Novastar

I flew on Icelandair last September and was very happy with them and would not hesitate to book again. I can't advise on the short layover but, as others have mentioned, the airport is small. We opted to have a day-long layover so we could see a bit of the country before continuing our journey.

I did the transatlantic on the Star this past October. I thought the ship looked great at that time. I can't speculate on what may occur between now and April 2015. That's a long time away!

Have you checked Delta.com? They fly from Fargo to Miami via Minneapolis. I just looked at a couple of random dates in Nov. and fares were around $500 r/t.

Like the previous poster mentioned, I always prefer to buy my tickets through the air carrier directly.

If we did a 2 bedroom with a connecting mini would the mini get suite perks also? I really would like for my inlaws to come but we can't really swing 2 suites. And to be honest I'm being selfish and don't want to give up suite perks for my own family.

No, there are no suite perks associated with a mini-suite.

Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, after reading these boards I'm bracing for several more changes before September. I have a question, although there are no EC seats available and you decide not to accept a refund until you get to the airport to see how things pan out as far as availability, might Delta upgrade if no EC seats open but higher class seats are open? In other words, will they put you on the standby list for BE or FC (if there is availability) or just automatically assign you any Economy seat that is available?

The only way Delta upgrades anyone from coach to BE is if the entire coach cabin is sold out and they need coach seats. Then if there is space available in BE, Delta will upgrade any high status elite passengers who may be seated in coach. Generally the high status folks would be seated in the EC section so it's possible, although not likely, that an EC seat or 2 could become available that way.

It's not at all uncommon to have schedule changes when you purchase tickets far in advance. I have always found Delta to be very cooperative when I have had to work with them on this issue.

No it would not. It will only cover the cruise. You would need to buy insurance for your flights through your air carrier.

Just got off the Star and this was my first suite. Spoiled for life,

Nelson the butler was very attentive. First day the concierge introduced

himself and never saw him again. I left Nelson and nice tip at the end

and also Tito. I left Omar nothing. Was I wrong?

No, you were not wrong. I had the same experience on the Star in October. Butler was great. Never saw Omar. Guess who got tipped!

There are quite a variety of Lavazza pods for sale on ebay. Maybe you can find something that is more to your taste and bring it with you.

Some posters have previously recommended a small magnetic white board from the dollar store that you can attach to the metal cabin door.

Info for the Sky, Spirit, Star, Sun and POA all list golf nets. There was definitely one on the Star and it was busy most of the time. A golf net is a very different animal from a golf driving range! Not one ship in the fleet advertises a "range."

That's what I buy as well. Knock on wood - I've not needed to use it (yet).

Last year one of the hotels was the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen. Sorry but I don't remember any others.

We were going to go on this cruise in 2013 but our oldest daughter decided to get married. So we backed it up 1 year and boy am i ready.

 

Mary, do you still have the same email address as before? Planning a cruise for 2015 for my 60th birthday and have some ???

Hi Mike,

Yes, email is still the same. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. I hope the wedding was wonderful!

Mary

skeeter195...... we had 10668 on the Gem cruise that Novastar was on and i would say the balcony was about 100 sq. feet. We had 2 loungers and 2 upright chairs plus the small table. Loved it!

Sorry, off topic!

Hi Mike, How are you doing? Still cruising, I see!

Mary

Deck 10 on the Gem has the deepest balconies. I'm sure you will be happy!

White rice is also always available in the buffet. Since the same kitchen is used it should be no problem getting it in the MDR.

Spa mini-suites also have tub/shower combo on Epic.

I don't think their schedule goes out as far as October yet, but I suggest you check Icelandair in a few months. MSP is one of the cities they serve. You will have to make a stop in Iceland but from there they fly to Barcelona. Their fares are very reasonable.

We flew Icelandair at the end of last September and had a very enjoyable experience and would recommend them.

I cannot believe the airport sent our bags on an earlier flight...going around and around the carousel for hours in LGA. They didn't offer to send us on the earlier flight. grrrrrrr!!!!

Yeah, whatever happened to "you must be on the same flight as your luggage, blah, blah, blah?"

This is from Delta's website:

Economy Comfort

Flights within North America and to/from Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean

$9-$99 per segment

All other Delta Flights

$40-$180

We were "center seat sitters" as well and there was no problem where we were. As a PP pointed out, the problems may be mostly with seats on the aisles.

What are you unhappy about? You booked a cabin that you wanted at a price you were presumably willing to pay. You have since been upgraded. I don't get what all the doom and gloom is about.

If you bought cancel for any reason insurance you could cancel and cruise with your preferred lines.

What are you looking for from NCL? A full refund of the price difference? Ain't gonna happen.

We had the suite on deck 9 on the far port side and loved it for it's wrap around balcony.

I think I was in the same cabin - aft PH 9732. Loved it and would highly recommend it.

We just did the west bound TA on the Star in October and we had a wonderful time. I don't think the Star shows her age at all. The only thing I didn't care for on the Star was the buffet seating - it was very "school cafeteria like." But of all the cruises we have done, including one on Epic, this was our favorite.

Barcelona and Copenhagen are both great cities. I don't think you can go wrong, no matter which you choose.

I easily made a 12:40 departure from FLL in mid-October. One thing to consider is how many ships will be in port in both Miami and Port Everglades the day you depart. That could affect how quickly you can get out of Miami and through security in FLL.

Six of us from the cruise roll call went together and reserved a van with Super Shuttle and made the trip quickly and easily. We did the early walk-off.