BostonGal35

we just sailed for the 10th time on NCL, first tiem in Haven. we got a 2 bedroom courtyard villa for less than half the normal cost - we did it on an upsell deal.

we LOVED it. we thought it was worth the extra $2k we paid on the upsell deal. as much as we loved it, we'd never pay full price (which for two of us would have been around $11K.). we'd rather sail more frequently in a regular room.

that siad, anytime we can get a decent upsell deal to Haven or any suite, we'll do it. im hoping we get many chances since we are both Platinum and we always sail at off peak times to avoid children.

I used to just carry a small bag with my important papers and other valuables (camera, etc), and put everything else in my big suitcase to check.

 

Two cruises ago, my big suitcase didn't show up until WAY after dinner. (My partner's suitcase arrived around 4:00PM.) I had no change of clothing, evening shoes, cosmetics, etc. Plus, I was petrified that they had somehow lost my bag and I would have NOTHING for the 9 day cruise.

 

Since then, I pack a small (wheelie) carryon with a couple changes of clothes, cosmetics, shoes, swimsuit - the very basics.... just in case!!!

because we often fly to port (where im REALLY paranoid about a lost bag) we usually pack a few items in each other's suitcases. that way if one is lost, we have a few things we can get by with.

we always eat in teh MDR for lunch on embarkation day. so much better than the buffet. Usually by the time we finish, rooms are nearly ready.

as for carryons, we just bring a small bag with our paperwork, money, valuable . luggage comes to the rooms usually before Muster - no point hauling around a wheely bag.

Vibe on Breakaway has 2 hot tubs, a private bar (and yes, UBP works) and a shower. no pool or water feature.

we loved the Vibe. there is a regularly assigned bartender, he knew all our drinks, and filled everyone up all the time. at that time, they were still printing out slips to sign even with the UBP. becuase we were in the Vibe, he would just run one big slip at the end of the day for us. not a concern now, but it shows the awesome service we got from him. His name was Sean. ill remember him if i ever see him on board again. he was headed to Getaway to train new staff after our sailing.

we did the Sun, one way from Vancouver to Seward. This is a particularly good choice if you wish to tack on a few days at the end to do Denali.

has anyone seen this duo on board any NCL ship lately? We saw them on two different sailings (breakaway) and they were by far the best performers of any lounge music act we've seen on board. im wondering if they still have a contract with NCL or if they did not renew.

Pearl includes Glacier Bay, i believe Jewel does not. If that's a factor for you, then you want Pearl.

that said, the Jewel is our fave ship and you will love her if you sail her.

i have often questioned whether we made the mistake to go NCL vs RCCL ( we really wanted to be loyal to a brand). this review made me feel good that we made the right choice. NCL has been very good to us, and we are now enjoying some benefits of status (platinum).

there are menus at every bar, consistent around the ship.

defintiely check it. there are odd things. For example, i drink grey goose which is on the package. however, only the PLAIN grey goose is on the package. if you want the Orange, Cherry, Pear, etc. that isnt on the package. It has to be an inventory thing, because at the liquor store, the flavors are the same price as the plain. Makes zero sense. I prefer the Cherry or Orange, but i drink plain on board because i refuse to pay additional.

i will say, the prosecco that is included is really good. i drink that most nights at the shows/in the casino.

It's been non stop disaster after disaster of reviews for this ship and it's sister ships, complaints, crying, horror stories, and more. People waiting hours for tables at all the restaurants, no hot water in cabins, cold food, bad service, it's endless.

 

Considering I am getting on in under two weeks I was wondering if anyone actually likes the BA or are people just sailing on it out of duty?

we've sailed her twice, going for the 3rd time in May.

we love the ship, although our general preference is for the smaller ships.

you have to remember that this ship is predominanly New Yorkers. New Yorkers are generally very particular, very opinionated, and very demanding. I have never seen passengers treat the crew as horribly on any ship as i do on Breakaway. If you can get past that, go with the flow, and do you homework/research ahead of time you will have a great time.

just got off Gem.

they had acrobats, a comedian, a hypnotist, the Blazing Boots show, a Swing Show, a 70's show. all were very good. for us, we've seen pretty much every show, just different performers doing them. the Boots show was new for us tho. it was quite good and i dont really care for Country music.

tehy also had the usual Quest Game Show, Newlywed/Not so Newlywed, the Liars Club (Must see!), Perfect Couple, etc.

