cw2go

Agree! The OP tends to start controversial threads and disappears. This isn't the first or only occurrence. Patty

We had Ashlie Amber on an Alaska sailing pre pandemic. She was great!

Are you already booked for anything during the blocked out hours? I am booked for Aug on Beyond and many are sold out so you may be limited already. On Apex Feb 2024 Eden is sold out on many nights. Patty

A little about us... 55 and 58 yrs old, active and some what experienced cruisers/travelers. Love the Med, Alaska and always have a Winter Escape in the works. We have sailed Princess, RCCL, Carnival (One & Done) and Celebrity which has been our line of choice since the kids abandoned us 😁 I have 2 cruises booked currently with NCL ~ One is 9nt Europe on Escape and the other is 7nt Southern Caribbean on Viva. I chose these cruises because of a few reasons, they are both port heavy with no sea days. We often get bored with sea days on any line. So done with belly flop contests! Looking forward to some variety, new shows/entertainment to mix it up. The ships look very nice and have true balconies, Celebrity has IV class ships in the itineraries we are looking for. I always pre book our dining and always end up in some specialties, on all lines. So I thought NCL would be a good fit in this regard. Now I am reading and probably over thinking 🤯 But could those of you who have traveled with multiple lines share what I should expect differently? I have heard uncountable times that NCL food has a lot to be desired and this has me concerned. I am not a Michelin 5* Girl... BUT ... I do like to Eat and I Eat good! My hips are proof of that! 😂 My booking includes 2 meals, should I add a Specialty Dining package? I see they have a special for another 2 meals at $70 pp including grats in my planner. And if so how does the booking process work? With Celebrity, I never do the packages because you can then only book on board and many of the dining venues/times are super limited at that point. I book pre cruise for the Specialty of choice on my preferred day/time. I'm also confused by the ale'cart on some and cover charges on others, how does a pre paid meal package covers those? I also never book them for ever night, we also go to the MDR but from what I've read on that board (as you can imagine) is that I'll starve if I don't book Specialties For All My Meals! For the entertainment, I have never pre booked for shows or comedy acts. Is this required on NCL or just suggested? For me I find this to be anything but "Freestyle" The VIBE area is also bookable in my planner, really curious for some input about this area? We won't be on board all day, on any day but when we are we do like to lounge and enjoy an adult bevi. But I also see there isn't a pool so how hot is this area? I'd appreciate any input to help wrap my head around the NCL way of cruise planning, Patty

I am on the Feb 12th sailing and in an IV, will happily show you my room if you're on this sailing. I didn't book this cruise for the stateroom, I wanted the ship vibe and sunshine! I sail in all different stateroom categories and it depends on the destination and ship class for me. I am going to the Caribbean for The Fun and SUN! Patty

I did the tour but not with Celebrity. I'll say that those boats the cruise line uses are packed. I would recommend looking for independent tour operators, usually cheaper and better viewing. I am not anti Celebrity tours, I actually do book them but depending on port/destination and in this case you'll be better off going independent imo. These are my pics taken with a Very Old Cheap Camera. The bubble feed was very exciting.

This is great info. I had also considered doing an ATV tour with them while in Ketchikan but opted for a Bear tour to Anna Creek with Island Wings and ATV's out of Anchorage with Alaska ATV Adventures. I'll keep this in mind for the future. Patty

On another note ~ If you're interested. Out of Juneau we did a Canoe, Ice Cave and Glacier Hike with Adventure Bound. It was a highlight of my life. Loved it. Not sure if they're still offering this but worth a little research. Your adventurous side will be happy! 😊

Agree with others, Glacier Point The train ride is beautiful but nothing about it is adventurous. The ocean raft adventure in Skagway was super fun and way more informative than I expected, you might be able to add that in your day as well.

It is very common for people to be overwhelmed with Alaska travel planning but once you experience the destination, you'll realize how easy it really is. For travel to Anchorage from Seward, you can either Train or take a bus both take your bags. ACT Big Bus goes directly to the airport, assuming that's where you'll get your car rental.

