Blondie008

There is a PADI dive shop at Coki Beach - It is called Coki Dive Center (https://www.cokidive.com/) I have used them before for a beach dive. Entry is easy as can be, much easier than a boat. You just get wet and put your fins on when you are deep enough. Perfect place for the novice, just watch the current that depends on the tide.

Thank you!!! :)

J Just head to Coki Beach, dive shop on the beach and you can enter the water right there without a boat trip.

Yes - I think that's where I am heading :)

All going well with immigration that's my plan - I had hoped for a 2 tank boat dive - am newly certified so have never done a shore entry - I have a refresher locally soon in a PADI pool so going to ask them what they reckon on me doing the shore entry dive

(OP sorry for hijacking your thread!)

Is it easy enough entry? Good for a novice diver like me?

When I said no dives - meant there are no NCL bookable dives available on our cruise . :)

Anyone know if they do submarine type excursions in St Thomas. The only one I found is the semi submarine at Coral World which includes the admission there. Has anyone tried that? How is it? Are there any others that I am just not seeing online?

 

Thanks in advance!

Not a submarine but whilst I have been searching for a PADI 2 tank dive I came across an underwater scooter excursion - not for me but it is an NCL excursion in St Thomas - think its called BOSS underwater scooter adventures.

Sadly no PADI dives on my trip :(

Now, here is where I am totally confused. I've read many posts on here from posters in the UK and other European cities that say they won't pay the DSC, because they don't tip where they live, but when someone asks about tipping in their countries, they tell them to tip. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

I will be honest and tell you I was downright embarrassed on the Norwegian Jade 2016 TA cruise at the amount of British who were blatantly whining and going on about removing tips. Lots of idle chit chat over "are you removing your tips blah blah"..

It was appalling. I cringed on more than one occasion I can tell you :o

Well - they cant whine now - With "Premium All Inclusive" the price has hiked up to include grats and I assume one cannot now go to guest services and remove the tips as their invoice wont break it down.

As I say - from my personal experience I think its a generation thing. I think younger people coming up now are more used to tipping.

JMHO of course and no offence intended to anyone. I am sure there are fair and generous people in all walks of life and of all ages.

Oh don't get me wrong, I do usually tip in restaurants! Unless it's more of a counter service cafe type thing. I was more referring to the tipping on tours that the OP asked about. If I had paid say £50 for a place on a group tour then I wouldn't tip on top of that. Would you?

Probably yes - But no matter where I was only if the tour guide was good and the driver drove safely. I wont tip coach drivers who drive like maniacs for sure.

We have only once been refused a tip - and actually it was an NCL representative who met us off our flight in Miami. He was absolutely awesome - He waited on us (only ones arriving) - helped us with luggage, took us to wait for the hotel mini bus - and when we offered him a tip he categorically would not take it - he was such a sweetheart - hope he is well looked after as he was a diamond.

And meant to add - we always tip taxi drivers in Europe - always.

Maybe it depends where in the UK you live. Londoners are probably more likely to tip. I'm from Yorkshire, and if someone suggested tipping a taxi driver or barman there you'd be laughed out of town.

I think its a generation thing.

I own a busy tourism facility with Bistro - and the majority of our visitors are from Yorks, Lancs and the North East. (we as the owners don't take tips)

Pleased to report in today's modern society tipping is becoming the norm.

Our team are paid well above minimum wage - They love their tips and can assure you - I don't know any hospitality industry who doesn't encourage tips/service charge

We go way above nowadays - cooking & providing service for numerous conditions and allergies, as well as additional tourist information, cleaning/servicing the loos :eek: oh yeah - our team deserve every penny. They love their tips and many put them into a separate savings account.

Its just being plain mean not to tip in any service industry!

Fortunately I think the millennials are by far more generous than their forefathers.

On another note - The best tippers we personally get are the Irish (North & South) , the Geordies, Liverpudlians and west Coast Scots. They all like a craic and no matter their age - always leave something in the pot :)

When I lived in the UK, I was told not to tip. So I didn't.

You have miserable friends ;p

I called. They were able to pull up my account by name (maiden) and birthdate. They are linking my accounts :).

