punkincc

The POA had an extensive dry dock in March 2016 during which the entire ship was redone from top to bottom including all public areas and staterooms. We sailed on her immediately after, and it was essentially a brand new ship, so you have no worries there.

What is a cash tour?

Friends, families, or Roll Call members for a particular sailing often set up non NCL tours through independent tour operators. Some of the tours offer the option of cash payment, day of the tour. Depending on how the tour operator wants the cash handled, the person who sets up the tour may want to collect cash from each participant in advance to save time and confusion prior to the start of the tour.

IF there IS a written rule, it would probably be related to a ban on the solitation of some sort of sales or services by a cruiser. I don’t imagine NCL would like someone on the ship promoting and selling independent tours which would compete with their own. As long as you are not setting up a table on deck with a big sign asking folks to sign up and pay here for a proposed tour, I doubt NCL has any problem with you collecting monies for tours at the meet and greet which were booked well in advance of the cruise. We just take care of any cash exchange after NCL staff has left the meet and greet.

As someone who always experienced issues with a traditional mask and snorkel, ( bad fit, leaks into mask, getting water into my mouth, fogging, feelings of suffocation, made me very ill at ease). I used a new Tribord full face mask on a recent S Pacific Cruise. I did my research and bought one of the top two rated brands. These masks are not intended for use in diving below the surface. I experienced no issue with fogging or leaking, and to the best of my knowledge, no issues with carbon dioxide build up despite hours long use in the water on several snorkel trips. It was very easy to slide up off the face at any time, yet would completely seal when lowered back down.

I am a huge fan of this mask, and in fact will go so far as to say that it probably saved my life on one occasion. Had I had on a traditional mask and snorkel, no doubt I would have been fish food. I am a “good” swimmer, but as a Senior, am finding that I tire and become short of breath quickly. I am wary of snorkeling in strong currents where a lot of energy may need to be expended for this reason. Nonetheless, things happen, and on a snorkel tour, while floating about being mesmerized by fishes and corals, I raised my head and was a little alarmed to see snorkel boats and snorkelers much farther away than I was comfortable with. I quickly started swimming in that direction only to find that with the current pushing against me, I was making zero to negative progress even with maximum effort. I had to talk myself down from a near state of panic on several occasions.

Only the fact that I had on this full face mask, which allowed me to breathe normally with my face in the water kept me calm enough to get back within view of the boat after a very long and exhausting fight against the current. Even in full view of the ladder, I would get swept past the boat. The operator had to enter the water to help me reach the ladder.

Seems to me that many, with no real evidence, have passed judgement on this type of mask. Let’s wait for the testing to see if the concerns about carbon dioxide are founded. People have been dying with traditional snorkels for many years. Where’s the hue and cry that they are “unsafe”?

We will be on the POA in April. I booked MaryLou's Kona tour and have to meet at 8:30 AM.

How does tendering in Kona work? Is it first come first serve or do we obtain tickets in advance and if so how and when do we get them? I understand that ship's tours and suites tender first. I am concerned that we will not be able to make the 8:30 meet up time.

We have met Mary Lou's tour from the POA with no difficulty, but I'd make sure they have your cell number. But don't worry, I'm sure they will wait.

You will need a tender ticket, and they get handed out first come. Read your Freestyle Daily the evening before Kona. It will tell you where to line up for tickets the following morning and what time they will start. The location will probably be in the midship area, probably one of the bars.

When we have had an early private tour, we make sure we are within eyeshot of the line up area well before the indicated start of the handout process. When a line starts to form, we get in it. The first xxx number in line gets tender #1 etc. They will announce tender numbers on the overhead speakers one by one. When your number is called, you can proceed to the tender area. They usually start running very soon after 7:00 am.

We have been ashore at 7:30 or before. Several tenders will be running so it's a quick process.

My guess only, but I doubt many ship tours leave the ship on the first few tenders. They will go based on tour time, and of course will go to the front of the line. Likewise, not everyone in a suite wants off the ship at the same time, depending on plans. The Concierge will walk small groups off a few at a time on demand.

Not saying it has never taken hours to get off the ship in Kona, but have never experienced this. Guess few on the ship wanted off when we did, or it was just our lucky day when got ashore by 7:30😁. Twice, we have met independent tours ashore and managed to get there by 8:00 or 9:00, once having to make a 20 min or so taxi drive down the coast to meet Fair Winds, and we got there more than 30 min early. The only commonality in our experience was that we were ready to roll very early. My guess, and it is only that, is that wait times increase around 8:00 and 9:00 am, and then demand tapers off. So if you line up at 8:00 for a ticket, you may be in for a wait.

