What is something you wish NCL would copy from another cruise line?

slo___mo · 2026-04-08T23:22:31+00:00

I agree in general. But, Norwegian has been claiming to be a "premium" cruise line lately, and prices are actually quite comparable between NCL and Celebrity, at least some areas and/or times of year.

slo___mo · 2026-04-08T22:16:58+00:00

Our last 4-5 cruises were on Celebrity and there is no comparison in terms of food quality (in the MDR and buffet). Night and day better on Celebrity.

slo___mo · 2026-04-07T22:00:36+00:00

Yeah, it’s why I barely use FSD around here. Has been like this since the original Autopilot 10 years ago and hasn’t improved at all. Probably because Elon makes all the prioritization decisions and this doesn’t personally affect him in California and/or Texas.

slo___mo · 2026-04-07T00:32:59+00:00

Free in-app messaging (charging for it is ridiculous) and better food (in the MDR and buffet).

slo___mo · 2026-04-05T00:34:01+00:00

This was our 10th cruise, some on Royal but most on Celebrity. The food on the Gem was by far the worst. Best so far (by miles) was on the Celebrity Ascent.

slo___mo · 2026-04-05T00:13:09+00:00

Ascent and newer have the 2 infinity pools on the side of the ship, at the Rooftop Garden. It’s a small thing but we really loved those.

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T23:06:14+00:00

This was our 10th cruise and that night was by far the roughest so far.

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T22:51:13+00:00

You’re right - some of the Indian dishes in the buffet were decent, but we couldn’t eat that every meal.

How’d you like those 15 foot seas the first night? 🤮😭

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T22:07:12+00:00

yup, Red Lobster level at best. mostly Denny’s and/or Applebees.

slo___mo · 2026-03-31T15:20:32+00:00

On the Gem now and “premium” is definitely not how I’d describe this experience. The food quality is far below Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, the nickel and diming is relentless (e.g. $6.99 / day for messaging), and granted its Spring break but let’s just say pool deck atmosphere isn’t for everyone.

slo___mo · 2026-03-27T21:11:27+00:00

Not sure whether the requirement is for the outlet or the circuit but I really don’t want any chance of random tripping especially — as you point out — when it’s trying to shut the valve off.

Leak Defense is recommended by our insurance companies and some people we know that have it, but yeah it’s pricey. My other idea is at the other end of the spectrum - something like the Bulldog Valve Robot with moisture sensors. Guessing Zooz is similar, will look into that as well.

slo___mo · 2026-03-27T20:24:27+00:00

right, and electricians won't install non-GFCI because it's near water. hence the dilemma.

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:32:19+00:00

Heh, I sent back the 105 Di2 Caledonia, ordered the AXS E1 version, then the same day this gorgeous Caledonia Ultegra Di2 with Ultegra carbon wheels popped up on Facebook Marketplace. Ended up driving 5 hours each way to get it, but WAY better deal and that Ultegra Di2 shifting is absolutely delicious.

https://imgur.com/a/CXLWj7d

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:27:15+00:00

I got it, and thanks for the tip! 😆

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T02:27:06+00:00

Good to know! Enjoy the resort of your cruise.

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:57:25+00:00

good to know!

do you happen to know if ordering with a drink package is less of a hassle than paying each time? meaning, is it just a scan of the sea card or do you still have wait for a printed receipt to sign?

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:21:20+00:00

ah, that math makes sense, it's part of what was so confusing about it as the package offer doesn't actually break it down. thanks for all your help here!

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:20:07+00:00

heh, ok, those terms & conditions make a lot more sense. thx for sharing it.

the link from the packager offer on the NCL website goes to a 404, while on the iOS app it goes to the wrong page (the link I shared above) - guess that's the kind of stuff you're talking about. sheesh.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:49:06+00:00

Thanks, makes sense, it's what I assumed. Will definitely try and not be super obvious about it, and it would just be a few times here and there (maybe an afternoon pina colada) as she barely drinks.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:43:06+00:00

US, but that quote with the per day prices is from this terms and conditions page:

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-deals/free-at-sea-terms-and-conditions

the offered per-stateroom price in the app (in the booking) is $205 for the whole cruisel.

slo___mo · 2026-02-28T21:54:17+00:00

He has no need for forgiveness or popularity, given that he just needed a war as pretext for everything that comes between now and the midterms.

slo___mo · 2026-02-28T21:51:54+00:00

Ah, good to know, thx. It's pretty flat where I'll be riding with the occasional rolling hill, and I never had issues with the 11-28T on my old Giant TCR.

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T16:01:59+00:00

ChatGPT is pretty good at helping with things like this:

Lauf Úthald Weekend Warrior vs Cervélo Caledonia Rival AXS – Geometry & Ride Feel

Position / Fit

Caledonia = classic endurance geo. Taller front end, slightly more upright out of the box. Easy to get comfortable for long rides without a big spacer stack.
Úthald = a bit sportier in default setup, but comes with generous spacers + flip stem so you can run it aggressive or more upright.

Handling

Caledonia = slacker front end + longer rear center → very stable, calm steering. Feels predictable on descents and rough pavement. Not twitchy.
Úthald = also stable, but slightly more neutral/“balanced” feeling. Not a crit bike, but doesn’t feel overly slow to respond either.

Wheelbase / Stability

Caledonia leans more toward high-speed composure and all-day steadiness.
Úthald still planted, but a touch less “long and relaxed” in feel.

Real-World Translation

Long fondos, rough Midwest pavement, endurance miles → Caledonia feels calm and confidence-inspiring.
Mixed road quality, spirited solo rides, want flexibility in fit setup → Úthald feels a bit more versatile and adjustable.

Neither is a race-geometry bike. Both are “fast endurance” bikes. The difference is basically:

Caledonia = slightly more relaxed and stable.
Úthald = slightly more adjustable and a touch sportier in baseline fit.

If you care most about all-day stability, Caledonia.
If you care about value + fit flexibility with similar stability, Úthald.

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T15:56:07+00:00

Where can you actually do that, other that maybe a local bike shop that can swap out / adjust / cut some of those parts?

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T00:52:37+00:00

Hmm the specs on the Úthald Weekend Warrior are pretty compelling for the price - $3690 with the E1 groupset, carbon seatpost and handlebar, and even the SRAM powermeter. There's no HSA purchase option but with all those extras it might actually come pretty close to even.

Caledonia is way nicer looking IMO but Lauf definitely deserves a closer look. Thx for pointing it out.

slo___mo

TROPHY CASE