ledodeck01

Does anyone know if a "staycation" cruise operating only in Canadian waters would be even possible given our current legislative environment? I would be interested in a Halifax-Quebec City cruise (Charlottetown, Saint John, Le baie, Saint Johns etc.) or something similar on the west coast.

A staycation would sure make insurance coverage and covid testing a lot simpler. I don't know if the demand would be there, but one or two cruises a month might be feasible using smaller ships. Any thoughts?

Can't wait to cruise again!!!!

Thanks for that info. I have not booked yet but would prefer a full transit- have you been?

is there any way to tell if a cruise will transit the old narrow portions  of the canal or will it be using only the new expanded canal opened in 2016. From a historical perspective, I am more interested in the older section where the ships are barely abled to fit and must be pulled by the mules.  This part of the canal seems to impart more of the panama canal

 experience. I have looked at the map showing both the new and old portions- I realize the the with of the ship (beam) is one factor.  Still I would like to know which portion of the canal I would be transiting before I book-or does it really matter as excursions can be booked. Thanks 

Would like to hear from others about their experience with booking a bx sail away cabin (particularly on their newest ships-Breakaway, Escape, Joy). Prices seem great  (some times $800 less than the lowest pick your cabin choice) but I am concerned that some of the bx categories on the 8th floor appear to be directly over the main show theater- I would be concerned about noise. Are their other bad locations? In any event, kindly post your experiences with sail away cabin choices. thanks 

This would never have happened under Kevin Sheehan's watch.

 

 

 

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Why do you say that? Just wondering.

Same thing happenned to us on a Sept 2018 west coast cruise. I wrote the following letter/email to NCL- never did receive a reply. Guess this happens more often than I thought. Now I am more upset hearing other folks having the same issue.

"I am writing to express our disappointment with the booking of our vacation on the Pearl for Oct 1, 2018. We have been big fans of NCL and view it as having consistently offered an enjoyable vacation experience with good value for dollars spent. We have travelled NCL in Europe, on the pacific coast and to New England and the Carribean. This week, NCL cancelled the Oct 1 sailing . We received an email advising us of an alternative 9 day sailing and directing us to a “dedicated “ support line . After waiting more than an hour, we learned that the ‘dedicated” support personnel had no information on either the cancellation or on the proposed 9 day sailing that was to leave also on Oct 1. We later learned that the 9 day sailing has been cancelled as well.

We were to be traveling with relatives and friends and had 4 balcony cabins booked. This is a major disappointment to us as there is no real alternative to this short repositioning cruise (other than on the Bliss at twice the price) . We are most disappointed when social media points out that the cruise was cancelled so that the ship could be chartered out at a higher revenue stream. As an accountant I recognize that the bottom line is important but I question if in this case it is worth alienating loyal customers. It generally cost much more to attract new customers than to keep the old.

We have yet to receive and communication from your reservation dept. (other than the original cancellation notice). The fact that he did not make an effort to contact us sends a loud message and should be of great concern to you. The failure of the “dedicated” line and the confused offer of an alternative 9 day cruised was a muddled response. Will we still use NCL- yes probably but this incident may make us examine our alternatives more closely. The other cabins were to contain cruisers new to NCL- the fact that we organized this venture and that it was cancelled simply to enhance NCL’s profits is an embarrassment to us.

We are reaching retirement age and by necessity must be very careful with how we rationalize our travel dollars. We want to continue to enjoy NCL but frankly this experience leaves us a bit nervous."

Anyone hear anything about a lot of construction on board the Sun on its last cruise?

