tel2

I disagree. People in large suites often have cocktail parties for multiple guests. I have done it. I have paid many extra dollars to order shrimp, cheese platters and bottles of wine and liquor. I dont ask for free stuff; I arrange it in advance -- sometimes even before I board (just as if I wanted to arrange a party in a private room elsewhere on the ship), I place an order for what I want served (and pay for it) and then tip the butler well for orchestrating it.

I have been to meet and greets where the person in the Garden Villa, or on a huge aft suite deck has held a gathering, and I assume they do the same as I do - pay for what they order and tip well for the extra service.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that, and the concierge or events planner will help you set it up. Absolutely everything wrong with it if you are trying to get them to serve a party of 20 for free.

Terry

We have done this multiple times with other family members, or I should say, we have tried to do it multiple times, mostly successfully, with the butler charging the other non-suite guests as well as us for one of our SDP meals. I've done it once on Epic and twice on Breakaway successfully - we were all just charged one SDP meal and everyone was as pleasant as could be. On breakaway, our butler even brought us drinks from the bar with our dinner charged against our UBP, which they really aren't supposed to do. We of course all ordered from the same specialty restaurant, either Cagneys or LeBistro. In my personal opinion, ordering from multiple restaurants is incredibly burdensome for the butler, who has other guests to serve..... Butler and concierge both tipped very well.

In contrast, on the Gem I was told in no uncertain terms that the perk of being able to apply the SDP credit to a room service delivered meal was limited to suite guests only, and my non-suite guests would be charged al a carte. The concierge would not budge. So this most recent time, when it was al a carte, my guests only ordered an entree at my urging and my husband and I ordered everything else because we were so irritated - yes, I know that is cheating -- well, maybe not technically because we didn't order multiples of anything, but we each ordered a soup, starter, salad, entrée, two sides and dessert, and we asked for extra fruit for the melted chocolate thing from LeBistro, which we would never ever normally do - who could eat that much -- and then shared. But it is beyond ridiculous that every ship has its own different set of rules in the same fleet.

On the same Gem cruise, the same concierge would not allow us to order our platinum meal to be served in our room, and that really annoyed me as well, because the only reason we asked was because I had twisted my ankle in port and had taken a hot bath to soak my ankle, and didn't want to dress and walk a mile to the restaurant-- they said no and countered with an offer to bring me a wheelchair. This, plus a multitude of other issues, resulted in a minimal tip for the butler, and for the first time ever, no tip at all for the concierge....

Terry

Fair enough. I didn't consider that, as we can drive to NY in an hour, so adding the cost of flights and hotel to Florida still makes NY to anywhere a less expensive option.

We are platinum cruisers on NCL, and have also cruised on RCL and celebrity. We frequently cruise to Bermuda or the Caribbean in hurricane season. Why? The prices are MUCH lower in September and October, especially October, and we usually can afford a suite in October that we wouldn't be able to touch in May or June. But we know the risk.

Although we do not like either the Bahamas or Canada, and would never book a cruise to either location again after the first time, we were diverted to Canada once, to Nassau once, and on a 3rd cruise we lost a day in Bermuda once when captain decided to leave early. I do not want to sail through a hurricane; I also do not want to sail to a port that has lost significant services / power, or has roads flooded or out etc because it was just hit by a hurricane. So, we hope it doesn't happen, but know the weather is unpredictable, and are willing to take the risk because the price point is so much more attractive.

Many people are saying that because Bermuda is a more expensive itinerary, they ought to get the difference between the itinerary they are getting and the one they paid for. Well, that depends entirely on the season. Yes, sailing to Bermuda in June is far more expensive than sailing to the Bahamas, because June is high season for Bermuda, and it is low season for the Bahamas. But right now, an inside on Breakaway from New York to Bermuda for the last two weeks in October is TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS LESS EXPENSIVE than an inside to the Bahamas the last week in October, when the itinerary changes. A balcony to Bermuda is the same price as an inside to Bahamas. Again, it is always less expensive to sail during hurricane season, and I have always assumed that the unpredictability of the weather is at least a material part of the reason for that.

For us, it is very disappointing not to go to the ports we booked to go to, but a day on a cruise is better than a day at work.

On my last cruise, we had multiple rooms/people/accounts tied to my AMEX, so the charges were very high, and there were "pre-approvals" going thru nearly every day. The final bill was in excess of 8000. and went through the day after we disembarked. Nevertheless, AMEX did not and would not release those pre-approvals for more than 3 weeks, claiming that even though an 8000. charge had come through, the amount of that charge did not match up with the multiple "pre-approvals" so I had to wait 30 days from the date of each pre-approval for it to drop off. To say I was annoyed would be a gross understatement.

My experience in NY, on 5 cruises so far out of that terminal, is that it is more than worth it to tip a porter 15-20 or so to take your luggage to the curb, even if your are more than capable of carrying it, because the porters or their union seem to have some special relationship with customs, so that the porters, and you with them when they have your luggage, wiz right thru and bypass the insufferably long customs lines.

Last time, my husband and I only had two carry-ons, and I had a big tote bag -- easily handled by us. Nonetheless, my husband flagged down a porter, gave him a 20. loaded our luggage and tote bag onto the cart. Porter asked if we minded if he loaded another couples as well, and we didnt The 4 of us sailed thru. The people we were traveling with (but who thankfully had their own pick-up arrangements) were too cheap to pay a porter. We all got off the ship together at about 9AM. We were back in Philly before noon. Our friends called us from the NJ turnpike and said they had just gone thru the tunnel at 11:45. At least to me, it was well worth 20 bucks. And we do it that way every time. In many cases, it isnt that people are too cheap, it is just that no one has ever told them about this little trick.

Naples ... Will take a ncl trip to Pompeii as wife won't risk going independent in case we mis the boat.

Recognizing that you may already have firmly decided re Pompeii, I would just mention that Pompeii is only about 1/2 hour from port, so even if something went awry, you could take a taxi back reasonably inexpensively. It is one of the ports we feel very comfortable booking on our own (unlike,. for example, Florence.....which is much further away and creates a much bigger risk for a problem). In any event, we have done "Cant be Missed Tours" twice now, and both times it was completely filled with cruise ship passengers, and both times was absolutely excellent. Sorrento, Amalfi Coast and Pompeii -- Pompeii last stop so the closest to port last stop. Very reasonably priced compared to NCL. 69E pp

http://cantbemissedtours.com/naples-to-pompeii-sorrento-the-amalfi-coast

Meet you and drop you off right where you get off the ship. Was the best tour we took (other than ultra expensive private tours).

Your scenario is different. You brought friends who otherwise couldn't have afforded the suite. The OP split everything 50/50.

 

I don't find anything wrong in your case but in both cases, the couple in the 2nd bedroom agreed to the situation. The OP never stated that the bedroom situation (or any other problem) was an issue until after the cruise.

Actually, we don't really know whether my scenario was different. One could say that our friends split everything with us 50/50. Without knowing what the 50/50 consisted of, or what the surrounding circumstances were, one cannot properly assess the situation. And that was the point I was trying to make. The OP never answered any questions that were posed about the circumstances that gave rise to the arrangement.

Last year we rented a house with 6 other couples. We agreed in advance that we would split price evenly. There were two master bedrooms with own baths, and 4 others with shared baths. We drew numbers, and person who picked 1 chose first, 2, chose second and so on. Despite agreeing in advance, and seeing pics of all bedrooms provided by realtor, one couple who got a bedroom that was small with twin beds complained all weekend long. My husband and I ended up with a small bedroom with a trundle bed. We knew it was a possibility and we went in knowing that. But the complainers were so annoying that this year we haven't asked them. It simply isn't fair to agree in advance to a gameplan, and then rant and complain when the plan you agreed to doesn't turn out in your favor.

By any chance are you accepting applications to be your friend? I would like to apply. I'll carry your bags for you, too. :)

Lol

And make no mistake, we explained precisely how this was going to work when we invited them. They knew they were getting the small room, they saw pictures of it, they knew they would have to pay for DSC, excursions if they took them, drinks outside the casino, etc. it was still way cheaper for them than an inside room would have been. And even though we intended to pick up the entirety of the tips for the concierge, steward and butler, they insisted on paying their share of that. And we all had a blast.

My only point was that we all sometimes read these posts and form conclusions without a full complement of the facts at hand.

Everyone here assumes that the friends who had the master bedroom but split the cost equally were selfish awful people. Let me offer a different perspective which is intended to reflect only that knowing all of the circumstances before forming a conclusion will sometimes change drastically the conclusion you reach.

We took a cruise with another couple. In a 2 bedroom suite. They got the small room. We didn't switch. We split the cost equally.

Now, the facts that I believe alter the conclusion that any rationale person would reach. We are fairly high level CAS players. We were comped a penthouse suite. It was during a 3/4 sail free promotion. In order to bring our friends along, who couldn't have afforded to cruise at all absent this opportunity, we upgraded to a 2bedroom. We kept all promos for the first two people; when we sailed 3/4th person got a soda package as a promo. They also got cas drink cards. We paid the entire admin fee that applies only to the first two people because we would have had to pay it anyway. We then split 50/50 with them the total of the upgrade fee and port charges. Their total 50% share was under 400. Pp, plus they had to pay their DSC (ours was covered as a promo).

