Anoynmous Phoenix

Priority Tender Tickets are available for Gold and above.

I presume that means you use your room card as the priority ticket.

Presuming that you are in North America.

To cancel any reservations call 1 800 327 7030.

You can make bookings at the same number.

@AR83

I am afraid that no one can forecast just what the weather or the sea will be like any time in advance.   You just pays your money and takes your chance that things go in your favour and not against you.

@Eggs2Go

I believe that the cruise PRIOR to the one described by @bluesea777; that is before the Spirit was due in Marseilles also missed a port so that passengers could debark in Civitavecchia one day early.   That was done so that the Spirit would arrive in Marseilles on time not 1 day late.

@bluesea777

Thanks.   

That will mean that the shambles that occurred with the Spirit in 2020 when someone had it travelling from Civitavecchia to and from Marseilles in 12 hours won't happen here.

But it may well mean that, with all the work to be done, the cruises before and after the dry dock with have lots of preparatory and finishing work being done while cruising.   Been there seen that; not brilliant.

@FreyjaCourt

That saying, unless something major happens, your cruise should not be affected.

@rsachek

50% of cruise fare

Anyone know where the Encore will be doing its dry dock?

The Dawn is cruising from Cape Town to Lisbon 15/3/2026 to 4/4/2026.

Then from Barcelona to Lisbon 12/4/2026 to 19/4/2026.

What is it doing from 4/42026 to 12/4/2026 to get from Lisbon to Barcelona?   A private hire of some form or other?

I have always found that will take reservations for "large" groups in the MDR.   The staff and "junior" officers get most "put out" when a party of 12+ turns up without a reservation.    Even more so when they DEMAND immediate seating and service.  Tables have to be moved; staff have to have their rosters changed and so on.

Might be interested if it was on a Round Australia cruise on NCL!!

For once have the rest of the world come to us rather than us (Australians and New Zealanders) having to fly to the other side of the world as we have to do most of the time.

SMALL ships NOT BIG ships

@PugM0m

When doing the check in use the computer to take a photo.

If the website will not accept then clear the photo.

Take another photo and try again

If it still doesn't accept do it two more times (total of 4)

It then allows you to pass as it says they will do your photos at the por.

@YVRteacher

Thank you

@auie2

If you want cheese from MDR ask and they will get for you but NOT to take away.

It would be interesting to learn how many different cheeses are available in the buffet.   I don't think I have seen more than 2 available.

@The Traveling Man & @Seas2mountains

I had to smile about your time/trip comparison.

According to all information we have the following:-

The allowance is 37 hours to get from Melbourne to Burnie, a distance of 218NM, so they are anticipating the Spirit to be travelling at about 6kn.

When will we get an itinerary change?

@Doribeans

I would say that you should be able to use both.  

Say you have a "bill" for $200 then take off 10% to leave $180.   Then take off 15% from the $180; that is $27 leaving you with a $153 bill.

$200 less 15%; $170 less 10% the same $153

We cruised Reykjavik to Southampton last year when the weather was poor.   Inside the ship was VERY CROWDED as virtually no one went outside.

1) Login and download (cut & past to a word file) your email messages to your computer. Logout.

2) Read emails and prepare answers on the word file on your computer.

3) Login and upload (cut & paste) your answers, one at a time, and send the emails.   Logout.

However if you have 150 minutes (each?) you will have over 20 minutes a day (each?) so plan it out.

@Mbrog3

Remember that Santorini is a tender port so the last tender will be 9pm.   Also remember that you have to get from Fira to the port either by cable car, with its associated wait times, or by walking down the 600 steps on the donkey path.

A few years ago we did the following.   Unfortunately it was with a different cruise line.   However if you could arrange a similar one I would highly recommend it.

Ultimate Santorini – A Discovery Exclusive 

Santorini, the lustrous "Black Pearl of the Aegean," is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. See all of its legendary highlights on a Discovery Exclusive full-day tour that takes you on a panoramic whirlwind adventure featuring all the sights, sounds and tastes of its charms.

