Old & Retired

We bought expensive rings at a local jeweler at the port in St. Marten. A friend of ours who vacations there and worked in his store recommended him. I don't know if we are allowed to say the name of the store on CC but it would be a dancer who wears a tutu if that helps any.

 

I got a beautiful emerald and diamond ring and DH got a ruby. Our local jeweler looked at them and said there was no way he could have sold them to us for the price we got there.

 

I think the thing is to do your research and be careful where you shop. There are good deals to be had.

Yup, because in St Maarten the wholesellers give the jewelry stores a much better deal than anywhere else. It's a fact.

I, Linda the Book Lover admit to my addiction to the spa pass. I finally convinved my DH to join me on the Pearl and now he is addicted to the relaxation of the spa area. I tried going back through the threads to get the short take on the spa amenities or lack of in comparison to the Pearl and Epic. The Pearl is where I was lost in bliss in the spa and did not wish to be found..;)

 

We are thinking of getting passes for our upcoming cruise (only 5 days) but I wanted an overview. The DH is in love with the lap pool. The size looks small from the picture. Also are people just standing there in the water or can you comfortably swim laps?

Star spa and Pearl spa are similar. Both very nice. You can swim laps in the pool.

The main objection I see from NCL's side is yes they get the revenue from the extra cabin in addition to the original cabin but they are getting zero extra onboard revenue from the second cabin. The cruise lines make zero money if people do not spend onboard.

Correct. Room rates are to break even or worse. On board spending is where the profit is made. An empty room makes no profit.

Thinking of booking the Breakaway for next March....

 

Do all shows and dining have to be booked online ahead of time?

No. Reservations are a good idea as many things fill up fast.

Be very careful purchasing jewelry while on a cruise. When you have issues it can be very difficult to get assistance from a store that is thousands of miles away. Better to purchase locally so you can invest some time and get the best piece for the best price.

We are serious about taking the Norwegian Jade in July 14 days out of Venice.

 

Being a "somewhat seasoned" Princess Cruiser I am constantly searching for things available on Princess so that I might obtain them on the Jade. To this end your assistance would be appreciated. I have searched the NCL site but can't seem to find them so I am left to wonder if they are even available on this line.

 

1. Princess allows you to purchase an "Unlimited Soda & More Package". For $8.05 per person/per day (must be purchased for the complete cruise) and entitles you to unlimited Soda Drinks plus any mocktails, juices, shakes, floats and complimentary hot chocolate; and

 

2. Bon Voyage Alcohol gifts (you can purchase for yourself) and they are waiting for you in your cabin upon arrival. On average the cost for a 350 ml bottle of gin/rum/vodka/scotch etc. is about 17.00 dollars.

 

As you can see if you combine the above two packages there are unbelievable savings to be had for those who enjoy many drinks during the day but don't need to have booze in every drink you consume. Many times I would just order a mocktail and in my cabin add the coconut rum to create my cocktail of choice.

 

My question is ... Is such purchases available on NCL cruises?

 

Thanks very much.

1. The soda card only gets you basic soda in a glass. No juices, shakes, mocktails etc. Princess has a much better package in that regard. I think you can add juices only to the package for another $3-$4 per day.

2. You can purchase liquor to consume in your cabin but the prices are very high. $80-$100 per 750ml bottle.

So cancel, eat the $30 and rebook. Seems like a simple solution.

Me thinks this thread will disappear just like the muster one just did (right smack in the middle of me reading it, too. Booo). Why oh why can't, ahem, people just be nice?

Mankind has been fighting wars with each other since the beginning of time. We haven't evolved much in 10,000 years.

If you have purchased the UDP, do you have to pay extra for upcharge items like some of the entrees in Le Bistro?

No.

We were on the Pearl that did the same route the day before you. Did You tender in Astoria? If so how long was it to get back on the ship? Some people on our cruise waited over 2 hours! Did your crew get to go to Costco too? Many of our crew had the day off and they ALL seemed to have gone to Costco to load up munchies, pots and pans, and at least one weed-eater!

Costco in Oregon is a crew favorite. No sales tax.

Gonna be a long road for us. We got a grand total of 7 points. So I figure about 10 more cruises.

 

Oh wait a minute Cagneys is called EAST MEETS WEST STEAK HOUSE on the NCL SUN !

Not anymore. It's Cagney's. Changed the name awhile ago. They also renamed Il Adagio to La Cucina.

Much like an automobile. You get your best gas mileage around 35mph. Once you go above 70 the mpg drops dramatically. Ships are no different.

Received a phone call from NCL asking if we were interested in an up-sale on the Gem leaving out of New York on 10/04/14. It was for the Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite 15500 on Deck 15. Price was an additional $1,200.00. Really contemplated it for a bit. Even checked out videos that CC members had posted on the Suite. We are presently booked in an Aft Suite on Deck 10, which we have stayed in before on the Star to Alaska.

 

Anyway, decided to stick with our Aft Suite. The Owner's Suite was really nice, large balcony with hot tub, great amenities, etc., but didn't want the view of the swimming pool or to the hear the music when sitting on the balcony. Also, the balcony is not covered. We love sitting on the balcony at the aft and watching the water. It so serene, plus you're tucked away in your quiet corner. Some may say I'm crazy for passing this up, but that's just me. I don't think we would even use the Haven area that much. Been married 36 years and believe it or not, my husband and I enjoy our quite time together.

 

Maybe in our next life.:D

I don't blame you. Who has an extra $1200 sitting around? Stick with what you can afford.

There are no gym showers. To use the spa showers in the spa locker room you must pay.

I have a question. This VIP99 program seems to have been active for at least a couple weeks, why is it not advertised anywhere on the NCL site? Seems like it would be important information to have when considering what room you would like to book.

Finally someone with reason. I thought I was the only one who didn't see the big deal. Thank you.

Not sure why you insult everyone who does not agree with you by implying they don't have reason?

I think the butlers will become a lot busier now. If Cagney's turns into a madhouse with people I bet lots of suite guests will be ordering their breakfast served by the butler.

Wow, this sounds like a great deal. Pair this up with the $99 VIP offer and you could really have a great vacation. Old, retired and rich would be great, but I guess two out of three aint bad. Can't afford it.

Yes, every day. It was Cagneys, Concierge access, VIP tenders, etc. Seemed to me they would just add you to the list of suite amenities minus the butler.

Seems like a great deal. Book an inside for cheap and pay $99 to be a VIP. I would definitely do this. Does sound a little like Carnival's 'faster to the fun', only better.