rmurray847

We generally DO make reservations in advance for the MDR, and if something comes up, we change it.  That way, we have our desired time carved out in advance, with flexibility still available when needed.

HOWEVER, another strategy you can employ is to reserve on more of an "as you go basis."  Go the first night, have dinner, and on your way out, make reservations for the next evening.  That gives a mix of flexibility and predictability.  But, if you really just don't want to be held to anything, you absolutely can just show up when you want.   In most cases, there will be a wait, but it is RARELY very long.  If you're okay waiting 10 minutes or so, you'll be fine.  We always spend that wait time at the nearest bar.  The bar between Taste & Savor (name escapes me) is particularly well suited to this.  

As far as the specialty restaurants...in my experience the food quality alone is not worth the upgrade. Yes, I think the food is a bit better, but is it worth the cost?  (Ask yourself, would paying another $25 for this meal, but having it served to me in the MDR be worth it?  For me, it's "no".)   It's the atmosphere and in the case of Teppanyaki, the show, that might make an upcharge worthwhile.   If you're looking for more of a "date night" experience in a quieter ambience...they are worth looking into.  If you're with a group and want to have some lively fun, Teppanyaki is a blast (and you really MUST reserve this in advance, they fill up fast).  But this is my opinion.  Others feel different.  We had a great time eating at Ocean Blue last year, and it was one of my favorite meals at sea ever.  And others hate the place.  So your grain of salt should be very big.

Our experience, 7 years ago, was great.  It was our very first cruise, so we were a little nervous.  (It was on the Jade too!!...great ship!).  The port is pretty big, and if you are arriving some other way (like via train), you have to catch a shuttle at the gate into the port area and ride that to the ship.  We did that on a later cruise when Rome was a stop (not departure port), and it's a little hectic because so many folks are lugging suitcases and stuff onto the bus.  HOWEVER, much like you, we had a driver and he was able to drive through the gates and right to the ship.  THAT WAS SMOOTH!  We arrived around 1:30, and there was virtually no line.  From drop off to stepping onto the ship was less than 15 minutes.  Obviously your experience may vary.  I'd suggest going onto the board for Rome and asking there too.  There are some VERY experienced folks there and your question is not really NCL specific, so advice you'll get from non NCL folks is just as valid.

Enjoy!

Thanks for posting this; I've been meaning to ask a related question.  Where are these screens?  All decks?  I'm assuming the ones nearest to the boarding location will be heavily used, and other screens less so.  I'm prepared to climb a few flights to get to a screen faster.  

Thanks for any help.

This was an issue for us too...we're on the same cruise as you, OP.  Our tour was scheduled for 7:00.  Our operator contacted us to say they had heard from NCL about the change in arrival time, and they offered us a different (and less interesting tour) that started later in the day.  Needless to say, it's a big disappointment.  I'll be watching this first cruise to see if by ANY chance the official port schedule is wrong...but I'm doubtful.  Bummer.

2 hours ago, mapleleaves said:

We are on the EPIC in September out of Barcelona with a week of land travel afterwards.  I booked directly with Norwegian Airlines. Love their one-way fares.

We got a nonstop TO Barcelona, then a nonstop from London. About $400 for each flight, including seat selection and a checked bag.  I'm not willing to give up control of my flight times.

Check them out.  If you can't get a nonstop to BCN, consider flying into London then a connecting flight to BCN. European flights are pretty reasonable.

I too would be wary of letting NCL pick for me...but with the price difference, I understand the temptation.  Barcelona, while not a huge city, relatively speaking, gets lots of direct flights and really isn't too tough to get to.  You might get a non-stop, and certainly not more than one stop, which isn't the end of the world for a transatlantic.  BUT I'd still be hesitant because of my desire to control timing, which airline, etc.  

I agree about Norwegian Air.  We flew them from London non-stop to Denver last April following our TA on the Breakaway.  GREAT experience and crazy low price.  Worth looking into...they're not the flakes that WOW air turned out to be. 

On 5/1/2019 at 10:16 AM, Action Dave said:

We will be on the Norwegian Joy beginning August 31 to November 7 sailing from Seattle.

We would enjoy whale watching and glacier experience. Is there an alternative to Norwegian escursions either

at Juneau

I'm not an Alaska expert, because we're taking our first cruise there on the Bliss May 19.  But I will tell you that Google is amazing for helping you find tours.  In your case, try searching "shore excursions Juneau" and you'll find a startling number of options...all below NCL prices.   I know people often say they just pick something when they walk off the ship...we've never done that, because while not obsessive, we do like to plan ahead more than that.  But we've used the Google method all over the world, and never been disappointed.  Always save money or sprung for a truly private excursion with just my wife and I.  Never even been close to getting back to the ship late...the operators are way too paranoid about bad reviews.