Board your motorcoach and relax during a scenic drive through the island's quaint villages set against a backdrop of azure sea and sky.

Begin with a visit to the remnants of a Bronze Age civilization, the ancient site of Akrotiri. Unearthed in 1967 after being shrouded for over 3,000 years, Akrotiri is remarkably preserved and offers great insight into the island's ancient history. Your knowledgeable guide will escort you through this unveiled city, considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Mediterranean and often referred to as the Minoan Pompeii. Archaeologists have discovered sophisticated multilevel buildings with elaborate plumbing systems and an array of pottery, clay vessels, furniture and home furnishings from this once prosperous seaside village.

Continue to the picturesque village of Oia. Pronounced "Eee-ah," the village is perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini's northern terminus. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes on a guided tour, and view the brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, sun-bathed cafés and blue-domed churches. The natural beauty and tranquility of Oia's landscape has inspired artists from around the world, and numerous galleries can be found in the area.

Next, visit the neighboring village of Kamari for an opportunity to sample the fruit of the local vine. Learn the history of wine production on the island, which dates back as far as 1700 B.C. Enjoy a tasting served with meze – typical Greek snacks. 

Then take in the dramatic views of Mt. Prophet Elias, the highest point on the island, 2,000 feet above sea level.

Pause for a traditional Greek lunch, then travel to the famed black-sand shores of Perissa Beach. Put your toes in the sand (careful, it can be hot!) and capture this stunning phenomenon in photographs.

Conclude at Fira, the capital of Santorini. Perched on the edge of a dramatic cliff, Fira boasts a stunning combination of Cycladic and Venetian architecture and outstanding views of the submerged volcano. The cultural and commercial center of Santorini, the city is well suited for tourists and has a number of galleries, museums and cultural attractions as well as a large shopping center and a variety of dining venues all lining the cobbled streets that ribbon their way through town. The main square of Fira is "Plateia 
Theotokopoulou," a colorful meeting place. At the end of your day, take a steep walk to the upper portion of town and meet the aerial cable car for the ride back to port.

How about everyone who gets an itinerary change emails, daily, something like the following!!

Dear NCL

Regarding the following statement that appears on the itinerary change I received:-

Reason Given: optimal guest experience 

Please explain how the changes you have made will improve the experience that I anticipated when I booked the cruise with the ports that were offered.

It may not get you anywhere but it will sure let NCL know that you are not happy with the change(s) and the reason.

@CleveRocks

If you look at the deck plans of the Star, Deck 11 there is this

If you then look at the deck plan itself it appears that there are only FOUR MB cabins and many MA

I think that 11500 is the only Sailaway Club Balcony.

If you stay with the MB you have then you will be below suites on 12 which is probably preferable to being midships below the pool or Garden Cafe.   I would imagine the MAs below the Deck 12 suites were sold a long time ago.

You may have to choose the known MB, bow and quiet, as against an unknown MA anywhere and possibly not quiet.

@sbnuggie

Two Suggestions

Gather together the Cruise Reservations for the three couples and the Dining Reservations.   Then phone NCL Reservations at 1 800 327 7030 and explain what you want and see if they can sort it out for you.

On Embarkation Day do what you suggest with all of you going to the special dining reservation desk to try to sort it out.

I would not even consider the third possibility of turning up and asking for the tables to be moved; if you turned up you may have to hope they have a six top vacant.

@Caligirl33

However, I am hearing that the speciality restaurants book up prior to sailing now

What happens is that about 30% of Specialty bookings are available to book online before embarkation.   Then all the preferred times get taken VERY quickly; remember that there are a lot of people have a priority booking period and they are used to booking before the rest.

There is always lots of places available on embarkation day but if you want very specific times and days go straight to the restaurant reservation desk before you do anything else.

@mcmomny

Pity!!