HowardK

My uncle Ray was on the same cruise and I think he got some money back - wrote to the right people I can ask him. 

OT- I loved the Epic it was my favorite cruise- 

On 9/25/2022 at 3:02 PM, MoCruiseFan said:

 

That would totally ruin the whole Haven experience.  The sad cat is that a vast majority of people who play actually think they are a LOT better than they really are.

I am sure it would TOTALLY ruin someones cruise. I mean, they would probably have to call their butler about it.

I would be all for someone bringing a guitar/keyboard. When you are a successful musician, it is important to not go a week without playing, also is something really important to  you.

I mean, there are always people that like going on cruises just to have something to complain about, maybe its jealousy or whatever.

Someone on the balcony next to me had to practice some choral arrangements, I said go for it- I understood how important music was to them.

I often would ask for a time where I could use a piano and was granted one. One time a bar worker unplugged a piano I was using (it was a digital electric) and I politely called the front desk and explained I would cancel my next two cruises if it wasnt plugged in. Problem solved.

OP- I am sorry you had to go through this is sounds horrible.

- I am wondering how come NCL doesn't offer flights that are a few days before for people that might want to a) either come early and stay for a few days in NYC etc or b) avoid the risk of a missed flight?

I agree- it was more important before having the UBP. I noticed when I drank something they got 2 more- sometimes it was a sales pitch for future cruises- but in good taste. 

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

Hotels I’ve really enjoyed in Manhattan before and after NCL cruises:

The London (now the Conrad)

Hilton Times Square

Hilton Garden Inn Chelsea

the Roosevelt

The Hyatt near Grand Central Station

Ramada Plaza New Yorker

Marriott Times Square

 

Hotels that were disappointing:

The Belvedere

Novotel Times Square

The Hilton Times Square was my favorite, but it closed. Do you know if something opened in its place? I would take the bus up from South Jersey, and it was right near the port authority.

On 7/2/2022 at 2:26 PM, CrazyTrain2 said:

I can confirm - you need a PCR Covid test to board a spaceship.

 

 

I concur had to get one for all 3 planets and both universes I visited last weekend.

I had it on my last 2 NCL cruises, but not the previous 4. When I sail again I will decline as well- it wasn't worth it. I found myself trying to get my money's worth.

what then happened was i got sick on both cruises due to lack of sleep and probably too much alcohol even though the drinks were spaced apart.

Great review! I went on the Breakaway '13 and '14 and hope to go again.

I had a couple of times on the breakaway years ago where I purchased a studio, and then a week before was able to upgrade to a balcony as there was no single supplement last minute- paid about $50 and $100 each time to upgrade

I remember 4 years ago I upgraded the week before my Studio to  Balcony- it was $50 to upgrade for the room and then yes! another $20! to upgrade my "free " drinks package because the cost for the gratuities increased from the time of original booking from $100 to $120!.

*Note this does not include the extra $296 that came out of my HSA for my urgent care visit when I returned home due to having not enough sleep, drama, and the drink package on my cruise.

If i eventually return to sea, I will take the drink package with a grain of salt and just focus on the cruise.

Hello, do any of the ships currently still have Howl at Moon. If so and if anyone has attended, do you know if they still let passengers play on stage with them? That was something I thoroughly enjoyed on my cruises, and often a deciding point on which ship I attend. i.e. if it is winding down, it then would make it easier for me to decide on another NCL ship.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Hello, did they still have Howl at the Moon?

Is the ship salvageable? My friend Dave from Dayton is a Phd in engineering and says the problem is not fixing the ship- but a similar event happening again as it will already have been weak despite events.

The important thing in all of this is you are safe and well. And now, you will know for next time. 

I often carry my passport card with me (it was an extra fee) and keep the original passport in the safe but take a copy of my birth certificate with me as well as my insurance card and some cash and a credit card. 

Reminds me of a story from my carefree uncle Ray Sevens way back in the 80's- he missed his port in Barbados due to far too much rum-figured the best thing to do was just hang out and drink more rum on the beach for a few days since he needed to get away from his job and wife for a while.

Luckily, he was always paranoid and had his passport (which is why i carry the card) and money on him. His wife was mad that it cost him an extra few $k to come home but it was his favorite adventure. 

Thank you for sharing the link 

In the old days I would book a studio then get an upgrade like this a week before and pay the difference. I found the best part was not having to put the suitcase under the bed!

Although I personally wouldn't book a cruise right now I am looking forward to 2024 when I will do 3.

From my experience- going on ships that went to PC- people said it wasn't enough time there, by the time you factor in waiting to get on the bus to go etc... 

Also- is there a limit as to how much you can bring back through customs? I can't remember if it is a dollar amount or number of bottles?

Although not on the same route- there was a place in St Thomas- near a large market where I would bring back 2 bottles of banana rum

My May 2020 cruise was cancelled-I knew in February it would be as I saw there was no way cases would decrease.

I made it to NYC twice for some concerts.

However, I feel that I am now just reading cruise critic and complaining about my job.

I was planning 3 cruises in 2024- different times 

The were a few mixed drinks available but it was mostly beer. It is a lovely venue I enjoyed it a lot

If I had any doubts about going - I wouldn't go.

After all the horror stories about people testing positive, being quarantined, etc.. no thanks. 

doesn't sound relaxing for a few thousand dollars.

Rather hang out and talk to my dog and read then stress

Not only would I cancel I wouldn't book anything until cases decrease if that ever happens. I am already looking at 2023-2024 cruises though.

OP- I really like the pictures of the ship in the evening. I remember one time I had a October sailing and it started to get darker earlier which i found nice and calming. I hope you enjoy your cruise.