The Our Journey to the NCL $100,000.00 Winner Takes All Slot Tournament

[phillygwm]

On 11/16/2022 at 10:18 PM, Sthrngary said:

Funny story about the online check-in.  I wanted the earliest check in possible which usually is 09:00 AM.  I live in the Central Time Zone so I knew that at exactly 21 days prior to the cruise, the online check in would open up.  So the night before at 11:00 PM It opened up.  I got 1/4 of the way done and NCL shut down their website for servicing until 5:00 AM in the morning.  I woke up early and finished to get a check in at 09:30 AM. My luck they want to service the website when I wanted to us it. 

Other than my first cruise post-COVID (December 2021) I've found the check-in times not to be enforced.  I'm sure they don't want 4000 people showing up at 9:00 trying to check-in at once but if you're 1/2 hour early I doubt anyone will say a word.

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Gary,  would be interested in your thoughts on boarding at NOLA.

 

Availability of Premium Plus alcohols.

@RocketMan275 I have boarded in NOLA before.  When the Getaway did the very same itinerary as the Breakaway is about to do. The key is to get their early.  The roads seem to always be messed up.  When entering the port, the lines will be long and disorganized.  How is that for setting realistic expectations.  

 

If you are in the Haven, I am not this time, go through the security with everyone else and then look at the wall on the far side for a small Haven Sign.  If you are non-Haven as we will be, find the entry door and get a seat near it.  Nothing about NOLO is pleasant when boarding a cruise.  If you know that, you can laugh off the experience knowing you will be drinking soon. 

 

On the Premium Plus alcohols.  I am your man.  I always have a plan and usually can find a hidden gem.  As I have always made clear, I am going for the top of the line tequila's like 1942.  Where some folks take a tour of the ship with great excitement.  I take a tour of the bars with anticipation.  The spirits I like the most have very distinctive bottles so my bar tour does not even need an open bar. My wife and I will also be in the Vibe.  I have a pre-done letter for the Manager of the Vibe just like I do a letter to the Butler.  Same concept but much shorter.  My hope is with a little warm encouragement, I can get my brands into the Vibe Bar.  I have NOT been successful of this in the past but one must always live with goals in mind.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well, Roll Tide, and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

9 minutes ago, phillygwm said:

Other than my first cruise post-COVID (December 2021) I've found the check-in times not to be enforced.  I'm sure they don't want 4000 people showing up at 9:00 trying to check-in at once but if you're 1/2 hour early I doubt anyone will say a word.

I will be testing your theory and report back on our success of this mission.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

23 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@RocketMan275 I have boarded in NOLA before.  When the Getaway did the very same itinerary as the Breakaway is about to do. The key is to get their early.  The roads seem to always be messed up.  When entering the port, the lines will be long and disorganized.  How is that for setting realistic expectations.  

 

If you are in the Haven, I am not this time, go through the security with everyone else and then look at the wall on the far side for a small Haven Sign.  If you are non-Haven as we will be, find the entry door and get a seat near it.  Nothing about NOLO is pleasant when boarding a cruise.  If you know that, you can laugh off the experience knowing you will be drinking soon. 

 

On the Premium Plus alcohols.  I am your man.  I always have a plan and usually can find a hidden gem.  As I have always made clear, I am going for the top of the line tequila's like 1942.  Where some folks take a tour of the ship with great excitement.  I take a tour of the bars with anticipation.  The spirits I like the most have very distinctive bottles so my bar tour does not even need an open bar. My wife and I will also be in the Vibe.  I have a pre-done letter for the Manager of the Vibe just like I do a letter to the Butler.  Same concept but much shorter.  My hope is with a little warm encouragement, I can get my brands into the Vibe Bar.  I have NOT been successful of this in the past but one must always live with goals in mind.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well, Roll Tide, and enjoy every moment. 

 

Thanks. Let me know more when you get back.  BTW, I'm more into bourbons than tequilla but I will try an upscale tequilla in march.  Is this one of those lick salt and bite a lemon thing.

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

 

Thanks. Let me know more when you get back.  BTW, I'm more into bourbons than tequilla but I will try an upscale tequilla in march.  Is this one of those lick salt and bite a lemon thing.

