emcelh

There's a website called Prof Cruise where you can find  menus for all NCL restaurants, both complimentary and fee based.  Prices for the a la carte restaurants are there. The dining package can be used at any of them but some items have an up charge which is noted on the menu.

Thanks.  That's the answer I was hoping for.

Can anyone tell me if there are retractable clotheslines in the showers on the Getaway?  I know we had them in cabins with bath tubs but couldn't remember if we had one when it was a shower only.  I'm thinking about drying bathing suits.

We've been in aft penthouse suites on the Gem, Jewel, and Jade and they're wonderful.  The balconies on deck 10 are the deepest.  We had a forward penthouse on the Pearl and found we didn't enjoy the balcony as much since it was a bit windy.  

I know the beaches are easy to get to by public bus but are there taxis available when you get off the ship to take you there?  Is it easy to get one back to the ship when you're ready to go?

I remember steps on a couple of the Jewel class ships.  I’ve been on all of them but can’t remember if all had steps.  I’m sure the Gem did and at least one other.

19 minutes ago, Cruiser1862 said:

Thank you so much. I just wanted to make sure no one would think “OMG didn’t she wear that the other night”??!!!  But, truth be told…who cares??!!
 

 

Right,  no one cares even if anyone would remember.  

4 hours ago, vtgumby said:

We love the aft suites and luckily have never had soot but we’ve also done the penthouse forward and my only thought with that is to consider the cruise you are on. Our forward penthouse was for the Panama Canal and it was perfect but we usually do transatlantic’s and the people that were in the forward penthouses never used their balcony because the wind was so brisk, a couple of the women said they couldn’t even push the door open.
So just a consideration.

Same experience for us.  Much prefer aft for the same reasons.

9 hours ago, MotownVoice said:

she doesn’t sail til April.  She could just cancel and get all of her money back and book something she likes better.   So NCL doesn’t have anyone over a barrel as you seem to want everyone to think. 

I'm wondering the same thing.  Even if they've paid in full, although why anyone would eight months in advance, they'll get a full refund.  Cancel and move on. 

2 hours ago, spanishguy1970 said:

thank you, i am finding that out, i did check youtube, there's only one or two videos. We got it as a free upgrade, so can't complain too much but eventually i am sure we will move. Ours looks like it will be very noisy.

The first balcony we ever had was a hull balcony on the Jewel,  a free upgrade last minute when prices dropped.  It was on a New England Canada cruise in the fall and quite chilly while at sea but we were protected from the wind on the balcony and were able to enjoy being out side.  I can't say I would ever book one but it wasn't  as horrible as some are making it out to be and a step up from the ocean view cabin we paid for.  

5 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

Sorry, but imho you’re totally wrong about the Gem. She’s a wonderful, comfortably-sized ship, with terrific public spaces like the Great Outdoors and a traditional promenade deck, with connections to the water that the newer, larger builds just do not have. Is she an amusement park at sea? No, and that’s one of the reasons my wife and I love her (and her Jewel-class sisters) so much. 

Agree.  Love the Gem and all the Jewel class ships.  The Great Outdoors is the ultimate breakfast spot for me.

25 minutes ago, pmms052999 said:

Now that we know that the vaccinated can spread and catch COVID just as much as the unvaccinated, what does it matter if the unvaccinated are on the ship?  And shouldn't the vaccine protect you from getting a severe case?  Children have almost a 100% chance of recovery...you can't get better odds than that.  

Exactly.   It's those who are unvaccinated who should be concerned.

7 minutes ago, cruisemom67 said:

What about Cagneys on the Free at Sea program? 

Same as Le Bistro.  1 entree, and unlimited sides, apps, and desserts.

1 hour ago, JT1962 said:

The testing requirements now also include the Bahamas and Grand Cayman as of an update yesterday. I am guessing a lot of people will be upset when the arrive at the pier in a few days, are unaware of this and are denied boarding.  

https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols

 

TESTING REQUIREMENTS (UPDATED 8/01/22)

CRUISES 5 DAYS OR LESS

Except where destination requirements differ, effective with sailings departing August 4, 2022, there will be no pre-cruise testing for fully vaccinated guests booked on certain cruises with itineraries 5 days or less. Due to destination requirements, ALL guests on itineraries that include Bahamas, Bermuda and Grand Cayman must complete a pre-cruise test, irrespective of the length of the cruise. For these itineraries, guests may take either a PCR or antigen test starting 3 days before departure and including embarkation day, provided test results are received in time for check-in (for example, if the sailing is on Saturday, the test may be taken any time from Wednesday).

Keep reading.  Further down it also says (updated 8/1/22 and there's no mention of Bahamas

I looked on the Carnival website.  It shows the policy was updated on August 1 and does say that testing is required for Bahamas but, if you scroll down and continue reading there's a second section, also updated August 1, that just says Canada and Bermuda.  So which is it?

56 minutes ago, jstraw89 said:

^I thought if you tested positive prior to sailing NCL would reimburse you for the cruise fare either through FCC or cash refund. Didn't know that you would be charged a 50% cancellation fee?

He said it was Crystal Cruises

3 hours ago, esm54687 said:

The gratuity on the drink and specialty dining package is NOT per day........   it is 20% of the total cost of the package.

Based on the current price of the package the gratuity would be $19.80 per day. 

I second seeing the sloths and monkeys in Roatan.  Bodden wasn't operating tours the day we were there so we booked with Daniel Johnson through Facebook Messenger.  Best time ever on a shore excursion.

16 hours ago, duck_keeper said:

 Is it different bed type in the suites? That may be something we can upgrade to next time if it is a better bed type knowing this ahead of time. I will ask on our next cruise for accommodations if needed no matter the room we pick if either of us have issues.

 

 

The beds in suites are much more comfortable in our experience.  

6 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

I do not think it is necessary for them to post this info in the cabins. if someone needs an OTC med they will ask at the reception desk I think. 

I had no idea these vending machines existed.  The medical center is usually located in an area where passengers wouldn't be unless their cabins are on the same deck.  My first thought, if I needed something,  would be to go to the gift shop where everything is overpriced.  Maybe that's why they don't advertise that there's another option.

I've never seen that type of  vending machine on any of the NCL ships I've been on but they do sell some OTC medications in the shops.  Prices are high though, similar to what you'd find in a hotel gift shop, so we always take anything we think we might need with us when traveling.

1 hour ago, PIXEYLOU said:

Brig your own wine bottle opener

and bring wine to dinner in tall glass. No rules against it

No need to bring a cork screw.  There should be one in the suite or the room steward will get it for you.

Just be aware that the crew will often try to steer you in the direction of the buffet (which is probably why the MDR is often nearly empty).  If you board really early you may have to wait a bit for them to open but it's a much nicer way to start your vacation.

Agreed.  Wear it with pride.

Usually you need to be on board 30 minutes prior to departure time.