theskyandseas

Have you booked air? Remember if you're travelling over the Christmas period, air fares can be high, and they only usually go one way. Only mentioning as you'll be flying long haul wherever you're sailing over Christmas/New Year, living in the UK. Just a thought, as this can obviously counteract any discounts you may get on the cruise ;).

Hi. Thanks for your response. Im looking at air fares, I might book this anway, then the cruise later.

do a full availability check and keep a close eye on it

 

use .co.uk not .com you get better data.

 

or say which cruise and someone can do it.

 

you also have o factor perks if you want/need them

Thanks for your speedy response. The cruise is 30th December, 9 night Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice. I have my eye on a cruise this coming December, what are your thoughts on booking now or waiting a couple of weeks until we're in final payment territory. Are prices likely to fall considerably? The cruise is over New Years, so would this make a difference? Does anybody have any stories to share of prices going up/down?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hello All,

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience of sailing late March/early April. I'm considering the Breakaway - Bahamas cruise, and was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what the weather might be like in NYC, At Sea, Florida and The Bahamas. I've had a look online, at historical data, but I was wondering if anyone has cruised this period before and whether it will be warm enough to enjoy everything the ship has to offer.

Thanks in advance.

I'm addicted to reading CC, but I don't post enough, so I've decided that I need to get more involved. I thought I would chime in on this, as tipping is a real funny one depending on where in the world one resides.

I don't think the Cruise Lines do themselves any favours by calling it a 'tip'. Why? In non-tipping/low-tipping countries a tip is considered to be given at discretion ON TOP of someones wage for excellent service and going the extra mile. Therefore if a crew member is seen to be doing their job - making beds, serving drinks etc, then why would someone even consider tipping them, if it's not part of their culture?

Something along the lines of a 'crew service fee' would be better. I'm guessing that due to tax implications they would not be able to call it mandatory and one would still have to have the ability to remove it.

I think the vast majority of people of these boards know the deal with cruise line personnel, and how their pay is structured, however, new cruisers probably don't. The industry is growing and attracting a record numbers of new cruisers, younger cruisers and ships are being deployed all over the world. The cruise lines do need to be REALLY upfront about these costs.

We have to remember, that there are plenty of cruise ships that do not sail from the USA where the vast majority of passengers will be from non-tipping/low-tipping countries.

I personally like pre-paid tips/service charge, I just see it as part of the holiday price, also, why would I take US dollars on a cruise holiday if I wasn't travelling from the USA? Any additional tips (usually stateroom attendant) we will give local currency to.

Thanks for the info. Had forgotten that myself. To the lady/gent from Hertfordshire, a search or two will hopefully come up trumps for you. Good luck and definitely worth doing.

Thanks Dritan.

Sorry folks for the TA request.

Turns out you are exactly correct. I got the above explanation from the agent just a few moments ago. Will take a print of the amenities report with us.

 

Many thanks everyone.

 

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Hi Dritan,

Are you able to let me know who you used in the USA (via private message), I'm very keen to hear of experienced with USA based agents, as they often have the better deals.

I did this cruise in May and thoroughly enjoyed the day at GSC. I had a great time swimming with the fish.

My tip would be to buy your own cheap snorkling gear from somewhere like Wal Mart (even if you throw it away) I didn't think much to NCLs equipment. You really are paying for the convenience.