Escape New England-Canada Sept 10-17, 2023 updating Semi Live rev 3.0

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, tokidoki said:

looking forward to your posts!  please stay safe, as I just disembarked the Oasis and brought covid home with me.  Many pax reported being positive.

Thanks and will do.  While sorting out what and how much to bring along, niece's dog is dozing off but came to sniff things out.  Serious packing underway with the cubes, pouches, ziplock bags, meds, essentials and oh no, some surgical and KN95/KF94 masks (I know, many feel strongly against them, so do we but ... continuous planned preparedness cannot be overlooked, not going crazy or being paranoid) - don't like to be surprised.  Hit the jackpot onboard the Joy last May & 2 more times since then, thankful for being fully vaxed & boosted - DW "needs" it more than me with her medical history but her PCP/specialist feel we'll be fine, just need to be wise & strategic to not let our guards down.  Still have a good stock of rapid test kits that are good thru 2024 ... these will expire sooner, might as well use them & not taste it by throwing them away.  

 

Of course, that mobile mini Rx pouch is going to be well stocked.  Memo to others - ship's gift shop & duty-free do not sell popular OTC remedies (and/or will quickly run out) and the Medical Center's dispenser was bare or nearly empty, and very costly to see a nurse unless well insured as a traveler since it's "outside the network" care.  Although, not as worried due to the nature of this itineary & port of calls. 

 

 

21 hours ago, cyntil8ing said:

My daughter and I will also be on this cruise. It is our first on NCL and first leaving from NYC. It is my 40th cruise ... came off a storm re-routed cruise that was supposed to go to Bermuda, but went to the Bahamas ... an adventure coming back up the coast to Norfolk over the weekend. Hoping our travels this time won’t be as rocky ... taking Amtrak up from Baltimore Saturday afternoon and staying at a hotel walking distance from the pier. 

Hello there, I see another familiar name from the roll call - planning to be at the M&G & gathering with the officers ?? (which I find it kind of odd, as NCL typically do not plan or announce those in advance - being in the large Supper Club ... hmmm)  Anyway, let's check it out to see what it's all about this time.  

 

Have a good & pleasant Amtrak ride up from BWI, it's been decades since I rode on that NE Corridor, enjoy & perhaps you want to share that part of the journey - not too many CC'ers share their land segment using the trains.  Will be very informative - especially over at the East Coast forum.  Weather forecasts changed again, weekend with humidity & t-storms in the area, not good but at least - Noreaster or hurricane/tropical storm nowhere near us.  

[Steelers0854]

20 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Not sure if others onboard this sailing are planning to post and do live reviews, add their comments & observations, etc. - welcome to add here, impossible to cover it all ... i.e. alcohol & drink packages as we do not.   Please do not feel that one is barging in and/or should be posting their own.

Excited to see this as you have been so very helpful in the Roll Call.  I generally do Live Froms on our cruises and I appreciate you dropping this in here.  Ill take you up on it and add in my own posts here instead of creating a new thread completely!

[Steelers0854]

Ill do my best to remember to change the color of my font since mking will have the “Author” tag you can differentiate from our posts a little easier 🙂 

 

 

 

We had originally booked this cruise and it ended up being sqaure in the middle of the pandemic and it was obviously cancelled.  We got a great deal rebooking it during the pandemic and chose a Club Class Balcony.  It’s been a hot minute since we have been on NCL, our first trip was on the NCL Spirit in 2010.  We chose this for the itinerary and the embarkation port, we have always wanted to sail out of Manhattan and the New England/Canada area was on the bucket list so this looked like a great ship and at a great price.

 

So DW has several food allergies and cannot eat Gluten, Dairy or Eggs, so I will be posting a lot about the food during this and how NCL handles her allergies.  We did fill out the form online several weeks ago and got confirmation they received it.  We have had really mixed experiences even on the same line.  Some trips they go above and beyond and make her wonderful meals, others they do the bare minimum and throw a grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies on a plate and call it a day.  So here is hoping for the former!

