SMerritt

I actually use the forums here for information - everyone is so experienced and helpful if you can not find an answer. Start browsing your ship, ports, etc right here on CC.

You are getting into a typical "worry-mode" that most of us do when our cruise is getting close

Just be sure you have the correct documents (passport or official birth cert), clean undies, stop fretting and enjoy!

We book through a TA to get extra "perks" but booking through Carnival is fine.

I find our own flights due to pricing and flight times that are important to us.

Go onto the Carnival site, creat your account, print your cruise tickets and luggage tags and ENJOY!

Last time we used SAS, they were really good. Fort Lauderdale to Miami is about 26 miles so it shouldn't take to long to get there.

We have used SAS with great success

Once though, there were 12 Sumo Wrestler sized people piling into the poor drivers vans, only 5 fit each van - leaving about a dozen of us stranded.

Cab fare Port of Miami to FLL was about $80.00

If you are disembarking on Saturday or Sunday, be prepared for events, rallys, etc. in and around Miami and FLL.....Plan your flights accordingly. i.e. there is a huge monthly bicycle ride in Miami that can delay you 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy arriving 2 days early! *jealous*:cool:

Thanks Jonathan!

 

My only concern with NCL was that they would get 5 good reviews then the rest was bad then good again. I understand that everyone has their own standards but the reviews were all over and confused me.

 

I just want to make sure that I get the best for my money and for the occasion from the ship to the on shore excursions.

 

Thanks again!

 

Bobby

Been on both Lines.....there are some major differences as to preferred entertainment, dining, dress codes etc.

Nothing against RCL, just not for us so here goes........

Please- For a true romantic honeymoon experience, check out the Haven Complex on the Epic, resplit with private pool, dining, concierge etc etc

Also the "casual cruising/dining", Blue Man Group and Cirque are over-the-top.

Now that the Epic is changing itineraries again - we will be taking our fourth cruise on the Epic. Haven guest as always to "treat" ourselves.......have a happy cruise * check out both cruise lines specific forums.

Most TAs today expect you to complete online check-in and print your cruise boarding passes and luggage tags yourself. And even the better ones have gone to "paperless ticketing" for flights for 20 years now. I would check with them to see if you should actually be expecting anything in the mail.

I agree with fishywood - Make sure you have flights, and they are correct flights.

Go online - Get your boarding passes (also make sure you are booked on the ship and have correct cabins)

Also, by going online, you can start planning shore excursions, dining times, show dates etc.

Fortunately, for our first cruise - we had a great T/A that kept in contact and made sure we were set to fly and board - until she came into the picture, I thought boarding a cruise ship was like checking into a Hilton Hotel :eek:

That's where you run into a problem in St Lucia... Short tours are hard to come by to the Pitons and Sulphur Springs due to the distance. Both are 1.15-1.5 hours from port by road or 35-45 by boat, then about 10-20 by land...while the island is small as the crow flies, the roads have to follow the path of least resistance through the mountains, which adds additional travel time. So, simple travel time is 3 hours, plus then any time you may spend in the area....to keep it short and sweet, private driver is the way to go, either arranged in advance thriugh one of the tour companies or with a driver from the port. Given the distance to see these items, many tour companies try to get as many highlights in as possible, including a waterfall, botanical gardens and beach time...

Good luck with your decision making!

Thank you SO MUCH reedprincess!! :) Think if we go, will be by boat. This cruise is hopefully going to be low key with a lot of sea days, favorite beaches, and no "racing around" for a change.

The last few cruises we have been taking Our Ships Shore Excursions or heading to beaches we are familiar with - getting lazy........

Although, all of the Princess-Offered excursions are All Day Events on large buses

Checking out the winding roads, car rental is not an option (or motorcycle)

I would like a recommendation on the best way to go see/visit Sulphur Springs without the mud baths etc. - possibly a short tour, not just a cab ride.

Also, how far is Sulphur Springs time-wise and distance from the port?

That is a good change.

:D:)

Thank you all for the great news!

