Chuck2810

On Board...

No one cares who sleeps where...

My wife says you are wrong...:)

Hotel Industry has always done this. The Rack Rate at the Mirage for a regular room is over $1100 a night. But most have never paid more than the advertised rate of like $250. What's customary I don't consider a rip-off, but deception is part of the industry. Who has bought a car recently?

Hi,

 

My DH is a Big fan of beer with clamato, as well as Bloody Caesars. I'm assuming that clamato juice is likely not readily available on a Mediterranean cruise, but thought I would check for those that have previously been on one.

Thanks!!

I don't think Clamato juice is readily available outside of Connecticut...;)

a vote for the Florida/Caribbean fare - not tasteless grub but the super spicy kind of jerk and So Fla fare you get around Palm Beach and Miami. Also don't leave out the Cubans! Also a vote for GOOD Thia. Mexican - redundant since most of my cruses take us there.

Thanks - great sounding cruise on one of my favorite ships

:) Dawn stated that as far as she knows the RSC is a 2 week trial on 2 of their ships and is only for the full entrees (hot meals). The Continental breakfast will continue to be served at NO additional charge in the mornings. This confirms what another CC poster listed with photo's of the full menu and the door card for the Continental breakfast. She did not know if this was going to go Fleet wide as this information has not been communicated to them as of yet. Remember she is the messenger, not the CEO, we don't shoot the messenger here.....Don't shoot me either.

Too many now automatically shoot the messenger - much less one offering their opinion...:rolleyes:

Thanks for the factual update!

It will appear on a separate confirmation - call Amenities Confirmation. Might have to ask it to be re-sent. You might have thought you got a duplicate email. Every time a price drops, or you change anything, you get a new confirmation and separate amenities confirmation via email.

CD's are not in place to be your best friend - but to seem like they are cruising with you. NCL has had a ton of good ones - their job is to raise the common folk into getting up and doing something. If they annoy - then they have failed. I have enjoyed them all and judge successful as how many times I meet them in the week, in person. (assuming I get a greeting each time). NCL gets a :D

Don't fall into the trap that you NEED to only use distilled water. Yes if you feed your humidifier a steady diet of hard water you will after a few weeks (Months??) get some build-up in the tank - but your insurance likely buys you a new one every 6 months anyway... 7 days is not going to make a difference. That said, as the above poster said, the water on ships is nearly the same 'emptiness' as distilled water . In fact I use RO water myself and save a fortune - (I am going two years on one tank - and selling the balance on eBay) (I'm a cheapskate I know):D

For the past six years I've enjoyed one of the liveliest, upbeat groups. NCL won us over and most of the folks on here. Yes, there were always the nickel and dime crew, the tip bunch, the worst-time-in-my-life hyperbole crew:rolleyes:, and such. But you could count on the NCL cheer-leading team to always bring the conversation back to what a great line it is overall and the positives far outweigh the isolated negatives.

It seems that changed recently. The majority of posts are angry, or apprehensive, or shocked at the changes in fees, services, just the 'dumbing down' of NCL.

I hope the NCL leadership team recognizes the power and voice that CC has been, and sees what a loss it would be to their business model if they shut the door on us. The economy continues its slide into malaise, driven by very poor governments and weak, ineffective leaders. And business is sure to also suffer as well, but losing your core base, can be irreparable. Now is not the time for contraction - it is the time to pull from the reserves and maintain the core. Hear me NCL?

On the bright side -- Pizza has effectively gone down $0.05!!!!

We found out what the next promotion is!!!!:D

Nickel-Back Pizza!!!

I am the opposite of the above poster. I try to maximize my action so I don't spend too long in the casino - keep my mind sharp and focused. Maybe a couple of hours and sometimes an hour is it. Last time on the Jewel came out ahead - better than behind, but it was all going to stay on the ship one way or the other.... I think my initial bankroll was $1000 and I played two times, for an hour to an hour and a half and came close to doubling it. All at the $25 BJ table.

Wow, so the tips pay for the workers benefits and parties? So in essence, they pay for their own benefits and parties.....That sucks...

Well, I have been paying for my own benefits for the past 15+ years. The days of your company footing the entire benefits bill has gone the way of company cars and expense accounts...

Also consider that the access to the particular suite depends on what doors are open. They close the stateroom halls and keep everyone out until the entire section is done - if the suite in that hall you are SOL. Some of the OS and such have unique access points and might get recognized to go in early. The butler who escorts you will know if that is the case.

It is included for suites, but it is also extended to all VIP's. E.G. Platinum Latitudes status, celebs, but also select passengers, like Cruise Critic meet and greet organizers! Not all are selected, it is certainly not guaranteed, but it happens sometimes - keep it in mind.

Just for grins - this is what I brought last year to the Western Carib trip. Not the best answer, but I thought it out. Note we had a high-end suite and did not expect to spend a lot on shore. But I did plan for breakfast and lunch tips at Cagneys.

tips plan 'A'

concierge $100

steward $50

butler 100-150 $10 per day per person = $300

kids club 20-50 $50

casino $500

Dining Tips $245 cash $15 for dinner, $10 for brk, lunch

Bar Tips $35 cash $5 for a glass

Excursion Cash total $610

Cozumel tips, cab, entry, shop, meals $200 have $90 in pesos

Belize Zoo, gas, meal $200 rental $100

Roatan ?? Shop $100

Costa Maya tips, massage, shop $200

cash

pack of 100 $1's $100

Pack of 40 $5's $200

Pack of 40 $10's $400

Pack of 5 $20's $100

pack of 10 $50's $500

pack of 16 $100's $1,600

$2,900

This was the plan. I think i went a little bigger in the casino, and we did not use the kids club. I estimated big and was pretty close. We are a family of four.

I just realized we left the bed made up - a year ago.....:(

Congrats! and enjoy...:cool:

It will be one day before I cancel my next trip....:mad:

People will vote with their wallets. If this lasts, many - including me - will consider another line.

Well, lots of talk but too early for information. I would be quite unhappy to know I have to pay $8 extra to have my morning juice. The butler probably comes by 3x a day that I know of, once for my pre-breakfast (Juice and maybe a pastry or a bloodymary, etc.) and then for the complementary stuff (can you call it complementary if it's $8?) This is going over like the proverbial lead balloon. I'll drop $150-$250 in tips for the butler and that is MY service charge, NCL.

Too late.

No you can pay anytime before you board. I paid mine this week, just so I don't forget....

The email you received should have made it clear. If you pay onboard, you pay the new rate.

I would say yes. A balcony is so much fun. As for upsells, we've gone on three and took it the first time (to a suite) And were cursed to only book suites thereon out. Second - offered the Haven GV, passed (Thank God). Last cruise we had the best suite for a family. You will not regret going to a balcony - especially on a special birthday. Make it a surprise.

Haven is great, but from what I understand the mega-ships (Breakaway, etc) have included more suites as part of Haven that are less super than the Haven on the Jewel class. Any way, I would look at specific rooms on the itineraries you want. A suite is great, Haven or not. We had the two BR on the Jewel last year (The Sapphire Penthouse) and the views were spectacular (Bath tub all glass, shower also a glass wall) It's pretty nice to pull into port and be able to see it while your in the shower - others may disagree. :eek: In any event if you are VIP you will get an invite to the Haven for one evening with the officers, so enjoy! Congratulations!