The Our Journey to the NCL $100,000.00 Winner Takes All Slot Tournament

[Sthrngary]

December 8, 2022: Roatan

 

·        Morning: I think everyone gets the idea that my wife and I are creatures of habits.  Our morning always starts with a good, strong coffee.  We hardly ever eat Breakfast at home so it is a true luxury on a cruise ship.  We ate at the Main Dining Room again.  I got a bagel and lox.  The bagel is no real bagel.  You don’t put lettuce on a bagel with lox, LOL.  I also ordered sausage with a bagel and lox, a no-no, but I was feeling feisty.  The Danish are kind of average so try them the first day. 

·        Roatan:  I have been here many times before.  We have done the Jolly Rodger Snorkeling and the Over the Water Bungalow.  Both were good but like most excursions, “One and Done”.  So we just took a walk off the ship into the shopping area.  We wanted Tylenol. It started to rain so we got a beer.  Did not last long.  Then my wife sees this booth where little tiny fish eat the skin off your feet.  We were both “IN” for that one.   That was unique and something I will never forget. 

·        Vibe Beach Club:  We went up to the Vibe, got a drink and went in to the hot tub which has a cover over it.  This is for sunshade but in this case, it was for a severe rain storm.  We had a ball just sitting there, in the walm water with the bubble’s on.  I may have ordered a few to many Long Island Ice teas with an extra shot.  Because we were feeling no pain.  This decision led us to realize that a lunch buffet followed by a Nap would be a great concept. 

·        Buffet:  The carving station had pork and it was not good.  However, there is always a stew that will be great comfort food.  We both really did not eat much which happens to all of use mid-way through a cruise.

·        Cigar Bar:  Today was my first cigar of the cruise.  Nice room by the Whiskey bar. Lovely folks in the Cigar bar today.  From all over the world.  This led to several games of Gin where my wife crushed me.  Seem I can not play gin well when I have had a few to many.  OR, my wife is simple a much better Gin Player then I.

·        Dinner at the Noodle Bar Again:  We loved this place so much we went for the second time in a week.  Just as good.  HINT #6: The Noodle Bar is complementary.  There is always a wait so get there early or understand you will have to wait. 

·        The Show was the Two Comedians: Both were actually good and the main theatre was packed. Time for a “MudSlide”.

 

·        Conclusion:  The weather was mostly good.  The ship is going extremely fast and it is rocking pretty good.  The NCL Staff and Crew are doing a great job.  Everyone seems to be  happy and the crowd this week of guest are all very nice to this point. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[mtrancher]

@Sthrngary If you get a chance, and happen back through the casino, could you check the craps table(s) and see what the pass line odds are and what is the minimum bet?
Glad to hear you have found some great new experiences, and thanks for all the answers you have provided.

[Sthrngary]

December 9, 2022: Cozumel 

 

Morning Routine: Coffee, Buffet and Vibe. If anything, we are consistent. 
 

Beach Day: We had a complementary beach day with the Slot Tournament.  We passed on it. We used to live on the beach so it was nice but we like to be close to home base.   
 

Vibe Beach Club: we have a cabana. It is nice. When the ship and sun is right, it is perfect. When you want shade, you move out of the cabana. Best of both worlds. 
 

Questions to me:

 

What is the min bet and odds on craps?

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

[scooter6139]

14 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

·        Vibe Beach Club:  .... I may have ordered a few to many Long Island Ice teas with an extra shot.  Because we were feeling no pain.  This decision led us to realize that a lunch buffet followed by a Nap would be a great concept. 

 

OT - The best alcohol to help numb or alleviate pain is Tequila!  Funny enough, my wife had her knee replaced this summer and both her doc and some others mentioned trying Tequila to alleviate pain after her course of pain meds was done.  She's now a firm believer in Tequila that she always gets her Margarita's in Grand or Cadillac sizing to assist our post Mexican meal grocery shopping.

[Sthrngary]

View from the Vibe in Cozumel. 

[Sand and Seas]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Questions to me:

 

What is the min bet and odds on craps? 

If you are able to, could you let us know the name(s) of casino hosts on board?  Thanks!  

 

[ChiefMateJRK]

37 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

View from the Vibe in Cozumel. 

Very nice!!  

 

btw Gary: you haven't seemed like the kind of guy who would paint your toenails, but I like the color! 🤣

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Questions to me:

 

What is the min bet and odds on craps? 

If you are able to, could you let us know the name(s) of casino hosts on board?  Thanks!  

 

I will do my best.  You asked be earlier and yes, I forgot.  They are closed now and will open at 07:00 PM.  Sorry.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

1 minute ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Very nice!!  

 

btw Gary: you haven't seemed like the kind of guy who would paint your toenails, but I like the color! 🤣

@ChiefMateJRK Thank you. They were red the other day.  Just the kind of guy I am.  Some say a bit different.  Thanks for noticing.

