First Cruise Ever and Going Solo - I have questions!
After a hellacious year that isn't over, I decided that I just needed to get far, far away—something nice to look forward to.
On November 1, 2026, I (F70) will be boarding the Gem in Civitavecchia for the 15-day journey to Tampa! My first-ever cruise, and I managed to get a Solo Balcony!
I plan to fly into Civitavecchia a couple of days early, so I will be researching all options, from tourist stuff to getting there. What are the stories, good and bad, around going through NCL for flights and lodging?
My biggest question is about FAS. I paid $28.50 per day for FAS. If I upgrade to FAS+, what does that mean in dollar terms? Is the $49.99 for FAS+ added ON to the $28.50, so the TOTAL is $78.49. OR is the $28.50 replaced by the $49.99, so the total is $49.99 per day? If it is the latter, I'll do better given the WiFi, etc., upgrades. I think.
I MAY want to work now and again. Maybe. Is the included high-speed streaming fast enough and steady enough to connect to work back in the States without dropping? I drink gallons of iced coffee... even in the winter. I like quality over quantity with respect to food, so I would like to try ALL of the specialty dining!
I think that's it for now. Later will come questions about fashion, which bar is best for finding a large selection of whiskeys, Do ANY of the bars pour like they hate their boss, or is it really ALL measured pours, and can you get doubles? You know, things like that.
Thank you in advance for any info, tips, and tricks!