Nisky18 Posted August 23, 2016 #4976 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Very good description of how I feel when I'm on my balcony...starting and ending the day with 'mystical' is perfection.Wish I could do it with only a window, but that just doesn't get me to my happy place. I agree. My balcony on the NCL Breakaway was great but too small. I preferred the Carnival balconys. Frankly, I don't like NCL but that's another story. I also get very 'messed up' without natural light - and who doesn't want to see the ocean when cruising! always try to choose the 1A portholes when available otherwise need an OV cabin (when solo). If travelling with family I do much prefer a balcony! :D Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bottomfeeder Posted August 23, 2016 #4977 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Oh, man -- that would hurt to miss an excursion! And probably something you don't get over quickly.For me, it's not about the light (though it's nice to have some idea what time of day it is). I actually use my balcony: every morning and every night and often during the day too. We waited for our 8th cruise to book a balcony and I've been hooked ever since. Have only sailed once after that without a balcony and it was an OV. I survived, but just barely hahaha So...I'll admit I'm spoiled and will just keep searching until I find a good balcony rate or bite the bullet and pay what I've got to pay. When that happens, I try to use points to fly to the port to make up for spending more on my balcony. I'm exactly the same way. And I really like the fresh air that a balcony allows. I have been mulling over in my mind whether, once I retire and have more time than money (the opposite of now) I would be able to cruise in inside cabins in order to cruise more often. I will probably give it a try once, and see how it goes. But for now--balcony for me! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidDT Posted August 23, 2016 #4978 Share Posted August 23, 2016 In my humble opinion let there be light. I need the ocean view to maintain the sense of sanity and calm that cruising alone doesn't always give me. There is something almost mystical when I can see the water, the sea life, a sunset or sunrise. There's great beauty in seeing those things while at sea ♡ Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk That is why normal people go on cruises (as oppose to drink and eat themselves to oblivion) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATHY@HOME Posted August 23, 2016 #4979 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Just back from this trip & they still have Inside cabins for under $525 including all but tip. Balcony cost is under $680 solo tip/ tax/ port fees included. ( 8/28, 9/11, 9,25) No casino on board, no big production show, they have dance classes. Local music brought on board. If you're not into some a big production shows and gambling I'm not sure why you wouldn't love the ship. We really liked being tied up in Amber Cove, DR & having the place to ourself multiple days. They keep Amber cove pool open till midnight. So nice to walk back to ship just down the dock. Amber cove will have approx 1 million visitors a year but pretty nice to have it exclusively 1 of the 2 full days your in port. We sailed in Tuesday before 12 noon and everyone was aboard by 11 am Friday after an early start on all volunteer activities so we could leave prior to some strong winds that were expected. Really different but super peaceful having a ship max passenger load be 700. We sailed with 380 passengers & 350 crew for 8/14 to 8/21/16 sailing. No children under 8 on ship. So this ship is set up for regular shore excursions, but you can also volunteer in the community and they will bus you over for each volunteer event and back. I did one ship excursion, power snorkel. One excursion on my own ( with ship nurse & other passengers) the 27 waterfalls, but would recommend just doing 12 waterfalls option $10 US without lunch. My volunteer activities was making water filters and working at the chocolate co-op. Would read up on it if your interested as this is a new thing that Carnival Corporation that has 102 ships is doing on this one ship. Carnival Corporation consist of 10 brands including carnival ships, princess ships ... etc. and this is their 1 brand Fathom...1 baby ship in the line. CEO of Fathom meet the ship in DR during the week & sailed back with the ship. Some self reflecting activities on board. They have a nice gym open till 10 & went to simple Spanish classes on board. Can't wait to see what winter brings on for solo prices for all the ships! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseFun56 Posted August 23, 2016 #4980 Share Posted August 23, 2016 6 night on the Norwegian Escape from Miami. "New" ship. West Caribbean route. Departs in 5 days (8/28). All SOLO rates: *GTY Mini Suite $699 *GTY Balcony $499 *GTY Inside $399 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4981 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I agree. My balcony on the NCL Breakaway was great but too small. I preferred the Carnival balconys. Frankly, I don't like NCL but that's another story.Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Sounds weird maybe, but I'm kind of glad to hear you say that (I don't like NCL). I've been working my fanny off trying to "try" them and just feel like what starts with a good deal leaves me feeling ripped off by the time I get to the final cost. Starting to think they're not worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlcruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4982 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Sounds weird maybe, but I'm kind of glad to hear you say that (I don't like NCL). I've been working my fanny off trying to "try" them and just feel like what starts with a good deal leaves me feeling ripped off by the time I get to the final cost. Starting to think they're not worth it. I have had some wonderful deals on NCL including a solo balcony in January for 14 days for $1400.00 cdn. And the ships with the solo lounge are great for solos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4983 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I have had some wonderful deals on NCL including a solo balcony in January for 14 days for $1400.00 cdn. And the ships with the solo lounge are great for solos That sounds really good. Guess I'm not giving up...just yet :-} p.s. Were you eligible for promotional offers with that cabin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nisky18 Posted August 24, 2016 #4984 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I felt as if they were nockle and diming everything. I was disappointed in the food and the personality of the ship. Too many people for such tiny pools, the same food in different venues....and frankly, I decided free style isn't my thing. I cruised the Carnival Splendor in January 2014 and found the food terrific. Then I cruised Breakaway in September 2014 and disliked the food. As a vegetarian I found Carnival staff very accommodating and creative but not so on NCL. I unfortunately bought a future cruise certificate for $250 and have tobusebit by 2017 or 2018. I better figure that out. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nisky18 Posted August 24, 2016 #4985 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Sorry about not editing my writing on my cell phone's virtual keyboard. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4986 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Just back from this trip & they still have Inside cabins for under $525 including all but tip. Balcony cost is under $680 solo tip/ tax/ port fees included. ( 8/28, 9/11, 9,25) No casino on board, no big production show, they have dance classes. Local music brought on board. If you're not into some a big production shows and gambling I'm not sure why you wouldn't love the ship. We really liked being tied up in Amber Cove, DR & having the place to ourself multiple days. They keep Amber cove pool open till midnight. So nice to walk back to ship just down the dock. Amber cove will have approx 1 million visitors a year but pretty nice to have it exclusively 1 of the 2 full days your in port. We sailed in Tuesday before 12 noon and everyone was aboard by 11 am Friday after an early start on all volunteer activities so we could leave prior to some strong winds that were expected. Really different but super peaceful having a ship max passenger load be 700. We sailed with 380 passengers & 350 crew for 8/14 to 8/21/16 sailing. No children under 8 on ship. So this ship is set up for regular shore excursions, but you can also volunteer in the community and they will bus you over for each volunteer event and back. I did one ship excursion, power snorkel. One excursion on my own ( with ship nurse & other passengers) the 27 waterfalls, but would recommend just doing 12 waterfalls option $10 US without lunch. My volunteer activities was making water filters and working at the chocolate co-op. Would read up on it if your interested as this is a new thing that Carnival Corporation that has 102 ships is doing on this one ship. Carnival Corporation consist of 10 brands including carnival ships, princess ships ... etc. and this is their 1 brand Fathom...1 baby ship in the line. CEO of Fathom meet the ship in DR during the week & sailed back with the ship. Some self reflecting activities on board. They have a nice gym open till 10 & went to simple Spanish classes on board. Can't wait to see what winter brings on for solo prices for all the ships! :D Thanks for sharing this...I've been wondering what they're like (compared to "regular" cruising). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4987 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I felt as if they were nockle and diming everything. I was disappointed in the food and the personality of the ship. Too many people for such tiny pools, the same food in different venues....and frankly, I decided free style isn't my thing. I cruised the Carnival Splendor in January 2014 and found the food terrific. Then I cruised Breakaway in September 2014 and disliked the food. As a vegetarian I found Carnival staff very accommodating and creative but not so on NCL. I unfortunately bought a future cruise certificate for $250 and have tobusebit by 2017 or 2018. I better figure that out.Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Maybe another ship would be different...although it might not be. Sailed Holland in 2008 (an Alaska itinerary I really liked). Was terribly disappointed with everything but Alaska and its scenery. Went with Princess the next time (2013) and loved it, but not Skagway. Sailed with Holland again this June so I could get back to Sitka...they're just disappointing (IMO). Still, a disappointing cruise is better than being at home or work :-0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
42CruiseCrazy Posted August 24, 2016 #4988 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Sounds weird maybe, but I'm kind of glad to hear you say that (I don't like NCL). I've been working my fanny off trying to "try" them and just feel like what starts with a good deal leaves me feeling ripped off by the time I get to the final cost. Starting to think they're not worth it. I was a loyal Carnival Cruiser until they pulled out of New York City for the winter season. I then cruised the Norwegian Breakaway and was totally sold on NCL. Why? A lot more ship for just a little bit more money. I still cruise on both cruise lines since both offer a very good value. It all depends on which offers the best deal for the time and itinerary that I want. