AmR87

My wife and kids were also on this sailing, and although we didn't have Leo we also had the best waiter we've ever had on a cruise at the Venetian restaurant (Ashton) we requested him for dinner every night and he truly went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. My son has a peanut allergy so we also would pre-order meals the night before and I felt Norwegian went out of their way to make sure he was taken care of! wish we were still onboard! Can't wait to read the rest

How awesome is it to find that one server who cares!? We didn't have much luck in the Venetian the first day, which is why we ended up at Aqua. It all worked out though!

Sail in 19 days and really enjoying your review... more please

Have a great time, you'll love it!

Day 5-Cozumel

Today we got off and went to paradise beach. 16 cab ride each way and 3 dollars once you get in. The beach was okay. There was so much floating jumping stuff, that there was little room to actually swim. We still had a blast swimming and getting sun. We left a little early to go back to thE ship for lunch.

Back on the ship we drank, ate, and slept. We went for drinks before dinner and then a late dinner.

It became a daily ritual to go to pearly kings for drinks then to dinner. It was usually about 1030 when we finished dinner. We never felt rushed to leave even though the restaurant was closed by then. Again.. Amazing service in Aqua.

Day 6- roatan

Flat out, I'll start with the tendering service here was insane. The line was out and around the corner by 715am. We ended up getting tender ticket 15 and didn't get off this ship until noon. We had paid a deposit for a dive, so I was semi freaking out about missing it. Luckily, someone else from our dive group was able to email our dive company, so they knew we would be late.

Although I was irritated, it ended up working out better because we got to dive with a group of only 4 total people. Our dive master was great and the diving institution was wonderful. We got back just in time to get back on the ship. We ended up eating a late linner as we had skipped lunch. We had blue lagoon which was a great place to grab some quick food.

We went to the comedy show before dinner which was pretty funny. I enjoyed their gluten free jokes too! We went to dinner around 9 where Leo was a joy to be with once again. He was so good that I no longer had to pre order my meals. He had something picked out for me each night. He also brought me anything I asked for, even if it was last minute. Boy, do I miss that service!

Day 4- day at sea

We slept in the first day. My husband and I grabbed buffet breakfast I usually don't ask for help at the buffet during breakfast as I stick to items I know are gluten free. Hard boiled eggs, fruits, yogurts, omlets. The hubs filled up his plate and enjoyed his meal. We spent mOst of the day lounging at the pool. It was still a little too cold to get in, but perfect weather for staying out. We ended up going to the gym in the afternoon to get a workout in before dinner.

We decided to go to aqua for dinner where we were seated in Leo's section. He is my most favorite cruise ship employee I have ever met. He made sure I ate safely every night. He would even find me during breakfasts and lunches and bring me gf items that he knew I liked. I have never met an employee to give such amazing service. We ended up going to him every night. We gave him our contact info at the end of the cruise and I really hope to hear from him soon. I would go on any ship that he was sailing on, he was truly that good. I was very lucky to have been seated at his section the second day as he was the one who made sure I didn't get sick on my vacation.

Day 3- off to the ship

Embarkation day! The most exciting of them all. The troop wanted beignets and coffee , so we traveled to get some before going to the cruise ship. We showed up around 12 , which was perfect as there were no lines for anything. We parked at the cruise ship parking lot, which was fine as well. Before we knew it we were in the ship. Our rooms were ready already, so we were able to drop off the bags that we had. It was raining on and off, so we decided to get some lunch and relax.

We started with our ubp at lunch. I knew that we would be charged for tax. Unfortunately I forgot how long of a ride it is out of the Mississippi. We paid taxes until about 10-11pm that night. I'm glad I was able to help out the Louisiana government.

Anyhow, NCL was slightly different from other cruise lines with special eating. I think this is due to freestyle dining. Luckily,I found an amazing waiter the second day (Leo, more on him later) who went beyond what he needed to, to make sure I was safe every day. If it wasn't for him, I felt like I would have struggled to ensure that I had gluten free food. This is where I felt rccl and carnival slightly outdid NCL. Again, I truly think this is because of freestyle dining, and not allowing the same waiters to get to know you as a customer.

Lunch was fine and I was accommodated with what they had. I was told to make sure I always order my dinner the night before and I would be fine. I ordered my dinner for that night and was good to go. This was Easter Sunday, and they did provide a special Easter meal for dinner.

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring, laughing, meeting new people and using our ubp. We called it early as we were exhausted from our long drive and long night and headed for bed around 1030.

Looking forward to your report!! We're traveling out of New Orleans on the Dawn in November. Thanks for taking the time.

