billco

We like aft dining room when elite/platinum happy hour is in Vista lounge

We've done 9 cruises on NCL, 41 on Princess. We were leaning toward NCL until after the pandemic, but that has changed a bit. First negative was the way they abruptly told the cast of Kinky Boots to take a hike. Then they reduced room steward salary and eliminated turndown while raising the gratuity to the highest of the cruise lines we sail on. Also their phony marketing techniques like one week it will be 35% off a ridiculous high fare, the next week it will be 70% second person. Or their 2nd person flys free scam. Lately, I have been trying to book a cruise to use up my Cruise Next coupons, but I end up cancelling, because I find a better deal elsewhere. These articles pretty much tell the NCL story: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2950254-entertainment-cutback-concerns-and-real-disappointment/ https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-closing-multiple-production-shows/104189 https://crew-center.com/ncl-lays-staff-members-entertainment-department-will-be-reduced-across-fleet

It’s been fine since I reported it. I don’t know how the steward knew we had a problem. This morning maintenance called and wanted to verify it was working properly.

I am sure that in time it will be just like the other boards.

Our first Virgin voyage. We do have DBE. We also arrived at 1:30 PM, but didn’t reach our cabin until after 3:00, apparently due to DBE not showing up. We got in the long luggage drop off line, but a Virgin employee directed us to another line, because we just had carryons and backpack. After checking our passports we were given a card that said expedited and told to get in another line where we stood for another hour watching people go around it. Once we got to the counter we were told we didn’t have DBE, but she checked and then said we did. In my feedback I mentioned this snafu and also that our cabin was too warm even with the thermostat turned all the way down. This morning the steward called to see if had been fixed. It had been, so they do read Feedback.

Trying to keep an open mind. But, after watching countless YouTube videos over the past several months and more recently videos of the upcoming entertainment on this cruise we are pretty sure this is going to be a one time cruise on Virgin. Hopefully, we will be changing our minds by the time we get to Miami. I'll report back if we do.

We are on the upcoming Valiant Lady TA. On September 15 we got an unexplained refund of $2.24 from Virgin to our Uplift loan. However, on the website it shows a balance of $4.24 still to pay. Would not have known that if I hadn't just looked.

We are sailing on a 22 day January 29, 2004 Antarctica cruise with a final payment due date of October 31. We recently got an email with this offer: "We look forward to welcoming you aboard your upcoming cruise! To show our appreciation, we’d like to extend a special offer. Receive a bonus $100 Onboard Credit on or before November 30 when you pay your remaining cruise fare balance in full by October 31." Among the terms: "One (1) $100 OBC per stateroom. OBC can be applied while on the cruise portion of Alaska Cruisetours only, is in USD and is non-refundable, non-transferable, and has no cash value.

I agree. We have a 22 day Antarctica cruise booked in January. I bought the HIA for $2200 after booking. It includes the basic WiFi ($29.99/Day), Shore Excursion Discount ($600), Specialty Dining, Drinks Package, and Crew Appreciation ($16/per person/day $704).Since we do use WiFi and drink moderately I think it is a good deal. Normally, we wouldn't buy their excursions or dine at their specialty restaurants, but having them available makes it a good deal. Also, this cruise has 16 days where we will be doing scenic cruising or just at sea. BTW, we didn't have Crew Appreciation when I first bought it, but was able to add it during a recent promotion at no extra charge.

Holland America Flight Ease looks exactly like Princess EZair except: Flight Ease: With Flexible fares, you may change your flights without change fees at any time prior to your cruise final payment date. EZair: Cancel flexible airfare up to 45 days prior to departure with no fees.

I hope the OP posts some more thoughts so the discussion can move on. We board the Valiant Lady next month.

Another feature of my iPhone is the ability to translate. Last night while having some friends over I held up my iPhone and showed that while they were talking I could translate the conversation into Spanish in real time without the iPhone connected to the internet.

The FCD was $100. Pretty close to final payment, so I don't think it matters. I figured it didn't hurt to ask and in this case it worked.

Thanks. Fortunately I booked with a Future Cruise Deposit.

At first, I don’t think she understood what I was asking for, but she told me I could cancel my booking and get a full refund of deposit, Club Orange, and HIA. When she realized all I wanted was to add the crew appreciation, she said no problem. like many people have said, sometimes it depends on who you’re talking to. I do have confirmation now that crew appreciation has been added

I called my PCC. She added the promotion (Free Prepaid Crew Appreciation) onto my booking. Easy Peasy.

The HIA was the same for both - $100 per day for both, It would have been $120 per day if I had selected HIA at time of booking.

Is it possible to rebook a cruise prior to final payment to take advantage of the current promotion - Free Prepaid Crew Appreciation? If Yes, is it also possible to transfer prepaid Club Orange and HIA? Last May I booked an Obstructed Oceanview and upgraded to the best cabin in the category by buying Club Orange. More recently I upgraded to HIA without crew appreciation. So, would I be able to cancel my booking, rebook an Obstructed Oceanview, upgrade to best in category with my previous prepaid Club Orange, and transfer my previous prepaid HIA?

Also, my Apple watch has fall detection and all my medical information is easily accessible on my iPhone. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208944 Two more good reasons why I always have them with me.

There a number of situations where I could contact emergency services by satellite if I didn't have wifi or cellular. Not sure if it would work while on or off the ship, but just another reason why I have my iPhone and Apple watch with me. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426

I would feel naked without my iPhone. Never know when there might be a photo opp, text or e-mail of interest, need to Google something, etc. I'm retired and cruise often enough that I don't think of it as a vacation, so why would I not use something on a cruise that is so much a part of my daily life? I'm glad I have an app I can use on the cruise and that cruise lines are moving toward better use of the technology.

This is my first Virgin cruise. Not a good way to start. I spent about 2 hours last night and another hour this morning booking reservations. With all the crashes I have managed to book 3 Extra Virgin, 3 Pink Agave, 2 Razzle Dazzle, and 1 Test Kitchen. Really having second thoughts about if booking this cruise was a good idea.

My Ring Doorbell already has AI. It can tell the difference between a salesperson, Jehovah Witness, Girl Scout, or escaped convict. It tells them all that I can't come to the door right now.

Never have so many talked so much about so little.

Recently, I looked at the invoice for a cruise I booked 6 months ago and noticed it showed cancellation insurance. Since I hadn't paid for it and didn't want it, i called my PCC to have it taken off. She was on vacation, so I got another PCC who insisted I needed to pay for the insurance right then. I asked what if I cancel the cruise. After being put on hold twice, He said I still needed to pay for the insurance. I called back later and that PCC said no problem and took the insurance off.