podgeandrodge

Not the end of the world, but would question your sanity!

Oh I agree. But that's not the purpose of this thread, it's was why we are asked to watch it again. And I've just received another request, similar to another poster, asking me again!

Got an email relating to my upcoming sailing giving me a YouTube link: "As we return to sail, we are doing everything we can to make your experience truly spectacular. To that end, we are requiring all guests to re-watch the pre-boarding safety video, which you first viewed during online check-in, before you set sail. This will ensure a smooth embarkation process at the pier. " As YouTube viewing can't be verified, what does NCL gain by asking this, when you already had to watch it for checking in?

No point in blaming Park West on this anyway. They are just a group trying to sell "art" (beauty is in the eye of the beholder 🙂 ), and are going to take the best space they can get that NCL are willing to provide. NCL made the decision to take away a popular public spot, and paid the price. The best thing here is that NCL have written down that closing off a public space like the observation lounge is something that must be compensated for. Precedence and all that, hopefully. I'm sure people would prefer the access to remain though instead. Some strange decisions going on these days with NCL, what with having to make clarifications "on further investigation..." with regard to drinks, and closing off this area without thinking "this won't go down well!" I wonder do NCL pay active attention to these boards at all or is that somewhat naive to think.

Yep. I actually purchased a couple of the same Hamilton machines for home! All good. I find these better value than Amazon UK for Europe deliveries. https://www.kaffee-holland.com/epages/64320518.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/64320518/Products/KP0610

Contrary to some others, I think the coffee from the Hamilton machines is quite good, certainly better than yucky Nespresso!, but their newer pods aren't as strong as they used to be. I bring my own pods "Senseo extra strong" excellent like strong filter coffee. Example US website (I am in Europe) https://bestcoffeeandtea.com/products/senseo-extra-strong-coffee-pods-48-count-pads

The regular coffee machines give better coffee imo. If staying in an inside, would they give you a coffee machine if you asked?

I asked in the Royal Caribbean thread and someone said "We were just in Greece last month and didn’t have any problems getting a drink in the Schooner. We were also in Greece for 4 stops last year and no issues."

Yep agreed JK805. Seems to be NCL specific. But they are being potentially flippant with the truth blaming Greek regulations if they are solvable by NCL.

Thanks both. No issues paying for drinks, or using beverage package? NCL are making a distinction - package you can get a drink, but you can't pay for a drink if you don't have package.

Can you purchase drinks when in Greek ports (or drink them from your beverage package)? People on Norwegian experiencing this problem due to "Greek laws". Can people confirm if Royal the same? Thanks.

Ships are floating hotels. Whatever about charging VAT on drinks in port, it's outrageous to prevent 'residents' on the ship from purchasing a drink (be it law or NCL misunderstanding). Are the other lines preventing purchases too in Greek ports?

What about the Epic (and maybe more) cruises that "start" in Spain, but also Rome? If you embark in Rome do you avoid the issue, I am guessing not!

It seems to be the way they persist in doing it - presumably has something to do with an interpretation that tax can't be imposed on drinks already purchased via a package, but why they can't offer drinks and charge the tax is weird.

My understanding years ago was that NCL and others suggested this was a simple way of not having to worry about tip envelopes etc. The wording above would have suggested to me that the charges are shared, but these references to incentive programs etc. suggest not shared perhaps that equally?

Thanks. Obviously have already checked the expedited rules, they won't do them quick enough for simply forgetting. No visiting to passport office either, except for appointments for urgent reasons (not missing cruises). Step 1 - Call NCL - yep, could do that, but as I'm sure you know, you could get a multitude of different answers from different call centre staff, especially given it's likely they will be US based, and fixate on the 6 month rule for US citizens. Notwithstanding that, I might email to see if I can get something in writing, just in case! I do think that the official E-DOCS confirming duration of travel only, are probably as good as anything else I will get in an email to be honest, at least it is black and white and official.

14 hours ago, podgeandrodge said: I know that NCL having admitted to screwing up will be upsetting for you, but just try not to think about it for a day, and stay away from this thread. Ahh, but come on. You selectively quoted me as saying "stay away from this thread", without completing my quote, which adopted a different tone which was lost by your omitting the last sentence 🙂 - " I know that NCL having admitted to screwing up will be upsetting for you, but just try not to think about it for a day, and stay away from this thread. You'll feel better for it, promise! 🙂" To be clear, your presence on here is delightful, and providing much needed diversion!

I'm "risking the possibility" because there is no time to renew, cruise in a couple of weeks. I should have a long time ago obviously, but wasn't aware of this confusing wording - I will have to rely on the fact that European citizens can move within Europe without passport expiry limitations normally. Here is the wording on my E-DOCS, which only refers to "valid for the duration of travel", which contradicts their website:

Europe only cruise. European.

I'm still a tad concerned given the wording on the NCL website - as shown below (2 screenshots to give the full page, in case the top piece gives context I haven't noticed to the main bit I am worried about). https://www.ncl.com/fr/en/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents

Yep, that's what I figured, makes sense. But this new rule that you are exempt if you have FAS makes it a bit of a complicated process (showing them proof etc.?)

You were shown evidence before by me and others - NCL eventually made a statemenet ""Upon further investigation, we have clarified that the beverage service is permitted aboard while the vessel is in port within the UK". That "upon further investigation, we have clarified..." means they messed up, by error, and not becuase they didn't pay a tax. You keep pursuing the long since debunked excuse about lack of notice about taxes, even though NCL themselves have admitted they messed up, and offered refunds. I know that NCL having admitted to screwing up will be upsetting for you, but just try not to think about it for a day, and stay away from this thread. You'll feel better for it, promise! 🙂

Makes sense I guess. No package you'll be drinking yours rather than paying for theirs, package and you will be drinking yours and saving their stock! I saw in a FAQ that the reason it's wine, and not beer, is that it's easier for the crew to identify or something dubious like that... How does the crew identify those with/without the package on embarkation to decide whether to charge the corkage fee? Or am i misunderstanding - but if you are in your cabin, how would there be corkage otherwise.

I recall being on some NCL cruises and they had "English/Irish" bacon i.e. back bacon ("rashers) but haven't seen them on the last 2 cruises I did....

So....my passport expires in September, and i've just read that NCL state 6 months validity required post cruise end. Will I have an issue? No problems travelling within Europe on this passport as Europe doesn't have a 6 month rule. Appreciate hearing if anyone ran into this issue! Edit - ok, a bit less worried now, the page I read, written a bit unclearly, appears to be only for US cruises (though it also mentions EU cruises and non US citizens needing 6 months validity, I think it means if in the US). My EDocs state: Guests are responsible for ensuring they full all passport and visa requirements for all countries visited during the cruise and when travelling to and from the port of embarkation/disembarkation. Please also make sure to comply with current vaccination requirements. At the check-in, EU citizens need to present a full epassport valid for the duration of travel.