bobstheboy

Salve - Many thanks. Do I get a discount on the AI package because I am a Coral member of the Costa Club ?

I have been told that if I book the All Inclusive package onboard (going on Fortuna next month) I will get points on my Costa Club account, but if I purchase pre cruise I will not. Anyone know for sure ? Is it the same price either way ?

1. not a big beach fan

2. can never get too much of Rome

3. why would you want to eat onboard ship rather than sample delicious Italian food?

 

:D

1. I am.

2. I can.

3. Sometimes I'll eat ashore, sometimes back onboard - each to there own.

Santa Marinella is a nice town, just 6-7 minutes on the train from Civitavecchia. Nice beach and cafes. Having done Rome to death, it is a pleasant break and can be back onboard for lunch.

Thank you. I wasn't sure if the situation was the same as last May when we were taken from the ship into town and had a long walk back. At least now if they drop off within the port it is a bit closer, albeit, still not by the old fort, near the sea front as it used to be.

Is the port bus drop off still in the town or by the new entrance?

Rum runners are a good way of carrying spirits if traveling by plane.

Just Google it for info.

You know folks, this just doesn't pass the sniff test. No one is arguing the crew should not be paid or tipped. But how all of a sudden is a group of waitors (in the specialties) no longer in the regular DSC pool? Those restaurents are open 4 hours or so and I see the same waitors in the buffet and on deck doing things employees in the DSC pool are doing when not in the specialties.

 

This added 18% is a joke, its a corporate money grab and just because they say it goes to the crew has as much credibility as them saying these employees are in this pool but these are not. Its arbitray at best and they are playing on our conscience hoping we will ignore it.

You make a very good point, one I hadn't thought of. The specialist restaurant staff are part time in there and have other duties, so must be in the DSC, unless their share is reduced and they get a share from both pots.

I'm going to be on vacation in April and I'm not interested in battling the new NCL's corporate ham handedness. So I will not adjust my services charges or tips and I will enjoy myself.

 

But I'm also a savvy consumer and NCL will not be seeing me in the future. I'm not brand loyal to anyone, especially if you think I'm stupid, which NCL evidently does. I have a long history with NCL and they have provided me and my family with some great vacations, but lots of companies will do that. I vote with my wallet.

Exactly my thoughts. I have two cruises to look forward to on NCL and have already prepaid DSC. I am looking forward to my holiday and will have a great time.

However, as always I shop around for the best deal and it might not be NCL.

It's not really worth a second thought. However, Bob...if it bothers you you can click on the OP's post and hit the red triangle on the upper right hand corner and ask the mods to remove it.

It doesn't bother me, I just believe it is inappropriate for this site.

I come on here to read about cruises and cruise related topics, that's all, but if it is going to be a social comment site sobeit.

It may be a bit Pollyanna-ish but it's a welcome, yet short, reprieve from the serial OCD whiners.

I repeat, it's a cruise forum.

Look folks, we may not like or agree with the recent changes to new or increased fees.

 

I don't want to spend any more money than I have to. I have alternatives, but in the bigger picture you have to take a step back and say"THESE ARE GOOD PROBLEMS TO HAVE".

 

I only hope for all of us, this is the biggest problem we face in our lives. How fortunate we are to have this be our issue. We are all lucky in that respect.

 

It's petty, but funny when you think about it.

And I'm just as guilty as the rest of us.

 

Regards,

This thread needs pulling. It is a cruise forum, not a "do gooders" site.

I have found a good price for the Spirit, balcony cabin on a guarantee BD grade. I am concerned as to whether any of these cabins will be metal fronted or have an obstructed view. It would spoil our cruise if we didn't have a glass fronted balcony, with a clear view. Any help would be appreciated.

Yes we can certainly do that but I can honestly say also, I can count on one hand the amount of times people have asked me that around the pool and like I said I don't pay one bit attention to anything that's going on other than my own company. So even if I was being asked, I probably wouldn't particularly notice why I was being asked.

What a strange answer, someone asks you if a particular sunbed is being used and you take no notice as to why you are asked ? Obviously too wrapt up in yourself to worry about others.

Having done many cruises I can honestly say that on every cruise I have taken

there has been a sunbed issue and usually heated arguments. On one a few years ago I asked a couple to keep an eye on our belongings whilst we had lunch in the buffet and said we would be 30 minutes at the most. They happily agreed to do so, when another man said " If you leave those beds, I'll remove your items for someone else to use the beds." I gave him a short sharp reply which I wont repeat here. I think 30 minutes absence is acceptable.

When did the 2 out of 3 promo run??

It ran in the UK until the end 2nd March.

The offer was so good when it was 2 out of 3 I booked the same itinerary twice !! The Epic in November balcony with UBP and UDP and March balcony UBP and $200 OBC - happy days !

Perhaps P&O ought to use some common sense and install sufficient tables for two.

Silly comment IMO. People are just plain selfish.

Hubby and I have always sat across from each other in the buffet, didn't realise this was a big no no after 10 cruises.:eek: I like to be facing him when we are talking.:)

My post stated that it was people sitting diagonally opposite making an obvious statement they were not prepared to share that I objected to.

Agree with comments re sunbeds but there is another selfish act which really annoys me and that is a couple sitting diagonally on a table for four in the buffet at lunch when space is at a premium. grrrrr !!!!!

Hi Backbunny. Just curious if you booked through NCL or a TA? It's outstanding that you got multiple packages. In my looking, short of booking a suite, I don't see a way to get the multiple packages.[/

 

The package where you could chose two out of three (UDP, UDP or $200 OCB) for outside or balcony finished on 2nd March. It's only one now.

Not everyone has the understanding of accounting and tax - especially in regards to an industry they know little about.

 

I too have wondered why it is not just included but tax reasons makes sense - however, if they are getting money into account for whatever reason it should be going through the accounting system somehow.

 

(FWIW Gratuities are included and not expected on UK based cruise ships like P&O and Thomson)

 

Aren't NCL registered in the Bahamas? There are no taxes payable there.... I have to go and think about this as you should be taxed at source and, as far as I know, I am paying a UK company for my cruise, hence paying in GBP. This is why the shops in the ports are not open and no doubt your card is charged before arrival back into the jurisdiction of the USA.

They are included on Thomson but not PandO, although they are a lot cheaper than most at £4 a day pp ($6).

It isn't a tip and it isn't a discretionary service and you well know it.

That you constantly try to infect people with this nonsense is truly disturbing.

Please, go back to your bridge.

Well across this side of the pond it is a tip, gratuity, call it what you like. The UK NCL web site clearly states that you can pre pay "gratuities"

If it isn't, then you are paying for the cruise, service by staff on the cruise and then be expected to tip - nonsense.

You can book it onboard.

 

Depending on how many in your party, it can be good value (especially for solos) or extraordinarily expensive for large families.

Thanks

Just about to come back and say I found the info on NCL site. You can book before you sail directly with NCL and have either one way or return, very useful.

Hi

I took this cruise in 2013 and took the Ncl transfer to airport

We got there at about 8:30 am

I am going again this year and booked a 10:50 am flight home

You will be there in plenty of time

Any other questions - just ask

Nice to know they do an airport transfer. Is it available for passengers who book flights themselves and if so do you book before you sail or on board ?

Thanks

There are plenty of threads for these arguments. The OPs question has been answered, and there is no need for the same arguments to be trotted out again.

Totally agree.