 

The Sun was going into dry-dock. Instead of allowing enough dry-dock time, NCL authorized construction crews to do their prep work ahead of time during an active cruise. Complete disregard for the passengers who paid good money to enjoy their cruise of a lifetime- we are not talking about a small project. I was completely surprised by the pictures- vast areas of the ship were off limits and major construction equipment was used. Passengers had to endure endless noise and noxious fumes. They have a sun group set up on Facebook to show their displeasure complete with pictures and videos. Do a bit of checking- this is really worth researching. We had friends on another NCL cruise (South American cruise) who also had contractors on board causing similar disruption. They left the ship early because of this .NCL has a good product but they continually make decisions that demonstrate that they care very little about the customer

 

 

 

 

:evilsmile:

The Sun was going into dry-dock. Instead of allowing enough dry-dock time, NCL authorized construction crews to do their prep work ahead of time during an active cruise. Complete disregard for the passengers who paid good money to enjoy their cruise of a lifetime- we are not talking about a small project. I was completely surprised by the pictures- vast areas of the ship were off limits and major construction equipment was used. Passengers had to endure endless noise and noxious fumes. They have a sun group set up on Facebook to show their displeasure complete with pictures and videos. Do a bit of checking- this is really worth researching. We had friends on another NCL cruise (South American cruise) who also had contractors on board causing similar disruption. They left the ship early because of this .NCL has a good product but they continually make decisions that demonstrate that they care very little about the customer

Received email yesterday cancelling 5 day repositioning cruise from Vancouver to LA. NCL reservation Dept was no help.They offered alternative cruise with a10 day itinerary but couldn't confim where the cruise would port even which ship it would be. Not impressed. I would have expected those details to be available prior to sending the cancellation email. Anyone else effected by this or other cancellations?

Thanks everyone

We are looking at doing the " Outback Dominican Adventure' off the Carnival Magic. It uses large off road trucks to visit coffee plantations, chocolate plantations and a secluded beach. Anyone out there who has taken this excursion- would appreciate feedback. Thanks

Your best mode of transportation would be renting a vehicle for the day. South of the city is an airboat ride called Boggy Creek. You can find it on the internet. From the airport area it will take you about 45 minutes to get there. There also is a place called Gatorland, also on the internet. Its in the same general area. Anything else I can help you with.

No that's great- thanks for your help

Don't forget that the buffet is open at all times so if you do go for early saver/saver and don't like your dining time there is always somewhere to go for a 'snack' especially with your diabetes. We've only ever booked saver and had no problems with our cabins and even go upgraded twice. It all depends on how much control you like to have and how much you're willing to 'give it a go'. We also changed our dining time too once on board from early to late sitting, they will try to accommodate where they can. Staff on P&O are good, especially the senior ones. Enjoy P&O. Which ship are you thinking of booking?

 

 

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I really would like to see Iceland- here is a cruise available on the Azura next June that includes some of Norway as well.. I will be asking for feedback on the ship and cruise on another thread later. I certainly appreciate all your feedback.

I live in Canada and am interested in booking P&O. Reading their website, I see that there are 2 prices: One a early saver price and second a much higher price. With the higher price (select), you can choose your own cabin and get first choice for dinning. The difference is often over 200 pounds ($300 Canadian)- a fairly substantial amount. Never encountered this before.

My wife & I are diabetic and being bumped to a late dining time would not be healthy for us

I would like to know your experience. Do most people book select?.

I'm sorry but solicitation of travel agency referrals is not permitted on our message boards. As suggested earlier you can contact P&O directly for info about all of their sailings. P&O (UK), P&O (Aus) and all of their other services including European ferry services are all a part of Carnival Corp.

Sorry- never thought about it. I can understand how you may not want to commercialize Cruise critic. It is such a great resource for all of us. Sorry again

There is a hotel/restaurant complex about a mile north of the airport. Google the airport and scroll to the north you will see the hotels on both sides of rte. 436. Orlando covers a large area. The city is not that big. What type of tour are you looking for?

Alligator air boat tour for one - we probably want to stay away from the major theme parks. Any suggestions

Tnanks

We have one day in Orlando and would like to do local tour. Staying close to the airport. Viator tells me that they do not pick up there. Does anyone know a local tour company that would pick up at airport hotels? Thanks

Peter

Calgary, canada

I have been interested in P&O for sometime- we were docked by the Britannia in one Caribbean port and it looked amazing. We also talked to a few passengers there who were really enjoying their trip. I am looking for new itineraries (particularly those that include Iceland and Norway).

