CantSwim63

Replied to your post in NCL board.

I think WJ had that flight on as part of a codeshare. Maybe there is a limit to the number of tickets WJ can sell on that flight. Do not know how Expedia uses the WJ flight number but maybe they are just matching what WJ was selling for. In any case, the flight (will be a different number than WJ) is operated by Compass under American Eagle, so if you want to book directly with airline, then check American Eagle or Compass.

Cheers!

"WestJet 5566 operated by Compass Airlines As American Eagle"

I believe the 16:25 flight Expedia is showing is a codeshare flight (see quote above), and maybe WJ has already sold their "quota" or allowed number of seats for the flight? WJ will not be the airline choosing to cancel this flight, but rather Compass/American Eagle. Maybe book through American Eagle?

There's the other part of the equation!

 

http://wizardofodds.com/gambling/house-edge/

 

Blackjack is house advantage of 0.28% whereas 3 card & roulette are 7.28 and 5.26% respectively.

 

The casino makes a LOT more money on your dad's play, than on yours.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

Just a stats note that if NCL's blackjack payout is 6/5 rather than 3/2 or has restricted split or double down rules the house/ship edge changes dramatically. And the 0.28 is for perfect play with "liberal" vegas rules. LOL, only relevant to OP if 6/5 or restrictions but still given points under 3/2.

Just got an offer from my local casino in conjunction with Casinos At Sea for a free cruise in an inside cabin. I have to pay the non-commissionable rate, taxes, port fees, and I am assuming gratuities? for up to two people. Thinking about doing the Breakaway out of NYC in late 2015. Just looking for a rough estimate of what I should expect to pay for this free cruise? Already doing two on CCL in 2015, so seeing if this would be do-able financially.

Hi, I just booked a certificate offer (picked up from Vegas) this morning for Gem out of NYC late August 2015. Please note that because of the current promos the hold time on the phone can be pretty long (over half an hour for me).

Upgraded inside to an oceanview; original offer (NCF + taxes/fees + NCL insurance) was $734 for two or $676 w/o insurance; could not take advantage of free upgrade so had to pay $90/each for oceanview for total price of $856 (w/o certificate $2,764); and was able to get specialty dining (3 visits) or 10% obc and agent worked out that taking $150 obc worked better for me.

And agent confirmed that there would be two drink cards (while in casino) and use of CAS priority boarding line with my booking.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions let me know.

Cheers!

Raoul

Hi OP (I think) - the fare/promo codes I posted are right from the confirmation sheet and guessing are for casino/voucher fare, 3+4 free and OBC -- there would have been another code for a cabin upgrade but I decided to go with a 4th person free (more later); and I didn't have to wait for the promotions that I was allowed to use, so I hope you have the same luck as I did or as other posters have mentioned and you figured out that if you don't need to book right away (want a specific cabin or ship or itinerary or deadline, etc.) then to hold out until NCL has promotions going on.

Still OP - short answer is your voucher may have an itinerary(ies) which start you off at oceanview; long answer follows...my voucher had over a dozen itineraries and all but one were for inside cabins; the outlier was the Jewel out of Houston which started as an oceanview, which I went for right away because I thought I could take my "savings" (whatever they were going to be) and spend that on an upgrade to a balcony, well with the promos going on I was already upgraded to a balcony (and tried the "can I upgrade from that" and the pricing just went through the roof so nada for me) but for the sailing I needed if I wanted I could only get a 3rd person free because there were no more balconies that could sleep 4, so for me I chose to bring a 4th rather than the balcony; don't know if an OA cabin is a good one but I figure for under $850 how could I go wrong and now I find out all of us have casino drink cards plus some kind of fancy dancy priority embarkation (which I admit I am still skeptical about but hey if they let us on after the preboards I will take it lol).

Another poster with recent fare info - so from our sample size of two (lol) it looks like 7 day NCL cruises have a NCF of $185 for the first two guests and 3/4 guests only have to pay port fees and taxes; I wonder (guessing negative here lol) what travel agents think of these non-commissionable fares.

Another poster recent voucher info - looks like we had similar/same experience; my cruise voucher had about a two month booking window (might have been less even) and cruise travel had to be completed by September 30, 2015 so OP make sure you check the deadlines while waiting for promos since it might be luck of the draw in getting to book while there is a promotion(s) going on.

Cheers!

Do you mind me asking what the port charges and government taxes came to?

