VIKINGCRUISER

Thank you!

Hello all,

It’s been a long while since my last cruise and have a question about times and protocol.

I have booked a 5 night, 3 port cruise (2 sea days, yes, my favorite!) on the NCL Pearl and I am wondering about the availability of lounger chairs by the pool on Deck 12 and the pool balcony seating on Deck 13. What time do people generally start going to their chairs, or putting chairs away?    

(This is the stressful part of vacation I do not like thinking about).

Also, I am traveling solo, so I would hope finding one would not be too difficult, but with that being said, (especially on Sea Days),how quick or early does the "rush" start? 

Any thoughts appreciated and thank you.

4 hours ago, Liljo22 said:

How about this TA scenario.  Friends have two balconies book on a Royal Christmas cruise that was booked for through a TA.  They missed final payment date and were cancelled.  They rebooked but now have a balcony and an inside because of the price change.  

 

Should the TA have informed them of the final payment date coming up?  

Purchasers responsibilty, Point well taken.

41 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I'm a TA for friends and family (so not soliciting here as I make clear often). And, my husband books our cruises through a PCC, not me. We have a really amazing relationship with our PCC. We've met, had lunch in NYC, and just spent half an hour talking with her a couple nights ago after we returned from a cruise. She listened to our experience and we heard about her excitement as she's about to go on a cruise.

 

Some TA's do offer onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, etc. Some don't. Some may be registered with AMEX to provide the OBC/free meal at Le Bistro. Most aren't. The reason my friends and family use me is because they know I am fairly well-traveled, know what's going on (mostly) in the travel industry, and they don't want to do the work of booking, calling, etc. I'd still talk to them and provide guidance if they didn't book through me. I really don't care. 

As for someone searching for a TA, you should do some research. Find agencies that offer discounts (they book a bunch of rooms at a discounted rate, then sell them to clients), OBC, other perks. Ask questions like how long will it take for you to respond to me? Do you monitor current prices? Offerings? Etc.? Establish a relationship with your TA, so they know what you want and what you don't. You need to communicate with them so they know how best to provide you their services. 

 

Generally speaking, with most TA's, you're going to find you'll pay the same as if you booked through the cruise line directly and you'll need to monitor the amenities, prices, etc. on your own. Most TA's won't do that. Some on Cruise Critic have amazing TA's that do and that offer them discounts on their sailing. They've found the best option for them. 

 

As others have said the buy one, get one free is just NCL's marketing speak. It's not a sale. It's just marketing off their brochure rate. Just monitor the price of your cruise. Ignore the current "sale." 

 

Good luck! 

Thank you!

Thank you.

Not trying to get OT, but is there any benefit (or disavantage) booking through the cruiseline themselves?

Thank you again

Hi All,

Just a question regarding using a TA (as it has been a while for me in using one).

Do you expect a TA to be on top of any promos that would benefit us as clients Prior or after we have booked? 

Based off the NCL website, it seems NCL has a "FREE 2ND GUEST + FREE AT SEA" promo going on that I was never told about,and only found out about because I decided to look up ongoing promos on my own.

I just want to understand what most people expect and try understand the expectations I should set for myself with using a TA, or am I better off going straight through NCL?

Signed

Confused😕

Thank you all for the responses.

Thank you both for the replies.

I'm guessing better safe than sorry and I should request a room a little further down, only because I am a very light sleeper.

Looking to go on a cruise on NCL Pearl.

I spoke with a TA and one of the rooms I was given in the category I am looking (BA) Is right next to the elevator bank.

Yes, I can be a light sleeper, but don't intend to be in too early every night (Midnight or so).

Just wondering from people who have had a room next to the elevator banks, is there is a lot of noise from the doors opening and closing and from the people (especially towards the end of the evening), or the rooms are pretty well sound proof?

Any opinions appreciated!

Thank you. I didn't know a cabin question could be put directly on the cruiseline. I'll do that, I apreciate the reponse from both. Thank you!

Looking to go on a cruise on NCL Pearl.

I spoke with a TA and one of the rooms I was given in the category I am looking (BA) Is right next to the elevator bank.

Yes, I can be a light sleeper, but don't intend to be in too early every night (Midnight or so).

Just wondering from people who have had a room next to the elevator banks, is there is a lot of noise from the doors opening and closing and from the people (especially towards the end of the evening), or the rooms are pretty well sound proof?

Any opinions appreciated!

Thank you everyone for the informative replies!

45 minutes ago, www3traveler said:

.

 

If you read any of the Freestyle Dailies, you will find a solo gathering every evening at one of the bars.

 

 

 

It will be interesting how all this works out.

So I guess my question is this. Prior to adding on the "solo" cabins like the Jade is doing, was there no specific gatherings for solo passengers every day?

Or just the initial first night at the bar like I think you mentioned?

TIA

Hello all!

It's been a long time since I cruised and I have partly put it off because of the cost (I would be solo) and have to incur 200% single supplement rate.

