22 hours ago, podgeandrodge said:

Further to SouthamptonCruiseFan's post above, this link may provide some information, if someone has the time to go through it.  (Apologies if I am posting irrelevant nonsense, but it looks relevant). To me it seems that this must be interpretational between the lines, or as SouthamptonCruiseFan said, a deliberate decision by NCL not to pay duty.  Either way, NCL should not hide behind "UK customs rules" - it's a lie hiding behind a truth - yes, it's because of UK customs, but ONLY because NCL doesn't want to fix the issue, unlike other lines.  Some screenshots below, but best to read the website.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores

 

 

 

Possibly down to varying interpretations of "entitled journey" and "store" etc. per above - somewhere in the above regulations must lie the facts, and the facts apply to all, not just certain lines.

2 minutes ago, Colin L said:

Tried that four days ago - no response 

I've done it.  Got same response as posted earlier.  Definitely a Group Wide party line on this right now.  Whether that means they are trying to sort out the mess while they hold that line, or whether they are simply sticking their heads in the sand.........we shall see... but they are damaging the brand.

1 minute ago, flamingo_fancies said:

Yes I then asked if they could give me the contact details for a person or department who I could discuss my query with and got this final response saying case closed.

One things for sure - NCL have agreed in both US and EU given similar wordings to adopt the same message.  hopefully they are planning how to fix things...

4 hours ago, podgeandrodge said:

Further to SouthamptonCruiseFan's post above, this link may provide some information, if someone has the time to go through it.  (Apologies if I am posting irrelevant nonsense, but it looks relevant). To me it seems that this must be interpretational between the lines, or as SouthamptonCruiseFan said, a deliberate decision by NCL not to pay duty.  Either way, NCL should not hide behind "UK customs rules" - it's a lie hiding behind a truth - yes, it's because of UK customs, but ONLY because NCL doesn't want to fix the issue, unlike other lines.  Some screenshots below, but best to read the website.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores

 

 

 

the answer must be in here somewhere!

47 minutes ago, kaydeetee said:

 16 hours ago, podgeandrodge said:NCL put a letter on Facebook saying you will be served alcohol if you have a drink package.  Maybe on some sailings, but I'm sailing on the Dawn and I can assure you there was no alcohol served, drink package or not.  Manager told me they were permited to serve beer and wine on othef sailings, but not anymore.

I didn't post that!, also you've posted some comments without your own - possibly you are hitting wrong button.

8 minutes ago, Norwayfan1 said:

For what it's worth, I have just emailed the travel agent who sold me my forthcoming Norwegian Star cruise.

 

Here in the UK, the  'Free at Sea' package is sold as a fare add-on and I do feel that if the promised open bar isn't delivered each day, then that is mis-selling.

 

I don't really expect the travel agent to do anything, or to be able to get any sense out of NCL, but I felt I should write anyway. 

 

If I receive anything of note, I'll add an update here. 

Yes. Argument that at the very least NCL would have to say if you purchase you might get a drink or "may" 🙂

35 minutes ago, flamingo_fancies said:

I think the important words here are "MAY be served" its been cleverly worded it doesnt say WILL be served. Its also the fact that they are saying that guests with drinks packs will not know if it can be used fully until they are onboard the ship🤯🤯

Ironically, "may be served" could also mean is "allowed to be served" rather than "might be" !

9 minutes ago, flamingo_fancies said:

So I've had my response to my email sent last week questioning the new policy. 

 

Norwegian Star, 5/11/2023

Thank you for writing and choosing Norwegian Cruise Line for your vacation at sea. Please be advised that in accordance with the laws and regulations of select ports, the sale of duty-free goods including alcohol beverages is not permitted while the vessel is in port or proximity thereof. However, in certain ports of call which will be specified onboard, guests who have pre-purchased any of NCL’s beverage packages may be served.  Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate this opportunity to address your concerns.   I have however gone back to question the statement of     "However, in certain ports of call which will be specified onboard, guests who have pre-purchased any of NCL’s beverage packages may be served"   I have read this to mean that guest who have pre-purchased a beverage pack will not know what ports they can actually use it in until actually onboard the vessel.   I have received my response to this query and it seem like my initial email is the company line and they are not willing to discuss it further.