I know the query was for someone else, but I finally looked at the breakdown of my reservation and thought it will provide a comparison with others' costs.

Cheers!

For the 7-day Western Caribbean from Houston on the Jewel sailing April 11 - 18, 2015:

- Total (Las Vegas) event pricing

- Promo codes added/used DASHSALE, EASYFARE and META

- 4 guests

I have good news for you, all the adults in your cabin will have free drink cards!

Cheers! :D

And along with the OP, thanks for that info. Of course now I have to worry about my 75 year old poker playing mom drinking more than one glass of wine per night lol.

I forgot to mentioned a very important perk. You also will get priority check in and embarkation. Once you get to the port and pass security screening you ask for the CAS priority check and they will direct you to the express line.

So just confirming if this applies to land based casino freebies also or just for CAS bookings? Or because I used a voucher to book through CAS, I am considered a CAS priority check in? (Admit the cynical tax accountant in me says this is getting to be too good to be true lol).

Cheers!

Thanks so much, what do you mean about stack the current NCL promotions? Great advice on insurance too!!!

I just read the original post and all I can say is sorry for the long post but I wanted to give a full answer.

The short answer is if NCL is running a promotion, they allow you to use that promotion with your voucher. (Or I should say, with the voucher I got.)

When I called in (either July 31 or Aug 1) there was 3rd and 4th person free if cabin had room, OBC depending on cabin category and one category upgrade promotions going on and I fluked out because the promos were ending on the 2nd. So instead of an inside cabin for two, I got an oceanview cabin for four and $30 OBC. The 3/4 promo was taxes and port charges only as there were already two people paying the NCF. I was going to upgrade to a balcony but there weren't any fours left (don't know if this was true or not, but I don't know the ships either). I figured I had such a good deal I kept the $120 insurance for all four of us because getting Blue Cross for my mom is at least $80. The total cost for us is $846 USD for the 7 day cruise out of Houston on the Jewel. And based on the threads on here I am also going to get two free drinks in the casino cards right away rather than having to earn points then get them part way into the cruise.

Sorry again for the long post, hope it helps you though in how to use your voucher to get the best deal.

Cheers!

Even better.. We have to go to the casino on 8-31 to pick up the voucher. Do you know if they'll give us information on the cabin category on the phone?

If you have a lot of choices, then each port/itinerary will have the ship, cabin category, period of sailings and latest date to book.

Note that for the cruise I just booked through a voucher I picked up from LAS a couple of weeks ago allowed me to stack the current NCL promotions at the time. Also, when they quote you the price ask if the NCL insurance is part of the quote and if you have to include it as part of the package (can save you about $100).

Cheers!

Hope your husband gets the choices you want. I picked up a voucher last week in LAS and the choices included Boston and the two NY ships that applied to my time period (sail by end of July 2015). If he has a non-specific promotion I am going to guess that it is going to have Boston and NY.

I also lucked out because by booking before the 2nd I got to stack the 3rd and 4th person "free", the small OBC depending on cabin and upgrade (kind of) promotions as well as the "free" voucher.

Cheers and good luck!

OP, go to NCL board and search for Total Rewards free cruise threads. Or just search for that on a browser and you should find the threads.

A couple of quick points. It is not your tier level but your average daily rating/play that usually determines what is included in your voucher/offer (e.g. only 3/4 days Bahamas and must travel within 60/90 days or choices of "many" cruises including Mediterranean with travel up to one year). And probably not clear in your offer email/voucher/coupon is that you will get a card for free drinks at the casino bar as well as a cocktail party if a certain number of "free" TR and hosted cruise gamblers are onboard.

Cheers!

Glad you enjoyed,, how was the bacon? Haha I couldn't resist. :D

I don't know about the buffets, but in the MDR I am going to guess that someone must have been reading the bacon "complaints" and discussion because I didn't order my bacon to be cooked/crispy, but that is how if came every time...except for disembarkation day. I don't know what happened, other than it was an "express'" breakfast order, the bacon was raw and I started laughing. The poor waiter didn't know what was going on. I made it worse by telling him it was okay, just an inside joke, then I confused him more by trying to explain about what an inside joke was and how the Divina was famous for its bacon cooked rare. Anyway, that is my contribution to the bacon posts.

Cheers! Raoul

If you like a "view" during your breakfast or lunch, there are aft windows in the Villa Rosa (sp?).

