www3traveler

Henry,

If you have paid attention to the news coming out of Alaska in the last few weeks, I would not be surprised within the next few years to see ONLY the Jewel class and smaller ships being able to sail in Alaskan waters.  Lots of proposed limits on the number of daily passengers in specific ports.  Will be interesting to see how it all works out.

Mandy

Studio Cabins on the Breakaway Class ships are in a prime location mid ship in their own private area with a lounge.  The ones I have had had the ability to connect. 

Studios on The Joy were not originally built into the ship since She was built for the Asian market.  Once She was re-fitted for the American market, they were added (probably converted from a different cabin category (Inside maybe??). 

Now that Solo cabins have been added into Inside, Oceanview and Balcony categories, they are probably scattered throughout the ships, some locations more desirable than others.

Have a wonderful time.

Happy to see J.C. is still on board as the Cruise Director.  Really nice young man.

3 minutes ago, lepidoptera said:

I may try Port Valet, it looks like it is started up for the season. It will depend on how much of anything I buy. I packed carry-on only and I still have some room in my bags. I didn’t want to have to use the Port Valet and it not be available.

From all the recent reports I have read in the last few weeks, Port Valet is up and running.  I think that it was only the first couple of weeks of the Season, it was not.

Check with the Guest Services Desk on Deck 5 to see if your airline and flight time qualify.  The Program is Free.  Worth a check at the Guest Services Desk.

Henry, when is your next NCL cruise adventure?

1 hour ago, lepidoptera said:

Oh no I will have to go and edit that! Sorry I was unclear. My flight out to Seattle was moved up to 6:20.

 

My flight home was originally scheduled for after 2 p.m. then they moved it to 11:40 am.

 

Both legs of the trip changed so many times between me booking in April and flying in June. 

11:40 is much better.  You might want to check and see if you qualify for the Port (of Seattle) Valet Program.

Enjoy your cruise.

Your flight out of Seattle is at 6:20 A.M.???  Not doable at all!!  That would mean you would have to be at SeaTac shortly after 5:00 A.M.  You may not be clear for disembarkation until almost 7:00 A.M.  Even if the traffic is light, it will still take 30 to 45 to reach airport.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise.

The Sun is a very special ship.  She is laid out differently than most ships.  One of the Main Dining Rooms is just off the lobby.  The theater is in the rear of the ship.  The buffet has lots of outdoor space.  The Observation Lounge is across the front of the ship on Deck 11 with a balcony.

Enjoy

NO  Just looked at NCL's website and it shows that the Spirit will be sailing out of Japan, Australia and New Zealand in 2024 and 2025.

Gives no indication when She would be sailing in US waters again.  My guess would be that if She returns to the US, it would be for Alaskan cruises and not out of Florida. 

There is NO way I would book a flight that early after a cruise (San Pedro or not).  Too many things can go wrong on and off ship to risk it.  A storm system could delay your arrival time and push back your disembarkation time (in an early November timeframe completely possible).

Look what happened in Seattle two days ago.  The Quantum of The Seas was supposed to dock about 6 A.M.  Because very strong winds in the Seattle area, they were unable to dock until shorty before 2 P.M.  Anything on and off ship can happen to delay your timeframe.

9 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I think last year may have been an anomaly. For quite some time, NCL was offering a 50% off coupon to folks. It wasn't their normal 50% off, but a real 50% the price of a cruise. It seemed like there were just a glut of ships up there. I'm thinking for 2024, NCL has a better handle on the number of ships necessary for Alaska and/or demand is higher. 

According to all the news reports reports from a number of Bloggers at the moment, NCL has more ships sailing in 2024 to either Alaska or the Caribbean because re-deployments away from Baltic cruises and staying out of harms way in the Middle East.  They are having all kinds of sales trying to fill the various ships.

37 minutes ago, travelgip said:

I wanted to research a solo Caribbean cruise for January 2026 and wanted to know which NCL ships offer solo balcony cabins?  Any pricing info etc. much appreciated!

Under the new cabin structure, ships are supposed to have Solo Insides, Oceanviews and Balconies.  There may be just a few in each category.  Suggest you find a local travel agent to help you.

What hotel are you staying at at pre cruise?:

  (1) You might be able to either store your luggage with them or be able to get a day room post cruise.

  (2) They can probably suggest or book a post cruise excursion for you

A suggestion for you: one of my very favorite restaurants along the Waterfront is Ivar's Acres of Clams (Pier 54).  It is near the Washington State Ferry System Terminal.  You can watch ferries come, unload all their cars and passengers, re-load and sail out again.

Enjoy Seattle and your cruise on The Sun.  The Sun is a wonderful small ship.  Very different in Her lay out.  One of the Main Dining Rooms is just off the lobby of the ship.  Her Observation Lounge has an outside balcony.

