NCL Prima eastbound 15 days TA (Live) 27 Apr, 2024 - N.Y. to Southampton via Halifax, Iceland & EU ports - preview intro

[Sugar Magnolia]

After my lobster lunch, I ventured off to Halifax Folklore Centre, sellers of string instruments, because I read that they have a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

 

 

To my shock and horror, I noticed a sign posted on the door of the establishment that said "No Puffins." While I found the strength to regain my composure, I quickly left the ugliness behind me as I would never support such bigotry.

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Use close to 1 GB worth of 5G data today included tethering over WiFi hotspot use, included in plan with no extra costs 

 

Still on cellular (Bell Canada) but will be switching to StarLink for next 6 days while at sea, until we pick up Iceland signals, covered & included 👍

Edited April 29 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

24 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Salty's.  LoL, we found it and were there but too early, employees just beginning to show up for work ... so, we Uber again to hunt down Pho.

Was very good + the crew know this place, word of mouth. 

 

I shall follow you for pho next time

 

[schmoopie17]

1 minute ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

I shall follow you for pho next time

 

That almost sounds dirty...or maybe it's just me.

[Sugar Magnolia]

In my quest for more puffin-friendly environments, I walked over to the Halifax Public Gardens.

 

 

 

 

And here are some distant cousins of the puffins though I've heard that there's some bad blood between them like the Hatfields and McCoys.

 

 

[mking8288]

Pilot boat action photos, coming alongside and the pilot is off the ship. Captain Kevin "Out" is now taking us to Iceland as we edge along and soon be turning northeast 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 29 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

16 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

That almost sounds dirty...or maybe it's just me.

 

There was a Vietnamese restaurant in Manhattan called Pho King which tragically burnt down along with a few other establishments on that block.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I am not planning to bring any souvenirs back home as I would have to make the difficult decision whether I want to house non-essential objects or house myself, given the limited space in my abode.

 

However, I made an exception for one Canadian souvenir...

 

 

 

 

[graphicguy]

Boy…I think I’m going to be mocked for this, but what’s a “puffin”?

[Sugar Magnolia]

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Boy…I think I’m going to be mocked for this, but what’s a “puffin”?

[JIMESOPUS]

Looks like a normal cruise in the North Atlantic next day of two. Gale warnings for the next 24 hrs but waves heights should be around 10ft. Expect all the outdoor areas to be closed, should be real cozy inside.

[Sugar Magnolia]

20 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Looks like a normal cruise in the North Atlantic next day of two. Gale warnings for the next 24 hrs but waves heights should be around 10ft. Expect all the outdoor areas to be closed, should be real cozy inside.

Feeling some motion now…it’s only rock n roll but I like it like it yes I do!

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

52 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Boy…I think I’m going to be mocked for this, but what’s a “puffin”?

Here is that abhorrent “No Puffins” sign. How dare they 😅

 

 

[graphicguy]

So many questions….do people bring puffins into businesses?  Is that such a large issue?

 

Assuming puffins can’t read their “stay out” signs.

[tcmagnum]

13 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

So many questions….do people bring puffins into businesses?  Is that such a large issue?

 

Assuming puffins can’t read their “stay out” signs.

Those were my exact questions...

What if the Puffin has cold hard cash to spend, can they come into store then?

[UKstages]

 

3 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

That almost sounds dirty...or maybe it's just me.

 

2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

There was a Vietnamese restaurant in Manhattan called Pho King which tragically burnt down along with a few other establishments on that block.

 

 

colin fukunaga is a las vegas restaurateur who runs a joint called fukuburger.

 

most who visit mispronounce the name of the restaurant.

 

("fuku" in japanese loosely translates to "luck and good fortune.")

 

[Seas2mountains]

4 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

I have the same configuration today. I wonder if at housekeeping they have photos posted on the walls showing the pillow configuration for the day, just like they have photos of the food posted on the walls at the galley. 

 

You might be right about that. When I made a comment to the cabin steward on the last cruise about the changing pillow arrangements, he said it was the “pillow talk” for that day. 
 

[CruisnHallelujahs]

3 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I am not planning to bring any souvenirs back home as I would have to make the difficult decision whether I want to house non-essential objects or house myself, given the limited space in my abode.

