buckirj1

I'm pretty flexible; the only lines I don't have much interest in are RCCL and Celebrity. I'd love to try HAL (the bigger newer ships) and Princess (the newest build seems to have a decent shower and bathroom---finally!), and probably will eventually. Disney might be an option if I could combine it with a WDW visit at the right price. I wouldn't rule out a return to Carnival, either.

For now, though, there are a lot of NCL ships to take.

Awesome itineraries in 2015, so far. Lots of tough choices to make. That's not a bad thing.

Pure joy! This is one of the reasons why I love NCL so much.

I can't comment on whether or not the Mix works, but that's some seriously unattractive furniture.

I only see a need for minor improvements, not deal-breakers by any means:

Self-service laundries and a few adults-only areas (I like having them even if I never use them).

And good grief, create a sensible website!

Thanks for the review. The photos didn't show one of the things I was interested in; maybe you can help. Do you think it would be difficult for someone short (5'5") to get out of the tub? I had a minisuite on the old NCL Crown, and while getting in was fine, getting out was something else...and a long step down. Thanks for anything you can add.

...and I'm still not sure about that toilet-in-a-cubbyhole thing...

Thanks for posting this...something to definitely keep an eye on. I'm not especially interested in the Baltics, and the more recent Norway/Faroe itineraries have happened in September (when I can't go). Something in the summer would be great!

Ken left NCL to embark on a new adventure

 

Suzanne

Thanks. I thought he did a good job as cruise director. Hope his new gig is a good one.

What ship is Big Ken Mills working these days? I ran across photos of him, and he's not so big anymore.

It's good to see this thread revived; I like knowing which entertainers I can look forward to.

I see opportunity. I'm offering to become a wine mule, selflessly carrying on a bottle of wine...my one allowed bottle...to be a bottle of YOUR choice for YOUR consumption, for the low, low price of an inside cabin on the cruise of my choice. You won't come across a deal like this every day.

Never felt nickle and dimed on NCL. Have never waited for a MDR table, and on the rare occasion (only once) there was a wait, I went to the other MDR and get right in. Never felt pushed toward fee dining, and have never eaten at a fee venue. Never paid for entertainment. Jewel-class ships have a terrific Cirque-type show.

Thanks for the review; looking forward to the rest. I'm hoping to go to Alaska next year, and haven't quite decided on which NCL ship. I'm devouring reviews.

A nice, balanced review that was a pleasure to read. Hmmm, your signature indicates Royal Princess for a Canada/NE cruise next year. Think I might have to look at that. Thanks!

What really sets NCL apart, IMO, is not just that live music is plentiful, it's the musical quality of the offerings. A lot of it isn't the typical string quartet, piano tinkler, or old-fogey dance band like I found on my RCI cruise last year.

NCL's staff band on the Jewel, even though pretty small, put on a terrific Big Band tribute up in the Spinnaker one afternoon. Another time, right before getting ready to leave a Canadian port (probably Saint John), they brought on a few RCMP officers and a couple of bagpipers/drummers for a set of Celtic music. Not the usual cruise ship offering, but very interesting. On another cruise, when docked in Sydney, NS a local and very talented band was brought onboard to play Cape Breton fiddle/house party type music. Really good stuff.

A lot of folks enjoyed the solo guitar player, as much for his storytelling as for his singing/playing. And then there's the band that plays all over the ship, doing a lot of high-quality contemporary music, made up of members from the Philippines. Sometimes they had passengers come up and play rhythm (mostly an egg or tambourine). And then there's Fire and Ice. 'Nuff said...check 'em out on youtube. Rosie is a terrific entertainer, and just perfect for a cruise ship audience.

LOL!

Thanks for the laugh.

Having been a novice in an Anglican Monastic Community back during my Seminary Days I am addicted to the Daily Office. :)

Yes, I remember you mentioning you did some time with the Cowleys (SSJE) in Cambridge. I have a soft spot for them; they ministered to my church for many years in the 1940s and 1950s when we were without a priest during their chaplaincy for the nearby All Saints Sisters of the Poor. Way before my time, but anyway...

Oh, and to bring this back to business, here's a link to an old Mystery Worshipper review of the Ryndam's interdenominational service. It can't have changed all that much.

http://shipoffools.com/mystery/1999/115Mystery.html

Hmm, it's been a long time since a Mystery Worshipper visited a cruise ship. I don't write well enough (and haven't sailed HAL yet anyway), but some of you are fine writers.

Great, now I have Tom Lehrer's "Vatican Rag" going through my head. Thanks, guys!

"...2-4-6-8, time to..."

I groove to the anglo side of progressive small-c catholicism. I'm appreciative of any corporate observance onboard, provided it isn't too early, which was one of the original points of the thread. If there's no corporate observance, then I make do with the Daily Office. Anybody wanna join me for Morning Prayer up in the Lido this afternoon?

Wow, what a great review. You make it easy for me to think about taking the Gem from NY.

*Happy Sigh* Carnival still serves West Indies Pumpkin Soup. All is right with the world.

Hoping they still have the farfalle with turkey and peas in a cream sauce.

...and THAT'S why the Spirit is my favorite ship! Beautiful pictorial, and I can't wait to read your review.

In addition to the other excellent suggestions, you (generic you) might want to hang out more in the Lido and bump up your consumption of raw fruit and vegetables. The water and minerals naturally occurring in raw food is a Very Good Thing - and a very good diuretic.

Also (and I shouldn't have to tell you this), pee!! As soon as you feel you have to go. Don't give that stuff a chance to absorb.

What beautiful photographs; and the cabin photo answered on of my questions regarding the bathroom setup for porthole cabins.

I see a December trip in my future - I'm a total sucker for Christmas decorations.

Thanks so much for posting the pics.

I'm not much on sweets, but my NCL fave is a chocolate croissant at breakfast. Crepes sound good if they're not overfilled and gooey. Might have to try 'em next trip. And boy, does that roasted pineapple at Moderno look tasty.

I buy a Travel Guard policy from my TA at the same time as I book my cruise. Pre-existing conditions are covered since I almost always book within the final payment window.

My fave are the buffet chocolate croissants at breakfast. The cookies are great, too. I know I've had desserts at dinner, but I can't remember a single one.