candigirl41

I have two cruises booked and when I go into explore and plan it list 0 internet plans. I am assuming it's because it's too early to book. I am 188 and 300 plus days out.

Candi

I was on the Star last month to Mexico. Lunch was listed as lasting until 1:30. Unfortunately no one boarded much before 1:45 so that was a bust. We had already decided to go to O'Sheehan's anyway so that worked out well for us.

Good luck. I love the dining room the first day.

Candi

I was recently on the Star and we were in the more formal dining room on Dress up or not night. My friend wore his suit and I wore a long skirt and dressy blouse. A group of 4 who were seated near us had one gentlemen wearing a cartoon type t-shirt. He was asked to change after they were seated and came back wearing a collared shirt. This seems to vary from ship to ship. I am not particular when it comes to what someone else wears. I actually only noticed this because I had been reading threads here and so I was being more observant than I usually would.

Candi

I agree with the waste. I can't eat a lot in a sitting due to previous surgery. Every night the waiter would ask me if I wanted something else since I didn't eat all my food. I had to explain that I just cannot eat that much at once. I have asked to only have part of the food, but found out that because they are plated that way they bring the whole meal. My friend wanted the prime rib one night but didn't want the baked potato so I ordered a salad and ate his potato. It was perfect. I also like the fruits and veggies, wish sometimes I could order a side veggie.

Candi

I was on the Star for a 9 day Mexican Riviera cruise (March 1,18). To be kind, embarkation in San Pedro was a "pig's breakfast". We had to stand outside in the rain with our luggage. Not even porters to take the suitcases inside. NCL's explanation was that the ship had come through the Panama Canal and customs was taking much longer than usual. I think we finally got on the ship about 1 p.m. and we were the first to board since we were in a suite. Check-in, once inside the port, was also slower than I've experienced. Employees apologized for the delay and asked us not to whine about it. I'm not honoring that wish.

 

The rest of the cruise was great--this experience stands out as my worst embarkation experience ever though. I'm back on April 8th and hoping for a MUCH better embarkation.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

I was also on this cruise. We were told that it was due to immigration check for the crew. We boarded about 2:00 after the suite guests because I am disabled. This was by far the worse embarkation I have ever experienced. We are thinking of doing an 8 day cruise next March on the Star. It is coming from the Panama Canal so we will rethink what time we want to arrive at the port.

Candi

Slightly off topic, but how do you feel about people who have a disability but not severe at all, they can actually go to the gym, who take spots from extremely disabled people? I know plenty of people with "back" injuries with parking placards. I always hear the same mantra that you don't know what a persons disability is, but as far as i am concerned if you can go to the gym for even the smallest walking workout you can forfeit your parking privileges at the least.

I understand what you are saying. I use to see people who were parking in disabled spots and thought "they don't look like they have a problem" Well now I am on the other side of that fence, I feel bad for thinking that. You wouldn't know to look at me that I have any problem. Sometimes you can't see something. I can't fee my feet and it took me over a year to learn to walk without assistance of a cane. I still use a walker when necessary. I can only walk for limited amounts of time. The handicap parking is very helpful.

Candi

Thank you everyone for your input. I did call NCL and express my concerns about how easy it is for this to happen. I did a mock booking for myself to see, and no where does it alert or verify the type of room this is. I would think there should be some sort of filter (do you need an accessible room yes or no) that bring up rooms accordingly on the “recommended” stateroom selections page. Also, I think that accessible rooms need to be marked with the standard accessible symbol on the key/legend and deck plans instead of the square. The rep at NCL says this scenario happens often, especially for those looking for a specific room category or location. She even told me that after calling, guests chose to keep the room with the understanding that they may be moved. I did end up changing cabins because there were still aft balconies open. We will be sailing on Bliss within her first year, so I’m sure these sailings will be highly desirable. Hopefully we will see some sort of change with this process.

 

 

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I too applaud your decision. My friend booked us on the Bliss for October of this year. He was not able to book a accessible cabin. Once he booked it I called and got it changed to an accessible cabin. I was really surprised there was no filter in place to prevent you from booking that cabin so far out. Have a wonderful time.

Candi

I was also on this cruise and had a fantastic time. Felicia was very good, but the Freestyle Daily listed a couple of her shows as sing along. She did not want anyone singing along. We opted to listen to the guitarist Jason. He was in the Five O'Clock Somewhere Bar most of the time. He was really good. Food was good bartenders friendly. Buffet left a lot to be desired, but I am not really a buffet person so that is subjective. I preferred the main dining room or O'Sheehan's for breakfast. Ports were warm 85 degrees in Manzanillo. Other ports also very warm.

Candi

Does anyone know why the embarkation for the Star didn't start until nearly 2:00pm. People were still leaving the ship well past 11:30. Never had this happen before. Awfully long wait.

Candi

Thank you for this! We've already booked our shore excursions as well. We're doing excursions in the first 3 ports (Pompeii, Rome, Florence) but just plan to wing it in Cannes by just hitting a beach near the port or hanging out on the ship, and walking where we want to go in Palma.

 

We rolled our service charge into our fare cost so it looks like our only on-ship cost could very well be the gratuity. I'm not sure if we want to see any shows or not. Like you said, we might be exhausted so we'll play that by ear.

