trivia addict

I agree that more cabins= more people and that more people = a more crowded ship. Not good. But the reason that the Vibe is never crowded is that it is intentionally kept to a small amount of people to make it more secluded with enough space and chairs for those who buy its passes. Passes for the Vibe are competitive and often sell out months before the cruise.

Another vote for Paradise Beach

Just got off from the Viking Hervor from Basel to Amsterdam yesterday. There was no problem with water levels along this part of the Rhine. It was a wonderful cruise.

I wholeheartedly agree with the above posters. I have taken several HAL and NCL cruises. I’ve been on the Pearl, which is a lovely ship but never the Zaandam, so can’t compare the two ships. But to compare the two Lines, I think your mother would be more comfortable with HAL. It attracts an older crowd and its shipboard activities reflect that. Having been to almost all of the ports you mention. I would not give up the opportunity to visit Montreal and Quebec City. I wouldn’t worry about the one way hassle of flying home. My daughter and I have taken a Mother//Daughter cruise each year since 2007. (Excluding Covid years). At the start, I made all of the decisions, and now I happily let her take over and am secure in the knowledge that she can navigate us through those pesky things like airports and apps on the phone! I am sure that the two of you will figure it all out together and I know that this trip will be a very special time for both of you.

Quoting brickles1, yes, definitely no Howl at the Moon on Joy. The piano player between the two dining rooms is mood music only. Not a show or interactive event. This is something we miss when cruising the Joy. Never attended the piano player in the OL. Maybe someone can post what that is like.

It is often possible to reschedule when on board We were on the Joy in May and were able to move some reservations around by going in person to the restaurants. On the other hand, I wouldn’t feel too bad about missing Footloose. It has mixed reviews and when we were on the Joy in February we walked out of it. Didn’t like it at all.

IMO there is definitely a difference. But what both of us are trying to do is help the OP know the choices available on the Joy. Some will agree with your observation some with mine. Again, the VIBE is an indulgence and all chose how to spend their money in the way that makes them happy. But I know we can agree that the Joy is a wonderful ship and that there is plenty options on it to make for a great cruise!

Oops. A correction. I think this deal might have been through AmEx. Now that I think about it.

As mentioned, weather can not be predicted, but we just sailed from Honolulu to Vancouver this past May 2-11. (On another cruise line) The weather was quite good. The 5 sea days were warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sun, and since the outdoor pool was heated we were able to swim everyday. Sometimes a bit rocky but nothing I would complain about. Before the cruise we stayed for 2 nights at the Royal Hawaiian. Loved it. It sits on a lush green property. It has a beautiful pool area, great staff, and is walkable to shopping, restaurants and beach in Waikiki. ( found a deal for it at one of those big box stores😉)

There is a difference between Spice and Vibe. Because Vibe only sells a limited amount of passes, there is always a lounger and umbrella available. Towels are close by, and no card needed. The fact that it covers both sides of the ship, and with less people it feels spacious and quiet. Sometimes a larger group will make some noise, but overall, most people are there for sunning or reading. Waiters take orders and bring drinks. Small appetizers are occasionally passed. And to some like myself who have breathing problems, the lack of smoking is a real plus. The only drawbacks to Vibe are that it is inconvenient to reach, being that only one elevator goes all the way to deck 19. And being at the top of the ship, it can sometimes be quite windy. Vibe is definitely an indulgence and one has to consider whether it’s cost is worth it, but for myself, it is a Haven experience without the expense of the Haven.

Currently on the Joy in Bermuda. We have a small magnet on our door proclaiming our Mother/ Daughter cruise. A door down the hall is covered with beach magnets and another door has a life sized portrait of the birthday girl who is celebrating her milestone birthday.

Good idea to bring your own binoculars if you are serious about using them. My husband has a very good pair which we used on the Neiu Amsterdam last August. Our friends tried to use the ones from the ship and were very frustrated. As it turns out, the day that we were all in the Observation Lounge, on the Glacier tour with the Park Rangers, binoculars were being sold in that Lounge,. Friends bought a pair and were very happy with them. Sorry, I do not know what they paid.

