don't-use-real-name Posted September 15, 2013 #26 Share Posted September 15, 2013 elruth - - - "Any mini-suite on any NCL ship never includes butler service. That is only for suites." I knew that - read the fine print in the contract for all the services that you are paying for and expect to get. Simply put the title "Mini-Suite" is a bad description and should be replaced by "DELUXE BALCONY" or something to that effect. I have had drinks with 'mini-suite' folks in adjacent cabins and for the most part they agree that it should be made clear that a mini-suite is not a suite. There is some degree of confusion in the boarding process when passengers in suites get priority boarding and escorted service to their staterooms and those that are in mini-suites do not however thinking that they do without reading the fine print. According to the check-in personnel it happens quite frequently and is one of embarrassment to the cruiser who did not review what was included in the fare although NCL does try to make it clear - but not as simply changing the stateroom title to something other than a SUITE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjbdtz Posted September 15, 2013 #27 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Thanks for posting this. I wonder if these are typically left empty, or used for Guarantee upgrades, from OV or Inside. Spirit has been sailing a long time, every week, and I don't remember hearing about this before. It's good to know anomalous cabins, good or bad. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare terrydtx Posted September 15, 2013 #28 Share Posted September 15, 2013 (edited) We had a similar situation on our first and last RCCL cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas. We booked a mid ship deluxe balcony cabin and the week before the cruise we got a free up grade to their "Junior Suite" to be assigned on check in. I thought we were in for the suite life but was I wrong. :mad:The only difference between our Deluxe cabin and the Junior Suite was 10 sq feet and one deck higher. But we got put into the aft most cabin on the Port side and our balcony was blocked 75% by a stair well which was not advertised as a partially obstructed view. To top if off every time someone used the stairwell you could hear it in our cabin. We did not know what our cabin number was until we checked in on departure day and I think this was intentional because when you looked at the deck plan of the ship you could see the stairwell blocking the balcony. Had I known that I would not have taken the upgrade. I complained and was told since I accepted the upgrade nothing would be done. That's why it will be our last RCCL cruise.:p Edited September 15, 2013 by terrydtx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philly Steve Posted September 15, 2013 #29 Share Posted September 15, 2013 That is truly a small space but bigger than the 108 sq. foot ocean view cabin we once had on Norwegian Majesty. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
<3 <3 <3 Posted September 15, 2013 #30 Share Posted September 15, 2013 I am. I have a lifetime subscription. What's funny tho is that I keep booking the same ship/cabin. I just love it so much. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free DMH, can you email me at smokymtngal@hotmail.com? I would like to hear more about your research. I could learn from your experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beaver1975 Posted September 15, 2013 #31 Share Posted September 15, 2013 (edited) Thanks for posting this. I wonder if these are typically left empty, or used for Guarantee upgrades, from OV or Inside. Spirit has been sailing a long time, every week, and I don't remember hearing about this before. It's good to know anomalous cabins, good or bad. . These two cabins are typically booked as extra bedrooms to the forward suites they are connected to. Back in the day when this ship was in the Star Cruises fleet those suites were two bedroom and these cabins did not exist as separate cabins. As a matter of fact those front three corner cabins all connect. The idea was that the parents were in the corner cabin, the children were in the other forward cabin, and the nanny was in the small balcony cabin. Edited September 15, 2013 by Beaver1975 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Canuck Posted September 15, 2013 Author #32 Share Posted September 15, 2013 These two cabins are typically booked as extra bedrooms to the forward suites they are connected to. Back in the day when this ship was in the Star Cruises fleet those suites were two bedroom and these cabins did not exist as separate cabins. As a matter of fact those front three corner cabins all connect. The idea was that the parents were in the corner cabin, the children were in the other forward cabin, and the nanny was in the small balcony cabin. Hmmmm....wish I'd known I was booking the nanny suite! I certainly hope this thread has come to the attention of someone from NCL! Thanks everyone for your feedback, advice and input. I do intend to follow up with NCL on this and hope at the very least no one else will get, the same shock we did about this cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
