Rose62

Thanks a bunch!

Let me start off by saying I have found the most useful information, thoughtful reviews, and best advice here on Cruise Critic! I am new to cruising (sort of, I'm in the Navy, so I have my fair share of time at sea) and I have booked my first cruise on the Gem sailing March 12th. I booked a balcony room, (Room 9054) with the UDP, and 5 specialty dining meals for my wife and I.

 

This will be the first real vacation since my wife and I have been on since our honeymoon, which was only about 3 days long since I ended up in the hospital. lol.

 

On cruise critic, I have learned about this famous "upsell line". Which is awesome. I called today, and was offered an aft facing penthouse suite for $2000 more, or The Haven Penthouse for $3000. Given there's still a bit more time till my cruise, I think I can hold out a little longer and get a little better deal based off of what I've read, but I'm curious, should I stick with what I have, or go all out? I think NCL really doesn't do their self any favors with their website. Everything is really broad. I'm kinda curious of what booking a Suite or The haven entitles me too, I know the Haven has the fancy courtyard, and the Butler, but what is special about the suite that make's it so much more with the exception of it being a little bigger?

 

On everybody's past experiences, did you find the upgraded rooms worth the expense? I don't want to sound like money isn't an issue, it is, but I would love to surprise my wife with the best of the best, provided it's worth it. After all, we haven't gone on a serious vacation in 3 years.

 

And on a tangent, how fast does the parking garage fill up at the Manhattan Pier? I hear lots of great parking advice, but I have to be back at work the next day (I'm stationed about a 2.5 hour drive away) so I'd like to park in the garage at the pier for convenience. Just curious as to how early I should show up, my arrival time is scheduled for 11AM, and we get underway at 4PM.

 

I appreciate all of your advice, and I'm looking forward to providing a thoughtful review when we're back!

Could you please tell me how to find the number for the upsell line for NCL?

Thanks!

Thanks for that. Looking forward to a cold one......or two.

Thanks for that review. We learned alot being newbies to cruising. Can you please tell us what the drink prices were for a bucket of beer and wine? Also, did you get an upgrade to the "free packages" with your balconey upgrade?