Prima TA Semi-Live 11 Days to NY from Spain, 4+ days @Barcelona from JFK ... land/cruise early Thanksgiving vacation

[mking8288]

Having an interesting conversation & iOS "live chat" with the nieces onboard the Getaway now - they are using iPhones to text (SMS) each other "free" - yes, reconfirmed again over ship's WiFi inTRAnet network (not using FAS minutes or airtime allowance) - and with us in New York as they continued to sail south toward their first stop, arriving Saturday morning at Taino Bay, DR (or Amber Cove, whatever ...)  Bermuda stop was changed, rescheduled by NCL as the last stop when they sail toward NY next week ... 

 

  As far as we are concerned, neither the Shanghai Noodles and/or the Shanghai Restaurant (or equivalent in names on the "older" mid-size NCL ships) are really that great to warrant standing in line, making that "reservation" ahead and/or to NOT eat somewhere else, if the options and alternatives exist. It seldom, if at all, nowadays open for lunch on a full sea day and it barely made our tough grades as good comfort food - any of the neighborhood, small town Chinese/Asian takeout or small eatery can do better than onboard.  Sorry to bust the myths - think of it as the O'Sheehan's or The Local's counter part ... I'm sure long time NCL cruisers remember the Blue Lagoon 23/7 when the Dawn arrived in 2003 - guess what, the Singapore Noodles (curry spicy) is back and can be found in the Indulge Food Hall on the Prima & Viva, but not anywhere else on other ship.  Pad Thai (also with choice of "protein" as customized add) is new.  Part of the challenges faced is the nature high temperature "wok" style cooking, which is just not possible when all cooking on the ship are done differently. 

 

  They are also checking out O'Sheehan's (The Local's older sibling) - sorry, no harsh browns either.  Apparently, NCL at Miami isn't responding to minor matters like this and it is what it is.  

 

 

Food pix - extra edition here (with this post only) borrowed from the Getaway today 🤫 uploaded to post. 

 

 

 

 

The chicken wings, good grief - what have we got here and NCL done to it, 😱

 

 

 

This is new ?? on the Getaway ? don't recall seeing this, served with rice.

Edited December 7, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Here's a video clip with 4 cheerfully & singing crew members coming around to greet guests in the Surfside Cafe - sunrise breakfast buffet time as we approach Ponta Delgada Azores (Portugal) - a busy day with a private small group tour planned & scheduled months ago.  A nice and positive welcoming sight as it was then already Day 5 ... oh mine.  Scheduled to dock by 9 AM and all abroad is 3:30 PM ... only 6 hours + ashore, hopefully with time to eat locally and a quick shopping stop on the waterfront.  

 

 

 

 

 

Looking back, not sure what kind of bacon this was ??  sourced in EU, perhaps from Spain for NCL.  The "typical" American bacon seemed to be disappearing and/or low with inventory, as this was on my Eggs Benedict later on in the cruise (ran out of Canadian bacon ??)  

 

We're awake by 6:00 and up in the buffet by 7, and able to find seating without difficulties - but, it filled out quickly and by the time we finished & left - others that came were hovering and looking for a table, any table or just a place to stand and eat without getting bumped.  Not exactly accessible friendly either, as I pointed out earlier and no designated or reserved table clearly marked - just have to trust the crew to be on the lookout and help ... perhaps, now that she is the Americas, some changes are being made.   

 

 

 

[Sand and Seas]

56 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

This is new ?? on the Getaway ? don't recall seeing this, served with rice.

 

I believe that's the Cuban Roast Pork plate with plantains.  

We love those sweet plantains and have gotten them in the Local and O'Sheehans.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I have sailed with Alvin a few times and appreciate his light humor and jovial ways. He was always approachable and ready with a smile. 
 

Simon was on the Prima from the beginning and the unconfirmed word on the high seas is that he is not currently working on the NCL ships. I liked his energy and shiny outfits. Woohoo!

 

Looking forward to sailing with Theodore the third chipmunk. 
 

[seemoreroyals]

I just saw a post on FB that there are still no Christmas decorations up yet on Prima.  @rmfortin or anybody else that is currently on the Prima,  can you confirm this?  Today is the 7th.  Seems that the decorations would be up by now.  

[rmfortin]

Hi @seemoreroyals... you are correct, no decorations at all as of today. Sporadic Christmas music... sometimes in the cabin hallways but not by the elevators, sometimes in the atrium but not in the dining venues. 

 

Was readily apparent today in Curacao docked next to the Rotterdam, which was thoroughly decked out, including a Santa in his sleigh with reindeer  hanging between the stacks. 

