newmexicoNita

13 hours ago, Sleep7 said:

Hi!

I think it depends upon what type of OBC it is.

If it's from your TA then I think you can use it in the casino.

If it's from Azamara then you can't.

 

Thanks that is what I thought as well and it is too bad. We will be on the same ship as the OP, same situation,nice OBC and on the Mass marketed lines you can use your non refundable credit in the casino. But, guess what? I bet we will find a way to use all the credit even if not in the casino. Between tours,  spa, shopping, specialty dining, the money will get used.  

20 hours ago, GA Dave said:

I am a big time Packer fan living in southern GA.  Our "local" teams are the Jaguars, Falcons AND Panthers, so I very rarely get the Packer games on my local CBS/FOX channels.  So, for the last six years I had the DirecTV NFL package.  This year I got rid of it because the price went over $450 for the season.  The NFL is pricing themselves out of business.

Holy Cow: we had it many years ago for a few years. Then it got to high plus we switched to Dish. Now back with Direct with free ticket just this year. It was a promo to get us back. You can bet, at the end of the season we will not have the ticket. We will survive even if we rarely get our favorite team. I know how hard not being able to watch sports on a cruise, but that seems to be the way it goes and most of us are not going to stop cruising for that reason The cruise lines know this. 

11 hours ago, hallux said:

Most of the restaurants seem to have gone to an a-la-carte pricing schedule so there would be no charge until they know what you're ordering.

we are seeing that here on land as well, especially upscale restaurants. 

On 11/3/2019 at 1:22 PM, NYFirstTimeCruiser said:

Just got off the Bliss from a 7 day Mexican Riviera.  As I was disembarking, I was thinking of how to describe NCL Bliss.

Tina Turner's some came to mind... Simply the best! Better than all the Rest!

 

I've been on Breakaway, Getaway, Escape and now the Bliss. The Bliss is the first redesigned ship and it seems like they were

listening to Cruise critic complaints.... too crowded and too smoky from smokers.

 

Crowding - got fixed by moving the restaurants on front and back of the ships. 
It didn't feel crowded at all.  I've even rode the elevators 3-4 times and I'm the only one.

Smoking - the dreaded smoke from the mid ship Casino solved. They simply

enclosed the smoking section. Great Idea!

It made a big difference in comfot

I hope they continue with the enclosed smoking area on the Leonardo ships.

 

The cons in MY opinion.....

the race track is nice but it took away precious space for sun worshippers.

It's  pushing people to pay for The Vibe.

 

Food Republic - they got rid of the Wasabi sushi bar and the noodle shop put it into

the Food Republic but triple the price.  Om the Wasabi bar, you can get a roll for $3.50

Rolls. At Food Republic, it's $12. Soups and noodles as well were outrageous pricing.

Food is good.  I would go here once and that's it. This is the nickel and dime restaurant

on Bliss. Other alacarte restaurants had decent pricing. Just as a sample,

Me and wifey shared a meal (soup, sushi and an appetizer) and it came out to more than

$50. 

 

Margaritaville - moved from ala carte to a fixed $18 pricing for appetizer, main course

and dessert. Priced right for $18 but too much food for 1 person.  They don't allow sharing

so you'll end up taking ot back to your room or stuff it all and have your gut deal with trying

to digest all that food.

 

Manhattan Room - this used to have a different menu than Taste or Savor but now all 3

comp dinings have same menu. Cost cutting at the bottom line. I didn't mind this at all.

It just takes away planning of eating at Taste then Manhattan on a different day just to

try a different menu. All the same now so we just went where it's less crowded.

 

They are now repositioning the ship to NYC.  I recommend CC'ers from the east coast

to try the Bliss. Simply the best.

 

Overall Bliss,  in my opinion, is the best out of all the Breakaway Class ships.

Encore will be the last one and they'll start making smaller ships after Encore.

 

I've read this before but it seems like it's true. The crowd from this cruise out

of LA is much nicer than NY crowd. I'm a native NYer and used to little outburts every

once in a while but non on this cruise.  All nice! Passengers smiling, saying good morning

to each other and saying sorry when you get bumped. Made for a more enjoyable cruise.

maybe that's the norm outside of NY. Just not used to it. Insert smiley face here.

 

Sidenote......

 

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your experience. I do have one comment: you mentioned the Manhattan Room having the same menu as Savor or Taste. I don't know where I have been for so many years, but I have always thought the menu was exactly and you say it didn't used to be the same.

On 11/2/2019 at 4:46 AM, Sea Legs said:

Would you say the temperature is cool in the dining rooms, casino and theater?  Thinking about throwing a few long sleeved shirts in the suitcase instead of a sweater.  We will be on the Breakaway a week from this Sunday.

For us, a few weeks ago it was fine. We did slip on a light cover up one evening but didn't really need it. 

18 hours ago, dwing18 said:

I just got off the Breakaway.  I was disappointed in the lack of sports coverage available on the ship. 

We we not able to watch the world series or even get score updates.