@RocketMan275 No on the Lick Salt and bite lemon.  The high end Tequila's are for sipping.  With or without ice.  I do it without ice.  I rarely get drunk when I do the good stuff.  I feel great but like with other High End spirits, it is as much about the taste as it is about the effect.  Just another of lifes experiences. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[fstuff1]

thought the 100k slot tourny was this week?
it's next week's cruise?

[RocketMan275]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@RocketMan275 No on the Lick Salt and bite lemon.  The high end Tequila's are for sipping.  With or without ice.  I do it without ice.  I rarely get drunk when I do the good stuff.  I feel great but like with other High End spirits, it is as much about the taste as it is about the effect.  Just another of lifes experiences. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

The tequia's I've tried in the past have tasted like kerosene.  But I've not tried the high end so I'll give it a try.

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

thought the 100k slot tourny was this week?
it's next week's cruise?

@fstuff1 It better be.  We have had it booked for a year.  LOL.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

The tequia's I've tried in the past have tasted like kerosene.  But I've not tried the high end so I'll give it a try.

If you can find it, Tequila 1942. 

[fstuff1]

3 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

The tequia's I've tried in the past have tasted like kerosene.  But I've not tried the high end so I'll give it a try.

try patron anejo. (anejo = 1 year aged)

 

1st tequila i've tried that i can drink straight without salt/lime.

with patron silver, i still need salt/lime.

[Sthrngary]

November 30, 2022:  Four days to go.  So much to remember:

 

1. The Shooter Drink Controversy: I have taken the assignment to see if NCL changed policies on drinks like B52's (Shooters).  Also, if the Vibe still does the Shooter Hour happy hour.  I am on it.
2. NCL Bid Upgrades:  I noticed today that the upper categories like spa suites through Haven are all sold out.  That usually means that the upgrade bids assignment has started.  I don't think on this ship anyone was upgraded to the Haven. 
3. Cruise Critic M&G:  Over 150 people will be at the M&G which is one of the larger counts I have ever heard of.  
4. Pre-Cruise Correspondence:  This is the first time I have not received anything in the mail.  It is also the first time I booked through NCL Casino at Sea. We made our own luggage tags. 
5. Packing:  Luggage pulled down from storage and packing today.  This includes cleaning out the SUV for the 6 hour drive. 
6. Lego Town:  We will stop in Lego Town on the drive up.  Can't wait. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

49 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

November 30, 2022:  Four days to go.  So much to remember:

e. 

1. Lego Town:  We will stop in Lego Town on the drive up.  Can't wait. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

What is Lego Town?

[Sthrngary]

40 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

What is Lego Town?

It is on the way to NOLA.  It is a Lego Factory Store.  Seems my family is into Lego's for Xmas.  I on the other hand want NOLA food and drink.  This time, I lost the battle so Lego Town it is. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

It is on the way to NOLA.  It is a Lego Factory Store.  Seems my family is into Lego's for Xmas.  I on the other hand want NOLA food and drink.  This time, I lost the battle so Lego Town it is. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thanks. My son-in-law loves legos. 

[bundtkate]

10 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

  I on the other hand want NOLA food and drink.

NOLA food is amazing so I'd definitely have been on your side. Hopefully there is some late night etoufffe available for you when you get to the hotel.

[KKB]

On 11/28/2022 at 11:35 AM, Sthrngary said:

@RocketMan275 I have boarded in NOLA before.  When the Getaway did the very same itinerary as the Breakaway is about to do. The key is to get their early.  The roads seem to always be messed up.  When entering the port, the lines will be long and disorganized.  How is that for setting realistic expectations.  

 

If you are in the Haven, I am not this time, go through the security with everyone else and then look at the wall on the far side for a small Haven Sign.  If you are non-Haven as we will be, find the entry door and get a seat near it.  Nothing about NOLO is pleasant when boarding a cruise.  If you know that, you can laugh off the experience knowing you will be drinking soon. 

 

OH, NOLO was the biggest cluster I have ever seen at any port for embarkation...free for all in 2019 on the Getaway.

[GALSews]

Just in case I forget. Here is an early bon voyage, Gary. Looking forward to following your travels.

[CruzinMel]

On 11/28/2022 at 7:36 PM, fstuff1 said:

try patron anejo. (anejo = 1 year aged)

 

1st tequila i've tried that i can drink straight without salt/lime.

with patron silver, i still need salt/lime.

I know it is trendy, and not in the same league as the 1492, but I quite like Teremana.  I am deathly allergic to something about Patron, but Teremana was enjoyable before and after.  

