snorklinbarb

14 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

I'm currently on the Epic.

Someone who is doing a b2b got a letter saying there's a change to b2b billing.

 

I did a b2b in Nov.

Billing was as if it's one long cruise.

 

Now, your acct is closed and credit card changed at the end of each leg.

 

That sucks for me since I get $400 obc for each cruise.

So a b2b is $800 obc.

Now I'm forced to spend it each leg.

 

So if I do lots of excursions the 1st leg and go over the $400 But do nothing on the 2nd leg, then I'm out of pocket for the difference and waste the obc on junk the 2nd leg 😞

 

Did B2B Escape in Nov. and, like you, it was billed as one long cruise.  Internet minutes carries over as did OBC.  I don't get nearly as much as you but would be in the same situation, if this report from Epic is true.  Same for the shorex - would have to even it out for the 2 legs or have an expensive massage on one of them.😉

Home from B2B Escape, so just catching up on your wonderful posts, Gary!

Remember when you shared the news of your wife's win and so it was fun to be taken along through that process.  Commend you for putting her "loss" right behind you and enjoying everyday to the fullest.

Very kind of you to take your time and wifi to answer all the questions asked.  Great job!

Have never been on Oceania so will look forward to a blog perhaps?  (*hint hint).

Good chuckle about the internet manager's preferred libation!

Happy sails!

Thanks for the photos!

No matter how many times I go on NCL, I always rely on the "fish swim forward" motto.  

One time upgraded to a "mini suite" and we got that tub/shower.  I was much younger then and found that tub too high a step!

Never got a mini suite again after that.  (Later ships have regular showers in some of the categories).

Later met a British woman who raved that her cabin had a tub and how it's hard to find that on ships, lol.  She also liked the "proper wash rags."

Those tubs are not fun in bad weather, either!

Recent Escape TA from Civitavecchia to NYC - 

Prime Rib Buffet 1st night, NY Strip O'Sheehans 1st night

Prime Rib O'Sheehans at least one other night

Prime Rib MDR (and I believe O'S) last night

Same with 11 night Greek Isles

Currently on Escape.  Dinner w/Officers just started up.  We had Chief Financial Officer and HR Director plus 4 guests.  
 

Savor or Taste DR with wine.

Have been on BA, Gem, Joy and Prima since restart and this was first one.

Wine tasting as well as Sail and Sustain drink tasting (latter is Diamond and Ambassador) offered.  
 

At Q and A, guest asked abouf Behind the Scenes tour but has not come back.

Latitudes parties later in the cruise.

Expanded use of vouchers at specialties is new and very welcomed!  Ocean Blue, Teppanyaki, Bistro, etc.  Not limited like before.  Wine redeemed at any restaurant that has a complimentary wine list (Prima’s Palomar is fine for dinner but not wine as they serve organic).

Still Pepsi on Escape.

On B2B Escape.  Korean chili wings crispy and not too spicy and a luttle sweetness.  Good size, excellent taste.

DH had BBQ ones twice, didn’t try Buffalo.  Size was “normal.”

Curious how guests are going from inside guaranty to any type if balcony?  I am using my Diamond perk and was assigned an ocean view from an inside.  How did you manage 2 category jumps?

On 10/15/2022 at 7:25 PM, PistolPete13 said:

 

Funny, here I was kicking myself for not bringing my "real" camera because I didn't know what conditions there would be on the snorkel boat.  Turns out my fear was a little justified because there is just no way to avoid salt spray on a fast low boat like that.

The truth is that nowadays 50% of taking a photo that will catch the eye of people is with the post-processing work.  That stuff is hard to do well.  Good thing this is only a hobby for me because I'd starve if I had to make a living from it!

Did you go out on one of the catamarans w/snorkel or take the glass bottom boat and snorkel or arrange something else?

I've never snorkeled in Bermuda.  I took the evening Bermuda Triangle cruise and we did go over the reef and to the wreck M.S. Vixen so from the glass bottom boat we could see a few fish and even a big lobster.  

How was the water temp this time of year?  

