graphicguy

I wish NCL would start paying me to post my opinions. I'd be shilling all over the place. This is really simple. It sounds like some people don't like sailing Disney, Royal, Carnival, HAL, NCL, etc. I get it. If you don't like sailing any of them, there are other choices. But, denigrating someone for their preferences in cruising is just not welcomed, nor useful.

Same...saw it twice. Not my cup of tea. The new BTF is excellent.

Been in the Garden Cafe and The Local at least one night over the last couple of cruises I've been on. Last one in June (Joy). Also on the Prima earlier this year.

You can find it in the MDR, they advertise it in the Garden Cafe at least one night (hand carved). It's offered in Cagney's.

Concur with your entire list. Stay away from the Lobster Thermidor, though. Ordered it twice, both times the sauce "broke" and the dish was just a greasy, gloppy mess with a lobster in the middle of it. The Prime Rib is always good on NCL. They serve it just about everywhere at least one night.

GROAN!!!!!!!!!

Then, as the proverbial saying goes..."what's the beef?" They are giving a discount for sailing with them often. Yet, some don't like how it's applied. Well then, don't use it.

Not sure if "strife" was intentional, but funny nonetheless. Blood work, pee in cup and nostril swab...all done this a.m. Appreciate the kind words. I be fine. However, I am jealous of all who are planning their cruises. I sincerely hope y'all have a GREAT TIME!

NCL...."here, we're going to give you $50 off on this excursion with your Free at Sea. And, since you cruise with us so much, we're going to give you another 15% off, too." Guest...."Don't give me the extra 15% off since I don't like how you apply it." NCL....."OK, we won't apply the other 15% discount since you don't like it".

Concur about the sea bass. It's quite good and my "go to"!

I think "plus grade" handles the upgrade bids for other cruise lines, too. As others have said, no one really knows how their process works. Believe me, we've all tried to figure it out but haven't (so far). I would imagine once someone does figure it out, the cruise lines would change the algorithm.

Same. I run out, I get mine at my door step the same day. Lots of good choices of coffees, too.

"Free at Sea"...if no one knows this by now after it being discussed ad nauseum, this is a marketing term. Just like "good to the last drop"....or, "...the happiest place on earth".....or..."you're in good hands"...etc. None of those are 100% accurate all the time. We all understand that. Why NCL's is attacked so much and not the others is beyond me. It's a marketing tag line. We all get it. Somehow "Free if you don't book an expensive excursion, free if you don't want to pay tips on your drinks, free if you only plan to use 150 minutes of internet......" just doesn't have the same ring to it. It doesn't roll right off the tongue. Heck, you can take that a step further. NCL calls it "Free at Sea". Guess if you're sailing a Trans-Atlantic, or in the Pacific or the Gulf area, you don't get Free at Sea, because technically you aren't sailing in the "sea".

They also have those machines in the ships with the Observation Lounges. The Haven Observation Lounges have those, too. The Nespresso ones in the cabins are very good.

So, maybe I just have done this too long. Your example above includes some KNOWN items which will almost always net you a high cruise fare. Anytime you try to book any cruise lines' newest ships, you'll find their highest fares. The ones with the highest fares in you example is the NCL Aqua, Royal Star of the Seas, and Celebrity Beyond. Generally speaking, the older the ship, the cheaper the fare. Itineraries will make a difference, too. Bahamas will be cheaper than the Caribbean. Also, look at fares mid-January, as the kids will be back in school. Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks will have the higher fares. Also, try Alaska in April or October.

I always use 2 of those Nespresso pods/cup of coffee. Matter of fact, I instruct the Butler to bring me extra pods every day.

We wish you could be a bargain cruise shopper, too. 😉 Actually, when, where, what cruise line I sail is determined by the deal I can get. Once that's determined, the ancillary issues are addressed (like what time off is needed).

@complawyer...nice find on that 21 nighter. I did this exercise a little while ago and posted it here. But, 10 years ago, the cruise fares I paid then vs now weren't all that different given the perks. Last October, I sailed an 11 nighter in a 2BR Haven Suite on the Epic through the Mediterranean. It was approx $4,600 all in, or thereabouts. You get 10 more nites on yours.

Great snag. I think the point of this exercise, a little shopping goes a long way, not only with NCL, but all the cruise lines. I can always seem to find a good deal on NCL. I'm bound and determined to find one on Royal's new ships, but so far, no luck. I keep searching and am confident eventually I'll find a deal. Like you @ChiefMateJRK, I like those Alaska cruises early or late in the season. Great deals there on NCL. Same for sailing during hurricane season on NCL in the Caribbean.....or, sailing right after the little kiddies go back to school.

Sounds like your future plans are bright. I am happy to hear that!!!! Also happy to hear the hip replacement experiences. My surgeons (one for abductor muscle and one for hip) wanted to move my surgery up a little. It’s now 08/23. I’m good with that. I want to get this done and over with!!

I find Nespresso quite good, too.

Maybe I missed it, but what's the reason for not using the Nespresso in the room?

I was wondering why there was a moving truck parked in my driveway this a.m. Seriously, hope all these changes are all for the better!

So sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Met him on the NE cruise a little while ago. Super nice person. Often chatted with him on these boards, also. This reminds me of the number of people I've met while sailing that I've also interfaced with here on these boards. The number is pretty large. All have been just wonderful. I'm better as a person by meeting all of you.

This is Ohio, so not sure how it transfers. But, while it's been several years since I received a speeding ticket, I beat 3 of them. The first one the officer just never showed up for my hearing, so it was dismissed. The 2nd one, the officer stated he "observed" me going faster than the posted speed limit. But, after going to court, with a picture of his position he said he observed me, there were signs, tall trees and big bushes in the way of his view. Case was dismissed. Last one, my municipality set up a white van on the side of a road with a speed camera pointing out of one if its windows. I got a speeding ticket in the mail. Again, went to (Mayor's) court and asked to question the officer who signed my ticket for my offense. Well, I guess the officer was supposed to be in the van to observe all infractions according to our law. He was not, or he couldn't recall my offense. The camera took a picture of my car, but it was grainy and could have been any car. Plus, Ohio just did away with front bumper license plate requirements. Again, it was dismissed. In ALL cases, they said if I just paid the fine it would not add points to my record, nor be reported to my insurance company. It's a money grab.