Sure! I am glad that others can read and learn from reports. That's what I love to do!

I just wish I would've taken photos. I only have a few from this trip.

Day two- New Orleans

We arrived in New Orleans and found a cheaper parking lot around the corner from the crown plaza. It was 25 vs the 45 at the hotel. Anywhere I can save money I will! We were not allowed to check in yet. However the front desk Employee let us use more private bathrooms upstairs to freshen up and we then dropped off our luggage. We asked the bellman where to get some good drinks and he steered us in the right direction.

We had some drinks, and then got a text that our room was ready. We dropped off our things, worked out, napped, and then got ready for dinner and fun on bourbon street. Boy, was I ever intrigued by bourbon street. A tourist trap, yes. But wow, so much to look at. A note for gf travelers- I struggled to find food here. I figured it was touristy, so there must be gf options. Boy was I wrong. I made do, but I wanted to let others know to research, research, research. I made a mistake by not being fully prepared. [/size]

Trip report spring break

Background information

I am a late 20 something who travels extensively with my husband. We go on about three trips per year, with at least one being a cruise. (Positives of being DINKs?). This was our first NCL cruise. I was deeply intrigued by the lure of free drinking, and relatively good prices. We convinced our friends to book it too. At the last minute, we got upgrades to balconies and adjoining rooms all on the Dawn.

I am a gluten free traveler as well, so I hope this helps others with special diets.

This is solely my opinion and how I felt. Have fun reading!

Day one-lets get ready to drive!

We had a normal day at work... You know the typical kind where you watch the clock and announce 'four more hours until vacation'. Thus annoying the crap out of everyone. Hey, what do I care. I was going on vacation in 3.5 hours! I went home, did some laundry, cleaned , and waited for our friends to arrive for our lovely 13 hour car ride to New Orleans. We left around 11pm and pretty much drove straight through. We only stopped for gas and snacks and for breaks from each other. We arrived in New Orleans about 1 pm on Saturday

Hey Ali and Mikey! How are you guys? :)

Hi Kaye!

We're great! Just making plans for a 10 year anniversary cruise on the PG. Why do we have to wait so many more years?!?

Hope everything is great with you guys too!

I am a gluten free girl- celiac disease. Or as I like to say, I won't get sick now, but I'll be sick later!

Anyway, I'm traveling on the dawn in two weeks. If I remember I'll let you know how it goes.

I have had great experiences so far on rcl and carnival though!

Don't even think twice about it. My husband and I went last year for our anniversary. It was worth every penny and I think about it constantly.

We met people of all ages and had a great time. We even met a lovely couple that were about our grandparents age. We became such good friends by the end that we exchanged emails and have plans to visit them!

Age ain't nothing but a number.

Hello!

We dove in Tahiti, Moorea, and bora bora.

We snorkeled in huahine and bora bora as well.

My overall favorite was actually Tahiti. We went to this huge coral wall full of sea creatures. It also was my first official certified dive ever, so I may be biased. :).

Does anyone know if the balcony partition between connect rooms open up? We have a connecting room with friends and I was curious about this.

I would say it would be similar to my situation. Just be careful that it is a pain if you ever want to change the reservation! (I.e. Feeling like a jerk and 30-45 mins on the phone)

Hello all,

I am traveling on NCL for the first time in three weeks. I had booked this vacation originally online in August. I however, used my teacher Union to get 'points' towards teacher rewards by booking the cruise.

Anyhow, in October I called to upgrade to include the ubp. When calling, NCL told me they couldn't help me in any way because I booked through a travel agent. Well, obviously I was surprised and confused so I hung up and called the number they gave me.

Well this was the number to my reward points. They flat out told me they couldn't do anything to update my cruise because they are not a travel agency. So, I was back to calling NCL. Eventually I found someone that actually helped me and added the ubp.

Fast forward to today. I call to ask about an upgrade. Basically the same thing happens. However, this time I have background knowledge and tell 'david' on the phone the situation. He refuses to do anything, so I ask for his supervisor. He tells me ' well I don't know why you would want them, they're going to tell you the same thing'. Well, guess what? He came back on the line and said I was correct and I would get my upgrade.

We have friends on this cruise and they called to get the same upgrade. A room ended up opening next to them, so there I was calling a mere 10 hours later to switch rooms.

Anyway... The Same thing happens. AGAIN! Literally, the same exact thing happened and 25 minutes later the woman finally agreed with me. She changed my room number once I proved myself.

My question then is, has anyone ever dealt with anything like this? Are there any tips in case I do have to call again? This has definitely changed my mind about trying to get reward points from the union. That's for sure.!