That subsequent response is shocking, but perhaps shows a 'company line' is being rapidly enforced. Hopefully means they are closing ranks with a view to addressing the issue.

Further to SouthamptonCruiseFan's post above, this link may provide some information, if someone has the time to go through it.  (Apologies if I am posting irrelevant nonsense, but it looks relevant). To me it seems that this must be interpretational between the lines, or as SouthamptonCruiseFan said, a deliberate decision by NCL not to pay duty.  Either way, NCL should not hide behind "UK customs rules" - it's a lie hiding behind a truth - yes, it's because of UK customs, but ONLY because NCL doesn't want to fix the issue, unlike other lines.  Some screenshots below, but best to read the website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores/excise-notice-69a-duty-free-ships-stores

10 minutes ago, flamingo_fancies said:

That's strange that you couldn't have your platinum bottle. I just saw this on a NCL Dawn FB group  someone got a response from NCL saying guests with Pre-paid beverage packs would be served. 

Doesn't explain why UK ports they are not allowing people with beverage package get a drink unfortunately 

3 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

You can always ask. I just know that all cruise lines have issues from time to time, and you don't always get a refund if something you paid for isn't available 100% of the time. I've paid extra for Wifi and sometimes it doesn't work, same with spa access where they closed it for part of the day. Really no different. But there's no harm in asking (but even here it wasn't even a full day, we're talking a few hours at most so if I were the cruise line, my answer would be "nope.")

You're cheerleading the indefensible so much on here, I'm beginning to think you just like winding people up.  Either that, or you're the type that could be sold sand before a visit to the Sahara, and suck it up when you got there and saw the desert.

It is quite clear, as of October 2022 anyway per lovemycruisetoo, that a SOLO traveller gets a Latitude "dinner for 2 with wine", "dinner for two".

In a long thread, which I didn't want to open up again, ggTexasGal mentioned that "You, as a Solo traveler, have access to 2 Latitudes specialty dining meals during a cruise of 5 days or longer.  Anyone with whom you choose to dine, is on their own for "how" their meal will be paid!"

Others have contradicted this, and stated that they, as SOLO travellers, have been still able to treat another guest to the meal if they dine with them.  Poster UKstages on here made the distinction that a SOLO TRAVELLER can treat another guest, it's just that Norwegian don't want a SOLO DINER having 2 meals, only one.

The confusion seems to stem from the language Norweigan are using - 

""""""""Effective September 14, 2022, Latitudes Rewards members who reach a tier eligible for the Dinner for Two benefits will receive 2 Dinner for Two vouchers to be used at any specialty restaurant on sailings 5-days or longer."

• 2 guests maximum – Dinner for Two vouchers are issued as a per stateroom benefit. 

• SOLO TRAVELLERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ONE DINNER FOR EACH VOUCHER.""""""""

I think that NCL simply mean that solo travellers can't tuck into 2 meals if they are on their own at the table.  But they can still treat another passenger.

Love some confirmation please.  

EDIT - MORE CONFUSING LANGUAGE ON THE FAQ ON NCL WEBSITE, which states "solo travellers get two dinners for one" - I don't think this is what they mean, - they mean "solo diners".

Can I still split the dinner for two vouchers if I am a solo traveller (two meals for one person)?

So does Sapphire allow you to skip the line for entertainment shows, as well as dining?  Is it up to the staff at the doorway i.e. could they refuse and mortify you as you walk back to the back of the line? 😲

In terms of the Behind the Scenes Tour, I'm currently Platinum (easy these days with the extra points I guess, but took me a lot of cruises), and I would suggest they leave the current BTS tour for Platinum, but perhaps give the "Paid" BTS tour to Saphire, thus adding value.  Right now, I just don't see much value in progressing from Platinum.

8 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

The Sapphire tour is run by Cruise Next. The paid tour is run by ShoreEx. The Sapphire tour is not the same as what you see online. The Sapphire tour is shorter and less involved than the paid tour - does not include provisioning, bridge, or engine control room.

 

When you embark, head to CruiseNext desk on embarkation day to sign up for the free tour, dinner with officers, and wines around the world wine tasting. Both will sell out. 

Or the "Platinum and up" tour !

