Panhandle Couple

1 hour ago, 4supermom said:

The Hippie Market is held on Saturdays.  We went in October 2022 and had a great time.  VV offered an excursion that provided transportation there & back.  Lots of vendors, so lots of walking.  Bought some things I get compliments on all the time.  
There’s music playing. In various spots, so we had a light bite, a beer & relaxed while we took a shopping break.

 

Shari

Thanks!

With further investigation, I have found there are 4 or so that use the term Hippy Market.  Sadly, they are mainly open on Wed, Thur and Sat.  We are there on a Monday, so will have to look at other ways to spend our money. 

9 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

Jurisdiction is the United States, and this case is being investigated by the FBI and the Coast Guard Investigative Service.  The crewmember was arrested upon arrival in Juneau.  Here is a link to the press release from the US Attorney's Office.

 

District of Alaska | South African man arrested for stabbing on cruise ship | United States Department of Justice

  

I guess I don't know Jack Schmidt.

(Anyone from St, Louis area, can laugh)

Just now, realnice46 said:

Just received email mosquito’s on our upcoming France, Italy, Greek cruise departing Barcelona. We’ve done many similar itineraries and never received an email like this. Is anyone aware of a particular problem with certain European countries? If so which ones? I always pack repellant on any trip we do but have never had to use it except in Yosemite. Did anyone receive this email as related to their upcoming cruise. 

Yes,

also wondering why I got it for a Euro cruise, and not our PC cruise last December.

10 hours ago, MohrPfun said:

NCL Brass will want this settled as quickly and quietly as possible, which means a generous settlement and an NDA on the terms.  I can almost guarantee you that is what will happen here, and none of us will know the outcome.  That’s why they flew there and are handling this in person.  The alternative PR that would result from this moving forward in the court of public opinion, and/or law all but makes it a fait accompli.  It’s really that simple.

There are overriding reasons why NCL sent staff there.  I doubt they spent more than 10% of their time with the victim.

They reported a crime, and have to provide evidence of the crime.  They own the crime scene, which, happens to be movable, has 4,000 people wandering around, and will only be in port 8 hours. The incident happened in a public area that they simply can't shut down.

They have to ensure that the on board security has done the full collection of video, testimonies, and tracking of the suspect.  That has to be turned over to the local authority.  The locals may also want to inspect the area, and security has their regular port duties on top of this.

As stated earlier, jurisdiction will be up for discussion, which is well beyond the pay grade of the Captain and crew. That might take weeks to determine.

Also the corporate review of all the employees and actions involved.

What did we do right?

What did we do wrong?

Is our training sufficient for these events?

The faster you go thru this process, the better.

1 hour ago, chengkp75 said:

There is an overlap in jurisdiction between "port state" (the country where the port or waters the incident happened in) and "flag state" (the country where the ship is registered).  And this gray area is what keeps Admiralty lawyers in business.  In a port (I don't remember if this happened in port or at sea), the flag state has jurisdiction on the ship, unless the "safety or well being" of the port state are affected, in which case the port state has jurisdiction.  However, the US has also claimed "extra-territorial" jurisdiction to claim jurisdiction over certain crimes against US citizens that happen on the open ocean (in no other country's waters), regardless of the flag of the ship.

The timeline is unclear in the news articles, but here is what I came up with.

Other crew stated he was only onboard "24 hrs".

It was also stated that the incidents happened at night.

If Encore left Seattle on Sunday afternoon, it could have happened Sunday or Monday night, but sounds like Monday.  Which would be somewhere off the coast of Canada.

We didn't find out until they ported in Juneau on Wednesday, which is right for sailing duration.

As this was not an act of piracy or terrorism, applying extra-territorial rights seems unnecessary?  That would be important for criminal charges, but liability claims?  The two may end up being tied together for which court gets the cases, assuming there is a liability claim. 

In any case, a judge will likely recommend binding arbitration vs being the determinate of any award.

My point was what you mentioned, lots of grey areas here, which most "personal injury" lawyers are not prepared to handle.

1 hour ago, marrashadow said:

They can sue NCL very easily as they have a US office located in Miami. Which means they have a US business license as do most cruise lines. They own ports and buildings in US. Even with a parent company in a foreign country they only have to go after US address licensed. A simple google search and you will see lawsuits are brought against them in US often. Which is why your cruise contracts have so many pages and exclusions. The contract states you have to settle in the home office country but that is not what generally happens because US courts don't allow such a restriction. Injury lawyers state normal payouts from cruise lines are between 50k to 500k so don't think they are getting millions. 