 

Not sure if NCL is trying to be religiously neutral, or holding out till the 'real' holiday cruise(s) start after ours to put up the decorations. But it is noticeable in its absence, and perhaps the biggest disappointment of the cruise thus far. We're hoping maybe they will go up next week, but not terribly optimistic.

 

--Ross

[mking8288]

Ponta Delgada in the Azores, (Portugal) scheduled Port of Call # 2 - Day 5 or 24 November 2023, after 2 full sea days that was calm and smooth, barely any waves higher than 8 to 10 ft. or above 3 meters, moderate sea state or swell but mostly nearly flat as we left the Spain/Portugal coastlines, away from Europe Africa further west into the North Atlantic, plus time zone changes ... extra hours to sleep in.  That's what we consider a nice & wonderful vacation at sea, to do almost nothing as one desire, skipping breakfast or eating light. 

 

We're up super early on this day, straight up to the cafe for a quick breakfast buffet first ... NOT taking any chances with a 1 hour plus leisure experience in the Hudson MDR or Indulge, not even The Local as lessons learned from the first few days onboard.  Back to our cabins to get ready, nice outside, a bit of sun & cloud, rain shower forecasted in the late afternoon (by then, we should be out of PD anyway) - the beauty of having your own balcony, privacy & tranquility ... still time to make a decent cup of coffee, not Starbucks sugar syrup ... if only we have our own French press. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunrise at Ponta Delgada and Arrival Welcome with the twin water cannon salute - videos 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[seemoreroyals]

19 minutes ago, rmfortin said:

Hi @seemoreroyals... you are correct, no decorations at all as of today. Sporadic Christmas music... sometimes in the cabin hallways but not by the elevators, sometimes in the atrium but not in the dining venues. 

 

Was readily apparent today in Curacao docked next to the Rotterdam, which was thoroughly decked out, including a Santa in his sleigh with reindeer  hanging between the stacks. 

 

Not sure if NCL is trying to be religiously neutral, or holding out till the 'real' holiday cruise(s) start after ours to put up the decorations. But it is noticeable in its absence, and perhaps the biggest disappointment of the cruise thus far. We're hoping maybe they will go up next week, but not terribly optimistic.

 

--Ross

 

We are on the cruise right after yours.  Sorry to hear they have not put out the Christmas decorations yet.  Tis the season so you would think they would have it decked out by now.  Hope you are having a great cruise.

 

[laudergayle]

1 hour ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I have sailed with Alvin a few times and appreciate his light humor and jovial ways. He was always approachable and ready with a smile. 
 

Simon was on the Prima from the beginning and the unconfirmed word on the high seas is that he is not currently working on the NCL ships. I liked his energy and shiny outfits. Woohoo!

 

Looking forward to sailing with Theodore the third chipmunk. 
 

We saw Marzena was CD on Viva.  We enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm the week we were on the Prima last May…filling in for Simon.  Looks like she jumped to Viva.  Did you like? 

[dexddd]

A second sighting of beans I see.  This time in a bowl.

[Sugar Magnolia]

10 hours ago, laudergayle said:

We saw Marzena was CD on Viva.  We enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm the week we were on the Prima last May…filling in for Simon.  Looks like she jumped to Viva.  Did you like? 

 

Yes, I did like Marzena the CD on the Viva and agree that she has great energy and enthusiasm. Marzena dropped in at the first solo meeting to greet the group, something many of us long time solo cruisers have never experienced and were impressed that she, as CD, made the time to acknowledge the group. She has an interesting background as a competitive athlete back home in Poland. I thought Marzena had great presence but was also approachable.

 

[mking8288]

Ponta Delgada - thanks to Jan/Mike @azcruise in organizing this sailing's CC Meet & Greet; and, offered the 4 of us the chance to share the private van tour they booked locally ... with reconfirmed arrangements, we met together inside the cruise terminal.  Our driver-guide, George was waiting with the sign holding up the name ... once everyone met up and ready, we took a short walk outside to the van - very comfortable & well maintained - checked the all abroad time & reassured that we'll be back with plenty of time as a cushion ... and, got underway.  First, a quick drive-by tour of the waterfront and the streets, passing a number of churches and historic landmark buildings, etc. before we proceeded west away from town, toward the direction of the airport, to the west and headed up to higher elevations to the mountains to see the largest non-active volcanic lakes in Europe - source of natural water for drinking after processing, rainfall and good climate year round for vegetation when first discovered by Portugal explorers 500 years ago.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George, our excellent local guide took his time to lead us on the walk, the black soil and sand, and picked up a small piece of the rock to take home as souvenir ... absolutely permitted here for visitors & locals alike.  

