NCL Prima eastbound 15 days TA (Live) 27 Apr, 2024 - N.Y. to Southampton via Halifax, Iceland & EU ports - preview intro

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, ellewoods said:

Why don’t they tell people about the triangles 😂😂😂 on day 5 of my cruise now and finally I will know which direction I am going. Thanks!!

You are not alone. I never noticed them on our Prima cruise last summer.

[mking8288]

13 hours ago, www3traveler said:

Will you have enough space or be under weight, if she decides to purchase shoes on this adventure?

Good morning to you on the West Coast - going to get you an updated officer's list ahead, stay tuned - I got a partial list off that post from Mark current on the Prima doing the Miami - NY repo, if you wish not to wait. 

 

Hahaha ... can I take the "Fifth" on this, you took away another CC friend's question ( Hi 👋) Sharon "The P" and amazed that you recalled last April's unplanned mini shoes shopping adventure in Motril during the Epic TA. 

 

As a space saving measure, I gave up my pair of beloved slippers (NCL's complimentary too small for bigfoot here) while repacking at the Barcelona hotel (H10 Casanova ... love that boutique place) & left it behind.  We disposed of other consumable like unfinished shampoo, lotion to make room and didn't go over the 50 lbs. limit, carry-on flying TAP-Portugal was very strict with the gate police & their digital scale - slip under their watchful eyes at 23.75 lbs (22 lbs/10 kg + personal bag, together)  All that without deploying my travel vest (it would've made 7 to 8 lbs of essential gadgets & electronics disappear at the boarding gate.   

 

Anyway, hoping that Norse Atlantic Airways aren't as strict or Ryan Air like ... On this route, I don't think we have plans to do any shopping for clothes (as in Barcelona ... yours truly acting as the butler, holding their bags while they continue to come in & out of the dressing room, but didn't go over the BOA credit line, gotta earn those points to pile up for the next "free" upgrade)  Plan B, packing an oversized carry-on canvas bag that should fit all the heavier & bulkier winter coat to share among 4 of us, and we'll pay Norse that extra $70 or $75 USD to check it thru to JFK, not going to heavy & with compression packing tubes - a few pair of brand new shoes should be happy to fly home.  Of course, the other 2 ladies aren't aware of this or else, I know the SIL will pack like crazy ... much rather we board our flight home without trying to be stealthy - pillows trick, wear 5 layers and all that. 

 

Boarding the ship this Saturday is easy, curbside to curbside and handing the heavier bags to the porter.  Stopped at the popular convenience store in Ponta Delgada (Azores) while en route back to NY last November & picked up, among other things, a new pair of light & comfortable slippers ... going on another TA journey this weekend, here's to hoping to not have to leave it behind.  Better yet, Mrs. M will have at least 2 pairs of disposable slippers to use onboard, nice steward brought us extras last time and going to say hi as he's supposed to be onboard. 

 

We'll see how things go as a whole with the luggage - not having semi/formal nights and able to cruise "resort casual" is really a game changer these days ... always wonder how & what others bring in their 28" oversized & overweight jumbo suitcases for a 7 to 10 nights cruise.  

 

 

My favorite travel vest (not ScottVest) has enough pockets to slip those small Eagle Creek pouches to keep things organized, including iPad Air and other things you see here, probably going to leave the folding keyboard home - wear this under an oversized or loose-fitting jacket or parka, or windbreaker, easy access while boarding and/or out-and-about ... put the vest in a bin while going thru security checkpoints, to pass thru x-ray scanner.  

Edited April 21 by mking8288

[genealogyfan]

3 hours ago, ellewoods said:

Why don’t they tell people about the triangles 😂😂😂 on day 5 of my cruise now and finally I will know which direction I am going. Thanks!!

I learned it from a cruise blogger video, so I made a point to look down. Glad it helps you. 

Edited April 21 by genealogyfan

[mking8288]

 

Just connected with another good CC friend again, now living in the sunshine state and we shared some rather unique challenges with CC roll call several years ago.  