 

Here is a look at the itinerary.  We have been nervous that we wouldn’t be able to hit all the ports with all the drama with the New England ports strictly limiting ships and so we are thankful that our itinerary stayed in tact.

 

We don’t have any excursions planned in Newport and Portland, we just wanted the time and freedom to walk around and explore the city.

 

In Bar Harbor we are doing An Intimate look at Acadia National Park, in Saint John we are doing the Maple Sugar Shack & Tasting, and in Halifax the Costal Drive to Peggy’s Cove.

 

For dinners we are going to Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, which we are excited to try.  We also have a healthy OBC thanks to our TA so we will likely try a few of the other options onboard but these are the 2 we have booked to ensure we use our specialty dining credit.

[mking8288]

@Steelers0854 - great, welcome and please by means, join in ... pitch in ... past and share the torch ... it will just make a semi/live trim report and blog that much more interesting & informative.  Where I come from, prefer an approach to be inclusive and not exclusive.   With your cruise history & profile, it is certain that a new & unique perspective can be appreciated by all here on CC.  

 

If "intel" is correct, GM (formerly HD titled) was in charge of F&B, and if there are issues with special needs, whether it's dietary or something else, I am confident that you will be in good hands - go straight to the top after giving the front end & mid level or junior staff a chance to get things done right.  One of the many issues that I "advocated" for putting some efforts to setup that M&G next week ... timing-wise, not "ideal" but perhaps with the extra meet the officers event, get the names of the department "heads".  There is also a mail/dropbox known as "Dear xxxxx" for the attention of the GM onboard - use it & write out comments and concerns early, the senior team do respond & follow-up on it ... might not be the ideal answers needed but they do try.  

 

For all, will share photos & describe the latest with a large Family Oceanview cabin that can sleep up to 5, convertible sofa & upper pullman (none of which we'll need) but the extra (2nd) HDTV will become useful.  I'm sure we can survive without a balcony for the week (Escape's balconies among the smallest of them all) 

[canadian bartender]

22 hours ago, mking8288 said:

This sailing would be our 3rd of its kind, sailing the NE/Canada route this season ... thus far, haven't seen or read any posts and comments of happenings onboard, maybe no news is good news ... things running smoothly as a whole.  We've visited Halifax/NS twice back in the 80's and 90's via the overnight "ferry" - love that city & gone back since again as getting extended vacation time off then wasn't easy.  Norwegian Sea and RCI's Voyager of The Seas, then the largest cruise ship at over 130,000 tons carrying up to 40,000 pax ... had since taken us back to these ports some 20 years ago.  

 

Still have no idea who's up on this ship's bridge, not that it matter or who's running Haven ops (butler/concierge, etc. ... some / others do, I know)  Deepak Punia was HD then in 2019 (when we had an official outbreak of norovirus onboard - yike, we made it thru that 14 days cruise & back safely) and I believe he is onboard as the GM, not sure about the rest of his team from those days.  No idea who is the CD onboard, Alvin O. was then.  Will most likely skip the BTS tour this time around but going to sign up for Dine With Officers ... won't mind chatting with the iCafe manager is s/he is part of the team to host these to pursue one of my favorite subject area - WiFi & satellite signals on high seas and evolving tech, ask questions about the status of Starlink deployment among NCL vessels.  

 

Calling card w names & direct extensions distributed back in 2019 at the M&G then - just for reference, where are they these days ... let's find out.  I did put out a friendly request to this week's "better" organized roll call and M&G to post any details, however - watch is still "on" & results pending.   @www3traveler - I know she sometimes has the insider's intel & perhaps ... she has an update that I somehow missed on that "2023 who's where 😉  

 

Weather forecast for nearly all the ports at this point - looking fine & great, seasonally warm, mix of long & short sleeve, fleece vest/jacket for layering, windbreaker/hoodie or light jacket should suffice - hats, gloves & scarf not needed yet.  