[CruzinMel]

1 minute ago, CruzinMel said:

I know it is trendy, and not in the same league as the 1492, but I quite like Teremana.  I am deathly allergic to something about Patron, but Teremana was enjoyable before and after.  

And yes - safe travels and an enjoyable cruise, and may the Mrs be lucky!!!

[Sthrngary]

December 2, 2022: Well two days before our trip.  All packed and leaving from Birmingham, AL for the 6 hour drive in the morning.  Some would say, why drive 6 hours.  I did the math, it would take 8 hours if I did a flight.  I love the freedom of stopping on the way and no pressure when I leave New Orleans after the cruise.  Just a little less pressure on my wife and I.

 

The People of CruiseCritic.com have asked me to find out some things.  I will do my best.  Here are a couple of questions/requests:

 

• Embarkment: Everyone seems to me a little uneasy about how the boarding will go at the Port of New Orleans.  I have cruise out of this port before in 2019 for Thanksgiving.  It was nuts then, there was all kinds of road work and I don't think a thing has changed.  I will report but I am also realistic.  It will not be pleasant.  
• Shooter Drinks:  It seems a rumor is that NCL on a few ships and or the entire fleet is no longer doing Shooter Drinks like B52 on the Premium Beverage package or at all.  The opinion on this vary so I will have to put myself on the line to determine the policy on the NCL Breakaway.  I am up for the task.
• Baily's Irish Cream: It seems some sailings have been out of Baily's and Amerada.  It also seems that the Baily's is $16.00 providing a upcharge for the Premium Drink Package.  This issue will be solved shorty.
• Nights and Times for Entertainment: Specifically the big production shows like six and Burn the floor.  My habit it to collect all the dailies and scan them when I get home.  Happy to do that.  I will than post it when I get home.  
• Weight Limit at the Water Slides:  Some say 250 up to 300 lbs.  We will determine and report back. 
• Vibe Beach Club Passes:  It shows not available online but the Vibe Cabana which includes two week passes is available.  I will see if they held back some for folks when they get onboard. 
• How Many People are in the Actual Slot Tournament: It seems that the Encore during the same week is doing the much more popular Casino at Seas Texas Hold-Um finals.  So less big gamblers are in the Slot Tournament.  I hope that is the case but I also found out, you could have an entry or if you lose the first round for $500.00.  At 04:00 PM Sunday night, in the Bliss Lounge is the initial cocktail party for all the winners.  
• Where is the Don Julio 1942 Tequila:  "And this is my quest, to follow the stars....." I will find that bottle and put a hurting on it if I find it.  

 

Those are the question or assignments I have been given so far.  

 

The CruiseCritic.com M&G has over 160 people I believe.  I will attempt to join but it is within 45 minutes of the first round of slot play.  Well other than that, the driving plan includes stop at a Steak and Shake on the way.  We cancelled the fancy restaurant we were going to go to in New Orleans.  My wife said, "I think we should just go somewhere super casual and not have to dress up."  I agreed and to be honest, part of the reason I travel with NCL is casual dining.  There you have it.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Professor Chris]

Hi Gary, looking forward to your reviews of the Breakaway.  We will be boarding her in 21 days....just completed check in today.  Safe Travels!

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Well other than that, the driving plan includes stop at a Steak and Shake on the way.  We cancelled the fancy restaurant we were going to go to in New Orleans.  My wife said, "I think we should just go somewhere super casual and not have to dress up."  I agreed and to be honest, part of the reason I travel with NCL is casual dining.  There you have it.

Glad I could help.  

6155 US Highway 98
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

BTW, Steak n Shake is offering a free milkshake if  you download their app.

 

[Travelicious]

I have one to add to your list:  can you upgrade to Free at Sea Plus once you get onboard?

 

Thanks, have a great cruise, and good luck in the tournament!

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, Travelicious said:

I have one to add to your list:  can you upgrade to Free at Sea Plus once you get onboard?

 

Thanks, have a great cruise, and good luck in the tournament!

I already did Free At Sea PLUS. I really like that program.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Travelicious]

Just now, Sthrngary said:

I already did Free At Sea PLUS. I really like that program.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I meant can a person who hasn't upgraded before boarding do so onboard.  I was wanting you to add it to your list of things to find out, if you can.  Sorry for the confusion!