20 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

@JamieLogicalBased on your complaints about MSC, I do not feel they warrant actually NOT taking that cruise, so if you want to give that ship a try, I would do it. I would let things like status match and customer service define whether or not you would take a cruise. If you are worried about the dress code, I would just eat in other places on those nights, or wear a dress/skirt just for those one or two occasions if you're set on eating in the fancy place. Please let us know how the MSC cruise goes!

I agree with this.  Although I am comfortable with the familiar (we sail NCL and RCCL); if I were in the position you are in right now...I think I'd stick with MSC and try something new.  You were happy with it until you got lousy customer service.  If I let less than great customer service keep me from a cruise...I might never have cruised.  I've had good experiences on the phone and bad...none of those ended up having any bearing on my enjoyment of the actual cruise.  Having said that...I WOULD be quite tenacious about getting my 10% discount!  

OP, I was amused by your very lengthy opening post.  Funny to see how we can get ourselves into situations like that.  You make all the "right" decisions and then suddenly, you don't feel so smart!  But as you say, it's a good problem to have.  I think you'll love both your cruises.  (Just say that over and over...you get to go on TWO cruises!!)

4 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

I haven't sailed on the Epic, but the beds on the three NCL ships I've sailed on have all been incredibly comfy. So comfy in fact that I have researched buying the brand of mattress NCL uses on their ships!  While I haven't researched the brand, I also find them very comfortable.  I never sleep better than on a cruise...yes, partially being on vacation mode, but also nice mattresses.

There are usually announcements mad, instructions in the Daily, and a separate instruction sheet provided regarding tender tickets. I don't know what communication was so poor in your case.  Yes, there are usually myriad announcements everywhere.  Not sure how anyone paying attention to their dailies could miss it.  

I have never noticed servers being more attentive to drinking customers vs. non-drinking. If anything, I have found drink service to be fairly slow in the MDRs, because the don't have bars inside of them.  Ditto.  Getting a mixed drink in the MDR is a rare event!  And if you can snag one, you'll struggle to get a second.

Can't speak to your allergy issue, since I don't have any food allergies. It does sound annoying!  Last year, we sailed with a vegetarian and another person who was gluten intolerant.  We always had a manager-type assist us...BUT they were usually there before our waiter made an appearance.  As soon as we checked in at the desk, it's clear a "signal" goes out to someone in charge, and they swooped right over.  We actually got some amazing vegetarian dishes that weren't on the menu, but the "chef made just for you" (which no one believed for a second, but the food was yummy)

 

27 minutes ago, Heather0803 said:

Did you get the fun key cards on the Bliss with the ship on it or are they same as the other ships?  We’re traveling on the Bliss next February and I’m hoping to get a great souvenir!

I've never had a key card with anything like that on it.  It's usually the color of your status, with things like your name and muster drill location.  Stickers added for things like drink package.  Nothing fancy at all...although I still collect all mine!

The only thing I can think of re: HAVANA is that they had made a reservation, which you can do in advance online, and perhaps even though they didn't make it, they were "dinged" for having seen the show.  No cost; but no ability to make another reservation for another performance?  It's a stretch, I know...

22 hours ago, CozGurl said:

We were already excited about the Breakaway (even though it seems to get some bad reviews) and after your review I'm even more excited! I just love the idea of all the live music. Super cool review. Thanks a bunch!

My wife and I sailed on the Breakaway on a TA last April...12 nights!  It was awesome!  The ship has a few areas where we thought, "Hmmm...why did they do it that way?" but overall, it was a BLAST.  I think you'll be very pleased overall.

We are NOT buffet people, we generally eat in the MDR, but we had some lunches there (7 days at sea, after all) and it was one of the better buffet's we've encountered.

On 4/27/2019 at 4:06 PM, DeanaRM said:

I'll admit it- I'm an over-planner... I am curious about what to expect on embarkation day.  Specifically-

~what should we do first?  Sign up for/make reservations for things I couldn't pre-book?

This is a good idea if there is something you're REALLY eager to enjoy.  We've done things from changing dining times to booking shows.  It can feel a little hectic because you may be unfamiliar with the ship.  Look at the deck plans in advance (my wife is nuts and likes to practically memorize them, so she's ready to start enjoying immediately).  Plan in advance where you need to go.  It's possible to divide and conquer with your group (one person runs to spa, another to dining room, for example.  You'll be in port, so your phones will still work for staying in touch).