 

Not sure if others onboard this sailing are planning to post and do live reviews, add their comments & observations, etc. - welcome to add here, impossible to cover it all ... i.e. alcohol & drink packages as we do not.   Please do not feel that one is barging in and/or should be posting their own.  Constructive & helpful and useful additions and viewpoints are always appreciated ... agree to disagree, friendly differences of opinions are recognized here, and opinions on food are always highly subjective & personal in nature, our own "biases" shall be expected.  

 

 

 

Please find out where Kivanc Ucar

the food and beverage director is now    He was a sweetie.  I wonder does he have children now as he told us they wanted.   Is there a way to check what ship he may be on now?

[canadian bartender]

My broken femur was due to a car accident way back in 1972. A couple of years ago I just stood and it rebooked.   Didn’t heal properly and broke again almost exactly a year later so steel rods and titanium hip.   Hence I rent a scooter to travel around on the ship use a cane to go in the dining rooms I am travelling solo so it makes me much more independent.    Won’t see me much in the buffet (not my thing). But will be everywhere else.  I had a good response to LCR so going to try one in the brew house sept 11 4:30

looking forward to seeing Kivanc I have sailed with him 3 times

i will try an update for our activities

[canadian bartender]

Please join us for our activities 

meet with officers.  Brew house

LCR.  Brew house

slot pull. Casino

meet and mingle. Supper club

first night dinner. Manhattan 

vodka party 

jewish holiday dinner

[sweetp]

DH and I will be on the October 15th sailing NE CANADA.  

[mking8288]

Upgrade Advantage bids - this sailing appears to be sold out or upgraded early, especially Haven & spa cabins, with zero availabilities for new bookings except for Insides for the past 10+ days.  

 

I can release 2 of the successful upgrade bids, both "awarded" up to balconies, the first one was weeks ago (more than 6 to 7 weeks ago) to a BA category, Deck 15 MID/AFT at a relatively low (poor/fair borderline).  The 2nd awarded bid happened this morning at 5 days out, to a BB category, Deck 12 MID with a higher offer / amount was increased by $25 to $50 p/p x 2 more than before.  Exact amount, I can disclose once we sail when all bids are final - to avoid disturbing other pending bids ...  It's a strange set of calculated formula that's difficult to analyze, just going to leave it alone.  Apparently, there were last minute cancellation(s) for whatever reasons & others got bumped up.  For others playing this game - don't give up hope ... as many know, upgrade can be done at pier check-in and/or even after getting onboard (from no-shows ??  ... unlikely, but) 

 

Beyond this, we have another NCL cruise coming up pretty soon - booked straight into a balcony and have no plans to bid for anything higher.  

 

Here's that email that was forwarded to us this afternoon ... 

 

 

Edited September 6, 2023 by mking8288

[www3traveler]

(1) When is your next cruise--ship and itinerary?

(2) What are the chances of you sailing out of New Orleans on The Breakaway late January, early February?

(3) Are the ladies planning shopping excursions this cruise, needing someone to carry all of thier purchases?

 

I hope you folks have a wonderful time and have great weather.

 

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we finally have some cooler temperatures especially overnight and in some places a little rain.  Widfire danger is still very high but the smoke at least in the Walla Walla Valley is almost gone.

 

 

[mking8288]

19 hours ago, canadian bartender said:

Please find out where Kivanc Ucar ... is now ?

Kivanc has been promoted to being HD/GM and was last reported onboard the Escape (1st sailing this August) in charge of a new team - expect to see him onboard unless he's on vacation.  

 

7 hours ago, www3traveler said:

(1) When is your next cruise--ship and itinerary?

(2) What are the chances of you sailing out of New Orleans on The Breakaway late January, early February?

(3) Are the ladies planning shopping excursions this cruise, needing someone to carry all of thier purchases?

I hope you folks have a wonderful time and have great weather.

Thanks.  We are too far away from those Canadian wildfire but mindful of the wind & smoke.  Hopefully, won't sail into them next week as the ship will be turning north.  

