luv2kroooz

So often, we can't get the soap dispensers to even dispense soap. Those touchless dispensers they have are a great idea, but if the sensor doesn't work, it is a problem. We also regularly observe a lack of hot water in most restroom sinks.

It has been reported that NCL had filed a trademark for Bella a few years ago, so he is likely correct on the naming. I think they also filed for Luna (moon) and Aqua (water) in a previous year.

NCL knows, but they don't publish that info. I believe they are separate pools of funds.

My TA is selling them for under $400 plus port. We never pay NCl price. Add in a cruise next and SH credit. So, so tempting.

Those September 2023 9 day cruises to Canada on Norwegian Joy for a mere $400pp are calling my name!! Good luck finding that rate 300 days in advance.

If you are price sensitive, flexible with your travel dates, and indifferent about cabin location, the title of this thread is some of the best booking advice when choosing NCL for your cruise vacation. Never book early!!

Use the port schedule posted on the ports website. Over and again members have noted what appear to be discrepancies to have NCL eventually get around to informing passengers. Often times, the NCL website is even more delayed in being accurate and up to date.

Ahh, the latest round of "innovation" from NCL, for your and my convenience, of course

Lack of understanding? Not sure RCL shareholders would agree with that. Their stock price a year ago was $33. It's approaching $100 today, while NCLH is approaching $25. RCL is consistent and deliberate with their offerings. You know what you are getting when you book with them. NCLH is constantly redefining itself, changing pricing, offerings, itineraries, menus, etc. I often say I have no idea what I am booking when I book an NCL cruise. Whatever RCL is doing has obviously resonated with their target market and is manifesting itself in generous financial gains for their shareholders.

??? But the Prima was alongside the pier when this happened.

No opinion given on entertainment which is currently a large topic of discussion. Interesting.

Whatsapp via the ships wifi for quick calls ship to shore.

As noted above, I would compare port times and docking locations with NCL versus the competition. Be sure to understand where the ship is docking in relation to the local towns you are visiting. It has been reported that NCL uses docks that require shuttle bus transfers to town. I would choose Princess for Alaska. The onboard program is second to none, with Alaska themed menus, beverages, activities, enrichment, etc.

Cutbacks everywhere, but yes, entertainment has been hit harder. It used to differentiate NCL, but now they are just like the others. Ultimately, you have properly voiced your concerns. Now you have to decide if the entertainment cutbacks are significant enough to warrant a change to a different cruise line or if the current overall product provided by NCL, despite the cutbacks, is better than the competition. We made the decision to try the competition this fall with Princess so we can get a comparison. We currently have nothing booked with NCL and that is something that we could have never said during the past eight or so years, COVID excluded, of course. We think NCL has kind of lost its way post covid. They want to be thought of as luxury, but repeatedly charge for things at every turn. Restrictive beverage packages, lack of shrimp cocktail, lack of lobster in main dining rooms, poor entertainment offerings. Okay, but not luxury in our minds. Good luck to you.

Skip Los Lobos and go to your local, authentic Mexican joint. No value on NCL. Among the three you listed, I would get the filet at Cagney's

It will depend on wind conditions/direction and ship speed/heading relative to wind direction. This is not unique to Getaway. It would apply to any cruise ship.

We are using Emerald Princess out of Brooklyn NY this fall. Expecting something different...maybe not as good Broadway shows, but thankfully no laser tag, go karts, waterslides consuming acres of open deck space. 4 freshwater pools, too. All at a very competitive price point.

This problem will continue to manifest itself as they routinely offer 2x, 3x,4x latitude points on select sailings. All of a sudden a cheap 15 day transatlantics cruise can yield 60 points.

If past behavior is indicative of future, these sailings are cancelled or significantly adjusted. You just have to wait for your official release. For anyone with nonrefundable air, etc, better to secure a booking with a refundable deposit on Carnival Venezia, just in case. Sad you would have to do that, but this is how NCL behaves over and again.

No, never, not even a chance. If you want free lobster, you wouldn't want to sail NCL.

Ugh, lots of tender ports, but a nice itinerary. Someone should tell the people at NCL, who reportedly take immense pride in creating extraordinary vacation experiences, that reservation systems are programmed by human beings. If a human enters inaccurate and incomplete information, the system returns the same. It would be unfortunate for someone that has mobility challenges as they may not be able to negotiate tenders in a safe manner.

Poor design of this class of ship creates huge bottlenecks inside during periods of high demand - cold weather. The thought is that if you book a warm weather itinerary, the problem can be mitigated somewhat as passengers are more evenly disbursed in and outside the ship.

I am glad to hear you have absolutely no issue. Except many traditional bathrooms have a sink. We prefer to have the opportunity to wash our hands immediately after using the bathroom. On Epic, you have to touch doors and curtains before you can even get to a sink. NASTY.

There will be little demand to disembark the ship at 6am, too. So, you shouldn't have to contend with lines. Be aware sea conditions can get rather rough up there, as they were for us pre-Covid on Jade, so your ship may need to reduce speed which could impact arrival time.

Glad we don't need a QR code. My dinosaur dad doesn't even have a smartphone. He wouldn't know what a QR code is.