okpaddy

Dear PugM0m, Thank you for the detailed review. It was well done and seems very sincere. I have also sailed both of these cruise lines, although it has been a number of years since sailing RCCL. I enjoy a smaller to mid size vessel and prefer itineraries that are new to me. Best wishes for many more adventures.

Really enjoying your posts. DW and I were on the Jewel B2B2B this spring and we shared a wonderful adventure. The Jewel is a lovely ship with a convenient layout. We thought the crew for the most part were very hard working and cheerful. We also experienced several disappointing meals at the specialty restaurants. I was served a pork chop in Le'Bistro that was inedible. The chop was so badly burned that I was unable to cut it with a steak knife. It was over forty five minutes before the waiter came back to check on us, even though I had asked two other waitstaff to please send our waiter or Maitre'd to our table. . I explained the chop was inedible and never should have been served. He took the plate away and never offered to replace it or offer something different. I finally spoke with the Maitre'd and told her what had happened. The Maitre'd returned with the sous chef who apologized for the chop. He offered to bring a different chop, but at this point DW had been finished with her dinner by over an hour. I said no thank you, but that an hour ago I would have liked the option to replace the ruined chop. I also told them I was truly surprised and disappointed that the service had fallen off so badly. We also had two disappointing meals in La Cucina. We enjoyed Cagney's and Moderno's and found the waitstaff in the main dining room to be much more attentive than in the specialty restaurants. Allergy coordinator was also very helpful. Please continue to post and enjoy your adventure with your father.

DW and I have travelled several times to/from Europe with her scooter. She uses a Drive Spitfire 4 wheel scooter. Very sturdy and reliable. However, her scooter doesn't fold. It is possible to break it down into several smaller components. Tour busses and excursions are very seldom able to accommodate her scooter. We usually hire taxi's to do our own excursions in port. Many taxi drivers are hesitant, but usually comply when I show them I can disassemble and store the scooter within the trunk of most sedans. The only problem you may experience with this type of scooter is entering/exiting your ship cabin. We always book an accessible cabin for the wider door (plus roll-in shower) When you are trying to decide on which scooter, mobility device will work best for your needs, be certain to check that the mobility device you choose is airline compliant. Airlines restrict the battery type and weight limits on the scooters. If you find a foldable device that meets your needs, share the info because many could benefit from your experience. Good luck and best wishes

Thank you for this review. I have sailed the Jade previously and enjoyed it very much. Best wishes for a wonderful adventure.

And pass the ammunition, i.e. Bulleitt Bourbon 🍸

Who was worrying about tipping over ???

DW and I spent 19 days in Japan this spring split between land and cruise. A wonderful experience, the country and the people were accommodating and very friendly. Celiac sufferers face an uphill battle in Japan. We took Japanese translated Gluten Free cards explaining about cross contamination and typical foods that contain gluten. That being said, we often had to resort to Nigiri style sushi, or Korean style BBQ where you cook the meat on a personal grill. We brought along Gluten Free Soy sauce packets and had to be careful that whatever we ordered at restaurants wasn't marinated, or seasoned with soy sauce. Best wishes for a great adventure.

Thank you Mike, It was my pleasure to recently meet you and Pauline on the Jewel. I send best wishes for speedy recoveries for both of you and wanted you to know that I appreciated your helpful suggestions. Best wishes, Jim

This is cruel and unusual punishment for those of us that are doing without hash browns. I'm leaving soon to meet the Jewel in Japan. I expect to learn yet again that potatoes are unable to be shredded, or fried onboard 🤔 I will try to substitute my regret over the lack of fried spuds with my desire to consume copious amounts of bourbon.

I've heard from other travelers that they were never asked about medications even after they filled out the import forms. I've also heard that it can be a nightmare if you don't obtain the permission ahead of arrival. I recently had to complete the medicine import forms even though I will only be transitioning for four days. My issue was that I would be bringing in excess of thirty days supply because of B2B2B cruises leaving from Japan. I needed a letter from my MD listing all of my Rx, with the dosages. You then have to make certain none of your meds are on the banned list, plus you need to list ingredients and manufacture information. It was very frustrating, and had to be resubmitted several times before it was approved. Now that I have the approval letters I probably will never be asked for them during the customs clearance procedure. I still felt better about having jumped through the hoops before I arrived. No one likes a nasty surprise after a 20 hour travel day 😁 I hope you don't have any headaches with the forms, or your trip. Best wishes

I am able to access my account and log onto the NCL website.