good tip about Margaritaville for breakfast. i assume this is the same on breakaway as well? We LOVED the uptown grill for breakfast for the very reasons you stated - no lines/crowds! i was sad to hear this venue was replaced by the (in my opinion) sub par Margaritaville. we loved teh breakfast sandwiches that were grab and go - do they still have those?

that's very frustrating then, that NCL claims this is a platinum benefit if it really isnt.

again, we book everything ahead anyway and have never understood what they are for, but it would be nice to know we could just go "freestyle".

for the person who asked, our next sails are Breakaway and Jewel. we def wont upgrade on Breakaway, we will be trying for a non-haven suite upsell on Jewel.

also keep in mind that there is no babysitting service on board, and i think kids have to be at least 3 to attend the kids programs.

they tell people not to line up in the hallways/stairwell until the all clear call comes. that said, there are some who dont listen and line up anyway.

we never had difficulty getting off, only on tender ports but you said you dont have any so you should be ok.

sad to hear they did not fix the plumbing issue on the Dawn during dry dock. that was our only problem/complaint the entire cruise.

when you get the Concierge service as a Platinum Benefit, does it work the same was as when you are in a suite/haven? Meaning, can s/he get you into restaurants that are sold out, full, etc. or do they only have that "power" when you are in a suite/haven?

what else does the Concierge do? ive had one twice now, thru suite/haven and have rarely used them other than to move a dinner rezzie here and there (we book everything ahead, as soon as it opens up). Do they make contact with you or is a card simply left in your room stating the person's name?

Family of 5 (youngest is 4yo) would like to know the best family friendly excursions on Tortola & St. Thomas? Would love to know your suggestions :)

we booked on our own passes to Blackbeard's Castle. It was a good time, and you get use of the pools.

the one and only time we went to GSC we went to the lagoon for teh seclusion. loved it. it is now only for haven guests and others who pay for it via spa appointments, passes, etc.

because it is so far down, im sure many Haven guests are just plunking down 2 feet from the tender boat (like so many others do) which then takes up the space for the "commoners". i betcha that Lagoon area is no where near full.

babies pay becuase they count towards the overall passenger count for purposes of lifeboats, vests, etc. 10 babies also means 10 adults that cant go that would spend money on booze, casino, shops, etc.

we have done BA twice, soon to be 3 times. we are in MA so its convenient. we've done both itineraries, although our preference is Bermuda. the FL/Bahamas sail is boring as there isnt much to do in Port Canaveral (other than Kennedy Space Center) and Nassau is just a dump. the big pull in Port Canaveral is to go to Disney - but between travel time, etc. you pay a fortune for what ends up being a couple of hours in the park and maybe 2 or 3 rides given the lines, crowds, etc.

to clarify.

there is spring break, which is the one week college students get. that is where you could have drunk college kids.

then there is spring vacation/break that K-12 gets. in our area, the kids get a week in Feb and a week in April. we avoid these weeks as the small children and rude, mouthy teens are the worst to deal with (see hot tub post above).

i said something on our recent cruise to the group of teens that were sitting all over a stairwell. i told them they should nto be sitting there. as i walked away, i heard them back talk "whatever, i can sit wherever i want". i really weep for our future when i see this completely rude, inconsiderate, entitled generation of kids that today's parents have raised.

the one way northbound is the way to go if you want to tack on a week in Denali. we were not able to do that unfortunately.

i also highly recommend the train from the port to the airport if you are flying home vs. visiting denali or other places. that is the only excursion we booked thru NCL.

we did the northbound sailing of the Sun in September, Vancouver to Seward. It included Glacier Bay and that ended up being our only sunny day. It was wonderful. the ship rotates around so everyone gets a view. But we basically moved when the ship did. For this sailing, we had a starboard balcony which you want for the one way sailing.

The glaciers area amazing, but by the time we made it to Sawyer Glacier we felt like "seen one, seen em all" since we also had done Mendenhall in Juneau.

the key is to see them in the afternoon. sawyer was not that great for us as we saw it at around 8am. the sun wasnt yet hitting it, therefore we saw hardly any calving. in glacier bay, since you spend the day there, you will see/hear lots of calving especially if the sun is out.

spring break i always thought was the 3rd week of march. you may be cruising after the fact.

that said, if it is spring break be prepared. try to book yourself in the haven or a suite, or buy spa passes so you have some peace.

Coupon worked this morning, no hassles, no questions. Saved $100!