 

Readjusting the essentials that I am packing along, I know this is largely in the rear view mirrors these days, but out of an abundance of precautions ... Plus, going to be mindful of norovirus risks on a 15 days cruise 

 

Another reason to have a # of N-95 or equivalent, KN-95 or KF-94 "respiratory" masks and not 3-ply surgical masks is the Iceland stop, with active volcanic activities and with a shift in wind direction, etc. - the "rotten egg" sulfur odor isn't good for health or safety.  

 

Tailoring / customizing what I am packing in terms of electronic accessories, adapters, cables & extension on this TA as the Prima has more outlets, the 220V adapter plug will provide 2 extra source of DC currents.  There are USB-A and USB-C ports at the desk/table/dresser and bedside, but they are max. rated at 1.5A only, not adequate to charge most devices with a higher amp. requirements, aside from wireless earbuds and/or USB battery bank.  Notice - not bring any surge-protection strips or long extension cords.  

Edited April 21 by mking8288

[GALSews]

17 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

 

.  Notice - not bring any surge-protection strips or long extension cords.  

Have you set up your own packing method in its own topic al la SthrnGary's Secrets of the Haven? I'm impressed with your approach. I made labeled, denim draw string bags my cords. But I use big fat noise-cancelling headsets which take up space. Plus, and here I envy you, the hearing aid charger/case isn't big, but it is twice the height of what I assume is the Airpods case.. (The hearing aids do bluetooth, but the hearing aid makers app, at least, isn't compatible with the tablet. So now I'm distracted when I should be cleaning and cooking for a mjaor holiday. Ah well, there is always LATER, maybe?

 

Thanks for the packing suggestions.

[mking8288]

A bit of background, thoughts & commentary:  (looking for "facts" & not interested in productive chats, kindly skip this post & move ahead) 

On this TA, we have a very active & lately, very busy roll call with "strangers" lurking, posting, popping in and out, not responding to reconfirming their expecting presence at the upcoming M&G or being "paged" - fine & understood if they are busy cruisers nearly always at sea, only on land in-between to take a rest ... and I have a pretty good idea who those CC with the group are.  The rest, I dunno and not going to speculate their reasons for poaching, we've done away with being hijacked for the M&G, short of ... 

 

Seriously, the Escape TA sailing came thru NY, en route across and left and been keeping track of their ETA, expected/actual port harbor/port docking time & sailaway, etc. - no semi or live, not even post cruise summary or report that I've seen (most likely, I missed it, okay & stand corrected.)  Pearl TA is next, 2 days ahead of us, origination is NY sailing east (this Thurs afternoon) also on a similar stops en route - Halifax & Iceland, then they go their way to different ports - we almost book that - an older, mild sized ship class that we are very comfortable with.  Getaway TA is 2 days after us, originating out of NY with different port stops, some we've been to and others new - but, somewhat tired of being on that ship, too many times out of NY ... next time, perhaps. 

 

Prima TA is the focus (and, prime topic for filing this live report) with the delayed arrival of her repo from Miami to NY as officially announced just recently by NCL to those booked; plus, the changed to a later time for the "earliest" possible pier check-in and boarding time of no earlier than 12 noon, instead of the usual 9:30 AM + which we suspected of happening by the time we finished OLCI at Day 21, suffice to say - some of us smell fishy but crickets from NCL - conspiracy began to fly.   Of course, we all subsequently learned, officially, indeed the fishy suspect is "responsible" - don't get mad at this protected marine species - Right whale protection and speed restriction zones or regulations in force, along the East Coast, applicable to all vessels - that is the "unforeseen" circumstance. 

 

Credits to NCL, as least they didn't wait until 3 days before embarkation to say & put the notice in writing with a specific explanation ... and, before those on the repo embarked from Miami.  Let those on Prima now - getting off later than 7 to 8 AM in NY this Saturday, share their stories and impact, if any to changing flight plans & local/ground travel, etc. which is (was) on its own thread.  The rippled or domino effects, of course, prompting us to adjust and revise our plans, including arrival time - will lunch services be extended, will see ... as latest check-in is 3:30 to 4 PM, sail away is newly set to 6 PM.  

 

Hence, stay tune for a live embarkation dinner update onboard the Hudson MDR while we remained docked on the Hudson River ... I give ours a less than 50:50 chance of sailing on time at 6 PM since provisioning for TA will take longer and she isn't scheduled to arrive until 10 AM (hopefully earlier, like 8:30 to 9:30 AM) as it isn't easy to start disembarkation and reach zero count for 3,000+ pax in less than 2 hours, doable but ... 

