ConnieTact

I am in the U.K. yes. I didn’t have a guarantee stateroom though. I chose my cabin so I could get midship. It didn’t cost that much more.

I phoned NCL yesterday and gave them details of booking. They said they would get back to me and sure enough in just 24 hours I had an email to offer me just under £400 in FCC, in total for my booking for two. I wasn’t planning on sailing with NCL again in the next 12 months but as a result I probably will!

I just called and asked and my case is being looked at. I should be within 24 hrs. I’ll let you know what the result is.

So, 7x £14 champagne makes it worth buying the Premium Extra Package? I may have covered that last trip but couldn’t drink any more! 😅 I guess if you’re buying it by the glass onboard you have to pay gratuities on top. It makes YC look worthwhile if you can get a good fare as the too drinks package is included.

The open return tickets are often on sale 12 weeks before the date of first journey. Having said that, I bought a single already for my forthcoming October cruise for Southampton. I only needed a single because we will fly home to London. We are on the Virtuosa from Southampton to Barcelona that time. The return was almost cheaper than the single I bought! https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/Train_Tickets.aspx It is very handy being able to catch the train to the port as it is so near the port and always Ubers and taxis available. Getting a flexible ‘off peak’ return means you can use any service that is not before 9.30am. It is also worth noting in YC, you can usually stay onboard a little later if you speak to your butler and let them know your train is later.

Don’t forget to bring a pop up vase or something to put them in! I have sometimes brought an arrangement on but alto own a plastic pop up vase I bought on one of my holidays.

I wonder what that mission is? 🤔

When we were in our last cruise, uncertain of changed itinerary, I asked at the excursion desk in the Galleria-although I guess YC concierge may do this for you. They seem well informed because they have to plan alternative excursions etc. Maybe MSC are hoping the industrial action will cease and they can keep to their original plans? As you said, it would be easier if they just skipped Le Harve for a while and made firm plans. This would be hard for people planning to board in France, getting coached all the way to Amsterdam!

So you may end up doing Amsterdam twice! 😅 if you can ascertain that you are definitely going to Amsterdam and not Le Havre, you could consider changing your existing excursion to medieval Ghent at Rotterdam and then do your own thing in Amsterdam. The MSC Ghent trip is worthwhile and it’s beautiful there.

It’s great you’re going to Amsterdam instead of Rotterdam twice as we did! I always love Amsterdam and don’t tire of it. The ship docks close enough to just walk in so that’s great. When we’re sailing YC we don’t go to the ordinary buffet at all, as we like the sun deck offerings and the lack of people! Enjoy Rotterdam! Are you going on an excursion?

Great photos! I’m following along. Never cruised with Azamara before but interested to learn more!

So glad you got on so easily and quickly and seem to be settling in so well! Bon Voyage! We will be following along.

So many ports have people getting on & off that it is done each time. Mostly, it’s around 4.30 and you have to go to your room & watch a safety video. Then, you use your phone in room to call and confirm you watched it. Next, you are told to go to your muster station to swipe your card. There is no bar or elevator service during this time.

Not long now then! All very exciting! Did you travel with hand luggage and a big case or less than that? I used to take big cases but now we get the train, I have learned to pack in a small suitcase that is acceptable as a cabin bag.

Great! We’re there in June so I’ll make sure Mr CT gets a pint! 👍

I doubt he agrees with cans of Guinness! 😊

Are you and MrB fully recovered now? I hope so. Although I always say being ill on a cruise is so easy! No meals to make, no work…!! I hope you can enjoy it to the full.

Just misread this and thought MrB had a good firm grip of the purse strings!! 😜 I now realise you meant you had to wake him up to open the bottle. I would hate not being able to access water in the night! I had four loosened bottles on my bedside every night! 😅😂

I’ll start to follow and catch up on your posts! 👍

So glad I’m not the only one! Are you in YC? If you are get the butler to loosen them all for you. If not, as the bar staff. That’s what I did! They are used to it. Enjoy your cruise!

The ship may be delayed due to French strikes but at least you’ll be one of the first people on as in YC. Our recent cruise was delayed as it came from further away due to strike action. Enjoy!

Go for it! It’s YC! You have priority. Get into that Top Ssil lounge with champagne in hand asap! 😂

I never thought of this and my husband uses CPAP and I own some of those magnets! 👍 Great tip! Thanks!

I just looked on my app for forthcoming cruise on Virtuosa in October but cannot see the shows to book. You could have a look on yours. If not there, you can always book with your concierge. The concierge desk in YC can help you with all bookings, internet queries (connecting etc) and an other help you may need. if you like the show you booked you can always book the other. It’s only a few € more. If you like one show- you’ll like the other one. You get good seats if in YC! Enjoy!

Have a great trip Lena. I’m following along. Also, just got off the ship this time last week! We’ve been onboard four times so just ask any questions. We have sailed mostly in YC so again, if you think of anything- get in touch! It’s a beautiful ship. I recommend the silent disco and the paid for shows in Carousel lounge. (Cheaper of booked in advance). I also love the treats available in the evenings in the Top Sail Lounge! 😋 Enjoy!