Because NCL does have many operations in US shore side, they would logically be subject to any legal action pertaining to those operations.

However...

This incident happen in the open seas.  Admiralty Law takes precedent, as I see it.

 https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/admiralty

"Under admiralty, the ship's flag determines the source of law. For example, a ship flying the American flag in the Persian Gulf would be subject to American admiralty law; and a ship flying a Norwegian flag in American waters would be subject to Norwegian admiralty law. This also applies to criminal law governing the ship's crew."

"American courts may refuse jurisdiction where it would involve applying the law of another country, although in general international law does seek uniformity in admiralty law."

More info on the process:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiralty_law

Personal Injuries to Passengers.

"The passenger bears the burden of proving that the shipowner was negligent. While personal injury cases must generally be pursued within three years, suits against cruise lines may need to be brought within one year because of limitations contained in the passenger ticket. Notice requirements in the ticket may require a formal notice to be brought within six months of the injury. Most U.S. cruise line passenger tickets also have provisions requiring that suit to be brought in either Miami or Seattle."

United States

Jurisdiction.

"....all other maritime cases, such as claims for personal injuries, cargo damage, collisions, maritime products liability, and recreational boating accidents may be brought in either federal or state court.

From a tactical standpoint it is important to consider that in federal courts in the United States, there is generally no right to trial by jury in admiralty cases, although the 1920 Jones Act grants a jury trial to seamen suing their employers."

Applicable Law

"A state court hearing an admiralty or maritime case is required to apply the admiralty and maritime law, even if it conflicts with the law of the state, under a doctrine known as the "reverse-Erie doctrine". While the "Erie doctrine" requires that federal courts hearing state actions must apply substantive state law, the "reverse-Erie doctrine" requires state courts hearing admiralty cases to apply substantive federal admiralty law. However, state courts are allowed to apply state procedural law."

Not as easy as everyone is suggesting.

Clearly falls under Admiralty law.

6 months to make a claim.

Seattle or Miami (most likely),

Court would need to make a determination why Bahama Admiralty law wouldn't apply.

A state court (if it is in that venue) still has to follow Federal laws. No advantage to state shopping.  State must also have judges certified for Admiralty law. 

No jury involved in the trial.

On 5/6/2024 at 8:51 PM, Devo12 said:

Hi. We will be a group of 13 sailing on the joy over Christmas. For the complimentary dining, do we need to make reservations to sit together or can we just show up? I would think we would eat around 6:30-7. Or will they seat us at 2 tables?

 

thanks. Devo 

That is pretty far in advance, I wouldn't start any reservations until October timeframe.

We sailed on Breakaway this last Christmas, and there were many large parties, 10-18 or so that we noted.

I would certainly consider breaking into 2 smaller groups, overall service (ordering, meal organization and delivery) will be faster that way.  Ask for 1 table of 8 and 1 for 6.

Also the specialty restaurants struggle with large groups.  We did see a large family at La Cucina, which has the most space on the Breakaway.  

We were disappointed when our family group of 5 (which we reserved as a table for 6) was constantly given a table for 4 with an extra chair squeezed in.  (We are all grown adults) We flatly declined this in Cagney's and La Cucina, even getting into an argument with La Cucina staff about what a reservation for 6 meant.

My advice for specialties, is book in 2 groups of 4 and 1 of 6 for flexibility, and refuse to sit at tables with extra added chairs.

7 minutes ago, markwfpb said:

 

That's great to hear. We're not overly concerned about cross contamination but it's great to know that's even on their radar! 

We have done a behind the scenes tour (freebie) and were shown the different colored knifes and utensils for different meats and the veggies.  NCL has moved away from frying (especially deep frying) as much as possible, so likely uses only vegetable oil, but I can't be certain on that.

1 minute ago, AC Stew said:

Me too. Don't use the link!

Which means for those who didn't get one, a good idea is to shut computer, restart, and do full virus scan before reconnecting to the inter web.  

