jaja

7 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

I  just read that Medjet has suspended operations and flights out of four areas because of the coronavirus outbreak, including China. So, if you choose to travel to China on a cruise, you will have to rely upon the Chinese health care system for your care. 

 

Just renewed my MedJet policy this morning and got this on their web site:

MEDJET SERVICES ALERT

 

Due to government imposed travel restrictions resulting from the Coronavirus, 
MEDJETASSIST and MEDJETHORIZON services are currently suspended in the following countries:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Macau

 

1. Services to additional countries may be restricted in the future.

WOW...very interesting.....

Thanks Bob for the thread !!! Enjoyed it !

27 minutes ago, CruisingSince1982 said:

That video changes everything.

Absolutely ! 

15 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

 

 

NCL needs to fix this. There’s typically a line at the shorex desk on board, and guests should not have to waste their time dealing with this during a cruise.

SO very true.....

Yes---there seems to be a problem with my booking also....balance due changes a lot...CAS does not see what I am seeing on the website...

I also tried to use the "credit" and it did seem to take it..but when I called they told me "no"..can't use on discounted CAS cruise..and now  the credit is gone from my page !!!

3 hours ago, MrsK said:

I'm sorry.  We're are responsible for one of those safes not working. 

 

If you forget the code... or someone accidentally punched a different code in while locking it and didn't notice  and doesn't know which numbers they used, then you can't open it. 

 

It is not a simple fix. They must drill the safe open which then renders it useless. A new one needs to be installed.  Obviously they don't stock extras safes. We were on the Dawn in September,  that safe is probably still unusable. 

As others have said...this is not correct.  Security can come and open the safe with their code and then it can be reset as needed by current occupant.  I have had to have this done when previous pax left the safe locked and I could not open.  Simple fix once someone is there to do it.

13 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

Hush, Jan ... don't give this new COO or FDR any more funny ideas to grab those extra dollars for future cruises.   

😁🤣

Sorry Henry !!!!!!!!!  Could not resist !😉

Maybe they are waiting to order new ones with a "coin slot" for payment to use 😃

Four our convenience...of course...😂

4 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

I am on the Gem now. The safe is an old one and the keypad does not respond well. It’s really past its prime. 

 

 

Yes-last month on Gem...keypad was not working all the time . Guy had to wipe down the inside of the pad..he says they get dirty ( I am not sure how that happens on the inside ???)..but after he cleaned it...it worked fine. 

I would not be happy without a working safe !!  I do use it for passport, jewelry and my casino funds !!!!  

PS--last 2 cruises, I had problems with non working safes...had to wait to have a security officer come and fix them !!

(Dawn and Gem)..

Last month  (as on previous sailings) on the Gem, there was carry on storage in the Bliss lounge. 

14 hours ago, jaja said:

 

So, today I went online and used the link to make a payment..using the casino reward. Page popped up that I would receive an email confirming same.   None yet...BUT...my summary now says I owe more than when I applied it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never got a confirmation email..so called CAS...was told it was NOT applied..as it is not combinable  with ANY  CAS offers --comped OR discount.  No explanation of why it took the payment yesterday online.

On 1/7/2020 at 8:36 PM, jaja said:

I had a "reward" appear a few weeks ago...on the page for my cruise already booked for 11/2020. Got a postcard yesterday (similar to all the "sale" ones CAS sends) and it mentions booking and getting a reward.  

So, today I went online and used the link to make a payment..using the casino reward. Page popped up that I would receive an email confirming same.   None yet...BUT...my summary now says I owe more than when I applied it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On 1/6/2020 at 2:13 AM, Turtles06 said:

We had one of our Platinum dinners at Le Bistro last night.  As has been discussed elsewhere in this forum, the voucher says you get one app, one entree up to $35, and one dessert. Folks have reported mixed experiences in being charged for the additional amount if they order an entree that is priced at more than $35; some have been charged, some haven’t. 

 

Rack of lamb, for example, is now $36.  We each ordered the Dover sole, which is now $39. Our server warned us that we’d be charged the additional $4 each and a 20% service charge, and indeed we were.  Can we afford the $9.60?  Yes.  Does it leave a bad taste in our mouths that NCL does this, especially when the prices are absurd and made up?  Absolutely.  I’m a big believer in business goodwill, and this is the antithesis of that. If you give your best customers a “free” dinner for their loyalty, it really tarnishes it imho by this nickel and diming. 

 

Plus, the fish was truly forgettable. Le Bistro used to be a special place.  Excellent food and service.  In our experience, it’s been going downhill.  It’s no longer special, and although we have the SDP promo, which is five dinners on this cruise, we won’t be returning to Le Bistro. 

 

I realize that food is subjective, and that others of course may feel differently about Le Bistro. 