~Are the cabins available right when you get on the ship?

Depends on what time you get on, but probably not.  1pm is usually the time for cabins...you will want to be on before.  I would arrive at the port around 11, personally.

~Should we have lunch before we get on the ship? (Can board at 12, depart at 4)

Well, unless you literally can't wait to eat...eat on the ship.  You'll have several options, and heck, you paid for it!  Taste and Savor will be open (at least one of them).  Start enjoying the great service right away!

~Are the bars open?

Yes!

~Do we want to secure a spot to watch the departure from the port?

Probably no need to get there in advance.  The open decks will be crowded, but we've never actually NOT had a view.  Miami is not the most exciting port in the world, but even the drabbest sailaway is a blast...especially your first.

~Anything else I should know/do/or expect?

Don't miss the muster drill.  That is HARD to do though.  There are LOUD announcements, and everything shuts down.  All the bars close...that's usually a good sign it's time!  And the embarkation experience:  get ready for anything.  You'll get on the ship...but it might be in 10 minutes or it might take hours.  I've had experiences where I couldn't believe how fast I made it on, and other where we arrived at the port and the prior passengers had barely begun debarking at we all stood there for well over an hour.  Just go with the flow.  Yes, you're anxious to get on the ship, but if things are chaotic...just worry about yourself and ignore the "noise."  Having said that, after 8 cruises, only 2 embarkations didn't go reasonably well.

 Thanks for your advice in advance- Deana

 

Sailing on Norwegian's Breakaway, June 16-23, Eastern Caribbean

 

 

Very nice review, and very detailed.  Couldn't help wondering what hotel you stayed at beforehand, how you got to your port, or even how you made your travel arrangements in advance.  You say it was your  honeymoon...so how did you meet your spouse, how long were you engaged and do your parents approve?   And where are the photos of your suitcases with all the stuff crammed in?  I'm eager to know what airline you flew, and what your carry-on was, compared to what you checked.  

I'm joking.  I appreciate the way you started your review.  Yes, sometimes we get travelogues rather than reviews. I enjoy those too...but for different reasons.  Thanks again for taking the time.

On 4/9/2019 at 6:55 PM, cb2367 said:

Any opinions on sailings back to destinations previously visited?

 

I have another sailing that I need to book for next year. I've been to Bahamas a few times, I went to cozumel a few years ago, and most recently went to the East Caribbean.

 

I was thinking that I would want to travel on one of the newer ships like Bliss or Encore. Unfortunately, I would not be able to do a west coast trip, a repositioning trip, a canal cruise, or anything over 7 days. 

 

I'm thinking that limits me to places I've been before, so I thought I would see what opinions there are on revisiting the same destinations again. 

I'm kinda repeating what others have said...but MOST ports hold up well to at least one repeat visit.  We've done repeats and just engaged in completely different activities.  Maybe consider a private excursion that might have some different offerings from the ship (if ship excursions are what you've done before).  There are certainly a few places that I don't have a burning need to go to again...but there is enough variety out there that you should be okay.  (Frankly, sometimes it's fun to visit a familiar spot again...like visiting an old friend.)

3 hours ago, rxlowry said:

On most threads when a change is discussed, there are always posters who act like it doesn't phase them.  Charge for room service?  Never used it.  No straws.  Don't need them.  No Towel animals.  Seen them all.  No Chocolate on pillow.  Never ate it.  Lobster gone.  You can buy it at grocery store.  There's always an answer from them.

So what would make you rethink NCL and explore another line?

Interesting question you ask.  I feel like I see something opposite of this happening more often.  "No Straws?...that's it, I'm done."  "No towel animals???....after my years of loyalty, that takes the cake."  And of course, the frequent, "I'm tired of being nickel and dimed."  It feels like folks CLAIM they are jumping ship left and right.  To me, those who are unphased by the examples you list above are just reasonably balancing all the things they DO enjoy, and deciding that the latest change isn't a dealbreaker.  

I appreciate your question though...these kinds of posts always generate amusing comments.

21 minutes ago, ssteinerman said:

 Also - if you have the open bar package, are for a fee entertainment options that include alcohol (like Wine Lovers The Musical) discounted in any way, or do you still have to pay full price? 

 

Thanks very much!

In my experience, there is no discount.

