Tutone56

2 hours ago, zzdoug said:

Is it really necessary to book your March 2024 cruise over a year in advance? Why not wait until you take your September cruise and then decide? That still gives you 6 months until March 2024 which I would guess is probably early enough for most discounting. Plus so much could change in 15 months. NCL may cancel or reroute the cruise, something that has been happening somewhat frequently lately. 

That might be the best way to go, thanks.

Thank you all, great information!

I guess that’s something to consider.

Neither of us are the partying type these days.  I was looking at Port Canaveral cruises because we normally try to find a rental for a couple of weeks in the Orlando area so that port is closer.  We enjoy eastern or southern Caribbean so Tampa would not be an option.  

Thanks, that’s good to know.  

We are booked on the Escape for a New England/Canada cruise the September.  This will be our 6th cruise.  The 5 previous cruises were on smaller ships such as the Pearl, Jewel, POA.  I'm looking forward to cruising on a large ship.  My wife is concerned with the amount of passengers, which I understand.  I'm looking at booking the Escape again for March 2024.  She wants to see what the large ship experience is like before we book again.  I'm not sure how to alleviate her concerns. Also, at what point would I loose money if I booked now for March 2, 2024 and we decide to cancel in mid September 2023?

Hope I’m not hijacking this thread but is there somewhere on NCL’s site that states what’s required for check in?  I don’t remember ever needing photos, etc. on previous cruises when checking in.

Thank you. 

While looking at the deck plans for the Escape, I noticed an interior space on Deck 12 that doesn't indicate what it is used for, specifically in the area of Stateroom 12250.  Does anyone know what is there?  There are other decks that have similar areas that are unnamed.  Just curious, thanks.

Just now, phoenix1181 said:

The fares from Boston in 2023 are almost double what they were in 2022.  I'm hoping to do Boston to Bermuda again next summer but unless the prices come down some, I'll be heading to Maine or New Hampshire!

 

I'm also looking out of NYC and it's about 1/2 the price.  One additional port when departing out of Boston.  NYC is less convenient for me but the price difference is rather substantial. 

Hey everyone, we haven't cruised in a few years, the last one on the POA, the last cruise before the Covid.  I was looking at the prices today for a New England/Canada cruise out of Boston around the end of August and it was around $5300 for the 2 of us for a mid ship balcony, no airfare necessary.  Is that typical nowadays?  

We were on the last sailing (3/7-3/14) prior to covid shutdown.  I'm so glad we were able to complete this cruise.  It was a once in a lifetime trip for us.  We had a wonderful time.  Although it was more costly than our normal Caribbean cruises, it was well worth it! 

Was NCL able to do the dry dock for the POA?  I think it was scheduled for April-May 2020 time frame? 

We just did that today. We had reservations for tomorrow but decided to go today. Arrived at 8:50 today and exchanged them for 9:15 today instead of 11am tomorrow. 

Thanks, great tips.  We leave in 8 days!

Great review, thanks.

Wonderful review!  We cruise on 3/7,  and after reading your review I'm more excited then ever!  Being from the east coast, we are breaking up the flights as well, staying in San Francisco for a couple of days with our son and his family.

1 hour ago, princeton123211 said:

You should have enough time-- they open at 6am. Just Uber over from your hotel to the trailhead. Its not long in distance but its a considerable climb-- not super difficult but can be challenging for some. Takes at least 2 hours-- can take more if there are a bunch of people on it. I would budget 3 hours to give yourself some time up there and time to get back to your hotel. 

Great, thanks.

Did you have enough time to hike Diamond Head before checking out of your hotel on Saturday?  I was thinking of doing that so we could get back to the room and clean up before boarding the ship?

32 minutes ago, esm54687 said:

Not sure why your panties are in a bunch.....

 

You stated you were surprised that you paid in full and two posters said you shouldn't have been if you read the T&Cs.......  and then answered when you'd get your credit since you paid in full. 

 

 

It doesn’t seem necessary to me to tell someone that  there are 734 responses and that they didn’t follow directions.
Under normal circumstances I probably would have noticed the requirements. But between working full time, caring for my daughters toddlers and dealing with a cancer diagnosis my plate has been a little full lately.  Sorry I’ve wasted your time responding to number 735. 

Thank you dbrown84. 

It’s responses like this that make me and others hesitate to ask questions here. I’m sorry if I bothered you. 

I was surprised when I booked excursions through NCL on the website.  I was required to pay in full.  The charges showed up on my credit card.  How does the $50 per port credit get applied if I've already paid full price?  

Thank you Beachiekeen and Aloha Cathy.

Enjoyed your review, one question if you're still monitoring this thread.  We will be going to kalapaki beach as well.  Do you recall if they have beach chairs to rent?  Were there public restrooms available?   Thanks.

Good to know, thanks.