lauracruises

I am platinum with NCl. The POA is an older ship, however it is very pleasant. The cruise is port intensive . We flew from NYC 5 days before Hawaiian air , direct flights and stayed at Disneys Aulani Village for a few days. That allowed us to really see the Honolulu sites. We used Roberts tours instead of NCl They are terrific. We were there during the volcano and they were very helpful during the change of itinerary . Entertainment in the evening was lovely. 

I really wish they would make the announcement. "Supposed" to be on Epic May 17 from Barcelona, Spain going to Italy. Also, by the way flying from NYC.  Not going to happen. Family of 4 ,plus shore excursions and flights.

On 12/31/2019 at 3:50 PM, rwmartin said:

My wife and I will be going on our 4th cruise in the fall. I discovered CruiseCritic since our last cruise (nearly 10 years ago) and I enjoy reading the boards. We enjoy meeting people and have gotten to know some people, by chance, on previous cruises and ended up going to dinner together or meeting for the show on one or two nights. So, I'm interested in the Meet and Greets, but I'm wondering if my wife and I will fit in. We're in our late 40s and we will have been married 25 years when we go on the cruise. Based upon your experience at Meet and Greets you've attended on NCL ships, will we fit in? Will there be other people our age and with our limited cruising experience? Or will it be mostly retired folks who are Platinum with lots of cruising experience? I'm a bit of an introvert in new situations, so, I'm just wondering what to expect. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 Sorry I am Platinum and far from retired. Have been on 14 cruises, some M&G have been lovely ,others not so much. If you feel uncomfortable just leave.

As previously stated, weather is anyone's guess. Sometimes calm, sometmes not. My entire family is prone to motion sickness. OTC Bonine aka meclizine 25 mg twice a day works. I personally prefer a Rx of Transderm Scop. patch. However , there are side effects and some people can't tolerate it. Book your cabins mid ship, mid deck if possible.

You can absolutely book your dinners online. You will find in your cabin coupons that you will bring to the restaurants and give to the front desk when you check in for dinner. 

White  Hot party is now Glow party. It's the same You can wear all white or neon. Sadly, Fountains is no longer performed on any ship I have been on in the last several years. I miss it but it is on you tube

20 hours ago, harrypotter01 said:

Our flights were terrible.  There were lots of inexpensive, direct flights available.  They had us transferring, long layover, and getting home at 10 pm.  We decided to book SW and will be getting home at 1 pm instead on a direct flights.  We cancelled ours without penalty.  We still had to keep the transfers which we were fine with. 

I had free fights from NYC to Miami. with a recent NCl Sky cruise. I noticed on my confirmation, booked before final payment and ticketing on my confirmation that theyhad listed a NYC to Wash DC with layover then DC - Miami. on my outbound flight, direct flight home. Obviously aware they will book cheapest flights available. However I called NCl;s air department.I explained nicely that I live in NYC. There are 3 major airports I can fly from easily and could they please check again and voila direct flights on AA magically appeared on my booking.I told them I would fly any major airline as in Delta, AA , Jet Blue. Not Spirit or Fronteir The bottom line is it never hurts to ask.

20 hours ago, esm54687 said:

As Cole mentioned..... a passport card has zero juice to get you home via air travel from a foreign location.

 

It really is only good for land crossings between US and Canada / Mexico as well as domestic US air travel and being able to enter a Federal Builinding (the last two in lieu of a Real ID)

 

Also, just a reminder that a minor's passport book is only good for 5 years and not the normal 10. 

 

2 hours ago, esm54687 said:

I was actually clarifying your advice that a passport card would provide the same benefits as a passport book (as the thread was evolving into air travel home) 

 

Also, I referenced the Enhanced Driver's License  (5 states issue them including NY) which is completely different than the REAL ID (just a note that it isn't a REAL driver's license..... it's a driver's license or state issued ID that is REAL compliant) 

That is true, however you must physically go to DMV to obtain upon license renewal. You cannot obtain through mail renewal. A visit to a NYC dmv is usually not a pleasant or quick experience .

17 hours ago, esm54687 said:

As Cole mentioned..... a passport card has zero juice to get you home via air travel from a foreign location.

 

It really is only good for land crossings between US and Canada / Mexico as well as domestic US air travel and being able to enter a Federal Builinding (the last two in lieu of a Real ID)

 

Also, just a reminder that a minor's passport book is only good for 5 years and not the normal 10. 

 

Totally aware. Not necessary to re-iterate. Original post concerned minors to Carib. Also ,New York State has been late in the game as to REAL driver's licenses. This will change as of October 2020. Until then NYS residents will still be able to fly domestically with older version licenses or non drivers id

Although not legally necessary, a passport card is also acceptable. Passports are preferred. You can usually get one in 4 weeks or expedite one. You will also need a notarized letter from the parents allowing you to trake a minor out of the country. We have both passport cards and passports. It was easier to just pull cards from wallet at checkin. We were asked to sign wavers that we knew of passport policy.

