schmoopie17

She's quite what? Quite cute? Quite a handful? Quite adept at locating cookies and hash browns? Okay, I'll be quite/quiet now. 😁

I saw the title to this thread and I was getting ready to grab my popcorn to read all about the constant complaints about the topic of JustRachel. You know, like how NCL no longer has evening JustRachel service, how much to tip JustRachel, why NCL at the last minute decided not to go to the port of JustRachel...and lamenting the discontinuing of JustRachelBrowns in the buffet and JustRachel Cookies everywhere else. Okay...happy April Fool's Eve and welcome to CC, JustRachel. (No fooling...)

Let's hope not. We're seriously looking at the Pearl for a TA next April. After our great experience on the Jade, we anticipate that the Pearl would be similar. Although it would be hard to beat the all-around great service on the Jade.

We have used a TA that offers free pre-paid gratuities...and yes, the offer is legit. However, this TA only offers them on Balcony and above, and that is not explicitly stated in the general sales pitch (only in the fine print buried within). Not sure if other TAs use the same approach, just something to be aware of (or, of which to be aware...for you grammarians out there).

It's $75 per person. If you have three or more people, you're better off booking a private transport through a company like Rome Cabs (which we've used before). Three or four people is 220 euros...which is less than what NCL would charge for three or four people. Plus, you don't have to wait for a big bus to fill up.

Our first Platinum cruise will be in September. The problem is it's a loop where people board in both Barcelona and Rome. We board in Rome a few days after the Barcelona boarders, so they will have already hoarded the spots for the tour and tasting. I doubt they will add additional tours/tastings for the Rome boarders.

With all of the Flasher Malden talk, I can't get the image of a naked Karl Malden out of my head...like an earworm, only worse. Someone please help me.

I used to think it was a big deal to become Platinum, with the additional perks. However, it now seems like almost everyone and their brother (or sister) is at least Platinum due to NCL having numerous promos to double or triple the number of points for a number of cruises in the recent past. We just became Platinum last month. I guess we'll see how hard it is to snag spots on the Behind the Scenes tour and Wines Around the World on our next cruise. At least we'll be able to get free laundry, chocolate covered strawberries and (most importantly) a couple extra Specialty dinners.

They probably looked at the low number of passenger debarkations in Grenada on our Jade cruise last month. That was the one day where the pool was crowded on a port day (including us, since we had no plans to get off in Grenada). I say this only slightly in jest...

Maybe they'll get around to removing the "no smoking in bed" signs and the ashtrays in the bathrooms. Other than that, Jade is a fine ship.

Kind of like going to my 50th high school reunion. Except I was the only one without a pot belly and who still had all of my own hair (with almost no gray).

We donate to Tunnel to Towers and Wounded Warrior Project.

The short answer is "no". The long answer is points are not awarded until after a cruise is completed. Plain and simple. We were in the same boat until our Jade cruise last month. Two points short of Platinum before the cruise. After our 14 day cruise was completed...voila, Platinum. The levels point levels are there to be attained...not to just get close. This isn't horseshoes.

I might add that I wholeheartedly agree about the "Thank you for your service" thing. It all rings hollow with me, since I remember the days of walking around the DC area in the early 70's with my military hair when civilians all had long hair and being swore at, given the finger, etc. My friends and I were called "baby killers", even though none of us ever picked up a weapon after basic training, nor even set foot in 'Nam. Funny how attitudes magically change over the year from "Go to hell" to "Thank you for your service." Whenever someone says to me "Thank you for your service" I say to myself "Where were you in the 70's??"...silently nod, and leave it at that. If that takes away from someone else's "joy", so be it.

I'm shocked at the personal attacks for simply stating my opinion of something that I personally attended. But then again, it's CC, so...I guess I'm not entitled to an opinion. Apparently all of the attackers missed the point that I said I APPRECIATE what NCL does for Veterans. The thing that I (and essentially everyone I spoke to after the "event") thought was that it was essentially much ado about nothing. They simply went through the motions. To have a room full of probably 125 people who took time out of their day to make sure to attend, and to have it last 10 whole minutes was a joke. No "cocktail party"...no social time afterward...nothing. Sorry, I (and they) were there...none of you were. Maybe it's handled better on other ships, but this was a joke. People who attended were still expressing their disappointment the next day and beyond in bars, while standing in line for restaurants and in elevators. etc.

If I had to rate my enjoyment of a cruise on the quality of a buffet, I'd probably never cruise again. My buffet exposure is maybe a chocolate croissant while passing through, along with maybe a slice or two of pizza taken out to the pool. Otherwise, buffets are just...(how do I say this nicely?)...buffets. I'll leave it at that. Our food choices are either MDR or Specialty (with the occasional Local or O'Sheahan's...assuming they get the wings crispy). The buffet is just an afterthought. And usually not a very good one. (Especially with the crowds and having to fight for a seat). No, thanks...

Waiting to see 2026 TAs. So far, crickets.

If you did, you need to pinky swear that you'll treat your CC buddies to Haven suites (or at least Club balconies) on an upcoming cruise.

Here is my report of the Veterans "tribute" from my trip report on the Jade from last month. If you miss it, you won't be missing much... Attended the official Veteran's reception in the Spinnaker. Every seat was taken in anticipation of a memorable event. In a word it was...disappointing. They played the National Anthem, asked who in the crowd was in the Army, Navy, etc., brought up a few senior crew members...and then adjourned the event. Ten minutes later. Seriously. Seriously disappointing. NCL does a great job of recognizing Veterans with the discount, medals, pins, etc., so it was surprising how this event went down.

Glad you enjoyed it. If you need any other tips for your upcoming cruise, be sure to let me know.

Mrs. Schmoopie decided to make hash browns today. Eat your hearts out…while I eat real hash browns.

I would equate this to you having a suite at a ballgame, which typically comes with food and drinks as part of the deal. Could you invite your friends to join you who are sitting in the bleachers?

That's odd. We just paid taxes for drinks in Tampa a couple weeks ago...as well in four (count 'em) four ports in Spain in 2022.

And people say NCL is cutting back on entertainment. They should book that kid to perform in the theater.

There are a few big dips on CC...and arguably, I am one of them. 😋