Our cruise experiences and adventures
One of our must-do traditions on Day 1 of any NCL Cruise is indulging in the first mudslide and dining at Cagney’s. The shrimp appetizer met expectations, but Roxan's thick-cut bacon surprised us with its simplicity—just grilled pork without added flavors. The prime rib was high-quality yet not as memorable as I recalled from previous visits. Overall, Cagney’s remains a consistent favorite, delivering a solid dining experience.
It has been a rainy morning, but as the clouds begin to part, the promise of adventure remains. Onboard, the atmosphere is filled with excitement as the crew anticipates a day of exploration despite the weather. Rain or shine, every moment spent at sea brings its own unique joy and wonder, reminding us that...
Stepping out of the hotel, I was greeted by a stunning view that set the tone for a long day ahead. With 11.5 hours of driving scheduled, including a lunch stop in Flagstaff and a time zone change, I'm bracing myself for a late arrival around 8:30 or 9pm.
Just after sunset, a stunning scene unfolds west of Amarillo, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. The interplay of light and shadow creates a breathtaking backdrop that captures the essence of this moment, inviting viewers to take in the serene beauty of nature. It's a reminder of how fleeting and precious these...
Looking down the barrel of two 11-hour days on the road makes me yearn for a transporter. It would have been cool to have gone to bed last night at home and woken up this morning in San Diego. But alas, today’s drive includes a BNI meeting before heading to Edmond for lunch and then the long stretch west on I-40 to Albuquerque. Tomorrow’s drive brings more decisions, with beautiful routes and delicious meals ahead.
The grand adventure kicks off with a drive to New Orleans to tour the NCL Escape, a journey filled with nostalgia as I revisit Jackson, MS. After two years, I’m eager to see the ship again and catch an 80’s band perform. This time, packing is simplified; no more 'Packing Jenga' as we’ll travel with just one suitcase. I managed to score an upgrade to the last Club Balcony Suite, enhancing our experience onboard.
As the countdown to departure begins, the excitement of online check-in at midnight ET 21 days prior is palpable. It marks a pivotal moment in the journey, kicking off the pre-cruise preparations that every NCL traveler eagerly anticipates. My schedule is packed with activities leading up to our much-anticipated cruise, including concerts and ship inspections, each adding to the thrill of what's to come.
A planned trip to inspect Norwegian Cruise Line ships led me to book a Mexican Riviera sailing from November 15th-22nd. As I work on rebranding my travel agency, Cruise Made EASY, I'm excited to tour the Norwegian Jade just before this trip. The double Latitude Rewards points offer is too good to pass up, and I can't wait to experience Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas again, especially after our previous adventures there...
Instead of the southbound Quebec City to Philadelphia trip from September 16 to 26, we're moving to a northbound adventure from September 26 to October 7. This change comes with the hope of catching peak fall colors—something we narrowly missed in 2023. With a major life event looming for our youngest daughter just before our original departure, this new schedule offers us the flexibility we need. Plus, I’m excited about revisiting the aft balcony experience on the Jewel-class ship.
Exciting news for cruise lovers! Our favorite NCL ship, the Jewel, is set to sail from Quebec City to Philadelphia in September 2026. After our incredible trip to Canada and New England in 2023, we're eager to embark on this journey. With life's financial challenges, this cruise will be our next adventure, and we can't wait to explore the beautiful route once again!
2024 was supposed to be a thrilling year, featuring our first suite stateroom trip and an epic mega cruise from Istanbul to Miami. But life threw us curveballs, including the loss of a dear friend and unexpected personal challenges, leading to the cancellation of our plans. NCL's decision to cancel the entire series of sailings on Getaway was a tough blow, forcing us to take a break until 2026, when we will celebrate our 25th anniversary with a cruise, just like we did the first time.
Even after years on NCL vessels, the rowdy comedy musical captivates audiences like never before! With a pre-show invitation for passengers to join the fun, our friend Scott became an unwitting star of the night. The mix of laughter and music was infectious, especially from the back of the theater where the sound was superb, creating a perfect blend of voices and instruments. I couldn't help but think about how...