I called the regular reservation number, and after a 20 minute call (arguing over who I booked through) I was able to get a balcony room for 60 dollars more! I've never been in a balcony before, so I am beyond excited.

I am going on the Dawn leaving 3/27. When I saw the price drop online, I called my travel agent and she was able to call NCL and get me an upgrade from an inside to a balcony for only $22 more total. It looks like a lot of rooms are still available on this sailing, I thought it was strange for a holiday.

Good to know. Looks like I will call in the morning to see if we can upgrade.

Did you by chance have the ubp? I was hoping they would let us keep it if they allow us to upgrade.

This same thing happened for the dawn sailing I am going on over Easter.

The price is about 200 cheaper a person for and interior room than what I paid. It is actually the same price as what balconies are right now.

I thought I was just sol because of it being past final due date.

I'd love to hear if it's an option to go to a balcony room from interior based on what I had paid already.

The Scavi tour ends inside the basilica so you might as well spend time seeing that while you are there.

 

If you are interested in climbing the dome I would get there just before 8 AM, when it opens, and do that before the Scavi tour.

 

The tour should end at about 10:45 or so. Allowing yourself at least 30 minutes in the basilica and another 20 minutes to walk to the entrance of the museums, I would look for Vatican Museum tickets at around noon or so. There's a pretty big cafe inside the museums, near the entrance, so you could head right to lunch before braving the crowds headed to the Sistine Chapel.

Thanks! I have copied and pasted this into my travel doc. Now if only June could come faster... :)

Some great news this morning. We got into the Scavi tour on our preferred date... AND at 9:15am! Woo hoo!

I had been planing on buying my tickets online for the museums so we can just go after. After the Scavi tour, is there somewhere else I should go first, or do I just walk back around to enter the museums?

See my comments above. I think it's good to have plans in mind, even if you don't end up doing all of them. Some days you may be wishing for another idea or two.

Thank you so much for your insights. You have no idea how much this is helping me.

In your personal opinion do you think a tour guide is needed for the Vatican area? I already emailed the Scavi email address to request a tour there. I am starting to think I can just buy the tickets beforehand and explore on our own with a guide book. I am more interested in viewing and taking everything in.

On to the next step. I have emailed the owner to ask if we can drop off luggage OR if he has any other suggestions of what we could do while waiting.

Here's my updated ideas

Day 1- Explore around our apartment/parks there. Looks to be one right by us. Relax and catch up on the time difference

Day 2-

Trevi fountain

Pantheon

Piazza Navona

Day 3-

Spanish steps

Borghese gallery and park

Day 4-

Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

Palatine Hill

Museum there

Day 5

Vatican area and tours.

I feel really good about this right now and feel like this is actually doable. That, and we won't feel like we're running from place to place to see everything.

I am slowly figuring this out. My type A personality is a little big for this trip.

Anyhow,

I have taken out any day trip in our agenda. Seeing as we would like to see some more museums, I have rearranged things to fit in a museum here and there. I am trying to leave a lot of free time open, simply to explore. One of the best parts of traveling is the adventure, right?

I do have one other question about some in between time. Our flight arrives at 9:05am. I figured when all is said and done, we will be leaving the airport around 1030am (unless I am way off on this). Our apartment owner has arranged for private transportation for us to bring us to the apartment.

Here is where the problem lies, He has someone checking out that morning. Thus, we cannot get in. He said he would tell the cleaning crew to go quickly, but he cannot be to flexible on the normal check in time of 1pm.

What would you suggest to do while we wait from 11 to possible 1 pm? I know we will be screaming tourist with my bright pink luggage. Nor do I want to walk around very much with lugguage, etc.

There is a grocery store located very close to your apartment (less than a 5 minute walk):

Coop

Via in Arcione, 70

From your apartment, go west on Via Rasella 2 blocks

Store is located on the corner of Via Rasella & Via del Traforo

You can find about everything one would need there. :)

Thank you so much!!!

I put the address in my notes with the directions.

You have so little time in Rome, I can't imagine using a full day of it for a long trip out of the city. I think you'll find there's so much to do within walking distance that a day trip just won't fit.

 

There are tour groups formed outside the Colosseum but these are licensed guides, not students. You can do this, or join a tour inside, or use audioguides, or wander about on your own with a good guidebook, whatever feels right to you.

 

If you tell us the address of the apartment you've rented we can tell you the nearest grocery stores.

Sure, it is Via Rasella, 6 Int.13

Roma, Lazio 00187

Also, I have been looking at a tour with Angeltours for the Vatacin area (with all the tourist things) However the only time they do is 1pm. I know it'll be crowded in the summer no matter what, but should I look at another company that begins earlier?