flexsmom

We did a Christmas cruise years ago when my kids were much younger - think they were something like 10 and 6 - albeit it was not NCL. The kids loved it. We prepped them for the idea that it wouldn’t be exactly like Home but took the stockings and put wrapped pictures of their gifts in the stockings, so we still had a “Christmas morning”. Dinner had the traditional turkey option like NCL and it was very festive. Lots of people dressed in holiday attire. I’d say you can make it festive if you want to. The kids have great memories of that cruise. So much so that we are doing a Christmas/NYE with NCL next year now that they are late teens. It was all in the expectation prep for us. (Oh, and laying on deck with a puma colada on Christmas Day instead of cleaning up wrapping paper and fixing an elaborate Christmas dinner was heaven for me!)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

One big selling point for our kids on the most recent itinerary was the time in port. For Kotor and Santorini we had 2pm arrival times. Meant time for everyone to sleep in it have lunch, enjoy the ship, etc. Then we had as much time as we wanted - or not - in port. We did Kotor on our own for a few hours and did a 6 hour tour in Santorini. That was likely the longest day we had. In contrast, the Baltic cruise did have some long tour days (definitely worthwhile - but long). So it depends on what you want. My kids were all in for the long Baltic days - but then asked for something less intensive and more “vacation-y” for the next year. We had leisurely days in Venice and didn’t go nuts on any of our Adriatic destinations as a result. All depends on what you want......

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi Dan,

We did the Getaway Baltic last summer and the Star out of Venice this summer - family of 4 with an 18/14 year old last summer - 19/15 this summer. I asked my kids this question after our trip this summer. They enjoyed all of the ports last summer and liked the Getaway facilities better. But - they said overall they enjoyed this year’s trip more. The younger one said the club was fun on both ships. Last year was a lot higher pace in terms of excursions and tours that were largely based on historical sites, museums, etc., which were fun but long days. This year they LOVED the few days we had in Venice first. We did a beach day one day (Mykonos) where my youngest was able to dive, and we did a day on a private boat (Corfu) with a BBQ and lots of snorkeling that was their favorite.

Excursions this year were definitely less $$ on the whole.

We traveled in June for both trips so I can’t comment on the weather in Greece in July.

Happy to answer any other comparative questions. I don’t think you can go wrong with either option, to be honest!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]We just finished this cruise. In Venice, I wore Bermuda shorts that I could roll below my knees as well as a t-shirt for our evening tour of St Mark's Basilica. My teen daughter wore a romper but tied a scarf around her waist. One girl on our tour was told to find something to cover herself - had on ripped jeans that may as well have been shorts and a skimpy tank top. I think it took two scarfs before they'd allow her in. Capris are fine. All of that said, I'd say most of the men had on shorts and not one of them was turned away (most of them were long shorts.) I went into another large church to sit for a while in Venice on my own while waiting for my kids to finish a mask-painting class, and now that I think about it, I was wearing shorts. Not a ton of tourists, and only a handful of people praying - it was actually really nice.

In Montenegro we hiked up the hill to Our Lady of Health - so, there is NO WAY I'd wear pants to do this. It was a good work-out. But then again, it's the view that's the destination and not the church - but there's no one monitoring who wears what up there anyway. They are all busy selling water to poor hapless hikers who thought they took enough with them! Can't speak for Our Lady of the Rocks, but I think a lot of tours just cruise by it anyway.

Long story short - just take a light-weight decorative scarf and have your wife wrap it around her waist or shoulders as needed so she can wear what the weather dictates but still "cover up" for whatever church you decide to visit. Some of them are absolutely spectacular - don't miss out on them due to the wardrobe request!

I received so much great info on this board prior to booking our excursions that I thought I would report back on what we did and our impressions.

We had a couple of other ports, but our Greek ports were Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos.

