podgeandrodge

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.

Like it! Thanks! Great to pick by day!

Was it with NCL? Would it show up in your account under "past cruises"?

What way are you interpreting this Krydstosser? My initial reading (pessimistic) is that NCL will add VAT to every transaction and that they might even issue a cheque for the VAT for beverage package transactions? Or have passengers clarified that it is all ok and I further charges? I wish NCL could write a clear message! Edit: oh, I think you just saying that spirits can now be served? But still the dreaded VAT!

What about where cruise "originates" from both Barcelona and Rome i.e. if you embark in Rome the tax shouldn't apply? But that would be impossible to manage?

Is the "bacon" mentioned in the English breakfast actually English/Irish back bacon, or just American bacon as usual do you know? Been in O'Sheehan's many times but never early enough for breakfast!

The "lie", in the sense of the meaning we understand, is still alive and well, in the current wording provided by NCL. There's simply no way that it is not designed to confuse the uninitiated into further expenditure onboard than they would otherwise have planned, rather than explain it for what it is, a 50% discount on a future deposit. I was also bamboozled by CruiseNext staff in the past, drawing and scribbling explanations of how I could spend my free credit, until I figured out how simple it actually is. Wording used by NCL: Dreaming of your next cruise while on board? We get it, which is why we offer CruiseNext – an exclusive onboard-only opportunity that rewards guests who plan their next cruise, while they cruise. Get up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit to spend on your current vacation when you purchase deposits for your next one through the CruiseNext team on board. The best part? The deposits are valid for four years, so you have plenty of time to plan when and where you'll cruise next. I sort of admire the trickery in one way though, it must increase onboard spend by many purchasers!

But was that the emergency meeting that led to the "resumption" yesterday or a new meeting today after the Liverpool fiasco?

Wow

I think it's generally the MDR. For me, and I may be in the minority on this, wanting to have dinner with "officers" suggests that I am somehow lucky to find myself in their company. Each to their own!

Like you said before???? If we all held your view there'd still be no alcohol being served in UK ports!!! Luckily most of us challenge incorrect treatment!

I've got confirmation that mirrors what another poster got from their TA earlier. "Upon further investigation, we have clarified that the beverage service is permitted aboard while the vessel is in port within the UK". This confirmation came from someone sufficiently senior within Norwegian to be totally confident that it is true. It doesn't make a distinction between paying for a drink and using beverage package though, so not sure on that count. Either way, it seems that thanks to the people on here, and the bloggers/websites that published the issue, that NCL have done the right thing on this in the end, which is good news.

Maybe CruiseCritic itself might feel this is worthy of its News page!

Wha? How on earth would they not provide wine in the dining room? Water? They really are not helping themselves as a company right now.