Love to snorkel but didn't book one this time in Bermuda.  

Loving your photos and review!

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@CruizinSusan70 LOL, the Haven Guests are not Prima-Donna's. But I can see how some folks might think that.  These Guest pay a premium to have essentially the same cruise as those in an Inside Cabin.  There are all kinds of perks.  Since there are only about 180 to 200 Haven Guest I don't think they will take up to much room.  

 

Now so everyone knows I am not jealous of this little perk which I just found out about.  I will be on the Breakaway, December 2022.  It has a Syd's.  I am not in the Haven (YET).  If I am, I will by all means take advantage of this, if not, I will enjoy those that have the opportunity.

 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

OT but wishing your wife luck in the slot tourney!

Correction to post above, too late to edit.  Meant to say Improv Comedy does take reservations but Syd's does not.

BTW, I couldn't get reservations right away for Orlando's comedy hour.  So a couple of days later checked my TV and bingo, 8 pm reservation available one of the last nights!

Like the Bird, I thought Prima was magnificent, loved the decor (with some exceptions), larger very pretty neutral cabins with a nice mural over the bed and couch wall in balcony and over the bed in an interior.  Even the kleenex boxes and trays for coffee are upgraded, everything very high quality on the ship from glasses to dishes to cutlery.  I agree Onda and Le Bistro's lack of carpet makes for some bouncing noise off the walls.

Biggest issue I heard (and experienced) was navigating and not getting lost.  Turn the wrong way on deck 7 towards Bistro and there's a blank wall.  Everything fans out to the sides of the ship and is not designed forward to aft with venues in between like on the Jewel class or even Away.  Takes some getting used to.  I figure by the 3rd new build I might be less geographically challenged.

Having sailed NCL for years and all the ships except Star and POA, I think Prima is a step up in quality, food is excellent, service with a smile from some of the best hand-picked crew.  Change is not so easy for some of us "mature" cruisers (like Bird said) and adjustments have to be made as to a particular bar or venue.  Only you can decide if you want to try it out or focus only on some of the issues (complaints) raised here.  

Kinks were in the IT system, be it wifi or my TV that finally required 2 techs to take it all apart.  I know they are working night and day to remedy the glitches.  iPads in Food Hall were down at least one day so I ordered off of a paper menu, just circling my choices (portions are big!).  I was told venue will remain complimentary but one never knows.  It's great fun and the Indian food in particular from "Tamara" was delicious and varied!  Dinner menu is different in Food Hall from lunch.  

Hudson's is a gorgeous MDR.  Not sure on a longer cruise if set menu  would be so exciting but the food was excellent with huge portions.  I didn't try Commodore but it's quite pretty as well.  

I haven't seen (or heard onboard) any "complaints" that would cause people to say "one and done" or "never again."  People joked most about the "elevator lady":  "The lift is going up.  The lift is going down."  British accent as well, I think.  

Team is really working so hard to give us a great experience.  I couldn't figure out why "Hero" cards were not out on the counter but rather behind (so I had to ask for some).  Some guests have no clue they even exist or what they are so suggested they be much more visible.  Usually one is delivered mid-cruise to cabin but I didn't get one.  Not sure what others experienced?

Will be getting on Escape this week in Eur. so will be fun to "compare and contrast."  That ship doesn't have an Observation Lounge.  The one on Prima is indeed smaller but never saw it crowded except for Latitudes party.  BTW, we had one party Silver and up - had it been a longer sailing they would have split it into two.  Hence, the Lounge was really packed.

One has to weigh all this vs. pricing which is holding very solid.  Prima has been described as the "Ferrari" of the fleet.

On 10/15/2022 at 11:45 AM, Red-Sol said:

 

It may not have been from Bird's check off list...but I am certain that someone in one of the various reviews mentioned needing reservations for Rumours in Syd's. 🤔

Bird has done a fantastic job and has tried to delineate between main shows in theater (like Donna Summer, Noise Boys, Price is Right) needing reservations and the others in Improv and Syd's.  Comedy and Syd's do not take reservations, not for Rumours show, either.  

