Jennifer

Don,

 

Going with itinerary first has never led me wrong.  While I've ended up on cruise lines I wouldn't have ordinarily cruised on again, I had enjoyable experiences overall and given us experiences we wouldn't have otherwise had.

 

Mike,

 

The staterooms on NCL are noticeably smaller, about 20 to 30 square feet if memory serves.  The cabins tend to be the smallest of the major cruise lines although acceptable for two.  I'm not sure I want to cruise with my son in one of the cabins.  Although to be honest, we had a penthouse on our last NCL cruise, so space wasn't an issue.  Regarding nickel and dining, after cruising Disney, every cruise line seems to do this to some degree.  Holland American and Celebrity the least, Royal and Princess, then Carnival, and finally NCL in my opinion.  This is based on what's included, costs of drinks, cost of specialty restaurants, etc.  Again, my opinion.  While I found the food more than acceptable on NCL, there were dishes that you won't find in abundance in the MDR such as lobster, although many due comment on the poor quality of the lobster served on other lines.  For better quality meals, you will need to go to the specialty restaurants; however, I found them to be more moderately priced than on the other lines.

 

You will not be compelled to spend more money on NCL; you will just find more opportunities to do so.  In addition, I think you may find the drink prices to be more expensive overall, but perhaps not a problem if you have a drink package.

 

NCL still can't be beat if you're traveling in a suite, however.

In regards to your above post where you mention NCL can't be beat if you're traveling in suite - just wondering if this applies to the Mini Suites as well?  It caught my attention as a mini suite w/ balcony on the Escape is up for consideration for me in place of the Freedom that we have booked currently.  The mini suite on Escape doesn't look that much larger, but certainly looks nice.  Perhaps you can tell me about your thoughts on the mini suite being great on NCL.  Would love to hear.  Currently booked in a large oceanview on Freedom - new room on 12th deck, pie-shaped.  

Thanks for your insight.  Jennifer

I am currently booked on Freedom for Nov. 29/15.  The cruise only has three ports, one of which is Cococay.  After doing some reading I see that this port is often missed due to the winter weather/waves.  

I would not be happy with only 2 ports in one week; I am wondering if it really is that common for the cruise line to cancel the cococay stop at this time of year?  I know it's impossible to predict weather, but what are your thoughts?

Thanks

Hello!  Has anyone heard if the KSF sail will be returning this year?  I believe it was on in March of 2014.  

For those of you who were familiar with it, should I expect the pricing to change for the adult prices?  Ie.  if I am looking at a cruise now and the price for 2 adults is $995 ea, do you think the price will be higher for those two once they are throwing in the kids for free?  To compensate?  

I am trying to figure out if it is in fact as good a deal as I am hoping or whether I should go with the current RCCL promotion?

Many thanks!!

Similar to Sorrento's on Freedom?  Looking for a place to grab a quick slice or cookie in the pm for the kids. Thanks!

good idea.  are you in a suite on 10?

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/ship/decks/deck/home.do?deckCode=12&shipCode=FR&shipProfile=1632&sailDate=1150503&hasNavigation=false

Here's the webpage with the deck plan for the new rooms.  

Yes, they are.  I have a room on the 12th deck booked for December on Freedom.  I booked online and selected the F category (large oceanview) and it automatically selected the 12th deck and allowed me to pick the exact location on that deck.  Looks like a nice quiet area, given that there's only a small number of rooms up there.  And they're a good size.  

At the very front of the ship above the bridge.

Thanks Matt. The only thing is that it's pie-shaped rather than rectangle. So it will be a little different.

Have not seen any yet as they were not finished when I was on 2 weeks ago - I'll try and see what I can find out for you

Thanks Michelle.  I am hoping for good sq footage and a big window.  Fingers crossed.  It looks like the staterooms would have to be built in rather than fit into an existing space so who knows!

I have just booked for suite 1864 on freedoms new 12 th deck staterooms. I can't wait to see the floor plan (pie shaped room) and what the windows will look like. Has anyone come across any pics of the remodel yet?

Thx