Just off a fully sold out Bliss - the good, the bad, and the inbetween. Taking questions.

[chloe173]

1 hour ago, newty25 said:

I've heard you can bypass other floors in the elevator using your keycard, but I've never tried it. Would be funny to have a full elevator and keycard directly up to 17/18 though!

Omg, not sure I'd be brave enough for that move in a full elevator, lol. We got enough dirty  looks for being escorted ahead of folks trying to get off in ports! 

[BirdTravels]

  

17 hours ago, chloe173 said:

I won't bother arguing with you except for this one, because the situation I explained that happened the first night wasn't "normal" front of ship movement. It literally sounded and felt like a helicopter was landing on top of our room - that's how much movement we're talking about. Glasses in the living room bar area falling out of their holder by the wall, the closet turning into a strobe light because of how much it was shaking. We literally called down to Guest Services to ask what was going on and if we needed to move to a Muster station - that's how much shaking we're talking about. It was like nothing I've ever experienced on any ship. Others who had rooms at the front of the ship had similar experiences - this was definitely NOT something to anticipate no matter where your cabin is.

So,,, if it was an abnormal, one-off emergency turn or stop, how can the cabin location be "Bad". I think that during an emergency stop or turn, most people on the ship would have felt it???

 

On our August 2022 cruise, we did an emergency turn twice to pick up refugees. On our October 2022 cruise, we did a fairly violent emergency turn to avoid something in the water. We certainly didn't blame our stateroom location. 

[chloe173]

Just now, BirdTravels said:

  I think that during an emergency stop or turn, most people on the ship would have felt it???

You would think that, but surprisingly it only seemed to affect people at the very front. I guess maybe because that's where the coast guard ship docked alongside us?

 

Since there are a lot of Haven cabins that are forwards, it was a very hot topic of conversation in the Haven bar the day after it happened — everyone sharing their "story of survival", lol.  But others who we talked to, particularly those who were in the rear of the ship, said they were only awakened by the 2:30am in-cabin "stretcher team" announcement, but then were able to get back to sleep. 

[aimee0715]

I was on this cruise.  The letter that we handed when we showed up for embarkation explained that Cozumel was being skipped due to port congestion. Admittedly, I didn't initially read the letter beyond Cozumel being replaced with Bimini but did read  it later and see that the reason given was port congestion.  I checked a marine traffic website and saw that there were 6 ships aside from Bliss scheduled to be in Cozumel when Bliss would have been there.  As for Costa Maya, the captain explained exactly why the ships that were already docked were able to dock and why Bliss could not.  It was due to the fact that Bliss was not pulling straight in but would have to dock sideways and the captain didn't think that possible with the wind blowing the way it was.   

 

The ship was crowded there is no denying that. We were spoiled on Breakaway in January of 22 with only 1200 people on board.  But I remember what cruising was like before Covid so I'm not surprised by crowded, sold out ships. 

 

 I don't normally take the elevators at all but the friend I was travelling with always takes them so we were on the elevators a lot. Occasionally they were crowded but we just waited for the next one.  I don't recall ever waiting more than a few seconds.  A lot of the time, we had more than one elevator to choose from because two showed up at once.

 

Our main issue was the long wait some nights for the MDR.  The service was slow.  We had that issue on Ruby Princess as well back in April .  I think all the lines are short staffed and staffed with inexperienced folks right now. 

 

Origami and towel folding are common cruise ship activities.  I've definitely done both on Princess and Carnival.  We're going to Greece and Croatia for two weeks on Virgin in May so I guess we'll get to see what the cool kids do on cruises. 

 

I asked about the port charges at guest services and was told that the NCL offices ashore would have to handle those refunds and they should happen automatically.  I guess we'll see.  I'm not going to hold my breath...

 

I'm no NCL cheerleader.  I only sail NCL when I sail with my friend who really likes it.  I prefer most any other line but mostly sail with Princess.  

[BirdTravels]

20 hours ago, coldferret said:

Thank you for that information. When did they start serving more than beer and wine?

