phoenix1181

As a solo traveler, I appreciate always having a lounger available and not having to worry about leaving for lunch and having no place to sit when I return.

Sharing a drink package means we all will eventually end up paying more because of you and others who break the rules.  You know the policy.  Pleae stop trying to justify breaking them!

4 minutes ago, deweytrader said:

10920 was the angled one, so if you want to stay portside than 10320 is the one to book.

Thank you!  Neither one is available but I'll keep checking and hope one of them might open up.

1 hour ago, deweytrader said:

The Joy deck plans you see online are definitely off - I booked 10922 thinking it was angled but it was not!

Crap!  This means 10322 also isn't angled.  There are still a few cabins in that area available.  Can anyone direct me to an accurate deck plan?

9 hours ago, BCOS said:

For those of you with iPhones who use iMessaging onboard, do you receive messages from people not on the ship (e.g. back home)? Or just from those you're sailing with?

iPhone messages sent & received to & from Boston while I was cruising with no problem.

2 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

 

 

Well hello there!!!

 

 

So if that's the case, why would you need to purchase the texting app? All we want to do is stay in touch with our daughter when needed and we all have iphones. Hmmm 🤔

You don't!  iMessage worked great for me when I did a Panama Canal LA - MIA in December.  Used the APP last July with friends BOS - Bermuda & it worked poorly.  As long as you all have iPhones, save your money.

19 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

 

So are you saying you purchased the app for the ship texting and could also iMessage others (like back home) for free with it? Or are you saying you could iMessage for free and didn't buy the ship app?

iMessage works without the app.  I stayed in touch with family at home with no problem.  No photos, just text.  Airplane mode, no internet needed

Keep in mind that with your iPhone on airplane mode, you can still message to other iPhones.  You can't send photos unless you're online, but messaging works great.  I was able to check in with family on my recent Panama Canal cruise without using any internet time.    

4 hours ago, princeton123211 said:

On a longer trip like this I will usually take the Acela. If it fits within your budget it is a bit more comfortable, the cars have bigger windows are are brighter inside, and is a tiny bit faster on a trip this long (mainly because of fewer stops). There is nothing wrong with regional trains though-- comfortable seating and a cafe car. 

 

Acela First Class have essentially the same seats as Business class, but fewer of them so it makes that car a little bit more spacious. A full hot meal is served to you at your seat by an attendant and cocktails, beer, and wine are all complimentary and brought to your seat. To answer your question-- I would only book First if there was a decent deal (which can happen but doesn't often) or I'm traveling with my wife and want to make a little special occasion out of it. For myself it doesn't make sense. 

 

Acela Business is the happy medium. You have a large cafe car with both hot and cold options, full bar, and snacks. 

 

Yes-- on both Acela and Regional seats are basically like first class domestic seats on the airlines. Only seats on the Acela are assigned so you can pick your seat ahead of time vs the Regional trains which are open seating. I like this-- it makes things a bit more civilized on a busy day. 

 

On the Acela there are traditional forward facing seats but there are also sets of 4 seats that face each other around tables. 

 

This is more subjective-- what I can say is that the windows on the Acela are large and let in a lot of light. The windows on the Regionals are much smaller and are long rectangles. Regional cars tend to be a bit darker inside because of this. 

 

No-- you can utilize the complimentary Red Cap service at both South Station and New York Penn. They will handle your luggage to/from the train and make sure it is put away onboard. 

 

Back when I lived in Boston I would actually race coworkers to New York who were flying and would often beat them to our other office in Midtown Manhattan using the train. The major difference is that the train is going to put you right in Midtown and you are going to be only a short 10 minute taxi/Uber ride to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. 

 

Also a nice thing about departing from South Station is that this is where the train originates-- you can usually board 15-20 minutes early (sometimes earlier with a Red Cap where you get preferred boarding) so plenty of time to get settled before departure. Similar for New York Penn Station where the train has a long layover so there is no rush to get off of it on arrival like you would at other stations. 

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions.  I'm going to book it after work.  Sonce I'm traveling alone, I'm going with the First class because I can get a single seat which I would prefer.

17 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Footnote:  for an October Amtrak trip to New York you could probably buy your round trip Acela Business Class tickets for about $120 today.   If you were to buy Acela round trip for a ride next week, it would likely run more than $250.   Amtrak prices go up as the date nears, so it pays to make up your mind sooner gather than later.

I plan on booking my trip after work today.  Only need one way since I'm on a transition cruise and will disembark in Miami.

19 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

I’ve just booked the times I want and price, I’ve heard great things about Acela, a little faster, but even the regular trains are much more comfortable than airplanes, much roomier seats, and the bathrooms are definitely bigger. You will find there are plenty of trains to and from NYC and Boston. You don’t need to get there 2 hours early. I’ve never used a red cap but I’ve seen them recommended many times for luggage. A taxi or Uber should take about 10 minutes from Penn station to the cruise terminal (a cost savings over the trip from LaGuardia). Prices are lower the earlier you book. I think even with non refundable fares you can still get a credit.

I've just spent quite a bit of time on the Amtrak site and I've decided to give it a try.  I hate the hassle at the airport and this does seem like a really good option.  Less walking, luggage easily taken care of, comfortable seating, bigger bathroom, lower cost & time to the port and total time from home to port will be (I think) comparable or less

than flying.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all my questions.  It's the train for me!

1 hour ago, mjkacmom said:

It will take about 45 minutes to get to the MCT from LaGuardia. I’ve drive, flown and taken amtrak and train is definitely my choice. My daughter goes to school in Boston and always takes the train.

