Kathie859

My first cruise was over 40 years ago when I was in my 20’s—it was a Carnival Cruise. I’ve just returned from a family Alaskan cruise on NCL and will cruise in early November on a 16 day Oceania. Yes, I love cruising😀

We were just there on Sunday. As you exit the baggage claim area it’s a short stroll to the taxi area. There were several cabbies (not their cabs) standing in a group and once you inquired, the next cabbie brought down his car. We needed a special accommodation (9 peoples plus luggage) and was handled quickly.

Just my opinion, but one formal night would probably be enough for a 7 day cruise for most people these days.

And given luggage constraints when flying, I welcome any opportunity to reduce packing something that I’d wear once during a cruise. I think more and more people are trying to pack items which can be worn more than once and accessorized for a different look. More “country club casual” than “dress to impress”.

Don't you think ANYBODY knows that ? NOT a helpful comment, and NOT addressing the subject brought up by OP

Snarky much?

And phrases such as these (no sandwich) add life to a story which could be ho-hum if told in an “only the facts stated in the most basic way” prose.

OP—love your writing style and your trip report reminds me of a Mother/Son (then 15) cruise I took. Now my baby boy is 37!! His older sister and father had other commitments so we went on our own and we had a blast and still recall some of the unusual things that happened during that vacation.

Mid July we’ll be cruising together again—this time with his sister and her husband, the 4 grands, our son and grandma (me) and grandpa. More fun memories to be made.

This depends on where you’re going. I.e. a tour that takes you into the Yukon Territory specifically says to bring your passport. Otherwise, I leave it in the safe when I go off ship and carry my regular ID—for me that’s a driver’s license.

Loving your report and pictures—and appreciate the dailies! I’d say “Have a good time” but that already seems to be your modus operandi. (y) Can’t wait to see more!

Yes, they are as good as people say they are. Never heard someone come back from a Disney cruise and say it was a horrible experience.

 

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We did a multigenerational trip on The Fantasy 3years ago and none of us thought DCL was worth all the hoo-ha and we’re DisneyWorld and Disneyland people! For the price point I expected so much more. It would have been okay had the grandkids enjoyed the kids club and activities but they didn’t. We’re using NCL for Alaska this year.

I’ve got to say if I were in a service position and someone gave me an eye shadow or whatnot or a piece candy like you’d reward a child, I’d smile and thank the giver while silently praying they don't stiff me on my tip.

Treat staff like the adults they are.

I agree with jpalbny re: Uniworld dining room experience. I’ve been on 4 Uniworld cruises and never found the dining room overly noisy—and we prefer to dine earlier participating in the mad dash to the dining room after the evening cruise director’s daily talk.

OP—We did Uniworld’s Nuremberg to Vienna Christmas cruise 2 years ago. We flew into Nuremberg a few days early staying at a hotel within walking distance of the huge market. It was a good move because it allowed us 2 days to enjoy the market, the concerts in the churches and the other entertainment on the square and a few surrounding shops. This cruise also stopped at a town (name escapes me) and we went to a market around a castle which was open into the evening and was lovely. In Vienna we had adequate time to visit several of the markets. Another fun event during the cruise was a sleigh ride thru the Black Forest—they ended up using a wheeled vehicle due to low snow fall but it was still beautiful.

This is something I wouldn't do. Your time has to be worth something and FLL is so convenient to the port.

DrivIng from one side of FL to the other to save $240 just doesn't do it for me.

Remember what Mother told us? "Never take candy from a stranger?" Passengers are strangers to the staff and I can believe there would be hesitancy to eat ANYTHING a stranger gives. Like another poster said--I work for money not chocolate and assuming anyone celebrates Christmas is also a big reach.

If you're feeling crafty, make a special Thank You card and slip some extra cash in it.

Only pack ANYTHING in checked luggage that you wouldn't be devastated losing or being broken.

My optics go in my carry on with my iPad, camera and meds.

I traveled to Miami from the Midwest one a month for a period of 3+ years tending to the affairs of an elderly relative until her passing. I definitely prefer the ease of FLL. To me it's worth the more relaxed vibe and ease of baggage claim and getting transportation whether that be a rental car, taxi, Uber or shuttle.

Do expect TSA to run slowly upon disembrkment day due to volume unless you are "precheck". Even then, they do seem to move folks thru at a decent pace.

Last August I did the bus into the Yukon and train back. It was wonderful!! We made several stops along the way to take in the pristine surroundings and for photo opportunities. If you take the train back into town, sit on the right side for the best views and photos.

I'd do this trip again in a heart beat.

I always feel like people who are dead set on visiting a particular place, should go visit that place. People who are dead set on cruising, should cruise. It's nice when both can be knocked out in one trip, but as you clearly know, that comes with risks. Sorry it didn't work out.

 

I guess I don't see how a detailed explanation of this decision would make it any better for you, so maybe you should think differently about that. The only thing you can control is how you choose to react.

Amen! I was just going to respond the same re: what difference would a explanation make?

I'm going to be unpopular with my response.

How does the OP know the issue wasn't addressed at some level? There is and should be a level of privacy for all--even the rude.

Also, if my husband decided to involve himself in a situation like this I'd be beyond angry. As a wife and mother (and now a grandmother) present during this unholy display of entitlement by the rude woman, I'd handle the situation or not as I felt appropriate. I didn't hear that the daughter was brought to tears nor the mother full of angst over the incident and unable to put it behind her.

In the timeless words from Disney's "Frozen"---"Let it go, let it go..."

Why so rude? While it's true that the answer to the OP's question is "No"-- why not provide food for thought, i.e., emergency situations and options i.e., the less expensive but restrictive passport card?

I must be silly--I thought this was a "Discussion" board.

I seem to remember HAL offers a cruise with a land tour to Denali. A place to start👍

Try this site--

https://masstimes.org/

https://www.poopourri.com/pages/its-only-natural

A solution?

To your question, I sailed on the Getaway last fall for a sisters birthday trip and had a blast. I never had trouble finding a drink, service was good and food in the MDR was always decent with the occasional home run (lamb chop in MDR was simply amazing!) I sail next week with NCL (Jewel) and have no reason to expect anything different. And yes, some things have changed (I.e., the surcharge for the "free" beverage plan and paying to have bottled water in my cabin specifically) but overall, so far NCL has a price point I can live with and delivers a pleasant experience.

And, for the record, I am not brand loyal having cruised HAL, DCL, Uniworld and NCL in the last few years.

This thread is another stellar example of the welcoming, friendly nature of CC.🙄

As an elderly, ahem🙄, couple (66 & 75) who have taken land and cruise vacations with adult children and grandchildren, I'll weigh in. Unless your parents are clingy or have indicated they intend to spend every waking second with you, I can't believe this is a problem.

Whenever we travel with ANYONE--relatives or friends, we have a frank discussion of how we envision the vacation to unfold. We make it a fun meeting and ask each person for input. If you do this, you can state that you want to have a romantic dinner or two with just your wife and perhaps spend a day in port on your own. Mom and Dad are put on notice that they'll be on their own then. That way there's no hurt feelings and no "rules".

Good luck and enjoy the opportunity.