 

Our next cruise is on the Prima, about 3 months out with sea days ... details to come later as we get closer and Mrs. M bringing an extra (empty) bag for shopping, perhaps some more leather shoes, haha.  SIL isn't coming along - I should be able to manage the extra luggage ... you wish to "volunteer" ?  Doesn't look like we will be near New Orleans this winter, perhaps, Galveston in mid December ... Alaska is on extended radar lock (early in the season, iceberg & closure risks, etc.) - one of the "older" NCL ships ... planning to upgrade to a balcony either with accrued points or that use of the one-time Diamond single meta option.  Sounds like a semi-busy schedule ahead for us.  

 

Blessed with good weather, on the hot side this week in low 90's - expecting return to seasonal September temp's... "Lee" maybe coming towards our bow later next week, chasing us later on our return, I think we should "luck" out - similar to our Joy ride to NE/C last September (but was a click ahead of that big storm).  Will stay tuned to NHC's daily updates ... kind of missed the timely analysis by CC'er PelicanBill on hurricanes & storms (hasn't posted since the start of summer)

 

Meanwhile, getting my 19.5" eBags Motherlode Junior ready ... convertible & expandable backpack and carry-on, easily do 25 to 35 lbs load as a carry-on, fits in overhead bins of most regional commuter jet, with an AirTag for discrete tracking. 

 

 

[www3traveler]

I am heading to Alaska on The Bliss out of Seattle in earlier.

Met a gentleman on the Getaway's Maiden Transatlantic in Jauary of 2014, he will be making his 1st Alaskan cruise.  I have been a number of times both on The Pearl and The Jewel.

Much rather go as early in the Season as possible because of the pristine snow in the mountains and the pure white glacier ice.

[cruiservictor]

I do hope you get to sail with Kivanc. We had several great cruises with him on the Escape out of NY several years ago. 
 

This past February, we were on the Getaway in St Thomas on the same day Kivanc and the Escape were there. I had reached out to him ahead of time  and arranged to chat with him briefly on the pier. He did tell us that the Escape was coming to NY in September and that he would be going home on vacation after the first or second cruise. 
 

Schedules always can change, so I do hope he will be onboard for you next week. 

[mking8288]

Packing continued - this eBags Motherlode Junior - expandable & convertible with a laptop compartment, also use to pack a light 3 season or fleece or puffer (down) jacket/vest - has become my favorite international carry-on, at 19.5" x 14" x 8" with compression straps, light & durable, CRJ commuter jet friendly in the OHB or under the seat if not fully packed, paired up with packing/compression cubes.  Not easy to keep it under 10 kg or 22 lbs when flying on airlines overseas (especially LCC) with strict weight limits and gate dragons stationed at "checkpoints" policing unsuspecting infrequent flyers.  For shorter cruises like this, no problem whatsoever, pack as much as desired & as little as needed - flexibility is the bonus.  Not really on the pricey end but can be brought online on sale for under $90 w free shipping, the 10 years old eBag Motherlode (full sized carry-on at 22 x 14 x 9 was $60 shipped then) with lifetime warranty - lots of similar ones on Amazon for less ... you get what you paid for or spend on it.  

 

 

Hurricane Lee - too early to be overly concerned about next week, forecast models with the charts are all over the place - probably become clearly by the time we embark.  On the Joy last September doing a similar NE Canada route and made it back in a hurry from Halifax just fine.  "Fiona" most definitely left her calling cards in the Canadian maritimes, including Halifax & disrupted cruise ship schedules - click on this CC link from 2022.  2022 cruises after us (following week) had to reroute, postpone and deal with cancelled ports or skipping from just "moderate" damages - ports on the longer Quebec route took more hits & were closed to cruise ships while recovery, repairs and restoration were underway.  Specifics & details should still be in those affected roll calls for those interested.  

