tjncanada

1 hour ago, Neeny12 said:

There is a My Family Time Dining option with Traditional dining not My Time Dining. It starts at 5:30pm and Adventure Ocean picks up your kids am hour after. I would ask RC for details. 

I think this may explain the gap. That option is probably being given priority with the My Time Dining commencing later. 

I booked a balcony GTY for upcoming Bermuda cruise on Escape. I got my room Deck 15. Can they change this room before we sail since it's a GTY or once it's assigned that's it?

The cruise line can change it, though improbable, anytime up to the day that you check in. You would only move up in category. Most people get what they were first assigned while others report that they were changed a few times.

Dumb question: what is a cruise certificate?

It's a future cruise deposit you have the opportunity to purchase when you're on a cruise. No need to book a specific date - you just apply it when you see a cruise you want to book. You would want to do this on NCL if you will sail with them again because you get a credit against your current onboard account. In effect if you buy one you will have $250 to apply against payment for a future cruise but will have spent $150. Buy multiple certificates and the ratio of instant credit to deposit goes up. You can use them whether booking direct or through a travel agent.

You can get yourself into the Studio lounge (if you want to ofcourse) Just explain you are travelling alone and they give you access on your keycard. I did this on the Epic.

The policy on this is foggy. No harm to ask but how policy is applied can vary. Regardless all solo travellers are welcome to participate in the scheduled activities. Just check the FreestylebDaily and show up at the daily gathering.

We met at the Tobacco Road bar the first day and were taken to the Studio Lounge as a group. For the remainder of the cruise the meeting spot was the Studio Lounge (a door was open for non-Studio people).

The revelation to me was that I have thought of the Studios as especially geared for the solo traveler (as NCL markets them) but the reality is that they are very popular with friends and family travelling together but like to have a cabin to themselves. How dare they invade "our" special cabins. LOL.

It will vary by the week I'm sure but what we found as a result is that a relatively low number participated in the Solo Gatherings in relation to the number of Studio Cabins. We also figured that it could be the absence of the bar in the Studio Lounge was part of the reason for low traffic. I still met a few friends but it just did not seem as busy as my week on the Epic a few years ago. I have no Breakaway/Getaway experience so have no basis for comparison to them.

I have to mention that if you do go to dinner in in one of the MDRs expect to be there for awhile, in particular the Manhattan Room. I loved the cruise but the pace of service for dinners is the main constructive criticism I have. If you're in the mood for something quicker consider the buffet, O'Sheehan's Pub, or one of the Specialty Venues. Otherwise enjoy the company/conversation. Aside from the dinners Jessy the Solo coordinator arranged to have the shows booked/re-booked so people could go together as a group and suggested daily events that we could also meet up to enjoy together. The daily gathering served as an opportunity to communicate those opportunities for the particular evening and the next day.

Huevos rancheros at sea day brunch.

Also breakfast burritos from the Blue Iguana Cantina.

Guess I've got a thing for Mexican foods :D

Solo meetups were basically a meet and greet session with a staff member trying to "break the ice". They didn't organize anything like the group lunch at the Teppanyaki restaurant or a visit to the Ice Bar like we had on the Epic. I think it's still worth attending the first two to meet some of the other solo cruisers that you may want to stay in contact over they cruise. There did seem to be a few more than I would see on a typical Caribbean Cruise.

I did really enjoy my Western Mediterranean Cruise on the Jade but found it very busy with its intensive itinerary. If you plan to partake in the evening activities allow a bit of time for a rest somewhere between getting back from shore and dinner. Depending on your interests a European Cruise can be really busy and interesting which may prevent you ever feeling lonely. Definitely stay active in the Cruise Critic Thread for your cruise. You'll get to meet people and they should have some good group excursions planned.

For breakfast the best bet was the 24 HR Blue Moon Restaurant. It was always easy to get a seat and you had the choice of the small cereal/continental buffet or ordering from a full breakfast menu (or a combination of both). Much better than the chaos of the Garden Cafe buffet.

As a solo I felt a little more "on my own" than on the Epic but still met lots of people along the way - solo and otherwise. Sometimes your new friend/friends may be sitting at the bar by the Great Outdoors Buffet as was the case with me.

US currency is widely accepted at tourist spots at all these ports - even the street/beach vendors. No need to change from $US

I've had cruises where the cabin wasn't assigned until I got to the pier! Don't fret, I've also found that usually the later the cabin is assigned, the better the chance for a nice upgrade. :D If you don't get assigned before you get to the pier, just ask the porter who takes your checked bag, and he will have a list of the cabin assignments, and make a tag for your luggage. No problem. Good luck, and I hope you get an excellent cabin! :cool:

 

"SKY"

Thanks, I was wondering how that would work if you didn't get your cabin number before you left home.

I fly in two days ahead of time and look for a hotel that offer a shared shuttle service to the port. Even if there's a fee it is usually pretty reasonable.

If I lived close enough to the port to arrive by road and plenty of vacation time to use at another time than I would consider a 5 day cruise. Since I have to go through the logistics/hassle of getting there I personally would avoid anything less than 7 days. If you get a couple of full days in Florida to make a full week getaway perhaps that's not bad. Longer is better but no cruise is not good so if 5 days is all you can fit in then party on!:D

Does the taste bar on the glory serve food for lunch? I'm asking because on the breeze they had good soup snd salad for lunch.

