bkirkham

We are sailing on the NCL Getaway in October and got the UBP with our booking promotion... I am interested in seeing how it works for us there. On our Enchantment sailing last year I think we would have been better of not getting the package.

We are thinking about booking spring 2016 on the independence of the seas 4 day to Cozumel. I had seen some stuff about the cabin last year and for some reason it popped into my head last night. We need a short cruise for spring and we had already sailed the Enchantment so I didn't think royal would have much to offer

But luckily the Independence is sailing some 3 and 4 night trips in 2016. I mentioned this to my travel agent to see if she had previously had any guests stay in the room or heard much about it. Well, I checked my email today and she had run a booking for me to hold the room on April 14, 2016! Awesome agent!

Anyway what are your thoughts on the Independence and the cabin if you have stayed in it?

Thanks everyone. I might just wait and see what deals come around in next years Wave promotion season

Still trying to figure that out. But most likely a shorter 3 to 5 day cruise. We already sailed on the Enchantment, and would like to sail on another ship

Any dates for around May 6th that are shorter than 7 days?

I will be celebrating my 40th birthday next year, May 2016. As a cruise newbie and loving it, I would like to take a cruise to celebrate my bday. So I am looking for suggestions.

Our first cruise was on the Enchantment of the seas and I love it, but we would like to sail another ship if possible.

TIA.

Brad

I have been trying to use the new website to search for a cruise in May 2016. But whenever I either click on the exact dates or just pick the month of May. It never narrows the search and reverts back to the default dates?

I absolutely agree. And when looking at the Getaway the room and the balcony are the same size a regular balcony room. The difference comes in the bathroom, a larger shower and double sink. If you are looking, go with a large aft balcony or a large balcony instead of the mini suite.

You're not alone. I primarily cruise for the ship, too. I've been to most of the Caribbean ports enough that they generally don't have a strong draw for me. (Labadee is a notable exception; I love going there.)

 

I really enjoy just being in this moving resort as it takes me from one destination to another.

Each lines has its own niche to offer from bumper cars to water slides to make the ship more of a destination on its own

I don't see the beverage package offer, just the bogo and obc

just noticed the other posts. nevermind

I think it really comes down to whether the experience is more important or the ship. I personally favor itinerary, then company, then ship mainly because I have found the itinerary and cruise line more important than ship features, age of ship, etc. some of my best cruises have been on the oldest ships in various cruise lines' fleets: Century, Maasdam, and Monarch.

 

Ultimately, you need to decide what's most important for you especially given your initial desire to sail the NCL ship.

I don't know if I am in the minority, or if I am a different type of cruiser, but the ship itself is the MAIN destination for me. I am still new to cruising and love exploring the ships and enjoying the amenities that are offered on board.

Marc and DocLC,

 

Thanks, based on your comments I'll stay the corse.

 

Do I need to prebook restaurants and shows on big ships like Breakaway? I am the type of person that looks at the cruise compas and decide that day when to eat. ee.g. Before or after the evening show, etc.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike_

First I have to say how impressed I am with the honest and friendly posts about a cruise other than RCCI. It goes to show the amount of class the loyal Royal cruisers have.

As for prebooking shows and dining times can be done on board as long as you are flexible with that time and which day you do them

Craft beers generally or not served on board. Some are, but if you are looking for your local pint house selection you will be disappointed. Remember this is a ship with a limited storage space so it will be like shopping in a convenience store, not a beer garden. 

But Carnival will have an on board brewery on their new ship the Vista.

Was your wife able to get a couple of drinks off your package? 

The cruise isn't until this October. But we ended up canceling the Navigator cruise and booking on NCL Getaway for the same week. We ended up getting a deal on a balcony guarantee for just $70 more per person on the Getaway and got the ultimate drink package for free for both of us with there current promotion. We are looking forward to trying Norwegian. 

Honestly I'd stay with Navigator OTS because it's a Voyager class ship and their simply amazing. Not to mention the fact that it recently revitalized. But the choice is yours. If you wanted the Getaway from the beginning and then the price comes in range it just may be a calling. Hope you have a wonderful cruise no matter what ship.

Thank you

I'm guessing a lot of people here are going to root for the NotS given that this is a Royal Caribbean fan site. If you stick with the Navigator, you're going to get a Royal Caribbean product, which differs dramatically from what NCL offers. Even so, given the same price, I'd probably try the Getaway given that it's their biggest ship with a lot of new features and because it sails out of New York rather than New Jersey. Just realize that you're likely going to be spending significantly more money onboard and will have a smaller cabin.

The Getaway sails out of Miami. And yes the balcony and cabin might be smaller. The water slides keep pulling me, I wish RC would have made some.

We are currently booked on the Navigator for 10/18/15 for a great cruise. I originally wanted to book the Getaway but the price was to high. We ended up booking on the Navigator for $724pp and with a $200 obc. 

Well, now NCL has made a balcony guarantee rate for $799 with a choice of either obc, free up scale dinning, or free ultimate beverage package. Needless to say I am strongly considering the move and our agent has held a cabin for us to decide.

I am just looking for some feedback if anyone has any to offer. Thanks!

RCCL is also planning a new terminal in Galveston  next to the one there.  The old terminal will be for luggage and the new one will be two story for passengers.  It is to accommodate the larger ship, Liberty of the Seas, when it arrives on 11/12/15.  The project is on hold for now, but hopefully will be completed in time.

Maybe it will be ready when we sail 10/18/15!

You might want to give the Days Inn a call. Their website shows the rate being about $85 for your weekend. The website says they have transportation to the cruise terminal but there may be an extra charge for the shuttle. Let us know how it works out!

Just checked online and they do have park and cruise and cruise port transportation, though the pricing on those rates are not listed. So, I called to find out but no one answered. Must be a busy night in Galveston :-) Any I will try them back later.

Has anyone ever tried the Priceline name your own price negotiator?

Awesome post! We are sailing in October so I have plenty of time to figure out how to best suit our travel needs. But thanks to this site I have been able to get so much advice. We are now going to fly in on Saturday and travel to Galveston (I am going check uber out). Most likely we will fly Southwest out of Atlanta. I am still trying to decide where to stay, but I would definitely like to get to the port early so we can get on board and explore the ship. Thanks again Steve

I have read that you need to be careful buying silver in Cozumel. That it might just be silver coated metal

All of seven mile beach is public, so you could go to the Royal Palms beach and use it for free but of course access to their facilities is something different. So should you go for the Royal Palms? If you want that level of service, sure.  Otherwise, there are plenty of other less expensive spots that can offer chairs, umbrella and some sort of bar/food service.

We are looking at a 7 mile beach excursion, what would you suggest?

awesome! which cruise?

I guess the real question is "Are you feeling lucky?" Even in this great future there are so many variables to account for in travel that I think arriving the day before is the way to go. Save the pulse pounding excitement for an adventure excursion. 

 

Before we were married my wife missed a cruise because of unexpected travel problems. To this day she gets that lower lip tremble when she thinks of all of those calls to Carnival and being put on hold - only to hear Kathy Lee Gifford sing "Ain't we got fun!". 

 

All that said, I know people do it - some have no choice in the matter, it's what their schedules dictate. 

 

Whatever choice you make, I hope your journey to the port is calm and uneventful, and that you have an awesome cruise.

Mark,

You have me convinced! 

Thanks for all the ideas for staying in Galveston. Has anyone had any experience with same day flights and cruising?