Beach Life 1

I always enjoy your reviews.  I don't know if you are a religious person,  but there is a special place in heaven for you.  Enjoy your cruise,  and the time with your father.  Hope you guys have a great time!

Has anyone sailed since April 1, and received the water package?  Is it one package for the cabin,  or a package for each player (Pearl and above)  in the cabin?  Also,  are the water boxes the large size,  or the small size?  It states 12 pack for 11 nights or more.  So would that be 24 boxes total for two people?  Thanks for any info.

2 hours ago, Russiamomm said:

That’s good news anyway, if it doesn’t change again.

 

i have a question about the OBC.  My April cruise will be the first since I made Pearl in December.   Does the casino OBC show up in your account online like the shareholder credit, or does it only post to your folio when you get on the ship?

You should receive an envelope in your cabin from CAS.  It will tell you your OBC,  and it will have your players card, and drink card (if they are still giving that).   You will see the OBC when you sign in onto your account on the TV.

The above shows the Email,  On Board Credit for Pearl.  

2 hours ago, JGmf said:

@Beach Life 1 I received the mailer, but no email.

 

If possible, can you share with us the details (screenshot) of whatever contradicts the mailer?

 

Thanks.

I received an Email also.  It's interesting that the mailer that was sent out does not show an OBC for Pearl,  but the email does.  So which is it?   Are they changing things as they go along,  maybe because they have received such a backlash from Casino players?  They should give more details of these "enticing" amenities,  instead of keeping everyone guessing, because,  so far,  I don't see any thing that has been improved. 

The comps through NCL CAS have really been dwindling these past few years,   So, instead of making it better, it seems like they are taking things away.  And they proudly send out a mailer?? 

On 3/8/2024 at 1:21 PM, PatJim said:

 We usually book as soon as cruises are listed, for best price and  cabin choices (Jim is very particular about cabin selection!).  Our TA said a large group booked most of the Haven cabins on this sailing.  Ours is where the cabin stewards park their gear…  This will be our first Penthouse Haven suite on ships with Haven bars & restaurants, as we usually book 2-bedrooms, so we got the last one near the exit door.  Jim and I will be sailing ALONE for first time in years.  Look forward to meeting you😎

 

 

I see that the majority of the Haven Cabins are already sold out, which seems odd for one year out.    Did your TA tell  you what group booked all these cabins?

Great review, love the pictures.   You have a beautiful family.

I miss the 14 day Winter Caribbean Cruises out of NYC. I wish NCL would bring those back.

26 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

I know, I know! But, I like to live on the edge. 🙂 

 

 

 

You're making me nervous 😬😳 lol

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Does anyone actually arrive to the airport three hours before their flight? We have an upcoming flight to Spain. We'll be at the airport at our usual one hour before flight time. 

I think you're cutting that way to close.  It may take you longer then an hour just to get through security, especially with what's going on now in  the world.  I would get there early,  have a little something to eat, have a drink  and relax.  One hour before flight time is too much stress for me to handle.  But,  then again,  I'm a worrier,  lol.  Whatever you decide,  I hope you have a fabulous cruise.🙂

1 hour ago, shannonkish said:

So, I just noticed the room I booked on the Breakaway was originally B9 (A spa room); now, however, on my itinerary online it shows a BA room--- same room number. 

 

I have a call into NCL, but the rep I spoke with had no idea what was happening and said he would find out and call back. 

 

Also, have a letter coming from NCL today, according to Informed Delivery. 

We are booked on the Getaway,  February 2024.  I noticed the other day Haven Spa Suites were not listed.  Now, today,  I see,  there are no Haven Spa Suites at all.  It's not showing sold out,  it shows that those cabins are now included as Haven Penthouse Suites.

2 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

Caesars Entertainment.    

Oh,  OK,  thank you.

On 9/25/2023 at 11:44 PM, BirdTravels said:

My CET host has been bugging me to join her group on the MSC Seascape early next year. She has a comp'ed balcony waiting for us. From all of the videos, it looks like a nice, new ship with a nice casino. While we normally only sail on NCL and Royal, maybe it's time to try something new. 

May I ask what is CET? 

28 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

The price of the two bedroom is considerably more expensive compared to the forward or aft cabin.... $3100 more

Wow!!  Yes, that’s a lot. You will have a wonderful experience with your suite.  Hope you have a great  cruise.   

On 9/21/2023 at 8:50 AM, Laszlo said:

Can someone remind me of the Non Haven suite perks on the Gem? It's been 13 years since we have sailed in one. Do you still get breakfast in Cagney's? Priority off and on the ship? Priority tender etc.... I'm assuming you don't have access to the Haven sundeck

Yes,  everything the Haven gets, just not the pool and sundeck.  Since there is no Haven restaurant,  that's not that big of a deal.  The Suites on the Jewel class ships are the best bargain to be had,  in my opinion.  If you can do it,  try the 2 bedroom suite, even if it's just for two people.    The suite is spacious and  the master bathroom is fabulous. The  cabins really need some sprucing up, but I  still love them.   I wish the Gem would sail again from NYC.   I miss the  Winter cruises on the Gem 🙁.   The Gem is my favorite ship. 