 

Ponta Delgada videos from our tour, in edit mode - forthcoming ... 

 

Edited December 8, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

 

 

Known as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, Sete Cidades or the mystical, blue and green Twin Lakes is on the western side of Sao Miguel Island, a short distance from Ponta Delgada where cruise ships dock.  The massive volcanic crater is 3 miles across, with many other smaller lakes and best seen from various scenic viewpoints.  

 

 

 

 

These are walking paths and unpaved roads, the steps are quite steep and care is needed going down & coming back up, the scenic lake and views are worth the efforts ... breathtaking.  Bring a bottle of water for hydration and if you do join or take one of these semi/private tour, let your driver-guide know if a restroom stop is needed so s/he can plan for one.  There is a small building with restroom near the parking area but closed seasonally.  

 

 

Our guide took us along the walking path and made a turn, down these - about a 5 minutes walk and in front of your eyes ... 

 

 

 

That was one of the smaller lake to the west of the main lakes on the north side, surrounded by clouds, mist and fog hovering near the hills ... the sky clearing a little for the spectacular views

 

 

 

 

 

 

HD wallpapers for computer monitors, smartphone & iPhone homescreen and lockscreen 👌 

Video - 

 

 

 

 

[schmoopie17]

The Azores were an unexpected treat on our TA last year. When looking at the itinerary after visiting Rome, Tuscany, Barcelona, Lisbon, Cannes, etc., I viewed the Azores as simply being our last glimpse of land before crossing the pond to New York. However, it ended up being much more than that. As the old saying goes, "If Hawaii and Ireland had a baby, it would be the Azores." Very true...

[mking8288]

A sharper video, from another scenic viewpoint or vista of the Sete Cidades or Twin Lakes on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal  -  described / narrated by George, our local driver-tour guide.  Beyond the North Coast is the vast Atlantic Ocean - heading down from the hills to below, the Sete Cidades Village with a population of several hundred locals, with fields & camp grounds for summer outings & picnics.  

 

 

 

 

 

Skies are now clear in the village ... passed by a number of tour buses on the way here (probably from both NCL and MSC) making a scenic stop and letting folks use the local restrooms.  Advantage of being in a smaller van, we can bypass them and get around there, and find/use another facility for a scenic stop, restroom and take a coffee break or a quick bite.  Portuguese sweet tarts sold here but didn't look all that appealing ... thanks, we'll skip it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One last look at the lake below the extinct volcanic rings and crater craved from pre-historic times as we began the journey back to PD, the capital and centre of the island, an easy 30 minutes drive ... passing by milk cows glazing freely on the hillsides and fields.   Many of the plants and vegetations dotting the islands are not native, rather brought in by settlers including the Chinese & Japanese that helped nurtured the land.   

 

 

 

Footnote / Msg for @azcruise Jan & Mike - continue to enjoy B2B on the Prima, if only we can rejoin the ship again  ... Will email & forward our group photos & videos directly to you and/or link to access/download, this was precious and memorable.  Stay in touch 

Edited December 8, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

@rmfortin and @seemoreroyals  I must be having vision issues, earlier reply/post about the Christmas decorations gone / disappeared.  

 

NCL incorrectly shipped the decorations to TX instead of NY for transfer to the Prima last Friday - that's the reason for seeing nothing onboard currently.  Someone in logistics failed their mission but should be there by next week at the end of the repo ...whether it's their own transport, UPS/FedEx or DHL, even USPS Ground Advantage should be able to help NCL with the missing holiday decorations, etc. If not, maybe Amazon Logistics can give NCL a helping hand to ship things around the holidays.  Ross, they are treating Paula & you fine as predicted, enjoy the little things with your 35th anniversary celebrations.  

 

Nieces confirmed that the Getaway already has the ship decorated yesterday and no issues whatsoever.  

 

[seemoreroyals]

@mking8288 Thanks for the update on the Christmas decorations.  Maybe the missing hash browns will show up in Galveston as well.  Better late than never.

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, seemoreroyals said:

@mking8288Maybe the missing hash browns will show up in Galveston as well. 

IMHO, don't see high hopes - check out what breakfast looked like on the GA this morning ... Canadian bacon is back, smoked salmon looked good but can you see the 1/2 lightly toasted bagel. At least they are generous with the cream cheese spread.

