NJGem

i searched under Luggage Tags and read a lot of posts. I hate to ask a redundant question, but I'm wondering if I print my tags from my printer they will be in black and white - will it be an issue if not in color? We leave next week on the Gem out of NYC. Some suggested giving the bags to the porter with a tip and they will take care of the luggage tags. I'm okay with that, but don't want to find myself in a crush . What say you?

I think this happened to me as well. Did the check-in for my daughter and myself. They sent me an email and I noticed I had my daughter's address for my listing. Today cruise consultant called me, but she called my daughter's phone. I'll go in again to see if it is still incorrect. I had thought it was just me being inattentive when I filled it out.

We are booked on the Gem out of NYC on January 23. We have in the past traveled by bus from Atlantic City to the Port Authority. It was a hassle, plus this time I have no one to drop us off and Atlantic City parking is expensive. Considering driving to Newark the day before and staying the night. We could then use bus or train to get to NYC. We had to do this once previously due to a blizzard. The hotel we used was close to EWR, parking was included, and they gave us the name of a car service to use. I'm not sure of the sensible route to go this time. Is there a shuttle service from EWR to the pier? Any recommendations for hotels that would include parking for the duration of the cruise? Also recommendations on best way to get to the pier? Because we experienced weather issues in the past I have that factor to consider too. Thanks for any and all advice.

We did this tour a while back (not this year). We had a great time , loved our guide. We couldn't book the time we wanted, but decided to stop at their office, which was pretty close to the pier. We were checking to see if there had been a cancellation for that time. As it turned out the party with that booking never showed so they moved our tour up. If your schedule is flexible it wouldn't hurt to stop by, they may have no-show or cancellation. Good luck and enjoy OSJ.

It has been our experience in past cruises that this is offered. We didn't need this on our repo cruise on November 1, but on the cruise before that it was available. As we boarded the ship we were welcomed aboard, told where we could store the luggage, and what dining options were available at that time. We were given tags to claim the luggage. I think on that cruise they used the Bamboo/Sushi dining area. I am sure others will confirm this information - if not call NCL to confirm it will be made available. Enjoy your cruise.

The Blue Lagoon is among the places you can grab lunch. I mention this because often it is overlooked. On our last cruise we dropped our bags in the room and went down the hall to the Blue Lagoon. It wasn't crowded like the buffet and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch.

I think we will store the luggage at the pier and then walk over to the Aquarium/Channelside area to look around. We will then probably catch the trolley to Ybor City for lunch. There is an all day pass for $5 on the trolley system (I think it also includes the buses - not sure) that is very reasonable to take in different attractions. I am sure you will receive more knowledgeable replies than mine, so I will keep watching to see what additional information is posted. Enjoy your day in Tampa!

I read with interest your post, as we will be in Tampa on that same day under same conditions. I am researching this myself. Please post back what information you found and I will do the same. Of course, it would be ideal if we had replies from either local or cruisers who have already found this information. Regards.

This was our first time using the laundry service. I was really pleased with how nice everything came back - considering it was just a "wash & fold" service. I think it came back the same day, if not it was the next day. I was aware of the day the "stuff a bag" was offered, just didn't know we were supposed to use the certificate on that day. On our upcoming cruise I will clarify this offer with the room steward to avoid any confusion.

Happy cruising!

We went to the Soup Bowl by bus a year ago. We actually started from the Alice Street terminal, which takes a longer route and we had to transfer (I think it was the Speightstown terminal). However, this also gave us the opportunity to see a little bit of Barbados. The bus we took on the return went to the Fairchild Street terminal. Not only was this a very affordable means of getting to the Soup Bowl, we were able to get back to Bridgetown in time to shop and stop for lunch/refreshments at our favorite stop in town. You can obtain schedules on the Barbados Transport Board. While taking the bus may not be for everyone, we have had good luck in using local bus transportation when available. The only thing I would caution about is keeping track of times and schedules. The return trip was about 45 minutes. I wouldn't want to be checking my watch, worrying if I would make it back to the ship in time.

Happy cruising!

Reading this posting reminded me of our first cruise as Platinum that was long enough to need the service. We received the certificate for laundry - it did not state a particular day (read it several times to check). Unless I missed fine print somewhere, is there a particular day this offer has to be used? Our room steward stated it was supposed to be the same day the one bag at a fixed price is offered. Eventually they honored the certificate, but it left me very confused on this issue. Anyone who can offer clarification on this - will need to know for our upcoming repo. Thanks .

I had been researching the same thing for our October repositioning cruise. I had posted a similar inquiry on the Gulf Coast Departures forum. One of my responses was from Herfnerd who had used Advance Check In. The fee of $25 for up to four bags seemed very reasonable. Also, they were able to make arrangements to be picked up at Cafe du Monde for transfer to the airport for $14 pp through Advance Check In. My initial inquiry was how close to the port terminal does the trolley run because without luggage it would be very convenient - on maps it looks really close by. NCL does offer a post cruise tour that is in the $50 pp range. Considering that your luggage is with you, you are getting the tour and transportation to the airport - that is not a bad price. Bear in mind that the airport is in Kenner, which by all I have read is 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic. There is also a public bus that runs to the airport. I believe it stops near Loyola University. So I guess my point would be that you do have options once you decide what to do with your luggage. Happy Cruising!

We did the Segway Antigua tour in early December. Everyone there was a pleasure to deal with prior to the tour, during the tour, and after the tour. Patrick met us at the dock, arranged the transportation to the Segway store for the safety video and then on to Fort James Beach where the tour started. My husband and I really had a blast on this tour. I sort of toppled off once - my own fault. I was not hurt and Patrick took the time to instruct me how not to do that again. I cannot recommend this tour enough - it will be one of the highlights of your cruise. After we returned, they emailed us photos from the tour - these photos were much better than the ones I took! After the tour we had about forty-five minutes to have a drink on the beach (included in the tour) and then the taxi returned right on time to return us to the dock. I came away saying that I couldn't wait to do that again and that I wanted a segway.