7 minutes ago, Jeffffffs said:

We had this exact issue for our last 2 cruises...no ability to make any reservations online.  I finally called to ask about it, and they said I had to call CAS.  When I called CAS they knew all about the issue and made the reservations.  I have no idea if this was just a technical issue, or some new "improvement", but it definately has been happening.

Wow, it doesn't seem to make any sense to have to call CAS for dinner reservations. I will call CAS a few days before I can book dinner reservations and ask them if I still have to go through them.   Thanks for relaying your experience.

54 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

We have all been frustrated with some of the newer agents that answer the phone.   I call those the 'rookies' as they have no power to do anything other than check & see what type of discount or comped cabin is listed for your account.   I usually just call back and get another agent another day.  Some will actually listen to what I am asking for, then put me on hold and get approval from a supervisor.  It's not easy, but with patience we are still getting the cruises & types of cabins that we are interested in.  (Good thing we are retired & I have the time to wait on the phone!)

 

Yes, as pointed out above, there are probably going to be less & less CAS comped cruisers on board each cruise unless they make a change to their current practices.  Very sad as we & many others truly love NCL freestyle cruising.

 

As far as booking specialty dinners, you do NOT have to book through CAS.  In our 40plust CAS cruises, I've never asked CAS to book our dinners.   We do our own booking online at the appropriate time.  For most, that is 120 days prior to cruise.  If you don't find the days/times available that you want, check onboard the first day of cruise.     

 

There is a lot of misinformation on FB about NCL cruises.  I read FB posts, but I don't post there....too many conflicting postings that overshadow the correct information.    I suggest you come on cruise critic and ask here.  If someone on CC doesn't give you a good or clear answer, others will quickly correct them.   I have found the most reliable information on CC and that has really helped us plan for our cruises. 

Thanks, for the info.  We too,  always sail NCL through CAS,  and definitely see the comps are getting less generous.   I also,  always book my reservations on line,  and thought it sounded really weird that you would have to book through CAS for dinner.   You are right,  FB can be very misleading. I have dealt with the same agent for years,  but this last cruise,  he seemed like he didn't want to be bothered.   It was always,  I'll call you back,  or I have to check with my Supervisor and call you back,  and he never did. So I called the main CAS number,  and spoke to someone else.  Yes,  I was put on hold for a few minutes, because she had to check with a Supervisor,   but she was able to book the cruise I wanted (after much begging and pretty please, on my part,  lol).    I was told they cut back a lot,  and  the way they compute comps is very different now.  Our friends switched to Carnival,  and the comps they receive,  and the cash they receive is sooo much more then NCL gives.   I still love NCL,  I guess because we are used to it, and just really enjoy it.  We have a cruise booked for February,  and I hope it's not our last with NCL.  I don't understand why they are choosing to alienate Casino players.   I hope you and your husband are healing well,  and you have fun on your next cruise.  Have fun!

On 9/10/2023 at 2:51 PM, BirdTravels said:

@Sand and Seas as you know, there were only 126 guest on my most recent cruise. There were no guests at your tier level. One guest at the level above you. CAS is doing everything in their power to kill their business. 

CAS is getting really stingy with their discounts and free cabins.  I feel like I have to beg when talking to a rep,  and even at that,  they still can't give an answer,  you have to be put on hold so they can talk to their supervisor.  @Sand and Seasyou are  right,  we too may be looking at other cruise lines. I just read on FB that if you book through CAS,  you have to call them to make dinner reservations?   Sounds kind of odd.  Does anyone know if this is true?

On 8/25/2023 at 4:07 PM, Buford T Justiice said:

We did this excursion in February 2023 with a double quad and the passenger used a back pack for towels and water. There is a smallish area under the seat but it wouldn't fit our backpack. It would probably fit a few towels, water and sunscreen. We also did this tour ten years ago and there was riding / stops / riding / stops / etc.  This past February there was more consistent riding, and an extended stop at Maho beach for about 35 - 45 min.  Then again, we had a participant who was unable to drive the quad and after a few fits and starts the leader took her on as a passenger... this slowed us down quite a bit in the beginning. I would do the excursion again.

Thanks for your reply, very helpful info.    Sounds like you enjoyed this excursion,  and a added bonus of stopping at Maho beach.  I hope this will be included with our tour also.   Again,  thanks so much. 😊

Has anyone done this excursion?     I was just wondering if you can bring a beach bag and towels?   Is there a place to store them in  the quad, or if doing a double quad,  can the passenger just hold them?    Any hints or advice for this tour?   Thanks

Ok,  not blonde,  but still totally clueless.   Can someone walk me through, step by step,  how to use the minutes.  I would like to just text home once in awhile,  just to say Hi,  how's everything at home,  we're OK,  that type of thing.  How do I log in and out?   I really am not good at this stuff.😕  Thanks for any help.

Also, check if you have anything in your cart.  If you are within 120 days (final payment),  if you do not pay immediately,  your  cruise may be cancelled. 

The ship may take all bags,  no matter how heavy they are,  but if the weight of your bag  is over 50 lbs, take some things out of your bag,  or add another bag.   Let's have some compassion for the porters.