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 24, 2016 #4989 Share Posted August 24, 2016 I was a loyal Carnival Cruiser until they pulled out of New York City for the winter season. I then cruised the Norwegian Breakaway and was totally sold on NCL. Why? A lot more ship for just a little bit more money. I still cruise on both cruise lines since both offer a very good value. It all depends on which offers the best deal for the time and itinerary that I want. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk At platinum with frequent past guest offers and specials, Carnival will probably always be my go to line, but I really like Princess too. Am also looking at Royal Caribbean again (but I made the mistake of not registering an account when I sailed them so I'm waiting to see if they can 'find me' to be eligible for past guest pricing). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan25 Posted August 24, 2016 #4990 Share Posted August 24, 2016 And now back to our scheduled program.... Royal Caribbean Empress September 26 - October 1, 2016 Roundtrip Miami 5-night itinerary (ports: Key West, Cozumel) inside $209 (plus $102.28 fees) oceanview $259 (plus $102.28 fees) I found these prices at an online Travel Agency (.com), but mock bookings directly with Royal Caribbean quote higher, so do some research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan25 Posted August 24, 2016 #4991 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Royal Caribbean EmpressSeptember 26 - October 1, 2016 Roundtrip Miami 5-night itinerary (ports: Key West, Cozumel) inside $209 (plus $102.28 fees) oceanview $259 (plus $102.28 fees) I found these prices at an online Travel Agency (.com), but mock bookings directly with Royal Caribbean quote higher, so do some research. Sailings throughout October are likewise in the same price range: October 1-6 inside $228 ocean $279 October 10-15 inside $258 ocean $308 October 15-20 inside $228 ocean $308 October 24-29 inside $228 ocean $319 October 29 - November 3 inside $238 ocean $308 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrieBajan54 Posted August 24, 2016 #4992 Share Posted August 24, 2016 (edited) Something a little different and Only a 25% Single Supplement Azamara Club Cruises: Quest 10 Nights Turkey Day & West Indies Voyage November 21 - December 1 Miami .. St. John USVI .. Nevis .. St. Maarten .. St. Barts .. Virgin Gorda BVI .. Miami Solo Inside $1814 plus 169 t/fees Trip comes with Inclusive Amenities Edited August 24, 2016 by IrieBajan54 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbird1 Posted August 24, 2016 #4993 Share Posted August 24, 2016 At platinum with frequent past guest offers and specials, Carnival will probably always be my go to line, but I really like Princess too. Am also looking at Royal Caribbean again (but I made the mistake of not registering an account when I sailed them so I'm waiting to see if they can 'find me' to be eligible for past guest pricing). Do you have any of your old sea pass cards, if so a copy of them will work. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan25 Posted August 24, 2016 #4994 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Norwegian dropped the supplement on Labor Day week cruise. Norwegian Escape September 3-10, 2016 Roundtrip Miami inside guarantee $449 oceanview guarantee $549 balcony guarantee $599 Guarantee cabins do not come with any promotion perks. However, if you want perks, a pickable balcony (BF category) is $849 and would entitle you to two perks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlajr Posted August 25, 2016 #4995 Share Posted August 25, 2016 (edited) Still, a disappointing cruise is better than being at home or work :-0 No truer words have been written... Edited August 25, 2016 by jlajr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 26, 2016 #4996 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Do you have any of your old sea pass cards, if so a copy of them will work.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD I didn't, but turns out I didn't need them. Both cruises were with other family members and I think they found me (as a linked reservation) through their accounts. Thanks though!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted August 26, 2016 #4997 Share Posted August 26, 2016 No truer words have been written... And I'm sure I wasn't the first to use them hahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeBlonde1 Posted August 27, 2016 #4998 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Norwegian dropped the supplement on Labor Day week cruise. Norwegian Escape September 3-10, 2016 Roundtrip Miami inside guarantee $449 oceanview guarantee $549 balcony guarantee $599 Guarantee cabins do not come with any promotion perks. However, if you want perks, a pickable balcony (BF category) is $849 and would entitle you to two perks. That's a great deal! Just found similar prices on the Getaway sailing on the 4th. Time to start packing and see how well I do with under pressure with time crunch! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlcruiser Posted August 27, 2016 #4999 Share Posted August 27, 2016 That's a great deal! Just found similar prices on the Getaway sailing on the 4th. Time to start packing and see how well I do with under pressure with time crunch! :) I did a 14 day on the Breakaway with 3 days notice in January it all worked out just pack and go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jingle5616 Posted August 27, 2016 #5000 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Hey group, I've been following a couple of fares on the NCL Star for September. The Stars 9/14 - 9/28 cruise price was just dropped to $799 (interior) and the single supplement waived. I was hoping to join this cruise, but finding air out of Denver for less than $1000 isn't happening. I'm going to continue watching the fares and hope something opens up, but there weren't that many cabins left last I check. Great rate for a interesting itinerary. Jingle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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