BendORcruiser

So when is the WORST time to arrive. We just want the window that will have the shortest wait/processing time.

When I first started cruising with NCL, there was still a midnight buffet with the chocolate extravaganza, lobster night, two waiters per table, a help yourself popcorn and bavarian pretzel station in the pub, FOUR course dinner in the MDR, a much bigger room service menu and two room stewards per room (well, not per room, but a steward and assistant and one always seemed to be around and eager to help.) And often 4 or 5 ports of call on a 7 day cruise instead of 3.

And I used to be a big NCL cheerleader. If someone I spoke to had never cruised and I got ahold of them, I sang the praises of NCL cruising. I bled NCL colors.

But those things have gradually gone away.

And I just don't cheer for NCL anymore. They are a floating hotel. Meh. And that's kind of sad to lose yet another brand that I used to feel strongly about.

We are a family of 4: husband 40 me 38 2 daughters 8 and 5. We cruise for the ship not really the locations. we started cursing on our honeymoon and have not stopped since![/Quote]

 

Thanks for the (unintentional) laugh! I can understand. I've been married 34 years and it can feel like that sometimes! (I think you missed an "i")

 

Heavens, the State Department would issue warning for 2/3 of the cities in the lower 48 if they could.

Good to hear Alaska and Hawaii are still safe! ;)

What is the consensus, are you more likely to get a call from the UF offering a Haven Suite if you've already booked a "higher" level mini-suite or balcony? How about Lattitudes level?

It is completely normal that if you upgrade, you will get the appropriate promotions active on your original booking date. Also as others have said, this is even more reduced fare as it is an offer from the upgrade fairy instead of a regular drop in list price, so normal procedures wouldn't apply anyway.

 

You get current promotions usually only if you cancel and rebook, and since you are within non-free cancellation period, that is probably not an option for you.

I just want to confirm (should I be lucky enough to hear from the UF) that I can KEEP any promotions that applied at the time of my original booking (in my case, I am booked in an MB room with $50 OBC and the UBP.)

Also, does the UF only contact people who booked directly with NCL? Or might I hear from my TA with an offer?

I have friends on the Epic right now who were told at guest services it no longer exists. What happened?

It's spring break. It is possible they did not sell the "additional" Posh passes if the Haven was at capacity.

You should probably read the threads regarding the changes at NCL before jumping into another NCL cruise booking ;)

I recognize the sarcasm (notice your winky eye.) Unfortunately, it gets lost on some people.

There are always "chicken littles" on the CC boards and the current changes at NCL have many people upset. I can understand that. And it is their prerogative to take their business elsewhere. But unfortunately, there are first time NCL cruisers who have already booked their vacation and come to these boards to get info and get excited about their trip. I'm not saying you shouldn't air your grievances here, I just saying you should take those grievances with a grain of salt. Don't let ANYONE ruin your vacation for you. That is what your family is for.

I am sailing on the Epic in three weeks. It looks like there are still a lot of 2 bedroom suites in the Haven available. I called NCL last week about something else, and asked about an upgrade as long as I had her on the line and she said I would need to contact my TA. Has anyone gotten an UF call when booked through a TA, or only when the initial booking was through NCL directly?

Just off the Dawn and found no need for an egg crate, the beds were all pillow top mattresses, and very comfortable.

Were you in a suite? I know they have better mattresses.

It's funny. If you follow the NCL threads, half of the people say they had super comfortable pillow top mattresses and the other half insist the mattress was rock hard. We have never had anything even close to being described as a pillow top (always a standard balcony or mini-suite.)

We have always found the room steward as soon as possible and asked for an egg crate (the NCL beds always kill me.) They have always acted like they don't know what we are talking about, but when pressed, say they will check with their supervisor. I then give them $20 and encourage them to REALLY try. We got one every time except last year on the Breakaway, and even then he put an extra down comforter under the bottom sheet, which only helped slightly but was something.

Found this in NCL's guest Conduct Policy.

 

DISCOURTEOUS OR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Pool, deck and theater chairs may not be reserved. Topless sunbathing is not permitted except in the designated areas. (Contact Guest Services for more information.) Boom boxes or loud radios are not permitted. Roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, scooters, surfboards, bicycles, and similar items may not be utilized on-board; except for mobility aids related to special needs, as approved by the ship’s management.

Not that NCL staff EVER enforce the rules for ANYTHING. We are beginning to feel like "Freestyle" actually means "Free for All." I get that they don't want big confrontations, but come on. I'm all for topless sunbathing, just against chair hogs.