All anyone can do is get a ticket at the first opportunity possible and hope for the best. We have always been among the first several in line for tickets. If that means we must rise early, or have a very quick breakfast, or none, then that is what we do. Or, find a new best friend who is in a suite. You will then be walked to the head of the line by the Concierge.😉

I see a great outside provider to book in Kona...Im just worried about not tendering in time to meet the tour. The one I found starts at 9am. Ship docs at 7a and I've been reading that it may take hours to get your turn to tender off especially if you don't have a tour booked through NCL. Do you think you'll have enough time to meet you tour, and may I ask which provider?[/quote

 

A ship tour does have priority and will bypass any line, yes. But keep in mind the starting time of many tours. Is NCL going to take the tour group ashore at 7:30 if the tour guide won't even be at the dock to collect you until 8:30 for your 9:00 tour?

 

Best advice, get off as early as possible. See the Freestyle Daily the night before Kona. It will indicate the place where tender boarding passes will be handed out on first come basis, and what time. If they say 6:45 or 7:00 am start, be where you can quickly line up with your entire party well before the stated time. Once you get your tender #, just wait for the overhead accouncement for your number and then proceed to the tender deck. If you do that, you will get first or second call. If you wait until several hundred people have gotten tickets ahead of you, you will have a longer wait. I know we have been ashore by 7:30 am.

Thanks for the update and how things are going.

 

We did a TransPacific on POA last year and had great seas. At least being low on 4 should help things out a bit.

 

Say hi to Brenda (punkincc) as I believe she and her husband are on that leg plus the next one or two legs.

Hi,dexddd! Not doing the transpacific this time. Been there, done that, on the POA with you in 2016. Joining the ship in HNL for the two legs down to Sydney. Should be a great cruise! So many ports! I've lost track of how many tours we have booked. Let you know how it goes!

Thanks for the review. We have not sailed Celebrity for many years, but have booked an Aqua Class on the Edge, primarily because I was intrigued by the new Edge cabins, which have an infinity balcony.

Looked at some Blu menus, the dedicated restaurant for Aqua class, and honestly saw nothing that I would order. I have a very strong feeling that I might love the cabin, but hate the cruise in general. I fear I will be longing for NCL the entire cruise. Strongly considering cancelling this cruise.

We had breakfast there back in July.

 

Low and behold we sat a couple tables away from Scott Cann during one of the filming scenes, pretty cool.

 

The only downside was no picture taking, couldn't look at the camera and constantly being told to be quiet.

 

I'll be taping a future episodes to see if I finally made it as a hollywood star.:D

Our last visit to Waikiki, we were heading to breakfast at Tropics Bar and Grill at HHV. Looking down the beach toward the small boat harbor, we could see a small plane sitting on the sand which we could only imagine had just done an emergency landing. Finally figured out they were filming a scene. You never know when you will run across a film crew in Hawaii.

We had hoped to do the Luau which would mean dropping car off around 10 or the next morning....it is my understanding there is no parking at port so I guess I am wondering how late we can drop car off and how to get back to ship? Shuttle? Cab? Any info would be appreciated.

As suggested, you'd have to call the rental agency location you plan to rent from and ask if they provide shuttles. I doubt if non airport site locations provide them, but you might find one who does.

Or, just rent from the airport location. We use Thrifty. Renting through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals makes this easy. Call them to reserve or do it through their website, just add a dot com. Then just catch the shuttle inside the port to pick up the car. When you return it, the shuttle will take you back. If you keep it overnight, park in airport parking lot near the rental offices. You can take the shuttle back to port. Just check with them to see how late the shuttle runs.

as the title says 😀 I did search but finding conflicting reports

Thanks!

As a general rule, specialty restaurants are open for dinner only, so unless something has changed, I don't think an embarkation day lunch is going to work out for you. We did once get a lunch set up at Teppanyaki for several roll call members on another ship, but not on embark day, and, the one who made the request through the concierge was in the Garden Villa.

Just a comment about cruising out of Vancouver. We've only done it once, and it was a piece of cake. Maybe we were lucky, or maybe the fact that we stayed at the Pan Pacific which sits atop the cruise terminal made the difference. The hotel has a wonderful harbor, bay and mountain view. The best part is the option to have your luggage picked up in your room and they walk it directly to the ship. We took an elevator down to the terminal level and walked straight to check in. It's a wonderful walkable area to stay in with miles of sea wall paths.

