Bare Necessities - Warning: Pollyanna Post

[cheersforbeers]

7 minutes ago, idocdlw said:

I am looking forward to Freestyle Dining...none of my previous cruises offered that option & I am excited to try it....I think I will like it very much. Thanks for the share Smitheroo!

Thanks Dawn, if I could ask, which ship a you going on. May be able to get more specific on what it could provide.

ie we enjoy a forward observation lounge but not all ships have them

Thanks

[EngrJones]

46 minutes ago, Pitzel said:

Oh, and the beds are really comfortable. I get some of my best sleep while at sea!

I do too!  Of course, I don't the consider the FAS Beverage Package to be an independent variable in this equation.

[idocdlw]

2 minutes ago, cheersforbeers said:

Thanks Dawn, if I could ask, which ship a you going on. May be able to get more specific on what it could provide.

ie we enjoy a forward observation lounge but not all ships have them

Thanks

Thanks cheersforbeers - Nov 3 Encore TA MIA-LON. Encore has an observation lounge that I fully intend to take advantage of. All positives for this ship or for NCL TA's are appreciated.

[EngrJones]

1 minute ago, idocdlw said:

Thanks cheersforbeers - Nov 3 Encore TA MIA-LON. Encore has an observation lounge that I fully intend to take advantage of. All positives for this ship or for NCL TA's are appreciated.

The Encore is one of my favorites.  Brew House.  Food Republic.  OL.  The lists goes on....

[idocdlw]

1 minute ago, EngrJones said:

The Encore is one of my favorites.  Brew House.  Food Republic.  OL.  The lists goes on....

So glad that both my stomach and my psyche will be pampered on my cruise! Thanks EngrJones.

[Son of a son of a ...]

Cruising on NCL is like a knife fight at prom.  If you get through it without a cut, you had a good time.  If you get nicked, no one cares how much you bleed, especially NCL, but the band plays on.
 

We only book the Haven … fewer knives, more caring.  Otherwise, suck it up and abuse the drink package.

[JIMESOPUS]

@idocdlw Welcome to the Norwegian boards, took us a while for TA's but we love them. Our last one was a B2B on the Viva starting in Rome and ending in Miami.

While " Freestyle " has taken a hit in recent years we still enjoy NCL.

Hopefully, the ship isn't full and you will find plenty of room in the Observation lounge.

A must for us is Onda, they have a killer filet, dare I say better than Cagney's.

Our next TA will be on the Aqua.

Jim

[idocdlw]

15 minutes ago, Son of a son of a ... said:

Cruising on NCL is like a knife fight at prom.  If you get through it without a cut, you had a good time.  If you get nicked, no one cares how much you bleed, especially NCL, but the band plays on.
 

We only book the Haven … fewer knives, more caring.  Otherwise, suck it up and abuse the drink package.

Son of a son of a - this may not be the thread for you. May the universe bless you & keep you & make its light shine upon you. 

Edited February 29 by idocdlw

[idocdlw]

11 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@idocdlw Welcome to the Norwegian boards, took us a while for TA's but we love them. Our last one was a B2B on the Viva starting in Rome and ending in Miami.

While " Freestyle " has taken a hit in recent years we still enjoy NCL.

Hopefully, the ship isn't full and you will find plenty of room in the Observation lounge.

A must for us is Onda, they have a killer filet, dare I say better than Cagney's.

Our next TA will be on the Aqua.

Jim

Full or not, I always find a quiet place...I need one as I am an HSP, introvert & empath. It is rare for me to post this much but I am trying to change some lifelong unhealthy patterns. Thanks for your comments...I really appreciate them! 

[Pookie2u]

I love all of the options!  if what you are doing does not fit with this thread, just pick that booty up and find one of numerous other options to do.  Some of my faves are to just sit and realize there is no other place I'd rather be, that there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than just sitting on this fantastic ship doing nothing at all!  I also love lounging and observing others having fun.  These are some of the best ways to recoup from the night before and a great way to spend your sea days

Oh yeah, and the SPA.  I love the spa!
Happy sailing @idocdlw!
My first TA is next year, same cruise as @JIMESOPUS.  I can't wait!

