sailingships

I dont mean this one. The subject has been discussed for months. NCLs new veteran program was first announced nearly a year ago. We booked our first 10% off cruise on November 3rd, 2022, for a Jan 3rd cruise on the Sky. Since then every cruise this year has been 10% off.

Actually I answered the posts months ago. Where were you ?

I didnt need to use my DD214 Just had to supply any day I was actually in the military. Was accepted right away. The 10% discount just started as of Jan 1st this year. It was announced online the week before Veterans Day last year. We booked for Jan 3rd right away and got it then. It shows up in the NCL pages if you are signed up.

I'm so glad you keep on agreeing with me. Yes this is definitely not just a blip. But Egypt and Turkey might also be out as far as ports of call are concerned. Then what ?

We're not planning to cancel and we dont expect to go to the 2 Israeli ports. But most of the rest of the ports are in Egypt and Turkey. Plus Cypress and Rhodes .We start in Athens so that wont be a problem. This morning NCL told me that they are dealing with one cruise at a time and just the October ones for now. On Oct 12 the Gem leaves Istanbul and goes to the middle of the Med. Oct 22 does the middle of the Med and then ends in Istanbul. Nov 1st, 11th and 22nd all had ports in Israel, Egypt and Turkey. The Nov 22nd cruise ends in Rome on Dec 4, then the TA to NYC. We're on Nov 11th and 22nd, both heavy in Israel, Egypt and Turkey.

No but for both our cruises we go to Israel, Egypt and Turkey. If NCL takes out those ports the cruises will be gutted. We do end and start in Istanbul. (Nov 11 and 22) As long as the Gem starts in Athens on Nov 11 as she is supposed to we might be OK . We fly into Athens. I think NCL is deciding what to do on each cruise as it is due to sail. If our state dept gives out a travel advisory for the whole area the cruises will be cancelled. I would just like to know ahead of time so that we can make other arrangements etc.

Some of these cruises might be cancelled as the US Navy is now in the area and the ships were due to go north and south through that part of the Med. The Eastern Med is now part of a war zone. I just wish NCL would tell us something.

The Gem has 3 more cruises this year that included the ports of Ashdod and Haifa. Nov 1st, Istanbul to Athens, Nov 11th, Athens to Istanbul, and Nov 22nd, Istanbul to Civitavecchia (Rome). Has anyone been able to find out which ports the Gem will visit instead, or will these be sea days? We will be on 2 of those cruises.

We got those fanny packs on the Magic in June

I wonder what NCL will do about the Gem. Our Nov 11 and Nov 22 cruises already have those ports in Turkey. Santorini and Mykonos would be nice

This wont be ending any time soon. The toothpaste is out of the tube. We're on the Gem Nov 11 from Athens to Istanbul including Israel and then Istanbul to Rome again with Israel.. The Greek Islands would be nice but arranging those ports at the last minute might be difficult. Still the ports/countries might have pity and need the tourist dollars. We'll see. Just be ready for whatever. Check with your airline in case you have to change some flights.

Along with every other cruise line going into those ports for the next few months. The Gem was supposed to go to Ashdod and Haifa a few times in Oct and Nov. Also Turkey and Egypt The Epic has been mentioned too. Because of the difficulty in arranging other ports in such a short time, some of the cruises might be cancelled.

No unlimited laundry on NCL and a corkage fee of $15 is charged for every bottle of wine brought aboard. But the specialty restaurants can be free. Plus a couple of other goodies. Veterans are treated much better on NCL and the solo groups are better organized. 40 cruises with Carnival. Several with NCL.

Ive seen people in their PJs at the breakfast buffet of nice hotels 🙂

When we arrived in NYC off the Gem last December, we were just waved onto the right bus without being asked for our letter. We looked out the windows watching the other passengers outside. More than one waved their letter at the disinterested staff. One lady chased a man around as he placed luggage on the bus trying to make him read her letter. Finally, one of the other passengers suggested she just get on the bus. LOL

The word Transfer with the price is last on the list of items right before the Gross total on the Cruise Confirmation. We went out of NYC in April.

You win !!! Usually only once a week after 21 day check in...

Click bait I was excited and ready to book .

Wouldnt they have to identify themselves with a cabin number etc to request an M&M or M&G ? Before the covid we could join the upcoming M&M by registering online in CC with the ship, then our names and cabin number.

Same with Jewel's sister ship the Gem in the Panama Canal The crew will direct you and let you out there at that time.

Its much the same between Civitavecchia and Rome For both trains if you go online and purchase your tickets before you leave the US you should be able to book a seat.

You could have gone to the spa/gym and got clean bath towels from the shower rooms. Or chased the steward down out in the hall. Or just taken some off the cart.

Usually what is offered on board is not the same online when you get home.

Naples, Messina, Corfu the port is right across the street from the city. Dubrovnik used to have a fee for the shuttle bus. Valletta I dont remember, but I think it was close to the city The rest I dont know. The HOHO bus in Corfu is right by the port and used to be 14 Euros, 8 stops at all the main attractions.

If it is required, you apply online giving personal info passport number etc. New Zealand started requiring them about 5 years ago. I applied online and paid about $30 for the 2-year visa which could be used unlimited times. In about 10 minutes I had the visa with instructions to download and print the page and take it with me. Using that I had no problems when I visited NZ. Hopefully the UE will have much the same easy program.