wimsikl

3 hours ago, trish4bruce said:

The exact same thing happened to me.  I was trying to book the Bliss for March.  It came up as available when I clicked on check availabile sailings.  I also called and I was told it was only for December and January sailings.  I Chose not to argue.

Thank you!!! I feel validated. That kind of stuff really bothers me. It feels like a bait and switch. I completely understand mistakes happen. Own up to it, fix it quickly, thank the client for finding it, and above all,  honor it for the few affected prior to fixing it. It seems so basic to me.

3 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

Your  initial  "click"  appears-  it brought up all cruises.    Did you go all the way through the booking   AND  did the $100  come up on the booking site?   If it did,  I would have suggested you would at least had put a hold on the booking??    

 

Or, was there simply a notice of the offer,  and you did not go all the way through a booking??      Which is the only way eligibility is going to be confirmed.   

I went all the way through choosing the suite, packages, etc until it came time to enter people's names. Then I checked pricing and inclusions and it didn't mention it anywhere. SO I decided to call. Unfortunately, I didn't take a screen shot, it did not occur to me that it was NOT as presented on their website. I didn't know there was a mistake until I called later and sat on hold for an hour while they figured it out.

Not the end of the world. Just not used to it. I do a lot of business with Nordtrom, Costco, boutiques, etc where all advertisements are honored, the customer is always right, etc... 

All you much more tenured cruisers: Is there a cruise line which is like that? Like a "Nordstrom" of cruiselines, much more expensive, but customer satisfaction the number one top priority?

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I assume you have no small children? The Pearl had its waterslides removed as it is used for corporate cruises and the deck space was needed. This turned out to be a big deal for my family so we have to avoid the Pearl.

I completely understand that the cruise I want is not eligible. Here is my issue: When I logged into NCL during the wee hours of the first day of the new promo, I clicked on Eligible Cruises and the cruise I want showed up, along with 350 other ones. However, when I called to have my booking revised, I was told it was not eligible. I explained that according to the NCL website it was. Apparently, the people who power the NCL website made a mistake. After I pointed it out to them, it was corrected. Now when I click on eligible cruises, only 51 show up. I guess my issue is that I feel advertising errors should be honored, especially if they are tiny and inconsequential, like a $100 OBC/double night points on a full price $8,500 5 night haven suite.

Hi, just logged into ncl and it says there is one additional point per night plus 100 OBC. It then says to log in to view applicable sailings. I did all this and chose the Breakaway, departing april 7. It wouldn't populate the promo so I called. After an hour on hold, NCL said it doesn't start till the April 12 sailing. But the website offered up the april 7 sailing to me. It really upsets me that they dont honor their own website offers. It's a 2 bedroom haven suite at full price, which I only booked yesterday and haven't paid a dime on yet. I guess I'm just appalled and venting. But I'd love your thoughts.

Costo dot com

Banks Mansion... love it! And it's just steps from my favorite Amsterdam museum, Tassenmuseum.

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You heard it here first folks... Families aboard NCL Breakaway, Epic and Escape will be featured in a new Reality Show about making their cruising dreams come true. Casting happening now for fall/winter 2015 sailings.

I just booked this ship for British isle's 2016 in June. While reviewing deck plans, the princess site asked if I'd be sailing before or after April 16. So something is happening to this ship in mid April. Dying to know what!

I have heard that the ship is scheduled for dry dock and she desperately needs it.I would not cruise on this ship again until she has been to dry dock and refurbished and repaired.

 

Where did you hear this? I would like to understand more info on this before I book for summer 2016.

When asking to look at deck plans on the Carribean Princess, the princess site asks me if I want before or after April 2016. The answer is after! Does anyone know what is happening to the ship during April 2016? I have been searching and can't find a dry dock or anything like that for it.

Does anyone know if the 2016 British isles cruises will qualify for sip and sail? I've been waiting for something for them for months. They aren't specifically listed on the flyer but it does say And 350 more cruises online!

Maybe I can offer my opinion since I meet your requirements having cruised in both aft suites and Haven suites on the Pearl and Jewel 5 times in the past 6 years.

 

In the aft suites we have stayed in, we have received: priority embarkation and debarkation, priority tendering, breakfast and lunches at Cagneys/now Modernos on some Jewel class ships, access to the butler and concierge, afternoon treats delivered to your suite and invitations to special events.

 

The the 2 Bedroom Haven suites and Garden Villas we have stayed in we also received in addition to the above: access to the Haven area and sundeck above, reserved seating at the theater, private tour of the bridge for our family, a high level of attentiveness from the butler, concierge and room stewards.

