julig22

And don't forget that they have to look at the forcast for the entire day. What goes out on a tender has to come back at the end of the day!

That's what my TA did as well. I would think that's pretty standard, since they have to process the payment after you give them the information.

To be fair to my new PCC, she has been responsive but has indicated that her hands are somewhat tied, so not necessarily a matter of only wanting a commission. When I first contacted her, I offered to cancel and rebook a new reservation that needed some major changes anyway and she declined, saying she'd be audited for poaching (which is why people have issues with changing PCC's). Then for a simple price change she directed me to the main NCL number for similar requests in the future, again an audit issue, since apparently NCL does not transfer bookings when you get a new PCC. Whether this is accurate or not, I can't say.

Just playing devil's advocate here, not advocating for or against using a TA or PCC or none of the above. I was using a TA prior to the shutdown and yes, it was nice to let them deal with all the issues. But I currently use a PCC, although lately I've just called the main number since my PCC recently quit and the new one isn't thrilled about dealing with current bookings. There is no right or wrong choice, it depends on your needs and preferences. On the negative side, the big-box warehouse site may give you gift cards but they will not book NCL airfare and do not participate in the Upgrade Advantage bidding process. Many people reported that their TA was not able to add a 3rd CruiseNext to an existing reservation during the recent triple-up promo, citing it was for new reservations only. If you were booked through NCL, you could just go online and make a payment with a CN. In any case, I've never expected my TA or PCC to keep on top of my reservations with respect to new offers, etc. But my TA always sent me payment reminders, as does NCL. And it pays to check periodically to see if things have changed - not to say that all PCC's stay current, but a TA that works with multiple cruiselines may not be a knowledgeable about current offers, policies, etc.

Lowest level (Jade) has no benefits

First and foremost, the process is going to depend on the itinerary. Unless you haven't traveled beyond borders, you are entering a foreign country so arrangements need to be made with immigration and customs. If you haven't traveled across any borders, you may be in violation of passenger transport laws, which is where the "threats of fines" may come into play. Fines aren't up to the cruiseline, they are assessed by Customs/Border Patrol or similar agency. They are assessed, regardless of why a passenger disembarks, but the cruiseline can absorb the cost, ask for an exemption or charge the passenger.

Because those are packages, not use-as-you-go items, and there is a difference between not using anything vs partial use. Any booked excursions should be returned, possibly DSC if she paid in advance. If she was paying on a daily basis, she probably wasn't charged additional days. Anything else would be subject to NCL cancellation policy. No different than if you were to cancel anything partway through a contract - terms of the contract dictate whether or not you get any money back.

I'm up to 7 now for my next cruise, still have more than a week to go!

There is no such thing as an up charge if you go from double to single. They don't charge extra, other than double occupancy rates, for a solo. And they also refund prepaid fees like taxes, DSC, FAS gratuities.

New machines on the Jewel in August, Sky in September. Some worked, some would not read my card no matter how much I tried. I got the "snicker" response when I asked for a new player's card on the Star last February. I'm guessing they are just phasing out the cards (at least for those of us that don't really have any casino status), so the response would depend on how many blank cards they have left...

They still do apparently. Had some first time cruisers and it was kinda disappointing. Conversation was all newbie stuff - I like to get the inside scoop!

Not entirely true - if you go to the excursion desk when you board, you can explain the situation and see if they will put you on the wait list for the time when your other family members are booked. If a spot opens up, they should be able to give you a spot. Also, keep calling the excursion desk to see if they have had any cancellations (they are the ones that told me to keep calling...). Also, you might post in your roll-call (check that other face site at well for a group) and see if there is anyone that would be able to switch.

Only people with status in the casino get a drink card. Unlikely for a new cruiser. In the past, using the casino card made it easier if you were getting drinks from your FAS package because otherwise you had to pull your room card from the machine. However, they are in the process of changing machines so you tap your card, not sure there are player's card anymore. The 3% fee is a wash if your CC gives 3% or more in points for travel. If you are using the NCL card and travel balcony or less, those points can go towards a room upgrade that can be worth considerably more than the $300 in credits.

Club balcony benefit is not the same as the latitudes benefit. Since you weren't in a CB, what you got was because of your latitudes benefit. I believe @cruiser2015's response to @RedRover96 was correct.

I have done this many times, although not specifically in Trieste. If you booked your own air, then just google flights and pick something that is arriving about the time you want to get on the shuttle. I generally try for something around 9am. There will be people with NCL signs somewhere in the area after you go through customs. It's a bigger issue when you use the BOGO airfare, so they know when your flight is arriving and they seem to have trouble understanding that sometimes people plan to return to the airport. Sheesh! In Buenos Aires they actually pulled my transfer about a week before the trip, with some nonsense about it not being possible to go back to the airport due to security reasons??? They pick you up in the same place every other passenger gets picked up... Fortunately I was able to change hotels to something nearer the port and it worked out.

I actually did that...it was a huge sacrifice to book a last minute 5-day cruise to Mexico LOL! But the added benefits for upcoming cruises were nice to have.

Also the possibility that the cabin category will sell out so no price reduction at all.

Where does it say they get a commission for booking cruises? Last I checked (which was early October), credit for onboard bookings goes to the agent that booked the cruise you are on.

I'm not a fan of tipping. Even less of a fan when a tip is % based. Does it really take more effort to bring a steak in a fancy restaurant than a cheaper burger?

You don't. Non-refundable OBC is for purchases, can't be used in the casino. However, if you have refundable OBC, you can use one of the slots to charge the cash to your account (3% convenience fee), then put the cash on the machine, cash out the machine and take the slip to the cashier to get the cash. Or just go to guest services at the end of the cruise and they will refund any leftover refundable OBC.

Who is they? If his confirmation says that he requested (and paid for) RT, then they will find him a flight. In my experience, the air department staff doesn't have a lot of leeway with respect to solving issues. However, in the past, a very polite and carefully worded email to katty byrd got my flight issues resolved almost immediately.

Bids usually open around day 110, if you check the plusgrade site. Timing of email notifications varies.

I don't complain about "nickel and diming" but I sure as heck would complain if NCL becomes all inclusive. Not everyone drinks, not everyone needs/wants specialty dining, not everyone needs unlimited wifi and so on. I have no issues with a pay for what you use model. I simply don't understand the gritching about having a fare price, then itemizing additional costs, some optional, some mandatory. Presumably done for tax/accounting purposes. And remember if you have to cancel, those additional costs are refundable... And yes, I have taken a number of free excursions over the years. When was the last time anyone bought a car for the "advertised" price? You pay taxes, license fees, dealer prep fees, etc. - if they even have the one car still available at the advertised price. Then of course there are shipping and handling charges when you buy stuff online - why do I have to pay someone to handle my purchase??

Not forgetting that the world in not the US. But NCL is based in the US. And as you point out, the promotions have been modified for various markets - whether that's because they have country-specific sales sites or it's a requirement regardless, I do not know. However, if they were forced to modify promotions, then it makes sense that they would also be forced to modify their marketing practices if they infringed on standards applied by other countries.

IMHO, the card is only has added value if you cruise NCL, balcony or lower. Other cards give equal or better value for travel in general. However as a solo cruiser that has no need for anything above a balcony, it's an exceptionally good value because I'm often paying double for the OV cabin I'm booking. I understand why they wouldn't allow upgrades beyond balcony - that limits the value of the benefit. Why they don't allow a paid upgrade is anybody's guess, probably because it starts to get somewhat complicated.