BullyLvr

Agree!  Thanks to a sweet TA!

Just off the Breakaway this past Sunday. I purchased 1 certificate for $250 with $100 OB credit, in effect costing me only $150. The salesperson was pretty adamant that I was being stupid in not getting 2, since it would’ve basically been getting one for free, but I was afraid I couldn’t use 2 so I didn’t.  Prior to sailing, I had read several posts here on CC that many of you have had them applied to cruises that were already booked, even though they are supposedly only for new bookings. I had concerns so emailed my TA prior to sailing to ask and she told me yes I could use it for my November cruise since one hadn’t been used before and I was a long way from final payment.

When I purchased onboard, I asked and was told by 2 different salespersons that I could NOT use them on existing bookings, I would need to cancel and rebook. I don’t want to do that since the price has gone up quite a bit and I like my perks, cabin, etc.  so I almost didn’t purchase.....but since my TA told me I could, I did buy the one.

She just called NCL to try and apply and they told her that as of the beginning of the year, they would no longer let you use for an existing booking. She was wonderful and reduced my balance by the $250 anyway ........so a win win for me since I still have it for another cruise. 

But be advised, they may be more strict about it.

I’ve sailed on Carnival 4 times .....Dream twice, Magic and Fascination. We’ve been on NCL twice, Gem and just off Breakaway from New Orleans last week.  I’d certainly sail Carnival again, but not from New Orleans which is only an hour away for me. Don’t flame me, my opinion .....but my experience has been that the demographic from NO on Carnival consists of a lot more young, rowdy, loud and often rude people, and rude groups of people. Not everyone of course but yep, much more noticeable. This wasn’t the case on Breakaway. Same length cruise, much the same itinerary.  As others have said, much was similar but by far, the entertainment on NCL this cruise was much better than anything I’ve seen on Carnival. And the ship was much cleaner.  Often tables were much slower to be cleaned in the buffet on Carnival and messes were not attended to as quickly, public restrooms not as tidy.  Maybe the cruises I sailed were short staffed, not sure ......but I certainly noticed. I also felt that NCL had many more late night food options and liked that OSheehans was 24 hours.  

We board sunday and haven’t been able to book ROA yet. Online it just says “Not available to Book”. It does say book on board so I’m hopeful .......but wonder why it isn’t available in advance like it normally is. 

We’re cruising next week as well. See you then!   I hesitated to book Maya Chan due to our relatively short port time, but decided to give it a try.  In fact, the short time there was probably why hubby agreed to it.  He’s not a sand and beachy type guy. Not sure we’ll get too many drinks in that early but looking forward to it. 

Highly recommend Michelle at Island Wings. 

I’m loving this review. Had no inclination whatsoever to visit Cuba but that might be changing......thanks for taking the time to share with us!

Another vote for the Bering Sea crab boat tour. Did it in 2017. We booked direct rather than thru Princess. Can’t believe how much the price has gone up in 2 seasons.  You’ll save a bit by booking direct. And you know that if something was to happen to result in a delay returning to the port, your ship won’t leave without you since there are people booked thru Princess on the same excursion with you. It was a really unique excursion and we enjoyed it ALOT!  We were early in the season, maybe 18-19 May and the boat wasn’t full at all.  We disembarked as soon as we could and it was a quick walk over to the Aleutian Ballad (crab boat).  You can see how close the Coral Princess was.  In fact we were the first ones there so got to chat with the crew a bit before we got started. Sorry I can’t  comment on the other excursion you asked about.  

Thanks so much for your notes!  We’ll be sailing the 7 day western itinerary in 3 weeks, although not in Haven.   I keep hearing over and over how Margaritaville is always deserted now.  Maybe they’ll wise up and begin to use the space for something else.  Or change the fee. Glad to hear pool hogs weren’t an issue!  

I can’t answer that till later this summer.  Were on the 16 June RT Seattle cruise. I REALLY have concerns about the itinerary as I’ve sailed Alaska twice before with Princess.  One time south from Whittier, one time north from Vancouver. Both had additional land days so we got to see and do quite a bit. The short port times on this sailing are pretty disappointing but I’m  excited to sail on the Bliss.  Plus we’re going to spend a couple days in Seatle so that will be new. Loving the look of the Observation lounge. It looks like a beautiful space!

