laudergayle

Aaah. Yes, understandable. Thanks. I have typically said “she” but never knew why…just instinct.

He would have a spreadsheet. Pets. Y/N Dogs. Y/N Rescue. Y/N Carry On. Y/N Other Luggage. Y/N last question…open for interpretation.

Just curious…I’ve referenced ships before as he/she. Is there something we should know about a ships gender preference…or is this we, as cruisers, self assign. Serious question…honestly.

Maybe he should take upgrade bids..lol. Maybe reduce his overall cost to “priceless”.

If you get a mysterious knock on your cabin door ( knock, knocka, knock, knock) don’t assume it’s your Butler or Steward. Oh…maybe just a stowaway who needs a place to crash. This could get interesting 🤔.

Really…I didn’t realize that. We had a balcony then upgraded to FWD Club Balcony on Prima. I really liked being FWD on Prima. It was much less congested. FWD had two elevator banks…one port and one SB, with three lifts each. The AFT elevators are all together and only 4 total. And being forward you don’t have to walk through the buffet to get to the pool.

Ahh…the “asking fir a friend “ approach 🤣

What’s the price difference? While we have sailed a couple Balcony and several Club Balcony, if the bathroom space isn’t a biggie, go for the balcony. If you like the Prosecco in room, look at the “gifts” you can send to your room. Sometimes less than booking a Club Balcony. I am not opposed to sending myself treats throughout the cruise😌

Oh yeah..the laundry benefit was awesome. You never know when you may need mid-cruise, unexpected laundry needs. The early dining reservations haven’t worked for us…but that could have been me and the app.

How fun!! I like game shows,,regardless of whether you’re a contestant or an audience member. I like them much more when you don’t have to pay to be a potential winner, like Deal or Bingo.

Mid ship location, larger bathroom (shower area, sometimes nicer shower head ), Prosecco in the cabin and chocolate covered strawberries, along with 4) cookies later in the week. they say nicer bedding but I can’t verify. Depending on the price difference…you’ll need to determine value.

We have also used NCL transfer to SeaTac. It was seamless. Walked off ship, onto bus and off to the airport. Security line at SeaTac wasn’t quick the say we were there. Cost us $27 pp, but that was last year. I recommend using Port Valet. It’s free. You can sign up onboard. This service takes your luggage from the ship to the airport where it is automatically routed to your destination airport. You pick it up at baggage claim when you get home.

Following

We did a 4-night on Seaside a few weeks ago…to kick the tires. We loved the cheesy entertainment in the main theater. It was just as entertaining as what we’ve seen on NCL.

I think @BirdTravels stated it quite accurately. There is “customer service “ which in large organizations is a call center, often offshore, that can do the routine transactional requests…book, cancel, take payment info, read boilerplate information. Then, there is “customer relations” Here is where one should get the personalized help, like how do I get credit for a price drop, I left my jewelry in the safe, I have special needs, etc. I believe for superior service, a call center should have seamless transition from the frontline transactional calls to more experienced agents when personalized service is needed. (Please stay on the line with me while I connect you to a specialist). I haven’t made too many NCL calls, but the one time I needed a price drop credit I was left wondering whether my communication with the call center rep was actually going to get me the credit, and what that credit might be and when I would see it. In the end, it did mysteriously show up in my account several weeks after our cruise. It was here on Cruise Critic that gave me the intel on what and when I could expect that credit. hope this helps your research.

Nor should it be. We all want every cruise line and the economy in general to improve.

Love your Coca Cola anecdote. Coca Cola did a product alteration, which in consumer package goods is risky. It would be like Mickey D’s taking the secret sauce off the Big Mac. Brand positioning is something that shifts with consumer behavior, and something that gives you a competitive advantage. Freestyle has been a very successful position for NCL. However if it costs more to deliver than the benefit it delivers…or the consumer behavior has changed, then it’s time to rethink. The postings on this thread suggest that NCL competitors are doing a hybrid of Freestyle. If doing hybrid…why not all in. It’s either cost or consumer behavior. And, if you think about it…things aren’t really “Freestyle”… you are encouraged to make reservations for dining, especially Specialty (which isn’t free), entertainment, racetrack (not free), Vibe (not free), darts, pool, bowling, games (not free). So, exactly does “freestyle” mean. Again, no crystal ball here…but as a retired brand marketing executive…(slow wave of two hands over an orb)…I believe there will (or should) be changes. We will see. In 120 days y’all can come back here and reposition me 😂

The lamb chops at Moderno is now Lamb Sirloin.

Oh like the elementary cafeteria when I was a kid. But for a nickel you could buy a cookie, 2 nickels got you ice cream. And if you were annoying, you got a private table.

I don’t think they would go that far…I think it could just be fixed times. Where there will still be two tops, 4-tops, etc. Maybe tables closer together…kind of like Hudson’s on Prima (I thought they were close). And, I also think they would have an anytime MDR…it just might cost to choose that option.

You must have seen I am from Atlanta. Ahhh, yes, “new” Coke circa 1985. RIP 1985 1/2.

I think that would be a safer choice if your wife really wants a break from kids. While the cruise may have some kids/teens, the ship doesn’t have all the amenities that attract families. Either way you go…it’s still a cruise!! Enjoy.

I believe you probably need to start building your endurance. Cheers🍻

Was your cruise last year with MSC a 3-4 or 7-night cruise?

I believe they learned a lot from the failed Prima fixed menus. The first fixed menu was too expensive and too complicated. Their scaled down version was boring and limited. Certainly they have enough intel from the rotating menus to know what the top choices are and associated costs. and yes, I agree there is a whole new crop of cruisers who know no difference.