cruisetraveler2

9 hours ago, wardwhitty said:

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. The charter company sent us a bill on Monday but we were already on the cruise.so i didn't see it until the morning of the excursion (Wednesday).  We had excellent weather and sent the money right over.  They were so excited to see us and we had the absolute best time.  The charter was the highlight of our cruise.    

Thanks for coming back with an update.  It it nice to hear there was a happy ending to the story!

Thank you for taking us along on this journey with you.  I've really enjoyed it.  I appreciate all the time and effort you put into doing it for us!

5 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

They state 24 hours but in reality it is when they close the manifest which can vary so I tell people 48, 72 is even better

I just wanted to say that you are such an asset to this community.  Thank you!

6 hours ago, mcoler181 said:

I was under the impression that you were unable to get free soft serve ice cream on MSC but have just read on another thread that it is included on the minors package.

 

My question is, where on Seascape would the kids be able to get soft serve?

 

Thanks in advace.

When I was on the ship in May, the ice cream was free for all passengers from 4:00-5:00. There was always a line that usually began at least 15 to 20 minutes beforehand.  They also put out several different types of cookies that were quite good.  Once they opened, the line usually moved quickly.

2 hours ago, arafol said:

I'm writing this review even though our 9-Day Mediterranean sailing with VIVA is scheduled on 1 Oct 2023. Just want to share my sad experience booking this Viva cruise with Norwegian. The original cruise aboard Jade for May 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19. We waited awhile and when we're ready we booked GETAWAY for Nov 2022 using our FCC. However, NCL cancelled this cruise in July 2022 when everything was ready and shore excursions booked with NCL's Shore Excursions Group. To replace the cancelled cruise, we booked the Holiday Mediterranean Cruise for Dec2023/ Jan2024 aboard EPIC. Well, lo and behold, this was cancelled again in May 2023. How upsetting for getting cancellations, not ONCE but TWICE in a row. Some of my friends are working in a medical setting and have to request at least 6 months to 1 year prior. Yes they were so upset but can't do anything. I myself had to put in my vacation request in Feb 2023 ahead of my co-workers, only to cancel it and fought to have it re-scheduled in October. This didn't stop, as we're not travelling as a group. NCL arranged our flights with different ETAs in Lisbon on Sept 30. 4 couples will arrive at 6:00 am and will have to wait for 5 agonizing hours as our own (my hubby's and mine) flights and 4 other couples are arriving at 11:00 am. The promo of "one guest flies free" wasn't worth with the stress/anxiety I experienced while waiting for the flight information to be available between 30-60 days of the cruise. I'm an organized person and as a Group Leader, I'd like to have a well-planned trip. I took the risk of booking and paying our tours in Lisbon for Sept 30. NCL is heartless! Getting a refund is also a challenge! My group loves cruising! We've been doing this since 2008 and this is our 14th cruise. However, I will NEVER book any Norwegian cruise anymore NOR will I recommend the cruise line to anyone.

I'm sorry this has been such a negative experience so far.  I know how disappointing and frustrating having cruises cancelled can be.  Thank you for sharing your experience and hopefully it can help someone who is considering booking air travel through a cruise line.  When it works, it works well and can be a substantial cost savings.  I have read way too many stories like yours so I just book my own air travel.   I am also a planner and just like having more control if things go wrong.  I hope you and your friends have a wonderful cruise.  Hopefully, once you are on the ship all of this will be forgotten and will be replaced with happy memories.

I currently have Covid and I'm very happy that I'm not on a cruise at the moment!

14 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

It depends on where your cruise sails from, and how long it is.  If it is at least 7 days, you might have up to 40%, maybe more, guests from Europe.  My observation is they dress up more for evenings, even non-gala nights.  Especially the women.  EM

I absolutely agree with this!

On 7/4/2023 at 5:00 AM, jean87510 said:

We did find the statues.  We had a car but you definitely can walk from international pier.  They are to the right at Tikilas.  

Great pictures!  Thanks for sharing!

