TN Roz

We picked Encore as this is our first Alaska cruise and we were told not to miss Glacier Bay! Thank you all for the information! Very helpful!

We have done this in New Orleans as well.

We are cruising out of Seattle next year and have never heard of this service but would definitely use it and would even pay extra! Hopefully if it is discontinued it will be brought back.

Thank you all for the valuable information! We are long time CCL and RCCL cruisers, but I think we will really enjoy NCL and are looking froward to comparing the three lines. Having this cruise booked has brought back some of the old excitement of cruising that we had kind of lost after so many on the same ships and same ports.

This is one of the excursions we are interested in. Is the VIP the longer one?

We have our first NCL cruise booked to Alaska May 2025. I was looking at my reservation and there are only 26 shore excursions available. Does this mean all but 26 are sold out or is it too early for all of the excursions to be showing?

We like the Marriott on Canal Street. Convenient location and we always feel safe.

Sorry, can’t help with that. We always pay with cash.

The first time we used them our children were teens so we did the monkey, sloths and zip line and went to the beach. The second time we did an island tour, went to a local restaurant for authentic food and then to the beach. The last time (Dec. 2022?) we went to the cacao factory, snorkeling and spent some time on the beach. Each time our driver always pulled over for us to take photos at scenic views. Would not hesitate to book with them again.

Prayers for a speedy recovery for your grandma.

I have cruised on the Mardi Gras and loved it! As previously stated, take any and all reviews with a grain of salt. Some people will give a negative review if dinner was slow one night or if their cabin attendant forgot to bring them ice one day. They let one negative ruin their whole cruise.

I have the reserve card also. Just checked, nothing for me.

Following. Long time Carnival cruisers. We will be doing our first on NCL next Spring to Alaska. Interested to get your comparison of the two lines.

Late to the party! Love your reviews. My sister and I will be in a Havana cabin on the Horizon in September.

I have been on the Vista and the Mardi Gras and I think the Mardi Gras would be the best option for your family. I love both, but the only thing that would make me choose the Vista over an Excel class ship would be if I were booking a Havana cabin. This area is much better on the Vista class ships. I have never stayed in a Family Harbor cabin, but from what I have read, there are some extra perks that come with those. Either way, enjoy!

Best burger at sea! The fries have changed, but still not bad!

This has been a very interesting and informative topic. I have been on several Carnival cruises (over 20) and have been on 3 or 4 with Royal. We are not loyal to any one line and choose the cruise that we feel fits our needs the most. That being said, I have an Alaskan cruise booked on NCL for April 2025. We made the decision based on several things, most importantly the ship (Encore) and the value of the drink package and specialty dining. On CCL, we pay around $1,000 for the drink package for the 2 off us for 7 days. We usually eat at a specialty dining venue at least twice at $40 or $45 per person. NCL also had more excursions on the Alaska itinerary that appealed to us so the $50 off per cabin is a plus for us. Also, I learned on this tread that you can order 2 drinks at time. This has always been a pet peeve of mine on Carnival as I like a beer chaser with my spicy Bloody Mary and my tequila shots. Waiting 5 minutes (usually longer by the time the bartender gets back to you to order that chaser) is really inconvenient in my opinion. As others have said, do your research and choose the line that is best for you and your budget. This forum is a good source, but we all have different experiences and opinions. @Saint Greg I have read your reviews for years and I know that you do your research and provide accurate and up to date information. I have taken your recommendations for everything from hotels in NOLA to parking, restaurants and drinks!

Embarkation: Funship Morning: Spicy Bloody Mary By the pool: Blue's Blue frozen Margarita, Kiss on the Lips, Mango Margarita Afternoon drinking: Coors Light or tequila shots Evening: Whatever they want to make for me at Alchemy

The Bloody Mary from the Serenity Bar is good. Olives only, no bacon like at Pig and Anchor.

Our experience was much the same as Jenjer. Very hot, no issues with soot. I think I would prefer the Havana Cabana over the aft balcony if pricing is similar.

New to NCL. We are looking to book the Encore or Bliss for May 2025. Which ship do you prefer for the Alaska itinerary and why?Also, we would like to buy a spa pass for the week. How much is the pass and which ship has the better spa?

Happy Cruise Day! Have fun and safe travels!

Thanks. My only Havana experience was in a Havana Aft Balcony on I believe deck 7 on the Vista. There was no noise from the band at all.

Looking to book a Havana Interior on the Horizon. The cabin is on deck 5 and we are concerned about the noise from the band in the Havana Bar at night. Has anyone stayed in one of these cabins? Also, does the band play past midnight?

Following. Getting ready to book and can't decide on 6 day Horizon or 7 day Jubilee. We have been on both the Mardi Gras and Celebration and love them, but love the Havana Cabana on the Vista class.