If anything, my experience has been that they pour the alcohol fairly heavy.  The exception, to my perception, seems to be "pre mixed" drinks.  Get a pre-mixed long island iced tea, for example, on the pool deck, and it'll be weaker than if you get a bartender to mix one for you from scratch.

But overall, I've never had any complaints.  And if you're really worried...order a double.  I've never had an issue with that, and boy, it'll be strong then!

On 3/28/2019 at 8:13 AM, davy jones said:

 

 

The issues that I see coming up in the reviews (and my experiences) are

1.  Odd layout with casino open to other passenger decks, hence smoke.  I agree that the layout is a bit odd and there can be a little smoke odor at times, but I may be less sensitive to smoke than some.  It is really not that bad.

2.  Odd layout with over use of atrium.  This is true.  Use the theater a lounge for trivia games and presentations.

3.  Reservations for shows and dining rooms.  Do your homework, or you may have to wait.

4.  Waiting for drinks.  I have never waited more than a few minutes.

5.  Nickle and diming.  That is a common belief across NCL.

6.  Service.  I find it to be fine across the mainstream cruise lines and NCL is no different.

 

 

I agree with all this, especially 1 & 2.  With the casino being open to other decks, it makes that entire section of the ship less than desirable.  And it's just weird that the ship has no real venue for holding events like game shows and dance instruction.  The Atrium gets crazy crowded and when we sailed on her, it felt like the Atrium was a temporary space for these events...just a place we were forced to have our events while the real venue was being renovated.  BUT this was not temporary...it's actually where they held these events ON PURPOSE.  This was the least satisfactory part of our time on the ship...we did a TA, so we had 7 sea days in which to get really tired of the Atrium.

Also, the theater is too small for the number of the passengers.

Regarding drink service...we never had any issues at any bar.  Sometimes received instant service; sometimes waited 2 minutes.  Never felt unreasonable.  If I walk up to a bar completely surrounded by patrons, I'm not surprised to wait a minute.  And as with any ship I've sailed, ordering drinks from my dining room table is a guaranteed way to get slow service.  

21 hours ago, lukeduke07 said:

 

 

1.  Are the extra charge dining venues worth it? the rate can come with a dining package.  is this every night? 

2. is it worth upgrading to the premium plus drink package when its open bar for everyone?

3.  I've searched about flights thru NCL only to find conflicting information, do the flights leave the same day as embarkation?  

4. If i decline the "free" included flight is there any money to be saved?  

4.  How is the entertainment on the SKY?  Lots of reviews for all the new ones but hard to find recent ones for SKY

 

 

Thanks!

I haven't been on SKY, so this is more for NCL overall (and you did say you wanted convincing to try NCL.  First of all, I assume at 4 days, the price is reasonable...sounds like a great way to see if you like NCL without TOO large a financial risk.  Although the differences I've experienced between NCL and RCCL have been minor and not deal-breakers.

I'd certainly give one of the dining venues a try.  If you're looking for more of a "date night" atmosphere, try Cagney's.  If you're looking for something light and fun, try Teppanyaki. 

As others have said, I wouldn't upgrade the drink package unless you're a serious wine snob OR very picky about your hard liquor.  I usually drink a lot more on cruise vacations that at any other time in my year...but I'd still be totally fine with what's included.  Yes, I like top shelf stuff...but not to the point where I'd pay the kind of premium they want.

NCL always seems to do a good job with entertainment.  Not everything is a home run...but we've seldom been actively disappointed.  There won't be any true "Broadway-style" shows on a ship this small.

I say "do it!!!

On 3/27/2019 at 7:08 PM, Mka3721 said:

 

 

2) What wines are served at Wine Lovers the Musical?  Are they wines that can only be gotten for 15$'s+?  How is the show?  We have the perked beverage package and so we're sort of leery of spending extra money on a short show with booze, but if the wines or the show is amazing, we can be talked in to it.

 

5) Are there still towel animals?  I love towel animals. =/  I've been reading mixed reports.

 

6) Is Victoria a relatively safe place to walk to downtown/Chinatown on our own and explore?  None of the shore excursions really appealed to us.  I'm looking at 'A Taste of Victoria Food Tour' as something we could book off ship, but I'd actually prefer us making our own little food (and maybe wine and beer?) tour and exploring on our own.  I'm not adverse to doing research, but any advice or tips on where to go would be appreciated.

 

Most of your questions are well answered already, but here's my two-cents on a couple.