 

Yup, you are correct, the buffet bar only serves beer and wine... from the tap. I have been able to get most drinks that I want from the buffet bar. 

 

[chloe173]

9 minutes ago, aimee0715 said:

I'm no NCL cheerleader.  I only sail NCL when I sail with my friend who really likes it.  I prefer most any other line but mostly sail with Princess.  

Yeah, sounds like we have a fairly similar view on it then. It's funny to me that I've got folks mad at me for stating anything at all negative, when the first 10 lines of my original post were all the good things that we liked. What is it you like better about Princess? I've never tried them.

[PATRLR]

28 minutes ago, aimee0715 said:

The letter that we handed when we showed up for embarkation explained that Cozumel was being skipped due to port congestion. Admittedly, I didn't initially read the letter beyond Cozumel being replaced with Bimini but did read  it later and see that the reason given was port congestion.  I checked a marine traffic website and saw that there were 6 ships aside from Bliss scheduled to be in Cozumel when Bliss would have been there. 

This information is more damning for NCL.  Don't they plan these port calls in advance?  How can NCL not know that there would be congestion?  Reminds me of the Amber Cove debacles in DR.

Edited February 20, 2023 by PATRLR

[newty25]

1 hour ago, chloe173 said:

Omg, not sure I'd be brave enough for that move in a full elevator, lol. We got enough dirty  looks for being escorted ahead of folks trying to get off in ports! 

One more thing I meant to say... we did Cozumel and you didn't miss much. I hired a driver for the day to take us around and I absolutely hated it. There was gringo-pricing everywhere. Crappy burger on the beach... $15. Bud light can... $9. Water bottle... $5. It was insane. It may be different when the cruise ships aren't in port, but it's on my no-go list from now on. 

[aimee0715]

18 minutes ago, chloe173 said:

Yeah, sounds like we have a fairly similar view on it then. It's funny to me that I've got folks mad at me for stating anything at all negative, when the first 10 lines of my original post were all the good things that we liked. What is it you like better about Princess? I've never tried them.

I think Princess is classier.  I'm not sure I could even say why I think that but it's just more elegant.  The first time we tried NCL, it was 10+ years ago on NCL Jewel. The MDR food was just not good and I am not a foodie. The desserts were all gelatinous in texture.  We just got the ice cream every night.  One night, we decided to try the Italian specialty restaurant just to see if it was any better.  Everything there was wonderful, including the dessert.  I realized then that they were trying to push everyone to the pay restaurants.  That pissed me off.  I didn't cruise them again until last year.  I have to say, the MDR has greatly improved.  I really don't have any complaints about the food.  I just like the atmosphere better on Princess.  Celebrity is another one that I prefer.  If you have not been on Celebrity Beyond, definitely go check it out.  Since you said you thought NCL catered to old folks, you might not like Princess but I bet you would love Beyond.  

[chloe173]

1 hour ago, aimee0715 said:

I just like the atmosphere better on Princess.  Celebrity is another one that I prefer.  If you have not been on Celebrity Beyond, definitely go check it out.  Since you said you thought NCL catered to old folks, you might not like Princess but I bet you would love Beyond.  

Thanks for the tip! We did Celebrity Solstice to Alaska and liked it, but that was such a port/scenery intensive itinerary any line that got us to each stop on time probably would have been just fine 🙂 

[david_sobe]

19 hours ago, justhappy said:

To each their own I guess, I would rather pay more and have more room and be outside the Haven, I enjoy the walking from aft to Forward and seeing what’s going on around the ship. If I stayed within the Haven complex all day long I’d go bonkers. You’re comparison to an oceanfront room vs 3 blocks back is not valid IMO.