 

Much appreciate the feedback!

Oh great! :)

Questions regarding our 1st cruise to Alaska next summer:

 

 

 

2.) Skagway - best excursion to do with our 8 and 10 yr olds

Ketchikan - best excursion " "

" "

Grizzly Falls Zip Wire in Skagway is really something - and fantastic for a family -

You can find it on Trip Advisor

The drive up there is amazing - hubby and I chickened our way through it as we are both scared of heights - an 8 year old pretty much got me through it :eek:

But yeah - def a good one for a fun family day out :)

Scenery is gorgeous - there are around 11 zips in total I think plus suspension bridges over waterfalls ..

We (we are Scots) tip here at home in the UK, Europe, USA - well - anywhere we go for that matter.

We have always tipped in Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, etc.

Its a lot of rubbish that its "not the done thing".

Course it is! Good service & hospitality deserves a thank you in any walk of life in my book.

Share the love folks - :hearteyes:

We had the cruise credits added for our Norwegian Dream 2000 cruise. (this was around five years ago now).

We did it by calling NCL (UK) and if I remember right our address and date of birth was enough for them to track the reservation. It gave both us and our daughter credits on our rewards points.

Something however tells me that since the new Lattitudes Programme came in - a change was made to that and the 12 month limit applies now - ie Poohdreaming is correct in her/his post

Worth a phone call however - or an email?

Ugh - please not! :eek:

If you are standing in waist deep water, the water helps hold you tank up. It is easy.

Thanks - of course it does duh I'm an idiot lol! I have a refresher in a PADI centre here soon in a pool - will speak to the instructors there make sure I am okay to do it.

We dove with Coki last summer and had a great time! They set you up with the tanks on the beach, close to the water. You are able to rest the tank on a table while you get all strapped in. You do not have to walk very far to get in the ocean. I can't remember how we did our fins but I don't remember any trouble - and it was our first time diving. We saw a lot of cool sea life - including an octopus! - and wouldn't hesitate to dive here again. They also let you use snorkel gear before/after your dive for free and the beach is a nice area with several food spots for your husband to hang out and snorkel while you dive. We chose this place because of the excellent Trip Adviser reviews and weren't disappointed at all!

Thanks so much - will check out TA for sure!

On a shore dive, you walk in the water to about waist deep, then put your fins on. You never ever walk in fins.

I do this of course all the time when snorkelling - but I think I might struggle when geared up with tank etc .

Might have google this and see how its done lol :')

It would be the best option if at all possible - I would be confident in putting on my BCD etc in the water - but I don't think I could get my fins on if already geared up..

As I say - newly certified =total novice :o

Hi

I recently obtained official permission from NCL to bring my fathers remains on board.

There is a procedure to follow - even for the carriage of remains on board.

I am taking my Dad's remains with me - to be buried in his mothers grave at a port of call we are stopping at. (I do have a back up plan if we skip the port concerned!)

I also had to obtain permission from the airline.

The urn has to be x-rayable -

I received the most sincere and caring correspondence from NCL - it did take a few weeks however - but I was given an official letter and am told to present it when checking in to the ship and also for inspection at xray etc.

Maybe call them if you feel it is getting too close to sail date.

Sorry for your loss. x

I am running into difficulty obtaining a late morning dive - or an afternoon dive which would get me safely back to the ship.

Only option is a shore entry dive which I am not confident in doing -

Not sure my back would take walking across shore with the tank..

and how do you get your fins on during a shore entry dive?

Will try Blue Island Divers see what they say but the others pick up at 8.45am and with immigration I doubt we would make it :(

Thanks all!

Celebrity and RCL have great FREE Cirque shows in the main theater. I have no desire to pay $35 for a meal which is not as good as what I can get in the dining room at no charge. Same goes for Wine musical since I have Beverage Package. Every cruise has Comedy shows which are usually later at night AFTER THE MAIN SHOW. Please understand that I am not worried about spending an extra $100 for entertainment after I spend $10,000 on a cruise. I just refuse to pay for something which should be free. Since I do have the Beverage Package, I will just have more time to take advantage of that toasting NCL for not having more entertainment options!:evilsmile::ship:

Just to let you know Wine Lovers the Musical is a lunchtime show - not something X offer. Its a unique fun experience and not just a drinking session.