Corfu - we booked the Nautilus and had an amazing day with aboard. Our roll call wasn't very active, so it was just our family of four, so a bit pricey but all agree it was the BEST day of our cruise. We docked in Corfu, disembarked, and found the Nautilus tied up close by. We cruised to some beautiful little grottos, swam into a cave, did some snorkeling in the clearest water we've ever seen, and had the best lunch of our trip that was cooked on a BBQ on-board. Fish, chicken, grilled veggies, saganaki, wine, you-name-it. Iakis and his godson were wonderful hosts. We'd do this trip again in a heartbeat.

Santorini - Booked via Viator a tour offered by Santorini Unique Experience Tour. There were a few other ships in port, but we had no trouble with the tender and cable car to the top of Fira to meet our guide. Our guide was a local high school teacher, and he and our driver took us all over Santorini - beaches, villages that weren't overrun by tourists, fabulous wine tasting, and probably a more educational view of Santorini than we would have had otherwise. The views in Oia were amazing, but even late in the day it was just overrun, so we were happy to have had the more sedate experiences elsewhere in Santorini. We had plenty of time after the tour to shop in Fira, followed by about a 45 minute wait for the cable car down. We didn't dock until 2pm, so very happy to have the wine tasting stop to grab a quick snack. I had originally thought to eat dinner in port, but with the cable car lines, we decided it was best to head down and just grab a late bite on the ship (we had a 9:30 all-aboard time.) One humorous note - my daughter and I bought leather sandals in Fira - had to laugh as the shoemaker was adamant that we were buying shoes too large for our feet - but the size he wanted us to buy had our heels almost hanging over the ends. He was downright irritated. I think we Americans must wear our shoes differently!

Mykonos - My teenage son is a diver and really wanted to dive in Greece, so I coordinated with Waldemar at the Kalafati Dive Center. He picked us up at the port and my son did one boat dive while the rest of us (party of three) rented an umbrella and some chairs on Kalafati beach. We had a relaxing day and he checked something off his bucket list. The water was a bit chilly, but clear as could be. The restaurant close by was a bit of a disappointment (burgers and club sandwiches when I was looking for a Greek lunch), but a man selling hot homemade donuts on the beach made our day! Sugar and cinnamon were the options - amazing snack that filled us up. Our son was very happy with the dive - felt safe and equipment was in good shape - all in all it was a unique day with great weather and a beautiful beach. We were dropped back at the port, and had time for some Greek appetizers at a restaurant before we headed for the ship. My humorous story about Mykonos - the woman under the umbrella in front of us decided to sit topless. No biggie - it's Europe, right? My son had his first experience with that. However, then she stripped off the bottoms, too, and put the whole suit on top of the umbrella to dry off. After a while she got up, put it back on, went back into the ocean, and after her dip, took it all off again to dry. I'm pretty open-minded, but I wasn't expecting the bottoms to come off, too. From the looks of the patrons around us, neither was anyone else. Definitely made it a memorable experience....while munching on donuts.

I had asked about diving in Greece before we left and there wasn't much info, so hopefully this helps someone! I think most of the patrons were people staying on the island for a while, so perhaps that is why there just isn't much info out there for cruise pax.

I do! The past two years I have planned 3-4 days of other touring after our family cruises, and my kids (teens) have told me "no more, please". They said they love to do stuff before the cruise, but afterwards, they are pretty much tired and ready to head home. We just did the Venice cruise earlier this month, and I heeded their advice. We took the train to Milan, toured for the afternoon, and then flew home the next day. Even with just that, and as much as we loved what we saw, we were all a bit cranky and ready to go - but since we were using miles to fly free, I took whatever route I could get, and that meant going to Milan.

I vote for flying into Rome, doing your thing there, which can intensive (and hot), and then taking the train to Venice. You'll definitely get awesome sights of the city on the sail out and the sail in, compared to flying in (especially if you end up sitting on the wrong side of the plane when you land there, like I did!) I'll also add that the train to Milan was lovely. While we did pass some industrial areas, we also went through some beautiful countryside with little villages. I'd bet you'll get the same on the train from Rome.