I had the Dover Sole on the Gem last month.  I, too, was very  disappointed. Totally not worth the price (or any price!)  .  On another visit that week , I did really enjoy my steak very much. . 

On 1/6/2020 at 2:13 AM, Turtles06 said:

We had one of our Platinum dinners at Le Bistro last night.  As has been discussed elsewhere in this forum, the voucher says you get one app, one entree up to $35, and one dessert. Folks have reported mixed experiences in being charged for the additional amount if they order an entree that is priced at more than $35; some have been charged, some haven’t. 

 

Rack of lamb, for example, is now $36.  We each ordered the Dover sole, which is now $39. Our server warned us that we’d be charged the additional $4 each and a 20% service charge, and indeed we were.  Can we afford the $9.60?  Yes.  Does it leave a bad taste in our mouths that NCL does this, especially when the prices are absurd and made up?  Absolutely.  I’m a big believer in business goodwill, and this is the antithesis of that. If you give your best customers a “free” dinner for their loyalty, it really tarnishes it imho by this nickel and diming. 

 

Plus, the fish was truly forgettable. Le Bistro used to be a special place.  Excellent food and service.  In our experience, it’s been going downhill.  It’s no longer special, and although we have the SDP promo, which is five dinners on this cruise, we won’t be returning to Le Bistro. 

 

I realize that food is subjective, and that others of course may feel differently about Le Bistro. 

I had the Dover Sole on the Gem last month.  I, too, was very  disappointed. Totally not worth the price (or any price!)  .  On another visit that week , I did really enjoy my steak very much. . 

I had a "reward" appear a few weeks ago...on the page for my cruise already booked for 11/2020. Got a postcard yesterday (similar to all the "sale" ones CAS sends) and it mentions booking and getting a reward.  

Back to pizza....I agree quality is not great...but I do still grab two pieces of the veggie one to go with a salad when I am in a pinch! 

1 minute ago, Peachypooh said:

That is a shame. I had the pork on the Encore. We got there just as the buffet was opening. It was pretty good. I tried the roast beef carving station on the Jade and the meat was so tough I couldn't chew it. So it is hit or miss I am thinking.

You make a good point about the "timing"--not sure when I was there..it was a poor piece of meat (way overcooked)  and if it was sitting under the lights for awhile..it was made worse !😫

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

No Wi-Fi. But the island has a cell tower. You need an international package on your phone (we have a $10 per day package in our phone). Then use phone as hotspot (faster than ship Wi-Fi). 

Yes!!  Was told the cell tower was upgraded recently on GSC.  I also had the international package on my phone, and had great cell service (Gem December)  while on the ship after we anchored. 

15 hours ago, Peachypooh said:

If eating in the buffet I try to go for the higher quality items like the carving station

and grilled vegetables with an occasional  pasta dish thrown in. However no matter now

mundane it looks sometimes I grab a piece of the pizza too. Usually the pepperoni one has a little more taste.

Just a comment on the "carving station"...was always my "go to" on the buffet...tried it the day they had pork loin...it was the worst piece of pork I have ever had...totally dry and inedible !  So disappointing. 

I often store my carry on duffel bag in the closet and the suitcase under the bed.  I have a laundry bag in the suitcase and just toss in dirty clothes..!!!

I did the Platinum /Free  tour recently on the Gem.  Yes--sign up as soon as you board . It did fill up and there was a waiting list. Very interesting tour ! 

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

 

Hi, Jan - what matter is that you got home safely & quickly ... Alex & Mark from the M&G got back to their home in Queens by 9 am (OMG) just as we're being "escorted" by the porter to leave the terminal ... approached by these "folks" trying to make a living fool out of us, yeah, right.  One of them flashed an "Uber" logo/image on the smartphone - something that anyone can do easily, quickly.  One can buy online a "ready to use" Uber/Lyft driver's kit to make their cars "official" looking.  Some of the discussions/tips/comments should be in the East Coast sub-forum for NY, useful & helpful for others ... 

 

DW said, she woke up in the middle of the night, wondering why she didn't feel the bed/room moving, squeaking & tilting ... LOL.   Happy holidays to you and everyone else. 

 

 

Yes--and not only did I get home safe...it actually was one of the quickest disembark and ride home I ever had!!  Was not a walk off..but  as in my house in NJ by 10:00 !!!!  

Holiday wishes to you and Mrs....and again thanks for all you great info!

Jan

Just a note...while waiting outside on Saturday for my car service..I was approached by 3 people asking if I needed a ride ! The hustlers were out in full force.  Have no idea where their cars were..or who they were...

On the Gem Dec 13th cruise they STILL had the popcorn shrimp and Cajun shrimp salad.  And the fish sandwich.  So still on old menu.