debenson0723

He is at the Metropolitan bar.

This is what we do...2 of us, 2 trips with each using their credit or if we use our credit at another restaurant, we pay out of pocket. 2 items each is more than enough.

I like Harvest Cay because I didn't have to tender but like GSC because I don't have to pay for food/drink. I am not a beach person so probably only spend 2 hours at either one. Give me an empty Thermal Spa while everyone is off the ship and that's where I'll spend the day.

So again, that is something that was set up with your charter company and NCL...not the norm. Personally I would never pay outright for the drink package...I drink enough to cover the gratuities but not enough to cover the daily cost of the whole package. A recent RCL cruise I took had the drink package at $89.99 a day plus 18% gratuities and it was a no brainer for me to skip that...made me appreciate the FAS even more. Enjoy your cruise.

This is exactly what just happened on the cruise I booked last week (which leaves in 2 weeks). I had the option of the Sailaway rate without the FAS or a guarantee balcony cabin with the FAS, which I ended up purchasing. The price difference between the 2 was $50, plus the FAS gratuities (so about $160 total). I didn't know if paying that higher price would actually put me in a better cabin but was willing to take the risk (I could have done the same with an inside but when I looked on another site at what was available, the only options were on deck 5 below the theatre). 2 days after booking I received my cabin number, which is mid ship, higher deck. I have done this several times on various ships and always been happy with what I have received. Just for fun, I also did an upgrade bid for the Haven, even though every site I check shows it is sold out. Maybe my luck will hold and someone will cancel...if not, I am happy where I am.

You apparently won't get FAS because that is the way your charter is set up. In the US, FAS is offered to anyone booking thru the NCL website or a travel agent...it has nothing to do with status. If you are a Platinum Latitudes member (or higher) you will get 2 additional dinners in a specialty restaurant, a bag of laundry and a few other perks but the only discounts are 10%-15% on shore excursions...nothing with the drink package.

@FoggyEthanit's really very simple...if you don't like the way NCL runs their business then don't sail with them. I don't go to land base restaurants and ask them how they deal with their tips, or if their employees are overworked...I base my impressions on the service I receive while I am there, not what I read in several places. If I don't like my experience, I will go to a competitor. I have been on NCLs competition and always find myself coming back. As @BirdTravelssays, I have not received any lackluster service but maybe it is because of my positive attitude towards the staff when I am cruising (and a few extra dollars directly to those I do encounter).

As long as my dishes are removed (I seem to accumulate them), the bed is made and I have fresh towels, I am a happy camper. I am tidy also and don't need that much service. Once a day is fine with me and sometimes I don't even need that. I travel often on business and have gotten used to the 'once every 3 days' of housekeeping that has become typical from many of the big chains.

Yes you can.

A friend was using RCL air to fly to NYC with his kids last year for a cruise out of Bayonne. They were actually on the plane when United cancelled their flight. They could not get another flight that day and ended up taking a red-eye on Delta to get to NYC, paying out of pocket. They made the cruise but were exhausted after only getting sleep on the plane. Unbeknownst to him, since he missed the first leg of the United flight, his 2nd leg was cancelled (which is common when using the same airline for both legs). He didn't find out until he went to check in the day before (while he was on the ship). So make sure if you don't use the 1st leg of your flight that the 2nd leg isn't cancelled by the airline.

My driver's license and Passport were both set to expire in July 2020. I had a cruise booked for March 2020 (last one before the shut down but we didn't know that back in 2019). I decided to renew my Passport in November 2019, right after I got off the Getaway. Had it in plenty of time before the 2020 sailing but was not able to renew my driver's license until September 2021. Was so glad I had that Passport as valid ID...you just never know what might happen.

We always do this in Food Republic too.

I was on the TA and none of the shows had a charge either, that is why I asked. And like your cruise, mini golf was free but I don't have any idea about the darts...we were barely able to spend time outside after the first day due to the weather.

What show has a charge?

There are always Solo meetings every night, usually around 5 or 5:30 pm. The first night is typically in a bar with subsequent meetings in the Solo Lounge but since the Joy does not have solo cabins, they will all be elsewhere. My guess from past experience is Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Attending the first night is usually best for meeting people right away...and even if traveling with others, it doesn't hurt to stop by. Time and location will be in the Freestyle daily.

You should check your credit card charges closely no matter what. It's not just cruise lines that make mistakes.

Enjoy your cruise. I booked today for the 2/19 cruise and looking forward to being on the Joy.

NCL does not have a transfer bus from LGB. I always just grab a cab right outside the baggage claim area, which is also outside.

I would start with chat on the website and go from there. In my situation the refund was already in progress and came off 2 days later. You can also dispute with your credit card but they will ask if you have contacted NCL first.

Mine says Family/Friends, which is correct.

No they have not. But it was finally changed on the Prima.

You should be able to do any amount just like in the Starbucks on land.

Happy to see you are getting your lettuce on board. My son works from home and he likes to make bag salads for his lunch. I was at the market on Sunday to pick up a few for the week and...you guessed it, no bag salads of any kind. Just came from Costco a few minutes ago and they did have some in stock but the variety was very slim. He'll just have to find something else for a while until the salads are available again.

With 3 MDRs (all with the same menu), the specialty restaurants, the buffet and the Local, diners are spread out all over the ship. On my last 2 Bliss/Encore cruises, I never ate in an MDR once. Somehow it all works out. Enjoy your cruise.

Just the difference and the 20% gratuity on the difference.