jules181

Canadian butter (and dairy in general) is absolute crap compared to the rest of the world and specifically Europe. I have brought back small amounts of butter/cheese for personal use and have declared it to customs without issue. As long as you declare it, you're good.

The one thing to note is that Rome to Munich is not an "international" flight as we understand it. Flights within the Schengen area in Europe (which both Italy and Germany are part of) are essentially domestic flights. The Rome airport is a mess at the best of times, however if you're able to get off the ship first thing in self-assist (7am) and have a private transfer to the Airport (8:30am), you could probably chance an earlier flight. (10am?)

I did it on the Joy, and absolutely loved it. It was a lot more physical than I expected, we're all spoiled by power steering. There are places to pass on the course. I had a couple of fast guys and my mom who brought up the rear. We all learned how to pass her. Just to note, maximum occupancy of the go karts is one. If you want to do the course, you get to drive.

Is your Airbnb in Rome? Or in Civitavecchia? The cruise does not start in Rome and the port is over an hour away. I would be on an early train out to the port. (the port is very walkable from the train station) You never know what issues you'll run into on Italian roads or train tracks.

I was on the Joy in Feb. It was the best buffet I have ever experienced on an NCL ship. We usually eat breakfast in the MDR and went to the buffet every day. That being said. For breakfast in the MDR, you could show up in PJs and slippers.

You've been given the official policy, however in practice, is it enforced? I was on the Joy departing Southampton in February. I'm also an avid scotch drinker and find that the UK is a good place to stock up on such things. After dropping my bags, checking in, grabbing my keycard, and while waiting for boarding to begin, I decided to walk to the local liquor store and pick up a few bottles. I picked up four 70cl bottles, and carried them in a liquor box provided by the store back to the ship. There was no disguising what came in this box. They went through x-ray, and I carried them in the box on the ship, and no one said anything. I have had this experience in other ports, where liquor was ignored. So if you were to bring a case of wine onboard for your own enjoyment, there is a chance that no one will say anything. But officially, you need to pay corkage on every bottle.

Have two new ones which I don't see on the list. FOBC TPNET50

It's more a question of the itinerary than the cost. Weeklong, port heavy, Caribbean cruise, inside is fine. Two week translatalntic, balcony is required. Any intinary where there will be things to see, must have a balcony. If I can't afford the balcony on those cruises, I find a different itinerary. I've snagged some amazing balcony deals over the years.

Some of us have multiple passports and depending on the destination and ports we might want to use one over another. I also had a situation where my passport was damaged and needed to be replaced 3 years into 10. Having me enter it every time is the best way to verify. I'd rather take the extra few seconds than have customs/immigration flag my file for something outdated. Sometimes I cruise with my emergency contact. I don't think it's ever taken me more than 5 minutes to check in. Is this really a problem?

The thermal suite on the Escape has the best views on the ship.

You'll be able to use social media. You won't be able to watch movies/TV. You need the streaming package for that.

If the number of scooters on a cruise ship are any indication. There are definitely more handicapped people than handicapped rooms. If this is what matters to you, probably best not to upgrade.

If MSC is willing to pay, I'm sure they're more than happy to move their ships to another berth. For our convenience 😉

If it was a money maker it would be offered at the casino cage.

This is what I've noticed. Prices have increased for peak travel periods and high demand itineraries. If you have flexibility with dates, just want to get on the ship and don't care where you go, there's incredible value to be found. I've been taking 3+ cruises per year since the restart because the prices are so low compared to other vacation options such as the Mexican/Carribean all inclusive. The value has been unbeatable. Repositioning cruises, translatlantics, even Carribean/Mexican itineraries at the right time. I've been on 4 different cruise lines and had the same experience all around but still find the best value is with NCL. Probably have two 12+ night cruises in the plans this year. Could see about sneaking in a third. There's no better value if you're flexible.

Has anyone seen updates on which ships have been deployed and timelines for those that remain?

Does the Bliss have starlink or the legacy system?

It can't be any worse than the legacy system. There is literally no where to go but up.

If enabled on the ship, all internet packages use starlink.

I've done this route several times on the Epic the last few years. The late departure is a result of the logistics of flying to San Juan and not the ship coming in late. Day of flights from the US and Canada don't land until the afternoon. However, the ship arrives in the early morning and starts debarkation early. When we were in San Juan the night before we were able to board at noon. If you're in the area, there's no downside to getting there on the early side. Just know the port area is an absolute mess with regards to traffic if you're going to get there early. If you're getting there at 3-5pm it's much better. Honestly, I'd recommend walking to the pier if you're able. I've done it before.

Everyone has hit the nail on the head. The value of a spa pass is very dependent on the situation. I'll get it every time when I'm sailing a sea heavy, repositioning or Carribean itinerary. I'll pass when I'm on a port heavy intinerary of places I want to visit. It is very much worth it in my opinion to have access to a comfortable area that isn't crowded to relax and watch the world go by.

Think you need a refresher on how the human immune system works. Our body is trained how to fight infection by fighting infection. By avoiding sickness you're making things worse for yourself in the long run.

They weren't dooing this on my April 2021 transatlantic or any cruise thereafter.

Or you could just go about your life as we did pre-2020. We didn't seem to care about the spread of respitory illness on the petri dish that is a cruise ship then. What's changed? After being robbed of two years. I'd rather live my life and enjoy my vacation without worry or fear. If I get sick, I get sick. I'll go lay on the deck in the sun and have the wonderful soups served on board until I'm feeling better.

I'm sure they'll lock you in your room if you go waving a positive test around. But they're doing it to make you feel better about yourself. Most of us know you can't test positive if you don't test.