elcuchio24

That doesnt help the bottom line...;-)

It won't be big as icon, more likely same size as Celebration/MartiGras

Agree 100%. The big lines aren't going to order any smaller ships anytime soon. For CCL, we probably won't book anything other than Excel class going forward. I like them. Not as much as some of the larger RCL ships, but still pleased to sail on them.

We've been on some of the larger NCL ships out of Pier 88, similar size. Its a big bridge, shouldnt be an issue.

our kids always love it. If you can just get over the hump of the first day, to get them to go, should be clear sailing!

Can't say it make total sense, but I always take ours in European/Asian ports but rarely if ever do in the Caribbean. Maybe its because we're closer to home? I do keep photocopies just in case. Wouldnt be as good as the originals in a pinch, but something.

Many time the 'upgrade' upsell is the same amount as if you'd booked the upsold room originally. Always do your homework. We have very rarely taken an upgrade, since we usually book what we want. The UPGRADE FAIRY used to be around a bit more, with actual upgrades at no cost, but seems to have vanished, at least for me, over the last decade...

Kennedy Space Center is awesome, if you are at all interested its a great time.

In all reality, we find we usually use credit cards anyway, pretty rare to have to use cash unless you prefer it

You can typically trade them back if you have unused currency when you get home. We usually get $500 of each at a time, but travel enough that if we dont use it all, we'll just use it the next time. You can also just use at ATM or currency exchange while in the specific country. We've done that before as well, just make sure to use a cash advance credit card with no foreign transaction fee.

Even for European cruises we've taken on MSC, the primary language is English (which is interesting because often only 10% of guests are english speaking). We like MSC alot. I thought the food was similar to NCL, although different especially on Euro cruises. Drink packages are similar cost on RCL/CCL and probably similar to NCL when you figure in the Free at Sea package upcharge. Brooklyn is pretty easy and the sail away is beautiful. Enjoy!

very easy to get euros from your local bank ahead of time

you fancy!

That is very kind and thoughtful of you. Great to have nice civil people on these boards still, reminds me of the old days! Enjoy your cruise as well, and time with fellow CC'ers--catch you the next time around.

NCL Gem out of Boston. We sail CCL some but sail alot of other cruise lines often as well.