Edited February 29 by Pookie2u

[idocdlw]

2 minutes ago, Pookie2u said:

I love all of the options!  if what you are doing does not fit with this thread, just pick that booty up and find one of numerous other options to do.  Sone of my faves are to just sit and realize there is no other place I'd rather be, that there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than just sitting on this fantastic ship doing nothing at all!  I also love lounging and observing others having fun.  These are some of the best ways to recoup from the night before and a great way to spend your sea days

Oh yeah, and the SPA.  I love the spa!
Happy sailing @idocdlw!
My first TA is next year, same cruise as @JIMESOPUS.  I can't wait!

Thank you for the positive post...I do love people watching. Will maybe try the spa (depends on how thick my wallet is when I sail). Happy sailing to you as well! Enjoy that TA 

[jcscv]

My favorite part of NCL is how they treat their solo travelers.  Not only do they have a whole section of solo traveler rooms, with a dedicated lounge, but they also give the solo travelers their own dedicated crew member who, on my cruises, organize nightly meets, arrange group dinners, arrange for a saved area for the solo travelers in the shows (when possible). Disclaimer: the solo rooms/lounge are only on the larger ships.  They make me feel included ❤️.

[idocdlw]

7 minutes ago, jcscv said:

My favorite part of NCL is how they treat their solo travelers.  Not only do they have a whole section of solo traveler rooms, with a dedicated lounge, but they also give the solo travelers their own dedicated crew member who, on my cruises, organize nightly meets, arrange group dinners, arrange for a saved area for the solo travelers in the shows (when possible). Disclaimer: the solo rooms/lounge are only on the larger ships.  They make me feel included ❤️.

Oh jcscv...thank you for sharing that. I am sailing solo...in a studio (tired of paying double occupancy when I travel alone). I am happy to hear good news of how NCL treats solos. Encore has studios & a solo lounge...looking forward to the experience. 

[yakcruiser]

7 minutes ago, idocdlw said:

Oh jcscv...thank you for sharing that. I am sailing solo...in a studio (tired of paying double occupancy when I travel alone). I am happy to hear good news of how NCL treats solos. Encore has studios & a solo lounge...looking forward to the experience. 

When I sailed on the Encore last April we had a solos coordinator named Junior who was one of my favorite crew members ever.

[stinkyharriet]

My sister made me go on my first cruise August 2022.  The Joy out of NYC to Bermuda.  I really didn’t want to go, I never had any desire to cruise, I was still terrified of COVID.  I had a bit of panic when we got to the terminal and I saw how big the ship was (how the hell do they stay afloat?!) but once we boarded I was hooked.  On one of the last days there was an NCL sales pitch in the atrium.  They talked about the Prima, not yet in service, and I had an overwhelming need to be on that ship.  I looked up the itineraries and saw the Prima would be in NYC during spring break in 2023, when my sister had off from work.  Unfortunately so did every kid in the NYC area!  The ship was packed but we still had a great time.  I’d definitely go back on the Prima again during a better time.

 

After the Prima we went on the Escape to NE/Canada in October and we both loved it!  By this point I was 100% addicted to cruising.  I went on my first solo cruise last month on the Getaway, NYC to Bermuda 5 days.  We were one of the lucky trips that made it to Bermuda!  I had a fantastic time, met lots of great people at the solo meetings.  I’m going back on the Joy for my second solo cruise in May.

 

I am a new cruiser.  All of mine have been post COVID shutdown so I had no feelings of “it used to be better”.  While some meals on some ships weren’t amazing, nothing was ever bad.  I laugh when I see people saying all food on the ship in every restaurant was inedible.  I have never gone hungry on a cruise ship!  I love the Free at Sea deal with at least one specialty dining and the drinks package.  A drinks package can add a fortune to the fare on some lines.  $20something a day for the gratuities on NCL is nothing.  I never felt nickel & dimed.  Every line has games, restaurants and activities that cost extra (maybe not Virgin, but they’re a niche market) so it’s not just Norwegian.  I have found the crew to be very good overall, even while they’re being overworked.  Overall I think NCL is a better deal than the other lines.