I even just realized the date was also changed - ONLY a Princess Ship In Port with us!:)

Cool news, grand turk, nicer beach, ship docks at the long pier/jetty, walk off the ship to the beach,shops & margaritaville; swim alongside your ship (see photo); walk back to the ship at your leisure

maybe msc is reacting to the complaints lately about the tendering issues and the 2 hr wait to get off the ship at great stirrup

WoW! Thanks for the photo!

This looks like a dream come true for us........we always wished NCL could dock at GSC.

Thanks all for the input, this is going be a new and interesting experience :D

Yes NMLady, you are right. It might be tough to convince my frugal husband to spend more but I might be able to talk him into it. I have been all over the place researching. Flying costs might not be too costly, but may be a possibility. I have been looking at "Family staterooms" on Norwegian and supposedly they are more comfortable for four people.

 

Thank you again for the replies.

The only cruise line that was loaded with "upsales" was RCL Oasis, cameras in my face, no amusing shows, just my opinion.....If our first cruise had been on the Oasis, I would probably never considered another cruise.

The NCL Getaway has SO Many activities for boys your ages! Our onboard neighbors boys lived at the ropes course and basket ball courts.

A two bedroom cabin/suite would work and give you some great family fun.

Still trying to pick out our cruise. When I see the nice big shiny Allure and Oasis, I'm naturally drawn to them thinking "ooh. New. Must be best". But what about the other boats? Are there lots of things to keep you busy? Are the older ships getting upgraded or do they dated?

Just looking for some opinions.

Again, thanks for everyone's help.

OK.....been on Many different sized ships, all have been GREAT! Except....the Oasis - Too big, confusing, lack of "cruise" entertainment, and no crowd control, It was the ONLY chaotic ship we have been on.....it is like a Hilton Hotel on the sea, with limited sea views etc. To me Oasis and Allure are not cruise ships, with cruise fun.....

Opinions vary -

Post your ages, likes, etc. and I am sure the great people on CC will help

As someone posted above, NCL mega and smaller ships have all the "bells & whistles" that make you want to sail again, and again

Just being curious - not a really big deal but.........

We were notified that the Divina will not be going to Great Stirrup Cay on Feburary 7, 2015

We are now going to Turks and Caicos - never been so it is cool, just curious minds (mine) wondered if anyone knew why the change?

Now, what to do, what to do, on the new island

I do not think I have ever seen so many positive posts about a Cruise Line & their amenities, thank you all for taking the time to post so much helpful information.

We have been on many NCL cruises, all in the Haven, I am sooo excited to experience the Yacht Club. NCL never fails, but a change in scenery is going to be fun!

Need some help with packing, I have browsed CC and You Tube and I can not get any "feel" for how to dress?

We love freestyle on NCL - any comparisons?

We usually do breakfast wearing the clothes appropriate for our shore tours.

"After 5" DH a shirt with collar, long pants, closed shoes. Me, sparkly tops, capris, and dressy sandals.

So, if, when, where, might a jacket for him be required? Me, more formal cocktail-type dresses?

We don't do Levi's etc, but do like our nice shorts and summer wear.

Thank you in advance..........

Also, thanks to all for the coffee hints, so I will not miss my Lavazza :D

I can not even remember when I booked a R/T

We actually usually end up flying different carriers to & from Florida, even different airports!

I check all for the schedules we need, and then price.

Hence, in a few weeks, we are flying out of Sac to MIA, flying home MIA to SFO

There are many websites that take your preferred schedule, airports, etc. and show you times and prices of multiple carriers. I don't always use cheapoair, but it is easy to see available flights there.

Besides the crowds at WDW, New Year holiday flights are going to also, be more expensive

A 7 day cruise will always have 2 semi-formal dinners in the main dining room. You might want to consider taking another formal outfit and depending on your cabin you could have a maximum of 2 power outlets ( not sure how many devices you plan to bring so the multi plug is a good thing to bring.

 

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You could dine with me every night in your underwear and I would not notice. I take a basic long cotton dress, change-out the jewelry etc. Wear it almost every evening.

Sun hats.........less shoes.........and DH's dam belt! :)

A happy atmosphere - the crew just seem generally happier in their work than in my (albeit limited experience) on RCCL. The happy atmosphere and the Freestyle 'vibe' makes for a properly relaxing holiday.