Celebrity have their way to sting you too you know. Apart from the initial outlay,(which will be far higher than NCL) I remember that on our Alaska cruise (port intensive) there was NO FREE place to have a serviced lunch - The buffet is the ONLY daily free lunch option on Celebrity. The Bistro lunch was $10 pp and same menu every day. NCL offer so much more choice - including a Main Dining Room lunch every day including port days. Then there is O'Sheehans (24 hours) and if you want to up pay there are Lobster Rolls in Ocean Blue for a small charge.

Deal or no Deal - numerous live bands, activities and concerts throughout the ship-

Our only problem we found was not being able to do it all - so much to do, and even with 16 nights - never enough time :o

Then there is the Waterfront - the slides, the ropes courses - Margaritaville - H20 - and the SPA thermal suites on Getaway are stunning ...

Sounds to me like you have to get your head into NCL mode and out of X mode ..

Two different products - Look to enjoy what NCL DOES have to offer instead of what you are missing from X. It might surprise you.

Bon Voyage!

In the last three years we have taken 2 x Celebrity cruises (Solstice and Equinox) and 3 x NCL. (Epic, Jade and 16 nights on the Getaway)

Despite the fact for many years we cruised with X, we have decided that until we age a bit - Celebrity is now not for us. Yes X has some fantastic features - but weighing it all up - for us X doesn't hit the spot like NCL.

And especially not on a Transatlantic.

For what its worth in our experience NCL by far offered more by way of entertainment - never a dull moment - whereas Celebrity = zzzzzzzzzzzzz ;p

We have never pre booked anything with NCL other than Million Dollar Quartet and that is the single best production (on land or sea) we have enjoyed.

Our shortest cruise out of the 5 cruises was a 7 day Alaska - and for that Celebrity was fine as being in Aquaclass - BLU was fab and it was all about the ports so we were not looking for late nights or entertainment.

All other cruises were 14 nights plus. So for sure we had true experience of both lines.

Celebrity's SPA doesn't begin to touch NCL's and neither does the entertainment or activities on offer.

There is something to do 24/7 on NCL

Celebrity - get your PJs on for 11pm - the party's over :') (well aside from the yet again FabbaAbba or 80s Night yawn yawn) ...

Not sure OP if you have made your mind up you are going to hate every moment before you set foot on the ship ..seems such a shame as Getaway is just awesome - in fact, our next three cruises are booked on Epic and I am just a tad sad that we couldn't fit Getaway in again. Epic is our second favourite - then as we haven't yet experiences Breakaway or Escape it would be Solstice I guess. Jade was "OK" - but couldn't compete with the bigger ships for us.

Look to the other factors - she is a beautiful big ship with an activity on every corner - either that or cancel and re book with the line of your choice.

Keep an open mind - stay with the positives - Have a great cruise!

Does anyone know the cost of entry for the Thermal Suite? The only price on NCL's website is for a pass for the whole duration of the cruise.

Thanks

Walzad

Welcome to CC

You cannot purchase a day pass for the thermal suites of NCL ships

The passes are sold for the duration of your cruise.

Very rarely are they sold on a day pass basis.

Whether its worth it depends on the individual.

The Jade's Spa is by no means the best - its very basic - But on a cold weather cruise its a nice warm space to relax away from the bustle. Note however co-ed facilities on the Jade consist only of the heated tile loungers and a very small thallasotherapy pool - The other facilities are in the ladies/mens locker rooms. (ie single sex sauna etc).

Last year we stayed at the Warwick hotel. It was a great location. Close to everything -Pike Market, space needle, ship. Would recommend checking this hotel out. Alaska is amazing mother nature at her finest!

Safe sailing

We (and extended family) also stayed at the Warwick - for three nights pre cruise. We had never stayed here before - yet having mentioned to them in correspondence we were travelling for our 20th wedding anniversary - there was a bottle of bubbly and hand made choccies in our room on arrival along with a lovely card. They made us feel so special - exceptional service considering we were first time guests!