I did whale watching out of Juneau, for me it was smooth as glass for my son it was roller coaster. I'm like Northern Aurora don't experience any issues with sea sickness. I have seen many people in rough shape on water related tours, I always feel so bad for them because they have no way out, just have to deal till we dock. Patty

If you're doing a north or south bound sailing. Phillips cruises out of Whittier will be a great opportunity for otters and the 26 glaciers tour is fantastic. Bring binoculars and sunglasses, you'll thank me later! 😎 Patty

I looked at some maps and did bit more reading. It appears we do the hike round trip and train back to Skagway. Still not sure how the Op could do this since I'm not even sure of what I am doing 😆 Patty

Laughton Glacier Wilderness Hike & White Pass Railway Your hiking excursion from Skagway begins with a scenic train ride on the White Pass Railroad, followed by a wilderness hike to Laughton Glacier. Where your railway ride ends, your journey to the glacier begins as you hike a guided wilderness trail along the Skagway River, through the Alaskan forest. Observe an array of wildlife as you reach Laughton Glacier, where you’ll see exposed crevasses and other wondrous glacial sights Highlights Enjoy a '-hour train ride on the historic White Pass Railway past spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers, and jagged mountain peaks. Enjoy breathtaking views, exposed crevasses, and other forms of wonder that the glacier brings. Follow your guide on a 5-7 mile hike along the raging Skagway River on the way to Laughton Glacier. Departs at Day 4 7:30 am Duration 7hr 45 min Activity Level Strenuous Went in my cruise planner and this is the tour/info I have booked. Patty

Per your other thread ~ without cell phone users, you wouldn't have seen this.

I believe there may be port time issue, Packer Expeditions have time restraints to work with the cruise lines. I am booked on this tour with Celebrity and its is a 7/8 hr excursion. So without knowing how long you're in port for no one can answer. Also I believe this tour is train up, hike then bus back. So without having travel arrangements back after independently hiking, not sure how you'd do this. Patty

If able and desired to go independent, no need for a tour ~ In Montenegro after tendering, you can hike up the mountain to the Kotor Fortress / San Giovanni Castle with gorgeous views all along the hike. It's an amazing port. Don't miss being on deck for sailing in and out, it's beautiful! After you hike back down you can enjoy some gelato, that's always a priority when sailing in the Med 😁 If you want any specialty dining especially Eden I'd recommend booking asap, you can always cancel later but they do often sell out. For the reasons you mention, I don't do the packages. I prefer to lock down my schedule but I'm a planner and like to have my days "within reason" somewhat pre organized. You can use your OBC for dining and excursions in your Cruise Planner, after adding to your cart at checkout just apply the credit in the payment option. Patty

You're right, I got derailed. Sorry Patty

I've booked dining as far out as Feb 2024 for the Apex

100% on point! Also since sail aways are later in the evening, there isn't the same crowding to embark at 11 am like in Florida.

I understand your point and I certainly respect that you have to make the best decisions for what's best for you when splurging on travel/vacations. I would like to add from the other direction, I've traveled to Sedona, Cali and Maui this year all land trips and all repeats for us. The dining was very limited, lackluster and super pricey compared to years past. Just saying it's not only the Cruise Lines that will seem like a total rip off. The service for restaurants and accommodations on land had much to be desired, for us it feels like we are in a take it or leave it scenario and we just wanna go go go bad enough to accept this until it gets better rather than wait. Patty

Another thing that concerns me, even though I love Celebrity is that they chartered these sailings out of San Juan a lot. I'd hate to get bumped again... yes it's happened to me twice. This Feb I am on Beyond because I was afraid of losing my sailing on the Millie when I was making my decision for our 2023 Winter Escape. I wish I had gone Southern Caribbean but at the time I just didn't feel confident.

This is great news! Hope to see the Southern Caribbean sailings released soon.

Re: Southern Caribbean and the The ABC's I prefer 7nt sailings out of SJU rather than 9/10 out of Fl... I'll take the layover flight with immediate sunshine/warm weather during winter from Ohio over the extra sea days with a risk of being cloudy/chilly any day. So much so, I have NCL Viva booked w/refundable deposit. Waiting to see what Celebrity puts out because they are my preferred cruise line but sometimes you have to take what you can get. Patty

This is sad news! I did a review in 2010, we did an excursion with Cape Larry. I remember writing he was a man of few words but when he gave a command his deck hands hopped to his orders. It was an amazing day! He knew his waters inside and out! Patty