 

Cruise well and "Pick a Color for my nails!"

[Cruising Lynne]

Hi Gary. It looks like you are having a great trip so far. 

 

I must admit that the title of this thread has been throwing me off. I almost missed this great review because of it. I like to play slots, but I tried a tournament once and did not last very long, so I don't do them. This almost made me not open this thread. 

 

Carry on and enjoy your trip!!🥂

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, Cruising Lynne said:

Hi Gary. It looks like you are having a great trip so far. 

 

I must admit that the title of this thread has been throwing me off. I almost missed this great review because of it. I like to play slots, but I tried a tournament once and did not last very long, so I don't do them. This almost made me not open this thread. 

 

Carry on and enjoy your trip!!🥂

@Cruising Lynne I considered doing another thread and decided not too.   My wife lasted one round.  It is completely the luck of the machine.  

 

On the trip.  Always remember a cruise is what you make of it.  For example, we spend most of our time in the sun in the Vibe Beach Club.  When we eat lunch in the restaurants, we play gin.  We have done this itinerary many times before so the islands are not the appeal they are to others.  My wife in the afternoons does really small jigsaw puzzles in the cabin looking at the ocean.  

 

The spa is not buzy on port days and they are doing back and neck massage for $29.00 for 15 minutes at the pool by the ping pong tables.  I had my second one today.  Lovely and boy did I need it.  

 

You just craft the vacation that suits you best and go for it.  Tonight is Ocean Blue for seafood and the show Burn the Floor.  Thank you for reaching out.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

December 9, 2022: Cozumel, Mexico continues

 

Some notes that might helps folks going on the Breakaway. 

 

• Ice Cream:  You can order Milk Shakes, sundies, and other ice cream treats at O'Sheehans for a cost.  The Milk Shakes are the same as at the American Diner.  The soft served at the Buffet is really good and complementary. 
• The Bakery:  This little place next to Cagney's is ok.  Nothing stroke me as I had to have it.  The best pastry on the ship is the  Cake at Cagney's. 
• Back and Neck Massage:  You can get one for $29.00 for 15 minutes on the pool deck by the Ping Pong Tables on Port days.  Just enough without breaking the bank.
• The Shows in the Main Theatre:  Both are great. Even if you are tired, go.  Force yourself.  Worth the effort. 
• Laundry in the Club Balcony Suite:  One bag is complementary.  Get it to the room steward by 09:00 AM Friday morning at the latest. 
• Tendering:  None this week. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[scooter6139]

35 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

 

• Back and Neck Massage:  You can get one for $29.00 for 15 minutes on the pool deck by the Ping Pong Tables on Port days.  Just enough without breaking the bank.

Ooh, I might be interested in one of those!  I can't stand full massages, just feels to awkward (and the new pricing is just a bit much for our tastes).  Hoping they might have something like this on the Joy.

[psac]

21 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

It started to rain so we got a beer.  Did not last long.

The rain or the beer?  😁

[Sthrngary]

56 minutes ago, psac said:

The rain or the beer?  😁

Good one.  Both really.  We got a beer to get out of the rain then next to us I had my feet eaten by little tiny fish.  While drinking that beer.  So definitely both. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[cruisebeachgirl703]

Gary, can you provide the names of the vibe bartenders? and someone had asked who the casino hosts were, interested. we sailed the breakaway many times. i know staff move but still fun to ask. will miss you in a few days when you are no longer on board. thanks

[Sthrngary]

19 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I will do my best.  You asked be earlier and yes, I forgot.  They are closed now and will open at 07:00 PM.  Sorry.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

The casino host is Florencio from Romania. The odds are 2 to 4. The minimum is $10

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

Gary, can you provide the names of the vibe bartenders? and someone had asked who the casino hosts were, interested. we sailed the breakaway many times. i know staff move but still fun to ask. will miss you in a few days when you are no longer on board. thanks

See response below for host in Casino.  One of the Vibe folks is a guy by the name of Julius. I call him Orange Julius.  I will be in the Vibe shortly and get the rest of the names.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

This is our last day so I will just ramble a bit.

