Pghcrews

App is showing "gangway up" at 6pm for the first day at CocoCay, moved from 5pm. I suspect they don't want to stay open late at night because of employee issues perhaps?

That's true, can always go with one of those stationary sea days, lol.

Oasis of the Seas sailing out of Miami on March 31 replaced Labadee with a second day at Coco Cay. Really? Two days of amusement park in a row? RCI also will be arriving at Falmouth 3 hours earlier for that previously scheduled stop.

Think it my be the time when the dish arrives at the table?

Thanks everybody who responded. Think I have the info needed. 👍

Thanks guys, dining reservations are done. Nice to no that show reservations are not linked to check in. So now just need to know 1. how far through the check in process can you stop and request a boarding time and 2. how do you find out anticipated starting time for boarding. Thanks again.

First time NCL cruiser here, just need a little info from experienced folks. Can one initiate the online check-in process and then exit/pause the same in order to secure an early embarkation time and make show reservations? Is there a minimum threshhold of info that needs to be entered for check-in before that can be done? Any guidance would be very appreciated, my check-in starts at 12:01 am on Oct 2. TIA.

Note that this is an article from England, where the laws are somewhat different than here in the States. Any prices are supposed to be shown as all in with no additional charges, I believe. In any event, it does explain the workings of the Spanish VAT even if you don't particularly care for the headline.

Check this article: Free at sea: Cruise line’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package doesn’t apply in Spanish waters | The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ncl-free-at-sea-package-spain-vat-b2415631.html

Thanks so much Keith. Your posts have been really helpful. We're set for the same itinerary on the Breakaway leaving October 23. Hope that your cruise was wonderful (notwithstanding the psycho in O'Sheahan's).

My understanding is that for Spain the VAT is assessed at the time of consumption and/or the time of purchase. Accordingly, it's assessed on drinks when served even if on a drinks package purchased months before outside of Spain. Also, my understanding of which country's VAT laws are enforced many times depends upon the embarkation port. For example, I've seen some indication that Spain's VAT rules will be imposed throughout the cruise no matter where you are if the cruise begins and ends in Spain. That said, if the itinerary goes to at least one non-EU country, I believe no VAT is imposed. Regardless, NCL has determined that it is in their best interest to make the VAT the responsibility of its customers when it is imposed, unlike many (if not all) of its competitors. There may be additional nuances, but that seems to be why so many here report paying no VAT when there cruise begins in Italy, for example. Just my two cents.

Wow, thanks so mych for the quick response. Hoping the rest of your cruise has great weather. And thanks so much for these posts, so helpful.

One question on tge Santorini Oia excursion. Were you on the one that stops at a vineyard for a wine tasting? If so which vineyard did you visit?

FYI, you do not need to go through your TA to get an Amenities Confirmation. Just call NCL and ask for one. They will send it to your email addy. At least that's been my experience numerous times when I've booked through my TA.

I'm in a similar situation kittymamma. Booked in 8732 on Breakaway this fall. I too am a little prone to motion sickness, but I'm not sweating it. I'm counting on bonine, ginger chews and sea-bands to keep me on an even keel (pun intended, lol). I'm looking forward to crawling back to my room after a night out too.