Langham1865

If you love the waterslides... DO THEM!   It's your cruise, you should be able to do it as you enjoy.  That is why I love cruising, so  much choice in types of ships and itineraries.   Yeah there are things that are no more that I long for, but there are also so many great new things to enjoy.

I am a NCL enthusiast and absolutely think that my choice to go on HAL for Alaska was the right choice for many of the reasons you mentioned.   All ships that go to Glacier Bay are required by the National Park Service to have a park ranger on board while sailing in Glacier Bay.   HAL also had  a naturalist on board the whole cruise and would also have nature walks on sea days around the promenade deck.  The other thing to remember about Princess and HAL is, since they have been going to Alaska for so long, many of the tour vendors are grateful and dedicated to those two lines.  So they will have many of the better and more seasoned vendors for excursions.  

1 hour ago, wolft927 said:

When I worked on Cruises we loved Dead Heads! Gave the crew time to relax a bit but also gave us time to get things done without having any guests on board. I was on the last sailing of the Norwegian Crown before it was sold to Fred Olson Cruise Lines, and that last dead head was a huge party!

When you said Dead Head, I knew what you meant from the context.   But a Dead Head (the other type) cruise could be fun for many people as well!

I got the same one

I do think that solo travel is a growing segment.  This is their way of trying to capitalize on it.  Whether you a "ploy" or 'marketing" it makes good business sense for any cruise or travel business to find a way to make money off of solo travel.  If i was running a travel business, I definitely would try to find a way to monetize it on the initial booking for the higher categories rather than later when you haven't sold cabins.  Now the deals won't be as good on the front end for the customer, as they are when the price drops on unsold categories, but the customer also will guarantee getting the cabin type.  Now we will see if we the customer feels the front end pricing is in our benefit or not and how they adjust the initial model down the road.  

I say for "trip of a lifetime" or bucket list cruises, go for itinerary.  I've been loyal to NCL first, but did my Alaska bucket list cruise on HAL, as they had the itinerary I wanted if I never get the chance to go back.  I also think that Alaska cruises are ones where the ship is much less important than Caribbean cruises.  I spent much less time on the ship and taking advantage of the ships offerings than I ever did on a Caribbean cruise.  Although I have only done Alaska once, people I have spoken with who did multiple Alaska cruises likes the smaller ships, as they can usually get closer to the glaciers and other natural resources than the larger ships can under the same conditions.  So this maybe the biggest factor the ship can be for a consideration.  Well, that's my 2 cents worth....

I Bought 200 shares in increments, mostly after the start of the pandemic.  100 for the OBC to hold on to and 100 to see sell down the road.  I know it will take time for them to pay off the debt incurred during the pandemic, but I didn't but it for the short term.  

I think we will see more for fee game shows (deal or no deal style), possibly in the main theater, and fewer production shows, as they generate revenue.  I really hope they keep the Broadway shows like Jersey Boys and Six.   I hope they don't cut the Broadway shows completely, as I would imagine many passengers enjoy them and there might be an uproar if they are cut completely.  

I think @BirdTravels is right, they've barely scratched the surface of what costs were incurred during the pandemic.  It may be some time before they really put a dent in it.  

15 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

No such ship.  The only NCL ship sailing TA in 3/2025 is the Epic.  Plenty of Studio cabins available.

35 minutes ago, jules181 said:

You clear customs when you land in Toronto. 

 

Although legally able to, I don't believe the CBSA has setup preclearance at any US airport. 

I'm not sure, but I thought they did at DCA.... I could be wrong...

9 hours ago, cruiser2015 said:

First, I assume that you meant the return is a 12:15 PM departure. Otherwise, boy, really bad flights.

They may recommend 3 hours prior for check-in, but that's a lot of time.

Customs must be cleared at the pier - nothing to do with flights.

Lastly, if NCL provides these flights, do you think they might know what they are doing?

I expect they will assign an early disembarkation time to those Toronto bound friends.

 

They are not talking about customs when disembarking. At some, if not all, flights to Canada, people clear customs prior to their flight.  

I think Le Bistro feels quieter even when they are crowded compared to when Cagney's is crowded.  , but I like that Cagney's has outdoor seating.  I have had equally nice experiences in both, just different.  

1 hour ago, ColeThornton said:

 

The PCC is correct.

 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/norwegian-cruise-line-adds-1000-solo-cabins-8347704

47 minutes ago, Daruma said:

 

To clarify, now that NCL has reclassified a number of balcony cabins as "solo balcony cabins," when booking those you absolutely, 100% DO get access to the solo lounge just as any solo traveler does. 

 

It's a very nice change, I upgraded my solo room to a solo balcony about a week ago. 

To clarify, the PCC is correct only if it is a cruise after January 2, 2024.  The OP doesn't state when the cruise if for, so If it is prior to that, it still might not apply..

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2023/10/07/norwegian-cruise-line-solo-cabins/71057035007/

I have almost always cruised solo.  I always wait and almost never have had issues getting a table with the exception of Teppanyaki, which you should plan ahead.    I don't mind dining solo, but am usually outgoing and always go to the Solo Meet & Greets (at least the first few days). I normally find other solos to dine with too.  

I think the PCC is wrong about access to the studio lounge.   I have booked balconies myself and it never has has access to the studio lounge, except when they prop the doors open for the Solo Meet & Greets.   I would also check your modified reservation to make sure you have the free at sea dining.  At that much of a price drop, it may only be the room and not the extra perks.  When you change a reservation like that, it doesn't transfer the previous perks.   It is whatever that rate at that time includes, and you may have been switched to something that is just the room. It almost happened to me once, but I asked at time of change to make sure.  and checked later to make sure they had the codes on the reservation

Following....