They showed 1 NFL game and no scrolling updates were available.

I was with some Houston Astros fans who were very upset

Apparently NCL has switched to a cheaper Cable supplier which does not include ESPN or the major networks.

Unless this gets changed I will cruise NCL in the future.

 

This is true, but it has been discussed here over and over. Just last month there was a long going thread of this. We were on the Breakaway about 3 weeks ago. We did get NFL on Sun, Mon and Thurs but no other sports and as you say, no updates. We are huge sports fans, but know what? We lived without sports for the week and never really suffered much. As for switching, NCL has never, to my knowledge covered sports much. On the Jewel when she made her first voyage from England to America: 10 days and no sports. We were lucky to have a great cruise director and assistant. They give us updates. But, in all fairness we had the identical experience on both Princess and HAL. 

On 11/3/2019 at 10:39 PM, Love my butler said:

To have a decent meal you are looking at about $80 per person including mandatory tips.  Ridiculous price for what you get.

Absolutely not true. That is way more than most would even think of paying. $50 or $60 is realistic. 

On 11/3/2019 at 6:25 PM, judydoc said:

Going Epic in a couple weeks and are thinking of going to the Steak House one night.  We don't want a package deal.  What would it cost for one night per person??

I would figure close to $100 for two, maybe a little less. Of course a lot depends on how many courses you order and what price you choose. You can take a look at a menu when you get on the ship. Be sure to make reservations early as they do fill up pretty fast. 

1 minute ago, Bonnie1222 said:

Thank you. We like to eat late so I was thinking about choosing an 8:30 dining time since we have the option to make the reservation.

That late you will be fine.

I doubt anyone knows for certain. Even if it is sourced from America it still could be, originally from Asia, Mexico, or who knows where. I really have never given it a thought and I doubt many have. I do pay attention as to where the food I buy at home comes from 

21 hours ago, timf2001 said:

 

The free airfare promo started about this time last year.  As with any promo that gets continuously extended, eventually they do end and you never know for sure when that will be.  Hopefully a new promo starts soon to take its place, as there hasn't been any reduction in prices, just an elimination of benefits.

You are about right, but I am not sure it was even that long ago. Anyway, like perks or promos everywhere, they do not last forever. AS for no new promos or reductions in price, like any company promos are the same as sales and one won't be going on forever. WE have all been sailing for a long time and didn't base our choice of lines on free or reduced air I don't think. At least we never have. 

10 hours ago, Bonnie1222 said:

@newmexicoNita

 

Do you have a recommendation for newbie on which MDR to try on the first night?  I recall you recommending lunch on embarkation day you like O'Sheehan's.

Savory Taste is what we like. this is on the Breakaway. The menus are identical in both MDRs so it probably doesn't make a lot of difference, but go early as the wait that first night can be very long if you decide to wain until about 6 or later. Other nights 6 or 6:30 is fine. Have a good cruise. 

We are sailing Azamara in Dec and will be stopping at St Barts.

On 10/27/2019 at 6:45 AM, excitedofharpenden said:

Just to say, you were going to upgrade to the Ultimate Beverage Package?  I'm not sure if you have the standard package included in your perks?  If you have then unlike Celebrity you can't upgrade by paying the difference. You have to buy the whole thing at daily Ultimate rate. Stupid if you ask me. Wanted to mention in case you weren't aware. 

 

Phil 

Thanks Phil. That is one thing I was going to ask.  

20 hours ago, lisasay123 said:

Hello,

Do more times open up once on board? Currently our preferred time is not available; should I bother checking once there?
Thanks,

Lisa

of course you should. We have run into this many times. In fact a few weeks ago, we couldn't get reservations at Tappenyaki's even after we boarded. We took our chances, arrived shortly after they opened and were seated within about 1/2 hour. It was the most entertaining show I have ever seen at a Japanese steak house and one of the best meals we had on the ship 

On 10/27/2019 at 7:28 AM, Acruzaholic said:

Going on Breakaway Nov. 3, 2019-What has been recent experiences in obtaining the passes now that the price is so much higher and given this time of year-Are they currently obtained at Guest Services or at Headliners. Have they been selling out quickly, as before, given that the price has increased? Planning on getting to port early to be in Boarding Group 1. Have gotten vibe passes in the past. Really appreciate any New and current info. If we don't get passes-how crowded does area  outside Vibe get, especially on Sea Days-as this won't be an option anymore on other ships now that Vibe area has been expanded on the Getaway and  the New Encorce.

We were on the Breakaway a couple of weeks ago and daughter was allowed to buy all 4 passes at the same time. They simply asked her how many she needed? I am guessing they are not selling well. Anyway, to be very honest I think they are a total waste of money.. We hardly used it at all, it was not much different than just using the SpiceH2O and am thankful she paid for them, not us. 

Still looks pretty yucky, but much better than a month or so ago. Keep us posted Kim.  

On 10/26/2019 at 9:24 AM, beachloverandfoodie said:

Going on a 4 night cruise on Norwegian Sky over the 4th of July 2020!

