FrugalMother99

Thanks!

Hi Ref611 (and others reading this),

Did you book an ATV at Kipu Tours while on Kauai? We are also looking at Kauai ATV: https://kauaiatv.com/

OR on while on Maui:  https://www.mauimountainactivities.com/atv-tours.htm or

https://www.mauioffroadadventures.com/ 

We are sailing in May on NCL's Pride of America and had not planned to rent a car for the 2nd day on each of these islands. How difficult would be it be to get a taxi/Uber/Lyft to/from the cruise terminal? Any feedback would be helpful.

OMG ... found out on Tues 3/3 (via social media; NOT NCL e-mail) that the 120 day final payment date of Fri 3/6 was changed to a 90 day final payment date of 4/5 (confirmed on vacation summary). "Great  ... now have an additional 30 days to make a decision to sail/not sail." Wrong ... just checked vacation summary & see that final payment is back to 3/6 ... yesterday! So frustrating!  

I'm not sure if I can help your situation, but I also experienced a similar issue ... as an American I booked our cruise via the USA site & had successfully linked our booking & accessed our account, then a month later when logging in received the same message you did.

"We found your account, but on a different MSC Website. Please access your account from the country site on which you registered or use a different email address to create a new account. For more information, please contact us at 1-877-665-4655."

I called the # listed on 4/2/19 & was told my account was registered in the Bahamas!? I spent an hour on the phone ... no resolution ... then received an e-mail 4/12/19 indicating the web team would look into the issue ... I never received another reply or resolution & just returned from our May MSC cruise!

So what worked for me? I created a new MSC account with a different e-mail address ... and was able to link my booking & access my account. Good luck!

I am no expert as this will be our 1st MSC cruise; which is more than 20 days out. Maybe you haven't completed your web check in or there is missing data?

Complete your web check-in NOW!

Check in online is available up to 48 hours before your cruise departs.

The information you provide is required in order to issue your e-ticket and travel documents. If you have booked your cruise directly with MSC Cruises, please print your e-tickets before embarkation, otherwise please refer to your Travel Agent to get a copy.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Web-Check-in/Web-Check-In.aspx

My husband just found out he is going on a business trip in May which has him flying into Bari, Italy. I will join him, and at the conclusion of the business obligation, we were looking at taking a round trip cruise out of Bari; departing May 19.

The MSC Lirica itinerary has 3 ports that will be new to us ... Katakolon, Saranda & Split. On a previous Mediterranean cruise in late June/early July on NCL Spirit the ports included Venice, Piraeus, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Toulon, & Barcelona.

I am looking for comments (either pro or con) from people who have sailed on the MSC Lirica (food/cabins/entertainment), the itinerary (short time in 3 of the 5 ports), and what to expect on a May cruise (weather, passengers, etc.).

MSC Lirica:

Sun May 19 depart Bari @ 6 pm

Mon May 20 Katakolon, Greece 1-6 pm -- would like to visit Olympia; guess we would need a tour since the current train times listed do not coincide with the ship's schedule.

Tues May 21 Piraeus, Greece 9 am-4 pm -- not sure what we would do; we took a guided tour/shore excursion to Athens & Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon).

Wed May 22 Saranda, Albania 1-7 pm -- would like to visit Butrint or Blue Eye Springs; guess we would need a tour.

Thurs May 23 Split, Croatia 1-7 pm -- would probably walk to Diocletian Palace & along Riva waterfront promenade.

Fri May 24 Venice, Italy 9 am-5 pm -- we stayed in Venice and visited the major tourist sights; would probably visit the Islands of Murano & Burano.

Sat May 24 arrive Bari @ 2 pm

Thanks for reading and your comments!

