huskerc

Someone else mentioned that it's a point system--so X gets a violation for having a buffet on a carpet, but it's not mandatory that they change it if their other points are under control. So, beyond a certain number of elites, they'll just take the points and make sure they stay under whatever threshold they need to maintain overall.

Could it also be the sailing? I don't know what happens when there are no early or late times left. For example, the Reflection on 3/14/15. We booked CC instead of Aqua because of the price difference and will try to do the ultimate specialty package. However, because no early or late seating times were available, we had to choose Select dining and prepay gratuities. If I booked AQ online through my TA, I would have to do the same--but it's possible that a human being could override this if I called.

Absolutely not. A tux isn't out of place at any venue on formal nights, though of course the bulk of them will be found in the MDR. How many you will see varies with itinerary and length, though.

For us this calculation is pretty simple. 7 loungers for thousands of people make the persian gardens tough to use, and we don't need water because of the drink package. Aqua is really about Blu for us. Every specialty restaurant is a step above Blu, so if the ultimate dining package (I believe $29/pp/pd) is in the same ballpark, we will book CC (as long as 1-2-3 stands).

Prices vary wildly at the Hilton Caribe but it does have the advantage of being pretty close to the port. It's very nice. Check rates and see if it works for you.

Can the Elite+ benefit be used in the dining rooms to order coffee after a meal?

I liked them, but we certainly don't need one on every ship. It gets tedious when you see the same entertainment no matter which ship you are on.

No package limit on number of drinks.

Are these available in Aqua class also?

Yes.

Off the menu on the Equinox for Thanksgiving this year. We had Blu and a drink package so don't really have a use for the elite breakfast anyway.

I think varoo nailed it--you've got a high probability of making it, but if things go wrong you need to be prepared. If you're the kind of traveler who can take that in stride, go for it.

We did a 5+4 night back to back. It was certainly not crowded in there.

As you can see, we are X regulars, but chose NCL's ship for Hawaii and definitely made the right decision. For us time is at a premium, so while we would enjoy some sea days on X, getting the most of a vacation in limited time meant getting to HNL quickly and spending the full amount of time there.

This was our first time in Hawaii so a cruise was great to see the four main islands, however going back we probably wouldn't do a cruise at all. The islands are meant to be enjoyed for longer periods of time. The only way I could see us doing another cruise is to sail out on X and then stay a while (sometime later in life when work isn't calling us back).

Not saying it won't work out that way for you, but for reference, when we booked a med cruise during the time when X was giving 2 of the 3 on European cruises, we took drink package + gratuities and having gratuities included was enough to get select dining. We did not have to pay them and then be refunded.

I would do it in a heartbeat because the elite hours just don't cover the times of day I'd like to have a drink. I generally don't even get started drinking in the evening until the elite hour is over anyway. You don't have to be a heavy drinker to get the value of the package, but I do agree with the advice that if you aren't sure, wait a few days and buy it pro-rated.

The perks are fairly intangible (unlike Aqua where you can put more of a value on Blu + persian gardens). Location is a big one. Right now the "all-inclusive" nature of CC over other balconies makes it nearly a no-brainer for most of the cruises we have looked at, but not everyone will get the full value out of the drink package (we do).

I certainly won't disagree that this was their experience, and I would probably feel the same way in your shoes. However I was on that sailing and did not experience any of that--in fact I would say the service was above average for the cruises I have been on.

One thing I will say is that the ship was completely full and it showed. Public areas were often very full.

We were in Blu and ate in some specialty restaurants so I can't comment on the MDR service. We just don't do the MDR anymore after a few bad experiences with service--it's either Aqua or the ultimate specialty package now.

As far as getting a drink, though, I had many of them in many venues and never experienced anything like 20-30 minutes to get one.

I thought the offer on our med cruise last year was a bag for $20, but maybe that's lower than it really was based on other prices people are recalling in this thread.

That's the timeframe for the suite changes which I think includes changing AQ Suites to Sky Suites. Is that it?

Once you get your paperwork showing the all inclusive promo, I'd make sure to take a copy with me. You never know...

Absolutely. On our most recent cruise, only one of us had the drink package on our cards (an impossible choice with 1-2-3), and our onboard booking credit wasn't applied automatically. All straightened out in the end, but documentation helps.

Throwing in my .02. If you do pick Alaska, pick an itinerary that goes to Glacier Bay. Keep in mind that not all cruise lines have access to Glacier Bay. In my opinion, it is the #1 must see on an Alaska cruise itinerary. Princess, HAL, NCL, I believe all have access to this National Park.

 

Must say, what a thoughtful surprise for your wife's birthday.

Agree 100%. We did Alaska in 2012 on NCL specifically for glacier bay and it was the highlight of the trip. We're going back in 2014 on X, because we've done glacier bay and feel free to explore other options (and just prefer X). But I wouldn't want to have missed GB.

I think they're iterating closer and closer to where they want to be--a large bulk of the ship being "mostly inclusive" with a drink package, gratuities, etc., but still opportunities for passengers who don't want to pay for those perks to find reduced rates or take other promotions.

They've already effectively priced themselves this way. They can't take away the perks and justify their current prices.

Still Jelena and Barbara as of the Thanksgiving sailing. I believe Jelena told us her contract is ending soon and she is not coming back for the time being. Barbara I think said she's planning to move to another ship next year.

Doesn't a CS include the drink package (starting in April 2015) as well?

I have always seen the oasis mix at the coffee bar as well, on both classes.