There will be no gratuities as your pre paid the service charge. NCL calls it the DSC. You may tip people extra as you go but your are not required to. The only charges would be tax on drinks in port depending on the country you are in, if you order a drink over the $15.00 limit you would pay the difference plus the 20% gratuity on the difference, anything you would like to purchase from the shops on board or spa. As someone else mentioned, since you have $100.00 OBC you could walk away owing nothing. Have a great cruise.

Candi

We got the UBP last time we cruised and for the price of just the gratuity it was worth it to us. One glass of wine with gratuity is around $10-$12. It just depends on which perks you choose and if you feel it is worth it to you. I went on Carnival last November and paid for the drink package which was $402.00. The price of the cruise was the same as the 9 day we are going on this coming Friday. So definitely worth it to just pay gratuity.

Candi

We got our upgrade after about 7-10 days. I was surprised it was so quick. I had also heard it could be two days before sailing.

Candi

My friend and I always take pics of the food so we can show everyone back home when we post on Facebook. I see lots of others doing it too. If you are a table alone I don't see the problem. If others are seated with you just ask them if they mind if you take photos of your food.

Candi

I took my daughter on several cruises where she missed school. She was required to bring her homework and do it on the cruise, when she was in high school she went to an alternative school and only had to attend 1 day a week and did the rest from home. She asked if she could miss one week to go on a cruise and they gave her all her homework for the two week period. She had all her homework done before we left. She graduated with mostly B's. I think she learned more about other cultures cruising. I applaud your decision to take your girls on this once in a lifetime cruise. Have a great time.

Candi

Apologies for the delay in adding to this thread. I'm still not fully recovered from the virus I caught on the Jewel two weeks ago; the cough is nagging and persistent. It may be some form of flu; but I'm calling it the Central America Monkey Virus!

 

Returning to happier thoughts.... Our transit of the Panama Canal was as fascinating and spectacular as we'd hoped it would be. In preparation for the trip, my wife and I had each read "The Path Between the Seas" by David McCullough. It truly made us appreciate even more the extraordinary challenges of building the Canal, and I think it's a must-read for anyone visiting the Canal.

 

On Canal Day, the crew were up early setting up canopies and refreshments in the bow area on Deck 8. This area is normally off limits to passengers, but was opened up for the transit. From our balcony on Deck 10 above, I could see people starting to claim their spots around 6am. The ship had a narrator on board for the transit; his narration was broadcast into the public areas and on the cabin TVs.

 

We had a very sunny, hot, and humid day for the transit, totally expected for the dry season in Panama. The transit took the entire day, and was just spectacular. Here (and in posts below, since there's a photo limit per post) are just a few of the many photos that I took.

 

On our approach to the Gatun locks, we first have to pass the new Atlantic Bridge, which is under construction:

 

 

The little creek-like inlet is all that you can see of the original French excavation:

 

Gatun locks, three chambers where we'll be lifted up a total of 85 feet (the Island Princess is in front of us):

 

Gates open for us in Gatun locks:

 

Only two feet on each side separate us from the lock wall! (Note one of the "mules" -- the electric locomotives -- that help keep our ship centered in the locks.)

 

Gatun

I was enjoying your review until I got to this post and realized none of the pictures are available to see. Glad you had a great cruise. Sorry you got ill.

Candi

Where is the meet and mingle on the Star the 2nd topwater70

What: Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle with Gift Exchange

Where: La Cucina

When: March 3rd 11:00am-12:00pm

The sail away is after muster drill at the Biergarten weather permitting.

Candi

If you get the package as a perk you would just play the 20% gratuity times the number of days. A 7 day cruise would incur a charge of 124.60. I know wines average about $9.00 a glass. If you drink two glasses of wine a day that comes out to $126.00 without the 20% gratuity they would add if you were paying as you go. I know I drink more than 2 glasses of wine, plus I have a beer here and there and occasionally a margarita. To me the gratuity on the free package is well worth the money. My friend and I stay on the ship a lot, so it really pays off for us. Enjoy your cruise.

Candi

I always got a notarized letter from my DH when I cruised with my underage daughter. No one ever asked me for it, but if they had and I didn't have one I would've been turned away at the pier. These cruises were all to Mexico and I know I was told to have the letter. The one time I flew to England I didn't have it and it wasn't a problem as no one asked me for it. I was told by my travel agent it wasn't required for England.

Candi

Thank you so much for the information.

Candi

I tried to search but cannot find any information about the Star dining. Do they have the kiosks by the elevators for making reservations.

Thanks

Candi

What week are you sailing in March. I know the school districts where I live Spring break for Elementary, Middle and High School starts April 1.

Candi

If it is a GTY cabin you do not get any perks.

My friend and I booked an inside GTY and we both got the drink package. Sail away rates do not get any perks.

Candi

My friend and I booked an inside guaranty and we both received the drink package. It depends on the terms and conditions. I would call NCL to find out for sure. I know on sail away rates you don't get the promos.

Candi

Yes, I'm sure they will, and I believe they should. But do they upgrade/downgrade a 'handicapped' person into a cabin-class that they didn't book? That's my question...

If they have it marked that you are not handicapped and someone requests a handicap cabin in that class they will give it to them and upgrade you to the next level. They wouldn't downgrade someone unless they asked ahead of time and then would probably offer some compensation.

Candi

Or see if you can transfer your booking directly to NCL if that is possible. Then you could deal with them directly.

Candi