cajun-crazy

The discounted fare allows me to fly from our local airport instead of driving 2.5 hours to New Orleans (and paying for 10 days of parking) to fly from there. And saves about 50%. After I use the BOGO once, then I can decide if it is worth it or not!

Thank you!  My concern would be the flight arrives late and it was considered "not worth it" to stay IN Boston.  But we'll have most of the next morning anyway.  I do tend to overthink - so thanks for that vote !

I am not looking for a specific hotel recommendation, but an area, such as Back Bay or Seaport. 

This is early September.  

I won't know what time my arriving flight will be until a month or so prior to sailing.

From our home airport, we definitely have a one stop - which in best case would land between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (depending on which flight NCL selects).

If flight got in late, I would probably stay at airport hotel.  I want to book a refundable hotel for somewhere historic and within walking of sites.  We are o.k using T line or Metro.

What thoughts do you have?  Am I overthinking the flight arrival time?

We had an inside cabin booked on this deck for our AK cruise this summer. I can’t tell you why it is like that. The deck is only in the front part of the ship. It almost looks like it was “inserted” between decks 5 and 7

Thank you all for wonderful information and ideas by sharing your experiences. I appreciate all of you!

@BirdTravels Have you done a review of a Canada/New England Cruise?  I did see the Breakaway to Bermuda review.

Thank you for the Northbound/Southbound opinion.  If sailing from NY, northbound - we would get to see NY departure, plus sailing down the St Lawrence.  (If I am correct with that).  That would be the Joy.

3 hours ago, hallux said:

. . . , just making you aware.

I did realize that.  It would add another night, possibly two.  I wondered if the one way was that much more scenic.

I kind of compare it to doing a RT Alaskan cruise from Seattle, or a one-way to Seward/Whittier.  I've done both.  But I do agree the ease of travel will be a big factor.

Looking at September 2024.  I have previously sailed Breakaway and Sun and realize the Gem & Jade are inbetween these two classes.

A one-way from either NY or Boston to Quebec City presents more travel and a few more days, but I wonder if it is worth the extra effort to see.  And, if so, would you prefer to arrive or depart from Quebec City? We really aren't into museums or historical tours, preferring to wander and soak up the atmosphere of shops/eateries and quaint villages/harbors.

I can also choose RT from NY on Breakaway or RT from Boston on Jade. This will

I do realize opinions are subjective - but I'll respect yours!

This is our first time doing the Canada/New England itinerary.  Also realize we won't see any fall foliage.

a) Thoughts on one way vs RT (Joy and Gem offer one way)

b) If RT, thoughts on departure from NY (Breakaway) or Boston (Jade)

I enjoyed following along. Thanks for all the posts and pictures. I am sorry our paths didn’t cross. Once I thought I “found you”. His name was Fred. Very nice gentleman.

8 minutes ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

streaming is tough. Internet has been MOSTLY good enough to do it, not as fast as Starlink on Carnival Pride or Mardi Gras, but 

This will be Sling for ESPN. I am hoping for the best. My eyes really prefer a larger screen than my phone!

Is there any chance of a game being shown if it isn’t on the schedule? Example: if a venue has multiple tvs is it possible to have on more than one game? 
And for those that stream, is there a location that tends to have better reception?

I am currently on this cruise, only on page 40 or so. I commented earlier that Carnival and NCL both have lifeguards, but none here. The pool is Kid Soup, just like TXTeach said. Currently a dad is demanding to view security footage to see who pushed his son! Can’t fully understand the accent (it isn’t Cajun) but he is mad!! I am staying around for the show.

4 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

She made me stop to keep the crosswalk clear 

 

For a point of reference, we parked in Express Lot, dropped our luggage and got in line. This is where the end of the line was at 10:30

Always love following your reviews.  Most times it is a ship I am going to sail on or ports I am going to go to (except the Europe one!)  I'll be on this cruise too with my daughter and granddaughter (10).  She enjoys playing Elevator Lady and pushing the floor numbers for guests.

Earlier in this thread you mentioned eyeing a Summer cruise that went from (was it BCN?) to MSY.  Where does that cruise leave from? 

2 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

 

 

 

 

 

I love to come into Galveston on the ferry! 

8 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Definitely better to be green. I’m done. That’s blue

 

 

 

 

That is worth the 10.00 I paid for shipping!

6 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

I just went through the planner and book marked all of the things I might be interested in. I have to say it feels like they have a lot going on. 

And don’t forget football games, unlike NCL who did not show any during the New Years and National Championship!

Does this list resemble what you have experienced when sailing from Galveston on Carnival? I wondered if it was a Texas list or if it varied by cruise line?

I am glad to follow this one as I get on when you are getting off! I find interest in all your reviews since New Orleans and Galveston are ports I sail from most. And having sailed mostly Carnival and two NCL. This will be my first Princess also. I know you will do lots of helpful comparisons.

On 9/4/2023 at 6:19 PM, cb2367 said:

 

Can anyone use the TJ's luggage service? That would work perfectly for when I get back from the cruise to store my luggage before I head to the hotel. Is the crew shop only open to crew (just wondering in case any last minute things are needed).

 

@cb2367The crew store was right next door to the luggage storage. Neither was a true store that you walk in and look around. Basically you stood just inside the doorway and asked for what you wanted. There was a door/opening between the two.

We had an 11:00 pm flight. By using Port Valet, our larger bags were already sent to airport. We chose to consolidate down from 3 backpacks to 2 and stored the remaining one for 5.00. They attach a tag and give you the stub.

Note: they close at 3:00. She makes sure you know this. And if you forget to be there at 3:00, she will call you and demand that you return then! She must leave and can not wait for you. Most people will already be on their way to the airport and will have retrieved their luggage by 3:00 and they won’t have the issue I had.

On our NCL 9 night out of New Orleans over New Years 2022/2023, we could not catch a single Bowl game, even missed the National championship game. Yet in October out of Galveston on carnival Breeze, they showed college football in Red Frog Pub, even setting up extra chairs to handle the extra people. i hated watching only Soccer snd Rugby on NCL

Thank you.  That page is very helpful.

We will be in Seatlle one day/night before our cruise (July 27) and a full day when we return(flight is at 11:50 pm)

I Ppan to take Link Light Rail, maybe Ferry and maybe a bus or two.

I don't want to pay for ORCA card as I don't think we'll use it that much.

I'm considering using the app Transit Go Ticket.

Will this option cover the Link from airport, as well as monorail/buses/ferry?

And is this a feasible option considering the transportation we plan on using?

Thanks!

@Happycrafter123 I'm loving your review and following along each night.  We board the Sun at end of July.  I'm wondering about the hair dryer in the bathroom.  Is it about the equivalent of those cruise ships that have the hair dryer in the drawers?

Even if I did bring my own, do they have an outlet near the desk to plug it in?  I thought I read where outlets were very few and far between.