cruiser2015

Hey, let's not insult the delightful latkes of the world. So not comparable to a hash brown. Nothing wrong with crispy, tasty hash browns - just different texture.

Didn't you know - that's what's called FULL SERVICE. Actually, they should feed it to you. If you do make your getaway, just beware of the TAF-SWAT team breaking down your cabin door. (Take Away Food SWAT)

Depends on the TA. The one I am using right now, a very large one, is always offering assorted OBC's, free DSC's, gift cards. They won't adjust those because your fare dropped - they will substitute whatever their current promotions are for what you originally had. I booked a cruise last July. Got some deals from the TA and OBC from NCL. A few weeks later, TA offered the same credits (combined about $500) plus the DSC (worth $600 on mine). So, I rebooked, but NCL had dropped their OBC ($200). So I saved a net $400.

You're late. I already got corrected back on post #59. 🙁

The point of the OP's original query was to determine when he had made an initial payment towards his reservation. Booking requires a deposit - therefore you have made a payment upon booking. It does not matter whether you use a cruise first or a separate cash payment - either way it's a payment.

My opinion is that if you were to purchase a CF and hold onto it for a while, you have not made any payment towards a cruise as yet (regarding the insurance question). Let's say you booked a cruise a month later; I would call that booking date your first payment date If you buy the CF and book a cruise at the same time, again, there's a payment date. The insurance question is based on when you put out cash for a vacation purchase.

Couldn't you request Venice from NCL air?

Yup - 21 days. Not sure, but that could be tomorrow.

Sure you can apply the CF at a later date. One problem with your plan regarding insurance - where's the deposit required at booking? If you don't use your CF, you have to pay cash now for the deposit. Booking date will be your first payment date. Only exception I can think of is that some TA's will cover the deposit for you for a period of time; but the one I know charges a fee of $24.99 for the privilege. So, technically, you still pay something with the booking. Oops.

Not true. As long as you have a FAS slot, you can book without paying. Many posts on these boards advising to book the flat fee restaurants first, then ala carte ones (no upfront payment for a res) afterwards. I booked Teppanyaki a few weeks ago for my January cruise. No problems, no fees.

Thank you kindly for the explanation; thorough and rational. I am pleased to know that you enjoyed your adventure - even the flight across to NY (my home town). I had a somewhat similar choice recently. We are doing a Panama Canal between Los Angeles and Miami. Like yours, the flight home from LA would be shorter than going out there (but only about 1/2 hour). I chose to take the longer flight, however for other reasons. By finishing the cruise in Miami, we are first of all in the home time zone; secondly, the flight is 3 hours. The result is we will be home (heavens allowing) in the late afternoon instead of around 10PM home time. Added bonus, we have cousins who live about 50 miles west of LA and we hope to meet them for dinner the day before embarkation. This is my little master plan to work the circumstances for the best outcome - just like you did.

It was a joke hallux...a bloody stupid joke!!

That's quite fine. Your complaint against RCCL is totally valid. I wrote back because you opened with "apples and oranges" which is a criticism of my writing. I did not think that was warranted when I was simply making what was supposed to be a whimsical remark - no comparison of anything intended.

Gee whiz, some of you folks on here are SO serious. I was only making a small joke in reference to "demand pricing". It's a phrase that frequently comes up with ride services. I was making no comments on NCL vs. RCCL pricing methods.

Wow! Good thing you don't need to call an Uber. 🤯

Nasty business. When we sailed here a few years ago, these attractions were all 100% free.

When did they start charging for the Northstar and Ifly?

Are you sure about that direction? Clocks moving forward and shorter flight times both indicate moving eastward.

Wow, you left that tidbit out of your original post. It does open the chances of even greater issues with the tour operators.

Gee whiz, guys. This is a cruise forum - not a sports fan debate battle.

The system seems to think that you have used up your complimentary dining slots. Did you purchase additional slots beyond the FAS package?

I believe that Meet and Greets are optional with NCL. They are not committed to them as some other lines are. A "private" one could be even more difficult for them. Perhaps you are being stonewalled.

That sure does make sense!

I understand their motive. Shameful nonetheless.

As long as someone is going to spend the amount of the credit, or more, on other purchases, it all comes at the same in the end. So, what did they tell you that first time that made you believe that you had to spend it on OTHER stuff? It is true that you have to use it; but clearly you already did by buying the CN cert.