2026 NCL Cruise Critic cruise (proposed)

[JIMESOPUS]

21 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

What about for 2025?

 

MSC YC ( inside ), Aqua TA, and ... well we will just stop here. I'm waiting on a Cunard semi to make up our minds, we hate flying anymore

[Travelicious]

3 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

Hawaii is just another bunch of islands" (their words, not mine).

I respectfully disagree with your wonderful TA.

[omahabob]

4 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

Especially if you've already been everywhere in the Caribbean, Hawaii is just another bunch of islands" (their words, not mine).

Right. And diamonds are just a bunch of carbon. I love going to the Caribbean, but it isn't Hawaii. Not even close.

[debenson0723]

5 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I have never been to a Carlo's but I did have one Carlo's experience in Las Vegas. A cake was ordered for me for a special occasion. 

 

However, I also read that Syd Norman's band has been performing Fleetwood Mac's Rumours in the Prima Theater so I am happy to hear that

 

as I no longer have to pay someone to stand in line for me.

 

 

I have been to Carlo's on 8th Ave and in NJ...it was ok but I wouldn't stand in line for it (again).

 

I am also happy to hear that about Fleetwood Mac's Rumours in the theater.  Save me a seat!

 

And I was counting on getting paid to stand in line for you...I need that money for the casino!!

[debenson0723]

6 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

The other day, friends of ours approached us about doing a Hawaii cruise in 2026. (Not the NCL Pride of America...another one that goes across the Pacific and back). That is appealing, since all of us hate flying any more than absolutely necessary. Plus we love sea days. Neither they, nor us, have been to Hawaii. (Well, I was there for a one hour refueling stop on the way back from Thailand in my Army days). But I digress...

 

Anyway, our crackerjack TA and her husband were over for dinner last night. They have been everywhere imaginable (multiple times) and when we told them about this, they looked at us with that "What...are you crazy?" look. They then said, "I thought you had your hearts set on doing a Croatia cruise? Trust us, we've been to Hawaii and Croatia, and the clear choice would be Croatia. Especially if you've already been everywhere in the Caribbean, Hawaii is just another bunch of islands" (their words, not mine). Then they said, "If you do Hawaii, you're much better off doing the NCL cruise since it's seven days in the islands as opposed to four on the Trans-Pacific". We then reminded them of our aversion to flying and four days would be fine. 

 

Plus, doing Hawaii in 2026 would mean missing #Schmoopiefest 2026...can't have that. And yes, I realize that the Croatia cruise will require flying.

 

So...bottom line...still waiting for 2026 schedules to come out before we decide anything.

 

 

 

I have 2 friends (that's right...I have 2 friends besides @graphicguyand @Sugar Magnolia) who have done the Hawaii cruise from LA, one on Carnival and one on Princess (he's actually done it twice). They both really enjoyed it. 

And I agree...Hawaii is NOT the Caribbean. But I still think I would vote for Croatia. 

[schmoopie17]

10 hours ago, debenson0723 said:

 

And I agree...Hawaii is NOT the Caribbean. But I still think I would vote for Croatia. 

Keep in mind the context of the conversation. It was comparing cruises to Hawaii and Croatia. They said if you've been to the Caribbean, Hawaii is great but not as dissimilar as going to Croatia (where that is an entirely different experience than island hopping).

 

We'll (hopefully) probably end up doing both places at some point.

[schmoopie17]

On 8/9/2024 at 10:53 AM, mking8288 said:

 

Officially, it's T minus 21 for us ... OLCI has opened & already know our "assigned" boarding/check-in time is going to be 14:00 or 2 PM, PDT at Canada Place, Vancouver, BC.  Will be flying the (hopefully) "Friendly Skies" sooner in 18 days.  Stay tune ahead - really don't want to start too soon - for a limited, mostly "not live" cruise report over at the Cunard forum

Please post a reminder over here (or a link to your Cunard report).

Us old folks (speaking for myself) have limited memories and may miss your adventure otherwise...

[mking8288]

On 8/9/2024 at 1:01 PM, dexddd said:

... you actually have to fly like the rest of us landlubbers.

LOL, here is a pictorial snapshot of what's been happening lately with us.  Mrs. M got 2 more indoor house plants by the kitchen window - water solution should work just fine since we aren't going to be gone for that long.  Niece's pooch has been lazy lately & minding her business, enjoying air conditioning like the rest of us ... only interested in getting bites from the dining table.  

 

Finished updating & re-checking (again) our upcoming United flights & connections as I hate surprises, no choice avoiding the B737 Max and good lord, the out-bound and return flights (DEN-YVR) are basically full already, aside from BusinessFirst - upgrades on a standby basis only; or, pay either $600+ and $1,500 per seat to buy up.  No way for the 2.75 hour flight.  Air Canada has non-stops between EWR and YVR but they are as bad as LCC, not a good option price-wise with ticket costs (after a 15% F&F discount) and ground/airport transfer across 2 rivers.  

