bellevuemountain

10 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

 

@PistolPete13 - you nailed those shots perfectly sailing under the VZB coming home as well as the golden sunrise.  

Every picture was amazing, thanks again @PistolPete13.  The sunsets / sunrises / flowers were some of my favourites, felt like time stopped and being part of the moment.  Thanks a million, looking forward to all of your reviews!

On 3/13/2023 at 8:41 PM, mking8288 said:

Sine you are cruising solo - and fine with an Inside, which is often inexpensive when booked last minute (more "spacious" than a studio) - just plan ahead to take a week off from the office, and wait until mid May and/or early June as prices nearly always dropped after final payment/cancel deadline cutoff ... you might still be able to use 2 CruiseNext and possibly miss out on doubled Latitudes points (it's now "triple points" per night, depending on what's "important" to you - i.e. becoming Platinum)

 

It's funny to see hundreds of Platinums at MCT in the past years, doesn't take much efforts with this new NCL marketing tricks.   Mid September is good out of NY, despite being in the middle of hurricane season, to sail north ... doesn't always worked out that way but much better odds than another Bermuda run & too "risky" to book anything going south.  

@mking8288, thanks for the info (even if it was for @PistolPete13, useful for myself).  Have you ever tried the New England cruise / mid September? From QC? I’m curious about the sailing conditions.  I would like to try out a B2B sailing that does not involve a plane trip.  Would you recommend a bigger ship (Joy) or a smaller ship (Pearl)?

Oh the food pics… thanks @PistolPete13.  That’s my favourite part of cruising.  You gave me the overwhelming urge for lava cake and ice cream ☺️.  Viking and Carnival have the recipe on their website.  So if you get the craving, the recipe is easy to make.

And then some.  Being French Canadian myself, I can only so well imagine the scene and giggle.  Rest assured, we are not all like that.  Many of us are plain Jane 🙃.   This being said, it reminded me of a term seen on the urban dictionary.  I believe it might coin the situation @PistolPete13?  Thanks for the laugh!

On 3/5/2023 at 8:19 PM, Naismith said:

I don't feel the fanatical loyalty to a cruiseline that some people report.  I go with the best itinerary and price.  Most of our travel is land trips, so we only cruise once a year, maybe.

 

If I ever tour Hawaii, I will of course go on Norwegian Pride of America, as their itinerary is unique.

 

For Alaska, HAL has much better port stops and enrichment lectures.  

 

We've decided that ships with about 2,000 pax are the best fit for us, enough food choices and entertainment but not so crowded.  So that means only a few NCL, two Princess, a few HAL.  

 

 

@Naismith I agree.   I personally find that the gamification in loyalty programs has been hit hard in the cruising industry.  Which cruise line I choose now depends on my needs at the time of booking.  @cruiseagona It’s perfectly fine to shop around and compare cruise lines to find the right fit for you for a specific trip.  You are not jumping ship unless it’s literally during your cruise 😁.  I have taken a liking to broadening my horizons and trying out different cruise lines.  A vacation remains a vacation.

On 2/22/2023 at 7:25 AM, shippmates said:

I did my first real solo cruise in August on the Queen Mary 2.  It was to be a milestone anniversary sailing but did not work out as planned.  It was booked and planned so I just decided to go anyway.  Had made a promise to my husband and I had to fulfill this.  I had a wonderful time and met so many nice people.  You must remember the demographics on this line are in the older/retired group.  Cunard did a wonderful job of putting people at table.  I was at a table for 6 and we were all singles and had a fantastic time.  We spend many evenings together after dinner, met for drinks prior to dinner.  Some of us are even planning a reunion sailing.  The fares are high but it is such a different experience from any of the other cruise lines.  I have my next sailing on QM2 is in May from NYC to Norway and back.  26 days can not wait.

@shippmates, I am sorry that the milestone anniversary sailing did not work out as planned.  I have yet to try QM2, I was worried of feeling alone since the fares are higher.  How was the experience different from other cruise lines? I am interested to hear more.

@Greenpea2 thank you so much for taking me on your cruise.  I can’t travel for the moment, but I am hoping to use my insurance credit for a cruise experience by December 2023, travel insurance permits.  I am yearning to learn more about the H6 on the Prima… please keep us posted.

On 3/2/2023 at 4:40 PM, www3traveler said:

I have been on Norwegian 37 cruises since January 2008 and have seen or have been by visited with either Hotel or Restaurant Senior Staff making thier rounds through the restaurants every night.  They are always asking questions about food and food service.

I would tend to agree.  I have not been on as many NCL cruises as you, @www3traveler, but my main impression has always been that they do inquire, and aim to please.  I am not sure it’s related to cruise critic, hoping to not burst anyone’s bubble.  I have noticed that being in the Haven does bring extra attention.  I would expect that for the price difference.

33 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

@BirdTravels I stand corrected! Thanks for the pics.