I heard other guests say they were so glad the "rock band" wasn't a theater offering....and with only 5 nights and the 2 big shows to fit in the theater, it didn't leave room in the schedule for much else.

On longer voyages have never found the main theater "Broadway" show productions to be a big booking issue because they get repeated.  On 5 nights we did have "Noise Boys" two nights and "Donna Summer" 2 nights with comedy as the 5th night.  There were many other entertainment options such as two duos, a guitarist, a good Caribbean band, etc. so the emphasis on entertainment has not disappeared and remains a real draw on NCL.

Some things greatly expanded like the deck 8 whole waterfront, infinity pools, seating while others (like Comedy Club) remained about the same as other ships.  Syd's has been a challenge on all the ships recently due to soaring popularity so maybe NCL will take that into a/c in future new builds.

On 10/13/2022 at 11:35 AM, Red-Sol said:

This is a total WAG on my part but I am starting to wonder if having Syd Normans and The comedy venue being unacceptably small is because there is an intention to have some of the acts/groups there play in the theater instead. At least that is what I am hoping for because their size and the way they are being utilized definitely isn't going to work. To me the theaters on Many/Most of the latest NCL ships have always been underutilized...I  certainly am keeping my fingers crossed that this will happen.

Syd's band does not play in the theater, at least not on our short cruise (but have never seen them on Breakaway in the theater, either).  One of the singers mentioned on BA that they prefer a small, intimate club venue like the Pour House but even there,  line started forming 30-45 minutes in advance. 

Two comedians had lots of shows (some general, some adult) and spaces are released 10 minutes in advance, like in the theater.  One night both comedians performed in the Theater so you've gotten 1/2 your wish!  

If you can't get reservations in advance or quickly enough onboard (box office, TV, kiosk) keep checking.  Many guests changing from one Donna Summer night to another, not showing up at comedy,  etc. so don't give up right away!  

On 10/13/2022 at 12:26 PM, BirdTravels said:

Main Dining Room Menus don’t change day to day. 
 

The breakfast menus are fixed on all the ships.  But besides the above there are 2 daily specials.  There are 3 "sets" which rotate.  For example, biscuits & gravy, loaded baked potato, avocado wrap, shakshuka w/feta.  @Seemoreroyals, they do have huevos rancheros on specials!

Hashed browns in the form of large tater tots (but at least they had them unlike on Joy a few weeks ago).

Local serves breakfast as well (Bird posted menu) as well as Indulge Food Hall having some quicker "Grab as you Go" items.  Nice touch if you're running off to a tour.

On 10/9/2022 at 8:03 AM, little britain said:

We always use Civitavecchiacabservice 

Have you used their shared service?  If so, did you have to wait a long time?

Also will they drop you at a hotel near the port or is it a set drop off location that can't be changed (in Civit)?  On the website it lists the airport or port as options.

Thanks.

In my experience the Seafood Buffet night at the Garden Cafe generally has fallen on night 2.  Usually there is a whole salmon at the Carvery, the previously mentioned shrimp, mussels and a Korean "soup" of littleneck clams plus many hot offerings.

Like the Birds, I'm also hoping there might be some special "leftovers" from the current media/TA cruise.  Your photos are mouth watering!  See you on the 10th.

On my recent Joy cruise of 10 nights, was surprised the buffet was held the last night.  I chose the MDR prime rib instead.

Have encountered the incorrect 1-1-1 info on SDP on just about every ship.  I've brought it up with their managers and on last cruise it changed immediately after a big meeting and waiters were then supposedly on the same page.  Some had misconceptions they brought with them after a long covid break, some need retraining and some are just plain new.  Some confused with the Latitudes voucher which is stated by NCL as 1--1-1.  (My experience on that is venue-dependent or even waiter-dependent particularly at La Cucina - never have had a problem ordering burrata and "small" order of pasta + entree and dessert. )

To answer your question, yes I often order 2 apps and no dessert.  At Ocean Blue a regular starter  like the blazin' shrimp or the ahi tuna or the scallops on pork belly (so many great ones!) + clam chowder or at Le Bistro escargots + onion soup (or the salmon roll stuffed with crab).  Never more than 1 entree though!

