www3traveler

4 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

I've never seen any embassy info on an NCL ship.  (I'm not questioning Flip's experience above.)  As noted in a prior comment, the port agent and their contact info is listed in the Freestyle Daily.  Be sure to take that info ashore with you.

 

Prior to any international travel, I make a list of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with their contact info.  It's not hard to do. 

 

Also, well prior to departure, I register our trip with STEP.  (This is most important on a land-based vacation, but it still doesn't hurt to do it for a cruise.)

 

 https://step.state.gov/

Big blue book found in every stateroom of every ship operating in US waters as a result of Senator Jay Rockefeller's (R West Virginia) Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act passed by the US Congress Summer of 2010.

3 hours ago, Asawi said:

That's interesting! Just US embassies or different nationalities'?

Part of the 2010 Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.  Big blue book titled "Norwegian Security and Safety Guide.

Lists Embassies and Consulates all over the world.

4 hours ago, BoundForSea said:

Hey Yvonne, when you were on did they not let you book the two shows (a rock show and a Cirque style show) shows ahead of time as part of their new policy if pre booking before boarding? I’m Plat and at day 26 went to book online and said unavailable, called and they told me that on Jewel it’s only first come first serve to the shows and you can’t even book them on board? That was your case as well? That was a big w-t-f moment. 

Shows on ALL Jewel Class ships do not require reservations.  The doors to the theater open 30 minutes prior to the performance.  You just walk in  and find a seat you like.

The Local Port Agent--Yes

US Embassy- No

The Port Agent would probably have that information or could get it quickly.

Have a safe journey home 

THANK YOU

15 minutes ago, Ponchatoula Mayberry said:

I live in New Orleans.  I am planning to take a cruise the week of Mardi Gras.  I was wondering if the ships are crowded that week?

What's the dates for Mardi Gras?  If it falls between mid February and mid April-- Yes Spring Break cruises-- lots of families and college kids.

Just checked, The Super Bowl is scheduled to actually begin at 5:30 P.M. New Orleans time.  All the pre-game stuff will probably begin about 2:00 P.M.  Yes, The Superdome is near the port terminal.

Traffic is going to be a nightmare into the city.  If you have already booked your hotel, check with them and see what your shuttle services might be.  I can not imagine that hotels are not making shuttle arrangements for cruise ship passengers.

Enjoy your cruise.  Be sure that you are outside as the ship pulls away from the pier.  She will make a "U" turn in the River and then head South down the River.  The trip from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico takes about 8 hours or so.

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Opening a ship is hard, backbreaking work. Waiters building and carrying hundreds of heavy chairs and tables. Stewards moving and setting up furniture. All without the benefit of hero cards and cash tips. 

EXACTLY!!!  Hard work by everyone on board-- Engine Room, Galley, Hotel staff, Restaurant staff, and the Bridge Team.  As always, prayers and best wishes for all those selected to open The Aqua.

1 hour ago, roxette said:

From what I have heard, it is much better to email than to hand in a written card. 

Both

On board, the Hero cards first go to the Department Head, reviewed and then given to that particular person.  Once a month, a employee of the Month is honored.

Emails would go to the Corporate Office in Miami, and eventually make it back to that particular ship, Department Head and then to the particular staff member.

Given all the staff changes about to happen, a positive "Hero" card could mean an assignment to the Aqua, a promotion, re-assignment to another replacing someone heading to the Aqua.

Also given yesterday's announcement, Hero cards could become even more important to staff members than have been.  How they plan to implement the announcements made yesterday at the New York Stock Exchange remains to be seen.

7 hours ago, ecslady said:

Following along...especially interested in your "Gluten Free" experience as I am GF also and looking at booking this or similar itinerary.  Enjoy your cruise!

Have you filled out the "Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire" form?  There is a section on it which covers dietary issues.

What is your next grand adventure?

I hope that all is as well as possible in your world and with all those you hold dear.

The Buffet usually has a different dinner special each night.  The Freestyle Daily will tell you each day what the Buffet Dinner Special will be.

The main Dining Rooms have the same menu each evening.  On side of the menu stays the same each evening and the other side will have a different menu each evening.  Menus are posted outside of the dining rooms so you know what is being served.

Usually there is a theme dance party beginning about 10 P.M. each evening.  There is no need for special clothing.  

Relax and enjoy your cruise

1 hour ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Just wanted to preface this by saying I truly enjoyed your Live thread. As a newbie to NCL and having booked 32-nights on Norwegian Jade for the repositioning cruise to Alaska next April your Life Rings review, along with the cruise comments and now the sickness reports from your fellow cruisers, are giving me major anxiety attacks. Even over on FB I'm reading bad things on Jade and NCL. In January I cancelled a Coral Princess EB Panama Canal cruise in favor of the NCL itinerary. I'm trying to stay positive with 319 days to go! 🥺

32 Days on The Jade!!  OH WOW!!!  I would love it.  May I suggest that you read David McCullough's book--" The Path Between The Seas".  It is an extensive (well documented) history of the building of the Panama Canal.  It took from 1870 to 1914 to complete the project. 