You  may not sail at your scheduled departure time.  Last night in Seattle for example a ship was scheduled to sail at 5:00 P.M. and did not sail until 6:45 P.M.  All kinds of things can delay a departure.

To answer your question, your luggage should arrive between 4:30 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.  Again delays can happen.  Have things in your carry-on that you can wear if needed.  Dress codes on Embarkation night are not strictly enforced in some restaurants.

26 minutes ago, aroundtheriverbend said:

If you don't mind my asking, does your luggage go straight to the airport after you put it out at night, or do you have to claim it at disembarkation before it moves to the airport?  Did you have to disembark at or by a certain time?  Many thanks!  I read their website but still wondering.

If you qualify and sign up for the Program, you will be given very specific information.

Basically, you put your bag out the night before with special baggage tags.  Luggage is gathered taken directly to SeaTac and delivered to the air carriers.  You will see it when you reach your final airport destination.

Once you reach the airport, you go through Security and directly to your departure gate.

Enjoy the City of Seattle and your cruise.

Is he in a power chair or a wheelchair?  Some cruise lines have very strict restrictions as to the size of power chairs.  Some are also saying that you are required to fill out a special form in order to bring a power chair on board.

I would suggest that you find a good local (not big box) travel agent to help you in making decisions for his cruise. 

4 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

I've never seen any embassy info on an NCL ship.  (I'm not questioning Flip's experience above.)  As noted in a prior comment, the port agent and their contact info is listed in the Freestyle Daily.  Be sure to take that info ashore with you.

 

Prior to any international travel, I make a list of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with their contact info.  It's not hard to do. 

 

Also, well prior to departure, I register our trip with STEP.  (This is most important on a land-based vacation, but it still doesn't hurt to do it for a cruise.)

 

 https://step.state.gov/

Big blue book found in every stateroom of every ship operating in US waters as a result of Senator Jay Rockefeller's (R West Virginia) Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act passed by the US Congress Summer of 2010.

3 hours ago, Asawi said:

That's interesting! Just US embassies or different nationalities'?

Part of the 2010 Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.  Big blue book titled "Norwegian Security and Safety Guide.

Lists Embassies and Consulates all over the world.

4 hours ago, BoundForSea said:

Hey Yvonne, when you were on did they not let you book the two shows (a rock show and a Cirque style show) shows ahead of time as part of their new policy if pre booking before boarding? I’m Plat and at day 26 went to book online and said unavailable, called and they told me that on Jewel it’s only first come first serve to the shows and you can’t even book them on board? That was your case as well? That was a big w-t-f moment. 

Shows on ALL Jewel Class ships do not require reservations.  The doors to the theater open 30 minutes prior to the performance.  You just walk in  and find a seat you like.

The Local Port Agent--Yes

US Embassy- No

The Port Agent would probably have that information or could get it quickly.

Have a safe journey home 

THANK YOU

15 minutes ago, Ponchatoula Mayberry said:

I live in New Orleans.  I am planning to take a cruise the week of Mardi Gras.  I was wondering if the ships are crowded that week?

What's the dates for Mardi Gras?  If it falls between mid February and mid April-- Yes Spring Break cruises-- lots of families and college kids.

Just checked, The Super Bowl is scheduled to actually begin at 5:30 P.M. New Orleans time.  All the pre-game stuff will probably begin about 2:00 P.M.  Yes, The Superdome is near the port terminal.

Traffic is going to be a nightmare into the city.  If you have already booked your hotel, check with them and see what your shuttle services might be.  I can not imagine that hotels are not making shuttle arrangements for cruise ship passengers.

Enjoy your cruise.  Be sure that you are outside as the ship pulls away from the pier.  She will make a "U" turn in the River and then head South down the River.  The trip from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico takes about 8 hours or so.

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Opening a ship is hard, backbreaking work. Waiters building and carrying hundreds of heavy chairs and tables. Stewards moving and setting up furniture. All without the benefit of hero cards and cash tips. 

EXACTLY!!!  Hard work by everyone on board-- Engine Room, Galley, Hotel staff, Restaurant staff, and the Bridge Team.  As always, prayers and best wishes for all those selected to open The Aqua.

1 hour ago, roxette said:

From what I have heard, it is much better to email than to hand in a written card. 

Both

On board, the Hero cards first go to the Department Head, reviewed and then given to that particular person.  Once a month, a employee of the Month is honored.

Emails would go to the Corporate Office in Miami, and eventually make it back to that particular ship, Department Head and then to the particular staff member.

Given all the staff changes about to happen, a positive "Hero" card could mean an assignment to the Aqua, a promotion, re-assignment to another replacing someone heading to the Aqua.

Also given yesterday's announcement, Hero cards could become even more important to staff members than have been.  How they plan to implement the announcements made yesterday at the New York Stock Exchange remains to be seen.