 

Threads in the CC Hurricane Zone are chatting about it ... although, one of the many "resident" storm/hurricane expert @Pelican Bill (Rochester, NY) hasn't posted since Jun 3rd, hope all is well with him or perhaps away - over the years, his expert analysis, not as a trained pro were helpful & often spot on.  The remote possibility of this massive hurricane Lee making a turn and come up coastal US as a Nor-Easter shouldn't be ruled out - currently, appeared it has the Carolinas and/or Bermuda in the remote distance sometime next week ... depending on the jet streams, could spin or stall, curve & head north toward the Canadian provinces, etc.  Will be monitoring the NHC (NOAA) website & online portal, as well as Weather Channel & AccuWeather apps for news, updates & forecast - along with "Windy" app (iOS & Android).  

 

Pack one's motion sickness remedies or meds/OTC Rx, ginger candies & gums, etc. along with green apples & saltine crackers.  Stock up on a little extra inventory of OTC meds as well as 1 extra week (minimum days) of prescribed meds (and a script for refills) just in case the ship and/or travel plans are disrupted from safe return or port closure, or stranded for flying home with flight cancellations, etc.  

 

Having sailed many times during the height of hurricane season - and, spending funds for trip & travel insurance coverage to guard against unpleasant surprises and changes, etc. should not be skipped.  We are prepared and just going to rock & roll with it - hold on to railings while out & about.  

 

[mking8288]

Advance planning and reservations - being Sapphire or Platinum, we haven't heard a word from NCL about any sort of pre-cruise concierge services with restaurant and/or show reservations as described, haven't feel the need for asking nor believe it is worth the time or efforts to find it or chase it down ... somewhere in my archived Gmail travel-n-cruise folder was the contact email address for them, possibly an office number (HQ in Miami, FL) to call or use - it was a waste when we did that in 2022 with the Joy, and, we had 2 Family Inside 2BR Suites booked then.  As always, YMMV ... just our collective experience.  

 

Our BIL/SIL was in the upgraded midship balcony that contacted NCL's Access Desk, their eDocs reflected that confirmation for wheelchair assistance for embarkation & disembarkation ... we will report back on how that go ... there are a number of others on the roll call, apparently using the services - in the "always good to know" sub-category.  

 

At 125 days, we did made our specialty dining reservations and confirmed all 6 of us - Bayamo, Cagney's and Moderno plus La Cucina.  Our reservations are also linked ... not that it really matter much.  Also ... have MDR reservations for 2 other nights, should find us in Taste early in the evening as the "seniors" in the group prefer to eat instead of going later.  

 

 

Onboard Entertainment - wow, that's a challenge ... what is there to book or worry about ... we did reserve the one and only "big" production show in the main theater ... Choir of Man, Day 2's late one at 9:30 pm - should be plenty of time for us to finish up at Bayamo with a 6:30 pm reservation & make our way over at a leisurely pace.  Not to worry, in case anyone else on the sailing hasn't book it - 9:30 pm still available earlier this evening, 7 pm is full.  Day 7 - both 7 and 9:30 pm are still open & available.  Everything else can and must be book onboard and/or reservations not taken, FCFS ... but, yours truly do not enjoy going across town to stand in line 45+ minutes before doors are open, just to get inside with open seating & sit for another 15 or 30+ minutes for a short 45 to 60 minutes show ... not with a busy & port intensive schedule for the week ahead. 

 

 

Will, however, sign up onboard at CruiseNext Desk for Dine With Officers but likely skip the complimentary, abbreviated Behind The Scene tour (60 minutes) for Platinum/+ members only - unless, a quick tour to the bridge is included, LOL ... NOT ("do" the paid one for those interested  🙄  since ship security on the bridge is apparently no longer a risk factor)  If I find or learn things differently, will stand corrected and share the changes here with an update. 

[jpc763]

Kivanc is on Escape but is scheduled for vacation after this week.  Yusuf will be filling in as GM in his absence.