 

It is a little mind-boggling tracking other ships heading to and out of NY's harbor and nearby waterways, doing 18, 20 kts vs. NCL ships doing 15 kts, basically same or very similar course headings and GPS coordinates in transit, even on their final tracks near NJ's Ambrose / Sandy Hook channel.  This was true with the Escape recently and true yesterday/this morning - Joy was inbound to NY at 15-16 kts with ETA at 4 AM into Pier 88, whereas RC's Anthem of the Seas heading for Cape Liberty, NJ was doing 20 kts with ETA at 1:30 AM - both about same distance coming in.  This hold true from early, mid evening into the early morning hours.  

 

Long story short, Joy docked very early at P88 (like almost all NCL arrivals into NY - typically earlier than planned or scheduled)  This morning, by 7:30 AM - express disembarkation started - visually confirmed on ship's livecam and by 10:30 AM, hardly anyone across 12th Ave waiting for a taxi or car service pickup with luggage.  Escape left already for another Bermuda 7 days, on time around 4 PM at 18 kts coming south on the Hudson, nearly Statue of Liberty now ... whereas AOS is already out past Ambrose/Sandy Hook, NJ but at 10 kts ...  There is an area where speed is reduced but it isn't as wide as imagined or broad in total square miles in coverage. 

 

Cruising slower at reduced speed, with 1 or even 2 engines not needed - the fuel saving can be substantial, as fuel costs apparently are climbing higher on the retail level ... we'll never know or at least, the numbers are hard to come by, buried in the details.  

 

For disembarkation pickup at the pier - i.e. those on the Prima repo this week ... 660th 12th Avenue, across the avenue, between W. 48 and W. 49th Street is the ideal pick-up location for car services and Uber or Lyft, with the yellow taxi stand on the SE corner.  This is also where one can be dropped off, if port traffic at or near W. 55th St and 12th Avenue to backed up and heavily congested.  That spot, is the low-rise building directly across - in the middle of the photo (ahead of the ship's bow)

 

Porters do escort pax with luggage across 12th Avenue to drop them off in this area, and if you are lucky to catch one they'll take your checked bags & you can proceed up 1 level to go inside the terminal, thru security to check-in ... and wait for your turn to board the ship.  

 

Edited April 21 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Is Uber the better, preferred way to go or travel for cruise ship passeners, perhaps but maybe, not so fast ... the price difference vs. other traditional ground transport isn't as big as it used to be, maybe less competitive within that sector, and can be shockingly costlier than expected.  Also, for pickup at MCT - surge pricing has been known to kick in quickly for disembarking ship passengers requesting a trip to area airports, and I know, personally, $20 to $25 more out to Queens due to demand, ouch is the word. 

 

A quick look at quoted prices from Uber, going to the pier on a weekend morning (Manhattan hotels in that area will be similar, same & possibly lower) and also on weekdays - anyone surprised how they have become pricey too, and really within a few dollars of popular, major car services like Dial 7 or Carmel.  Disclaimer - YMMV and these are subject to change; plus a congestion fee/surcharge has been imposed by Carmel ... not sure about Dial 7.  

 

Weekdays morning, airports to Manhattan (P88 or nearby hotels) - from EWR, Uber X is $92, from LGA, Uber X is $98 and from JFK, Uber X is $146 (that is 30% higher than a yellow taxi on a special flat-rate pricing from JFK, with tips included (possibly 1 toll, extra & not included)

 

These are sample fares and I did not add or include prices from Lyft, they are typically a little less than Uber, not always - compare first.  We are east of LGA by several miles but our quoted fares are less than LGA to Manhattan (due in part, from airport surcharges & extra fees added) - 

 

Saturday or Sunday morning, airports to Manhattan (P88 or nearby hotels) - from EWR, Uber X is $66, from LGA, Uber X is $73 and from JFK, Uber X is $104.  (all being better with traffic being lighter)

 

These weekend morning fares are from MCT/P88 to area airports ...