You get a dinner in either Cagney's or LeBistro and a dinner at either La Cucina and Moderno. All but Moderno can be pre-booked (90 days out if cruising in a non-suite, 100 days out if cruising in a suite) without any upfront charges. If you book Moderno prior to your cruise, you will be charged the fixed dining fee, which you can get back in the form of OBC during your cruise.

 

Easiest way to pre-book, is to go on your MYNCL, pull up your cruise, go to plan and explore and hit the dining tab on the left.

It's worth noting that you can avoid the $25 cover charge fee precruise when booking Moderno ( or Teppanyaki ).

If you have the SDP for 3 meals, you just make those restaurants with a cover charge in your first 3 reservations, and book the a la cartes last. The system assumes the first 3 reservations are on the SDP and doesn't charge you. Once onboard, the order booked doesn't matter. Use the Platinum certificate at Moderno if you choose, or use the SDP.

After some further

research, does anyone have any experience with the House Without a Key restaurant? It has terrific reviews. Thank you all in advance as always.

House Without a Key has a large lawn beachside with lovely views. From around 5:30, they have live Hawaiian music led by former Miss Hawaiis at the back of the lawn. It's a tourist favorite for cocktails and watching the sunset behind the performers. The lawn is set with chairs and very small tables suitable to hold appetizers, but not full meals. There used to be a huge Kiawe tree which shaded the lawn and contributed greatly to the ambiance, but I heard it was destroyed during the storm which came through in 2016, so I don't know the situation now if you come early when the sun is hot. There is a covered patio area where dinner is served, but we've only gone twice for cocktails and appetizers. Look for the reviews on Trip Advisor.

Not shirts, but jeans...

 

We were on an Alaskan cruise, and hubby only brought jeans, and we were seated each night in the main MDR no problem. Next cruise (European), hubby only brought jeans and the second night we were politely told that they couldn't seat us because of his jeans, but that we could go to the smaller MDR no problem. I was confused why it was OK first night, but not second (or subsequent) nights. Turns out the rules are more lenient on the first night because some passengers might not have gotten their luggage before dinnertime.

 

Also, I've heard on this board that it varies ship-to-ship, and it appears to be also possibly itinerary-by-itinerary.

 

--Michael

Some of the newer ships do have their own rules, but they are even more relaxed than the standard NCL dress code, rather than stricter, allowing shorts in the formal MDR. I have never heard of one which is stricter than the standard, which has never prohibited jeans by the way. It only specifies "long" pants. Perhaps because of the guest mix on your European cruise, the ship felt most would be expecting something a little dressier.

When the code deviates, I've always heard that it is noted in the Freestyle Daily. Would be nice to know what's expected when you pack however. Personally, I think the practice of each ship making up their own rules is a bad one. Why should the Escape, for example, be any less formal than one of the older ship like the Dawn?

DH was wearing a turtleneck and a nice sweater (this IS Alaska)...and they balked...! Epic fail on NCL's part...the concierge and butler stepped in to save the day...!

 

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Probably an employee who was trying to follow the NCL dress code to the letter. Glad common sense prevailed. I'm sure that turtleneck and sweater looked far dressier than a polo shirt with collar. And I've seen a few men wearing a collarless dressy tee under a dress jacket or blazer admitted with no problem.

Women can wear pants of any length, and you could probably even get away with dress "shorts" which fall below the knee. I've seen skirts which are far shorter. And of course, women can show their toes, unlike the men.

fet.

 

I think that's Great! Some people just don't know how to act and dress properly. This is a Specialty Restaurant not the buffet!. Many years ago I was staying at the Sheraton Towers in Singapore. Every room

has a Butler and I went to breakfast with a nice pair of leather sandals. They told me to return to my room and wear shoes and socks before they would seat me. I agreed with them 100%!

Really? If you agreed with them 100%, why didn't you just reprimand yourself and change out of those nice leather sandals before you left the room?;)

I had the same thing happen a year or two ago. They were sending me emails. I called our PCC and he said that I was fully paid up from the information he could see on his end. Was advised to ignore the emails and I did. Was able to print cruise docs, and emails stopped at some point after receiving a couple. Cruise completed with no issues.

Have you been to Hawaii many times, seen all the islands? If so, then maybe I'd trade a potential 10 days with my feet on the ground in Hawaii, for 10 sea days on a ship with all the bells and whistles. That, after all, is the choice you have to make, seeing Hawaii, or seeing the inside of a ship with a constant sea view.

If you've never been to Hawaii, then wasting those 10 days on a ship seems almost criminal. I'd save that for another itinerary. Instead of the round trip, my first choice would be flying to Honolulu for 7 days on the POA, which spends 2 days on each island, overnighting in Maui and Kauai. 7 days IN port, not at sea. I'd add days pre or post cruise on one or two of my favorite islands to equal the maximum number of days you have available for this vaction, and then fly home again.