I hate it. I have not encountered this too much on HAL, but it happens very often on Royal, usually in the Main Dining Room. And it’s usually not a quick request but a long speech to a captive audience that I must sit through. I find it uncomfortable to be in a position where someone must beg me for a review and think how awkward it must be for the server to have to do this.

A little bit harsh on your NCCL opinion. I did HAL to Alaska last August, and Mexico on NCCL in February. On BOTH Cruise lines, I saw the entire gambit of dress. Extreme casual to cocktail dress. No one cared on either cruise what the rest were wearing. The difference is NCCL has a younger clientele, so can be more casual than those of my age who grew up with different norms and tend to dress more conservatively. Certainly no matter what age, some will dress for comfort and some will dress up to make their vacation feel special. As stated on many many posts, wear what you want and are comfortable wearing when in public!

Before you decide where to stay, you must decide what type of sightseeing you want to do. Do you want typical tourist? Broadway, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Bdg, etc? Then midtown is best. Do you want history, small cafes, the Village, Little Italy , the Highline? Then downtown is for you. And don’t forget that Uptown Manhattan has several wonderful museums. All can be reached to the cruise dock easily. My suggestion is to look online for walking tours in NYC. Instead of the HOHO. I have taken several walking tours and always learn and see so much. I’ve done one in Central Park, one on Architecture, several foods of NY tours, and one on Alexander Hamilton places of interest. Many hotels in any area you choose. Do your research with a good guidebook

All good advice here. If, as said, the $135 is the total for all of you, then it is price wise, time wise and easier to take the ship shuttle. I would think that 5 people and enough luggage for 5 would need two Ubers, which would cost much more than $135. And if you do dock at Pier 66, ( which Norwegian generally does), you will have to walk with all of your luggage to Pier 91 to catch a ride share, whereas the shuttle buses are lined up right outside of your ship when you disembark.

And also agree with you on all of the points that you make.

I have sailed on HAL, Royal, Celebrity and Norwegian since cruising started up again. Although almost a Diamond Plus on Royal due to sailing her many times when the children were young,I am not loyal to any specific Line. I choose by price and destination. I will tell you that EVERY one of these Lines has fallen in service, food and and entertainment since before Covid. Some ships are better than others and all of the above categories are subjective anyway, but anyone looking for that magic cruise line that will make you perfectly happy is going to be disappointed. I can still cruise and be happy with the positives that I can find while being on a ship, although I am noticing the decline of what was once my favorite way to travel.

Listen to the advice that everyone here has given. NO Vibe in Alaska! It would be a terrible waste of money. I have been to Alaska 3 times. Once in May and twice in August, and never would it have been warm enough to enjoy Vibe. And there is no need for it. People are spread out all over the boat so you do not have to worry about crowds. Finally, you really do want to be closer to the water to see the glaciers and the mammals in the sea. As mentioned put the money into the thermal spa instead.

Did you not read my first sentence? I have lived on LI close to Plainview for over 50 years and actually it is closer to 60 years. If the Whidbey Island address is throwing you off, that is our vacation home Have cruised out of NJ many times and always take the SS, Belt, Verrazano. Somehow we always manage to get there with no problem

We also have used Toursbylocals.com. Mostly used them in Europe, but two years ago, we hired them for a day long tour of Oahu. The driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. He accommodated all of our requests as we traveled. I have been very happy with this group. We had a tour in Italy reserved for July 2020. They could not have been more gracious when we had to cancel it. Refunded our money and included a voucher for a future tour. ( which we used in Hawaii)

Thank you. I have done coastal Mexico and Alaska and it is interesting to know that motion is a bit different on this voyage. I actually like motion on a ship and will look forward to trying out the waves on this trip.

Well, it’s the best I can offer😂

Good choice! Anything else would require unnecessary effort and money not well spent. Bring a book, and relax at the airport. At least the excursion might be interesting.