time2cruise1 Posted September 15, 2013 #33 Share Posted September 15, 2013 (edited) A quick look at the deck plan when booking should have been a tipoff. Those are the only 2 balcony cabins not available to book for 3 passengers. No triangle so 2 passenger cabin only therefor no sleeper sofa.:eek: They clearly need to be a different category then BC like BF and lower priced. Edited September 15, 2013 by time2cruise1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted September 16, 2013 #34 Share Posted September 16, 2013 I checked the cdp site for those rooms and something I don't ever recall seeing before on that site. Those two rooms have a circle with white star and a note "...cabin very small and no sofa and desk". For the prior poster about the mini-suite label should be deluxe balcony - I agree. However, the minis on the Sun are some of the best in the fleet as far as minis go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Canuck Posted September 16, 2013 Author #35 Share Posted September 16, 2013 I checked the cdp site for those rooms and something I don't ever recall seeing before on that site. Those two rooms have a circle with white star and a note "...cabin very small and no sofa and desk". For the prior poster about the mini-suite label should be deluxe balcony - I agree. However, the minis on the Sun are some of the best in the fleet as far as minis go. Is there any way to see when that notation about the small cabins was made? Any chance that note was added by someone as a result of this discussion? Janice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted September 16, 2013 #36 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Is there any way to see when that notation about the small cabins was made? Any chance that note was added by someone as a result of this discussion? Janice I don't see any notation about date added. I go on that site fairly regularly so it seems that this is fairly new. They also had a green star on the aft for a balcony room that was unusually large. I also checked the Star and they had some with yellow triangles which had some messages. Overall seems to be new to the site which is nice - kind of like seat guru uses for airplanes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsTabbyKats Posted September 16, 2013 #37 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Is there any way to see when that notation about the small cabins was made? Any chance that note was added by someone as a result of this discussion? Janice That wasn't there yesterday; probably changed as a result of this thread. It really doesn't matter though (as far as them owing you a credit), because you are supposed to get whatever is advertised on the NCL site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Canuck Posted September 16, 2013 Author #38 Share Posted September 16, 2013 That wasn't there yesterday; probably changed as a result of this thread. It really doesn't matter though (as far as them owing you a credit), because you are supposed to get whatever is advertised on the NCL site. I spoke with a lovely lady in Customer Relations as a follow up to the email I sent NCL on the weekend. I now officially have a file number and am told to expect a written response within 2 to 3 weeks. I tried to state my case as best I could...so now we'll just have to wait and see what happens, if anything! And if the cdp site has been updated as a result of this thread, good!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcwingwalker Posted September 16, 2013 #39 Share Posted September 16, 2013 I spoke with a lovely lady in Customer Relations as a follow up to the email I sent NCL on the weekend. I now officially have a file number and am told to expect a written response within 2 to 3 weeks. I tried to state my case as best I could...so now we'll just have to wait and see what happens, if anything! And if the cdp site has been updated as a result of this thread, good!! Good for you! You've helped out others and they won't have the less than pleasant experience you had with the cabin! Never hurts to be a well-meaning and polite "Squeaky Wheel" especially when you are in the right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMH15 Posted September 16, 2013 #40 Share Posted September 16, 2013 You have a lot of support. Good luck. And I am sure others will appreciate your efforts to warn. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Canuck Posted October 2, 2013 Author #41 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Well, so much for that! Here's the response I just got from NCL on the crappy cabin issue. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thank you for your patience as we reviewed the issues that you had raised regarding your cruise aboard the M/S Norwegian Spirit. We regret to learn that you were disappointed with the configuration of your stateroom. We understand that while a stateroom's size may not be a significant factor to some cruise passengers, it is important to others. For this reason, we offer a varied selection of stateroom sizes, locations and interior appointments. When booking a reservation, the passenger always has the option to choose a stateroom that may meet their personal requirements based on the available inventory. For future reference, it may be helpful to know that our reservation agents are available to answer any questions regarding a stateroom. Our records indicate that the stateroom received is the one which was requested, booked and confirmed by your travel agent. This stateroom number 10006, in a BC category, is a balcony stateroom with a private balcony with two convertible lower beds. We would like to mention that the website does state that stateroom images, square footage, and configurations are representative only, actual accommodations may vary. Our voyage report shows your contact with our guest services desk and our staff's efforts to resolve your concerns. Unfortunately, as the ship was sailing at full capacity they were unable to offer you another stateroom. As a gesture of goodwill, chocolate covered strawberries were delivered to your stateroom. The photographs of the staterooms featured in our fleet brochure and website are general, non-specific representations of our staterooms and their amenities. These photographs and descriptions are not intended to be exact replicas, as it would be impractical to describe in detail, or depict each and every individual stateroom. We apologize for any misunderstanding in this regard. We appreciate your patronage and hope we have fully addressed your concerns. When your plans to sail with us again are firm, please contact Guest Relations at 1-866-625-1164, so that we may arrange "welcome aboard" amenities in your stateroom. We look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, ......... Team Lead Guest Relations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love my butler Posted October 2, 2013 #42 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Well, so much for that! Here's the response I just got from NCL on the crappy cabin issue. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thank you for your patience as we reviewed the issues that you had raised regarding your cruise aboard the M/S Norwegian Spirit. We regret to learn that you were disappointed with the configuration of your stateroom. We understand that while a stateroom's size may not be a significant factor to some cruise passengers, it is important to others. For this reason, we offer a varied selection of stateroom sizes, locations and interior appointments. When booking a reservation, the passenger always has the option to choose a stateroom that may meet their personal requirements based on the available inventory. For future reference, it may be helpful to know that our reservation agents are available to answer any questions regarding a stateroom. Our records indicate that the stateroom received is the one which was requested, booked and confirmed by your travel agent. This stateroom number 10006, in a BC category, is a balcony stateroom with a private balcony with two convertible lower beds. We would like to mention that the website does state that stateroom images, square footage, and configurations are representative only, actual accommodations may vary. Our voyage report shows your contact with our guest services desk and our staff's efforts to resolve your concerns. Unfortunately, as the ship was sailing at full capacity they were unable to offer you another stateroom. As a gesture of goodwill, chocolate covered strawberries were delivered to your stateroom. The photographs of the staterooms featured in our fleet brochure and website are general, non-specific representations of our staterooms and their amenities. These photographs and descriptions are not intended to be exact replicas, as it would be impractical to describe in detail, or depict each and every individual stateroom. We apologize for any misunderstanding in this regard. We appreciate your patronage and hope we have fully addressed your concerns. When your plans to sail with us again are firm, please contact Guest Relations at 1-866-625-1164, so that we may arrange "welcome aboard" amenities in your stateroom. We look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, ......... Team Lead Guest Relations Haha, they gave you a plate of magic chocolate strawberries and said too bad, we aint doing anything to help you. Sounds about right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jingle5616 Posted October 2, 2013 #43 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Well, so much for that! Here's the response I just got from NCL on the crappy cabin issue. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thank you for your patience as we reviewed the issues that you had raised regarding your cruise aboard the M/S Norwegian Spirit. We regret to learn that you were disappointed with the configuration of your stateroom. We understand that while a stateroom's size may not be a significant factor to some cruise passengers, it is important to others. For this reason, we offer a varied selection of stateroom sizes, locations and interior appointments. When booking a reservation, the passenger always has the option to choose a stateroom that may meet their personal requirements based on the available inventory. For future reference, it may be helpful to know that our reservation agents are available to answer any questions regarding a stateroom. Our records indicate that the stateroom received is the one which was requested, booked and confirmed by your travel agent. This stateroom number 10006, in a BC category, is a balcony stateroom with a private balcony with two convertible lower beds. We would like to mention that the website does state that stateroom images, square footage, and configurations are representative only, actual accommodations may vary. Our voyage report shows your contact with our guest services desk and our staff's efforts to resolve your concerns. Unfortunately, as the ship was sailing at full capacity they were unable to offer you another stateroom. As a gesture of goodwill, chocolate covered strawberries were delivered to your stateroom. The photographs of the staterooms featured in our fleet brochure and website are general, non-specific representations of our staterooms and their amenities. These photographs and descriptions are not intended to be exact replicas, as it would be impractical to describe in detail, or depict each and every individual stateroom. We apologize for any misunderstanding in this regard. We appreciate your patronage and hope we have fully addressed your concerns. When your plans to sail with us again are firm, please contact Guest Relations at 1-866-625-1164, so that we may arrange "welcome aboard" amenities in your stateroom. We look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, ......... Team Lead Guest Relations Wow, I figured NCL was better than this. That letter reeks. It basically says to me: "It's not our fault, even if you weren't informed in anyway, and couldn't have possible known it was a crappy cabin. Besides, you received magic strawberries as compensation so