I have used this method for many years. I have added my cell phone number to the card. I am actually four years retired now, but if someone should contact my previous employer instead of me they would take the luggage or contact me.

I lost my hearing nine years ago and have a cochlear implant. I find that after so long a time and the trouble with tinnitus that I've learned to embrace the quiet. I travel with my DW and if I need any help I simply have her repeat and then I rely on lip reading. I know this doesn't address your trouble, but it was very liberating for me when I discovered that for the most part I didn't need to hear the nonsense going on around me. I still attend shows with my DW, but I go for her company, and not the audio. Some visually themed shows are still entertaining, but the singing, music or comics are not getting through to me. I hope you find some help from RC, or whomever you sail with. Best wishes P.S. I will on rare occasions wear the cochlear device if I have a doctor's appointment, or need to meet with an attorney. Otherwise I've managed just fine. The most common issue is when I tell someone that they need to face me while speaking because I need to lip read to communicate, but invariably they continue talking while turning away, or turning their back to me, or leave the room. At that point I assume it wasn't that important 🤔

Sorry, but I cannot answer the OP's question as I don't have experience with Haven accommodations. I do feel that zero worry about lost luggage is misleading. I have previously had a full sized suitcase misplaced for the first four days of my cruise. I have also experienced luggage not arriving to the stateroom until well after dinner and closer to bedtime. I now always carry basic necessities in my carry-on, such as medicines change of clothes, etc... Hopefully none of the what ifs will occur on your adventure. Safe sailing and enjoy your time at sea.

Thank you, This is very helpful information. I am on the same sailing as AP had similar questions about stopping in and returning from Busan SK. Do you have any recommendations for a day in Busan ? I believe DW is interested in visiting a local market.

Thank you, This was very helpful.

Thanks Engr. Great, now I've got the Yakety Sax song playing in my head... 🎷

I hope you realize that you just revealed the key to marital bliss. Just keep repeating to yourself, that she is always right and your life will be so much more pleasant. You can justify this by remembering that she chose to marry you... Happy journeys to you and yours.

I enjoy the relaxed environment on NCL. I tend to prefer the small to medium sized ships. I'm not interested in the mega ships, but glad they exist to cater to the more ambitious travelers. I really enjoy the freestyle dining and the flexibility of dining on your own schedule. I enjoy getting to meet the staff and have encountered some truly fantastic crew members. I appreciate the hard work it takes to feed and clean up after so many people day after day. There are changes that have occurred over the past 22 years that I have been cruising, but I can still find plenty of things to enjoy about the experience. I hope you enjoy your TA, as we have made at least half a dozen crossings. I have sailed both directions, but my preference is crossing east to west. That way the long plane flight is at the beginning of the trip while you're still energetic and excited. Then the crossing coming back home has time changes added into the schedule on five or six days, which allow for nap time 🥱 I'm off again the end of March to begin a B2B2B adventure. I'll be on the Jewel and I'm interested to see the changes from the most recent refurbishment. Wishing the OP safe journeys and wonderful adventures and hoping everyone else is enjoying their time at sea.

This is really helpful information, thank you.

Thank you Trinity91 for a well written and thoughtful review. We are considering The Prima out of Galveston for a family cruise. Your review will help us decide.

Thank you for the update. I applaud your courage and admire your strength. I hope you continue to travel, explore and meet new adventures. I think the gawking and staring might have been caused because you are gorgeous and radiate a beautiful smile 😁 Please share more photos if you have them available and tell us more about what you enjoyed. Best wishes

Dave's not here man...

ToriOKC, I will keep you and your travel companions in my thoughts and prayers for a wonderful and safe journey. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your adventure Be sure to enjoy the delicious food in New Orleans.

Thank you Monkey, Your response was very helpful. P.S. GO JETS !!!