Thank you so much for this information!  I've never been on a train other than public transportation to get to and from work so I have lots of questions.

Acela or Northeast Regional?

If Acela, business or first class?

How comfortable is the seating? 

Are the seats set up like airlines?

Assigned seating?

I have verigo with issues flying & cruising. Will I need meds traveling by train? 

Is bringing luggage a hassle?

Actual travel time is longer but can I assume from home to arrival it's probably about the same? (I'm about 15 minutes from airport & So. Station)

Any idea how long it will take from the station to the port?

11 minutes ago, princeton123211 said:

Amtrak has Red Cap service in Boston and New York that will handle your luggage for you. If mobility issues are the concern, the train very well could have a lot less walking than going through an airport and will take you directly to Manhattan (vs having to get an Uber/taxi from an airport). 

Thank you!

I obviously need to do more research on Amtrak.  I'll check it out.

3 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

LGA is probably closest, then JFK. 
 

From Boston, I would suggest you consider Amtrak, cheaper, gets you to within a couple of miles of cruise terminal, less subject to weather delays — and very little more time - considering check in tim at airport and getting to/from airport - plus ground transportation much cheaper.

Thank for the information.  I considered Amtrak but I have mobility issues and schlepping luggage while walking with a cane can be difficult so I opt for convenience above all else.

Any idea how long a taxi or Uber takes on a Monday morning?  Flight would be arriving about 9:30 am.

18 minutes ago, rosie#1 said:

I tried to upgrade a family members cabin yesterday from an inside to a balcony. The cost was $50 more but I was told no because the balcony price was for a guarantee (with free at sea). They said we could only upgrade if there was an assigned cabin available for that price.  Has anyone heard of this? 

I would definitely call again!  Not all reps are well versed (or well trained) and I believe you were givien incorrect information.  In my experience, as long as I was paying more, I have always been able to upgrade my cabin.

I'm cruising from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in October and have no idea which airport I should be flying into.  I'll be flying from Boston on departure day unless there are potential weather issues.

Is it easier to get to the port from JFK, LGA or Newark?  Cost is, of course, a concern but I'm more interested in doing this as easily as possible.  I'm a solo traveler and not the least bit familiar with any of the airports or the port. 

Bottom line... I'm completely clueless and would appreciate any and all information provided!

TIA......d

1 minute ago, TrumpyNor said:

Still two dinners, but only one that includes a bottle of wine.

Thanks!  I thought we werelosing one of the few benefits I actually use & enjoy.

Dinner for Two with a Bottle of Wine⁶
(per stateroom)

Am I reading that correctly, one dinner instead of the two we previously got?

7 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Years ago a bought a Reliefband for a friend of mine who was going thru chemo. The effects were immediate, overall it worked very well. In the past few years I bought my wife and I pair. I'm a long time boater who never had an issue with motion sickness on my boat. On cruise ships its happened a few times. They are a little pricy but work very well

 

https://amzn.to/3E3hs0k

Another vote for Reliefband.  I've been using mine since 2008 and never leave home without it!  Works fast with no medication and it's well worth the cost.

I'm pretty sure it's an available surf & turf option in Cagneys for an additional fee.  They also have an excellent lobster thermidor in LeBistro.  I believe it was a $25 additional charge when I had it using my FAS dinner.

Keep in mind, it's warm water lobster...

I always pay the day it's due without a problem   It takes a day or two before it's actually posted to my card although a pending charge shows.  Kind of surprised your transaction would post the next day.

44 minutes ago, DrUrsula said:

One more question, if I may.

Do you use cabin key card/sea pass in slot machines ? I can't believe how much I have forgotten since 2019!

Yes!  Use the card in the machines and, if you play the tables, the dealer will swipe your card so you'll get credit for your play.

4 minutes ago, uneamie said:

So sorry for your experience. What a shame after spending all that money for the Haven. That said, I have a chronic cough due to my blood pressure pills. It's not all the time but sometimes it can be for 5 to 10 minutes of dry couphing. When that happens I generally excuse myself and go to the ladies room if I am in the public but I often feel unconfortable because I know people are looking at me thinking the same as you.....that I have cooties and why am I out in public. ugh It's a cough that I cannot control. 

We must be on the same medication!

Sometimes a hard candy helps but I do find myself receiving rude, nasty looks from people as a result.  I try to ignore them and I truly do understand their concern but it's frustrating.  A friend suggested always wearing a mask but, to me, that would give people more of a reason to think I'm actually sick and unwilling to properly quarantine. 

29 minutes ago, uneamie said:

Actually Gold tier gets priority "disembarkation", but  not embarkation. I just didn't  know what that could mean. I know embarkation is about getting your luggage to your room but that's not the one I'm asking about.  We always take our own luggage off the ship...much easier. But I now see in the responses that it is about the concierge bringing you down with the service elevators so you can access the gangway more easily, which sounds like a good perk for being just Gold Level. 

 https://www.ncl.com/shorex/238261695/latitudes

Unless you're in the Haven, don't hold your breath expecting this "perk".  Unfortunately, there are several perks listed that usually never materialize. 

Based on me calling room service while on the Bliss is December '22 and initially being mistaken for a quarantine cabin, it appears NCL is quarantining in your assigned cabin, not moving you.

I was in a club balcony & when the phone was answered, the immediate response was "You are a quarantine cabin".  When I stated I was not, there was a moment of hesitation and then an apology for confusing my cabin number.  Obviously, there is no room service charge for those who are quarantined so room service is fully aware of what cabins should not be charged.