be happy.......and we don't care we messed with you vacation. Can't wait to have you back!" With this type of response, to your legitimate complaint, I'm sure your welcome aboard amenity is another plate of those coveted chocolate covered strawberry. Sorry you got the brush off. If something like this happened to me it would be the end of my relationship with the company and I have 31 cruises with NCL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster Posted October 2, 2013 #44 Share Posted October 2, 2013 (edited) I hope Cruise Critic puts this story in it's news section. NCL's response is an insult. NCL change management in Miami again? Edited October 2, 2013 by coaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster Posted October 3, 2013 #45 Share Posted October 3, 2013 (edited) I looked for those magical NCL chocolate strawberries after work around Tampa today with no luck. Are they only available around Miami? The only strawberries in Florida I know of are grown in Plant City just outside Tampa and they are not in season right now. Maybe NCL has a special magical place where they raise them just outside Miami to smooth over false advertising claims regarding cabin amenities such as this? Edited October 3, 2013 by coaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Canuck Posted October 3, 2013 Author #46 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Love the responses! Would have replied sooner, but I was having my recurring magic strawberry dream.... On a more serious note, this letter was from the team leader. Not prepared to let it go just yet. Any suggestions on next steps? One website I saw awhile back suggested contacting the President of the company if all else fails. Perhaps I should do so by snail mail with a printout of this topic? Janice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted October 3, 2013 #47 Share Posted October 3, 2013 If the C D P .com site is correct about these rooms being smaller and having no sofa or desk, NCL should categorize them down to the lowest level within the category. They would appear not to be equal with the other BC on that floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladybugpug Posted October 3, 2013 #48 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Well, so much for that! Here's the response I just got from NCL on the crappy cabin issue. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thank you for your patience as we reviewed the issues that you had raised regarding your cruise aboard the M/S Norwegian Spirit. We regret to learn that you were disappointed with the configuration of your stateroom. We understand that while a stateroom's size may not be a significant factor to some cruise passengers, it is important to others. For this reason, we offer a varied selection of stateroom sizes, locations and interior appointments. When booking a reservation, the passenger always has the option to choose a stateroom that may meet their personal requirements based on the available inventory. For future reference, it may be helpful to know that our reservation agents are available to answer any questions regarding a stateroom. Our records indicate that the stateroom received is the one which was requested, booked and confirmed by your travel agent. This stateroom number 10006, in a BC category, is a balcony stateroom with a private balcony with two convertible lower beds. We would like to mention that the website does state that stateroom images, square footage, and configurations are representative only, actual accommodations may vary. Our voyage report shows your contact with our guest services desk and our staff's efforts to resolve your concerns. Unfortunately, as the ship was sailing at full capacity they were unable to offer you another stateroom. As a gesture of goodwill, chocolate covered strawberries were delivered to your stateroom. The photographs of the staterooms featured in our fleet brochure and website are general, non-specific representations of our staterooms and their amenities. These photographs and descriptions are not intended to be exact replicas, as it would be impractical to describe in detail, or depict each and every individual stateroom. We apologize for any misunderstanding in this regard. We appreciate your patronage and hope we have fully addressed your concerns. When your plans to sail with us again are firm, please contact Guest Relations at 1-866-625-1164, so that we may arrange "welcome aboard" amenities in your stateroom. We look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, ......... Team Lead Guest Relations Wow, I would not be happy. After waiting weeks you basically got a blow off form letter. And chocolate covered strawberries..... I am clueless on booking cabins. I'm hoping our mini suite in December is actually big enough for four. At least from reading on CC I DID know that a mini suite is not a suite at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackparts Posted October 3, 2013 #49 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Could you reserve another cruise, naturally the owner's suite, with NCL and pay it with a check that bounces? After all, the check is representative of what you thought you meant? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare terrydtx Posted October 3, 2013 #50 Share Posted October 3, 2013 Wow, I am disappointed that this form letter is the best NCL can do. :eek:They could have offered a cruise discount voucher or OBC on a future cruise that basically costs the company nothing but would have promoted good will with you and the CC community. I once had a minor issue with Southwest Airlines and I got a $100 voucher good on any SW flight which helped me go out of my way to book that future SW flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now