[idocdlw]

3 minutes ago, yakcruiser said:

When I sailed on the Encore last April we had a solos coordinator named Junior who was one of my favorite crew members ever.

I'm hoping it is the same for all of us solos on our cruise. Dabbling in metaphysical stuff so maybe I can manifest it...lol.

[idocdlw]

8 minutes ago, stinkyharriet said:

My sister made me go on my first cruise August 2022.  The Joy out of NYC to Bermuda.  I really didn’t want to go, I never had any desire to cruise, I was still terrified of COVID.  I had a bit of panic when we got to the terminal and I saw how big the ship was (how the hell do they stay afloat?!) but once we boarded I was hooked.  On one of the last days there was an NCL sales pitch in the atrium.  They talked about the Prima, not yet in service, and I had an overwhelming need to be on that ship.  I looked up the itineraries and saw the Prima would be in NYC during spring break in 2023, when my sister had off from work.  Unfortunately so did every kid in the NYC area!  The ship was packed but we still had a great time.  I’d definitely go back on the Prima again during a better time.

 

After the Prima we went on the Escape to NE/Canada in October and we both loved it!  By this point I was 100% addicted to cruising.  I went on my first solo cruise last month on the Getaway, NYC to Bermuda 5 days.  We were one of the lucky trips that made it to Bermuda!  I had a fantastic time, met lots of great people at the solo meetings.  I’m going back on the Joy for my second solo cruise in May.

 

I am a new cruiser.  All of mine have been post COVID shutdown so I had no feelings of “it used to be better”.  While some meals on some ships weren’t amazing, nothing was ever bad.  I laugh when I see people saying all food on the ship in every restaurant was inedible.  I have never gone hungry on a cruise ship!  I love the Free at Sea deal with at least one specialty dining and the drinks package.  A drinks package can add a fortune to the fare on some lines.  $20something a day for the gratuities on NCL is nothing.  I never felt nickel & dimed.  Every line has games, restaurants and activities that cost extra (maybe not Virgin, but they’re a niche market) so it’s not just Norwegian.  I have found the crew to be very good overall, even while they’re being overworked.  Overall I think NCL is a better deal than the other lines.

First cruises...brings back memories. My first cruise, with my 8 yr old son on the CCL Elation to the Western Caribbean out of Houston in 1998 gave me the "cruise bug". I haven't had a complaint for any of my cruises. Were things always perfect? Oh hell no! But most issues were quickly put into perspective..."$hit happens". Often, crew is discouraged by how they are treated & question why they should go above and beyond. I try to remind them of their worth and how they make my journeys worthwhile. 

Edited February 29 by idocdlw

[mugtech]

       We got to sail a 12 day Mediterranean out of Venice  left at 1 AM on the Spirit, my favorite ship built last century!!!  Venice was beautiful that early!!!  Late pull out allowed us to do a night excursion to the churches!!!  We were allowed to disembark in Barcelona at 6:30 AM.  Earliest time ever!!!!!  We had booked far enough ahead of time we got double lattitudes points!!!!  As a result our next cruise we were Platinum with all those great benefits!!!!

Edited February 29 by mugtech
Spelling

[idocdlw]

6 minutes ago, mugtech said:

       We got to sail a 12 day Mediterranean out of Venice  left at 1 AM on the Spirit, my favorite ship built last century!!!  Venice was beautiful that early!!!  Late pull out allowed us to do a night excursion to the churches!!!  We were allowed to disembark in Barcelona at 6:30 AM.  Earliest time ever!!!!!  We had booked far enough ahead of time we got double lattitudes points!!!!  As a result our hext cruise we were Platinum with all those great benefits!!!!