Give me that Oceanfront aft view all day long❤️

Exactly.  To each their own.  You actually make my point.  Everyone always justifies their selections.  My point is discussing those of us who have done each and compare.  Those opinions always get lost in the shuffle because of doubling down on their selection.   I always hear opinions exactly that how much people love walking to the Haven, etc.  I love having the Haven restaurant and Horizon lounge steps from your cabin.  Wake up late?  Just walk to the restaurant. You feel part of the complex.  My experience is also the concierge knows you better because they see you more often.  Although I never heard anyone say they would go bonkers staying in the Haven before. 😁

Edited February 21, 2023 by david_sobe

[PTC DAWG]

17 hours ago, newty25 said:

One more thing I meant to say... we did Cozumel and you didn't miss much. I hired a driver for the day to take us around and I absolutely hated it. There was gringo-pricing everywhere. Crappy burger on the beach... $15. Bud light can... $9. Water bottle... $5. It was insane. It may be different when the cruise ships aren't in port, but it's on my no-go list from now on. 

IF you hit the touristy areas, you will get touristy prices.  That's for sure anywhere.  Stroll into the main town at Cozumel, and you'll find all kinds of legit places to eat/drink etc...good prices too.  

 

There are also plenty of all inclusive day passes at Beach Bars/clubs that are easily accessible by Cab from the port.  

Edited February 21, 2023 by PTC DAWG

[PTC DAWG]

16 hours ago, aimee0715 said:

 Celebrity is another one that I prefer.  If you have not been on Celebrity Beyond, definitely go check it out.  Since you said you thought NCL catered to old folks, you might not like Princess but I bet you would love Beyond.  

IF sailing without the younger adults in our family, my Wife and I choose Celebrity all the time.  It just fits what we want as a couple better.  

 

That said, sailing on NCL Joy with extended Family April 1st..looking forward to it.  

[justhappy]

9 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Exactly.  To each their own.  You actually make my point.  Everyone always justifies their selections.  My point is discussing those of us who have done each and compare.  Those opinions always get lost in the shuffle because of doubling down on their selection.   I always hear opinions exactly that how much people love walking to the Haven, etc.  I love having the Haven restaurant and Horizon lounge steps from your cabin.  Wake up late?  Just walk to the restaurant. You feel part of the complex.  My experience is also the concierge knows you better because they see you more often.  Although I never heard anyone say they would go bonkers staying in the Haven before. 😁

I’ve been in the Haven with friends who never wanted to go outside of the Haven. In retrospect I should have said ok, see you later but I didn’t.

I really don’t feel the need  for the concierge to know me well, just handle any issues I have.

I’ve been in the Haven where certain guests monopolize the concierge and/or the bartenders and they cause issues for the other guests.

it’s nice to not have to constantly hear some people brag about their money or possessions and being far away gets me away from those types.

I’ve cruised NCL 13 times, 4 soon to be 5 in the Haven and I’m happy no matter what cabin I’m in for the most part. I just like some locations better than others!

Edited February 21, 2023 by justhappy

[LloydJr]

41 minutes ago, justhappy said:

it’s nice to not have to constantly hear some people brag about their money or possessions and being far away gets me away from those types.

Can you hear that from your cabin?

[rxlowry]

1 hour ago, justhappy said:

I’ve been in the Haven with friends who never wanted to go outside of the Haven. In retrospect I should have said ok, see you later but I didn’t.

I really don’t feel the need  for the concierge to know me well, just handle any issues I have.

I’ve been in the Haven where certain guests monopolize the concierge and/or the bartenders and they cause issues for the other guests.

it’s nice to not have to constantly hear some people brag about their money or possessions and being far away gets me away from those types.

I’ve cruised NCL 13 times, 4 soon to be 5 in the Haven and I’m happy no matter what cabin I’m in for the most part. I just like some locations better than others!

I get this.  It is so cringe to me when I heard people call the rest of the ship “gen pop”

[BirdTravels]

On 2/20/2023 at 3:01 PM, aimee0715 said:

I was on this cruise.  The letter that we handed when we showed up for embarkation explained that Cozumel was being skipped due to port congestion. Admittedly, I didn't initially read the letter beyond Cozumel being replaced with Bimini but did read  it later and see that the reason given was port congestion.  I checked a marine traffic website and saw that there were 6 ships aside from Bliss scheduled to be in Cozumel when Bliss would have been there.  As for Costa Maya, the captain explained exactly why the ships that were already docked were able to dock and why Bliss could not.  It was due to the fact that Bliss was not pulling straight in but would have to dock sideways and the captain didn't think that possible with the wind blowing the way it was.   

