Early December Solo Sailing

Hey gang!

I have some time off in December, and I was considering a 10-day sailing on the Breakaway in early December. I’ll be sailing solo, and it looks as if that specifc sailing offers a solo-cruiser discount ... making the rate for a balcony or mini-suite SOOOOPER cheap. That being said, it’s a “sail-away” rate without any promotions or room selection. The price feels too good to pass up, but part of me remembers that you get what you pay for. If I pay the double-occupancy, I’ll get OBC plus two free-at-sea promotions (I’d do the drinks and shore-excursion credit).

Thoughts on sail-away rates without the promotions for a solo cruiser? Am I correct in understanding that I can still participate in the bidding process for upgrades?

Commenting because I want to learn more about these sail away themes. I do the drink packages for convenience but am starting to think twice. My Bride is doing the Escape this weekend with her Sister, Niece and another Woman in the Haven. She couldn't get the drink package but we believe it isn't worth it to her because she spends a significant amount of time in the casino, hence her party drinking will be cheaper in the long run by single purchase.

Hoping your post answers many questions.

Commenting because I want to learn more about these sail away themes. I do the drink packages for convenience but am starting to think twice. My Bride is doing the Escape this weekend with her Sister, Niece and another Woman in the Haven. She couldn't get the drink package but we believe it isn't worth it to her because she spends a significant amount of time in the casino, hence her party drinking will be cheaper in the long run by single purchase.

 

 

 

Hoping your post answers many questions.

My thoughts as well — I just sailed on Carnival without a drink package, and I spent FAR less on drinks than the cost of the drink package, even when buying wine by the bottle.

Hey gang!

 

 

 

I have some time off in December, and I was considering a 10-day sailing on the Breakaway in early December. I’ll be sailing solo, and it looks as if that specifc sailing offers a solo-cruiser discount ... making the rate for a balcony or mini-suite SOOOOPER cheap. That being said, it’s a “sail-away” rate without any promotions or room selection. The price feels too good to pass up, but part of me remembers that you get what you pay for. If I pay the double-occupancy, I’ll get OBC plus two free-at-sea promotions (I’d do the drinks and shore-excursion credit).

 

 

 

Thoughts on sail-away rates without the promotions for a solo cruiser? Am I correct in understanding that I can still participate in the bidding process for upgrades?

I think you need to look at the difference in price if it is worth it... it can be quite a lot and then look would you drink that much quite often it's 500 or 600 difference

And really not worth paying that to get the drink package with your cabin. I try never to pay double unless the cruise is an amazing deal to begin with.

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One of the differences is that you are not paying for a full drink package (which average drinkers would never get their money's worth), but just the service charge if you decide to do the regular rate.

The service charge is $178 for the longer cruise. I'm not sure if you are cruising solo if you have to pay for both "people" in the cabin or not, but I feel that paying the service charge for the drinks package ends up being a good deal. I like knowing that I can order drinks and if I don't like them, I don't have to finish them. You'll also have three sea days, when you might appreciate having the drink package.

Since this is a Distinctive Voyage, you would get some other perks as well. I would seriously look at the money (plus the advantage of choosing your own cabin) and see how things would work out for you.

Hey gang!

 

 

 

I have some time off in December, and I was considering a 10-day sailing on the Breakaway in early December. I’ll be sailing solo, and it looks as if that specifc sailing offers a solo-cruiser discount ... making the rate for a balcony or mini-suite SOOOOPER cheap. That being said, it’s a “sail-away” rate without any promotions or room selection. The price feels too good to pass up, but part of me remembers that you get what you pay for. If I pay the double-occupancy, I’ll get OBC plus two free-at-sea promotions (I’d do the drinks and shore-excursion credit).

 

 

 

Thoughts on sail-away rates without the promotions for a solo cruiser? Am I correct in understanding that I can still participate in the bidding process for upgrades?

Just looked at your cruise it goes from $1665.00 for IX to over $3000 I would hope no one drinks enough to make that pay off in 10 days

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OP, come join us on Norwegian Epic 10 Day December 5, 2018

Very good pricing. single rate as low as $729 for a studio

OP, come join us on Norwegian Epic 10 Day December 5, 2018

Very good pricing. single rate as low as $729 for a studio

That's a really great deal! Thanks for posting.

Yes you can upgrade (if invited), but you pay 2x your upgrade bid if accepted.

Also keep in mind the increased price isn't just for the perks, it's also for the perk of picking your cabin.

As you probably know, a sailaway booking means they put you anywhere on the ship in at least the lowest category you chose. So noisy rooms, obstructed views, you name it...you're essentially agreeing to take the worst cabin any given category.

Just wanted to mention the question of the FAT promos, especially those with service charges, when cruising solo you would only pay for your own grats. the $124 for the UBP and I think it's $13.+ for the 3 meal SDP. You also do not pay the Taxes and fees for the 2nd person so the overall fare will be slightly less than a couple's fare for the same cabin when booked at the same time.

NCL is really one of the best, if not the best, for solo cruisers offering many cruises to solo cruisers at 0 supplement sometimes. Obviously there are other times when you do pay the full 200% for a cabin but you just need to watch the prices. I'm sure it's much less expensive for those living near a port.

OP, come join us on Norwegian Epic 10 Day December 5, 2018

Very good pricing. single rate as low as $729 for a studio

Awww, thanks! I can’t cruise in an inside cabin 🤢

Hey gang!

 

I have some time off in December, and I was considering a 10-day sailing on the Breakaway in early December. I’ll be sailing solo, and it looks as if that specifc sailing offers a solo-cruiser discount ... making the rate for a balcony or mini-suite SOOOOPER cheap. That being said, it’s a “sail-away” rate without any promotions or room selection. The price feels too good to pass up, but part of me remembers that you get what you pay for. If I pay the double-occupancy, I’ll get OBC plus two free-at-sea promotions (I’d do the drinks and shore-excursion credit).

 

Thoughts on sail-away rates without the promotions for a solo cruiser? Am I correct in understanding that I can still participate in the bidding process for upgrades?

I do solo , last minute sailaway rates frequently don't worry about foregoing any packages. You'll be better health if you just buy drinks as you want them, stay to 1 or 2 drinks a day, it's great and much cheaper.

Just looked at your cruise it goes from $1665.00 for IX to over $3000 I would hope no one drinks enough to make that pay off in 10 days

 

 

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Yeah — it’s twice as much for a non sail-away room with associated promotions; I just don’t think I can justify it.

It really is a math problem, run the numbers and select your best deal:

Promo rate: Pay rate + fees for drink package+ excursion fees - ($50 x # Ports with a NCL excursion) - OBC

Sailaway rate: Rate + drink expenses + excursion expenses

The sailaway rate also provides an outside chance of an included upgrade.

The promotional rate allows you to select your cabin location.

Pretty much that's the analysis as I see it. Good luck from another solo cruiser!

I wouldn't even include excursion OBC in calculation. You might be forcing yourself into an excursion you didn't even want or could get much cheaper either on the island or pre booking with vendor direct before embarkation.

and yes, the sailaway could include an upgrade, be very nice to NCL consultants, at this point I would be dealing direct with NCL just for that purpose. Make several calls to same consultant over a day or two, showing him your loyal, he may even make promise of some benefit when you call back.