 

Reconfirmed our stays with the B&B, one being a high-rise modern apartment and the other a highly rated house rental w the host in the main unit, fully furnished and both w free parking & WiFi.  Will get into more details once I start the "not really semi-live" report ahead, maybe sometime this week ahead before things get hectic again ... haven't started packing yet.  

 

Over at the Cunard forum, things are just as "troubling" as the other mass lines ... debates about the proper way to eat a scone or that it's mass produced & frozen, not freshly baked in the gallery ... what's acceptable resort/business casual dress code after 6 PM on the ship, LOL.  I am not sure if we are going to feel exactly like we "belong" or will cruise Cunard again - their demographics are changing to cater to the younger age cohorts.  

 

With NCL, we are used to be able to get to the pier to start security screening by 10 to 10:30 AM and get checked-in, onboard before 11:30 and sitting down for lunch by noon.  Not true with QE on the10 nights Alaska itinerary - been tracking her times lately ... arrived at Canada Place on turnaround before 7 AM.  Early check-in is closer to 11 and boarding by noon; and, for our 3 cabins ... ours being earliest is 2 PM and the other 2 cabins is 2:45 PM.  It's a good thing that we didn't sign up for Early Dining or Anytime Dining, plus there is afternoon tea at 3:30 PM.  

 

Lido buffet food is said to be good and great pizza included ... reasonably think that the "beef" is better than NCL's comparable options nowadays.  Of course, we aren't expecting to find good Shanghai Noodles or Vietnamese Pho, like what we are having this weekend while out of the town again - but will search for those with our 4 days in Richmond & Vancouver, BC.

 

FYI for other New York CC residents - NY State began officially using and accepting MiD on Android & iOS apps, as in Mobile ID ... https://dmv.ny.gov/id-card/mobile-id-mid

 

@schmoopie17 ... got it, you aren't alone - starting to forget things too

Edited August 11 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

35 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

ground/airport transfer across 2 rivers

 

Long Island Railroad to New Jersey Transit 😁

 

36 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

debates about the proper way to eat a scone or that it's mass produced & frozen

 

I look forward to reading whether you prefer Devon or Cornish, and more importantly, whether the clotted cream on board is authentic clotted cream.

 

41 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

I am not sure if we are going to feel exactly like we "belong" or will cruise Cunard again - their demographics are changing to cater to the younger age cohorts.  

 

I know you will report more in depth in your "not really semi-live" but can you please define "younger age cohorts." My understanding is that Cunard's demographics lean toward the higher end of senior, similar to HAL, so catering to the "younger age" seems to be more in line with the other mass market lines.

 

[dexddd]

Have a good time MKing.  I had it in my mind the Cuny was in October but see it is this month.  

 

With all that great food, why leave home?  

 

Based on Sugar's info on ages, you'll be eligible for the kid's club.

[debenson0723]

1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I look forward to reading whether you prefer Devon or Cornish, and more importantly, whether the clotted cream on board is authentic clotted cream.

 

You are just too sophisticated for me...I use Cool Whip.

[Sugar Magnolia]

24 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

You are just too sophisticated for me...I use Cool Whip.

 

Fingers crossed there will be Cool Whip for you on the Prima.

 

[debenson0723]

2 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Fingers crossed there will be Cool Whip for you on the Prima.

 

Fingers crossed that I will be on the Prima...

[JIMESOPUS]

I should mentioned this before but we booked an Oceania cruise and were afraid that this would violate one of those crazy rules and bar us from #schoompiefest. But since some of us are going on Cunard I felt it was safe to post. Think of it as the Catskill Hillbillies meets the sea.

[Sugar Magnolia]

25 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

I should mentioned this before but we booked an Oceania cruise and were afraid that this would violate one of those crazy rules and bar us from #schoompiefest. But since some of us are going on Cunard I felt it was safe to post. Think of it as the Catskill Hillbillies meets the sea.

No worries Jim. Under a little known clause in the #SchoompieFest bylaws, a special dispensation may be granted by a super majority of those members who bother to show up at the CC Meet & Greet. 
 

[JIMESOPUS]

Here we go again

 

 

 

Prayers going out to @bluesea777 and all the folks who live in Bermuda, USVI, BVI, and Puerto Rico

Edited August 12 by JIMESOPUS

[ontheweb]

9 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

I should mentioned this before but we booked an Oceania cruise and were afraid that this would violate one of those crazy rules and bar us from #schoompiefest. But since some of us are going on Cunard I felt it was safe to post. Think of it as the Catskill Hillbillies meets the sea.

Catskill Hillbillies---I like that.

[dexddd]

I wonder, like the Prima's Donna tribute, if Cuny will have a Benny Hill tribute show.

[mking8288]

@JIMESOPUS  Wondering if Ernie is going to get noticed by the Gem, Joy, VOS and LOS this week.