12 hours ago, njkate said:

https://www.boston25news.com/news/trending/man-accused-stabbing-3-people-alaska-cruise-ship/PWVGSPTKJRCKFOEGE4WSKJGTLU/

I recommend not using this link.  10 seconds in I got several virus attack warnings.

2 minutes ago, WhiteOptima said:

Thanks!  My DH is a railroad fan and all about the canal.

Check out Panama canal videos on U-tube.  There is one from the PBS show "The American Experience" which is very good, and has many photos and comments about the railroad importance during the construction. It is also a very good overall program on the building of the canal.

5 hours ago, WhiteOptima said:

And another…the next day Bob and Nicky did one of the train tours, and he was their tour guide on that as well.  They got a double dose of boring.

 

I was looking at the train ride and wondering if it was worth it.  Did they have any thoughts other than the guide?

If you haven't looked, there are many excursion discussions on the PC page here on CC. Also look at Trip Advisor for Panama City, Panama.  Many more reviews there, along with the other

ports.  Most are similar, or really the same as the NCL offerings.

Our friends liked the excursion, minus the boring narration.

But it might all depend on if you are a railroad fan, if you want to see more of the canal (and get more history) or see the city.  

Just now, WhiteOptima said:

@Panhandle Couple Thank you!  Will do.

Also, a poster going by Eganfire had a Semi-live of the same cruise.

2 hours ago, WhiteOptima said:

I know this is a year later but I am doing PC in December and trying to read up as this is my first NCL Cruise.

Was American Diner a cost?  I have read different things about.

 

And I agree, WHAT THE HECK with no water.  Drink but don't hydrate?  Even Carnival offers water with their drink package.  This just blows my mind.  Bringing a collapsible large container to fill up with ice and water from the buffet so I can keep in the room.

See my review from Dec 2023 for another viewpoint.

Since this will be your first NCL cruise, just a few things to point out.

NCL typically does not hand out individual water.  Experienced NCL'ers will bring their own metal container to carry water around.  You can fill it at the self fill station in the buffet, or simply ask for a glass of ice water at any bar, and place it in the container.  Some will even fill the container for you if they are not crowded.  The reasons for this vary, but think of how much room 10 pallets of water take up for a long cruise.  The same amount of stackable cups is probably 1/4 of a pallet, which they use for bar drinks anyhow.  NCL doesn't want to have to store and recycle all that plastic when they get into port.  We have also found when on Princess, that 1/2 to almost empty water bottles seem to gather in public areas.  People can simply be slobs at times.

NCL earlier this year changed American Grill from a pay option to a free option. {lots of applause}.  I have never eaten there, but will on my next cruise now that it is free.

The OP missed that The Local/O'Sheehans is also a free venue, open 24 hrs.  Small menu of mainly munchies, but a good quick breakfast option.  Having 3 MDR with the same menu is std on NCL large ships.  Again, don't know why the OP complained about that.

For specialty restaurants, on a long cruise like PC, I would add at least 1 extra dining pkg (which is 2 meals) from the web site vs purchasing on board.  Cheaper that way, and you can break up the meals through the cruise between specialty and MDR.

I would also add the Vibe Beach Club.  (Again available on the web site, but book at least 4 months before the cruise or they will sell out.)  The extra space and attention made the trip, especially on sea days.  No need for Spice H2O or main pool deck unless you want to go there to hear the band.

Deck 15 near Observation Lounge is a great location.  Early morning quick access to the OL gets you easy continental snacks, coffee and soda, or mimosa to start your day.  Our only complaint was that the nighttime pool parties were a little loud, but didn't keep us from sleeping.

Search for "New to NCL" or NCL first timer" post to get lots of other info that gets repeated every month or so.

Looking for things to do there, and came across the Hippy Market.

Does anyone have any experiences there?  Good, bad, whatever?

 Looks like 20 km from the port, so maybe 25 Euros for a cab ride to and from?

We will be in Ibiza all day, so this could be just 1 of 2 or 3 things we may decide to do.

TIA

11 hours ago, Popsy_cruises said:

Nothing overly significant. Starling WiFi was installed, a lot of carpets and flooring were replaced, new air con in the cabins and I think there was a general spruce up. No major refurbs. 

The kids pool on the aft deck?

Seems like a wasted space, not big enough and too far away from main pool, so parents have to make a decision on which one to sit at, with very limited seating adult seating.