I don't know if they have hard/blanket policy.  If you used a travel agent have them contact NCL to see what they can do.  If not, call NCL yourself.  Everyone is assigned a personal cruise consultant (or whatever they might be called these days), even if you've never used them.  Maybe they can do something.  If not call again and use the general reservations line.   Worst comes to wort, you get nothing.  But you won't get something if you  don't try... as you can see from previous responses, it is at least possible to get something.  

Good luck and most importantly, enjoy your cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To to sum up... some do and some don't.  It is up to you

PS, I love your reviews.  Just the right amount of humor, pictures, sarcasm, grumpiness and description of the day.   Most of all I am glad you have this time with your Dad!  You two are defiantly the type of cruisers I hope to come across in the future.  

On 7/12/2023 at 2:40 AM, YVRteacher said:

We just did Sail and Sustain Mixology so I apologize in advance for all babbling, typos and grammatical errors. My brain is full of booze!

 

We are having the best sea day!

 

We laughed all the way through cake decorating, thanks to Cruise Director Jerry! This guy could have a career as a stand up comic! Thank you @Seas2mountains for the recommendation! The last time we saw a cake decorating this good was with cruise director Soozie (who now works for NCL corporate in Florida) comedian Tim Kaminski and pianist/singer/king of sarcasm (my hero) Jim Badger.  

Our cake makers today are lead pastry chef Shirley, Cruise Next Manager Stephanie and (pro?) Black Forest cake maker/Cruise Director Jerry.  There was whipped cream squirted into mouths (including that of the videographer!) tossed cherries flying through the air, cake doused in kirsch,  bites of cake stuffed in mouths,   chocolate shavings sampled by the handfuls (by both Jerry and the kids) and, to top it off, a triple cake tossing contest in which entire cakes were thrown into the air, flipped and caught. Picture the Olympic diving event but with Black Forest Cake.  Jerry pulled off the elusive double flip and the crowd went wild.

If you are on the Spirit or any other ship with Jerry, clear your calendar so as not to miss cake decorating.

 

Sail and Sustain Mixology was so much fun!

 

Each ship does it differently and today we had the Spirit’s dream team:

Jocelyn 

Froilan

Rustan

Kurt (head bartender)

Christine (assistant beverage manager)

They did a choreographed cocktail mixing presentation with the 4 bartenders all making a different drink at the same time.  

Christine and Kurt did the teaching.  There were 3 passengers (all Canadian and all of us are B2B) and these talented bartenders kept us laughing and informed.  What a lively event! My dad asked me if we get to do this again next week and was thrilled to find out we do. 

 

Today my favourite was Cafe Replay.  All the drinks were well-made and Christine convinced us to come to the afternoon Margarita tasting in Henry’s Pub. Note: by convinced I mean asked once and we said yes right away! More time with Christine, Kurt, Froilan and Ruston? Yes please! (Jocelyn went to tend the bar at The Local.) I don’t know what makes the drinks so good on the Spirit.  Happiness?  Very likely.  I’ll write more about our overall experience at the end of our cruise next week but will confirm what fans of the Spirit already know: cruising on the Spirit is what cruising is meant to be. I’m so glad we get to do another week on board this beautiful ship with her incredible people.

YAY you saw Jocelyn!!!!!! if you see her again tell her Daniel says hi!!!

I’m glad you liked Sitka and that you had a great guide!  I hope to go back again!  
 

PS, did you end up eating or shopping in Sitka? 
 

pps, just found out Jocelyn the bartender that I mentioned is in Magnums… say hi if you get a chance!

27 minutes ago, omahabob said:

 

Oooo. A bartender scavenger hunt. Any extra charge for that onboard activity?

I love it... a new spin on a bar crawl!   I think we are on to something!!!

I am not sure which bar she's in on this trip, but look for a bartender named Jocelyn and tell her Daniel says hi and that I'll be in the Philippines on July 18th... she'll know...  PS I love your reviews!!!

I too think if you board early you should be able to book dining then.  Maybe book what you can now and see if they can change it onboard...

If you want to avoid a long line, just have a leisurely breakfast and wait until the initial rush is over.  My experience (20ish cruises on NCL is the long line you are referencing is the initial self carryoff your own luggage people and those who have early flights to catch.

50 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

I’ve also travelled solo several times.  Sometimes in a studio and others in balconies.  I’ve never paid the full supplement and have always gotten the full credit.

I too have travelled solo several times, not paying double, and have always gotten the full OBC

12 hours ago, KKB said:

You need to own 100 shares.

By Friday's close price this would run you $2177. ($21.77/share)

That is near it's record high price the last year.

I just opened an Etrade account--took about a week to get money transferred in.

You then must submit a form & proof of ownership (I take screenshots).

I do this at least a month before leaving but it can be done later---you just never know for sure how long it will take.

Benefit:

$50 OBC 6 days or less

$100 OBC 7-14 days

$250 OBC 15+ days

it may be at the high for last year, but is in the mid 50's prior to the market going down due to the pandemic.   It has been rising steadily the last few weeks, as more people have been travelling internationally, compared to mostly domestically last year.   I would expect (though not necessarily as fast as the last few weeks) for the stock to continue to grow as people travel farther and more often.  That will also assist in paying off the debt taken on during the pandemic.  If you can afford more than the 100 shares, maybe consider buying some to sell at a profit down the road.  I bought enough of NCL and Carnival to get the OBC and sell in the future to offset the 100 shares I plan on keeping for the OBC.