 

OMG 😱 it's now chunky potatoes for carbohydrate - less work to slice thru a potato. Welcome to petite pancake a la Weight Watcher mode - folks with hefty appetite 😁😁 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know, it's all first world problems and we are just having fun picking on fishbone ... just for humors.  Pictures speak for themselves & draw one's own conclusions.  @dexddd - shall I ask them to get beans on a plate 🧐 

 

[seemoreroyals]

2 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

IMHO, don't see high hopes - check out what breakfast looked like on the GA this morning ... Canadian bacon is back, smoked salmon looked good but can you see the 1/2 lightly toasted bagel. At least they are generous with the cream cheese spread.

 

OMG 😱 it's now chunky potatoes for carbohydrate - less work to slice thru a potato. Welcome to petite pancake a la Weight Watcher mode - folks with hefty appetite 😁😁 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know, it's all first world problems and we are just having fun picking on fishbone ... just for humors.  Pictures speak for themselves & draw one's own conclusions.  @dexddd - shall I ask them to get beans on a plate 🧐 

 

 

If you order the huevos rancheros from the MDR they come with beans. Probably look forward to the huevos rancheros more than any other meal for breakfast in the MDR.  Unfortunately they are only on the menu about once a week.  You have to look for them.

[mking8288]

Random photos - final batch from Ponta Delgada, Azores' capital ... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yummy tasty good, we returned this time for more - recommended from another CC friend previously.  

 

 

 

 

 

NCL shorex buses and tours return directly near here and drop everyone off to return to the ship - down these steps, we turn right (instead of left) as either way is fine ... it's the shorter line to get into cruise terminal building with port security, x-ray screening, etc.  Once onboard, ship security scan your keycard.  No liquor "policing" here to collect corkage fees, regardless. # hint # hint   🙊 

 

 

Waterfront restaurants and cafe for cruise ship visitors at tourist prices ... walk a little further away, cross the street (head west - ahead) and eat at local prices (Euros)  The unofficial crew store is about 10 minutes walk from here ... we consider this the equivalent of hometown's Dollar Stores.  

 

Local supermarket is directly across the street from here, less than 5 minutes walk - wine & beer, soda and other "essentials" sold here.  Best to bring your own reusable tote bags when shopping. 

 

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

12 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Random photos - final batch from Ponta Delgada, Azores' capital ... 

 

Oh, I am missing the Azores already...must rebook TA...might have to make this an annual pilgrimage for me...Lisbon...pasteis de nata...

 

Edited December 9, 2023 by Sugar Magnolia

[mking8288]

Surfside Cafe (buffet) is nearly empty at 7 AM on Day 6 ... first extended consecutive Sea Days (4 scheduled that became 6, skipping Bermuda last minute and headed straight for New York) once we left Ponta Delgada ... Only reason that we're up that early is because, our complimentary Behind The Scene Tour is at 8:20 AM, meeting in front of CruiseNext on Deck 6.  

 

 

 

Casino - choice of digital bandits, cheerfully awaiting generous contributions from all.  Seldom full or busy, must be very few CAS players onboard.  Post-cruise summary findings from our CAS friend, impossible to win, very poor and bad payout or paytables for slots.  

 

 

Art pieces on the Prima - assumed that they are securely fastened in case of rough seas, and, inspected for safety reasons on a periodic & regular basis ... otherwise stored when adverse weather is expected.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 9, 2023 by mking8288

[EllieinNJ]

Henry, we've been looking at videos of the Staterooms and my husband thinks there's not enough storage on shelves for clothing.  Did you find the storage adequate?

[mking8288]

34 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

Did you find the storage adequate?

Hi Ellie, compare to the Getaway or Joy, we think it's fine & more spacious, usable plus the 2 bedside nightstand drawers that Susan used. We feel it's good. The top shelf by the door is harder to reach & use.  Ous didn't have the extra cabinet with more storage - the clever design made these rooms feel more spacious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, take a look at one of my earlier post with photos where we both have most of our clothes hanging in the closet, aside from the smaller items & some stayed in packing tubes, kept in the slide-out drawers.  

Edited December 9, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

10 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Oh, I am missing the Azores already...must rebook TA...might have to make this an annual pilgrimage for me...Lisbon...pasteis de nata...

Yes, those pastries too.  OMG, I am not  responsible for your urge to return, hahaha.  That means, time to start looking again already.  Aren't you booked on the Aqua or another TA ahead - PD stop doesn't always happen due to weather.  Jan/Mike that found the private sector we joined with, was lucky - first time they made it out of 3, we are 2 for 2 ... it's sort of like planning a day at GSC.

 

Or, look at flights & go there directly, stay for a week and enjoy the night life ?? and watch sunset & sunrise, etc.  Prices are a bit ...