49 for Breakaway

161 for Bliss 

315 for Getaway

what a great year!

Oh man that sucks.  Keep thinking, vacation soon........

I ended up getting us a regular aft balcony.  Even though I could’ve booked, the bathroom looked a bit sterile and I’d rather leave it for someone who needs it anyway. Thanks for the comments!

We just did this for our Feb sailing on the Breakaway.  I had read we’d need to link our reservations, or each book separately, but I guess that not the case....at least for a party of 4.  I had called to ask and was told not needed.  When we went to book, it asked how many in the party.  (I don’t recall what the biggest party option was).  We were able to select 4, even though we have separate reservations.  My friend booked for us for 2 nights together, Cagneys and Teppanyaki.   Then I booked my third for just myself and hubby.  The only thing about doing it that way is the reservations she made for us don’t show up in our booking itinerary.  When we check in to the restaurant , they’ll take our ship cards and “charge” our dining against our SDP allocations.  Easy, peasy!

I love balconies but in this case I may go with the 2 insides. When you consider the additional bathroom, it might make more sense.

The deck plans and square footage show it to be much larger than a regular balcony. But I can’t find a specific floor plan diagram of them. I didn’t think them being handicapped accessible would preclude me from booking them though. It sure doesn’t when I do a mock booking.

I’m sailing next year on the Getaway once it moves to New Orleans with one of my besties. We’re currently booked in a mid ship balcony. For about double the price:p we can get one of the 2 aft mini suites with the huge balcony!

I’ve always wanted an aft balcony; I’d cover the cost of the increase in this situation. I can’t get a good idea of the floor plan and layout - although it’s all about the balcony really. I guess I could get us a regular aft balcony, not mini suite but really do love the larger bathroom.

So, those of you who’ve had one of these rare aft mini suites on the away class ships, convince me it’s worth it! I looked at the Aft Haven penthouse — it’s 3 times our current booking price. Can’t do that.

We’ve been twice in late May and perhaps just lucky, but we had amazingly warm and sunny weather for the most part.

OMG! Checking excursions again for my Feb 2019 cruise on BreakAway. “Luxury” Beach Villas are now $699! I thought it was insane at $499. I guess NCL is seeing what folks are willing to pay as they were always selling out at $500. Just nuts I don’t care how nice they are.

The only negative would be a location you weren’t happy with. $50pp is well worth it IMO. I’d go for it in a heartbeat but then I like my bathroom space.

The local vendors like cavetubing.bz or Butts up may not be aware that with the Breakaway, NCL will begin to stop in Belize City, as well as Harvest Cay. I was inquiring with King David Castillo tours in Belize about a Lamanai ruins trip next Feb and his first response was, “NCL doesn’t come to Belize City, only Harvest Cay” I told him that changes in November. He said let me check. He checked and realized I was correct. So, maybe you can contact them directly. BTW, I went cavetubing with bz in 2015 and couldn’t have been happier. Was so much fun! And yes the price difference is significant! Good luck.

OMG I’m having 2nd thoughts about our June 2019 Alaska cruise next year. Not that I even plan to do laser tag..... I thought there would be more things for the kids to do on this ship. Now reading about how go karts and laser tag slots are sold out within an hour or 2 after boarding. I’m thinking we should’ve stayed with Princess at least for Alaska. Especially if the Observation lounge area is taken over by chair hogs all day. Oh well. We’ll go and have a good time I’m sure.

Thanks that’s very helpful!

We’re considering a 7 day RT Seattle Alaska Cruise June 2019. Sort of narrowed down to Ruby Princess or NCL Bliss. Sailing with couple of grandkids and BIL & SIL and their kids. Ages at sailing 5, 12, 14 and 15. DH and I have sailed Princess and NCL and enjoy both. And we’ve done Alaska before so we realize the trip is all about Alaska but never sailed there with kids. For those of you who’ve sailed both lines, what do you think? Or if you have experience with Ruby Princess, please comment on kids programs and activities. I’ll post same question on NCL board. Thanks for any insight!

Here’s a plug for Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks. Best tour ever. And reasonably priced.