ggTexasGal

Following your hypothetical scenario😀, I imagine this is doable. But... (just to clarify) cruisers need to understand that from now on, they will be paying for each glass or bottles, with the Premium Plus 40% off the price, plus 20% service charge added. Plenty of people will remember the way the Premium Plus "used to be," and may not realize that Veuve is no longer included without the Up-charge.

We stayed in 12310... a standard balcony size.

You are 100% correct. I seem to have posted incorrectly on post #11 (flipped Lagoon and Ocean). I now know to think of them in this way... Lagoon Villas are largest Villas! 😉 I apologize for the confusion I created!!!

The area within the red circle tends to get a steady flow of fresher water. Near the larger Villas area can get more stagnant sometimes (although, it was NOT when we were there last December). What is great about the larger villas area is being able to sit in plenty of shade when it is truly HOT. The restaurant is simple, but nice, with good food and services. The bathroom shower is great & handy if you want to change clothing. What I liked most about our day, was getting there on the first tender and truly enjoying most of the island. Then, returning to the villa later in the day to freshen-up, and we returned to the ship on one of the last tenders.

Renting a villa for the day is really more for someone who truly wants a lazy and pampered day! The condition of the water (either location) will be reflective of any recent storms (or lack of them). Ideally, it would have rained plenty the previous evening and then calmed overnight! Floating on a mat was good the day we were there. If we are wanting to be more active while at GSC, we skip renting any villa or cabana, and hang-out at the area near the cabanas (wood structures), or even the main beach (nearer the Snorkel Park), bringing our own gear with us. There, you can mix things up where the volleyball court is being used, music is blaring, food and drinks are available nearby, or wander off a little for a quieter spot.

We stopped booking Guaranteed categories years ago, due to multiple re-assignments! We'd had a room "X" booked that changed multiple times in the span of one month. Sometimes, "lucky" happens!

There are lots of variables to the answers to your question, depending on your wants. We actually enjoy walking all/most of GSC, so being in #1 (Lagoon location), made some of our walking outside of the lagoon area a little shorter for us. (We did, often, get asked if we wanted a ride!) So, if your preference is the having more peace and (relative) quiet of Silver Cove's Lagoon, you might prefer a more central location. We felt that the Ocean Villas would have been fine for us ...best of both.

Since you may order two drinks per card each time (while not always the solution), you could ask for your drink and a shot of (your choice) to "strengthen" your drink.

When you originally signed-up for the card, any bonus points available at that time should have been applied to your account. There are expiration dates for the use of all points. Perhaps you need to log into your card's account and verify any that you might have. Otherwise, if you want the new offer, you would need to apply for another card account.

It seems like you would be happier with the amenities of the Haven, rather than a standard Suite. Yes, there are places where (at select times of the day) you might find both shade and quiet. However, it might take some searching onboard each day. The Pearl does have a thalassotherapy pool. Look at Deck 12 Forward! https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/pearl/deck-plans

You would need to book a minimum of 5 rooms to receive extra assistances for your family. Perhaps the size of your family/group doesn't qualify for what NCL recognizes as a "group booking". Did you utilize the information on this link? https://www.ncl.com/group-cruises?cid=PS_DIG_NA_BRP_BIN_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA_NAM&&msclkid=4c091ea7c9c71451cdec7ba3ecdb98fa&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds?cid=PS_DIG_NA_BRP_BIN_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA_NAM&&msclkid=4c091ea7c9c71451cdec7ba3ecdb98fa&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds

Porters will have luggage tags available. Just verify that they have your (correct) room number!

The Ocean Explorer is an ‘Infinity-class’ expedition cruise ship owned by SunStone Ships and built in 2021 by Ulstein at its partner yard China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI).

You'll need to use this: (there are lots of sub-categories/places): https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2-ports-of-call/

You are correct! Not all Club Balcony rooms are only Aft. Decks 9-13 have M2 and MB rooms!

No! Not for many years!

I wouldn't refer to this situation as "lying". I believe they are trying to curb expectations, since a table could become available rather quickly, OR, many tables could linger over an extended period of time.

A bit "labor intensive," but, I do like your train of thought! 😜

I've read (many times), "hydrate early, and often!"

I agree! NCL really needs to remove that wording, or, add a qualifier such as "fees may apply."

You are allowed to take two full glasses!

The good news for you is the schools in Texas have Spring Break start in March! Harvest Caye is actually quite nice, especially if you are able to walk around on your own! Many people complain about how far it is from the ship, however, it is not really any further than at most ports. The other complaint is that food and beverages are NOT included. If you get hot, look for the misting stations, and there are shaded area to enjoy. The pool is large and clean. One of the excursions we enjoyed was the Electric boat -- short, but was fun and enjoyable tour off the island. Also, don't miss the carvings, and animals/birds. (There are carts to ride, to and from the ship, if needed).

The terms and conditions for the UK are within: (Hopefully you can find your answer within.) https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/about/terms-and-conditions/promotions-ceuk

If you have 2 seven days cruises booked back to back. Not if on a single 14 day booking.