 

I can eat what I want, when I want and with whom I want - I can get a drink without waiting 20 minutes - I do not need to pack a suit - what's not to like?

All of the above plus the entertainment, a lot going on while cruising the atrium area, and a vast variety of shows - it is the only CL we have found with abundance of things to do and see in the evenings for all ages. Or, just sit and enjoy a quiet pianobar or musician in the corners.

Be happy they're not showing the Curling championships.

:D:rolleyes::):cool:

Why no Drag Racing?

Actually no time for watching sports - just set the DVR at home

Departing October 11 on the Getaway IN The Haven with son, DIL, AND Grandson!

I AM ABOUT TO EXPLODE WITH EXCITEMENT!:D

Lookout Spongebob!

We usually get flooded with "Spa Specials" once on board.

Also, if you are staying in the Haven, your concierge is aware of the good "deals".

Do you realize that the porters are not the ones who deliver the bags to the cabins? All porters do is put the bags in the bins.

But they put your luggage in the CORRECT "bin" for your ship.....

If you luggage is placed on the wrong cart (bin), it may go into the hold of the wrong ship and not be discovered until your ship has headed south, and your luggage has left and headed north.....

I always tip, thank the person for caring for my clean underwear, and also re-check that our luggage tags are for the same as all of the other bags on the cart.

My luggage is brightly marked, once, in PR at the airport, I spotted my bag and others in our group going on the wrong truck/to the wrong ship.

We recently flew Luftanza and Air France and they asked for name and email on the tag. Seems more realistic in these tech times. That is what I will use in the future.

Brilliant! Since we turn our phones off once out of the U.S. but, due to our business, have to constantly be checking emails.

There is also a toll free "Contact NCL" for emergencies etc. that I give to my dog sitter, possibly that would work?

We also place itineraries and cruise tickets inside our bags.

Sounds like the Haven on NCL or the Yacht Club on MSC would make both of you happy cruisers~! :D

I'm torn on this one simply because I have a flight scheduled from the west coast leaving at 8 PM with a layover in Denver and arriving in FTL at 5:30 AM. 10-1/2 hours feels like enough of a cushion but now I am worried.

We fly out of SFO but ONLY Non-Stop....we have flown many "red-eyes" into MIA

What time of year are you planning to fly with a layover in Denver? - in the winter you can be delayed days, not hours

As for the OP - We have mainly heard about cruisers from the NE missing or almost missing their cruise due to bad winter weather. If you can, fly out a day early......

Actually when in a suite you can order ANYTHING that is available on the ship from room service. The butler will find it and bring it to you, where ever you might be. You can order with the butler via the phone or face to face.

As posted, call your butler or check with your concierge

There is a "regular" room service menu available but also, you can order from any of the restaurants during their regular hours

If hubby wants steak and you want Italian in your suite or by the pool - call your butler:D

M&M's? No problem......Pretzel Rolls?......just call your butler

We also have our butler bring us restaurant menus and the daily MDR specials.

And yep, you can carry your suite phone around the ship with you....

Have a GREAT Time in the Haven! We are addicted..........

The Epic was my first cruise in 2011 and my favorite so far! I have only cruised three times, but I loved the entertainment on the Epic.

 

 

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The above is ONE of many reasons we have sailed the on the Epic three times - GREAT Entertainment! We have tried other CL's but will now stick with NCL

Ohhhh booked the Yacht Club on MSC for next year, will see......

Although you said you aren't interested in the sun deck, there is a quiet area up on 18 forward. I believe this area has comfy (padded chairs as well). To get there, use the starboard side elevator in the Great Outdoors buffet area. Take it up to 18 and keep walking forward. You should eventually hit an area with comfy chairs.

 

It's a long way from anything, but it should definitely be quiet.

 

Other options (granted, all in the sun deck category) include Spice H20, which was already mentioned. This has loungers and a bar area. Posh is also a possibility -- comfy chairs and a bar. They sell a limited amount of passes each week. Both of these areas are child-free zones.

 

We're doing this itinerary in March and are looking forward to it!

The above is quiet, comfy, some shade, and a few "clamshells", I think it used to be part of the Haven Complex