PS - we docked in Venice very early, so even if you do add a day on the backend, you'll have the better part of the day to visit the highlights.

That would be funny. Does it have a tub maybe? They don’t seem to have a clue what they’re doing.

There are two hot tubs in Spice H2O, a couple of large round loungers and many tables/chairs - some are standard height and some are community table height. On our cruise last week the whole place was a jumble because there were three World Cup games per day being shown on the 4 or 5 TVs mounted in the area. All of the tables and chairs were dragged to be positioned to see the TVs and the place was packed during every game we saw. I don’t think it’s a “normal” layout right now - until the World Cup is over. It was actually a great place to watch the games given the varied demographics of the pax and the teams playing - it was raucous on occasion!

That said - kids are allowed until midnight - including in the hot tubs - and then adults only after that.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Just to add - we were on this cruise. This was the first port we’ve had cancelled in 14 cruises so we consider ourselves fairly lucky. My son saw the electric storm going on over night and based on the whitecaps as far as we could see for several hours even after we left, we never questioned the decision. Just wanted to add that our final bill had $7 per person refunded for port charges for Dubrovnik, as well as $6 per person for a port charge adjustment for an earlier port.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We just left the Star in June 24. I booked some of our specialties on-line (party of 4) but then booked Teppenyaki for the first night while in the terminal when first meeting Monica, the concierge. She was great all week - helped out with a few billing issues and moved one reservation at Cagney’s for us from one night to the last night with no issues when we were just too tired to go out for dinner. Monica had her laptop with her in the terminal and would have booked as much dining as we wanted/needed right there.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I was just on the phone with NCL and asked if the Haven had priority disembarking while in SPB, they do not, this is very helpful info to me! Thank you:)

 

We are also looking at SilverSeas. Even though they do not have a dedicated kids area, they will have a counselor on board (summer months) to do activities with the kids, if needed. It's not much of a price difference between them and NCL Haven.

Our experience on the Getaway in the Haven on the Baltic itinerary was that the concierge would escort us down to the disembarkation area via a service elevator at all ports whenever we were ready to go. This included St Petersburg which substantially helped us in hopping in a line for immigration since we did a private tour. The concierge escort for each port and for final disembarkation was a huge perk for the Haven. Maybe it’s not listed on a sheet of benefits for the customer service people who go only by the info they have at their fingertips, but it definitely exists.

That said, we were on the first of last year’s Getaway cruises to dock directly in Stockholm and the archipelago was truly amazing. Most of the other dates had to dock in Nynashamn, including several that he the itinerary changed just weeks before the cruise dates. We were lucky. If the archipelago truly is important to you, I’d go towards Oceania. We had a fabulous time on Getaway and loved the Haven experience, but the smaller ship will maximize your odds of that sail through the islands. A large number of this year’s dates on Breakaway have already been changed to Nynashamn and people who booked long ago aren’t happy about it, which is understandable.

Happy planning!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If there are no straws I wonder what they’re doing about little kids drinks in the MDR. Not having a lid and a straw for some little ones would be constant spilled milk, so to speak. Plus, I’ll either be taking my own straws (which defeats their purpose if it’s for environmental reasons) or asking for a spoon for my frozen drinks. Ask in request is one thing. Not having available at all is another.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I’m on the Star in June so I’ll let you know what happens then, too!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

:evilsmile:

Which ship were you on??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We were on the Getaway. My understanding was that the rule that if one buys, all must buy only pertains to when UBP is not one of the Free at Sea choices, whereas with UBP it is optional for the remaining stateroom passengers - and that is exactly what happened with us (and with realcindylouwho, evidently, although not sure what ship). We just purchased the soda package for Guest 3 on the first day.