 

Thankfully, one of our other niece's family is going on the SOS this coming Sunday, still possibly a rough ride down south to Orlando ...

 

You aren't waiting for a not-so-live, limited Cunard trip report later this month from the QdE to help decide ??

 

@dexddd - don't know anything, but I can tell you & others that they still do twice a day housekeeping, mint on the pillow as part of evening housekeeping turn-down services.  Wait, just realized that we can do  online check-in for RC at 45 days out ... going to be on LOS later next month. 

[schmoopie17]

13 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

I should mentioned this before but we booked an Oceania cruise and were afraid that this would violate one of those crazy rules and bar us from #schoompiefest. But since some of us are going on Cunard I felt it was safe to post. Think of it as the Catskill Hillbillies meets the sea.

If you read the bylaws of #Schmoopiefest, (as referenced by @Sugar Magnolia)... a four-day cruise barely qualifies as a cruise. So you're okay...😛

 

Edited August 12 by schmoopie17

[JIMESOPUS]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

@JIMESOPUS  Wondering if Ernie is going to get noticed by the Gem, Joy, VOS and LOS this week.

 

Thankfully, one of our other niece's family is going on the SOS this coming Sunday, still possibly a rough ride down south to Orlando ...

 

You aren't waiting for a not-so-live, limited Cunard trip report later this month from the QdE to help decide ??

 

@dexddd - don't know anything, but I can tell you & others that they still do twice a day housekeeping, mint on the pillow as part of evening housekeeping turn-down services.  Wait, just realized that we can do  online check-in for RC at 45 days out ... going to be on LOS later next month. 

The 8/23 cruise will be OK regarding the weather but what will the conditions be in Bermuda, I know that they are tough, resilient folks but would they want a cruise ship in port?

 

Flying for us and so many more has become more of a chore, we used to love flying, anywhere but the last two flights almost broke our backs. QV is an option to get to Southampton for the Aqua, zero turnaround day but still scouring all sources to see if the Aqua will be done earlier than planned. There are other TAs around that same time frame going to the Med.

 

Cunard and Oceania might be above our pay grade but I'm waiting for your report.

 

Jim

[JIMESOPUS]

Back to page #1 - First day in about 90 days that the sunset will be before 8 PM, along with an email from CVS about Flu shots, guess summer is almost over

[dexddd]

MKing, hopefully you have smoking jacket out and pressed.  Will need it in Churchill's Cigar Lounge.

 

Definitely upscale VS NCL Cigar Bars.

 

Hopefully you'll meet Wilburn Drysdale.

 

I think you can even take white Cujo.  Heck, stay on for 39 days to Sydney.

Edited August 14 by dexddd

[Sugar Magnolia]

On 7/30/2024 at 4:45 PM, schmoopie17 said:

I guess it's my turn to move this back to page one. Looks like we may be the only ones on the PC cruise. (Which is okay...)

 

@schmoopie17 did you see the itinerary change for the PC cruise 176 days prior to sail date? Smells of a conspiracy. I won't sail NCL ever again,

 

[mking8288]

@JIMESOPUS   One of my first cruises was the defunct Premier SS Seabreeze back in the 90's before discovering the Norwegian Sea, and to this date ... notion unchanged that sailing Cunard is simply too rich for my blood.  Finding a last-minute Britannia grade balcony to re-visit Alaska was shocking, with the cruise package leaving the "Sky" behind.  Started composing off-line notes earlier to compare how different & similar things are, before we step onboard later this month ... will give those interested here to read & follow over there; and, heads up soon, maybe this weekend as the packing begin.  DW hates flying and still insist that I come up with plans to avoid going by air or coming back ... hence, began putting Cunard's schedule on the watch list.  

 

Meanwhile, wishing you & others a great trip on your upcoming NCL cruise out of Boston, as I recall.  Nail-biting for those Bermuda bound and/or there this week, i.e. Joy (watching the Bermuda port cam streaming) 

 

@dexddd  "Only" 2 themed / gala nights on QE's relatively port-busy Alaska itinerary for grandma's and grandpa's - twin nieces looking younger than Millennials, hopefully blend in.  No white dining jacket, never own or rented one - no plans either ... ditto for the tux; dark "suit" with bow & white dress shirt will be it - making room in my half of checked 24" spinners for Cunard outfits.  Everything else in 22" carry-on and personal bag.  Hopefully, won't have to gate-check bags with United's B737 Max, DEN-YVR segments looked full & certain to be  overbooked.  3 hours layover for airport meals in between and priority boarding, fingers & legs crossed to avoid mis-connect. 

 

No chance continuing TransPacific & onward to Sydney ... are you looking too ?  Thought you are staying flat and on the ground this year ?   Flying back next morning after getting "booted" out of Canada Place terminal ... attend to matters at home, see prosthodontist again, re-pack for end of September Royal C cruise to NE & Canada cruising.