TessOR Posted August 1, 2022 Report Share Posted August 1, 2022 101 Days until our first cruise in three years. Everything is booked - I am ready to start packing! WAAAYTOOO and WAYNO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted August 10, 2022 Report Share Posted August 10, 2022 93 days! We are on this cruise too! I am excited to see how much easier the logistics will be on a L.A. originated cruise. And as much as I will miss the Caribbean, I'm excited to broaden my horizons and see what I've been missing on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Interestingly, we have this same itinerary booked three times in the next 7 months. So we better like it. Caleb W and TessOR 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted September 9, 2022 Report Share Posted September 9, 2022 63 days to go, and I can report that I'm booked on this cruise as well!! Relatively new cruiser here, took my first cruise last month as a 3 night to Ensenada and absolutely loved the experience so I obviously couldn't wait to set sail again! I've heard great things about this itinerary and can report that everyone on the Navigator crew I interacted with a few weeks ago were phenomenal and played a decent part in my wanting to book again so soon. Solo cruiser, but not letting that stop me from having a great time and enjoying the experience and excited to share the voyage with everyone else who will be coming along. Jack TessOR, WAYNO and Caleb W 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted September 27, 2022 Report Share Posted September 27, 2022 We're 45 days out - so it's CHECK-IN DAY!! Time to get that much more excited for the upcoming trip! TessOR, Caleb W and WAYNO 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted September 28, 2022 Report Share Posted September 28, 2022 44 days and can't wait! TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted September 28, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2022 Checked in yesterday for 10:30 - NOW I am excited. WAYNO and SeaDays 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted September 28, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2022 On 9/9/2022 at 12:11 PM, Jack805 said: 63 days to go, and I can report that I'm booked on this cruise as well!! Relatively new cruiser here, took my first cruise last month as a 3 night to Ensenada and absolutely loved the experience so I obviously couldn't wait to set sail again! I've heard great things about this itinerary and can report that everyone on the Navigator crew I interacted with a few weeks ago were phenomenal and played a decent part in my wanting to book again so soon. Solo cruiser, but not letting that stop me from having a great time and enjoying the experience and excited to share the voyage with everyone else who will be coming along. Jack My very first cruise was a 3 night to Ensenada as well, over 20 years ago. I will say the 7 night cruises have a different vibe and I love it all the more. I am in another group that is taking this trip and have heard from a few solos in that group. If you have not done it already - you might choose a large table for dining. It is one of my favorite ways to get to know people. You may not eat in the MDR every night, but the ones you do will give you an opportunity to share your days and learn about things you might want to try next time. (And - there WILL be a next time ) SeaDays and WAYNO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted September 30, 2022 Report Share Posted September 30, 2022 On 9/28/2022 at 11:46 AM, TessOR said: My very first cruise was a 3 night to Ensenada as well, over 20 years ago. I will say the 7 night cruises have a different vibe and I love it all the more. I am in another group that is taking this trip and have heard from a few solos in that group. If you have not done it already - you might choose a large table for dining. It is one of my favorite ways to get to know people. You may not eat in the MDR every night, but the ones you do will give you an opportunity to share your days and learn about things you might want to try next time. (And - there WILL be a next time ) My 3 night to Ensenada was the perfect price at the perfect time (found it just a couple weeks out from sailing) so I went for it. I already kind of thought I'd be one who enjoyed cruising, and that a 3 night might feel just too short. Well I certainly confirmed I love the cruise experience, and while I didn't ultimately feel it was too short I wouldn't have minded it to be a little longer. And I have a feeling I'll probably book a couple for next year as well. I haven't made any specific requests for dining, other than selecting the later seating. I tend to be a bit more introverted and reserved by nature, but also feel like a cruise is a great place to meet and get to know some people, especially if you'll be spending a week with them. I think I'll be having quite a few meals in the MDR, I've been following the sailing this week in the app (apart from when I checked in) since it's the same itinerary to get a look at the menu, and each time it was already making me hungry! It can be great to enjoy some good food and company and learn more about all the options of things to do since there's too many to even think of trying to do! I definitely know there will be many more "next time" trips to enjoy though WAYNO and TessOR 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 1, 2022 Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 Finally got my booking number! We've been watching every youtube video we can find we are so excited. Jack805 we are in TO so neighbors We've done two previous cruises, both in the Caribbean, this will be our first cruise in 10 years and first in the Pacific. So excited and thrilled that a cruise like this is available so close to home. TessOR and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 1, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 Ordered my ducks and labels to hide! I have been watching all the cruising ducks posts and look forward to hiding and finding ducks! Does anyone have a service they recommend for transportation from LAX and back? I know we could use Uber or Lyft - but that feels a bit like a crapshoot and we have a couple of large suitcases we use for travel. Also - we will be arriving right at rush hour traffic time of day. I even considered just hanging out at the airport a bit to miss the tangle! WAYNO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 1, 2022 Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 Got an 11 check in time, what was the earliest check in time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 1, 2022 Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 @SeaDays welcome to the cruise (and the boards)! I was doing the same thing before my first trip last month, and it only made me more excited with each video I saw! My excitement is building each day that we get closer to the sailing too. Glad to hear we're neighbors as well It's nice that we have a cruise like this close to home as well. Royal is happy to be back in LA too from what I can tell from my last cruise. Navigator is a great ship with a wonderful crew. While I have nothing else to compare it to since I've just got the one cruise under my belt, I feel it is a great ship all around. Hope to see you on board soon! WAYNO and TessOR 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 1, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 2 hours ago, SeaDays said: Got an 11 check in time, what was the earliest check in time? I got 10:30 and logged on at midnight. I think that was the earliest offering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 1, 2022 Report Share Posted October 1, 2022 2 hours ago, SeaDays said: Got an 11 check in time, what was the earliest check in time? Earliest check in time starts at 10:30, though some people start getting there quite early. Last month there were already people waiting outside the terminal for them to open up as I was leaving Customs around 9am, don't know if they start letting people in before the first 10:30 check in window though. TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 2, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 1 hour ago, Jack805 said: Earliest check in time starts at 10:30, though some people start getting there quite early. Last month there were already people waiting outside the terminal for them to open up as I was leaving Customs around 9am, don't know if they start letting people in before the first 10:30 check in window though. How long did it take you to get through Customs? We have an early (12:41pm) flight and want to arrange airport transportation, but I was not sure how early to tell them. We will ask for early exit - I would rather wait at the airport longer than miss a flight. T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 2, 2022 Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 15 hours ago, TessOR said: How long did it take you to get through Customs? We have an early (12:41pm) flight and want to arrange airport transportation, but I was not sure how early to tell them. We will ask for early exit - I would rather wait at the airport longer than miss a flight. T It was probably around 20-30 minutes to navigate the Customs line for me (if I remember right), and I left the ship in the mid- to late- 8 o'clock hour. If you use a porter for your luggage, they kind of act like a "skip the line" function, so for a couple dollars that's not too bad either. I'd guess that an earlier debarkation would be a quicker customs line, but cannot speak from personal experience. I will try to see if I can dig up the debarkation schedule from my August cruise to share to help you plan @TessOR. I know Royal's airport transfers were first off the ship (after self-debarkation). TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 2, 2022 Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 Found the schedule from my last cruise on Navigator. Hope this helps in planning! TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted October 2, 2022 Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 We waited about an hour for customs out of LA. But that particular day there was a visa inspection type exercise for the crew so they had half as many CBP agents doing passenger customs. TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 2, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 7 hours ago, Jack805 said: It was probably around 20-30 minutes to navigate the Customs line for me (if I remember right), and I left the ship in the mid- to late- 8 o'clock hour. If you use a porter for your luggage, they kind of act like a "skip the line" function, so for a couple dollars that's not too bad either. I'd guess that an earlier debarkation would be a quicker customs line, but cannot speak from personal experience. I will try to see if I can dig up the debarkation schedule from my August cruise to share to help you plan @TessOR. I know Royal's airport transfers were first off the ship (after self-debarkation). Thank you, @Jack805I agree about porters being worth the tip. They get a separate line usually and since their money is made by quantity, customs moves them along. I was thinking about doing the airport transfers but the cutoff is 1pm. After seeing your roster, I think I am going to do that anyway. We are only 20 minutes shy of their time limit. I have done transfers in the past and it is a painless way to get to the airport and direct terminal drop off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 2, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2022 On 8/10/2022 at 1:25 PM, WAYNO said: 93 days! We are on this cruise too! I am excited to see how much easier the logistics will be on a L.A. originated cruise. And