1 minute ago, bkrickles1 said:

That is interesting. It hasn't done it that way for me in about two weeks. 

Still ok for me, but I'm doing it from the Europe site, perhaps that is different...

1 hour ago, gregluk said:

If someone is docked on an NCL ship in livorno or civitavecchia soon, can you post what the bar service was and if any restrictions 🙂

Yes, interesting to hear more on this, incl impact on those with beverage packages (which is probably most people these days)

20 minutes ago, hallux said:

Interesting - I just did one for a cruise I'm considering and I see a total due including taxes and fees without entering passenger information - 

Yep, works like that for me too.

I'm currently Platinum, and appreciate the couple of meals/laundry etc. for what it is.  Don't see much benefit at all in progressing to Sapphire (Priority Restaurant & Entertainment Seating subject to availability and Dinner with Officers - don't see the attraction myself).  Given you get to Platinum at 75 points, and then have another 75 to get to Sapphire, they could try to make it somewhat worthwhile, and perhaps give the full behind the scenes tour on reaching Sapphire.  It's funny, Diamond and Ambassador are probably unattainable for most, but for those that do get there, there is f all extra given from the latitudes rewards of much consequence.

4 minutes ago, hawkeyetlse said:

Yes the casino also stayed closed for the entire last night, so many people were left with chips and tickets that they were unable to cash out before disembarking. 

 

Before that we had 4 ports in Spain where they charged 10% tax on all drinks, and most nights this continued all through the night long after sailaway, because we were sailing too close to shore. But the shops and casino opened up right away, so that didn’t make any sense. 

Can they charge that 10% if you're on a beverage package?

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Coffee makers on request. They provide Hamilton Beach single serves. NOT K-Cups. 

I think the coffee from the Hamilton Beach machines is pretty good.  I generally bring some extra pods with me to avoid having to ask for extra pods every day - from Amazon etc. "Senseo coffee pods".

It would be helpful if NCL could post the "Port of Civitavecchia Regulations" referred to, if only to get an idea of the background/logic to such a weird rule.

Bizarre rule, don't recall being affected by that last time at that port.  Logic is lost on me.

3 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

 

 

P.S. stay tuned while I try to replicate the Pixel 7 Pro and USB-C Dongle & HDMI adapter/hub.  Samsung is definitely a breeze to use, especially the monitor is also branded under Samsung. 

Thanks! Yes, on the Pixel I think you'll have problems replicating the Samsung set up. Seemingly Google have software disabled the functionality (known as DLP alt mode I think) to sell Chromecast! Interesting to hear if you manage it! 

52 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

 

Yes, I was able to use the Anker 7-in-1 USB-C to output to our HD monitors at home on 1080p but not on QHD or 1440. The mini 4k USB-C to HDMI adapter was able to do that with ease, just played with it briefly w DW's Samsung Galaxy S22+ (formerly mine) while I kept her S22+ with 128GB (less) storage. 

 

The key is that Samsung monitors on the Epic will work with a HDMI signal from my Lenovo Chromebook, that's a big plus, given it's cross-OS compatibility and in running Android apps ... developer's mode enabled. 

 

Not all adapters work with these set-up as I had returned those to Amazon. Will play a little more before we disembark on Sunday ... this is the fun part & turned out sea days weren't boring and we're quite busy & occupied, despite the "lack" of production shows.  Not fans of comedy or club music in a crowded setting. 

 

Maybe I am going to be using 2 flagship Androids but can't stand bloatwares from Samsung. 

 

 

Works with Pixel Pro 7 too? Thanks 

Thanks mking for the live review.  Tech question------You mentioned at the outset that """""Pixel 7P accessing the mSD memory card via the USB-C Dongle, play video & output via HDMI""""""- I have the Pixel 7 Pro, but didn't think it had USB-C video output i.e. usb-c to HDMI cable wouldn't work to TV.  Is it that the USB-C dongle allows this function as it has a HDMI port on it? (I still thought only the Samsung's had the function!). 

Secondly, """"s Platinum & Sapphire or Diamonds, with 15 days at sea, we get 2 free bags of laundry done...""""" - good to know, the latitude rewards page doesn't state this or I couldn't find it anyway!