At the very least, switch to a one way mainland to Hawaii cruise or the reverse, fly one way, and at least spend those 5 extra days in Hawaii. And cultural programs offered on a ship as a trade off for actually seeing and experiencing the real thing?!? Just attend a lecture or a travelogue on a cold or rainy day at home instead.

No casino while you're cruising Hawaiian Islands.

If this were the POA, which is USA flagged, then you would be correct, but I'm not sure this applies to the foriegn flagged Jewel, sailing in Hawaii waters.

If I'm not mistaken, other cruiselines, all foriegn flagged, which sail from the US mainland to Hawaii, are allowed to use their casinos in Hawaiian waters. Perhaps closed when docked in port, but opening between the islands. Pretty sure I have seen this in trip reports of other cruiselines doing similar itinerary.

Thank you

I am going on board a couple of weeks and is hoping that it's not some emergency dry docking

 

 

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That would surely require a few cancelled cruises, and you can be sure that we'd have heard from countless disappointed cruisers on this board by now.

You can count on the info which Chengkp75 provided as being accurate.

I would say the Shipmate app is way off on this one.

The POA did have an extensive drydock in San Francisco in March 2016 with passengers on board for the trip back to Honolulu, but that is the only exception I can think of in years. If they were heading for a Mainland port, I'm sure we would have heard about it on CC.

Hi Brenda

We will also be visiting on the 30th October, think we might be on the same cruise ;p(Norwegian Jewel).

I contacted Tisa via Facebook and you are right this isn't available through the cruise ship. We decided to book the tour and lunch to fill in the day.

Originally we were going to find our own way there and just spend the day relaxing before reading that you now have to pay for one of the day packages to visit, just hope this is reinforced after paying $$$

Have you also booked one of the packages? I think it says on my paperwork a minimum of 20 people is required for the package to go ahead, so hopefully that will be met :)

Vicki

Small world! I thought your CC handle sounded familiar, but I when I looked at the combined roll call for Honolulu to Pape'ete and Pape'ete to Sydney, I did not see you listed. We would definately be interested in this one except for the fact that we have already signed on to another tour set up by another on the roll call. It also ends up at a beach and has a feast, but the info says the beach is Utulei so I don't think it's the same location as Tisa. Also, the price is much better, but Tisa's bar does look very beautiful. Maybe next time round, right?

If you want, you could ask Tisa what the max tour capacity is and ask if they will hold some slots for a few days for you. If you post the info on the roll call, there may be many others from the roll call who would love to sign on, Seems to be many late bookers who are now scrambling for something to do in the ports. That way you could at least assure yourself that you won't be cancelled because the minimum was not met.

We will be visiting Pago Pago in October and was hoping to visit Tisa's Bar.

I read on the Cruise Industry news website, dated the 4th August 2017 that "when a cruise ship is in port, Tisa's Barefoot Bar and Alega Beach & Marine Preserve will only be open to guests that purchase a prepaid cruise ship day package. The package costs $135 per person, and for those just wanting the island feast and experience the beach and preserve (no transport or tour included) the cost is $75. Guests numbers will be limited to a maximum of 60 people to ensure the impact on the Alega Bay environment is low and not impede on the preserve’s eco-system."

Just wondering has anyone else heard about this or know anything about it.

Thanks

Vicki :cool:

Vicki, we'll be in Pago Pago 10-30, how about you?

We see the same info on the South Pacific Tourism Organization website. The $135 fee includes a 3 hour tour conducted by Tisa and then the Samoan feast and opportunity to enjoy beach and Marine Preserve. The $75 for feast and beach/marine reserve only, no tour or transport.

It doesn't appear that this actually has to be booked through the cruise ship. You can call 684 622 7447, or email tisasbarefootbar.com to buy the tickets.

The cruise and POA were great.

 

The food OTOH was terrible.

 

Eat your meals on shore.

I wonder if you could share where you had your meals? MDRs only, any of the 5 Specialty restaurants, the buffet or 24 hour restaurant? We have sailed the POA twice, the last time in 2016, and would never classify the food as terrible, but food of course is a very subjective topic.

We had a bad meal once, our opinion only of course, at Moderno, the Brazillian Churiscarria, on this ship. Others on our cruise had nothing bad to say about it. The manager recognized our disappointment, and did not charge us for the meal. We had several other meals in the various specialty venues and I would consider those as good to excellent. Even the buffet offered some excellent choices. We are not fans of the MDR experience on any cruise line.