 

Solo cruiser confirmed or reported that NCL's airport transfers, both ways, for NYC - is just $75 in total, at least for this TA and that's a fair deal, worth looking into & compare for future cruising out/in of NYC.  

 

 

Carmel's quote from our area to MCT/P88 this morning - 6 minutes wait or less and we are further east of LGA (away from the cruise terminal) is $7 less than Uber's price, toll not included - nor tipping.  

 

Interesting, isn't it. 

 

 

 

Edited April 21 by mking8288

[mking8288]

7 hours ago, GALSews said:

Have you set up your own packing method in its own topic al la SthrnGary's Secrets of the Haven? ... Ah well, there is always LATER, maybe?

LOL and with thanks. Nope, I haven't thought of doing something similar, packing "light" - let's leave that for later.  I try to plan & individualized on a per trip basis and what is essential and desirable to have, DW always tell this old guy to bring less along ... then she raid mine for chargers, cables, adapters & plugs, 😆 haha. 

 

Here's a few more from recent trips, would love to bring along my 2 meters/70cm portable radio to use as a scanner, common VHF marine frequencies, PTP simplex on port traffic, alas not permitted onboard. 

 

 

BTW, that's noise cancelling earbuds, MPOW is the old brand, pretty good from Amazon - not hearing aid, and does a good job inflight and other places, not disturbing others nearby.  Home system, a 8 speakers subwoofer system, don't feel like spending $$ for mobile Bose - easily lost and Grado, too bulky to fit compactly (heard of them ?)  A pair of old fashion Apple earbuds with USB adapter works fine for me as newer ones don't have the headset jack. Sennheiser and Xiaomi are good too, compact & slipped into a pocket - no pouches (plastic film - packed inside a pair of socks)

I

 

For a shorter cruise, I get by with a Chromebook and 6 port USB dongle ... otherwise, Sony Vaio on Linux is now the choice.  Longer land vacation or trips, Dell notebook NVMe SSD 32GB memory W11Pro.  A matter of picking & choosing to match the main components ... and some spares & backup options - otherwise, try to keep it as simple as possible. 

 

Hence, "Station Zebra" is really & truly scalable ... itching lately to get into the solar area.  That 4.x earthquake recently, a modest wake up call for some - not just from rising sea levels along the coastlines. 

 

 

For this TA, most likely, leaving Roku w remote at home, but since I am bringing a HDMI cable to experiment, will leave the 2 oz. Chromecast in the tech pouch *** more on the Samsung next. 

 

 

With these 3 adapters, absolutely can getaway without a power strip, with or without surge protection circuit on the Prima/Viva and Aqua coming soon ... 

 

Glad this is sparking ideas ... happy Passover ? ?

Edited April 22 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

I always bring a European Type C adapter on the ship to be able to use that additional outlet.

 

[mking8288]

13 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

I always bring a European Type C adapter on the ship to be able to use that additional outlet.

Poor me, need to have 3 along this time, if not 4, two cabins and each has 2 usable outlets with 220V, not to mention the secret one for CPAP users next to the bed. 

 

I look around the OL last time and the outlets accessible are cleverly hidden, not because they expected me to come along & write them up, not to mention the lounger hogs spread eagled across.  This is a matter to follow up 😆 

 

P.S.  another excuse to select a cruise w a stop at Ponta D again and pickup more adapters from the waterfront (unofficial) crew store / stop for personal provisions - at 2.60 Euro vs. paying Amazon's $9.99 + tax with free shipping 😁 

Edited April 22 by mking8288

[Sugar Magnolia]

3 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

I look around the OL last time and the outlets accessible are cleverly hidden, not because they expected me to come along & write them up, not to mention the lounger hogs spread eagled across.  This is a matter to follow up 😆 

 

Yes I thought it was clever how the outlets were hidden at the Observation Lounge, though enough people found out and consequently set up their bunker for the day.