1. Is there a formal night/captains dinner? Other theme nights? How will I know about these ahead of time?

2. We got unlimited drinks through a booking special-does anyone know it that includes Starbucks 

3. How do you "pay" for drinks? I think someone said you don't have to use your key card...how do they know its you? I've only been on carnival and you have to sign every receipt...ugh.

4. Are there straws? Paper straws? Do people typically bring their own? 

5. We booked with a flight special where flights are included....what is the earliest flight people have gotten back on departure day? I have to work the next day and would prefer getting in as early as possible....any luck with that? Can I request early departure? 

6. On Carnival you can bring on 1 bottle of wine/champagne per person...are you able to do that on NCL? 

7. Italian or Steakhouse better? 

 

Can you purchase bottled water for your cabin ahead of time? I'm sure i have a lot of other questions but that's all for now.

 

ok, some quick answers but most have probably already been answered: Yes you use your key card for drinks

I think the steak house is better than Italian

You can purchase water on board or prior to sailing

Starbucks not included unless they change before your sailing

can bring on as much wine as you like but you have to pay a $15 corkage fee whether you drink it on the balcony, in your cabin or at the table

No formal night period, especially on a short cruise. 

4 hours ago, SeaShark said:

Amazing. Thread after thread of people complaining that the free promos never end. Yet, as soon as one does end . . . 😲😨😢

 

 

I sometimes wonder if there is anything they can do (realistically*) that would make people happy.

 

 

 

* Such a shame that it is necessary to use that qualifier...

My thoughts exactly and how many griped about the scheduling for those with free or reduced air? I guess you can't win for losing!!!!

23 hours ago, SeaShark said:

In your defense, you said "Goodbye to NCL" in your post, not "Goodbye to Cruising" so technically...you're still good!

But if you read on I did say goodbye to cruising pretty much. Only time will tell I guess, but I am looking forward to this being my last cruise and to end it on an premium line. This isn't taking away from all the wonderful memories I will always have when I think NCL. It is just we never even thought upscale: oh sure we have cruised lines like Princess and HAL, but this is a few steps above them. 

1 hour ago, Liljo22 said:

To the OPs question,  yes the dining package is worth it.  If you are getting 5 specialty meals and only spending $31, its a no brainer.   Go to Cagney's one of the nights and you are already at the break even point.  

Plus go to Teppanaki's and enjoy a wonderful and fun dinner for 2, then book Le Bistro. You have some great meals for little money.

all I can say is: my TA always says, regardless what you use it for, use it up!!!! I do wonder if, like on some other lines you can use it in the small casino? We plan to use ours for 1 specialty dinner, and maybe shopping a little. Also wonder if you can use it to upgrade the liquor package? . 

Most promos come and go. I don't think the free or special airfare promo was available for very long so it makes sense they may have discontinued it, but it also sounds like they have added another special or promo. It was really good deal: I am so happy we were able to take advantage of it when we sailed last month 

4 hours ago, Longwood50 said:

I have a cruise on the NCL Jade which includes two Free at Sea offers.  I chose the drink package and am considering the specialty dining.  For those that have used the specialty dining, is it worth it?  Are the meals noticeably better than the formal dining room? 

 

With NCL "nothing" is truly Free at Sea.  You get hit with a gratuity on the "retail" value of the Perk which for my drink package was $336.00 per person.  The Specialty Dining will be about $75.00 per person. NCL valuing their drink package at $99.00 per person is ridiculous.  You are limited to drinks of $15.00 or less which means you would have to drink 7 drinks of $15.00 per day to break even.  It is so cheap it doesn't even included bottled water.  

First of all" for most it is worth it, but we are satisfied with the MDR as well. As for nothing truly free: guess what? nothing in life is truly free. If you go to a bar and they have a special on drinks for just one hour, do you not tip regardless of whether the drink is free or not? I certainly hope you do tip. And do you think when your favorite bar runs another special you can order any drink you want regardless of the cost of the booze for say $5. We go once a week with friends to our nearest bar for a couple of drinks. they are on special, $2 for drink, $3 for wine, but the quality of both are not what we would normally drink. I do agree the bottled water should be included.

We are about to take cruise on an upscale line where liquor is included: our choices? one type of red wine; one type of white. My hubby who is a scotch drinker will need to purchase an upgraded liquor in order to get a decent scotch. He can't just pay the difference like you can with NCL. 

I have to wonder, why do people continue cruising a line if they think they are getting ripped off? There are lots of other choices. 

5 minutes ago, Henk123 said:

What is also nice on Azamara: You can do the upgrade per person. You don't have to buy it both. My wifi is not a wine drinker and the included drinks are oke for her. I like the better wine and a something nice with the coffee after dinner. So I buy only for me the upgrade.

wonder if you can use your OBC to upgrade? Hubby is the scotch drinker, I usually only drink red wine and martinis and I am not a judge of good reds, as long as one is dry I am pretty happy. We do have a nice OBC and am not sure how we would spend it.