[graphicguy]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Packing continued - this eBags Motherlode Junior - expandable & convertible with a laptop compartment, also use to pack a light 3 season or fleece or puffer (down) jacket/vest - has become my favorite international carry-on, at 19.5" x 14" x 8" with compression straps, light & durable, CRJ commuter jet friendly in the OHB or under the seat if not fully packed, paired up with packing/compression cubes.  Not easy to keep it under 10 kg or 22 lbs when flying on airlines overseas (especially LCC) with strict weight limits and gate dragons stationed at "checkpoints" policing unsuspecting infrequent flyers.  For shorter cruises like this, no problem whatsoever, pack as much as desired & as little as needed - flexibility is the bonus.  Not really on the pricey end but can be brought online on sale for under $90 w free shipping, the 10 years old eBag Motherlode (full sized carry-on at 22 x 14 x 9 was $60 shipped then) with lifetime warranty - lots of similar ones on Amazon for less ... you get what you paid for or spend on it.  

 

 

Hurricane Lee - too early to be overly concerned about next week, forecast models with the charts are all over the place - probably become clearly by the time we embark.  On the Joy last September doing a similar NE Canada route and made it back in a hurry from Halifax just fine.  "Fiona" most definitely left her calling cards in the Canadian maritimes, including Halifax & disrupted cruise ship schedules - click on this CC link from 2022.  2022 cruises after us (following week) had to reroute, postpone and deal with cancelled ports or skipping from just "moderate" damages - ports on the longer Quebec route took more hits & were closed to cruise ships while recovery, repairs and restoration were underway.  Specifics & details should still be in those affected roll calls for those interested.  

 

Threads in the CC Hurricane Zone are chatting about it ... although, one of the many "resident" storm/hurricane expert @Pelican Bill (Rochester, NY) hasn't posted since Jun 3rd, hope all is well with him or perhaps away - over the years, his expert analysis, not as a trained pro were helpful & often spot on.  The remote possibility of this massive hurricane Lee making a turn and come up coastal US as a Nor-Easter shouldn't be ruled out - currently, appeared it has the Carolinas and/or Bermuda in the remote distance sometime next week ... depending on the jet streams, could spin or stall, curve & head north toward the Canadian provinces, etc.  Will be monitoring the NHC (NOAA) website & online portal, as well as Weather Channel & AccuWeather apps for news, updates & forecast - along with "Windy" app (iOS & Android).  

 

Pack one's motion sickness remedies or meds/OTC Rx, ginger candies & gums, etc. along with green apples & saltine crackers.  Stock up on a little extra inventory of OTC meds as well as 1 extra week (minimum days) of prescribed meds (and a script for refills) just in case the ship and/or travel plans are disrupted from safe return or port closure, or stranded for flying home with flight cancellations, etc.  

 

Having sailed many times during the height of hurricane season - and, spending funds for trip & travel insurance coverage to guard against unpleasant surprises and changes, etc. should not be skipped.  We are prepared and just going to rock & roll with it - hold on to railings while out & about.  

 

I was just perusing that same back pack.  My other eBags back pack is getting ragged.

[canadian bartender]

On 9/5/2023 at 6:58 PM, canadian bartender said:

Please join us for our activities 

meet with officers.  Brew house

LCR.  Brew house

slot pull. Casino

meet and mingle. Supper club

first night dinner. Manhattan 

vodka party 

jewish holiday dinner

Anyone staying near 14433 front of the ship.  There are a few handicap rooms close by

[mking8288]

15 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I was just perusing that same back pack.  My other eBags back pack is getting ragged.

Go for it, see if you can stack some extra discount coupons/codes, etc.  New zipped bottle holder design is a vast improvement - for the typical 16 or 12 oz. bottled water or soda ... although seldom use it.  Transferred the adjustable waist straps from "senior" - apparently the new ones in both sizes no longer come with them, good way to distribute weight in backpack mode thru airports & parking lots.  Bottom of the laptop compartment could use a little extra cushioning or padding, again, took the foam insert from senior and all good.  Samsonite (that's eBags) did cut some corners, i.e. no more D rings for locks and/or shoulder straps (it is smaller).  Lots of compression straps to help keep the package's bulk down to a minimum.  Overall, a 4.5 stars rating and should be good with long-term durability. 