 

When I was on the Encore a few months ago, the staff in the OL proactively gave out towels to people sitting on the lounges and also politely asked them to keep their shoes on unless they had socks. Of course, there were barefeet seen on the furniture in the Atrium so... 🤷‍♀️

 

[mking8288]

Station Zebra - V3.1A beta/info for possible use by

Android - Samsung devices only.   <<  all others - skip ahead, experimental & educational only  >>

This is intended for tech geeks that has a new'ish Samsung smartphone - not iPhones, sorry on Android platform (Samsung Galaxy S22+ here) ... one of the free apps within their eco-system is "Samsung TV Plus"  Yes, watch Sky News and CNN News live streams, BBC News, WeatherNation and others as available abroad (not necessary at sea over Starlink satellite WiFi, for variety of reasons or factors) - have not tested this onboard (worked fine in Canada)  Hotels where we stayed at lately, all provided free access to dozens of channels and Youtube friendly, unlike #cough #cough ...)  

 

 

Add-on or extra "components" needed - USB to HDMI 4K UHD output adapter, Samsung tested to allow a direct cable output connection to just about any HDMI input ports on most display monitors, again # cough #cough   A multi-port (mine has 6) USB dongle (optionally, has mSD card access/external storage) to maintain or keep the device charging while connected, and to access stored video contents & photos, documents, etc. on portable storage (mSD card) ... I tested as working, external SSD portable drive for full backup purposes while upgrading a laptop.  Of course, a compliant USB charger for the Samsung (3A minimum is recommended) 

Reason I mentioned this, when we're enjoying our 3 nights in NY Lower Bay, anchored off VZ Bridge near Stapleton (Hyland Blvd) riding out a Nor-Easter storm on the Escape, there was virtually next to nothing live TV coverage, blocked or disabled to the licensing & broadcast restrictions per NCL with its provider ... duh.  Could've watch live news & storm coverage and sports, etc. - this will be easy & simple since we had solid cellular coverage via our ISP and metered carefully, shouldn't blow past our 50GB allowance & risk getting throttled.   

 

Q1 - will this work onboard the Prima this weekend at sea with basic unlimited WiFi - TBA ...

Q2 - will this stream or cast directly into the stateroom's interactive, Samsung Smart TV mounted on the wall, where side-facing HDMI ports are accessible, maybe from a reboot.

Q3 - also, while Apple's AirTags are considered to be the "gold standard" in tracking ... Samsung's Smart Tag2 is closely behind, battery is easily user replacement & integrated into the eco-system to track.  Likely putting one inside our checked bag, to do a side-by-side comparison once we drop the luggage at the pier with porters.  

 

On # 2 - if it doesn't work onboard and restrictions cannot be overriden, we can - if and when we have a good, reliable WiFi or cellular signal (4G is fine, 5G isn't necessary) while docked during port of call (from our balcony or in an open deck area within range of local signal towers)  It is still, good to have - minimal addition needed - the 4K USB to HDMI adapter ... I know and verified, this "plug" is blocked & does not work on Google Pixel's smartphones, verified the restrictions by design, can't do anything (yet) within developer's mode.  

 

P.S.  Getting tired of NCL's cuts in available "TV" news channels onboard (weather, too) and mostly info-channel.  Stay tuned if curious and you are/own and use a Samsung smartphone, tablets by SS should work as well - followup findings later, TBA.  
 

Edited April 22 by mking8288

[The P]

Henry, too much tech stuff is taking up too much room in your suitcase. Have pity on Susan's purchases. Don't think there will be no shopping on this cruise. Things will be bought and they must have space to return to Queens!       Sharon

[cruiseny4life]

I'm obviously here for your ride along the Atlantic! Wish I were joining you and @Sugar Magnolia on this one. Looked and only interior rooms available. Plus, my PTO balance is about 20 hours. Still haven't caught up after that October Arizona trip. I accrued nothing while on unpaid status for our previous Pr1ma crossing. 

 

But, I'm really interested in the Samsung comments as we are a very not-Apple friendly family! Except for one Beats by Dre speaker. If that charging cord ever gets chewed up by a mouse, we're in trouble! Anyway, I'm hoping for some positive results to your tech tests. Have a lovely and wonderful trip! I'll be here in my Central NY office following along jealously. 

[mking8288]

@The P  Sharon, good morning to you.  Don't worry too much about our flight home with excess luggage, got a plan plus a backup ... Susan is the co-conspirator in this scheme, haha.  Bringing (sneaking onto the Prima) an extra but empty 22" expandable suitcase, nested inside is my usual 19" convertible backpack which has work great & made it thru multiple flights, loaded and within that 22 lbs limited set by some airlines ... domestic , not a problem with weight.  