I was excited to hear about all the NCL ships that do not have Solo rooms and Studio Lounges getting them added on for the season.When I called NCL and asked a few questions about the categories (Solo Balcony, solo window, solo inside) it was confirmed the Jade would have all these categories by the rep.

BUT, when I also asked about the percs of the solo rooms via studio, I was told that it was possible that even the solo categories were added on, it wasn't in stone that there would be a studio lounge for the meet and greets and planning with other solos.

I am mainly concerned with this because I get a comfort level knowing there are organized solo activities with this category, and to find out it's just cabins and nothing else gets me to hesitate (my wife really doesn't like cruises, but she told me she has no issue with me going and to enjoy myself).

Sorry to get long winded, but I am looking for more definitive info at this point for the Jade, otherewise I would choice another NCL that has the studio areas

Thank you

Joe

Thank you all. I better do some shopping around.

Appreciate the help.

Thank you, I wasn't sure.

Regardless of which travel agency, is that a price that's competitive or is NCL jacking it up?

I honestly have no clue as it's been a while since I last cruised.

Hello all,

I made a booking for Next year on the NCL Jade western Caribbean 5 nights and it came out to $2986.00 directly with NCL Rep.,(I did a slight upgrade in cabin location as the NCL rep originally had a lower price but the room was above a bar/restaurant).

And yes I am traveling solo and NCL only has the single cabins on the newer ships 7 nights or longer.

My question is should I shop around or will I get the same/similiar pricing regardless of where I call?  / Any suggestions on agencies to call?

Thank you

Thank you!

Sorry if this is not OT, I really wasn't sure.

TIA

Thank you for the Replies.

I just threw caution to the wind!

Booked the NCL Jade for May 1st 2024!   Going to go with the flow and enjoy the best part to me...

2 "Sea Days" and let everything else fall into place!

Hi all,

I have been trying to get the never up to cruise solo, and one of the motivations is NCL having "solo" programs (hosted by a staff member in the solo cabin area lounge. I am conflicted as I called NCL as I am interested in the "Jade", but I was told none of the "Older" ships have the solo cabins, and sans solo cabins, there are no solo programs or activity "meet-ups" hosted by a staff member.

Basically it would have to be on a newer ship and likely a 7 days cruise (4-5 day solo cruisers Out of luck).

So am I being told correctly by NCL?     There are no solo programs, even if if it's a ship like the "Jade" Gem" or "Pearl" with no solo cabins?

Just bummed if this is the case because I thought I read otherwide in some reviews.

Thanks

Thank you all. Perspectives I never really thought about.

I am actually looking to do the JADE.

Hello all,

My dilemma is I was looking for a cruise that would be more towards my age and lifestyle (59 and pretty active). I came up with NCL and issue is on 3 and 4 day cruises they have no "Sea Days", which is what I love.

How does the cruise change on "no days at sea"?   

Are there any people in the pool area or activites going on?

Does the ship basically get quiet and no one is around?

I really would like to try NCL but if it doesn't make sense, RC has several 4 days with "days at sea". Again, 't been a long while since my last cruise, so sorry if the questions sound basic to seasoned cruises.

Any thoughts appreciated.

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Hello!  As someone who's done nearly two dozen cruises (all solo) over the past 8 years, I guess I can give you some advice.

 

First of all, yes, NCL seems to be the only one that provides dedicated services (and a lounge) for solo/single travelers.  But that doesn't mean that the other cruise lines aren't suitable for solos.  None of my cruises have been on NCL (yet), and somehow, I survived - maybe even thrived. 🙂

 

Most cruise lines have singles meet ups for solo travelers. What I've heard about them is that they're poorly defined, poorly attended, and mostly a waste of time, but maybe yours will be different.  YMMV.

 

Beyond these meet ups (which will rarely be attended by any cruise staff), other cruise lines may have some rooms dedicated to solo travelers.  They tend to fill fast.

 

You mention your introversion. I'm very much an introvert.  I know it affects people in different ways.  If you'd rather avoid people, that's OK.  You can do that easily enough on a cruise ship whenever you want.  If you'd really like to meet people, but find it difficult, that's a bit more of a problem.  But only a bit.  Cruisers and the crew are mostly friendly and willing to talk your ear off about any little thing.  It's just a matter of starting.

 

The only other piece of advice I have at this time is that the greatest thing about solo travel is YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, WHENEVER YOU WANT, WITH NO COMPROMISES OR APOLOGIES NECESSARY.  Whatever you enjoy about cruising, you can do until you're sick of it - or it's time to disembark.

 

I wish you much enjoyment on your future solo cruises.

Thank you! It's nice to hear it coming for someone else who is introverted. I like my :alone" time, but do like mingling (just some) with others. 

This is part of the problem with watching videos and then reading the comments, you really never know if the person leaving the comment is an intro or extro.

Anyway, I think I will book an excurion to have some fun. Still not sure about dinner, I like people, but I'm not a big talker.

Thank you!

Thank you. You pretty much hit all my concerns.

And thinking about it, booking excursions is also a nice way to be involved.