1 hour ago, Cruising Lynne said:

Googled Soca music: 

Soca music

Music genre

 

 

Description

Soca music is a genre of music defined by Lord Shorty, its inventor, as the "Soul of Calypso", which has influences of African and East Indian rhythms. Wikipedia

Creator: artist Lord Shorty npr.org

Parent genre: Calypso music

@Cruising Lynne thanks! I also had no clue either on what soca meant.  I enjoyed your post, check this out: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soca-music-guide.  I learned even more… IMHO if I noticed there was a chartered group onboard, I would not be worried and go with the flow.   But then again, I enjoy learning new things.   I first heard about William Belli onboard a cruise… and I do hum certain of his song parodies to this day 😊.

2 hours ago, OrangeCatRamblers said:

What remains unclear is whether or not the Soca group can "privatize" the pool deck as they have planned. 

I highly doubt it, the Prima does not have the “standard pool deck” as the links you’ve referred to on YouTube about Soca cruises.  From what I have understood, about 20 people can fit comfortably in / around the public infinity pool.  Go check the deck plans of the Prima on NCL, infinity beach is on deck 8.  It can get crowded without much happening 😁.  With all of the information you have been provided, I’m guessing you will be able to reach the decision you are comfortable with.  Staying onboard the Prima, and go with the flow… or switching to the Pearl.

1 hour ago, OrangeCatRamblers said:

I am leaning towards paying the $2400 to switch to the Pearl. A huge part of our family cruise is giving my 15yo the freedom to roam. I am not comfortable giving him that freedom with the Soca takeover. From the YouTube videos I've seen, the drug use is going to be prevalent at the pool parties.  

 

I know this is very "f your feelings" but I do feel like I'm being punished for wanting to avoid a situation that is not family friendly. I still can't believe any one group has the power to change the atmosphere of a cruise so substantially. It just feels extremely unfair. 

 

I'm not a pearl clutcher. Please look at the YouTube videos of "Uber Soca Cruise." 

@OrangeCatRamblersI also get it.  But I don’t think you are being punished, I’m sorry you feel that way.  I was trying to figure out how to make it less frustrating for you (I fully understand you).  I pretended to be the one booking.  I checked out the price difference (mock booking) for those sailing dates between the Prima and the Pearl to Bermuda. It is indeed about 2k more on the Pearl.  In that sense, there is no penalty fee.  The Prima was priced accordingly to what would be available onboard.  Frustrating? Absolutely.    Unfair? I am not so sure.  You should have peace of mind on your vacation.  I don’t think you will be comfortable onboard the Prima with your teenage son roaming the ship.  Keep us posted on your final decision.

9 hours ago, OrangeCatRamblers said:

 

Please help me with the next step. I spoke to a rep, I spoke to a supervisor. They have no record of this group. They can't help me because they see no problem. I was offered a cancellation or a switch to the Pearl (big downgrade from the Prima) both for about $2k. I really, really don't know what to do next. 

My sympathies to the OP.  I did check out SOCA cruises on YouTube.  Not my cup of tea.  I understand the frustration.

From what I understand, you were given three options by NCL (status quo, canceling or switching to the Pearl).  
 

@OrangeCatRamblers Had you purchased cancel for any reason travel insurance?  It might be an alternative.

If not, IMHO, switch the family cruise to the Pearl.  Memories are the best part of family trips.

25 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

Glad it has worked out! While transferable, I believe the FCC retains its original expire date in 2023. You may already know that, but it wasn't clear to me from your post and wouldn't want you to be disappointed.

@luv2kroooz Yes, I am aware of this.  I am disappointed to not be able to cruise because of insurance constraints in my province.   I am satisfied that it is transferable, good on NCL.  I can most surely gift some of my passion of the open sea to family / friends.  In exchange for a nice souvenir ☺️.

On 2/20/2023 at 3:36 PM, GeezerCouple said:

 

Please also see Turtles06 post.

 

At least with every policy we've had (and we have had some large claims paid with no problems), we get coverage that excludes *any* pre-existing medical conditions.  That's precisely why many of us get policies that waive any pre-existing condition exclusions.

(I suspect that an additional benefit is that claims based upon medical problems might be paid faster, as there is no need for the insurer to double check whether it was related to any pre-existing condition, but that's just a guess.)

 

The only thing, which I suppose could be considered at least temporarily a "stability" issue, would be that one must be "fit to travel" on the day the insurance is started.  If that's a problem. then as soon as one is okay to travel, then start the coverage.  DH was in this situation once, so the day his physician answered "yes" to my query, "Is he fit to travel today?" (probably adding, "finally!?), I had the physician write that down, dated and signed, and as soon as we got home, I made the reservation and started the insurance.

 

And if one is never fit to travel, well, the entire issue is moot.