 

12/21-28 Breakaway = Port Canaveral FL / Grand Stirrup Caye Bahamas / @ Sea / Ocho Rios Jamaica / Georgetown Grand Cayman / Cozumel Mexico/ @ Sea / Port Canaveral

 

12/21-28 Escape = Miami FL / @ Sea / Roatan Honduras / Harvest Caye Belize / Costa Maya Mexico / Cozumel Mexico / @ Sea / Miami

 

12/22-29 Encore = Miami / @ Sea / San Juan Puerto Rico (from 4 - 11:59 pm) / St Thomas USVI / Tortola BVI / 2 days @ Sea / Miami

 

12/22-29 Epic = San Juan Puerto/ @ Sea / Barbados / St Lucia / St Kitts / St Maarten / St Thomas / San Juan @ 5:30 am

Thanks for all the opinions. I thought it would be "fun" for our all-adult family of 5 to go away for the holidays. I'm still torn...

The Escape itinerary seems interesting with an excursion to the Chacchoben ruins from the Costa Maya port -- but it's Christmas Day -- I'm assuming there will be excursions.

Encore ports in San Juan from 4-11:59 pm on Christmas Eve night -- will "anything" be open? Basically this itinerary is all about being on the ship with stops in St. Thomas (Christmas Day) & Tortola.

I really like the Epic itinerary, BUT can't get past the bathroom & stateroom layout (hubby/wife/teen son). :)

Thanks ... so far the opinions are that the southern itinerary on the Epic is preferred, but the preferred ship is the Encore or Escape.

I like the idea of sailing on a new ship (Encore) & the 3 days @ Sea to enjoy the amenities. However, the 4p - 11:59p port times in San Juan seem odd. Although, it is Christmas Eve, so not sure what would be open.

We usually fly United because of all the frequent flyer miles my hubby accumulates, but there are so many blackout dates during the holidays. Southwest has always been a good 2nd choice, but the wait for their sales is so frustrating -- right now SW only offers flights thru 10/31/18 & we're patiently waiting to book flights for this Christmas.

I was drawn to the southern itinerary because of the variety of countries/islands the ship visits.

Planning a trip for Christmas week 2019 for a family of 5 (ages 20 to 64) so I have plenty of time to research & decide. Since we've only vacationed in Mexico & Jamaica, the majority of the ports will be new to us. Our only cruise was a 12 day Mediterranean cruise aboard NCL Spirit, so these mega ships will be new to us too. The cost of each cruise is relatively the same except the San Juan departure (about $1K less), but I'm assuming the cost of a flight to Puerto Rico vs Florida will be significantly higher.

I'm aware of the Epic "wave" rooms & bathroom design and that the Encore is scheduled to sail Fall 2019. I highlighted which island we will visit on Christmas Eve & Day (if that matters). Thanks in advance ... I'm aware that the decision is up to us, but I'm looking for the opinions of seasoned cruisers; especially to these specific locations or a holiday cruise.

12/21-28 Breakaway = Port Canaveral FL / Grand Stirrup Caye Bahamas / @ Sea / Ocho Rios Jamaica / Georgetown Grand Cayman / Cozumel Mexico/ @ Sea / Port Canaveral

12/21-28 Escape = Miami FL / @ Sea / Roatan Honduras / Harvest Caye Belize / Costa Maya Mexico / Cozumel Mexico / @ Sea / Miami

12/22-29 Encore = Miami / @ Sea / San Juan Puerto Rico (from 4 - 11:59 pm) / St Thomas USVI / Tortola BVI / 2 days @ Sea / Miami

12/22-29 Epic = San Juan Puerto/ @ Sea / Barbados / St Lucia / St Kitts / St Maarten / St Thomas / San Juan @ 5:30 am

Yesterday I booked a cruise on the Getaway thru NCL.com ... wanted deck 10 ... only cabin available was 10252 (listed as accommodating 3). The detailed description lists there is a foldable playpen. Since there will be 3 adults in this cabin, can anyone confirm the bedding configuration? The agent I spoke to today was unaware of the playpen, but said the cabin *should* have 2 lower beds & a single sofa bed with the option of placing a playpen. Any insight would be helpful so there are no surprises.

Thanks everyone for all the replies. IF we cruise in 2017, we will select the Pearl itinerary departing Seattle either July 2nd or 9th. We will definitely select a balcony cabin; probably not an AFT cabin. We were in a mid-ship cabin when we sailed aboard the Spirit in the Mediterranean and I could feel the movement of the ship (not in a good way) so mid-ship is a better location for me.

