SakeDad

3 hours ago, LB_NJ said:

I don’t think they would?

They would.

4 hours ago, LB_NJ said:

Will Royal pay the extra cost of getting to Norfolk and the possible cost of an overnight hotel stay?

 

Or will they let everyone cancel without penalty?

Another reason to have travel insurance. They would cover it.

3 minutes ago, BillB48 said:

Hard to recommend, but the Bus tour might give you a broad overview of Panama City, if that is something that interests you.

Thanks. We are looking at other places to be ex-pats in. We were in Vallarta for 3 years before its started to get overbuilt and expensive. So this cruise is a possible check on that.

We overnight in Panama City after a full day Canal transit. Never been. Would we get a better experience from Hop On Hop Off bus or doing a Monkey Island excursion??

21 minutes ago, adidreh1234 said:

I can get bottles but will have to pay for it at 40% off since I’m silver.  Hope that helps 🙂

Ah. I'm Silver but also get the Premium Plus package so it was included. Thanks

5 hours ago, adidreh1234 said:

I just did a post about this as I’m currently on the Gem, and I can confirm that Veuve and Moet are available by the bottle and Veuve is available by the glass in Le Bistro only.  

I was able to get a bottle of Vueve in Hudsons on Embark Day and Palomar pre-arranged with dinner (and good tips) and of course Le Bistro on Prima. Were you able to get bottles besides Le Bistro on Gem? Going on Encore in April and my fingers are crossed.

49 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Uber/Lyft.

Are they readily available when you get off or do you need to order them from the ship?

What's the easiest/best way to get from SF port to SF airport? Small luggage 2 people.

On 12/20/2023 at 10:50 AM, ATSEAMYLIFE said:

I just saw this article on SFGATE regarding planned "hours" long delays at SFO next year due to construction on the "sinking" runways.  If flying in/out of SFO next year you might want to plan accordingly.  https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/sfo-announces-2024-runway-project-18561498.php 

I'm not sure who's more guilty of "click bait" here....SFGate or YOU! You say "HOURS" long delays while the article says 30-60 mins at peak times! Way to exaggerate! 

We are sailing in April (Miami, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, etc...) and I am wondering if we should have some local currency or not? We sailed London-Iceland and never needed any as most places actually encouraged use of credit cards. I can easily get some here at home before we go and our cruise line (NCL) has said they are going to stop giving foreign currency onboard. I'm also fine with taking US $1, $5 and $10 to spend locally if that is good.

Thanks

Looking for the best Langosta lunch in Cabo during our quick stop.

Who's joining us???

Thanks everyone! Based on all your suggestions we have booked the NCL "On Your Own" bus as it was only $50 for the both of us and we can either get a guide there or do it on our own. But at least we have it and it won't sell out now.

2 hours ago, Travelling2Some said:

The town is not that big and the sights were easy to find and didn't require a lot of explanation so I wouldn't think a guide would add that much to the experience. 

Here's the other question...is it a better choice to just enjoy the ship with folks going ashore? We've seen impoverished cities having lived in Mexico. Is there enough to see to make it worth giving up a day on the ship??

21 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

Moderately persistent vendors and the worst pavements to walk on that I have ever seen anywhere.  Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals, no joke.  

LOL...we lived in Puerto Vallarta for 3 years so I know of what you speak! Great advice. 

Would you recommend  doing "on your own" there and back but maybe add a Viator or other tour while there? Or is it not needed? Thanks

I'm posting this here as I ONLY want an NCL excursion in this port. Not interested in any other options!

Going to be in Guatemala in April and want to do an NCL excursion to Antigua there as it's so far away from the ship. What NCL excursions have you done and enjoyed? Or more important which ones should we avoid!? We are mobile and enjoy foods, adventures, culture and beaches.

Again...NCL ONLY!

Thanks

10 hours ago, evanskl4 said:

Unfortunately that wasn't the case  3 of us had P+ and the other 3 didn't so we were trying to get enough glasses to share but they would only bring one glass at a time.

I can't believe you thought that was allowable! Good on the crew for not letting you do it.

We got them on Prima once asked for but DO IT EARLY! Make it the first request when you meet your steward as they run out quickly. And a $10 spot as you request doesn't hurt either. 

Last July on Prima I was able to make all my reservations including Main Dining Rooms on the NCL App. I am sailing Encore in April and reservations for specialty have opened up on the app but the MDR say "Not available at this time". Does Encore MDR take reservations on the app later or only onboard? I am having a hard time finding accurate information. 

.

On 12/11/2023 at 1:40 PM, zackarykeef said:

Just off Encore yesterday. They weren’t out of anything.

 

Veuve available by the glass and bottle in both Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. We ate in Le Bistro twice, and both times our servers kept our glasses full all night with the bottle in the wine bucket next to our table.

 

 

This makes me HAPPY!! We sail Encore in April and I am a Veuve lover. We sailed Prima last July and while it was "only" in Le Bistro I was able to VERY NICELY and with a big tip have it brought to MDR and Palomar when I wanted it. Hopefully I have just as good a service on Encore.

5 hours ago, PATRLR said:

Bird has a well documented dislike for the Vibe and does not believe it's worth spending any money on.

Thank you.

44 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

It is recognition of the fact that the Vibe will be unusable from Mexico to Vancouver on your cruise. No rip off. 

It's April....why would it be unusable? So it will be CLOSED Mexico to Canada? You make no sense with that.

We just realized on Encore Panama Canal April 7th whether you get off in LA (15 days) or Vancouver (21 days) you are still paying $309 per person for your pass. So some are being charged $14 a day and others paying $18 a day (roughly) for the EXACT SAME USAGE! This is a clear ripoff and grift by NCL! They need to prorate things like this so ALL guests pay the same amount. 

13 minutes ago, klfrodo said:

My initial concern is a low medical coverage of $50K and no waiver of pre-existing conditions for you or for family members not traveling with you.

Allianz is also $50,000 medical. And I am only insuring the 2 travelers. Not sure I understand.