debenson0723

@Sugar Magnolia what are your plans after the Escape? You have time to join us, it's still 33 days away!

Wow...buck fifty-eight is awesome but I'm a high roller and went from an inside to a balcony for $7 on the Bliss, LOL.

IF I had to pick a price point, I would say anything above 50% more than what I have already paid would be a deal breaker for me on a tropical cruise.

I've always taken the train from Victoria Station to Gatwick, even solo with luggage.

I really didn't and stayed in them several times (all Caribbean sailings). But once on the Encore, the first night there was banging that kept me awake for awhile. Someone told me that was the waves hitting the bow. I didn't think that could possibly be right and was determined to find the Captain and ask him. That night I found him and did ask. He confirmed it was the waves. I told him to knock it off as it was annoying and he said that night would be the last night, due to our location and the weather. And he was right! I typically don't get seasick but when I have, I was in a mid-ship cabin. Twice off the coast of Oregon on a Pacific Coastal (notorius for rough seas) and once between Miami and Colombia on a PC cruise. I just take a Bonine and a long nap and am better by the lunch. Sorry OP for getting off topic. You can blame @schmoopie17 LOL.

It's more about itinerary than money for me. If I am on a port intensive cruise where there are no or only 1 sea day, then an inside works well for me. The ship is more a floating hotel and I am there to mostly sleep and eat. On those cruises I don't even get the FAS as I won't have time to use it. If I want to be outside near the water or watch the ocean, I use the Waterfront or Observation Lounge. I know you don't have those options on a Carnival cruise. I would rather save my money and cruise more often to places I have not been to than on a balcony that I will rarely use. One of the best cabins I have had is the forward facing Oceanview...they are large and have great views. If those drop in price to the same as an inside, I will try to make the switch. I think others have discovered them as they are harder to find.

No, not really. 3 and 4 day cruises, full of last minute locals at a $299 p/p, with one or two ports are typically more booze cruises. If the price was right on this cruise and you live nearby, this could be a nice relaxing few days. I have only done one 4 day on NCL and the reason for that was to go to Cuba. There were some hard partiers on there with no interest in the port but I generally stay away from the pool deck and bars so it didn't really affect me. The destination was my reason for sailing, not the ship.

That sounds like a plan. I know the FB group is doing a sailaway meet up but I think it is on the pool deck. I would prefer somewhere less noisy. On my Viva cruise in December, they did the same thing and it was a zoo. I lasted about 30 seconds and had to move on. Spice H2O or the Cavern Club bar sound much better. Maybe you can post something on the Roll Call (as quiet as it is).

Thanks. I did sign up for the M&G and like you mentioned, it's prety quiet. For me, with a 3 hour time change, I just hope I am awake at 10am!

I was thinking the same thing.

Was hoping you would do this *Live*...I always enjoy reading them. This time I will be reading it from on board as I am on this cruise also. While looking for a cruise to do in the Spring, I came upon these dates which were good with my work schedule. Never been to Bermuda so it was the perfect solution. Starting to get excited and do some planning. 2nd time on the Joy so can't wait to see the changes...it was a nice ship before and am hoping it is even better now. I am in a lowly solo inside but have bid on an upgrade...not holding my breath but you never know. Hope to see you on board!

They are not that uncommon. Carnival has at least one annually but as far as I know, a first for NCL. There was a solo cruiser on our Viva cruise who does them and was booked for the NCL cruise.

It's on the front page of the Freestyle daily, typically in the bottom left side corner. Look at any of the dailies posted on this board and you will see it.

Go to the Ports of Call forum on this board and review all the information available for Italy. You will find many hotel recommendations and modes of transport to the port from Rome. There are also many YouTube videos for transportation and tour options for Rome. Enjoy your cruise.

That outlet has been there since the beginning. I was on the original TA from Southampton and was told they are to make life easier for CPap users. Viva has them also.

You can book speciality restaurants 120 days out, either on the website, via chat or on the app. It is not necessary to book complimentary restaurants unless you have a large party and I would not bother for this type of cruise, as you will have very busy days. You might want to grab something quick in the buffet, or if you get back earlier try the MDR. Wear what you want but trust me, on these types of cruises, I am lucky if I get a chance to freshen up before eating and going to bed. I love food tours and trying to local cuisine off the ship so that by the time I get on, food is the last thing on my mind. Enjoy your cruise.

I don't think I have been on an NCL cruise where the Cruise Next desk wasn't open at embarkation, as they are there to make Behind the Scenes and Dinner with the Officer reservations, as well as answer other questions, such as your own. I don't find the tendering process difficult or a mystery but every ship is a little different. There should be information in the Dailies also. Enjoy your cruise.

I would check with the Cruise Next desk once you board the ship, They will be able to give you the correct information for your particular cruise on that ship.

Yes, it is two specialty dinners for 2, one with a bottle of wine. And you get this for every cruise, not just once. Enjoy your cruise!

You might get more answers for your questions by heading to the Ports of Call board section and posting them there. Enjoy your cruise. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/116-northern-europe-baltic-sea/

Good catch! I didn't even look to see where the ship was sailing from...just assumed if someone was doing a B2B, it would be from the same port.

It sounds like there is a one day "non-rev" cruise in between your two sailings. I think you not only will have to pack up your cabin but will have to find a place to stay on land during that one night. This is during Aqua's first US sailings and it's not unusual to have cruises for media and travel agents that don't actually sail but have people on board to learn about the ship, You might want to call NCL and look into this further.

You can use the app. You will earn the 'stars' for your purchases but cannot use the 'stars' to buy drinks on the ship. The balance on your card won't update until you get to shore and use data but they will give you a receipt that shows your balance after every purhcase, it you ask.

There are so many great places to eat in NYC, I don't know where to begin. In Midtown, we like to go to John's Pizzeria of Times Square on 44th Street. It gets busy before the theatre so if we are seeing a show, we get there around 5:30 to avoid the crowds. Also great for lunch (opens at 11:30). Best fish and chips we have had are at A Salt and Battery in the West Village. A tiny hole in the wall owned by 2 Brits. Walk the High Line and stop into Chelsea Market for a bite or two but, unless things have changed, not a lot of seating. Two thumbs up for Katz Deli and Economy Candy. Los Tacos #1 is in midtown and has good (and cheap) tacos. Always a long line but it moves fast. I recommend taking the subway to the first Brooklyn stop and walking back over the bridge towards Manhattan...early Sunday morning is very peaceful with a wonderful view...night time is spectacular also. As many times as I have been to NYC, I have never heard of Mama Jo's. You can bet that I will be there in June the morning of my Joy cruise. Thanks for that suggestion. Have a wonderful cruise. I may have to put this on my bucket list.

No washclothes is a European thing. I always pack my own, sometimes an older one, which I leave behind.