BUT ... I've been reading about NCL's new mega ship being built especially for the Alaskan market ... sounds interesting. Ressies are available January 2017, so we will wait until then for more details & then decide between a smaller ship in 2017 or a mega ship in 2018.

@jimsig ... I enjoyed reading your review!

Any Alaskan cruisers sailed w/18-20 year old passengers? Our child will be too old for a teen/kids club but too young for casino & bars. Our Mediterranean cruise kept us off the ship most of the day & too exhausted to do much of anything else at night so not much down time to get bored on ship.

Thanks everyone!

The Jewel is approximately $500 less than the Pearl (July w/3 people in balcony stateroom).

Pearl's itinerary seems "better":

Docks in Juneau later in the day from 2-10 pm vs earlier 7a-1:30p & also stops in Glacier Bay. But I like Jewel's Victoria stop from 2:30-9:30 pm vs 6pm-midnight (we will have a teen with us, so what is there to do -- go to dinner?)

The Jewel map shows it sailing E of Vancouver Island northbound & W southbound vs the Pearl which sails W of Vancouver Island N & S. I wonder if this is an error or seasonal??

(Sorry didn't know how to only capture the map)

https://www.ncl.com/vacations/compare?state=-1&itinerary1=PEARL7SEAJNUSGYKTNVICSEA&itinerary2=JEWEL7SEAKTNJNUSGYVICSEA&destinations=4294961386&sailmonths=4294953391+4294953394+4294953393&embarkationport=4294953396&cruise=1&cruiseTour=1&cruiseHotel=1&cruiseHotelAir=1&numberOfGuests=4294953449&pageSize=10&currentPage=1&sortBy=Featured&Ntt=SEA&autoPopulate=f&from=resultPage

@triptolemus -- great video!

@Kaptivate -- we were planning to get a balcony.

We've only sailed one other time, so we splurged on a balcony & loved it. But, I can see how the cost difference could deter some travelers.

July appears to be the better month for us to travel. Is there an advantage for cruising Alaska in June or August?

On the Jewel itinerary, after Juneau, the ship goes to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier for Tuesday afternoon, then heads north to Skagway. The "overnight" is not really accurate -- kind of odd, actually. It used to say "Cruise Sawyer Glacier" or something like that.

 

The choice between Jewel or Pearl comes down to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier versus Glacier Bay.

 

Most folks will tell you that Glacier Bay trumps Tracy Arm. I've been to both twice. Glacier Bay is a must see, but if you choose Tracy Arm, you will not be disappointed.

THANKS!

Tomorrow I'll research the ports & glaciers. I like the timing in Juneau on the Pearl, but prefer the timing in Victoria on the Jewel.

We were planning to get a balcony -- loved our balcony on our Mediterranean Cruise!

2 adults & teen looking @ Alaskan Cruise next summer out of Seattle.

Norwegian offers 2 cruises either on the Jewel or Pearl. What does it mean by "overnight" on the Jewel's itinerary?

Norwegian Jewel's 7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round trip Seattle

Sat, Jul 01, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 am 1:30 pm

--- Overnight

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 5:30 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 2:30 pm 9:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

Is this a "better" itinerary because it sails Glacier Bay & only has 1 sea day?

Norwegian Pearl's 7-Day Glacier Bay, Round trip Seattle

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 Cruise Glacier Bay --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 am 1:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 6:00 pm 11:59 pm

Sun, Jul 09, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am ---

As we are doing this same cruise in October, I was wondering what time you are able to begin boarding the ship. We haven't got our final docs yet, but itinerary says embarkation is 11 pm.

We don't need to spend the day in Venice as we have a week there when we return after the cruise.

I believe our final docs indicated our boarding time as 12 noon, but we didn't board until 4-5 pm. Some passengers boarded, returned to Venice, & re-boarded prior to sailing.

Thanks for your review. It has a lot of helpful info in it.

