PhillyTravelBug

@Let Me Travel!  I cannot speak for the beverage package as I don’t drink alcohol, but my friends have the regular package with no issue. Can’t really help with the premium package.  We stayed at the Hotel Borg in Iceland, which is in a great location. It is about 2 miles from where you dock, so a taxi will be required. The city is much less intimidating or sprawling than I had anticipated. We booked tours through venture ashore and nice tours. Highly recommend. We had someone tell us they booked through the cruise line and the prices they charged really left him a little bitter because it is about three times as much. In Akeuyri, the busses are right off the ship. Book privately.  Enjoying the research and anticipation. 

i am writing a hero card out for the barista at Starbucks. She knew our names and exactly what we wanted the second and third day. She was struck up a conversation last night when we stopped by. Honestly, it’s these little touches that make me come back to NCL.

Sorry, posted this in the wrong thread.

I am writing a hero card out for the barista at Starbucks. She knew our names and exactly what we wanted the second and third day. She was struck up a conversation last night when we stopped by. Honestly, it’s these little touches that make me come back to NCL.

It’s all subjective as said before. As a loyal NCL cruiser and currently on the prima, I am debating whether to purchase a cruise next certificate or try Celebrity. NCL specialty dining is a win and leaves me quite pleased, but really want something that leaves me satisfied in the buffet and main dining rooms.

3 hours ago, MagnoliaBlossom said:

We used Nice Travel and had nothing but excellent tours all three days.  A member of our group left her backpack, complete with her lap top onboard.  They were leaving a day ahead of us but she called and asked they get the backpack to me, which they did the minute I got on the bus that morning and I got it stateside and shipped it to her.  She said they offered to ship it at their expense, but she felt better with me bringing her laptop home.

we used them for the Golden Circle tour this past Wednesday and had the best time. Couldn’t recommend them enough. 

Yes! Apparently the wind helps. I had no clue. We got (un)lucky with a sunny, gorgeous day.

Did  Hasuki (teppanyaki) tonight for dinner. So full! We had a great time. There was a couple from Colorado sitting next to us. One was celebrating his 84th and they were so enjoyable to chat and eat with. We stepped into the theater for the 70’s disco theme. It was only 45 minutes and I lasted about 6 before I said, “can we go?” Not a dancer in the slightest, nor a fan of 70’s disco. I will say, I didn’t believe it when reading reviews, but it is so cool how the theater turns into a night club. Simple touches like the entrance to get in. Well done! Can’t wait for the Donna summer show there tomorrow.

@skatie, our guide was saying the beginning of the season and end of the season being a lot of these bugs.I definitely would recommend bug spray and a hoodie. At least the bugs won’t be flying in your ears and hair. If you can, stop at the gift shop first and buy the netting they have for Dimmuborgir.  Both sights are worth seeing. Not as good as the Reykjavik area tours, but don’t miss it. The water in the falls is beautiful.

Sailing out of the fjord! It’s a cool experience that is similar to Alaska. The sun has been out all day for our first time in Iceland this week. No whale sightings. I got both sides of the ship from the glass walkway and then from our patio. Love the chairs they have for the patios. Sure beats bliss in this department. Do we briefly sail through the Arctic circle to leave Iceland? Sure looks like it on the map. If so, I want to be awake for that.

Okay… I’ve read about it before and haven’t experienced it until today… the gym above the thermal spa while you’re relaxing on your loungers is ridiculous. I swear it’s right below the free weights and thought one was going to go through the floor above onto me 😜. It’s pretty constant when everyone is on the ship.

Our driver gave us a quick stop to catch a shot of the  boat . One Aida ship was also in port.

We stopped at the Myvtan baths for lunch and so glad we didn’t use the lagoon here. It looked rather disappointing. Now we are heading back to Akeuyri.  I’m ready for the thermal spa.  This was a very nice excursion and I would recommend it, but it doesn’t compare to the golden circle. We both agreed that our five days in Iceland did feel like enough time to get enough activities and exploration in for a feel of the country.  If I had more time, I definitely would have liked the south coast tour 

No bugs, but my least favorite stop.

Next stop: BUGS!! This was almost intolerable. I wish I saw this, but in the gift shop they sell some kind of netting thing to protect your face. I had my hoodie bunched up like Kenny from South Park.

I really wanted to do the zip lining. We just completed our first stop on todays excursion. Stunning. It’s the sights you dream of seeing when you plan for Iceland.  Advice is to bring big spray. The bugs are everywhere!!!!

3 hours ago, SenatorsFan said:

I'm really enjoying all the pictures you're posting, both of the spectacular scenery and the ship. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you so much! I’m an aspiring travel agent. 

Sunset at 9:45. Does it get any better than a sunset from a ship? Off to bed. We have a 7am excursion to the falls, baths, and lava fields.

I’m still debating whether to purchase a cruise next certificate or take the chance and go with Celebrity next sailing. It’s all coming down to food. Plus, I really like the all inclusive option celebrity offers. Why internet is not included in on board fares in 2023 puzzles me.

4 hours ago, www3traveler said:

When you can, could you please post the current Officers both Bridge and Hotel.  Thank you very much.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

So far, I have only seen this one. I know I’ve seen their photos and rankings before, just can’t find them. Like a typical male, I don’t know how to ask.

the silver fella I met didn’t seem to know either.

I will find the officers. Lunch was at the Local and it has actually been the best meal so far. Caesar salad and a chicken salad sandwich on a hearty multigrain bread. we then spent the afternoon walking to the botanical gardens. It was quite a long walk uphill, but easy going back! The gardens are beautiful, but I was a little tired by the time we got there. 

I meant the buffet. Seriously hope they consider an expansion for its sister ships.

Thermal spa… I have the Getaway and the Bliss to compare to. First experience is I really like the decor and the nooks it has to offer for relaxation.  It was pretty full and we still managed to find four heated loungers together for our group.   
 

I prefer the ice room and the pools on the Bliss the most.  I love the charcoal sauna on the Prima. Probably my favorite.  The experimental shower in the middle of the saunas is a must!!  
 

The locker rooms are significantly smaller on the Prima compared to the breakaway class. If there are multiple people changing, it makes it difficult to navigate.

Overall, I have no complaints experimenting with a different experience, layout, decor, etc. I prefer some amenities from one and some from the others.  Nothing that did not prevent me from appreciating all the hard work I do led up to this point of relaxation and enjoyment. Life is short.

First thing this morning, Starbucks . How I’ve missed a large portion of coffee. We went to grab some oatmeal from the cafe. What an absolute mob scene. Like everyone has said. The cafe is a way too small.  Even with all the other options.  We are starting to begin the fjord into Akeuyri.  We have an escape room planned, gym, and thermal spa.

We have a dinner reservation at Hudsons for 7. Dining room is completely filled and it took us about an hour to get to the entree portions. No complaints. One thing is, portions are very small. Order extra.

I am hoping my luggage arrived once I get back to the room. 

Got some shots of indulge food hall before the crowds. I like the look on this Local Bar.

From first sight I absolutely love what they did with the atrium… this ship offers a lot of hidden seating areas. I am not sure how functional this will be during activities.  
starbucks with a view! Love.

Btw… cruise director is Simon.