poohdreaming

I also do not understand what was so funny about the highlighted word "learnt"

Learnt is not an incorrect word. Learned and Learnt are both correct.

Let's go back to the original topic.

To each his/her own opinion.

I myself do not like it on the last night of the cruise.

They might give less portion of the food or ran out of certain items.

I usually like it on the first day and then on sea days.

12 hours ago, shanefm3 said:

I’d have liked them to say sorry . I didn’t get that once . I never asked for anything from GS. I accepted two t shirts that they offered along with an amenity kit. I have insurance . Not sure what’s so hard to understand about this as it’s been the subject of the entire post 

Sorry that you have to go through this.

At least they send you a letter even though you did not like the way it was written.

Things happen.

I know that you mentioned that you tried to talk to the manager on board. Should of have called the manager's phone number or send him/her an email. However, this person cannot really do anything much for you. They tried to locate your luggage as they printed a flyer.

Perhaps someone else decided to keep your luggage if they are able to open it up.

As someone else mentioned, you should turn on locating/tracking device if the laptop ever turned on.

On 4/18/2022 at 7:09 AM, DirtyDawg said:

Are you saying that all those 'free' cruises people get for betting huge sums in the the casinos aren't really FREE? 😱

FYI, there is never a really free cruise. Most casino players lose a lot of $$$ in order to get giveaways. Even with the casino free comp cruise, still need to pay the casino fee of at least $200. NCL does this. Along with anything else that need payments, such as if wanting to upgrade to a better cabin. But then they do give you the casino free drink card, where you get can bottle of waters and some drinks.

Well once on board, you will need to check into your muster station. For other cruisers, they would first go get the spa pass. Then you can go to the box office to book anything if you did not get a chance to do so like specialty dining, shows, and shore excursions.

Staffs will direct everyone to the buffet. Go to the main dining room or the local.

You are on a cruise to relax and to enjoy yourself.

By the time you are seated and served lunch, the cruise director will make an announcement that stateroom cabins are ready.

17 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

I don't believe they have the drop off your carryon option on the Encore (been on her twice and never seen it).  I have seen this on the Jade and Pearl (smaller ships).

As for lunch, anywhere but the buffet.  Light lunch in the Observation Lounge (very few people there and great personalized service), nice sit down in the MDR or the Local.

I do not know about Encore as I never been on this cruise ship before. But yes, they did have it on the NCL GEM, which was at Bliss. 

My edocs were not available for me when I hit the 21 days and everything was completed for my recent cruise. It was available 5 days before the sailing day. If the edoc is still not available, you would need to contact NCL Tech Support. 

I just recently cruised on the Gem. Yes, certain places have them and some places.

The main dining (GP) usually have it during breakfast.

At the buffet, might need to look at more than 1 machine.

Try the one at the Great Outdoor.

17 hours ago, snorklinbarb said:

Events are starting to return so don't think the OBC will stay much longer. Going on Escape next week and they are already running most of the special events canceled during covid.  On Gem last week we had a latitudes party but on previous leg no party so returning these perks is coming ship by ship.

 

What we post here today could be different tomorrow.  They really want to return to the Latitudes benefits as any OBC gets very costly very quickly!  

 

The only thing I heard might stay away a little longer is the Behind the Scenes.  Will see if Escape is offering that one or not yet but Gem didn't last week nor Breakaway last fall.

 

I didn't even think about the color of my Diamond pin!!  I didn't see the other levels' pins.    Had no idea these type of loyalty pins even existed as it's brand new but the CN team first thing said to every guest, "Let me get you your pin."  They had them in the office right behind them and would go get your proper level pin.  

 

They did discontinue (at least on Gem) the bottle of champagne.  I asked the CN Manager and she said it was taken out.

 

Will be seeing on Escape if they run this new Wine Mixology new perk for Diamond and Ambassador.

No bottle of the champagne unless you are in like in a suite or in haven.

Haven cruisers still get the champagne.

Instead of the bottle of champagne, you get their brand Just Water.

On 4/11/2022 at 9:56 PM, worktocruise610 said:

Not sure if this will apply to their cruise (things change almost daily) but hopefully it will and can ease your mind and theirs… the Getaway cruise this week was told if they do not get off in Norfolk they will not need to test again. So that may be an option, but if not, NCL will take care of the test on the ship, I’m sure they’ll be fine.

Yes, you are correct on this. I got off from the Gem yesterday, where they tested all those that got off in Norfolk. If did not get off, no need to be retested. Silly NCL and Bermuda. But it their rules, oh well. For those that got off and went back onto the cruise ship, these people can spread it to those that did not get off.