This was not our experience. We had 4 in one room with 2 having UBP. Guest 3 purchased soda package on the ship. Guest 4 has nothing. We were told it was not required for all since we had UBP. YMMV on the ship.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Here is the link to the contact info to escalate your issue with TAP Portugal - from Chris Elliott’s consumer website -

http://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/tap-air-portugal/

Some airlines will give you a stipend on the spot for list luggage to help with incidentals - especially if there’s no ETA for the bag, which seems to be the case here. I’m sure your priority is finding clothes, I understand - but perhaps going up the chain to the VP of customer service will help motivate them to find the bag and get it to one of your ports if it doesn’t arrive before your departure tomorrow.

So sorry! I can only imagine your frustration!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Eh, the service charge was probably added on in the first place to lower the cost of the UBP. The tip is optional if you pay directly, right?

 

Since most alcohol I drink is with meals the drink service charge would have been wrapped up in the waitstaff service charge right? I don’t know about you, but I don’t double tip wait staff for bringing me a glass of wine.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

No - 20% is added to the cost of individual drinks. It is not optional and applies to drinks ordered at the bar or in the dining rooms. (It could be 18% - not sure - but it’s definitely added and not included in the “waitstaff service charge”.)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If the cruise starts and ends in the same US port, your mother-in-law needs either a passport or a certified copy of her birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.

Assuming she is a US citizen....if not, then she would need the passport.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You might go to Flightaware and put your flights in to see what their historical performance has been. Some flights just seem to be late more frequently than others and we’ve found Flightaware to be helpful in avoiding those when time is critical.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I’ll add that the cruise director made a point of announcing that Cirque shows were available - even the day of. If floor seating is important to you I’d book as soon as you can, but it seemed that they were working to fill the seats each day as they “added” shows. Also, we had read that the preset meal was kind of “meh” but we found it to be pretty decent. One lady at our table had ordered the vegetarian option, also, and she said it was good.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

On the Getaway last summer there were several dates and times added. We weren’t thrilled with the one we booked online so we switched with no problems.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you all! This is great info and just what I needed to push the family over the edge! Looking forward to not cooking for the extended family!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Am considering a 14-day on the Star in 2019 around Cape Horn that would encompass Christmas & New Years. Our kids will be 20 and 16, so not youngsters, but we are a “Christmas family” and do enjoy the season and traditions. We’ve cruised over the holidays before but that was on Disney so I’m wondering what it’s like on board an NCL ship on those days? Decorations? New Years party? We’re definitely going for the trip and ports but just curious what kind of atmosphere to expect when I sell the trip to the family!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

What time do you plan to have taxi meet the ship?? I wonder how long it takes to disembark?

Thanks everyone for your quick responses.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I’m debating with myself (not sure who will win!) but I think probably 9:30. We’ll end up with some time at the station camping out which I don’t love to do with all the luggage but oh well. I figure avoiding the people mover line and dragging bags over the bridge (and the associated teenage whining) makes it worth the small extra cost. We’re using Zip Transfers there as well as the next day in Milan to go from hotel to airport.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hmmmmm. No Self Disembark!! Interesting. So the ship is supposed to dock at 8 a. We plan to have a private taxi waiting for us. Guess we would be safe booking the 11:30a train ?? I think it’s a 30 minute taxi ride.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

That’s our plan too. I’ve booked a taxi and our train leaves Mestre at 11:02. Fog “shouldn’t” be an issue in June so we’ll keep fingers crossed!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We are cruising on the Star this summer also out of Venice, taking a train afterwards. From reading the Ports of Call boards, walking off with luggage is not an option for cruises in Venice. If you are going out of Santa Lucia, there is the People Mover and a bridge to navigate walking to get to the station. If you go out of Mestre, the cab ride is supposed to be about 15-20 minutes. I was considering a 9am train and decided there was no way to make it after reading numerous threads over on the port board, so we’re leaving from Mestre at 11. I’d recommend checking out the threads over there - there are a couple regular and knowledgeable posters who can help!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums