cruiser2015

Yes, yes I too am NOT sailing in the Haven. Way down below, close to the ship's engines. The hum and vibrations are so relaxing. I heard a rumor that if I help them shovel some coal for a couple of hours, that I'll get some free (at sea) cookies and fruit. Yum!

By George, Holmes! I think you've got it. Chef Moriarty dealing his deadly tricks once again...😲.

Perhaps you didn't notice, but the cold baked were accompanied by cold fries as well (no mention of soggy...ugh...soggy is even worse - makes them not worth the calories) 😝

I wonder if the OP did indeed make on the spot complaints in the restaurants. He certainly should have. I hope there isn't a line-wide cold potato crisis. 17 days to go before I open my investigation....

There have been m any positive posts about the Sky on these threads. I sailed a 7 night Caribbean on her over 20 years ago. She was a mere maiden back them (but not a first cruise, LOL). Known even back then for her small cabin sizes, I found it (balcony) adequate. I don't know if any of that changed with refurbs, but probably not. Personally, I prefer larger vessels for the expanded amenities and options. On the other hand, something may be said about the quicker transit times getting around.

Another person here that finds them potentially useful. I just utilized the ones kindly posted by a member who disembarked a very similar itinerary to my cruise in 3 weeks. On the other hand, while a reader could be curious about a senior crew member, or if John Doe is a concierge in the Haven right now on a particular ship, is there any real value in knowing BEFORE the cruise? There's no real advantage to having that information.

Hey there, Chief. While I like to consider myself a clever fellow, I suppose one can't beat a good, old fashioned TYPO. Your radar seems to working in top form. Not a whine there at all, just trying to summarize some data.

Freudian slip. 😳

There's room for some confusion. It certainly doesn't hurt to give them a call. But just to review a bit. There is a Latitudes discount - but only if you buy an internet package - not on an upgrade. You do not want to do this. The upgrade to your FAS deal is straight forward. You mentioned the $199, which should be right there in your NCL account when you log in. I assume the $299 is for the premium unlimited. You may purchase those upgrades now, or the day you board the ship - same price. You can get it at the internet cafe or it should be available on the app or, I expect, the cabin TV. As I mentioned, I am purchasing onboard next month. You probably can save a few dollars by holding off from upgrading on day 1. But if want to use the service on day one, just pay the full price and knock yourself, out instead of playing around. There have been other threads on this previously posted. A Phone call may reveal the available adjustment by waiting a day or two.

Sure it's more at NCL. However, does anyone seriously find an extra cost of about $4 per day (for 2 ppl) or $28 per week, a factor in choosing a cruise vacation that costs thousands? Not to mention that Celebrity cabin prices are likely higher to begin with.

The upgrade to unlimited over the 150 minutes from the FAS is a flat rate for the cruise - at least for the full # of days. There may be a small discount for the next day or two - because you are getting unlimited for fewer days. I'm on a 15 day and got the same 150 minutes; my upgrade price is higher in total but less per each day. Guess I got a bargain.

That both parties denied control is ridiculous, so it's hard to tell where the truth is. Another theory: aside form the particular airline involved, perhaps it has to do with the rate class the ticket is written for. Since NCL is buying lowest available fares, you could be dealing with something other than the standard coach or basic coach options; perhaps some sort of group rate.

Complawyer already discussed the DSC. The Fee at Sea program offers some nice amenities. Know that for the drink package & the specialty dining offer, you will be immediately billed a 20% gratuity based on an estimated value of those add ons. I believe it comes to about $22 pp per day for the drinks, and about $9 pp per meal. There are no additional fees except for certain premium items or expensive drinks (I think it's over $15). For those you pay the excess + 20%. You can decline these items if you would prefer to do so. We don't take the drink deal as we consume very little alcohol (my 15 day cruise next month would have cost over $600 for the "free" beverages). Also, note that any drink ordered outside of the beverage package and any pay as you go food purchase will also be tagged with a 20% gratuity on the tab. Many tip additional amounts, but certainly not a requirement. Free shore excursions means that you get a $50 credit for the first person named on your reservation per port. The other party pays full price. If you can squeeze in 2 tours in a port, you will get that $50 for each tour. It was commented above that NCL tours are expensive. My experience is that all tours sold by all cruise lines are expensive. You do get protections regarding return to ship; they are cancellable up to 2 days before (on NCL); and would be automatically cancelled if the ship misses a port. About that pricing - for some tours in Mexico next month, I was surprised at the low prices for a few of them. Yes, only a few hours, but selling for $45-$50. A local cab will be cheaper if you want to go that way; but there are (as you probably know) inherent risks.

Back to the basics. Absolutely "accept" the FAS minutes. The upgrade to unlimited is based on you having that and is at a substantially reduced rate than if you simply buy that service separately. I also have 150 minutes on my 1/12 cruise. I am upgrading to unlimited on day1 because I want to use OBC to cover the $230 x 2 cost.

Darned casino. 😧

Thanks for that update.

Cool. Thanks. Enjoy!

Thanks! 🙂

I hope you're having an easy time adjusting back into real life on shore. I'm on the Canal cruise sailing on 1/27. It seem there are no show reservations being done pre-cruise for that voyage. NCL agent told me they don't know why, just that it is that way. Where did you pick up that entertainment schedule when you boarded? Do you know where they are doing reservations during boarding (theater box office & comedy club are suggestions made on another thread)? At least when you sailed.

Got it. Guess I'll need to explore a bit. Thanks again.

Sometimes the cruise lines will throw in something extra, which is nice. I have used a TA for all but, I think, one cruise over all the years. And saved lots of cash. If you are comfy working with the PCC's, that's your choice. Whatever makes you happy.

Thanks, Bird. You're the best. Where do you pick up that entertainment menu? The fellow who documented his Bliss cruise that ended a few days ago posted a pic of it. Don't think it was mentioned from whence it came. I thought maybe they handed them out at check in.

Now, I know that The Bird must have the answers. Aside form (some) touch screens, where would one go for those reservations?

Some comments on what you wrote: What's a 'room cleaning fee"? The Daily Service Charge represent gratuities and/or other compensation for your cabin steward, dining staff and assorted other ship's crew members. This is not Airbnb! About that internet - you can share - the restriction is that only one device can be in use at a time. For example, log off your laptop and your mate can log onto their phone (or whatever). Re OBC: The other responder mentions OBC from TA's. You mention a PCC. Not authorized to give it away? They don't have discretion to just do that to make a sale. However, NCL still uses OBC specials. I have a cruise next month. For the original booking made last July, NCL gave a $200 OBC. I rebooked a few weeks later to get a $600 price reduction; but I lost that OBC as that offer had lapsed. I did get OBC and more from from TA.

No argument there. 😝