as much as I will miss the Caribbean, I'm excited to broaden my horizons and see what I've been missing on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Interestingly, we have this same itinerary booked three times in the next 7 months. So we better like it. Hey WAYNO, where are you from in Oregon? We have mostly done the Caribbean as well, but wanted something with less airtime for the first trip after a long break. We are booked for Alaska with the grands after this. WAYNO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 3, 2022 Report Share Posted October 3, 2022 19 hours ago, TessOR said: Thank you, @Jack805I agree about porters being worth the tip. They get a separate line usually and since their money is made by quantity, customs moves them along. I was thinking about doing the airport transfers but the cutoff is 1pm. After seeing your roster, I think I am going to do that anyway. We are only 20 minutes shy of their time limit. I have done transfers in the past and it is a painless way to get to the airport and direct terminal drop off. You're welcome @TessOR. Porters can definitely be worth the tip. Had they got to me sooner on my last debarkation in LA I would have used them (had $5+ in my pocket ready for them), but none were there until I was already the second row deep in the switchback queue so I just stuck to lugging my own luggage since I was just driving home and had absolutely nothing else to do for the day so I wasn't on a time crunch (in fact I wouldn't have minded the vacation lasting a bit longer LOL). The wait time was definitely not as long as they were scaring people with, but if you've got to catch a flight your time can be worth the tip for sure! On the way out though they caught me within 20 feet of my parking spot and I was happy to let them grab my bag from there (though I paid for my good parking spot when we came back because I was trapped there by exit traffic for a good 45 min after, but I just threw my bags in the car and waited around outside of my car until the line of cars exiting died down). I'd say the 20 min difference should be okay, especially if you are already checked in and just need to bag drop your luggage at the airport (and if you have PreCheck that will cut down the time at the airport too). I'm sure their "1pm" cutoff for flights is more to give them more of a buffer from you blaming them if you don't get to the airport in time. It's about 20-25 min without traffic from the port to LAX, so even if there's lots of traffic the trip would probably be no more than an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted October 4, 2022 Report Share Posted October 4, 2022 On 10/2/2022 at 4:14 PM, TessOR said: Hey WAYNO, where are you from in Oregon? We have mostly done the Caribbean as well, but wanted something with less airtime for the first trip after a long break. We are booked for Alaska with the grands after this. We're from Oregon City. 39 Days! Woo Hoo! TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted October 4, 2022 Report Share Posted October 4, 2022 On 10/1/2022 at 1:39 PM, TessOR said: Does anyone have a service they recommend for transportation from LAX and back? I know we could use Uber or Lyft - but that feels a bit like a crapshoot and we have a couple of large suitcases we use for travel. Also - we will be arriving right at rush hour traffic time of day. I even considered just hanging out at the airport a bit to miss the tangle! I have found LAX transportation options to be somewhat user unfriendly. We have reservations with an outfit called Execucar. We are not an Uber/Lyft user in any way, and when we tried to find a shuttle to the ship from LAX, they all had limitations on luggage. We each carry a carry-on as well as a full size suitcase, and the shuttles would not allow two pieces per person. We found our only choice to be Execucar. Very expensive, $140 for the two of us, but it is what it is. At the end of the cruise, we'll buy transportation from Guest Services back to LAX, which has become our go-to standard. That option always works very well and has always been a relative bargain. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2022 I was back and forth on just doing cruise transfers for the Port to LAX piece. I hesitated because of our flight time. I finally decided to go for it, and am now waitlisted on return transfers. I did not realize you could purchase them onboard. I had put in a quote request to Super Shuttle and have not heard back yet. I like to get everything locked down as much as possible then just enjoy the vacation. WAYNO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2022 UPDATE: I was able to go back into my reservation, add my flight details, and purchase cruise transfers for the port to LAX piece. $35 per person, $70 total. @WAYNO If you used a TA, they should be able to do this for you If you booked on your own, I am not sure if you can call in for it or have to wait to visit Guest Services as you mentioned. WAYNO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted October 4, 2022 Report Share Posted October 4, 2022 1 hour ago, TessOR said: UPDATE: I was able to go back into my reservation, add my flight details, and purchase cruise transfers for the port to LAX piece. $35 per person, $70 total. @WAYNO If you used a TA, they should be able to do this for you If you booked on your own, I am not sure if you can call in for it or have to wait to visit Guest Services as you mentioned. I have not used a Travel Agent in many years. Buying the transfer directly while on the ship has always been quick and easy, but even easier now that my wife buys some of our excursions on her phone app. TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 5, 2022 Report Share Posted October 5, 2022 anyone tracking drink and food packages to see if they drop in price? I think we will stick with the no add ons policy and enjoy what is included with the ticket but if they offer a great price I'll be tempted. TessOR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 21 hours ago, SeaDays said: anyone tracking drink and food packages to see if they drop in price? I think we will stick with the no add ons policy and enjoy what is included with the ticket but if they offer a great price I'll be tempted. I've waited for prices to go down and have discovered for me, they never go down, but they sure can go up! In my cruising infancy, our cousin that introduced us to cruising said, wait and buy the packages onboard. I'll never do that again. And... I'm pleased to see activity on this thread. For a while, I thought my Wife and I were the only passengers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 Slight price drop in packages today, drinks and food. Still too spendy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 Food and drink packages pricing as or 10 6 2022 10:43 AM Deluxe Beverage Package (the one with the booze) $75.99 if buying 2 Refreshment (soda, coffee, juice, waters no booze) $22.99 Soda $8.99 Coffee Card $31 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 6, 2022 Report Share Posted October 6, 2022 I was able to get the DBP on 2 of my cruises (SY and WO) for $65.99. I purchased but may decide to let them go later. I’m not sure I can justify the price with free casino drinks plus my D+ daily drinks. I’ve always valued the convenience of having a package, ordering whatever I want anytime I choose over the cost of a package. However, I am having trouble making that value comparison today. Even with the reduced price, it still comes out to over $1100 for both of us for each of these cruises. No doubt, we will never consume $1100 worth of drinks over and above our “free” drinks. Is the convenience of having a DBP worth $1100 ? I guess I will see. I will experience my first cruise w/o a DBP before either of these 2 cruises so I will know, ahead of time, how it will be to cruise w/o a package. WAYNO and Sweety 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 7, 2022 Report Share Posted October 7, 2022 On 10/5/2022 at 10:43 AM, SeaDays said: anyone tracking drink and food packages to see if they drop in price? Current pricing for beverage/dining is about as low as I've seen anything get on a Navigator sailing recently. Feels like they just came off of a cruise planner "sale" recently so I was actually surprised to see them back to the current pricing (and not the higher standard one). I usually check pretty regularly to see if something drops to get a cheaper price but have noticed the current pricing is about as low as I've seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 10, 2022 Report Share Posted October 10, 2022 Just turned this trip into a B2B and booked the 3-night sailing right after! Any others doing a B2B? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiitsme Posted October 12, 2022 Report Share Posted October 12, 2022 Hi guys, allow me to introduce myself, I'm gottagoacruzn, over here at the orange county line, am a diamond member, been on 30 + cruises, some in the Caribbean, Alaska, New England/Canada, Mexico. Last cruise that I was on, was in May of 19, on Enchantment of the seas to the Caribbean, out of Galveston. It sure has been a long 3 an a half yrs, an ready to go. The cruise still seems so far away, I know its a month out, but still. Hope to meet some of you on the ship. On a couple of other cruise sites, an one of the roll calls, they're all asleep, more active on FB. Oh I can't wait to go, am gettin ansy. Next thing have to do, is read all the posts here. These pictures were of two weeks ago, at the air show in HB. Work 4 miles from the pier, so drove over there after work, an saw the Thunderbirds. Everybody was there. No sorry Jack, not doin a b2b. Virginia WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TessOR Posted October 12, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2022 On 10/10/2022 at 12:12 PM, Jack805 said: Just turned this trip into a B2B and booked the 3-night sailing right after! Any others doing a B2B? We considered it, but that’s getting too close to Turkey day. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack805 Posted October 12, 2022 Report Share Posted October 12, 2022 3 hours ago, TessOR said: We considered it, but that’s getting too close to Turkey day. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Thanks! Being driving distance away I decided to go for it after seeing a good deal and even got the same cabin! I'll be sacrificing the weekend to settle back into reality after what I hope to be a great trip, but work gets crazy after Thanksgiving so a few more days of vacation can really help clear the mind to hopefully deal with the holiday season. And the family always pushes the Thanksgiving gathering to the weekend after, so no worries about interfering with that. I'm sure I'll be asked all about the cruises by everyone too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted October 12, 2022 Report Share Posted October 12, 2022 The final preparation approacheth... WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiitsme Posted October 12, 2022 Report Share Posted October 12, 2022 Well, am a waitin for em!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 13, 2022 Report Share Posted October 13, 2022 Prices up on the beverage and dining packages this morning, I'm guessing they raised them so that we will jump when they drop them again. Oh well, if they don't drop significantly I will be staying with what is included only. I won't be falling for this marketing trick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaDays Posted October 13, 2022 Report Share Posted October 13, 2022 BTW so excited, still watching all the youtube videos. Can't wait. WAYNO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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