goldmom

I agree with Gary. Once you're in the Haven you should deal with the Haven Concierge onboard or the Pre-cruise Concierge before you board. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. The Pre-cruise Concierge number is 855-625-4283. Enjoy!

The 14 yo can sit in the second level Haven area with loungers. If Mom wants to pop out and get some sun on the Sundeck, she can do so. They could pretty much see each other the whole time. While her son may be a quiet kid, there are some kids who aren't and once the staff lets one underage child up there it would be impossible to stop other parents from bringing their children (who may not be well behaved) up there. There are plenty of places for Mom and son to sit together, just not on the sundeck.

Hopefully the marathon isn't by the cruise terminal. We came in last Sunday and there was a bike race coming down the Westside HWY. What a mess! They closed off traffic onto the Westside Hwy at the George Washington Bridge. We crossed the road and our driver met us across the street. I felt really badly for the arriving passengers as the entire entrance to the terminal was blocked off. This was pretty early morning, so hopefully they opened it up after the race started. There were a lot of people pulling their luggage across the street to board the ship. Not a fun way to start a cruise!

Would also suggest some OTC cold meds. There is not much onboard anymore. DH caught a cold and I had to find a pharmacy in port and sneak the cough syrup onboard. Enjoy!

I can't speak to the testing, but we were on the Breakaway last week and it was the fastest and easiest embarkation and debarkation we've ever had. Of course you never know. We arrived at around 10;30 and there were no lines, we just breezed right through. It was also probably one of the first ones without any testing requirements which probably made it much faster.

Also, when checking in at the pier, at least in NYC. Tell them you are Haven even if you're in a regular suite. They should have your cabin on their list and will put you in the shorter Haven line. You also pick up your keycard at the Haven waiting area. The NYC staff on the pier don't understand there are suites that are not in the Haven. Enjoy!

We were in the Haven. I've never been able to find the Latitude Concierge either.

Just off the Breakaway. I had checked the weather every day prior to the cruise. It was supposed to be cold and rainy pretty much every day. Instead we had beautiful weather . So, don't stress too much over the weather forecasts. For the shows, they were on completely different days that the previous weeks', so whatever pre-planning you do may not work out. We were okay as we eat early and there were 9:30 shows which worked for us. On the subject of Concierges. On the larger ships there are usually several people working at the Concierge desk. The main Concierge was wonderful! We had a few small requests and billing issues and poof, everything was straightened out. Some of the other staff seemed to have issues and struggled to work on even minor questions or requests. I just always tried to wait for the head Concierge. Wishing you a great cruise. Love your check list! I'm also an obsessive over planner.

Just off Breakaway this morning. They used the key card swipe the whole week getting off and on the ship and in Manhattan cruise terminal, customs used the facial recognition scan.

Going off topic yet again. What was the topic here? Anyway as we've been discussing Celebrity vs NCL I wanted to share this as I thought it was funny. Just got the e-mail to watch the safety video yet again. I click the link and hit play and up pops a commercial for .....Celebrity! I started laughing. Too funny!

Mine come up just fine. At least you can still find them! Hopefully just a glitch.

I used to get a sombrero occasionally. Kahlua and cream, might be a place to start. Good luck and let us know what you discover. I also enjoy a Bailey's on the rocks!

Thank you, that is also an option. Assuming of course that we all have the same butler. We're in different cabins. And besides, I may want to have the kids cough up some of the costs! LOL!

Sorry for going off topic. Now back to Birds wonderful review!

I agree. I don't know the answer either. It would be nice if everyone was polite and considerate, but that's unfortunately only in my fantasy world. LOL!

Thanks so much. Appreciate the info!

We usually tip in cash, but on our next trip the adult kids are coming. They don't normally carry cash. I'm trying to keep my cruise lines straight and don't remember NCL's policy. On NCL, can you put a staff tip (butler, room steward, concierge) on your onboard account? I'm talking about a tip in addition to the daily service charge. And if so, do you get some kind of slip to give the person so they know that an addition tip came from you? Thanks for any info!

I understand what you're saying and agree with you. However, the other issue is that if they were all free (which would be really nice) you know you'd have groups who would just take it over and not leave. By charging even a nominal fee, people will take there one turn and then someone else can play. The only other thing would be to have a cruise staff member stationed at these things and making sure that no one hogs them. And we know how well that would work! The staff hates to reprimand passengers (chair hogs anyone).

I would suggest looking into one of the cabanas or villas on the private island. From what I've seen they are pretty close to the water, so Mom could probably get in the water and there is a tram from the dock to the villa. It could work for that one beach day and Mom (and all of you) will get pampered. The only issue is if they have to skip the stop due to weather you would lose your only beach day. The crew will also help Mom get off and on the tender. Hope you have a fabulous time!

So glad they found the problem and were able to fix it. That's why regular check-ups are important. Rest up now and look forward to enjoying your cruise. Thanks for updating your CC Crew.

Look at the Roll Call for the current sailing. One of the members is posting the dailies.

Ah, okay. Then there must be another ship there. I usually look at the NY port webcam and when the Breakaway is docked it sticks out about as far as the right side of that angled shaped building so this looks longer. Unless it's just the angle of the picture. Anyway, welcome to NYC Prima!

Wow, she is big! Is that another ship docked behind her, or is that all her?

We'll be on a Canada cruise shortly and have been on a few previously. The best idea is to layer. I'm usually warm so onboard I'll probably be good with T Shirts, but will also take a light jacket or sweater. I can layer that under another jacket for going into port. Also, a waterproof jacket or poncho would be a good idea. And an extra pair of walking shoes, wet shoes are not fun. If you're in the Haven, which it sounds like you are, the Concierge will have all the menu's for the specialty restaurants. I can't remember if they are also on the TV. I don't think there is a "luggage assist" after the cruise, but maybe someone else knows for sure. There are thermostats in the cabins, but since I like a fan and DH likes it warm I usually bring a battery operated fan with me. Never had any problem with humidity so can't help you there. Hope you have a great cruise!

I have found that Cardiologists are probably the most cautious and the most pro-active of all our doctors. Hopefully, it's nothing but it's better to check it out before you go. Those medical e-vacs don't look like fun! Try not to stress too much (I know, easier said than done). And please let us know how it goes.