The problem is that I live in Canada and there is no marketing materials or support available. Our local travel agency personnel told me that P&O doesn't exist any more. When I told them that it remains one of the largest cruise companies on the world, the lady merely shrugged her shoulders and gave a blank stare. I assume P&O has a agreement with Princess not to directly market into its territory but I know P&O accepts travellers from Canada

I would like to know of any travel agencies in Canada that would be knowledgeable and helpful in booking P&O. Alternatively, could I hear from any North American passengers who booked P&O and could provide helpful tips (and traps) that they may have encountered.

Thanks

Peter, Calgary, Canada

Hello Everybody

 

Just started up a travel blog recently and having a boatload of fun with it.

Only a few articles up right now but of course, will be adding much more. Was on a recent cruise to the Baltics so I'm just currently working through some thoughts on the port cities I visited.

 

For the blog I'm focusing more on travel research and trying to write detailed articles on specific topics to answer specific questions. Of course, some general topics as well. Let's see how this goes!

 

Please have a visit and let me know what you think.

 

http://kensaysgotravel.com

 

Ken

Great start- loved the piece about the subway art- who would have thought! Do you intend to limit the blog to Europe or will you eventually want to include other non european destinations? This is a big undertaking, so thanks for taking the plunge.

Regards Peter, Calgary

We are experienced cruisers looking for something different.

 

We have cruised many times from Florida and countless times in Europe.

 

In January, we are considering from UK to New Orleans on United via Newark, NJ and staying 3 nights in NO then cruising on 24 January.)There is a choice of NCL Dawn or Carnival Dream.

 

I am looking for general advice, I take it we should look for a hotel in the French Quarter?

What should we expect to pay for a good 3/4 star hotel? What about transportation from the airport? do hotels lay on shuttles, or is a taxi the best option?

 

Any advice on what to do/see in NO would be appreciated.

 

Whats the best way to get to cruise terminal (is it far?) and the same question about getting to the airport after the cruise.

 

Getting back home requires a bit of logistical study, so whats the earliest flight I could comfortably book out of NO?

 

Thanks in advance

We are paying $239/259 at the Intercontinental- a few blocks away from port but still central. Been on the Dawn and would definitely lean towards the Dream- that class of ship in really nice (were on the Breeze and Magic) and food/ entertainments is a step up from the Dawn in our opinion. For things to so, we are planning a tour of the old historic cemetery # 1 (you cannot enter without being part of a tour) and we would like to take a swamp tour, see bourbon street, river walk etc. Have a great trip

Peter, Calgary, Canada

We used Z Limousine from our hotel. It was the day of the Houson Marathon so we were a bit concerned with street closures. Still, the driver arrived on time and was friendly and courteous. Vehicle was perfect. They have a fleet of different sized cars etc. Would use them again

https://houston-airport-town-car.com/transportation-galveston-and-bayport-terminals

I frequently enjoy having a croissant and coffee on my balcony in the early morning or a piece of pizza and a beer in the afternoon. I don’t spill and I don’t leave dirty dishes in the hallway. I recognize that some guests a simply ‘pigs’ but in general this has not been a big problem on any of the NCL ships on which we have traveled- perhaps some type to takeout container could minimize some spills? . We are not big users of room service (occasional breakfast) but paying $8.95 for room service would not be an alternative- for us its small snacks that would not justify a room services order- we simply wouldn’t have that pleasure as part of our cruise experience. We have been on 5 NCL cruises and will probably continue to use NCL but NCL would no longer be our first choice.

Prices are per service- taxis in Houston are very expensive. Z limo was a bargain going to Galveston. Peter

We used Z limo Service to go from hotel in Houston to galveston- could not have been more pleased.