Rhea98

In case you're still in need of an answer: https://ajcbattery.com/tutorials-guides/basic-types-of-lead-acid-batteries/#:~:text=AGM batteries%2C also called dry,gel batteries for specific applications. Excerpt from the site "AGM batteries, also called dry cell batteries or sealed lead acid batteries, came into wide use in the 1980’s because they were lighter and more reliable than wet cell or gel batteries for specific applications. An AGM battery is similar to a wet cell battery, except the electrolyte is being held next to the plates in the fiberglass mats, as opposed to freely flooding the plates. Like gel batteries, this makes the AGM battery spill proof, as the acid is contained within the matting technology. They are more vibration resistant, and can withstand colder temperatures than a typical wet cell battery." You still may want to contact the company where your device was purchased. This "wet/dry battery thing has been a PITA as companies don't/won't publish it and, apparently, some airlines don't seem to ask the correct questions. I can tell you Delta lets my spouse drive up to the airplane, leave the battery pack attached, and have it placed in the cargo area after I fold it up. If you are traveling out of the US, you may have different requirements from the airline. We did for KLM, and we will for our next transatlantic with Lufthansa.

We used to be able to order banana splits ($) at O'Sheehan's on NCL Epic. Our last NCL was Getaway westbound transatlantic in 2021. I don't recall it being available but don't think we asked. After a very disappointing 3rd MSC cruise (Seashore--absolutely gorgeous ship- transatlantic in Nov 2023), we are trying Getaway again this year. We don't expect banana splits or even hard ice cream in the buffet--oatmeal raisin cookies and bread puddings would be nice. Re MSC, our first cruise-pre-Covid (UK and Norway ) was excellent for our standards (mediocre); the second (Apr 2022) was 25 days Genoa to Norway B2B with Norway (Baltic ports had been called off at that point). That repo cruise was pretty good. Food was good. Then, when we hit Copehagen, things changed--like service and food went way down. Acceptable but noticeably different. On the second week of Norway, it changed again--even worse. We had hoped that was all a part of trying to get things going after Covid. Our TA on Seashore proved that wrong--first cruise I'd been on in our 15 yrs of cruising that I did not gain any weight--it was for 19 days. Even the steakhouse, though ok, was not particularly good.

No. We're on Seashore right now. It's okay--even really good in some areas, but we can't help but compare. Each trip, we wonder if another will be possible. We loved Virgin Voyages- Valiant Lady-- but not Caribbean. NCL, if we can afford it, has our heart if not our wallet.

I hope food has standardized/stabilized across the fleet since spring 2022--25 nights on Grandiosa that saw, granted, imo, negative food changes for each of the three cruises. While the "guys" on the buffet serving line seemed to be consistent (and happy and funny and as helpful as permitted--ALWAYS), the white uniforms hovering around the area changed several times as did the buffet. We have our preferences (mine, in particular, is hot food being served hot!) but don't see ourselves as picky eaters. We don't cruise to eat (in fact, we are so boring that we cruise simply because we love sailing-- preferring transatlantic cruises). However, we will be absolutely delighted if the fresh-prep egg station is, again, operational during our Seashore crossing coming up this week.

Yes, with a few exceptions. Ask when you make a reservation for a specific venue. Pick up at a bar on your way into an place where the Easy Plus package is not honored. As posted earlier (#2) with the list of beverages. This is for Easy Plus: "The Easy Package covers all the above served in our bars, buffet and main restaurant. What’s more, it also includes Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations, but does not cover the specialty restaurants and signature venues (Venchi 1878 establishments or Jean-Philippe Maury venues, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club). Valid for cruises of 7 nights and more. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN RESPECT TO THE SAUDI LAW, DURING THE CALLS IN SAUDI ARABIAN PORTS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS WILL NOT BE SERVED UNTIL THE SHIP WILL BE IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS."

We cruise on Oct. 28 and received upgrade email on Aug 8. (We weren't interested so beyond that, I have no idea.) Strangely, we had checked in and even received tickets, etc. on Feb. 22. However, we still cannot buy Specialty Dining on the website.

I'm still looking at 49 days out for Seashore TA which may prove to be different. I discovered researching yesterday that package offerings vary by ship. It's possible I'm the only one who didn't know that. Customer service, both phone and email, suggested I call at 30 days if nothing shows up online to purchase pre cruise. Do have Fantastica.

Sounds like you'll be renting a scooter. If it's only/mostly for the ship, try to get a smaller, foldable one. DH has one that folds up to the size of a large suitcase: 29.5" x 19" x 18".

From other NCL ships, there is usually a "sugar free," but i have no idea what sweetener is used. If there is a hard ice cream station on two sides of the buffet, some flavors may vary.

It's probably an "OK" deal if you want the spa access. We paid $227 (x2) for the 19 day Transatlantic which, as Fla Mike pointed out, arrives Nov 16. I'm thrilled with the price. There was a time (supposedly) that thermal spa passes often sold out on TA's. IDK. FWIW, we've never sailed Seashore, but the spa with private outside access looks very appealing. In 2018, we bought spa passes for 21 day B2B on Meraviglia and only paid $60 (x2) x 2 for each voyage. Honestly, even back then, it was a steal--and I believed it was a mistake when I grabbed the passes at those prices. However, I didn't care for that spa enough to get passes on sister ship, Grandiosa, for 25 days spring, 2022.

On Mera and Grandi, this was our go-to spot. So quiet but also a bit dark--which is something I gravitate toward. It did have windows on those ships. On Grandiosa, the inside daytime adult area was the Sky Lounge, deck 18. Honestly, after about 10AM, it was quite noisy--just a lot of loud talking. The Attic Club on Mera may have been the same. I don't see anything on Seashore that looks similar and won't be onboard for😁! Still no Specialty dining available.

I don't know much about it as our last (and next) flight from SeaTac was/is at night, but you might want to look into SpotSaver if you don't have CLEAR/Pre-Check.

Same here but worth a try. I am mainly interested in looking at the packages as they seem to have changed--at least for some cruises--to offering specific venues per package. We prefer a la carte as we cannot eat all the food provided per meal--even skipping an appetizer.

Oslo docks are "right there." This is a picture from Grandiosa May, 2022. My husband uses a mobility scooter. We had no problem along the dock and in the first "layer" (and a block or two from the harbor streets) of the port town area. As has been posted, Copenhagen Oceanskaj is a long way. Langelinie is very close but for smaller ships. Public transport (bus/train) is excellent although since having the scooter, we have not used it.

We're on the same. I was able to book the Thermal Spa passes Feb 23. I'm sort of expecting S. Dining to open up at Day 90--which may mean that those boarding at Civitavecchia are closer to that timeframe and, hopefully, will report on the roll call. I did notice some excursions show up a month or more ago. As we're not interested, I didn't pay much attention tot he choices.