Yes, the late departure had to do with the Bermuda Authorization. You need one to get on board. It does not matters if you want to get off or stay on in Bermuda. This past Saturday, it was horrible to see a long long line for help with the Bermuda TA. Someone said they waited in line for 4-5 hours. Gem departed around 5:30 pm instead of 4 pm. What made it more bad was that another Norwegian cruise ship (NCL Pearl) was in port on the same day. So Bermuda TA had to processed a lot of applications.

Some cruisers are pissed off about the $40 that Bermuda get per each person.

The Latitudes Party - I think it depends on your cruise. Might have one on your sailing.

As for compensation - other cruisers posted about it. I think it depends on your latitudes tier.

There was one on the Gem, on April 9th cruise. Staffs attended for a bit and left afterward when they introduced the captain. No staffs stayed to chat with cruisers. Only the 2 staffs from the Cruise Next Team. Not a lot of people showed up.

1 hour ago, shanefm3 said:

So , Last night onboard and the end of another cruise . They never found my suitcase and I spent way too much time at the GS desk trying to track it down . The staff were helpful and I never was rude or aggravated towards them , they didn’t lose my case . My only gripe would be that not one manager came to speak to me , despite numerous requests for one . Today , I received an apology letter. That was it 

 

I still had a wonderful time , I try not to let things annoy me . Was it perfect ?, far from it . As the cruise went on, I became a little disappointed with the food in most locations . It was just meh !!. I paid $200 for the spa pass and it too fell below standards by the 6-7th day . No water or tea was put out and you had to ask for a glass of water . The mens area was not kept clean with towels strewn everywhere along with bar drinks . It just fell short a little . I mostly used the sauna and wasn’t too perturbed by the rest. 
 

I had three different cabin stewards in 10 days . I’m wondering if there was a small outbreak onboard ?. My cabin had some issues which i discussed earlier , broken tv, broken safe and a hanging vent from the ceiling . Again , minor issues but should’ve been corrected earlier . The hanging vent was never addressed despite showing each steward 🤷

 

I traveled solo and enjoyed the break . I travel with the family in July with an intended trip on NCL from Miami . Has it changed my mind ?, not a 100% but I may just price an alternative. When you are spending 10k or more , I’d expect a more polished ship, especially when they don’t travel as much as i do . The little things to me may be more troublesome to them . I’ll certainly follow CC for some reviews prior to pulling the trigger.

 

My main takeaway from this trip is that luckily it was only half full , they could not have handled a full ship with this crew .

 

Id be glad to answer any questions . Scheduled arrival is 10am but we are right off NJ now . Walk off looks around 830-9

 

Did you put a lock on this lost suitcase? Purchased insurance?

Glad that you still had a wonderful time even though NCL lost your suitcase and you had to visit the GS desk throughout your cruise.

What cabin / stateroom you had?

And 10K on a cruise - are you in Haven?

Some cruisers said newer cruise ships might worth it, not so much on older cruise ships.

10 hours ago, p032504 said:

I have been given conflicting info from NCL & trying to clarify. If we eat at Cagney’s for our specialty dining perk, is the full meal (sides, salads, entree, dessert) included? Or is just the entree included & we pay extra for sides? 
Thanks.

Whomever you spoke to, perhaps got confused. There are 2 types of specialty dining perks. One is the dining cert. you would get if you are at the platinum tier. The other one is the free at sea one. 

17 hours ago, trbarton said:

I’m on my first cruise  with NCL booking an Studio stateroom on the NCL Breakaway. I done a lot of research so I’m aware of what the stateroom looks like. I’m getting a studio on Deck 10 that will be right next to the lounge. Guess I won’t have to go very far to find other solo cruiser's. Looking at videos it seems like there is a staff person just for people in the Studio Stateroom. 
 

I have some questions for anyone that has been in a Studio stateroom. 
 

What was your experience with the Studio stateroom & what did you think?

My first cruise was a studio stateroom on deck 10 on the NCL Breakaway. What I think of it: I enjoyed the lounge for it free cappuccino drinks and some cookies whenever I wanted a snack. Do not need to go all the way to the buffet to get snacks. The only thing I did not like was the shower in the room. 

17 hours ago, trbarton said:

I’ve looked a several videos & didn’t see where you put your suitcase. Will it fit underneath the bed? There's a closet next to the bed. You will see it. Plus, if you view the video - it also showed the closet. You can put your suitcase in this closet if it fit or underneath the bed.

 

What was the Studio lounge like? Was there a meeting time each day? 

The Studio lounge is usually quiet unless there is the solo meeting at around 5 pm.

 

17 hours ago, trbarton said:

Were their options to eat dinner with other people & when was the bar opened?

If there's the solo host / gathering for solos on the cruise, then yes you can eat with other cruisers.

 

Most of the videos I have seen of the lounge it was empty so I wonder if anyone ever comes there. 
 

Thanks for your comments. 
 

Does NCL give any OBC for being a veteran? No.