One question...I was looking at the Shogun menu you posted the link to and it says there is a $15 charge per person on the menu. I thought that restaurant was free.

 

Or is that an old menu and NCL just hasn't replaced them since they made this a free restaurant?

 

Thank you

Sorry, yes Shogun is now complimentary, but the menu looks the same. You can order from the Sushi bar, which is adjacent to Shogun, but you will have to pay for those items. Also, Teppanyaki is adjacent to Shogun & Sushi, and you still have to pay for it & make ressies since the table only seats 10.

I've just started researching cruises for next year. I'm looking @ the Pearl's 10 day R/T via Miami partial Panama Canal cruise. When our teen travels with us, we can only go away mid-June thru July & during Christmas break. Has anyone sailed ... the itinerary below? In December? With teens? Our family recently returned from a 12 night Mediterranean cruise on the Spirit that had 3 sea days & this itinerary has 5 sea days. Is 5 days @ sea too many for this particular ship, which like the Spirit, doesn't have a lot of "bells & whistles"?

CRUISE PORTS Embark Miami (Florida); Oranjestad (Aruba); Cartagena (Colombia); Panama Canal/Gatun Lake (Panama); Colon (Panama); Puerto Limon (Costa Rica); Disembark Miami (Florida)

Thanks for the clear crisp review. we are 1st time cruisers, and every review like this one helps learn the ropes. Would you think that its Ok to travel into Athens on our own and then take a tour? We are doing same trip may 2016

I don't remember the logistics of getting into Athens (subway?), but the city is only about 7 miles from port, so I'm sure it's easy to navigate. I vaguely remember reading about walking tours within Athens, but as I've mentioned, we wanted the expertise & convenience of full day tours w/guides & drivers.

Thanks so much for your input! A few more questions~

 

1. How was the teen disco?

2. Was the hairdryer super antiquated?

3. Were there daily BBQ's with different themes, as other folks have stated?:):):)

The Entourage (teen disco) was hit or miss for my teen. I didn't keep our "dailies", but here is one that I found before our cruise.

NCL - Teen progamme spirit.pdf

I have long, thick hair & found that the hairdryer didn't go a good job. It's located in the bathroom, attached to the wall & the hose looks like a vacuum cleaner/gets hot -- I just let my hair air dry & used a curling iron to style.

Most of our lunches were eaten off ship since we were in port touring for 8ish hours most days. We had lunch on board 3-4 of the 12 days, but as I recall the BBQ's did have themes. I'm not sure if the themes are different depending on whether your cruise is in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

Thanks for taking the time to write this review. In retrospect, are there any ports that you felt you could of done yourself such as Istanbul or Athens?

It depends on what/where you want to see/visit & how comfortable you are touring/using public transportation in a foreign country. If you look @ Rick Steve's (or similar) book on Mediterranean cruising, you can do most cities on your own. We wanted the expertise of a guide & convenience of a driver/van, but in my opinion: Venice -- DIY city, Athens -- DIY if you want to stay in the city (we wanted to go to Cape Sounio/Temple of Poseidon, so we needed a tour), Ephesus -- probably best with a tour, Istanbul -- DIY city (we found a tour that included admission ticket prices, so it was worth the few extra $$), Mykonos -- DIY island, Naples -- it depends on your destination--Pompeii/Capri/Amalfi -- we wanted to see the Amalfi Coast, so a tour was best for this, Rome -- depends if you want to stay within Rome or include Vatican City -- the drive from the port was about an hour & the city is crowded, so we were happy to have a guide/driver, Livorno -- depends on your destination--Pisa/Florence/Cinque Terre -- the drive from port is about an hour & Florence is crowded, so we were happy to have a guide/driver, Toulon -- DIY, probably a tour if you want to visit a neighboring city, Barcelona -- DIY city. Hope that helps. If cost an issue, look into sharing tours with other couples/families thru your roll call. We met nice people who didn't have any annoying habits -- my husband was the worst offender in our group by holding us up in his relentless search for Italian shoes :-)