 

TAP-Portugal's gate dragon (bag police) at Lisbon had it on their scale as it was obviously not physically over 22 x 14 x 9, came in at 22.8 lbs and wave it thru as I didn't have another personal bag (4 lbs permitted), no "bonus" for them.  Flying outbound again with them soon, but not expecting to get hassled - especially if I deploy the travel vest setup to easily relieve 10 lbs 😁 😉 😆 

[mking8288]

On the early lookout for Lee next week - ooops, deja vu as we managed to avoid Fiona last September onboard the Joy.  Others (ships and sailings) had to deal with ... 

 

Going to make this report/blog more interesting and exciting to follow along, LOL ... 

Reference - Sept 2022

 

Okay, maybe this is a good excuse to start "g? fun? me" to upgrade to unlimited WiFi with streaming (premium) WiFi this weekend, hahaha.  DW said to me earlier, let's "save" those OBC and not upgrade & stick with the 300 "free" airtime minutes.  Somewhat true, if weather turns nasty later in the week, satellite reception could be adversely affected and useless to try to stay connected.  

 

This is going to be fun.  Where is Pelican Bill when he can be of great help - CC quasi-expert on reading storm forecast - I know there is all points bulletin out, trying to track & find him and see if all is well ... 

 

Nearly T - minus 2.  Mrs. M finished packing & I just close her 24" rollerboard with plenty of room, AirTagged and ready to go.  Still undecided about our ground transport options - BIL/SIL planning to get to MCT / Pier 88 on their own, one way or another and will meet us there. 

Edited September 7, 2023 by mking8288

[RRSeeker]

On 9/5/2023 at 4:30 PM, Steelers0854 said:

Excited to see this as you have been so very helpful in the Roll Call.  I generally do Live Froms on our cruises and I appreciate you dropping this in here.  Ill take you up on it and add in my own posts here instead of creating a new thread completely!

My husband and I will be on this cruise. Steelers0854, you seem to be the perfect person to ask. My husband is worried about missing the Steeler game.  Any idea on where he can watch the game?  We have unlimited internet but not streaming so doubt we can stream.  I would consider upgrading if necessary but wanted to see if you have any information.  

[goofy4mickey]

On 9/4/2023 at 8:29 PM, www3traveler said:

 

Let's see if I can update your very old list:

  Deepak-- Currently GM on The Encore

  Roland--I believe he has been promoted to GM-- do not know which ship

  Kivanc-- Promoted to GM-- do not know which which ship

  Alvin-- has been CD on The Breakway-- not sure he is still there or where he is

 Jose--Passed Away

Alvin was on Getaway in March 2023

[mking8288]

T minus 2 ... 48 hours from now, we should be inside Pier 88 ready for embarkation, perhaps onboard by now. 

 

Escape at Halifax, NS this morning ... wondering if we are going to keep the ports as scheduled.  Saint John, NB also on Atlantic Daylight Time, 1 hour ahead of NY.

 

Windy app forecast showing sea swell by mid week in the Maine maritime but nothing serious at this point.  Whatever, we are going no matter what, vacation mode is coming on. 

[mking8288]

Escape on her way, coming home to NY from Halifax, NS doing 19 knots, ETA about 5 am +/- 1 hour docking at Pier 88.

 

This was taken at Harvest Caye in Jan 2019 ... with norovirus outbreak onboard then, a big deal in those days.  Going to be our home away from home for a week. 

 

 

Bags are 98% packed, Airtagged and ready to go.  Carryon convertible backpack is at 24.5 lbs 🫢  -  always take a photo of the luggage, just in case. 

 

Edited September 9, 2023 by mking8288

[bedfordmom]

Hi so glad you are doing another semi Live. Not sure if you remember me but I almost took the epic TA with you after a later Getaway cruise. Well I am finally getting to do my TA after a cancelled 2020 one and ironically it’s the Getaway out of Southampton. Other had better ports but this worked better with our schedule. Although I booked this 3 months ago the prices dropped so much that I was able to upgrade from balcony to club suite for nothing.

 

I have a question about AirTags. Do you need to put them in a case outside the suitcase for them to work?