julig22

You would at least forfeit the cost of the airfare.

Not sure it's offered when I'm going - or else sold out. Been a few months since I booked everything but I'll check on it- thanks. They also listed a really nice Orca excursion but it's only offered early in the season.

One of the more interesting things, to me anyway, was noticing the crew member whose sole purpose on the bridge at that time was whale-watch duty. Who woulda thunk. So yes, they do watch and steer clear, as much as possible, if there's a pod in their direct path.

I'm arriving in Anchorage at 3:30 am the day before my upcoming cruise. Taking the early train, then the 1/2 day tour with Major Marine. Taking another 6hr tour the morning of the cruise. Good to hear that the hotel will probably take care of luggage - probably a little simpler, although I knew that the excursion people will also store luggage. Leaving in 3 weeks, hoping for good weather!!! Logistically speaking, going directly to Seward seems to be giving me more bang for my buck, although a probably a little ambitious. I will sleep well my first night on the ship!

You've totally lost me. I thought you originally booked an inside? If you are saying you paid $593 + points to upgrade from the inside to the balcony then it looks like you got a reasonable deal.

Ripped off - maybe, maybe not. Depends on the cruise, what you originally paid and so forth. I booked a NE/CA cruise in July, 2022 for late September 2023. I booked OV, price recently reduced almost 50% but I'm not eligible for any FCC. I believe I would pay an additional $500 to upgrade to balcony (assuming they keep my existing discounts), no points involved. But it's not always straightforward, as the current balcony price is actually about $1700 more than the current OV price and with NCL sometimes you never know how they figure pricing. Only way to even begin to know is to do a mock booking and see the difference between what you paid vs the current balcony price.

I'm thinking the same, asked the same question, answer provided didn't really indicate what the value, if any, was given for the points.

All you have to do is ask and you can fly in 1-2 days early. In fact, they actually give you a small credit to do so. As to prices, all I can say is that when I went to So Africa, I paid $599. NCL invoice for my flights (which were quite good) was $1800. So while you might not be a good candidate for using the promo, you might wanna get your facts straight.

They told us no pictures of the navigation screen, anything else would have been OK.

Yes, NCL will let you transfer your reservation # and that should move all payments you've made to the new itinerary, as long as you are before final payment due date. You might get some pushback if you ask, depending on who you ask. But it can be done. And it preserves your booking date which can affect certain charges and amenities but not any current perks. Booking would remain with the original agent even if they don't take care of the transfer (hence the possibility of pushback). And assuming that there aren't any restrictions written in the fine print on your Amex offer.

I've done it several times, various airports. However, on 1 occasion they informed me about a week in advance that it was no longer possible (this was in Buenos Aires) - citing issues with security, which the airport denied. Not a happy camper but fortunately I had a refundable hotel reservation so was able to alter my plans.

That's a big no on seeing the engine room. I think that's as a result of 9/11 if I recall correctly. You go to the engine viewing room, where they monitor the engines. You also go to the bridge, no photos of the console allowed.

It might be sold out. They can't accommodate very many people, I'm thinking 20 or less for each tour. Go to the excursion desk and get on the waiting list - they might have cancellations or choose to add additional tours if enough people ask.

The question is how much would it have been to simply upgrade from an inside to balcony? Or to rephrase, how much did the points upgrade contribute to the price of the upgrade to balcony?

Contact Katty Byrd (kbyrd...ncl.com). Unfortunately, seems like they have bots sorting the email, so you might not get past the gatekeepers but it's worth a try. I was once able to change my gateway 1 day after the booking deadline at that time, using a similar argument, although in my case the option to choose a deviation was still open. Probably doesn't hurt to acknowledge that you know it's against policy but you would be forever grateful if they could pleeeeze help you out!!

You lost me at honest. The program is what it is, has no relationship to what other cruiselines offer. NCL sets their airfare prices years in advance rather than using the current rate, although they sometimes do make adjustments. So sometimes you win, sometimes you're better off booking yourself - but the 2nd person is free, as advertised. Sounds like your beef is with your TA who didn't explain the fine print. But you might still have some wiggle room if you are having 2nd thoughts..

There should be no reason you can't get a deviation. You might also want to simply switch to premium air, 110 days seems to be the magic number with respect to BOGO changes, although in theory they could possibly charge you a 25% penalty on the airfare cost - hopefully they would waive that if you are switching to premium air.

And herein lies the problem - NCL would be more than happy to work with you to arrange flights based on your wishes if you are willing to pay published prices. But for that, you go through their premium air service. BOGO is a completely different arrangement; you get what they give you.

Most likely because cancel for any reason insurance doesn't usually cover someone who buys insurance after they've found out that they can't make the trip for some reason.

I set up an incognito booking for each of my cruises then bookmark it - takes seconds to check prices and without the annoying follow-up emails.

I requested a price adjustment on an upcoming cruise, just for kicks, as I had heard that BOGO air might not always be a deal breaker. I wasn't expecting anything (and I was correct!) but thought the information provided might be of interest. I found the 75 day comment interesting, as I thought the airfare promo closed at day 110, so YMMV - and the terms can change at any time. Please remember, the air promotion is CLOSED @ 75 days prior to the cruise. Your request was submitted 47 days prior to the cruise. Per terms and conditions: The voyage fare for all guests on the reservation will be used to determine the total value of the price drop, if applicable. Reservations with NCL AIR will be compared to air pricing on day of the price drop request (if available). If not available Air pricing will be compared with non promotional rate at time of booking. Reservations, where the promotions differ from what was originally booked to what is available at the time of price drop, are not eligible for consideration. Your air priced higher without the promotion.

There's been a rumor for at least a year now that Galapagos is in their sights. 2025 was mentioned as a target date but no clue as to which ship or time of year.

You are correct, although cost savings also depends on the destination. The Quebec/Montreal situation is a known issue, regardless of your home airport - it's spelled out in the T&Cs for the BOGO promo. In fact, I just got a letter from NCL advising that my upcoming trip (ending in QC) might involve leaving from Montreal. And that is exactly why I chose a trip that ended in QC, didn't want to have to deal with getting to QC from Montreal at the start. I fly from a small regional airport in Oregon and BOGO is usually equal or better except if my destination is also in the west. But I know I won't be getting a non-stop flight either! On the plus side, I do seem to get better overseas flights because I use up 1 or 2 legs just getting to a hub!

If you request a deviation they normally remove the transfer (and cost) from your reservation. So make sure that the transfer is still on your reservation if you are planning to use it. I've lost track of the amount of time it's taken me to convince the NCL folks to put transfers back on because I often will stay near the airport and go back the morning of my cruise. Heathrow has a couple of hotels within one of the satellite terminals, so super easy to take the airport shuttle. But probably not a good choice if you want to explore London.

You are correct - I should have included in my comment. Final payment means just that. As to last minute, sure it's possible to find bargains. Also possible to find the cruise you wanted is sold out or the price has increased or that buying airfare at the last minute negates any savings. So a lot depends on whether or not you have a specific cruise in mind or are just looking for a cheap cruise to anywhere.