Logbog

Good question. We don't ususally get insurance, but my gut is uneasy about a transatlantic trip next spring - varying information, changes, extended day at hotel, etc. We learned today that because we did not book insurance 21 days after the original deposit, pre-existing conditions were not included. However, we talked to Travel Insured and American Express Insurance, and both clarified the pre-existing condition. If your medication or diagnosis changes 60days (90 days for AMEX) prior to 'purchasing the insurance policy', then pre-existing conditions would apply. for example, if blood pressure medication changes 45 days before you purchased the insurance, and you had a medical condition related to blood pressure (stroke), you would NOT be covered.

It's very confusing, so you need to shop around, and remember... if an insurance company can get out paying a claim, they will use their resources to do just that.

Good Luck, Logbog

We are cruising in 2017. Are you still required to get an ETA for Australia and New Zealand? thanks for any guidance.

The UPD packages should not be affected by this price increase. We took our cruise the week after they are in place - this is how we found out about the changes.

This was our 4th NCL cruise in under 2 years, but believe the experience and value of our dollar has declined. This specialty restaurant pricing change was a total surprise. We were online about our cruise booking every week for months and more frequently as we got close to Jan 17. We waited to board booked 2 specialty restaurants at the reservation desk - LaCucina and Cagney's - the flat fee was $25 and $40/pp in October. When we were seated at La Cucina and given the menus, our jaws dropped. Every item has prices. The waiter and head waiter said that NCL Headquarters switched a couple of restaurants to 'ala carte pricing'. When? A week ago. We never got a notice about it, saw it posted online, got a message on our resevation, and the Reservation agent never mentioned it when we reserved. We asked that agent who really couldn't be bothered (not typical staff reaction)... "We had nothing to do with the ala carte pricing. It came down from NCL Headquarters and is in ALL the specialty restaurants and started after Jan 10." Our La Cucina dinner was double what we expected when it was a flat fee. We cancelled our Cagney's reservation. Can't understand why NCL would not let their passengers know before embarkation, online, or when we made the reservations onboard. At least notify your Latitudes Members.... remember us? What does it take to send an email... a Head's Up to our loyal customers? This change along with the gratuity increase last summer, poor service in Sheehan's and a $7.95 room service fee just left a bad taste in our mouth. So disappointed in NCL. I posted my disappointment on their FBook page - not one response. NCL has put profits over customers more and more in just the past year. Pity, but this may be the end of our NCL patronage.

We are on the Star this week and got a surprise in La Cuchina last night - the menu was all ala carte - prices for every item on the menu - no more flat fee for specialty restaurants.

While we understand NCL's insatiable appetite for profits, ours was diminishe with this surprise. When we questioned it, we were told it came down from headquarters either one or two weeks ago (depending on who you asked) and applied to all or just some of the specialty restaurants. (All are ala carte now)

REally left a bad taste in our mouth - literally and figuratively. Coupled with the $7.95 room service fees, and really poor service in Sheehans, the casino, waiting lines for dinner everywhere, and growing disappointment particularly that they didn't notify customers in advance - at least TELL YOUR LATITUDES MEMBERS IN ADVANCE. REMEMBER US. YOUR MOST LOYAL CUSTOMERS?

That was the last straw...or bale of hay. we asked to reduce the daily service fees and guess what, NCL headquarters changed that policy too. You must complete a new form and email it to NCL requesting a refund, but not before they have charged you the full service fee and you have to wait 2+ weeks to get your credit card refund. WOW.

We've been NCL patrons for over 15 years, but we finally have to say ADIOS to NCL and it's ongoing quest for profits over and above customer service. So disappointed in you NCL.

We are on the Star this week and got a surprise in La Cuchina last night - the menu was all ala carte - prices for every item on the menu - no more flat fee for specialty restaurants.

While we understand NCL's insatiable appetite for profits, ours was diminishe with this surprise. When we questioned it, we were told it came down from headquarters either one or two weeks ago (depending on who you asked) and applied to all or just some of the specialty restaurants. (All are ala carte now)

REally left a bad taste in our mouth - literally and figuratively. Coupled with the $7.95 room service fees, and really poor service in Sheehans, the casino, waiting lines for dinner everywhere, and growing disappointment particularly that they didn't notify customers in advance - at least TELL YOUR LATITUDES MEMBERS IN ADVANCE. REMEMBER US. YOUR MOST LOYAL CUSTOMERS?

That was the last straw...or bale of hay. we asked to reduce the daily service fees and guess what, NCL headquarters changed that policy too. You must complete a new form and email it to NCL requesting a refund, but not before they have charged you the full service fee and you have to wait 2+ weeks to get your credit card refund. WOW.

We've been NCL patrons for over 15 years, but we finally have to say ADIOS to NCL and it's ongoing quest for profits over and above customer service. So disappointed in you NCL.

Been on Silhouette and Equinox and Solstice - never disappointed. Looking forward to this one - 8 days at sea? Hope they are offering some seminars, courses, etc. ARe there any Cruise Critic get togethers planned? We are Paul & Lo, aka Logbog