19 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

I like your comments 🤯

 

You went into the Cruise with very low expectations (some people are happy with Sub Par service )

 

To me that is not a positive attitude, that’s going in with a negative attitude 

 

To me LOW is negative 

HIGH is positive 

Basic Logic and math 

 

If you expect nothing, then nothing can disappoint you

Thats why you never have a bad experience, because you did not expect anything to be better than LOW

(The mantra of a cheerleader)

 

I went into this cruise with lower expectations because there was no planning involved other than being on a ship.  It was very last minute and I had read the comments and reviews.  I think it is good for people to go and experience things for themselves.  Super high expectations will usually lead to disappointments. 

I appreciate the OP sharing their experience.  I sailed on this ship in May.  For comparison, I've sailed Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Carnival. I never never experienced crowds like on this ship.  This cruise was booked last minute because I needed a getaway after the death of a family member and they had a balcony room for a reasonable price. 

I went into this with very low expectations but prepared to have a great time and I did. I ate more meals in the dining room to avoid the crowded buffet area.  On this cruise you could go hours without hearing any English spoken.  This didn't bother me but it is a different experience.  I love meeting and making new friends.  They did usually try to seat me with English speaking people in the dining room which was very nice. 

I spoke to a woman that was in the YC.   This was her first experience with cruising and it was very negative.  I suggested she might be better suited to Celebrity.  I would hate for someone to be completely turned off of cruising because of this experience.  Many people I talked to on this ship were disappointed. 

Cruising overall is very different post Covid.   Those of us who have been cruising for years can't help but compare to how things used to be.   For myself, I will continue to cruise and have a great time even if the food and entertainment is not what it used to be.  Going into things with a positive attitude goes a long way.  I would not be afraid to cruise MSC again in the future. 

I was on a ship that stopped at Ocho Rios a couple of weeks ago.  I have always avoided Jamaica in the past.  I rarely do ship excursions.  I hired a guide to do a short tour.  It just confirmed in my mind why I was right to avoid Jamaica.  This is one of the few ports that I would recommend taking a ship excursion or just not getting off at all. 

We were on the May 7th sailing and had them daily.  Never had to ask for them. 

Less than 30 days for our January one.   

Thank you for the quick reply!   As much as I wanted to cruise, this is actually a relief.   I had planned this cruise way before COVID .   Luckily, I had held off on the airline reservation. 

Good morning,   I have back to back Horizon cruises booked leaving from Miami starting Jan. 3.   I received a cancellation notice from the travel agent (big box store).   I am not seeing this particular ship cancelled on the Carnival Website.   The headlines are confusing saying all January cruises are cancelled.  Any insight is appreciated.

I recently stayed in a cove balcony cabin on the Breeze. I loved the location. Just be aware that they don't get a lot of sun. I enjoyed being so close to the water and wouldn't hesitate to book another one.

I have stayed in those cabins several times on the Legend. I would not suggest getting one of the first recessed cabins. I have stayed in 6263 and 6259. I felt that the location was great. Hope this helps! :)

I was in 2262. It is a great location! Wouldn't hesitate to book it again.:)

I recently stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis that I booked through LMT. We were given the opportunity to upgrade at check in but decided against it. We were still given a room that had a nice water view. We were very pleased with the room and would highly recommend this hotel.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! I cruised on the Breeze last month and it is one of my favorite ships. Have a fantastic cruise!:)

We stayed at this hotel last month and took at taxi to the port. It was definitely more than $15. I'm sorry I can't remember the exact amount but it was more than I was expecting. It was a metered taxi at the hotel and traffic was light. We really enjoyed the hotel and will definitely stay there again.

I am looking to book a hotel in Miami in October. I have never used LMTclub and would love some input. Any problems or advice that you can give would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sorry that I can't advise on that specific cabin but I have recently researched that floor. Everyone told me to book more toward the front of the ship. Some of the rooms in the back are under the kitchen and had noise issues. I would definitely try to find out what is directly over that room. I booked 2262 yesterday. Hope this helps! :)

I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I booked a cove balcony room a few minutes ago. I think we're going to love it. :)

I would love some thoughts and opinions on the Breeze. I am also interested in the cove balconies. TIA

My family did the Everglades excursion. I thought it was worth the money since we had a later flight. The 4:10 flight will be fine and you shouldn't feel rushed.