 

1. My favorite Specialty Restaurant:  Ocean Blue.  Everything was perfect from the bread to the Salmon.  My favorite Desert: Chocolates Cake at Cagney's.  I will order that tonight to take back to my cabin.
2. Premium Plus Beverage Package:  For those wine drinkers, go to the better bars for the wine you like.  If you don't specify, the wine quality is not great.  For the spirits drinkers, same hold true however if it is scotch or whiskey, go to the Whiskey Bar. The supply chain is an issue but if they don't have your choice, they will open a bottle of something else that is nice.  That is what happened in the Ocean Blue for my wife last night.
3. Vibe Cabana's: They come with two bottle of water per day which is nice.  We loved having the Cabana and this last day, we will use it all day. A quote from my wife, "Worth every penny". 
4. Club Balcony Suite: Nice cabin, love the one bag of laundry that is complementary.  A little small but do able. A third person in this cabin would be tough.  No outlets by the beds at all that I could find.  My wife blew the electric circuit three times with her Dyson dryer. She used the dryer in the room that worked fine when that happened. NOTE: Our cabin was not the cleanest on day one.  It was perfect every day after. 
5. Ship Staff and Crew:  Outstanding and seem to be enjoying their jobs.  
6. Packing Up the Last Night:  You have to get the tags for your luggage at Guest services.  Do this early.  Read the sign with the instructions.  These used to be in your room but no more. We pack on the morning of the last day to get it over with.
7. Shows: Six and Burn the Floor are outstanding.  Don't miss them.  Burn the Floor are the last two nights.  Six is night two & three.  07:30 PM and 10:00 PM. 
8. Internet:  It takes a day or two to figure it out but when you do, it is all good.  The Internet manager likes Starbucks coffee (Wink, Wink).  We had Unlimited Streaming and it worked just fine after the first day or so. 
9. Massage Spa Hack:  On port days, they do back massages by the pool deck and ping pong tables.  $29.00 for 15 minutes.  I did it twice during port days.  This also means they have lots of available spots for full massages.  
10. Noodle bar:  This was the biggest surprise of the cruise.  You better get there 30 minutes early before they open or it will be a while.  We went there twice but my wife loves noodle bars.  To Each Their Own. 
11. Casino:  I really don't like the smell of smoking but that is just the way it is on this ship.  On the Joy, they had a glassed in smoking area that was much better.  Some area's of the Casino are better then others. 

 

Hope this helps everyone.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

1.  

[Sand and Seas]

Thanks for all the great tips!  Ocean Blue and the Noodle Bar are on our list😋

 

As always, we appreciate your detailed and well written review!

[Juncti]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

1. Premium Plus Beverage Package:  For those wine drinkers, go to the better bars for the wine you like.  If you don't specify, the wine quality is not great.  For the spirits drinkers, same hold true however if it is scotch or whiskey, go to the Whiskey Bar. The supply chain is an issue but if they don't have your choice, they will open a bottle of something else that is nice.  That is what happened in the Ocean Blue for my wife last night.
2. Massage Spa Hack:  On port days, they do back massages by the pool deck and ping pong tables.  $29.00 for 15 minutes.  I did it twice during port days.  This also means they have lots of available spots for full massages.  
3. Noodle bar:  This was the biggest surprise of the cruise.  You better get there 30 minutes early before they open or it will be a while.  We went there twice but my wife loves noodle bars.  To Each Their Own. 

Did you all stumble across any go to plus drinks somewhere? I know you mentioned patron but didn't know if any other cocktails caught you or your wife's attention that you made sure to visit frequently. 

 

Do they add gratuity to the spa 15 minute thing or did you have to bring cash to tip?

 

Noodle bar is great, but it's always packed on every cruise I've been to on this ship or it's clone the Getaway. Definitely people need to plan accordingly if this is a targeted place. 

 

I think this trip we're going to try Ocean blue and Le Bistro

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Juncti said:

 

Do they add gratuity to the spa 15 minute thing or did you have to bring cash to tip?

They add gratitudes in a hand written bill. 
 

1 hour ago, Juncti said:

 

Noodle bar is great, but it's always packed on every cruise I've been to on this ship or it's clone the Getaway. Definitely people need to plan accordingly if this is a targeted place. 

The best approach is get there 30 min before they open. 
 

1 hour ago, Juncti said:

I think this trip we're going to try Ocean blue and Le Bistro

Good choices both

[laudergayle]

@Sthrngaryso…did you buy any CN certs…and do you have another NCL cruise you’re eye-balling, or perhaps even booked? I know how that Post-cruise feeling makes you want more!

Edited December 11, 2022 by laudergayle

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, laudergayle said:

@Sthrngaryso…did you buy any CN certs…and do you have another NCL cruise you’re eye-balling, or perhaps even booked? I know how that Post-cruise feeling makes you want more!

Yes, Oceania next Nov, to the Mediterranean for 10 days.

[snorklinbarb]

Home from B2B Escape, so just catching up on your wonderful posts, Gary!

 

Remember when you shared the news of your wife's win and so it was fun to be taken along through that process.  Commend you for putting her "loss" right behind you and enjoying everyday to the fullest.

 

Very kind of you to take your time and wifi to answer all the questions asked.  Great job!

 

Have never been on Oceania so will look forward to a blog perhaps?  (*hint hint).

 

Good chuckle about the internet manager's preferred libation!

 

Happy sails!