Can also recommend their restaurant - Food was very good - and super friendly service.

Managed to get a good deal here via the booking website -

I think quite a few CCers have frequented The Warwick :)

Thanks everyone for your input

Looking too risky - what a shame NCL isn't offering a 2 tank dive shorex - would have snapped it up - but nah - too much money to lay out and just hoping we make it.

Thanks folks!

NOT on an NCL ship but so bizarre its worth mentioning.

On costa cruises you do get used to hearing announcements in several different languages

The show however, one evening in one of the lounges, was a ventriloquist - and indeed - he performed his entire repertoire in English, Italian, German, Spanish and French :eek: Poor dummy must have been exhausted! :')

On the same cruise - we were alarmed one morning when the loud beep went off in the cabin which was followed by a very loud announcement of "F&^% YOU ONLY" - "F&^% YOU ONLY" -

It took us a moment to decipher the announcers statement which was in fact "For Crew Only"...... ;p

Hi

I am looking for experiences of immigration process and times arriving in St Thomas from a fall transatlantic?

We are looking to book a 2 tank scuba dive - It is not being offered as a shore excursion with NCL -

The dive shop are looking to pick us up at the ship at 8.45am -

The ship docks at 7am - but its a lot of money to risk if we don't get to clear immigration.

Our experience on Getaway this year wasn't good -

We have done numerous transatlantics and often cleared in St Thomas but for the life of me cannot remember what kind of time we managed to clear the ship.

Getaway cleared by those booked on ship shorex then by deck in Southampton this year and as many of us know - it was more than a catastrophe.

So - UK citizens clearing St Thomas - help me with your experiences please

Thank you :)

Make reservations for Le Bistro and Cagneys.

Moderno and La Cucina reservations once boarded - are much easier to secure.

Teppenyaki on Epic - we were totally underwhelmed but that's us. Maybe it was a bad night - but we were comparing it to a Hibachi at Sandals which we thought was miles better -

I have made our Le Bistro/Cagneys/La Cucina reservations for the TA - space is fast filling online -

Make your reservations for the most popular then once you board, if you want to change you will find people on waiting lists for your reservation (the desk will help with this) willing to swap out Moderno/La Cucina for your booking.

We will probably at some point, go to Moderno as we enjoyed it on Epic (didn't on Jade and didn't try it on Getaway).

La Cucino the OssoBucco is awesome! As is the Risotto - We haven't been back on Epic since the refurb so hoping the ambience of La Cucina has improved. It was a bit desolate the last time we were there.

If you are going to see Priscilla then note the days and times of your reservation for it - (Its available to book now no charge). There were only two bookable options when I booked the other day - so watch your dinner reservations don't clash.

I am not sure if we will go to the show but at least we have it booked and can cancel it if we wish.

Bon Voyage! Here's to a sunny crossing! :)

Our local electrician sadly lost his wife around eight years ago now. He is young at heart, energetic and very sociable. We persuaded him to come on a TA cruise with us four years ago now. He has been cruising with us ever since. We enjoy his company but he does his own thing and sometimes we don't happen across him for days! He absolutely loves NCL. He takes a balcony cabin now though instead of the solo but he still like to participate in solo events - He meets lots of people and all the bar tenders we encounter know of him :)

He gets off at port - does excursions and quite honestly puts us to shame!

I cannot think of a better vacation than a cruise for someone travelling solo -

Its safe, secure, easy to meet others (I think secretly he is hoping one of these days he might meet a special someone!) and there is so much to do or "not to do" as your heart desires.

We refer to him as our cousin - he is a firm family friend. We never feel he encroaches on our timeout - and equally we hope we don't encroach on his.

He has also cruised twice on his own - and loved every minute.

We love catching up on his daily gossip - he always has a tale to tell.

We meet up some nights for dinner - or sometimes just bump into one another in the bars - but on the whole he does his thing and we do ours -

We have mastered the whole "solo with friends" cruising -

Looking forward to our next adventure :D