However, I don't know what the service is like or distance from kitchen the VR is. Also, if you have a cabin in the aft part of the ship, then VR might be "easier" to get to with the less used aft elevators. Note that you have to use stairs to get in depending on which elevators you use.

If you like coffee and water service during your meals I would recommend going to The Black Crab. Gueseppe, the Maitre D (I don't know if there is more than one, but he was the only one I saw and I talked to him several times), is at least working diligently with his staff to improve coffee and water service to what I am going to call North American expectations. He admitted that the first few months have been very trying for the staff as they are trying to overcome culture differences and changes in their established routines.

I just reread this post and considering the reply was to a dining room question I didn't mention food at all so I guess it shows my bias to views and coffee/water, lol.

I don't know if this helpful, so let me know if you other questions as I just got off the ship today.

Cheers! Raoul

Deleted.

The drinks included in the Allegrissimo Classic and Premium package can be consumed in all bars and restaurants, including the à la carte restaurants and

themed venues.

 

Regards,

Thank you for a clear and definitive answer.

Can anyone confirm this is the case while sailing aboard the MSC Divina around the Caribbean??

 

I think it's silly that those who book through the UK site can enjoy the premium package anywhere on the ship, but those that book through the US site have restrictions.

 

If this is the case, we might change our mind about how often we planned to eat in the specialty restaurants during our upcoming trip.

Hi, I don't know if the OP was trying to stir things up, but for your question here is the wording from the PDF on MSC's site. And maybe subject to changing for Spring/Summer 2014.

MSC Cruises USA can you let us know which information is correct? Has there been a change in policy (from what is provided in MSC's Fall2013/Winter2014 Caribbean Sailings PDF, for Allegrissimo drink packages?

Cheers! Raoul

Cut and paste from PDF: The types of drinks of course are different, but a la carte restaurants and themed restaurants are included.

ALLEGRISSIMO

CLASSIC ADULT ALL

INCUSIVE 24 HOURS

Unlimited consumption of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages including wine by the glass (white, red, rosé and sparkling chosen from the “Allegrissimo selection”), draft beer, soft drinks, mineral water, hot drinks and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails from the bar list, as well as take away ice-cream in a cone or cup. The drinks included in package can be consumed in all bars and restaurants, including the à la carte restaurants and themed venues. MINI BARS and MINERAL WATER IN CABINS: EXCLUDED. Not included in this offer: cigars, cigarettes, champagne, premium brands, mini bar, room service, souvenir glasses, food on payment. Some of the drinks from our bar and wine lists are excluded from Allegrissimo package; for your convenince, they are indicated with”asterisk”.

ALLEGRISSIMO

PREMIUM ADULT ALL

INCUSIVE 24 HOURS

Unlimited consumption of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages including wine (from the“by the glass” menu), draught and bottled beer, soft drinks, mineral water, hot drinks and all drinks from the bar (including champagne cocktails, single malt whiskies, superior brandies and other premium spirits), drinks from your mini bar and mineral water in your cabin, as well as all items from the ‘Gelateria’ menu and Pastry Shop and food from the Room Service menu. The drinks included in package can be consumed in all bars and restaurants, including the à la carte restaurants and themed venues. Not included in this offer: cigars, cigarettes, bottles of wine, sparkling wine and champagne, souvenir glasses and drinks served in souvenir glasses, all food consumptions in restaurants on payment (Sushi bar, Chinese restaurant, Tex-Mex, Restaurant à la Carte, Sports bar, Eataly, Pizzeria).

Hi

 

I am sailing on divina on may 10 th and have paid in full.

I noticed today at work (travel industry), that I qualify for a lower rate.

Will I be able to get the lower price or am I out of luck?

 

Since I am more then 45 days out could I pay the deposit penalty and re book?

 

Thanks

If you have interior or ocean view, and they won't move on price, ask for an upgrade to balcony. After reading Laurnat's post, I checked, and B1s and B2s are available at the same rate as interior and ocean view. Better than nothing.

Interesting.

 

Were on the same cruise and I just noticed the TA rates. The only downfall its a B1 B2 guaranteed, and no cabin selection.

 

According to their website the cancellation policy is:

 

Reservations cancelled from 75 to 46 days prior to sailing -- the cancellation charge is equal to the deposit amount. - In my case $200.00

 

It may be worth a phone call to get it repriced and having the difference applied to a OBC.