 

Shopping will be limited to what's offered onboard and along the way at each port ... but, if she see shoes, I dunno ... a few pairs, minus the boxes should fit.  If the other 2 ladies join the shopping frenzy - that's a different ballgame, even with an extra suitcase.  Maybe, everyone will have to start getting rid of old clothes, old shoes and leave behind those bottles of motion, shampoo, and even toothpaste - SIL is known to try to bring everything from home, except the faucets and kitchen sink.  I've factored in the marginal cost of $80 (33 lbs, "light" checked bag as 2nd. piece) or $90 (50 lbs, "standard" checked bag)   

 

Flying Norse Atlantic Airways for the first time, a relatively new & unknown EU carrier with mixed reviews (definitely nowhere near Singapore Airlines, etc.) - I figure why not give them our business and a chance, just as I did before booking TAP-Portugal last year. Their full list of optional service fees - some are eye-opener, definitely they subscribe to the nickels and dimes doctrine ... not uncommon these days #cough #cough 

https://flynorse.com/en-US/support/optional-fees 

 

Hoping that this (extreme) measure isn't necessary - there is a trick we can pull, see those packing cubes that we have - several are compression style and can fit a lot, and well within airline limits & definition of a personal bag and/or under the seat small bag / tote / laptop case ... ladies' purse will have to be in there, along with whatever we can jam inside.  Viola, a carry-on plus a (heavy) personal bag each.  Plus, I will "deploy" my travel vest & walk onboard the plane with 10 lbs. of gadgets.  If that doesn't work, will go to the extra route & pay Norse, before we get to the Gatwick (higher $$ if we wait until airport check-in ... sounds like Ryan Air)  Reasonably confident think these measures will do the trick, combine & do both if we really have to.   

 

Anyway, are you going to be "spotting" for the Prima when she get here this Saturday.  Chat with you later.  

[mking8288]

@cruiseny4life  Hey there, how are 2 of you doing ... plotting another cruise later this year and hope to bring a smile or two to our friends on CC.  NCL is doing things right, ship is basically sailing full, only Insides available lately - off and on, pricing trend holding - suites sold out weeks & weeks ago.  Like @graphicguy - spoiled with Haven residency ... (Dan, a quickie question for someone else - are those Amex OBC non-refundable, you are the expert around here with that ... asking for someone else on the roll call.  TIA)  Wasn't last year's TA wonderful ... "we" help escorted her on the westbound TA and we are "escorting" her eastbound TA, with a different set of ports - hoping & wishing the captain won't need to cancel or skip any.  There is always that possibility and planning for a rougher crossing, choppy sea and higher waves but really looking forward to seeing Iceland.  

 

Definitely going to test the Samsung smartphone/HDMI setup with the ship's smart TV input, etc. and share/report back (along with the Smart Tag2 for its tracking luggage performance.)  I am for packing lighter, less is more when set up correctly.  Didn't the two of you managed with a backpack and carry-on only ? 

 

Now, we'll just have to see if @PistolPete13 is around town, I think he's been very busy at work and should "add" some high quality Prima ship photos to his vast collection.  Weather this weekend isn't picture perfect, 25% chance of shower/rain in the evening for sailaway with visibility at 9 miles.  

Edited April 22 by mking8288

[graphicguy]

Henry....AMEX OBC is non-refundable.  Use it or lose it.

[Fogfog]

@mking8288

Your post just reminded me to charge y earbuds and that they re noise cancelling. Clearly I don't make use of them nearly enough! They were not even on my "pack list" so THANK YOU!

 

Just did a bank run here for US$

The Halifax stop. Private tour/tour guide prefers being paid in cash US or Canadian. 

We have Euros from a last trip that will help us make due for tips and odds/ends when not using cashless.

Plan to do UK cashless as possible. 

 

It is looking cold for Sail Away Saturday. I'll take that over rain. I remember when we have had snow in late April. Right now wunderground is calling for cloudy and 53. Haven't met a reliable weather service yet Ha!

 

 

[graphicguy]

I'm excited for all of you on this cruise.  I love sailing with CC friends.  