No, it's only open 530pm-830pm for the taste size portions on the sea days and maybe one or two of the port days.

An alternative would be ordering from the complimentary light lunch menu at the bar counter on the Serenity Deck. This includes salads and wraps plus a couple other light options. Note the FunTimes dailies don't mention this.

Will they allow you to enter the solo lounge if you are not booked in the Studio cabins?

I've seen this question a few times on the solo cruiser and NCL threads. Technically the lounge is supposed to be exclusive to those staying in the studio cabins with the exception of the hapy hour solo mixer in the later afternoon before dinner time. But people have said that they had solos with a studio cabin and crew let them in the door. My guess is that it may depend on the crew on duty at the time.

Tom

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It is true that you proceed to the theatre and go to the tender when called. However, the group does have to assemble after you disembark the tender before proceeding to the bus. There is a final restroom opportunity once you're checked in so expect at least another 10-15 minutes before proceeding to the bus. Also expect that with the tender rides, assembling/reassembling, and the bus rides to and from that your excursion will likely take up most of the allotted shore time in Belize.

Tom

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The trivia contests and competitions (mini golf tournament, shuffle board, etc) are good for meeting other people and starting conversations.

If you chose traditional fixed time dining you will likely be seated at a large table with 6-8 people not a table for two. I've usually had a few couples and maybe one or two other solos. You could try to see if others on your roll call would be interested in linking reservations as to be seated together. If you chose "My Time" dining you could try to get together some people you meet on board and decide a time to meet. Everyone would have had to selected the My Time dining option though. Whichever option you choose it has to be for the full cruise. It may not be easy to move from one option to the other as the cruise line allocates only up to a limited number for each option. If you chose traditional dining and find you aren't happy with your table mates ask the Maitre 'D to relocate you. You won't know who or how many will show up at your table until you go to dinner the first night. On RCCL I find often people sign up for the fixed time dining but when they get there they decide they would rather go to the buffet instead. Many will skip the formal nights to avoid the dressing up meaning a potentially reduced number at the table those nights. I'd try to be open to socializing with people of any age. I've met many interesting and fun people both much older and younger than myself.

Didn't find them that funny. Recommended you use your valuable vacation time to listen a live band instead.

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Since you like Carnival, it's a 8 day itinerary, leaves from your favourite home port I, and features destinations you haven't visited I would say the Sunshine. That was your last ship so if you were happy on that cruise there's no reason I wouldn't take the extra day over your other options that are 7 days. If you're having a good time longer is better IMHO.

Longer is always better IMHO. You can't help noticing that you have to pack and leave a day earlier. I consider day 1 as maybe a half day if you can get checked in and boarded about noon and disembarkation day mostly a write off leaving 5 full days to live the good life on a 7 day cruise or 4 full days on a 6 day one. Depressing that day and a half disappearing but that's the way it is. So for less full days than a standard work week I wouldn't go to the trouble and expense of flying in but if you have the time and close to the port I would consider it for a getaway.

I agree with the idea in principle but for it to work you need to budget based on the minimum you expect to spend. Rather than target a zero dollar account at the end it would be easier to accept the idea that there will be a bit left to pay. If you monitor your prepaid balance as you go it will give you an idea of where you are vs your budget. I wouldn't add extra "just in case" - it doesn't make sense to over-pay only to go through the hassle of trying to get a refund.

I believe RC is 2 bottles per stateroom and that is for the whole trip.

Yes, that is correct - 2 750ml bottles regardless of length of trip and it's only allowed on embarkation day. The only exception would be if it was a back-2-back cruise - you could double it and they would hold the second 2 and deliver them to your stateroom on the first day of the second leg of the back-2-back. But if the 12 days is one cruise then only 2 bottles.

Tom

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I took the excursion to Bacab Eco Park and took the bike ride option. It was very enjoyable and tour includes lunch and couple of hours to enjoy the beautiful pool area, short medicinal plant themed nature trail, and bar/restaurant. There were also options offered for a nature park escape (no scheduled activity), horseback riding, or kayaking.

Had a great time last year on her too. Remember this is cruise critic and people are very quick to let little things ruin their trips too. I think you'll have a great time.

 

 

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So true. It's pretty much a given you will find these negative types on every cruise regardless of ship or cruise line.

How does the custom brew for Carnival (Thirsty Frog Red?) rate?

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Would you also be able to tell me how many formal nights we will have on a 5 night cruise? As I said, I enjoy dressing for dinner.

Only the single formal night on a five night sailing. Celebrity has added a couple more specialty restaurants but I've never tried them. Though you can see things have been trimmed a little since a few years ago I find the MDR just fine and I think their dining is the best of the cruise lines that I have sailed on. The ship is still classy but I found that Celebrity is making adjustments to attract the younger market. For a balance between class and having a little fun you have picked the right ship.

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I just got off my first Solo and there was really only one uncomfortable moment. I was eating lunch at the buffet and took a table (booth) because all the two tops were all taken. A lady walked by and looked at me and said that the solo cruisers are taking up all the booths and they should not be allowed to do that. I had to respond and just said "Yeah, I can't believe all those couples are sitting at tables for two... just does not make any sense huh? Funny thing is, I normally sat at the back of the boat at a 4 or 6 top because no one sat there, and I found that to be the most relaxing place.

Yes, all these solo cruisers are taking over all the cruise ships. Soon couples are going to be the minority. LOL :)

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