JamesIowa

Champagne aside, does grey goose generally seem available at spice h20 and vibe?

@UKstages thanks for the well-written and erudite review. Very insightful and objective. Also, thanks for posting it pretty much simultaneously in different parts! I love reading long reviews and it’s infinitely more cohesive when it’s “all together” vs the post-question-question-flame-question-who’s the hotel manager-post-repeat format most reviews suffer. I mean, the questions are part of it, I get that, but it can make the review itself feel disjointed.

I always get the premium internet. Have sailed on most NCL ships, some many times, and really do not have many complaints about the internet. It’s not super fast, is super expensive, but can usually get it to work for browsing and streaming (I’m the guy streaming Monday Night Football on his iPad while playing slots). Like @cruiseny4life said it also depends on you are (sometimes because of internet itself, others times because of location restrictions on Hulu, Netflix, etc unless you use a vpn). On the breakaway last Dec they had just switched to starlink and that was an incredible improvement! I was connecting at 113mbps for much of the cruise. They’re rolling starlink out to the rest of the fleet, but not sure when getaway is scheduled (think there’s a thread here somewhere about that). it is important to temper your expectations though; it is not your home internet.

The only “real” deals I’ve found consistently with NCL are the 10% vets discount, sailings with no solo supplement, or simply booking for a favorable time of year (low season, first 2 weeks in Dec, etc). I usually watch the prices pretty closely and it seems most price reductions are more “huh, price went down for some reason” other than reduction being attributed to a sale. Agree with others; book what you’re comfortable with then watch the prices.

That does seem to be the rule, but there are almost always very good deals first 2 weeks of Dec. That’s when I sail; almost no kids since most are in school and good deals to be had.

Personally, I absolutely loved the concierge class on joy. The room, I’d say, was 90% of haven in terms of fit/finish. Room size, balcony all were terrific. I think the economics of having a “business class” offering is substantial and something I’d like to see more of. I want a nice room and a few perks. Why is there no option between steerage and 1st class? And don’t say club balcony. I typically sail solo in a balcony (or better), so my personal cruise economics may differ from others (solo supplement, etc). For me, solo, haven pricing doesn’t really get that attractive unless via upgrade bidding. Ex: think my average cabin price is around 2500+ tax let’s call it 3300 all-in. The lowest rung of haven for a 7 day, what, 6-7K+tax so that’s now 7-8k. My rule for haven (or most 1st/business, VIP upgrades) is that I’ll pull the trigger if it’s 2 to 2.5x more than regular. For solos, haven is typically 3-4x from what I’ve seen. why can’t I give NCL 5k for a business class experience? don’t need a butler. Concierge are nice at times. Don’t need ship-within-ship. I understand their reputation for nickel-and-diming, but damnit I want to give them dollars. Lots of dollars. That they don’t want? The economics do scale up when sailing with 2 vs. paying for 2 separate solo-supplement cabins. Haven 2 bedroom then becomes much more reasonable as it can fall within the “2-2.5x more” rule.

According to NCL you can share, but must be mindful re: swipe times: The Arcade Package sharing controls includes limiting guests to three (3) swipes every three (3) minutes. If compromised, the card will be disabled for 15 minutes. Norwegian Cruise Line management reserves the right to alter or change package structure at any time

Can someone please explain how/when the cabana assignments are made? Can you request a selection in advance? on the bliss, are there any recommendations for the best spot for privacy (I.e. not by hot tub), thanks!

That’s me lol. That’s my debark pro tip. Best $20-40 you can spend; those porters know exactly what they’re doing and how to expedite my egress! Loved your report, tyvm. Will be on the Mia-la pc in Dec on bliss and can’t wait!

I usually order room service at night or have breakfast in cabin. Not sure what the proper etiquette is, but I leave the dishes, tray in the cabin (some leave in hall/entry). In a balcony, that shrapnel does take up space. Usually can count on that being gone midday-ish, now sounds like I could be living with that potentially until like 2000? Have they been quicker to remove old trays left in the hallway?

Great review, thanks! I’m doing the bliss 15 day pc Miami/la in Dec 23 (booked vibe/cabana) few questions: - one in my party has an aft balcony where we plan to watch entering the Agua Clara locks, then move to the front of the ship in the afternoon (obs lounge, garden cafe) for cocoli. Did you watch any of the crossing from vibe? Was thinking about going there when we cross under the Atlantic or centennial bridge. Have you any recommendations for the best time for vibe during the crossing? - did you overnight in Panama? If so, do they let you come/go as you please? I assume the casinos/shops are closed during the crossing and overnight? - >11 cruises w/NCL but 1st time cabana and vibe. Not really a lot of reviews that include cabana info, iyo is that juice worth the squeeze? thanks!

Have a great cruise! If you want great service, stop by spice. The head bartender, David livingston, is fantastic!

I’ve seen people do this at the box office once they board; 1 person making show rez for multiple people/cabins. Pretty sure you just need their names and cabin numbers.

here’s a screenshot I grabbed on the BA last month; 113mbps down and 48ms latency It was pretty incredible (unlimited w/streaming worked flawlessly)

Everybody uses the same dining room. j/k Should be fine except for maybe Tropicana/Manhattan which are a touch more formal.

So is it just a shuttle between the world cruise/princess pier to pier 92? Like they’re just not allowing you to walk that short distance but bus instead?

Is the bussing from one pier to another at San Pedro new? Cruised out of there a few times, last one was Dec 22, and never had to do that….even with Covid testing

I thought it was about service / support rabbits

The Beatles, for example, start at 730 in the cavern club. If you want a seat you will want to be there in line about an hour before….so 630. Other main shows start in the theater usually at 730 as well (for the 1st show). I’ve found that if I grab a 530 dinner at the mdr or buffet I can easily make those shows then catch a late night snack later. If I want to catch the early show in the theatre and eat at a specialty restaurant there’s usually plenty of time…especially if you let your waiter know….by getting a 530 or 6 reservation.

Makes sense, thanks

Have read in the past of issues from the bliss smokestack/ scrubbers covering spice h20 and aft balconies in soot. Is this still a problem? Specifically looking for info on pc crossing. Not sure if the itinerary matters but seem to recall this being reported more widely on pc cruises.Have sailed bliss before (mex riv Dec 22) and didn’t notice (at spice anyway). Input appreciated, thanks!

Just reviewed onboard account settlement for breakaway. Breakfast total 5.94 (4.95 + 20%)

On the breakaway now. Six is on Monday and Tuesday (days 2 and 3), burn the floor Friday and sat (days 6 and 7).

I upgraded to unlimited with streaming.

Have run a few speed tests since embarkation; slowest connection measured 68mbps leaving Nola. Today, a sea day and ostensibly more people on their devices, have not seen <100 mbps. Very impressive NCL and Elon! wfh from spice h20 one step closer to reality!