1 minute ago, fredflint said:

This has deck plans by  cruise date so it "might" include the changes.

 

https://www.icruise.com/deckplans/norwegian-cruise-line-cruises-norwegian-viva-deckplans-deck-17.html

 

 

I just noticed that Viva is now sailing in the Mediterranean, so work should be finished.

Have they finished the conversion of the speedway bar to Entourage club?

Just curious.

Realize the upper deck is being changed. The speedway bar is being converted into an Entourage lounge for the teen crowd. Work is set to happen on the TA coming soon.  Exact access and doors are probably not on the current plan.

3 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Has anyone ever been on a cruise like this before?

Will anyone admit to being on a cruise like this?

3 minutes ago, UKstages said:

great stirrup cay (GSC) is indeed a tender port.

Guess I got confused that with Harvest Caye, which we visited on our 2 BA cruises.

We sailed Breakaway in Jan 2023, and Dec 2023 (Xmas cruise).

I would select Le Bistro over Ocean Blue.  But, we live on the FL coast, and have a selection of fresh seafood when we go out.  We don't have french restaurants.  You can only get escargot at Le Bistro.  I actually enjoy the pork chop there, and desserts are great.

Glow party will be advertised in the daily and on info channel on the room TV.  Always on Spice H2O deck at night, weather permitting.

GSC is not a tender port, it has a traditional dock, although fairly long.  

You should be able to get reservations to BTF on embarkation day, just use the large screens near forward and aft elevators.  Realize this does NOT save you a specific seat, just allows you to enter earlier than 10 minutes (stand by time) before showtime.  If you want prime seats, simply make the reservation and get there 30+ minutes before show time. 

Waiting for a drink is up to you.  Atrium bar at night will be crowded due to events in atrium.  Pool bars on sea days in nice weather will be crowded.  Other bars may or may not be crowded due to time of day and location.  During sail away, most will be crowded due to people waiting for rooms to be opened.

3 hours ago, Yesimapirate said:

You're right.  Making TOO MUCH money explains why there was a sell off.

 

Revenue is down, future revenue is down.   The EPS was because costs were cut more than expected.   You cannot continue to cut costs forever. 

And at some point, some people argue just to argue.

Revenue is UP, just not as much as some "experts" projected.  The experts use simple formulas, since they have no real insight into future revenue like the company does.  So an expected 3.1% increase is a miss IF the increase is only 2.8%.  The 2.8% is still an Increase.

NCL projects that future 2024 revenue will still increase.  Do you have ANY justification to say that it will go down?

Costs have many subcomponents.  Fuel alone can drive them up or down.  Same with food.  NCL hedges their fuel costs with future contracts.  It is all explained in their reports.  Personnel and things like depreciation are much more predictable.  

Looking at the reports closer, NCL did 4 things:

They reduced long term debt (as planned) by $400 M, retiring their highest interest loan.

They increased cash on hand by about $100 M, preparing for 2nd qtr debt payment due in May.

They increased future bookings and cash deposits. 

They maintained a fill rate of over 105%, even with a traditional slow month of February.

None of these points to company that is in trouble.

As stated earlier, Wednesday was the IPO for Viking cruises, and fund managers (and general public) like to speculate on new stocks. To do this they sell other stocks, like NCL on the same day.  Lets see where each are a week from now.

3 hours ago, mistertomatoe said:

 

I believe that's because some cabins have 3rd or 4th guests. Other cruise lines report over 100% of what I assume is the same metric. Of course you don't want it to be too high since it indicates you might be able to get more profit by raising prices.

You missed the whole point of including the quote.

54 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

I didn't read the report. My simple mind is wondering how could they miss revenue in a period of record demand, with record bookings at substantially higher fares? Did they just overestimate their results?

The next BSO is on the market, Viking cruise Lines went public (IPO) today with a limited offering.  It went up over 10% as everyone loves bright shiny objects.  Attribute some of NCL's decline to mega-fund managers "diversifying" their holdings to include the BSO.  Always sounds good on paper for their own quarterly reports.

In reality, this should have been a ho-hum report.  Some of the analysis I have read is hilarious,

One "expert" stated that NCL's 105.7% of available berths is due to: Like airlines, cruise companies routinely overbook, anticipating that some customers will cancel.

I guess this person has never been on a spring break cruise.