Wow, interesting dilemma. Cabin in hand versus more OBC. How nice is your balcony? I lucked out on the upcoming March 22 sailing with an aft balcony so didn't have much of a decision, my liver will thank me later, lol. Good luck either way.

Cheers! Raoul

Hi, if you booked through MSC directly, it wouldn't hurt to call and ask if you can change your booking to get the interline rate (assuming this is the lower rate you are talking about). The MSC website specifically mentions who qualifies so you might as well ask for it. I don't know how it would work if you booked through a TA, but I would assume they would have to contact MSC on your behalf to get approval. Cheers! Raoul

Hi Ann,

Please send me your world famous spreadsheet to chinookxbox@gmail.com

I am hoping to liven up our meet and greet and I think a slot pull might do the trick.

Of course now I have to find out the type of machines on MSC Divina. Nice problem to have though. LOL.

Cheers! Raoul

This is a recent thread on the topic

Maybe msc usa will chime in with an update

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1995783

Hi, this has been a frustrating topic to research for me, but want to let you know what little I have found out (I asked the question on the link and had one on travelers cheques). And sorry for this caveat, but please note that all of this information is second hand.

(Note: I just read this post and it has gotten long, so I apologize for the length. I wanted to provide a complete answer, rather than having to hunt and peck or try to figure out a follow up question.)

Based on one answer only from someone on a December Caribbean MSC Divina sailing it appears that your onboard spending will be settled in one transaction (even if there are several holds) through an account that showed up on poster's credit card statement as MSC Divina (Paris) and handled as US$. He/She was charged a 3% fee.

And regarding the posters who will inform you that there are credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees, for your purposes, that may be true, but make sure you read your credit card agreements and see if they have phrases like "purchase foreign exchange" and "refund foreign exchange", or "bank foreign exchange" and "customer foreign exchange", etc. In general, if there are two different exchange rates (and guess which one is higher) then you can decide if that is a foreign transaction fee or not. But if it quacks like a duck...

If someone was to use traveler's cheques as their onboard "deposit" (or settlement payment I suppose) there is a fee. However, neither MSC Cruises (USA) on Cruise Critic nor MSC Cruises customer service via phone would provide the % or $ of the fee.

Unfortunately, based on what I have been able to find out, if you want to avoid transaction fees, I think you would have to calculate what your onboard costs, including tip/service charge, and bring/deposit/pay USD cash.

Sorry for the long post. (Also, I think we are on the same cruise. If yes, maybe I'll see you in a couple of weeks).

Cheers! Raoul

Hi, I actually have two questions, but it appears the first is not easily answerable, but am hoping the second is.

1. For sailings of the MSC Divina in 2014, specifically Caribbean itineraries, can you please confirm that the term overseas in the phrase "...please keep in mind all credit card charges are completed overseas..." (from MSC website FAQ) means Paris, France (from previous cruiser on MSC Divina with charges completed showing MSC Divina Paris)?

2. For activating a Cruise Card it is clear from the MSC website FAQ that "...passengers must either register their credit card or leave a cash sum. Personal cheques are not accepted." My question is, are travelers cheques accepted?

Thank you.

Raoul

Thanks Raoul!

Now I just have to get my bride-to-be to sign off on the trip.

You are welcome, with all of the help I have received from this board (admittedly with some winnowing of chaff as you have found out too lol) I am trying to pay it forward.

As for the "sign off", you are doubly wise (in starting off with a beautiful yet affordable honeymoon and most importantly knowing who the decision maker is lol). All joking aside, before you book make sure they are still honoring the "employee" pricing for October. Right now the MSC site says select April and May departures, but based on what I have read on this board, that site has a lot of problems.

Cheers! Raoul

Hi,

If fellow Cruise Critic members (or other cruisers for that matter) want to share a table can MSC accommodate pre-cruise requests (and any advice on how to do this would be appreciated) or are these requests handled upon embarkation?

Cheers!

Raoul

My charges were MSC USA for the cruise payment. The on board charges were MSC Geneva ( Preziosa.)

I did not have a hold put on the card as far as I know (Amex).

Based on a sample size of two, it looks like MSC uses a different European "bank" for each ship. Thanks for your assistance, I guess I will just forgo some points and go for no fees. I just get a dose of paranoia when I see the phrases foreign transaction fees and credit card charges together. Cheers! Raoul

As of an hour ago 18:30, it looks like some interiors for Oct 4 and 11 are/were available for $229. Cheers! Raoul