 

GC

@GeezerCouple thanks for all info.  I also tried on the insurance thread here on CC.  Mainstream travel insurance is not available for Quebec residents.  The rules for obtaining a full travel insurance for preexisting conditions in Quebec are full of exceptions.  You should see the form that needs to be filled out and signed by a doctor.  It almost makes the doctor liable, thus they are wary of signing it.  I will try again in a year.  But thanks! 

8 hours ago, InsureMyTrip said:

Thank you for the information.

3 hours ago, jimsig said:

 

My late wife had cancer and she went through a lot of treatments and surgeries so when we booked a couple cruises we got coverage with pre-existing conditions.  They way we understood it basically was as long as you were able to travel the day you booked you would be covered as the pre-existing coverage would kick in.  So before we booked a trip we always asked her doctor.  He would include it in my wife's medical notes that she was able to travel.  It didn't matter if she was going through treatments at that time, but say if she had just gone through say a major surgery and we booked that day and the doctor felt she was unable to travel if may not be covered.  

 

We had booked an Alaskan cruise back in 2014.  She was scheduled for surgery a couple weeks after we returned but had received her doctors approval to travel when we booked.  Unfortunately her condition worsened quicker then they expected and she needed emergency surgery due to her condition just over 3 weeks before our cruise.  We had taken out a pre-existing condition policy and had no issue getting it paid.    

I am very sorry for your loss.

Thanks everyone for the tips / answers.

I did receive an answer from NCL, I was pleased by it.  The FCC is transferable in the event that I am unable to secure a travel insurance before it’s expiration date.

Everything is good.

2 hours ago, EngrJones said:

This just doesn't look like very good insurance.  I would keep looking.

@EngrJonesthanks.  That is what I am doing.  Quebec rules seem specific, I even tried through the NCL insurance provider.  They do not cover my province.  I’ve tried all kinds of insurance providers for Quebec residents.  Refusals.  So my next logical question is “what are my options pertaining to the FCC if I am unable to be insured”.  I tried contacting NCL. I do want to travel, I am simply unable to get insurance to do so.

3 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

"stability" ?

 

Are you perhaps not in the USA?

"Stability" isn't something that has tended to arise as a problem for policies here.

 

GC

@GeezerCouple, correct.  I’m in the province of Quebec, Canada.  The rules seem different. 🤷🏻‍♀️
 

@Broadwaybb thank you again.  I remain ineligible.  I made it to the quote amount, but the stability issue came back, with “some matters related to specific medical conditions even if they are stable”.

3 minutes ago, Broadwaybb said:

Have you checked into Allianz and Travel Guard? If you book within 2 weeks of your deposit, there is a waiver for preexisting conditions. I don’t know your exact situation, but when I have called about that part, I was under the impression that there weren’t exclusions to this as long as you book within the appropriate time frame. 

Thank you @Broadwaybb, I will! Exactly the info I was searching for.  Will let you know.

Hi! Am looking for any tips / recommendations in regards to a FCC.  A little bit about myself - I love cruising.  I am platinum (not that it has any incidence, simply gives an idea of previous cruise history).

Long story short, I had to cancel a cruise planned for last October on doctor’s recommendation.  I was still in a good time frame to cancel (almost 3 months before).  I was issued FCC that will expire in 2023.

Here’s my current problem.  I unfortunately learned that I am unable to secure travel insurance.  I’ve tried for pre existing conditions insurance, I cannot demonstrate stability, and will be unable to for the foreseeable future.  I can understand any insurer’s point of view, it’s risk assessment.

Can I do anything about my FCC or should I simply forget about it? It’s about 1k.

I would love to go on a cruise, but not having travel insurance is irresponsible, I will not risk it.  I will read other’s live threads instead ☺️.

Thanks for any tips!

I am looking for travel insurance plans / pricing that will cover pre existing medical conditions.   My current insurance plan does not cover any of these.  I live in the province of Quebec, Canada.

3 minutes ago, www3traveler said:

One of the big staffing issues right now is that a number of staff members on all levels found land based jobs and did not come back once ships began to sail again.  Also Norwegian like many other companies had a number of staff die during the shut down, some from COVID but not all.

 

Also crew members seem to sail with one company for awhile and then decide to move to another company.  So there is always, new people coming onboard either from a different ship, different company or "first time" employees.  Never ending job trying to keep good help and properly trained.

 

I agree with your analysis of the situation.  These issues are not specific to any one cruise line, it’s industry wide.

Many land-based positions became remote positions with the shutdown.  And under the right conditions (no children, etc.), the comfort of working from home is undeniable imho.  Many are not interested in returning from remote to full-time.  I can imagine that for some, there was no incentive in returning from a land-based job to a contract on a cruise ship…

Which cruise line to pick probably comes down to the individual purchasing the product.  What has the most value to the customer.  I’d presume that this is where each cruise line has their own branding.

Hence my curiosity in this thread, it’s informative.