We saw WINE LOVERS on our TA, April 2018 on the Breakaway.  It is a low budget show.  Cast of three...basically, an older gentleman who knows and loves wine tried to teach a pair of young folks (who may or may not develop into a couple during the show) all about wine.  I don't remember how many tastings we had, 4 or 5, I think.  A modest lunch as well.  It was done in the (almost) round and was full of corny jokes and forgettable songs about wine.  We still had a fun time though.  HOWEVER, we were on a 12 night cruise with 7 days at sea...so having a change was much appreciated.  I would say that I would NOT recommend when you could be spending time on deck looking at Alaska!  The wine was a cut above the "included with the drink package" but not exactly earth-shattering either.

There are still towel animals.  Expect 3 - 4 on your cruise.

We were in Victoria about 3 years ago.  No part felt unsafe.  The area IMMEDIATELY around the dock is not super attractive (few ports are), but downtown is nearby and it's very pretty.  

On 3/27/2019 at 6:44 PM, bjtravelnews said:

Hello everyone.  Getting excited for our June cruise to Bermuda,  Fourth time to the island, first time on the Escape.  Two years ago when sailing on the Breakaway, we were at the bar near Spice H2O to get our first drink of the cruise.  Someone in front of me got something frozen that looked wonderful.  So I asked the bartender to make me the same thing.  I can't remember what it was.  So - my question for you summer cruisers - what drink do you usually get to start your cruise?  Can't wait to hear some of your answers!  Thanks everyone!

Almost every cruise is different for me, but the last couple have started with a Long Island Iced Tea.  I like something strong to help me get into a relaxed state of mind.  Fru-fru drinks come later!

12 hours ago, slugg said:

I grew up with screwdrivers. It was my dad’s go-to, standard drink. In general, in non-vacation mode, I stick to conservative drinks that are relatively unsweet. A beer, whiskey/scotch on the rocks, stuff like that. The sweetest “normal” drink for me is whiskey and Coke Zero. Try it some time - it’s better than whiskey with Coke Classic!  🙂

 

Loved your whole post, but I really reacted to this part!  You are SO right, better with Coke Zero or Diet Coke.  For me it's usually Jack and Coke Zero.  Whiskey works too.  I like it because it's fast and easy to make, and depending on tolerance level or mood, the ratio of booze to coke is so easily changed.

22 hours ago, hawkman402 said:

 

Mudslide!  In 4 days!

On our last cruise (Allure of the Seas), we asked the bartender at the bar in Central Park, "Could we get a mudslide?"  He said (in thick Eastern European accent), "I make you one if you tell me what is?"  He had never heard of a mudslide...we found out later he was a trainee.  So I googled the recipe on the spot.  When you make one from scratch and not from a mix, it is INCREDIBLY alcoholic and complex.  The recipe on my iphone actually required me to click a "next" button to get the rest.  It was PHENOMENAL...and it made enough for about 2.5 drinks, so our new friend tried a little with us.  We all agreed it was amazing.  Haven't tried at home...my liquor cabinet doesn't have what I need, and I think I'd drop $200 at Total Wine to get it!  Best ship drink ever!

39 minutes ago, alwalaska said:

We want to take a cruise in Europe.  We are looking at something that starts no farther south than France and goes northward.  I've seen Baltic, the British Isles, and others that all look interesting.

 

Here are my questions:

• Do you have a favorite time of year for a northern Europe cruise?  If so, what is it and why?
• When are the 2021 Europe schedules likely to come out?  I prefer NCL as a cruise line, but I will take others for a better itinerary.
• What should I be looking for or wary of when looking into an European cruise?

 

 

I can't say when the 2021 itineraries will be out, but you could certainly start getting a feel for what you like by looking at what everyone has for 2020.  Year over year, there are minimal changes...they aren't exactly making lots of new cities to visit!  I've looked at many itineraries here (we've done Western Med and Eastern Med...Baltic/British Isles will be in the future for sure), and some of the most interesting itineraries I've seen on more mainstream lines are those from Celebrity.  They have interesting cruises that include British Isles and Iceland...that really appeals to me.  But I wouldn't hesitate to do something on NCL.  I would say I'd probably look for something on smaller ship.  Often, they are less expensive, and these cruises are SO port intensive that I'm not too worried about needing a mega-ship and all its amenities.  Mostly I would use sea days for resting and eating (and eating some more).  Excursion days, it's breakfast on board and maybe dinner and a show, followed by bed.  

You'll get a huge variety of opinions on this topic.

I can't imagine wanting to do a Baltic cruise anytime other than summer.  It won't be balmy weather at anytime up there (for the most part).  

Just get off with one of the earlier groups (self service, I'd say) and you should be okay.