 

However, I made an exception for one Canadian souvenir...

 

 

 

 

You have pulled me out of lurkdom for this.  Such an exceptional choice.  Puts the cruise ship cookies and hash browns to great shame.  Can you mail me some please? 🤗

[mking8288]

Observations & comments on Day 3 : (background - known) MDR no longer taking reservations (Prima, exclusive ??) for groups of 5 or less, only 6 and more.  Corporate decision ?

 

Digital display status board not showing updated current state at all.  I.T. issues again ?  Punt the ball.

 

Crowds standing around getting restless after 30+ minutes. A single dining crew trying to smile and do what he can as friendly greeter.  "Thinking outside the litter box"  Faulty system designs - pass the bucks. 

 

Tonight, junior officers standing near one corner  selectively greeting some guests while looking busy.  "Keep up the image ?"  Got them on candid camera's zoom lens. 

 

Hudson MDR has crew covering from Palomar and Los Lobos, etc. to supplement staffing.  "Less is more ?"  Let's hear the top brass answer 00 for an hour. 

 

"Sir, all the tables are full. There is no priority seating" not even for Diamond. You can go over to the Metropolitan Bar" and wait. (No, I will stand here, watch & wait, thank you.).

 

  Wait, how about you call my room when you find a table & it's ready while I take a nap, it's only 8:15 PM ?  I already waited 20 minutes for a table if 4 and you lost my Room # and need to check the "pager" number in my hand.  " Speechless"

 

Not sure how to grade their managerial plan on mitigating passengers (did)satisfactions.

 

On the bright side, this should get better over the next 12 days - I hope we hit rock bottom.  The best (worst) is yet to come.

 

Tomorrow is the 2nd full sea day and the Latitude reception for Deck 12 & below is 1 PM.  Why would they knowingly schedule it when the MDR is open from 12 to 1:30 PM only, and expect guests to eat and run, or skip a meal  - or jam the buffet or The Local after 1:30'ish.  For your convenience to sail & sustain, of course. 

 

Since we have a number of CC'ers on the TA already sharing their thoughts, we might consider a joint session, let's take it up at the bar crawl.  Or, just go with the flow. Let it Go, Let it Go.

[mking8288]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

See comments from post #350 

 

Between 7:55 PM and 8:30 PM outside the Hudson MDR ... deceptively didn't "look" that bad, huh. 

 

 

 

Undercover since I blended in the crowd until being spotted by ...

 

Edited April 30 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Freestyle Daily #3 - PDF w all pages, except info-mercials

 

 

Prima TA Apr 2024 free-style-daily-03.pdf

[mking8288]

WiFi 6 StarLink-powered Station Zebra now setup to sail & support "Live" CruiseCritic  posting over the next 5 full days of eastbound TA crossing to Reykjavik, Iceland. 

 

 

[mking8288]

Upgrade to unlimited WiFi Internet is lowered by $25 after midnight, now pro-rated for remaining 12 days at $25 x 12 days = $300, less a $145 trade-up credit (from the partially used 300 free airtime minutes) for a net cost of $155 USD only.

 

Avg daily cost is under $13 for unlimited use over 12 days, 7 of which being full sea days.  Royal Caribbean's Voom is $20 a day for streaming unlimited use (vs. $40 for NCL)

 

Since we have $250 NR-OBC, it's "free" leaving $95 in credit balance to spend it or lose it. 

 

Keep in mind, the daily cost go back to $30 per day instead of $25, once the # of cruise day is 10 or less, maybe 11 ... I am not sure, sorry but will check. 

 

Stay tuned in for update about using Libby (library) app to access & use Prima's onboard Library; and, the HDMI port access.  Linux USB boot drive ... 

Edited April 30 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

3 hours ago, CruisnHallelujahs said:

You have pulled me out of lurkdom for this.  Such an exceptional choice.  Puts the cruise ship cookies and hash browns to great shame.  Can you mail me some please? 🤗

 

Sincere apologies...there's more chance of me sending you cookies and hash browns from the Prima than of me sending you my delicious maple creme Canadian Oreos.