I've experienced pretty much all the possibilities mentioned.  But will see in the last few years (take out covid) when I've booked the inside sailaway guaranty, cabin has been assigned within 2 days.  Have experienced that 3x in the last few months.

Must say I've been very very pleased with my cabins.  Booking an IX I've had two IA's assigned and one IB.  I'm also using one for the Diamond upgrade so we went from an IX to an oceanview and they assigned us an OA.

It's always a gamble.  Pre-covid it wasn't unusual to have to wait till very close in.  So as ships fill up perhaps cabin assignments will change time wise as well.

Good luck to everyone who rolls the dice!  Remember once your cabin is assigned, that's it!

On 9/30/2022 at 8:50 PM, casofilia said:

Who were the senior officers please?  The concierge?   Was an MDR open on embarkation?   

 

Thanks

Concierge is Suzana Bajramovic who joined Jade a couple of months ago.

Last I heard Mirsad was GM.

Always enjoy your posts!

On 9/18/2022 at 8:39 PM, BirdTravels said:

Miss that. Thank you very much @LaCal

So did I, Bird.  Have reservations 1st night dinner Palomar thinking I would be redeeming dinner w/wine.

Thanks to this thread realize that won't be happening.  Fortunately Onda night 2 which does have the complimentary wine list.

1 minute ago, www3traveler said:

Just checked on The Getaway:heading toward Portland, Maine, bright blue skies, fairly smooth seas but several hours behind schedule.

 

I pray the rest of Her journey goes smoothly.

 

I saw a posting that said that Hurricane Fiona could become Canada's Hurricane Sandy.  I certain hope not.

Just got off Joy and we had to go through immigration in Portland as it was our first reentry into the U.S.  Will be the same with Getaway.

For us, it didn't finish till around 2 pm so if GA is already delayed it could mean a very late start or interruption to tours and other plans.  

Perhaps someone onboard will chime in to update us.  They must have been late leaving St. John, NB.

15 hours ago, Treasure Hunter said:

In the Haven , no need. Impossible to get transportation back and forth. Best lobster roll I ever had at DeMillos in Portland. Best seafood chowder with no potatoes,  just clams and lobster in St Martins on top ten tour ( which was otherwise sad)

Just got off Joy and saw that "St. Martin's" tour out of Sydney (IIRC)with the seafood chowder.  Glad the soup was great but what was wrong with the tour?

Good luck in the casino your last day after rather problematic weather!

Glad you are home and hope this time you both remain healthy and hearty!

@Turtles06You're totally correct about the wording.

Just got off Joy and we cleared immigration in Portland.  So when we received that "Know Before You Go" I noticed that same blurb when I checked Gold and it said I was "required" to get off at 7:45 am. to "clear immigration."

Called Guest Svcs who checked it out and said, "No, you don't have to get off  because you already completed immigration."

I told them it was causing some confusion.

Apparently same thing happened in this case?

4 hours ago, KeithJenner said:

Yes, Alain is the GM.

 

There was a meet and greet, but I missed it due to the change in itinerary. I ended up forgetting it when it happened.

 

Latitudes, there was the party on the first day and we also did the Wines Around The World tasting on Monday. The CruiseNext rep is keeps trying to talk me into the Mixology tasting, but I don't think that I could face that.

No behind the scenes tour though, or dinner with officers. Also no OBC offered.

NCL has officially ended the Behind the Scenes and Dinner w/Officers in the same announcement about the expanded dining options for the latitudes vouchers (a really great improvement, more options).

You should try the Sail & Sustain Mixology next time!  There was only 1 other guest and me on Joy plus 2 bartenders.  Interesting drinks!  A couple of refreshing ones and a couple of lip puckering!  I would do it again.

No more OBC on pretty much any ship now according to recent reports here since they pretty much resumed events (and dropped those 2 - at least for now).

Great photos of the ruins!  Thanks again for taking time to take us along!