Hmmmm,,, I suppose the OP slept through the letter on Cozumel and the explanation on Costa Maya. Or just likes to generate fake news.  

[justhappy]

2 hours ago, LloydJr said:

Can you hear that from your cabin?

Once out the door of my courtyard penthouse on the same floor as the bar, yes, yes I could! That loudmouth boor was at the bar every moment the bar was open yapping on so loudly EVERYONE heard him. I don’t know when he peed or ate cause he was freaking attached to that barstool along with his cronies. Getting a drink was impossible, not to mention irritating.

[janetz]

We were suppose to be on this weeks cruise but my husband became I’ll at the last minute 

Our friends are onboard, which is Feb vacation week for many states

He said the ship is packed everywhere 

Pool is crowded and loud

Had to search just for some peace and quiet

I did warn him when he picked this week

A ship that large should have more than one pool! 

With the cutbacks and such, all that I have have be reading I think we are done with NCL

Back to Celebrity or Princess 

 

 

[LloydJr]

15 hours ago, justhappy said:

Once out the door of my courtyard penthouse on the same floor as the bar, yes, yes I could! That loudmouth boor was at the bar every moment the bar was open yapping on so loudly EVERYONE heard him. I don’t know when he peed or ate cause he was freaking attached to that barstool along with his cronies. Getting a drink was impossible, not to mention irritating.

Yikes!!  I can see why you wanted some space.  I always have earplugs, so I could at least mitigate it.

[mickeysgal]

16 hours ago, justhappy said:

Once out the door of my courtyard penthouse on the same floor as the bar, yes, yes I could! That loudmouth boor was at the bar every moment the bar was open yapping on so loudly EVERYONE heard him. I don’t know when he peed or ate cause he was freaking attached to that barstool along with his cronies. Getting a drink was impossible, not to mention irritating.

Well, this could be construed as a definite Haven con.  No one wants to hear that kind of behavior stepping out of their Haven cabin.  

[justhappy]

2 hours ago, LloydJr said:

Yikes!!  I can see why you wanted some space.  I always have earplugs, so I could at least mitigate it.

My husband uses his earphones and has music on his phone playing on low to block out conversations he doesn’t want to hear, he uses this in the Vibe and or sundeck a lot. Works!

[justhappy]

2 hours ago, mickeysgal said:

Well, this could be construed as a definite Haven con.  No one wants to hear that kind of behavior stepping out of their Haven cabin.  

True, you never know what your fellow Haven cruisers are going to be like. And I know people are all different and have different ideas about what is polite and what is rude. I give people some grace as they are on vacation too, but there is a point where you just got to have some consideration for others around you.

[njkate]

On 2/20/2023 at 3:12 PM, chloe173 said:

Yeah, sounds like we have a fairly similar view on it then. It's funny to me that I've got folks mad at me for stating anything at all negative, when the first 10 lines of my original post were all the good things that we liked. What is it you like better about Princess? I've never tried them.

When you scroll these forums long enough you quickly find out who the NCL cheerleaders are, the ones that defend them to the end. I don’t bother to read their comments any longer. 
I appreciate the reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly, I’m also aware reviews are subjective on certain things like food. I’m also aware one persons experience may not be the same as mine but I’m certainly not going to berate them on a negative review. 

[SimplyAlbert]

On 2/19/2023 at 8:45 PM, chloe173 said:

Annnnnnd at least 6 people in the FB group for this cruise are now reporting testing positive for Covid. Great. Just super.

 

We got back from the Breakaway on the 12th and both DH and I tested positive, along with others on our roll call.   We took precautions (masks on the bus, airport and airplane coming and going, and when indoors on the ship) and we still got it.  Not blaming anyone, its still out there and will continue to be out there.  One of the risks you take when traveling.  We've done two other cruises post-restart and didn't get sick on either of them.