GGBOXERS

Hi Folks!

Will be on NCL JADE, Dec. 26-Jan.3rd....

NCL changed our itinerary (FYI to those of you on this cruise and were not notified of the change!) which has us now being in Cozumel on New Year's Day which is also a Sunday.

My question is will the shops be open that day or is everything basically closed due to either the holiday or it being a Sunday.

The answer will determine what we will be doing that day.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Happy Cruising!

GGBOXERS

Pennsyvania

Good read and it stressed the importance of being on time when the ship tells you to be there! I have always given myself an extra 30-45 minutes to be back on the ship!

Had a close call in St. Thomas years ago when we had left the ship first thing in the morning and just by accident ran into a couple fellow cruisers who were on their way back to the ship who informed us that the ship changed the time we were to leave because of a tropical storm kicking up in St. Maarten which was to be our next port. I truly think that we still would have been on the ship anyway but had we not had planned to head back when we did, who knows?

I do remember leaving a port on another cruise and seeing a couple people running and screaming for the ship to stop! Packages were flying up in the air! Later that day, the cruise director made a statement strongly reinforcing the cruise policy...WHEN YOU ARE TOLD TO BE BACK ONBOARD...BE BACK ONBOARD! Once a ship pulls that gangplank, even if they move a foot and attempt to engage the plank again, they are charged another port fee. So you understand why they do not do it!

I always would carry a copy of my passport, along with the rest of the family in my backpack when on an excursion, now I am rethinking that and will start to carry my passport in a sealed ziplock (so it doesn't get wet) as well as my cell charger! I also suggest programming your cell alarm to go off as a reminder when to start back to the ship!

THANKS for the advice and sharing your experience.

GGBOXERS

Has anyone ever traveled via taxi (or rental car) to this site? According to my research, it is only 12 miles from Port and charges only $8 admission. I'd rather save the $79pp (x my family of 4), if I can help it.

 

Rental car companies or taxi advice appreciated!

We booked this from ship. I have read that this is a very poor area and caution should be taken. Understandable that with the number of people in your party you would want to save $$$.

Be advised that some taxi drivers will take you to stops along the way and encourage you to buy things before or after you reach your destination. Please take this in consideration when you get into a cab.

Wish I could be of more help. Just wanted to give you the info that has been passed on to me.

Take care..

Hope you and your family have a great time.

GGBOXERS

We are planning to book a cruise for our daughters graduation in May 2018. She is allowed to bring a friend, however, she doesn't know which friend yet (since it is so far away). In addition, she will still be 17 when we sail. Any suggestions on how to book the two cabins? Will they even let us book if we don't know the name of the undecided person yet? Thanks!

 

 

 

Regarding the teenagers sailing, I do not believe anyone under the age of 21 is permitted to be in a cabin unless accompanied by an adult. If the cabins are connected, this may be ok but you need to check with cruise line. I would not rely on TA. Best to go straight to the cruise line.

 

The only way you could possibly get around this is to register an adult and a teen in each cabin, then once you get on board, switch. As a mom, the only way I would agree to do this is if the teens were in an adjoining cabin. Of course a bigger cabin to accommodate all would solve the problem but not afford you the privacy you would need.

 

Hope it works out.

 

GGBOXERS

We are on the 26 December sailing out of Tampa. I have read several posts in reference to good and bad embarkation. Is there a good time to arrive to alleviate starting security line outside.

We are on that same cruise.

I understand we should be at the terminal two hours before the ship leaves at 4. We are flying in the night before into Tampa and plan to go over when we check out at noon from hotel.

Make sure you have all your documents done beforehand and there should be no problems for a quick embarkation.

Take care....won't be long now!

Judy

Pennsylvania

Thanks so much for the great suggestions so far. I love the thought of taking a pic of the cabin, it will never be the same once we unpack. Also did not know about the spa raffle. Would love to win rather than pay if it was an option. Does anyone know if teens have to be registered for teen club?

 

Keep sharing learning a lot and hopefully others are too!!!

