MagnoliaBlossom

Just saw this pop up this morning. We were disappointed when our 14 day on the Escape was cancelled for redeployment. It now appears they are being the Prima back to Galveston for two 14 day itineraries in January of 25.

Our embarkation was probably the most disorganized of all our 86 cruises. There was a very large number of check in agents who were new and needed extensive help from the supervisor to finish the process - I think my lady took 35 minutes to do mine. Then when priority was called we went up and the lady said platinums went before diamonds. I told her no ambassador and diamonds went before, even her supervisor said they had never heard of ambassadors , diamonds or emerald. She did allow us through but it was crazy. The ground crew needs some training. Hopefully things have improved since then. We are so looking forward to this cruise with our teenage grandchildren and want to get the trip off to a good start. thank you all for your input.

When we sailed from SH last year we were given a 9:30 checkin time. We are carryon only travelers so we just went into the terminal. But those who needed to check luggage had to wait in line for the porters, who did not turn up until 10:30. We will be travelling with family and they will be checking bags. I am wondering if any recent cruisers can tell me if bagge is indeed not accepted until 10:30 or if that has been corrected. thanks, MB

As I understand it 🤣, you get level to level upgrade lowest I/o to lowest O/b, however, beware, lesson I learned recently- this is not true on all ships. We booked a mid level inside to upgrade with 60k points to a balcony (Dawn), when I called to upgrade our balconies (family cruise, three rooms) I learned that the Dawn has recently changed its categories of balconies, BA and BX, just two categories 😳In order to choose our cabins we needed to book the top two Inside levels to reach BA level so we could choose cabins and be together. So I had to amend our cabins at $300/person to a level where I could get us to BA level. Wow, what an unexpected surprise. So, before booking a cabin, especially on a smaller ship, call WP and find out what level you need to book in order to be able to choose a room (unless you are okay with a guarantee cabin.). Live and learn.

Prior to casting off find a nice spot on the port side of the ship, yes you. Will be facing away from the city, but as said above, the ship turns so you will then be able to see the Quarter. It goes by very quickly so get situated early. Love the ride down the river, never get tired of it.

Oh my, you’ve given me an indigestion thinking about that scenario. Too many moving parts. 😵‍💫

Pc,owed when we were there last week.

No, unlike the airline programs you can’t buy points.

Yep

Depending on your credit score, if you get instant approval you usually get your card in 7-10 days, which means you’d have it for the 11/9 special, but your bonus points from signing up for the new card 20,000 points usually, won’t show up until you’ve charged the mandatory amount.

We were the only ones at ours! But we had a nice time visiting with the two bartenders. I thought mixology was going to be about making certain types of drinks, but these recycled sustainable alcohols were horrid.

Yes. And unlike some airline programs, they do not charge you to move your points. We have several cards and when I’m ready to use points I move points to my main account. Although I believe you can have an agent pull them from separate accounts, but it’s too easy to move them yourself online.

We did that program on the Star last year and it was awful 🤮. Only one of the flight of eight was drinkable, the others were overly sweet and a sip was all I could manage. Plus they charge much more for these sustainable drinks than normal beverages. Just a feel good way for the crew to waste time and tons of sugar.

We did a Southampton to Reyjakvik last year on the Star. We did some of the ports you e listed. We spent three days post cruise in Reyjakvik and tired with Nice Travels. Can’t say enough good things about them. They also offer a discount if you book more than one tour with them. we are doing the the same cruise as you on 5/29/25 and will spend at least three days to do more touring with them. I started a roll call for that cruise if you’d like check in occasionally for updates. Don’t know if you are sailing the same date but you may pick up some useful info.

Thanks for posting this. I remember it from last year but wasn’t able to use it as we were off cruising. Okay, on mt calendar now and since we have multiple cards I can really wrack up some points 😍

Oh, so many. But I think our first Baltic Capitals n the NCL Dream, who could traverse the Kiel Canal because it could flip its lid (stack) to pass under the canal bridges. It was shortly after 911 and local folks lined the bridges waving American flags and after dark would also wave candles and tea lights.m it brings tears to my eyes still when I th No of that day. We overnighted in St Petersburg and had two unforgettable days tour Catherine’s Palace, Peterhff, and the Church on Spilled Bld and so many more ther sites. one of our British Isles cruises where we did the Overlord Tours Normandy Beaches tour that ended with a long visit to the American Cemetary. I’ll never forget that day. As a matter of fact we are taking our grandchiodren there next June so they will fully appreciate the sacrifices of their forefathers. hawaii, sailing past the glowing lava as it spilled into the sea, the afternoon sailing by the Napoli Coast and helicopter flights over beautiful waterfalls. iceland and Norway with their thundering waterfalls and geothermal wonders. The Hgh Crosses in Ireland, the burial term at Newgrange, Canterbury Cathedral, Michael in Florence, the Pieta in the Vatican. the beauty of cruising is you have so much choice in one sailing if you choose and plan wisely. I could never have seen all these things on land trips only.

Mama Mia 🤭

That’s an interesting scenario. I’ve never gotten anything close to what you are talking about. Not that I don’t believe it didn’t happen, but apparently they have expanded their marketing in some new ways lately, so that could well be. Seems a good move to recruit latitude members who have already shown an interest in repeatedly sailing NCL. Give them a call and let us know how it works out.

I have had a few bad experiences with the WP folks but when I get a rotten apple, I just hang up and call back. My experience has been I will get a normal human being and my problem is resolved. Yes, you can dump the card, but IMHO the value I receive from those upgrades is worth more than my ego and time. Cool off a bit before your u decide. I find calling weekdays between 8-4 gets me the greater likelihood of a knowledgeable agent.

I think it’s odd that the Escape is still showing cruises fromGalveston in December of 2024. Hard to believe they would move a ship to Galveston for just one month.

Stands for World Points Discount

Just received a email advising cancellations of the Escape from 1/3. - 3/21/25. So disappointed that Galveston will not have those 11 and 14 day itineraries. Oh well, let’s see what else is out there. . .

I mean, where else can you have banana cream pie for breakfast 😋

That’s what I needed. Yum love sea day brunch. 3 great meals to start the day.

We were on this itinerary (Galveston RT) in May and are doing it again on Saturday. I know we had sea day brunch twice, but I don’t remember if it was available on the third sea day. Anyone remember? thanks MB