On 9/10/2019 at 8:17 PM, hladygirl said:

No reason for us. We are platinum and already get priority boarding which have has been great for us, never had to tender. Never want to order breakfast in the cabin. Do not want to use the spa. So this useless to us if even offered. Why should others get what we earned even at a premium price? NCL selling what we have earned again.

 Agree with you on every point. I earned my Platinum status and should have had it earlier if NCl hadn't changed the point program last year

Sexual inuendo, strong language, allusions to drugs. Rock music lyrics . Unfortnately kids are exposed to much, much more in real life. Gun violence and drugs in school. Up to you as a parent. My kids not bothered by any of it   It's a personal decision. Look at the violent computer games you let them play. It's entertainment 

Honestly, figure out what is important to you. The internet is good if, a  it's enough minutes for you. People doiung work on board may need extra internet. Also beverage package, gratuities are added that you pay when booking. That adds up to about $308 for the week. for 2 people. Also the shore excursions are $50 off per cabin per port. Were you planning on going on an excursion at each port? For myself and my husband it works. We used  get the 6 bottle wine package because we enjoy it at dinner. It works so it doesn't limit our choices.

Paneer  Makhani for lunch with fresh naan.   Scones for tea time

Having failed at digestion, we decided to get back on the pizza train and hit our last stop of the tour. Our next and final destination was Di Fara, which was thankfully only a few subway stops away. Again, we lucked out and avoided the typical long lines at this very popular pizza spot. And I have to tell you, I’m glad that was the case, because if I waited over an hour to get this pizza, I would have been very displeased.

The pizza at Di Fara was flavorful, I’ll give it that, but it just wasn’t well prepared. It was overcooked, for a start, and it just lacked overall quality. I may give it a small pass because the famous pizza maker who opened Di Fara back in the 60swasn’t there making the pizzas. I would consider trying it again if I could be sure he was the person making the pies, but otherwise I’d give this place a hard pass, especially if there’s a wait.

That's how Di Fara's pizza is supposed to be cooked. Dominic uses a very high temperature pizza oven for the crust. Your "overcooked" is his specialty. I live within walking distance and the lines around the shop are insane when he is open. L&B is also terrific but a totally different style of preparation.

We have done Bermuda on The Breakaway 3 times in the last 4 years,Haven't yet tried the Escape, however I am sure it will be terrific also. First trip with teenage kids,and grandma . The second and third trip just as a couple. Bermuda is fantastic. It is not a seedy tourist trap island selling t-shirts, etc. St. George is interesting, the museum at the dockyards , and the glass factoryare great. Take the bus to the beach. You can do as much or as little as you want, Walk around Hamilton, Play golf. It's lovely to have3 days on an island and not have to rush back to the ship for 2 of those nights if you choose.

Yes , I booked POA for next month in January 2017. Before the changes ,I would be going in as Platinum. Instead I will have to cruise first and with the double points will finally be platinum

I have been on the Breakaway 3 times and we always enjoy having breakfast at Margaritaville. Most people don't realize complimentary breakfast is served there since Margaritaville opened as a fee lunch/dinner restaurant. It is quieter and the choices are more than adequate. They used to serve breakfast sandwiches which were terrific.They were a riff on McDonalds egg cheese croissant type

We are sailing in June on POA. Can not use free 3rd or 4th passenger. We are in a Family balcony. There is a convertable sofa for 3 rd passenger and pull down bunk for 4 th. It is less expensive than passengers 1 and 2 , however not free

Congee is on Breakaway buffet for breakfast. You can add whatever condiments you choose.

We are doing something similar next May. We are also DVC members, so are doing 4 nights Aulani then the cruise. We are renting a car. Why did you go to Marriott? We are going to drive from Aulani to the port and dropping off the car there. Do you know how long/far the drive will be?Thanks

Cruising is the most cost effective vacation. Even though I can afford a more expensive room,an inside is more than adequate for sleeping and showering. Where else can you get a nice hotel room, entertainment and 3 meals a day for $150 per day. Sightseeing doesn't have to be expensive if you go to the beach or wander the towns. Most of it is redundant and not that interesting . Alcohol is up to you and your habits. Often we just purchase a bottle of vodka on board .The orange juice, cranberry juice that we enjoy as mixers all week are readily available

My daughter has been on 8 cruises and loved splash academy and kids club through the years. Her saddest moment was turning 18 and not able to go anymore!

You will be fine. We travel with my now college age and then high school daughters in one cabin, all the time. Some cabins have 2 pulldowns, some a sofabed and pull down as 3rd and fourth beds.You spend minimal time in the cabin.Showering and changing always works out okay., Enjoy the cruise!

We have been on Breakaway twice and are scheduled for a third trip later this year. The aft balcony with my teenage girls was fine. Pull out bed and wall .dropdown with an aft balcony. I think categoryB6 . Enough room for sleeping and changing clothes. It's about the ship and Bermuda. We are all prone to sea sickness. Bonine for the kids and patches for adults have worked on all ships we have been on.