[Fogfog]

5 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I'm excited for all of you on this cruise.  I love sailing with CC friends.  

 

Inside open right now $1200... according to ncl dot com

 

And know you are going to know a few folks  😉 at the M&G

 

 

Edited April 22 by Fogfog

[mking8288]

34 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Henry....AMEX OBC is non-refundable.  Use it or lose it.

Dan ... mucho thanks, appreciated.  

 

@Travelicious here ya go, see above.  Happy & safe travel tomorrow, all systems go & good weather to fly - welcome to the Big Apple & enjoy pre-cruise in "my" town.  

[Ellis1138]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

Definitely going to test the Samsung smartphone/HDMI setup with the ship's smart TV input, etc. and share/report back (along with the Smart Tag2 for its tracking luggage performance.) 

 

I always love your on-the-go reviews and especially look forward to the Samsung TV-HDMI-Android results. (We'll be sailing Prima in June to Norway/Iceland). I'm also curious about how much the premium internet upgrade is on embarkation day and whether it gets reduced during the cruise.

 

Do you think you'll be posting the daily MDR menus? I love seeing those ahead of time, so I can prepare for the food allergy routlette. 

 

[Travelicious]

2 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Dan ... mucho thanks, appreciated.  

 

@Travelicious here ya go, see above.  Happy & safe travel tomorrow, all systems go & good weather to fly - welcome to the Big Apple & enjoy pre-cruise in "my" town.  

Thanks.  I was aware of this, but unsure about the OBC from the TA.  I think it is refundable.

[cruiseny4life]

3 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@cruiseny4life  Hey there, how are 2 of you doing ... plotting another cruise later this year and hope to bring a smile or two to our friends on CC.  NCL is doing things right, ship is basically sailing full, only Insides available lately - off and on, pricing trend holding - suites sold out weeks & weeks ago.  Like @graphicguy - spoiled with Haven residency ... (Dan, a quickie question for someone else - are those Amex OBC non-refundable, you are the expert around here with that ... asking for someone else on the roll call.  TIA)  Wasn't last year's TA wonderful ... "we" help escorted her on the westbound TA and we are "escorting" her eastbound TA, with a different set of ports - hoping & wishing the captain won't need to cancel or skip any.  There is always that possibility and planning for a rougher crossing, choppy sea and higher waves but really looking forward to seeing Iceland.  

 

Definitely going to test the Samsung smartphone/HDMI setup with the ship's smart TV input, etc. and share/report back (along with the Smart Tag2 for its tracking luggage performance.)  I am for packing lighter, less is more when set up correctly.  Didn't the two of you managed with a backpack and carry-on only ? 

 

Now, we'll just have to see if @PistolPete13 is around town, I think he's been very busy at work and should "add" some high quality Prima ship photos to his vast collection.  Weather this weekend isn't picture perfect, 25% chance of shower/rain in the evening for sailaway with visibility at 9 miles.  

All is well here! As you prepare your indoor plants for their long time with no human interaction, we are prepping about 150 trees outside as we create an orchard in one of our fields. I just loaded my car up with a bunch of mulch - every day this week I'm grabbing 20 bags at Home Depot. So, it's quite the production at home! Looking into a nice side by side or small Kubota to lug all this stuff all over our acreage. I'm thinking my Ford Edge isn't the best for field work! 

 

Back on track, here's to hoping you are able to stop at all the ports. It's a quite interesting itinerary! I'm digging the Iceland stop and a few days in Europe before you wind up in Southampton. Please do kindly escort her safely across the North Atlantic! 

 

Hah, you have quite a memory! We did successfully manage with a backpack and what could be a carry-on. We actually checked it, even though it only weighed 36 or 37 pounds. It's a duffel bag so can easily be shoved under our feet on a plane if necessary. Thankfully, we had a lot of included luggage on our NCL BOGO Air on Air France. 

 

Hopefully our resident NYC photographer is able to get some sail away photos of y'all heading past the Verrazano. Wouldn't it be just around sunset as you cruise through those narrows? Maybe a nice clearing with puffy clouds, a bright descending sun, and gorgeous ship slipping peacefully underneath. Here's to hoping!

[Fogfog]

@cruiseny4life

orchards and acreage sounds divine.

good luck with the Edge 😉