dock

@rmglhorne, when did you find out? Our cruise is earlier in the summer with 6 Turkish ports and an overnite in Istanbul and we haven’t been notified of any changes as yet. Makes planning a little difficult and our air , some tours and trip to Cappadoccia are already booked as well. I’m assuming the route is going to change to more of an Eastern Med itinerary, but I do hope we are informed in a timely manner.

Our summer ‘24 ,Athens-Istanbul cruise , still has all 6 Turkish ports of call. I’m waiting to see what ports they would switch them to and hopefully well before final payment, if they are planning on changes.

@mac_tlc, seems like we have the same viewpoint and are also trying to figure out what works best for us. Have Retreat on Ascent in Feb, then O Vista ( PH), 1200 is the smallest we would do at this point, in July and we’ve even booked NCL in 2025.( may change to X, once I see Iceland/ Norway routes and ships). We do land trips in between and at this point no brand loyalty. Hope you’ll write a review of your O cruises, would love to hear your opinion. Thanks.

Love your writing style. I feel the Serenity and calmness of the shrines through your descriptions. We’re looking for options for an O ,Athens - Istanbul which could be a no go for next July , if things continue or escalate in the region. So now looking at Japan or moving our 2025 Iceland/ Norway to 2024 but off course I’d be paying way more for it now. Any insights appreciated. Thank you.

@GeorgiaPeach51, thank you for the update. I would’ve felt exactly the same. Good luck with planning your next cruise with O.

@screwsmcernst, we booked Alcove on Equinox. Had a lot of OBC to use up. Not a great view but the kids played Bocce ball and with a big group it works great as a base during the day, We booked it on our San Juan day which counted as a Port Day so it was cheaper.With a 3pm arrival , it actually was more like a sea day and space around main pool was hard to get for 8 people, No dress code at all. We were in swimwear , wraps , shorts etc. Great service. Good value imo.

@GenerationX, was room service complimentary, even for Hot Items. What speciality coffees are available in suite? Thanks.

Sounds like a wonderful cruise. Hoping one day to find the time to do a b2b. Hope your brother recovers. Safe travels.

Oceania has Simply More, ( alcohol with lunch and dinner plus an excursion credit) and no choice to opt out of paying for it.

@ontheweb, thank you. Our first time with NCL, route is perfect for us so we’ve decided to keep the booking, as we have lots of time to make a change if necessary. Thanks,

Yikes! Booked for August for Iceland/ Norway for itinerary. Maybe I should rethink!

@Beer Belly, why is that not surprising. Isn’t is a new ship?

Safe trip. Have to wait till Feb for our next cruise,so looking forward to your posts.

@danny6514 thank you for your objective review. What was your cabin number? Thanks.

Can I assume I shouldn’t bother on a cold weather cruise? Have never been on NCL. Iceland/ Norway in August. Will have a regular balcony. Thanks.

Thanks for doing a live. Looking at X ( or NCL) for Iceland/ Norway and see they’re using Silhouette/Apex in that zone. Will be great hearing your thoughts.

When I look at Haven, prices are well over C$18000. Prima( aware of the poor reviews , but want to do both places in one trip)Iceland/Norway. Oceania Marina is less in the same time frame for a Penthouse. Are y’all getting good rates through agents or with NCL or is this just an expensive route? At these price points will book a balcony and specialty dining every other night , spa pass etc. Thanks.

@PATRLR, thank you will check these out. Appreciate the info. We were looking at Sky Princess on UTube last night.

@PATRLR,we won’t have the time to add the Arctic as I’m planning on 3 nights in Reykjavik precruise and 2 in London post. We have booked Athens to Turkey on O for summer 2024 and Ascent for Feb 2024. I’m looking for Iceland/Norway for 2025. As 2025 Norway will see changes in which ships allowed where I’d rather go in 2025. Do keep me posted if you come across a nice itinerary as I’m not brand loyal to X anymore. Thanks.

@www3traveler, thanks for info re the YVRteacher review .I’ve read through it and I think the Star is a No for us. Ports were great but I think we will still keep Prima as a maybe and I’ll wait to see which ship and route Celebrity will be sailing there in 2025. Im really going for the ports this time , rather than the cruise line/ ship but I still want good food. Thanks all for the info.

@MeHeartCruising, we like the ports and that it’s both Iceland and Norway and starts in Reykjavik and ends in the UK. Other lines have Scotland ports that we are not interested in ,or have done before ( have done Ireland on land trip) Which port specifically would you say Prima is too large for? We would like some entertainment which is why we’re averse to Marina. I just noticed the new Prima review for those type of cruise now ,so will maybe have to rethink lol. Thank you.

We’ve never cruised NCL. We’re looking at Prima August 2025. I’ve looked at O ( not too keen on the Marina) and Celebrity ( waiting for 2025 and which ship), but for now Prima seems to be the one we are leaning towards. Will there be specials around Thanksgiving or should I just go ahead and book if the price is acceptable? Thank you.

I asked this question a while back and the responses I got was that it was the canned stuff. Does anyone know what Specialty Coffes are available in suite? Thank you.

Personally I’d pay for the convenience through X. We’ve done it and I found the time was enough.

@Sthrngary, I’m waiting patiently for your cruise so I can read your observations. Ive enjoyed your pre cruise posts. Have fun.