Tom😀

4 hours ago, AmbitionatBay said:

Sorry, but still confused about travel to Bermuda.  NCL says PCR or antigen 2 days before embarkation and Bermuda says if your test is within 2 days it has to be antigen or if it’s 4 days then PCR.  So, based on that only the antigen one is acceptable that will satisfy both correct?

 

I have tried finding some place where they do antigen and can’t find anything. Called CVS , Walgreens, WellNow Urgentcare - none of them do antigen.

Read: https://www.gov.bm/cruise-travel-authorisation

Depends on if Bermuda is the first port or not.

But either ways, need to pay the $40

1 hour ago, Melody7 said:

Since this has been a recent topic, can someone tell me how we report our test results upon check in? Do we just need to show the negative result on our phone via the text/email that we receive once the test has been run?

Your test result - yes - show the email (the report) that it is negative and some people print out a copy for a back up in case the phone or something else happen.

9 hours ago, Named-Tawny said:

That makes sense, thanks.  I wonder if they'll have a separate confirmation of passport # and etc since we're having NCL book our flights.

Once you are able to do the check in, do so on the first day to get it done. It the same as before. But they added at least 2 different things, which are: you need to upload a picture of yourself or use your laptop/computer camera and the other one is to watch the muster drill video. The phone and email - you need to confirm them in order to continue the process.

You should speak to the Concierge or perhaps to the butler. Maybe they can assign you another butler. You paid for these services and should of receive them. Snacks - yes you should receive those items that you requested. I do not think it too much. Tell the butler what time you want these snacks. Got a few more days on the cruise, make it worth it. You can definitely eat in the Haven restaurant and anywhere you wanted to.

Besides this, how you enjoyed other areas of the cruise ship so far?

Did you have fun at ports? 

53 minutes ago, abqmommyof4 said:

I shouldn't have  to pay  more  for  good  food

I did not tell you to pay more for good food.

I mean instead of Cagney's - you can go to these other restaurants next time.

Especially if you are a platinum and using your certificate. 

And the Local Bar & Grill is free.

On Gem, it called the O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill.

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/whats-on-board

Next time, please check out what's on board for whatever cruise ship you go on.

NCL, Royal, etc.

Next time, try other cruise ships.

If going back to Sky, try Le Bistro, The Local Bar & Grill, La Cucina.

35 minutes ago, ziggyuk said:

 

If it's not going to happen, I wish they would just tell me so I can stop wasting my time and that of those who want to attend. I will be having to let everyone know it's cancelled next.

You can still organize your own meet and greet in term of meeting other cruisers if you wanted to do this. Do not need a room or have NCL to handle this.

But if it was just to meet the staffs, then no. It will not happen at all.

Same menu, but different layout / colors of the room. Taste and Savor is more casual than the Manhattan Room. Most people choose the Manhattan Room for dinner. If there is a long line/waiting time to get in, I would rather than go to Taste or Savor to see which one have the table ready / shorter waiting time.

As other mentioned, the Manhattan Room - there is a dance floor.

Burn the Floor - one evening during the cruise, they would go there to dance after the show was over.

Other nights, there was music playing.

The cost was $35 before. I do not know the current price. It would be listed on the freestyle daily and I believe at the box office too. There is always a theme that you would follow to paint. Sometimes this event is sold out, so if you wanted to join to paint,  you need to sign up in advance. They will let you know or show what the paint would be. A fun activity to do.

1 hour ago, Gen X Life said:

So just to be clear;   CVS AND Walgreens tests are good for NCL??   *they do not show up on approved test sites per Ncl - Why??

 

Which Tests?? (Ncl has let you on the ship with this test)

 

Thanks for the clarification.  So much stress for a vacation.

A lot of cruisers that cruised said either the PCR or the Antigen Test is fine.

2 hours ago, jmwg49 said:

We will be taking our first cruise on NCL (diamond on CCL) and I just want some information!!

We have "free at sea" and have 2 specialty restaurants we can visit.   How does this work?  Do we pre-book from home or do we have to wait til we get onboard?  

Any opinions on what is "worth it" for dining?

Do the "free" restaurants require a reservation too?  and shows etc?  

I just don't want to be disappointed when we get onboard and not be prepared!

Any help is appreciated!

Do not know which cruise ship you would be on.

However, most have Cagney's which is one of the specialty restaurants.

These specialty restaurants, you would have to reserve for when you want to dine.

Do so when you can do it open up to reserve.

You just choose one app., one entrée, and one dessert.

https://www.ncl.com/termsandconditions/promotions

It explains the promotions in detail.

Shows - Cannot comment on this due to the pandemic. Some shows were cancelled.

If there are any shows, you can reserve / book it through your profile or on board at the box office.

Other restaurants - you do not need to reserve, but could do so if you want to.

Usually would just show up and line up.

And if in case no bus excursion to Disney (if full up or other issues), another options would be Disney Springs (mall).