ATL123456

If you aren't going to carry any Aus or NZ currency, what do you plan on doing when you go ashore?

Hi, I will get local currency to use ashore. Hoping to avoid extra exchange fees for currency that I use to tip.

Hi, question about onboard tips

This is NOT a “should you/do you” tip post! Just want to know best way to do so!

From the US going on New Zealand cruise from Australia in December.

Would prefer to not have to exchange currency to tip.

Would onboard staff be OK with USD? The ship will not be back in US ports until spring so some staff may have rotated off before they get a chance to spend actual US currency.

Or would it be better to get bite the bullet and get some AUD or NZD?

Thoughts?

Couple of random questions about specialty dining packages.

- Do the staff members get credit for the sale if you wait to buy on board?

- Do you have to plan all nights of the package 1st day when you board?

- I am not a planner and like to be flexible. Anyone had luck making each reservation on each day? I usually like to eat late after the main rush toward the last possible seating.

I think a lot depends on the destination. I'm on my first X cruise on Reflection TA in October. I plan to bring a suit for a few nights and a jacket for other nights as well. I am comfortable in a suit and enjoy it from time to time. This may well be my only TA experience and I'm planning on making it as memorable as possible.

Took suit to Baltics in May 2015. Took a suit on HAL Alaska in May 2016 because with folks that planned to dress up. If it were a Caribbean cruise I would not bring a suit or jacket.

I completely agree with poster who said airline luggage regulations make a difference.

Saved $750 after final payment! And X was really nice and helpful!

My October TA on Refelction had price drop of $1200 for solo 1A cabin with residency discount. I did a courtesy hold on new cabin then called to check on cancelling existing. Only penalty was $450 deposit.

Instead of just cancelling my existing so I could go book the hold, the agent went out of his way to transfer my existing payment to a new reservation so I did not have to recharge new amount and wait for refund. I didn't even have to ask him to do this. He also worked to get me the same cabin I already had (and really wanted - 8345). So, instead of lots of hassle, they took care of everything and refunded me the difference of $750.

This is my first X cruise and so far I am really happy with the customer service!

Just cancelled the packages I purchased yesterday & bought again. Saved $460 over what I paid at 10% discount:D:D:D

 

Big Thank You to ATL123456‼️

 

Alberta Cruiser-no email just look at the beverage packages in your cruise planner.

Glad it worked out! Also glad someone else saw the same thing so not just a fluke. I'm on Reflection TA on Oct 21 as well. With the cheap PBP I will probably be living at the sunset bar!

My upcoming TA is offering Premium BP advance purchase for 30% off ($45.50 per day). I'm guessing there will not be any better rates before departure or onboard. Anyone know if X does this often?

Found a video of 1A cabin 3883 on starbord side that confims larger angled balcony with great views looking forward.

Looks like I'll be a happy camper on 15 night TA!

Quick question. On Reflection, is 1A cabin 8345 all the way aft one of the ones with the extra large angled balconies that gives good views forward? Looking at changing but can't find anything confirming.

Thanks!

I always sail solo and my cruises include 1 to 3 TA's per year...love the sea days. But have never found a bargain for solo...always have paid 200%. A drag, but at least get double Captains Club points.

 

If you find a reduction in the single supplement on an X TA, please let me know!!

 

rs at pobox dot com

 

THANKS!!

 

Randy :D

Hi Randy, I go solo most times too. Would love to find a way to avoid 200%. I really like having a balcony so the newer ships with studio cabins doesn't help much.

I'm doin 1st X cruise & 1st TA on Relfection in October. Can't wait! This thread has been a blast to follow. Good to know the crowd is usually friendly since I will be on my own.

I now know for sure I am getting the drink package because I see a lot of those bulliet infusions in my future!:D

- John

I am on the Noordam in June this year and I have booked a Retreat Cabana. I will report back on the usability for the Alaska season. Even a photo or two. Yes you can pre-book in advance. For this trip the reservation was paid for in January.

Hi, did you book the cabana for the full cruise? I read in the HAL PDF that you had to wait and book just one day in a cabana on board.

Thanks again to all for the input

So, I was able to make the change.

Called the 1-800# again today and spoke to a very nice rep who's name sounds like dolly with an M.

She changed the room room with no penalty and I only had to pay the fare difference. I even kept my OBC!

Happy to say I am now in 4164 on the Noordam with the double balcony! This should make Alaska even more beautiful

Thanks to all for the insight. Will give them a call again tomorrow!

Will post an update on the results.

I'm ok with existing cabin, but would be happy to pay more for the other. 3 weeks til departure and their seem to be plenty of VB available

Booked directly with HAL by calling 1-800# - no PCC

Hi, first timer for HAL. Anyone have any tips on changing cabins 3 weeks out?

Trying to change from VE to VB for better location that was not available when I originally booked.

I'm willing to pay the slight fare difference, but when I called HAL earlier today they said I would have to cancel for a 75% penalty and rebook.

Would it be worth calling the paid upgrade number tomorrow when they are open?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

How strange! I was just going to ask the same question.

I have researched and found that if I fly one way to Barcelona around the 20th of October, there are at least 10 TAs available within about a week. May need to fly to Rome or Southhampton, but lots of good choices.

I'm not picky about which line, but leaning toward Celebrity.

I may book something now and then cancel before final payment if there seems to be a wide range of availability.

Open to suggestions on which line is preferred for TA.

HAL? RCL? NCL? Celebrity?

I hope you realize that you can purchase the upgrade on-board and you don't have to purchase it the first day. When you do upgrade you only pay for the remaining days of the cruise...not the full cruise.

 

You might want to wait and see what's really offered as part of the classic package....that list is not accurate and varies by cruise (and sometimes by bar).

Hi. Thanks for this. Just looking to make sure I understand correctly - if I get the Classic Beverage Package as a free booking perk, once I am on the ship I can pay a fee to upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package? Is this hard to do once on board?

If possible, I'm guessing you just pay the difference in cost (approx $10 per day)

Looking at booking my first Celebrity cruise and want to be well informed early on!

Thanks in advance!!

So, got an email today the cruise will now be 21 nights instead of 20, start on October 30th instead of 31st and will depart from Rome instead of Istanbul.

First part of itinerary is new with stops in Naples, Sicily, Olympia, Athens and Cyprus (instead of just Kusadasi and Rhodes) before reaching an overnight in Isreal. After that, the only change is they removed the port of Sharm El Sheihk in Egypt. A net gain of two ports.

Now has a total of 6 sea days instead of 7.

Letter says we are protected at same price and cabin. Or can move to any other published cruise. Offering $300pp change fee for air (which I have not booked yet).

I'm a happy camper. To me this is a better itinerary with more to see and still plent of time to relax. Will be interesting to see how they price it when it goes back up for sale.

Hi, looking at NCL website, it appears the October 31 Istanbul to Dubai cruise is no longer there. In fact, I do not see anything for the Star from docking in Barcelona on OCT 12 to leaving Dubai on NOV 20. Any ideas? Website glitch? Going into dry dock? Middle East too risky for cruises?

- Thanks!

I was in 10226 in May/June for Baltics. No noise from spa above. Great smell of baking bread in the afternoons! Deck was very large and loungers could face directly out (not sideways like on deck 8&9). Older decor. I got a glimpse of 10228 and it appeared to have updated carpets and decor (can't say for sure)

Hi, I've noticed that the 19-21 day Asia & Australia 2016/2017 cruises do not have the option for Freestyle Choice. Any chance they may add this special or something similar a bit later on?

Sorry if this is an over asked question - in forward facing balcony, can you use it while ship is sailing? Are there restrictions for use at night due to light distracting the bridge?