schmoopie17

Can't speak to the price. However, on our Escape TA last November, the internet was awful for almost the entire 16 days...not just crossing the Atlantic. Couldn't even log into the "free" CC access. Even the gurus at the Internet Cafe couldn't get it to work. But as they say on CC...YMMV.

Nope. Not the country potatoes at all. (But I actually don't mind those, on occasion). The hash browns I'm talking about are actual hash browns...shredded potatoes compressed into a big irregular shaped thing...similar to a big oddly shaped pancake. Cooked on a griddle (like they do in diners) and are done to a crispy golden brown outer crust. Not the perfectly pre-formed round grease sponges on NCL that get deep fried like at McDonald's.

No, we only had a two day deviation before the cruise. That may indeed be the difference.

On our just-canceled BOGO, originally we had a $25 deviation credit (total). This was for round-trip flights. When we canceled, the revised invoice shows -$25...reversing the credit.

Obviously, the best choice is to use airline miles and book your own flights (assuming you have the miles). Leaving your flight choices to NCL is a risky proposition, at best. We had originally signed up for the BOGO for our Med Cruise next fall, knowing we could always cancel before final payment if we found better flights using miles. That's exactly what we did. The flights for next September recently came out and we were able to snag nonstop flights both ways for practically nothing (and certainly much less than the $1300 NCL was charging). The flight times are perfect, we upgraded our seats to bulkhead for a small increase, free drinks included. A quick call to our PCC to cancel and it's done. Couldn't be happier.

We have a great PCC and I've recommended him to several people while on past cruises. I know many have ended up using him. That's a great way to get a recommendation...or on other social media sites.

Does someone have a picture of the infamous hash browns? I can't recall what they look like on NCL. If they're similar to the deep fried McDonald's hash browns...or even Tater Tots...(and I know I'm in the minority here, but...) I always find those things to be soaked in grease and just not very appealing. On the other hand, if the glorious hash browns that everyone raves about are real authentic hash browns...cooked on a griddle like you find in a good diner or breakfast place,,,now you're talking.

I'm almost wrong about everything. Just ask Mrs. Schmoopie,

Especially those who bought it at $60...

If ever there was a misnomer, it's well-done steaks. A well-done steak is never "well done".

OOPS...I guess I shouldn't have stopped reading halfway through the post. Lesson learned...

The soft serve is ice milk, not ice cream. HUGE difference...

I meant they're already greasy when they're served. They don't need to sop up any more grease...if that's even possible.

I've asked this question before but never got an answer. I'll try again hare... We are on a Med cruise next September. It will be our first cruise as Platinum. But this cruise, is on a continual loop from Barcelona-Barcelona and Rome-Rome. People who board in Barcelona a few days before we embark in Rome will have first dibs on the Platinum perks. When we get on in Rome, would the Wines Around the World and ship's tour have already be held? Do they offer these things more than once? If not, what are the chances of signing up a few days later when we embark, since all of the spots would have already been filled by the earlier boarders.

I'm probably the only one who thinks this, but those hash browns are like grease sponges.

I believe the question is regarding Jack from the Escape...not Jake from the Joy. In any event, I recall seeing a post a couple weeks ago that Jack (not Jake) is taking some time off and will be returning to the Escape (not the Joy).

We saw Choir of Man on our Escape TA last November...hoping it will still be on our Med cruise next September...although it sounds iffy, at best, with the cutbacks. I thought it was ironic that they did the pina colada song (the title of which is "Escape")...on the Escape.

VAT can of worms opened...but I'll let others chime in. Although, that horse has been beaten beyond recognition, so maybe it will slide this time.

They should have been carrying protest signs.

The TA said we could use the credit to apply it to the gratuities/service charge (whatever they're calling it nowadays). Does that mean it's refundable?

Is Ponta Delgada the port with the Burger King right there? I remember seeing a port with a BK but can't remember where it was. Hey, I'm old and I can't remember what I had for breakfast an hour ago...

We've never signed for drinks, nor have we ever gotten a receipt when ordering a drink. The only receipt we ever saw was in the specialty restaurants.

Okay, I finally have it figured out, with special thanks to @ziggyuk for putting it clearly and simply. But...to muddy what was just clarified...here's a scenario I may be facing in a couple of months. I plan to buy two CN certs for $500 on our next cruise. I will see a bottom line price of $250. Got it. However, my TA is offering $150 onboard credit. Assuming no other charges to my onboard account, I assume the onboard credit would effectively reduce my cost of the CN certs to $100. Or is there some provision that TA onboard credit can't be used for this purpose and I'd need to spend the credit on something else?

So...I pay $500...get $500 worth of CN certificates...and at the end of the cruise, my credit card is only charged $250. Correct? EDIT: I see @stinkyharriet answered my question, above.

This CruiseNext thing is the most confusing marketing fiasco ever. So, let me get this straight. If I buy two CN certificates for $500, where does the $250 "OBC" go? Is it non-refundable credit that I lose if I don't use it on that cruise...or does it get refunded to my credit card? If so, how is that "non-refundable"?