The balconies on the EPIC are all deeper than the Breakaway and Getaway (except for their aft facing balconies). Meaning you can have a lounger on the balcony on the Epic - no matter which cabin you are in.

Also, is there room for TWO loungers on most Epic balconies, or just one?

The balconies on the EPIC are all deeper than the Breakaway and Getaway (except for their aft facing balconies). Meaning you can have a lounger on the balcony on the Epic - no matter which cabin you are in.

Really?!? Awesome! I've seen people mentioning asking the room steward for loungers, but I just assumed it was for "large" or aft facing balconies.

OK. I kind of got flamed on another thread for "pre-tipping" the room steward. But if I ask him a special request, what are the thoughts on including a twenty at the time of the request? I understand he may not be able to fulfill the request, and don't expect the tip back if not. I just think it encourages "extra" effort. But is it rude?

 

Does anyone know if the Epic standard balconies are just as small? Are mini-suite balconies even slightly bigger?

Actually, in looking at NCL's site, there is no "standard" balcony size. It can vary from 37-100sqft. It does look like the minimum mini-suite balcony is 57sqft. So my legs may actually fit!

Just that you know, the balconies on Breakaway there isn't going to be too much enjoyable sitting at your own balcony - most people can't sit facing the sea because the standard balcony is so narrow in depth

Absolutely agree. I am 5'4" and could not sit in the upright chair provided without my knees hitting the glass. I had to sit at an angle in order to fit. (On the Breakaway)

Does anyone know if the Epic standard balconies are just as small? Are mini-suite balconies even slightly bigger?

As said few times before, the perk for Haven guests is only on Epic - not on any other ship. :)

I guess I just assumed that (for the price paid) Haven guests could go into the Vibe, too.

I guess my next question is...do I NEED a Posh pass? It sounds like from NCL's website that any adult can use the Vibe Beach Club so I'm guessing the Posh pass is just an extra perk? Or is The Vibe Beach Club reserved for Haven guests? (and Posh pass holders.....) And what does 'OCD' mean?

You cannot enter either Posh or Vibe without a pass (unless you are a Haven guest.)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (it means I obsess over details. For me, it means I plan and double check EVERY detail of a trip over and over again until I go. I also check Cruise Critic boards every couple of minutes ALL DAY LONG! I can't stop.)

Really? Gosh, I was on the Epic in 2013 and I've never heard of a posh pass.

Good thing I read Cruise Critic! How much are the posh passes? Just curious.

I THINK Posh is $59pp for the week and Vibe is $99. I got Vibe passes on the Breakaway last year, but I reallly can't remember for sure. Plus, it might have changed.

Okay, I'm the dummy here. I've been on 6 NCL cruises and just booked for the Escape in December. What's a Posh pass?

Posh is specific to the Epic. On the Escape, it is going to be similar to the (even better) Vibe Beach Club. Limited number of weekly passes sold to an adults only exclusive area with padded lounge chairs, showers, hot tubs, gracious waiters who bring you fruit skewers and "spritz" you with water. All absolutely worth the money (ask around for current pricing.)

Unfortunately It's is quite important to dozens of others to for the Posh passes. Just go with the flow.

I agree. But the passes definitely won't go to those who are unaware or unprepared. :cool:

It depends on the direction the ship is facing. If she faces toward the sea (this happens most of the time), then you'll enter forward - the Theatre - just go down the stairs as you enter to deck 5.

 

If the ship faces toward Miami (the turnaround basin) you'll enter via casino - go left to the escalators to deck 5.

 

Reason for 2 terminals is the volume of pax. Alternate decks use Terminal B and others use Terminal C.

Thank you so much!

Yes, there can be two groups entering the ship through two different doors (one in casino, another one close to Epic Theatre).

I'm in Terminal B. Does anyone know if that is the casino entrance or or the Theater entrance?

This is exactly what has happened' date=' I found an old set of edocs and only DH's latitudes number is correct, the rest of us were issued new numbers.

I'm not very hopeful that this will be resolved before we cruise next week, since the auto reply said it can take 6 weeks for them to get to the email :(. I just want the gold perks!

Does anyone know if I bring our original latitudes numbers with me to the port, can they enter them into the system and print the correct key cards?

 

 

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As long as one in your stateroom shows as gold, you should still get all of the perks.

I usually do a buck a bag.