To me, Cabin 4545 looks to be a crew area ( could be crew cabins, gangway storage).  I would not book anything on Deck 4.  I have had cabins on Deck 5 under the Galley, I didn't mind it at all.

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

 

Hahaha ... this is the Getaway, who's GM onboard and who's CD, curious minds wants to know, asking for a friend.  For me, I always believe in going with the flow, pack patience & humor.  Have another night cap and sleep well.  Tomorrow is a brand new day, is it going to be nice & sunny.  Loving those pictures.  

There is a General Manager's Conference being held in Miami right now.  All 19 General Managers are in attendance.

1 minute ago, YVRteacher said:

If you have been in the spa on the Jewel you have heard the thalassotherapy pool gurgling. That is what my lungs sound like now. Just a constant rattling gurgle.

Prayers for you as you heal and for Dad.  Parts of the cruise was very hard on him.  Now that he is "home" again, how is he?

I lay mine flat on the floor in the closet.  You stand them up in the closet, they could roll side to side in rough seas.

3 hours ago, libtrek said:

Hi Yvonne. Unfortunately Rich did not do well on the cruise. His back and legs were much worse than I thought. Ended up renting wheel chair for the two weeks. It helped but he was still overwhelmed. We cancelled Bering tour, he wouldn’t have handled it well. I’m sad to say spending so much time in public made me realize how advanced his dementia has become. Probably no more cruises for us but we do have many happy memories. Mary Lou

OH WOW!!!  Very difficult decision to make.  Prayers and Blessings to you and to your family.

Mandy

36 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

 

Security disembarked 3 passengers today in Ketchikan. They were escorted off the ship with their suitcases. There was an investigation and something about a theft. 

 

There was also a medical disembarkation via ambulance.

OH WOW!!!  Security having to disembark passengers is rare.  Lots of stupid people out there.

6 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

On a sad note of closure, without further details - please do not ask and to respect privacy - my understanding that one of the Prima guest taken ashore for medical care in Iceland has been granted eternal membership on a different heavenly cruise line, in good hands.  Thoughts & prayers for the family, loved ones & friends and thanks, NCL in  providing urgent care, speeding up arrival time to Reykjavik and doing all the trained professional onboard can do to help.  

OH WOW!!!  How very sad.  Prayers for family, friends, fellow cruisers and the Prima staff.

9 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

If you are currently on an NCL ship or are boarding one in the next week you may notice a change in management. All the GMs have a conference in Miami this week and they haven’t been able to meet together since before Covid. Food and Beverage managers will be stepping up to the GM position for a week. The moment Rumi left this week the Dear Rumi box in the atrium was changed to the Dear Tyson box.

 

I usually write Rumi a thank you note and tuck it in there because I know a lot of those notes are complaints but I thought it would be weird for Tyson to get a note about how great Rumi is.

 

The Vacation Hero box on the Jewel is full! It always is. 

I wondered if Rumi joined his friends in Miami.  Got a note from Steven Saturday, he was on his way to Miami.

This sounds like a wonderful Conference.  

4 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Mandy, thanks ... we have a road trip planned next month.  Nothing for the hot & humid summer months.  Next mini adventure will NOT be on NCL - 9 nights on another line in 2nd half of September, drive-park-cruise.  The bigger one in late Fall is booked but ... having doubts, may cancel & move the booking w discounts to another ship/date/itinerary.  

Prayers and love always

BIG BIG BIG BIG HUG

Suggestion: if you are staying at a hotel downtown, ask them to hang on to your bags, go sightseeing, come back, pick-up your bags and head to the ship.

You have to be onboard 2 HOURS prior to the scheduled posted sailing time.  Chances are your cabin will not be available before 2 P.M.

Enjoy the city of Seattle and your cruise.

Thank you for all the beautiful pictures.

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG HUG

Love and prayers always

JOY SENIOR OFFICERS as posted 12 May 2024 by BirdTravels:

Captain:  Dan Sevensson

General Manager:  Ricardo Pinheiro

Assistant General Manager:  Alvina Athanase

Cruise Director:  Vincent Teschel

Guest Services Manager:  Giannina Pedraza

Executive Housekeeper:  Rommel Alamanza

Food and Beverage Director:  Gilbert Derecho

Restaurant Manager:  Gautam Pardeshi

Beverage Manager:  Orest Patel

Executive Chef:  Savio Da Silva