Always Cruising

Thank you, BlushPell!

NCL's shore excursions list: Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkel, Catamaran Coral Reef Snorkel and Restless Native Catamaran Sail and Snorkel (or Swim and Snorkel). Wondering if anyone has experience with taking kids on these. Thank you in advance!

The farewell show was back for the sailing ending June 30. It brought tears to my eyes, as usual - everyone works so hard to make our cruise a great experience. I was pleasantly surprised, because I hadn't seen it on any ship post Covid. The 1969 show was done in the Spinnaker - get there early, because seats in the back have poor line of vision due to the high bar seats circling the showroom. Loved the show, though. Other things I didn't try.

Sorry - it was Lotus Garden - which we enjoyed. We used our specialty meals for sushi there. Delish!

I was just on the Pearl to Bermuda, and Food Republic did not take reservations. But maybe different on the Joy, but not sure. We're on the Joy Aug 5, so will follow your posts!

It isn't a pull out couch in the living room, but a daybed/single couch in the master bedroom. Very comfortable! You will absolutely adore the Garden Villa and all the service attached to it. We were lucky enough to get a rollaway bed (6th bed) in the living room twice. Two other times we were told, "no" Have a wonderful cruise!

So, there are 5 beds in the Garden Villas - hope that is enough for your needs.

I believe there is a "chair bed" (very comfortable, previously) in one of the rooms, and a comfortable sofa/day bed in the master suite. That may help?

Were you affected by the Route 95 tanker fire that destroyed part of the highway? Excellent review - thank you!

Cunard has a lovely afternoon tea, with white gloved waiters and classical music - usually a trio.

On ships with the Great Outdoors (at back of the ship), afternoon tea type food is also offered.

Inquiring minds want to know - how did you get into the crew bar? Rumor has it that it's the most fun bar on the ship!

Hope the odor in your bathroom is gone. Did you try the pouring water down the drain/grill on the bathroom floor? That has always solved the problem for me. Enjoying your review so much - thank you!

I've found a solution to the sewage smell in some of the cabins. There is usually a covered drain in the floor of the toilet room - pour water down it, and the smell should go away. Sometimes I had to do it each day. Something with a dry part of the piping/plumbing....good luck!

Can the CasNext be combined with a CruiseNext?

Can it be used when booking with an NCL representative, i.e. Casinos at Sea?

Me, four!

I probably know the answer, but I paid $1,000 deposit with AmEx Platinum. Does the entire cruise have to be paid with that credit card to get the Le Bistro dinner offer?

No Haven area on the Star - other than that, I agree with goldmom.

Great picture of the almond croissant! I believe the carrot (&zucchini?) sticks cancel out the calories of the luscious croissant...

Love the commentary and gorgeous pictures! Your grandson looks like the very best traveling companion.

I also received nothing from the casino in my cabin, other than the 3 items that Ruby level guests can order (bottles of wine, shrimp cocktail, chocolate covered strawberries). And I played (&lost) a lot.

I asked about the birthday gift on my December Prima cruise (my birthday month) and was told by casino manager that it wasn't done anymore

Pre Covid, a photo of the group was given to guests at the dinner with the officers. None this past time on the Star (feb 26), but maybe it wasn't a regular part of the dinner, even pre Covid.

Not sure if the 16 and over policy is on the Jewel class ships. The top floor is different from the Breakaway ships - they have hot tubs and lots of loungers. I've never seen over a handful of people on the Jewel class top decks - except perhaps at sailaway