In my experience, those SPA Raffles are a waste of time and it is rare when they are totally free if you are lucky enough to win. Last one I "won" would have cost me $75-100.00 if I would have used it. I regretted wasting time there.

I would also stay away from the Art Auctions. Sure there are nice prints, but nothing that you couldn't find at home at much better prices.

If you are looking for sales at the shops on board, wait until the end of the week....T-Shirts, etc. usually are discounted then.

Get on ship...explore, check out cabin, have a drink, maybe a swim if you have your suit. If you haven't already, check out excursions offered to see what is available. Grab a bite to eat! RELAX...you are ON VACATION!

Have a great trip!

GGBOXERS

Pennsylvania

Hello! We are leaving on the Norwegian Getaway in a few weeks. We got beverage packages included as a promo when we booked (2 Ultimate and 2 soda packages). It's been several years since we've been on a NCL cruise. I think that the last time we bought the soda package, they included a plastic drink tumbler to use throughout the cruise. I was wondering if they still do this or if I should bring one of my own. Thanks in advance for any answers that you can give me! :)

HELLO!

Been on three cruises and will soon be leaving on NCL Jada day after Christmas.

I am bringing an insulated thermos type cup with screw top to keep beverages cold. Will put in my bag for the beach excursions and for a hike we are taking.

My understanding is that the ship permits you to take beverages off the ship but you must discard/empty container when you come back on.

For you coffee drinkers it is nice to take back a huge cup in this type of container in the morning and it will stay piping hot!

Enjoy your cruise!

GGBOXERS

Similar experience here!

The person who was supposed to go cancelled out. A call was placed to NCL and to Expedia who originally booked the cruise. Name was changed and all documents updated to reflect the change. Another person is going in place of the one who cancelled. It was a very easy process.

If you can find someone, it would be nice to have a 6th person to share the cabin. The expense won't be lost. Perhaps the new person could reimburse the person who cancelled.

Best Wishes!

Thanks for your review - my friends and I are sailing on the Jade on March 6th. Quick question - do you need to book the shows before you board?

HI Patticakes..

I asked that question in another forum and was told this is done only on the bigger ships. The Jade does not offer the opportunity to pre-book their shows.

Hope this helps!

Enjoy your cruise!

GGBOXERS

Going on my first cruise in 6 years so I thought I would refresh my memory. This thread will keep me on point....LOL

Some things mentioned here brought me some fond memories and downright laughter right out loud.

Remembering that first Life Jacket fiasco on the Triumph where it was so hot some people were passing out....those dang life vests were like Rubic Cubes trying to figure out!

The lanyards have to be worn if you have no pockets. Of course it is always a neat souvenir coming home to the pronounced tan line from it laying on your husbands chest all day at the pool!

Hearing people argue with the store folk because that T-Shirt they bought on the first day of the cruise is now 50% off on the last day and dang it, they want their discount!

Watching peoples faces when they get their final charges before debarking. That OMG....What have I done look or the much better....OMG, What did YOU do look to the husband!

Following EVERY SINGLE TIP ever given on EVERY SINGLE CRUISE BOARD and ending up with bungie cords, extension cords, medicine chests that will include a fix for every known illness to mankind, duct tape of various sizes, magnets, 25 clothes hangers, 10 pairs of shoes, double the underwear and that journal that you vow to record in every single night and enough batteries to change in your devices every single day, a backup hairdryer, flashlights and snacks to eat on excursions! The vast majority of these items will fill half of your suitcase or half of TWO suitcases because your travel companion has packed the SAME things! They will stay in your suitcase. They will not be needed, but will be happy you took them along for the ride. :D

I can't wait until it's time for me to go....

Now WHERE did I put those bungie cords???? :rolleyes:

Happy Sailing!

Hello Fellow Cruisers!

I will be sailing on the Jade when the clock strikes midnight and a brand new year begins!

Since I have never done a holiday cruise before, what might I expect in the way of celebrations, dress, food, etc.?

Thanks in advance! This will be my 4th cruise but my first with Norwegian and during the holidays (Dec. 26 - Jan. 3, 2017).