That trip on the Spirit sounds heavenly! My cruises that included Roman ports were always awesome. I am looking forward to porting in Vigo, Spain. I've kind of been in Spain before...on Palma on vacation while stationed in South Korea, but this will be my first time on the mainland. It is awesome that you were able to score all those latitudes points. Enjoy all those wonderful platinum perks as you continue your cruising adventures. 

Edited February 29 by idocdlw

[DrUrsula]

Getaway 2023 Northern Europe

 

Sitting in the audience of Choir of Man ,minding my own business and got dragged onto stage for the "500 Miles" rendition. I had a blast, a few pina coladas and was "recognized" in the casino later that night. "Super Star" LOL!

But the absolute best part was being able to hear my husband's distinctive  laughter over the rest of the packed theater. What a terrific show and awesome memory.

[idocdlw]

DrUsula - it is memories of moments like you experienced that are so precious. I am so glad you had such a good time you Super Star! Thanks for sharing this awesome memory.

[libtrek]

Been cruising for over 30 years. Tried all the lines but in our senior years, find we prefer NCL. My only dilemma is that I love features on the new ships like Food Republic, Ocean Blue and Onda. But, for Alaska I must admit the smaller Jewell works better for port times. The crew is so nice and the refurbished space is lovely. Looking forward to our May trip and the whales, glaciers, ship food, drink package, and ………… (fill in the blank).

[nhtravels]

Love NCL!  Love the Encore!  It's one of our favorite ships!  I'm an introvert, so for me, I book the Haven, as I crave the quieter times.  But when we wander through the ship, we love the Waterfront on the Encore.  The staff aboard that ship are some of the friendliest people we have met on the seas.  We'll be sailing her for the 3rd time in 2025 and can't wait!

 

Enjoy your time aboard! :😚

 

[mugtech]

        Got to board the Jewel in a great international city, Singapore!!!!  Our first stop was Ko Samui Thailand.  They sell the best mangoes in the whole world!!!  Only $1.25 each!!!  The stores along the coast had great air conditioning!!!  They let you stay in the air con as long as you like!!!  All the excursions which included elephants were cancelled because of the cruelty to the elephants!!!  I was proud to not take those excersions!!!  They had one of the biggest coconut plantations in the world!!!!  They claimed 3 million coconuts were harvested every year!!!!  Most of the harvesting was done by trained monkeys!!!  The monkeys worked for less than minimum wage!!!!

           We got to stay in Bangkok overnight!!!!!  Saw some wonderful golden Buddhas!!!  We made three stops in Vietnam!!!  Got to see the provincial capital of Hue, scene of a great battle during the 1968 TET offensive!!!  Ate great Vietnamese food!!!!

            Cruise ended in Hong Kong, still very British!!!  They still drive on the wrong side of the road!!!  Hundreds were waiting in line for cabs, but we got a cab after only a 20 minute wait!!!  The driver spoke no English but took us directly to our hotel!!!  The driver did not expect a tip!!!!  We met family members who work there as domestic helpers!!!  They took us to great restaurants!!!  We avoided packed public transportation by walking!!! They have sheltered walkways above the streets to avoid having to cross the streets!!!

          We plan to take a similar cruise in the near future!!!!!

[mugtech]

         Took our first Norwegian cruise in 2010!!!!  Flew to Honolulu, did not need a passport!!!  Took our only cruise ever on a USA flagged ship!!!!!  Only cruise we ever took which did not and was not scheduled to stop at a foreign port!!!!  Got to meet some of the actors for Second City!!  Best comedy I ever saw at sea!!!  Some had worked with Steven Colbert!!!!!  They gave a free class on the fundamentals of improv comedy!!! We saw lava flowing into the ocean as we passed the shore at 9 PM!!!!  The lava caused steam to rise out of the ocean!!!  We had great food at a ship sponsored luau!! The weather was in the 80's and sunny every day!!!