 

Since we primarily cruise the week after Thanksgiving the weather can be somewhat iffy. Having access to the Haven area which can be pleasantly warm as compared to the cooler outside air temperature is an added value to us. Also, if the weather is nice, the retractable roof is opened allowing the fresh air and a gentle breeze to circulate. If it begins to rain a bit, the roof slides closed and you still can sit in your swimsuit and enjoy a dip in the pool or take a relaxing soak in the hot tub. My retirement aged parents used the small exercise area most mornings in the Haven where they didn't have to wait for the treadmill and they enjoyed playing the video games on the t.v. screens!:D If you want to be away from the masses, the activity and loudness of the main pool area on deck 12, and want to enjoy the sun in relative peace, then the upper Haven sundeck offers wonderful views and your choice of areas to sit. Most Haven sundecks will have a hammock or two to relax in as well. Every cruise we have been on there has been seating for well over 60 people and less than 10 have ever been using the sundeck while I have been laying in the sun up there. Our MOST enjoyed cruise was one where we stayed in a two bedroom Haven suite, just my husband and I. We would put on our swimsuits, open our door, walk less than six steps and be inside of the Haven. We experienced the most relaxed week of our lives having immediate access to our suite, the two bathrooms (;)) the pool, the hot tub, the suite restaurant, and a bar all within steps, not decks, from us. it was truly the best choice for us. I will also add...we book our suites of choice at least a year and a half out. We had originally booked an aft suite on deck 10. Two weeks before our cruise the prices dropped and we called our PCC who moved us, at no charge, to this 2 bedroom Haven suite and were able to keep all of our OBC. So the stars all fell into perfect alignment for this senario to happen!

 

As for the two Garden Villas we have stayed in? We booked two years out and saved our pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars, to be able to fully pay for the suite of our dreams in cash. No-one should create a financial hardship to be able to cruise. Whatever cabin/suite you choose, remember, you are on the ship! Only YOU can make your vacation be the best it can be, so gather the facts, get opinions and make an informed decision! HAVE FUN and GOOD LUCK!

Thank you so very much for this detailed response. You gave me exactly what I needed to know. There are actually a number of things you listed which I would value. Now I understand and can make a more informed decision on which would best depending on price difference, goal of that cruise, etc... I can say that I would definitely willing to pay more for Haven depending on how much it is, and if my goal is relaxation and cocktails by the pool versus doing a ton of sightseeing at every port. I love both kinds!

Hello,

I've sailed in regular suites on NCL, but never Haven. I am wondering what perks they get on Jewel Class ships that regular suites don't. It seems to be around a thousand $ more so trying to understand difference.

Thanks!

We got several escorts from the concierge thru secret hallways. A bridge tour and more. You really had none?

Wow, I never got any of that. Looking forward to seeking it out!

What exactly is Concierge supposed to do for you?

We are in a Penthouse suite on the Jewel and I still am not sure of the purpose of Concierge.

I got a great explanation once. The Butler gives you special services when it involves something IN your room, like room service, maintenance issues, Lavazza refills, etc... The concierge gives you special services for things OUTSIDE your room, like priority tender tickets and disembarking, hard-to-get dinner reservations, shore excursion handling to save you time, etc...

Now, I will add my two cents from my own experience.

1)There are a number of Butlers, Each seems to have maybe around 9 suites. There is only one concierge, who has ALL suites, plus any Platinum passengers in regular cabins. So it would be silly to expect as much attention from your concierge as your butler.

2) A butler will do pratically Anything for you, but not Everything for you. People new to suites want some type of hard and fast list. But there really isn't an accurate one. Some things are automatic. Bringing afternoon snacks. (they make a round to everyone). Bringing you ice in the morning and refilling your Lavazza machine. Answering the phone when you call for room service and providing it. Being super friendly every time you see them in the hall which is a lot.

But then there are Many special things you can ask for. But you can't ask for All of them. You may luck out and get your actual butler who escorts you onto your ship. You could get a 5 minute suite overview or a 15 minute suite overview. You could ask for room service many times, or only a couple of times. You could have him rush you a ginger ale for nausea. Grab you a specialty restuarant menu. Unpack for you. (BIGGIE).

If you use him very little, you tip on the low side. If you use him a lot, you tip on the high side. The lowest I have ever tipped a butler (used fair amount, but wasn't super good) was $150 for the week. The most I've ever tipped (used a fair amount, was extraordinary) was $325.

My Best Butler Advice: Since you can't have everything, get the things that matter to you most. I save my butler time for special, picky, frequent Room Service.

My Best Concierge Advice: Since you can't have everything, get the things that matter to you most. On my last cruise I engaged her when I lost my hat and the customer service line aboard was an hour long. She met me down there so I didn't have to wait. Skipping an hour long line??? I added $25 to her tip making it $50 instead of $25. People say "I didn't see or use the concierge" But actually EVERY suite guest uses her services. That special lounge where you wait to bard with treats? Concierge. Guided ebarkation? Concierge. Priority Tender and Disembarkation? Concierge. SPecial Cocktail Party for Latitudes and SUites? Concierge. So every suites cabin should give a MINIMUM of $25 in my opinion, and it goes up from there depending on if you use her directly or not.

OK, I have NO idea how I got started on this. I have probably violated every CC guideline. But I hope it helps someone!!!

I just logged in to My NCL regarding my Pearl cruise leaving this SUnday. I don't see this. It only offers me the full UDP for $140 per person including gratuities. Are you finding this somewhere else?

Best photo review I've seen. Thank you soooooo much!

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Question: Usually suite guests dine in Cagneys for breakfast and lunch. Yet they switched you to Moderno. I have never heard of this. ANy idea why? Di you still get the Cagneys menu, even though you were seated in Moderno?

Did you hear anything about a GI outbreak?

Waiting with baited breath! I hop on her this Sunday!!!