want to see a real Alaskan fishing community are intrigued by it. My geologist husband worked for a summer out of Ketchikan in 1974, and when he first saw Hoonah his reaction was that it is a clone of Ketchikan before Ketchikan became so commercialized.

 

Haines is about an hour by the fast ferry from Skagway. While the Alaska Marine Highway (AKA state-owned ferry system) serves Haines few cruise ships call there. However, some lines do offer excursions to Haines by using the fast ferry.

 

It is important to remember that Alaska is an enormous state with very varied terrain and native cultures. No matter which cruise you select you will be seeing a very small part of a very large state. I post on the Alaska cruise critic forum and so frequently first time visitors are trying to "see it all" in one short trip. They become somewhat overwhelmed when they try to do so.

Oops. Meant Hoonah. Got my "H" towns messed up.

That's an embarrassing geography fail on my part. I promise I won't ask if you can see Russia from your house. :).

Originally Posted by jtvmi77

I thought Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau were pretty standard on all, no? I think there is one additional Alaska port for the one-way.

 

I know that we'd like to get a suite and sit on the balcony for some of the scenic cruising. Beyond that, I can tell you that I'm not into lumberjack shows or that kind of stuff. I might like to try fishing/hiking/kayaking...stuff like that.

 

 

This poster obviously didn't do any research prior to the cruise. There are amazing things to do on your own or on a tour in each and every port. I have been twice and the ones I have done are:

Skagway- Rented a car and drove to the Yukon (same route as railway), took the ferry to Haines and rented a car (went to the eagle preserve)

Ketchikan- Both times I took a private kayak tour with Southeast Sea Kayaks, and also walked the cute town, walked to the museum and hatchery.

Juneau- Took the helicopter and dog mushing excursion and also had time to take the tram to Mt Roberts with hike (saw a large black bear on hike) and still had time to take the shuttle to Mendenhall glacier.

Icy Straight- there are excursions from this port, however I stayed on the ship and relaxed.

 

I took the Millennium and it docked, but I would check with the schedule posted on the Celebrity website prior to booking any cruise if it is important to you.

I was just responding to one of the posts which directed me to consider the ports of call. I know that some cruises go to places like Sitka or Haines/Icy Straight (while others don't), and that there are different glaciers visited by some of the lines. Generally, though, I thought Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan are pretty standard on most of the routes.

The cruise will be in July, so I am doing my research now. All I really know about it is from listening to podcasts, the occasional show on TV, and reading though these forums (including the Alaska port forum; thanks for directing me there). Someone had asked what sort of thing I was looking for in the ports, and my current response is that while I know that several of the options (like the aforementioned lumberjack show and things like "panning for gold" ) don't appeal, there is plenty that does (things like you mentioned: sea kayak, etc).

I thought Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau were pretty standard on all, no? I think there is one additional Alaska port for the one-way.

I know that we'd like to get a suite and sit on the balcony for some of the scenic cruising. Beyond that, I can tell you that I'm not into lumberjack shows or that kind of stuff. I might like to try fishing/hiking/kayaking...stuff like that.

Perhaps the "drawback" for flying to Anchorage you are refering to is a longer flight time, but many people think a multi-city flight costs more. In my case, flying from MSP the price difference for the multi-city MSP-YVR then ANC-MSP flight vs roundtrip to YVR is under $24 for 2 people.

 

 

We're doing the Northbound Vancouver-Seward cruise next June. That itinerary gets an extra port day (4 ports vs 3 on the round trips) since you don't have to backtrack to disembark.

Since I come from the East Coast, it is a bit longer of a flight and can't be done on the day of departure. Especially when taking into consideration that Seward is like what, three hours or something from the airport? I might be wrong about that. It's not that huge of a deal, but I'd definitely need to budget in a pre-cruise stay for that trip (time off of work-wise; the extra $$ isn't that big of a deal). I think a lot of people do that anyway, but when we leave out of Florida we don't always do that. My few skims of Kayak seemed to indicate that I'd be able to get to Vancouver (and certainly Sea-Tac for the Solstice, as there are a couple of direct flights) on the day of departure. All that said, as it is a long flight no matter where I'm going (and Vancouver and Anchorage would need a connection no matter what), I'd probably go in the day before regardless. Thus, it ends up being a flight time/cost differential. I thought the Anchorage flights were a bit pricier, but not so much so to fully discourage it.

Thanks for the feedback.

There are three Alaska itineraries that are of interest to me from Celebrity for 2014. The wife and I have done about 6 cruises on various lines mostly in the Caribbean (one Eastern Med.), so this would be the first time in Alaska.

The Solstice 7-day from Seattle, Century 7-day from Vancouver, and the Millennium 7-day Seward to Vancouver.

I went on a Solstice cruise a few years ago to the Caribbean and it's one of my top two ship experiences (the other being Disney Fantasy). That said, everything I have read on here tends to support a conclusion that Seattle-based departures are to be avoided if possible (more chance for poorer seas, and the necessary Victoria stop that a lot of people seem to dislike).

The Century leaves from Vancouver, which is a city I would like to check out. It's a very old ship, though.

I'm leaning towards the Millennium, as I think it has had Solstice-class improvements (am I wrong about that?), although there is a drawback of having to fly to Anchorage.

There are pluses and minuses for each, it would seem. I know that this is my decision, so I'm just curious to hear about the experiences of other people on here. If you've done any of the three, what did you like/dislike, and what would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.