Anyone think it wasn't fair for us to keep the master bedroom and all promos for us?

Men and women get dressed differently (usually) so I can't comment on how she would do in the small bathroom. I had no problem as a 6'/178lb male.

And she is a 5'2" 110 lb female, so I am sure it will be fine. Thanks.

 

Tough to say. How large is she?

 

That is not an issue -- she is about 3 sizes smaller than the size I've always aspired to but never quite gotten to. Super tiny person, like a size four. She doesnt need alot of room. I feel like a whale next to her. LOL. Also, very nice to know the living room bed can be made up as a single and will then take up less space. I am sure she would be perfectly fine with that. Thanks!

Terry

Hi Everyone

We are booked into a Haven Aft penthouse suite for a cruise next year. My 74 year old recently widowed, active, healthy SIL may go with us. She is a fun-loving, late to bed, early to rise type person. While we considered upgrading to a Haven 2 bedroom, which we have had before on other ships, we do not want to give up the ginormous balcony we have on the 9th deck. And if she gets a studio, she will not be able to enjoy the Haven perks with us. So, the current plan is for her to be booked into the suite with us, which with the F&F sail free, is by far the least expensive option for her as well.

My question is, has anyone had a 3rd adult sleep on the living room pull out bed. Was it comfortable? Can you navigate around the bed when it is pulled out to get to the balcony door or do you have to climb over the bed? (We know we could move to 11 and have a second door to the balcony from our bedroom, but again, we would rather not give up the giant balcony on 9) Also, we know there is a small second bathroom in the aft penthouse suites, but does it include a shower, or is it just a powder room with a toilet and sink? I found lots of photos/ videos of aft cabins on other floors, but I know the configurations are different on different decks, and those I found for 9th deck didnt have complete photos of the second bathroom. I know it is small, but is it large enough that she would be able to dress in there so she has some semblance of privacy?

Bottom line question - does this plan make sense, or will it be unbearably crowded and leave her without any privacy at all? Thanks.

We were on the Epic in May and it was still offered.

Very possibly. But the terms list both the Raw Bar and Sushi as upcharge options with the SDP. If you are saying that they don't actually honor this on the Getaway, that is a problem (not a huge problem, because not that many people are probably interested in using an SDP credit for sushi).

 

Thank you for the information about the restrictions on how much you are allowed to order if you pay the upcharge at the Raw Bar. It makes sense that it's not unlimited, but one order of shellfish is disappointingly ungenerous. I have not heard of any similar limitations on sushi (on other ships, where the SDP is honored at the sushi bar, in accordance with the terms of the package).

Youa re correct, and I was wrong. The T&C I was looking at were out of date. The Sushi Bar was not previously listed as having an upcharge.

On allowances at raw bar, we were on Breakaway, not getaway, and we had an incredibly surly waiter who was beyond annoyed that we were seated about 10 minutes before they were closing. I ordered the seafood tower, which I paid for and didnt use a credit. My husband used a credit and paid the $7 upcharge. He ordered the 1/2 lobster and prawns, and the waiter told him he would have to pay for one or the other. Then we realized how much was on the seafood tower, because we saw one being delivered, and he eliminated the prawns. Not sure if it was because the waiter was a jerk, or because he ordered the lobster, which I'm not even sure is still on the menu, or because he ordered multiples.

And I said above seafood tower was 435 (YIKES) that was a typo. it is 35.00

Current version:

Food Republic, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.

You may choose to dine in the following venues as part of your Specialty Dining Package for the corresponding upcharges: The Supper Club ($15 USD), For the Record ($15 USD), Ocean Blue ($15 USD), Bayamo ($15 USD), Cirque Dreams and Illusionarium ($10 USD regular seats/$15 USD premium seats/$35 USD VIP seating on Breakaway), Sushi Bar ($7 USD), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7 USD), and Raw Bar ($7 USD).

Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro restaurants. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.

According to the SDP terms:

In other words, it will cost you one of your SDP meals, so make sure you eat enough to make it worthwhile.

OK, I think there is some confusion here. The "Raw Bar" with the $7 upcharge is NOT the Sushi restaurant. The Raw Bar is part of Ocean Blue, and you can order an app, an order of shellfish, ie. shrimp, clams, oysters etc. and a dessert on the plan (plus the $7 upcharge). if you dont use/have the dining plan, you just pay al a carte for the items you order. The Seafood Tower cannot be ordered under the plan. It is stricktly al a carte, and I think 435 (and worth every single penny)

Wasabi Sushi is the sushi place, and it is not part of the plan, doesnt have an "upcharge" and doesnt use a credit. It is purely al a carte.

Agree. And especially on the away class ships that have no center elevators, I seek out cabins that are very near the elevators because I hate trouping down a long corridor, with cleaning carts and other things in the hallway, to get to my cabin. Never a problem with noise.

terry

 

WaldosPepper gave you great advice at checking out cabin placement before you call to book. If you are offered an Ocean View for example, you are eligible for the top category of OV. If you are offered Balcony, you can choose a BA category for same admin cost as you would for a BD.

 

Have fun:D

One caveat: That general rule is not true with regard to Penthouse suites. If you are offered a Penthouse, they will tell you which level they are offering; you cannot just choose any Penthouse suite...

Why would you get flamed for this?? This is a great idea.

Because alot of people seem to think that if you dont pay for suites for all family members, then all family members should not be permitted to enjoy the perks they didnt pay for....I think there are gray areas, and this is one of them.

Terry

I will get flamed for this, but I will tell you anyway. If you put your mother-in-law with you, and your two teenagers in a connecting balcony, you will all get suite privileges because they extend suite privileges to minors in an adjoining room. You can all sleep whereever you like when you get there. If you put your MIL in the adjoining room, she is obviously not a minor and will not get suite privileges.

Terry

As I think on it more, maybe the brush off was more specific to the Epic in 2015. Had good results on the Breakaway and Getaway the last couple of times. The Jewel was probably in between. The Epic sticks out, so it probably jaded my previous comments.

My experience on the Epic this summer was the same as yours.... I earned just short of 15000 points on that cruise, and was never once approached by anyone, even though I was in a comped suite. No one checked on me, sent me anything, asked if I needed anything. It was a stark contrast to how I have been treated on every other NCL ship, and like night and day from the Breakaway, which I've cruised on 4 times, where the hosts and manager are on the floor, constantly checking on you, asking if you need anything.

I am usually VIP or Golden, but based on the timing of my last cruise, when I boarded the Epic late this spring I had dropped down to Hot because of the timing issues. The timing was that I took a 14 day cruise in January 2015, and then April 2016 was my next NCL cruise. So, I lost my status. But I knew I was gambling enough that it would likely get back to golden. But there was a problem on the last two nights with the reader screens, where point totals would not come up -- they said there was a software problem and they were working on it.

When I went to speak to the casino manager on the Epic, on 2 different occasions about the status of the reader screens and my point total (they could see it, we just couldn't), he continued working on his computer until he was ready to speak to me, leaving me standing there without even an acknowledgement, although he clearly saw me. And, when I approached him on the final night and requested that they comp off $240 or so dollars in 3% convenience fees, he first said no and told me I was just short of golden status, (14428 points) and they only did that for golden and above. I basically threw a hissy fit, and there were people behind me and all around. They couldn't have told me I was that close?????? NOOOOOO. In any event, I was bitchy enough I guess that he eventually comped off both the 3% fees and a few hundred more in spa services. But he clearly was not going to do it until I pressed the issue in a not so pleasant manner.

Again, the contrast to how I was treated on the Breakaway, Jewel, Gen and Pearl was like night and day compared to this experience....

Terry

Are you sure? When we were there in late spring there was an area at the bar where smoking was permitted.

Hello

I took a cruise a few years ago while recovering from major cancer related surgery, and had tried a wheelchair on a few local outings before the cruise. Frankly, I found the wheelchair difficult. I didn't have the strength to push it myself, and felt as though I could not do anything I wanted to do without bothering someone to push me. The few times I did push myself somewhere, I was too exhausted to get back, and then had to call someone to come get me....

For the cruise, I ended up renting a scooter. You can do that through NCL. They deliver it to your stateroom and it is there waiting for you when you board. I was able to take it off the ship in all ports except those that tendered. I did have to ask them to switch us to a handicap room because the scooter has to be charged at night and it took up a lot of room, so the larger handicapped room was terrific. No extra charge for a handicapped room, and depending on how he is, the railings and seat in the bathroom and shower my come in handy. I just pulled up my credit card statements, and about 2 1/2 years ago, the price for the week for the scooter was 235.00 It was the best 235. I ever spent.

Terry

"The NCL beverage plan only includes alcoholic drinks"

The NCL beverage package also includes virgin frozen drinks. I get virgin strawberry and/or banana daiquiris every day.....

terry