Can 1 person have/pay for 2 cabins?

[Two Wheels Only]

I thought about this and while I feel that the OP isn't trying to "get over" or do anything deceitful, I'd probably side with NCL on this one. Having the MIL in the suite is fine (she deserves suite perks) but putting her in another stateroom would prevent NCL from offering that room to someone else.

 

Maybe something could be worked out if there are unsold rooms at the time of departure? :confused:

 

 

Onboard revenues. If 1 person is booked in 2 rooms, they are losing the onboard revenue from drinks, casino, restaurants, bingo, shopping, excursions, etc. that another body may have spent. If 2 people booked the cabin that the 1 person is using that could be double the onboard revenue.

 

I agree but if the room is unsold at the time of departure, the MIL's fare for that room would be better than nothing.

[Two Wheels Only]

When you give suite perks to those you snuck in you deny that perk to a real suit guest. No wonder the seats reserved for suites are always full.

 

The OP didn't try to "sneak" anyone in. The mother-in-law's fare was going to be as the 5th guest (room sleeps up to 6) in the suite. The MIL would be deserving of suite perks in that scenario.

 

The OP wanted (and was willing to pay for) an additional room for the MIL.

 

Some of the advice given may have been....deceitful but that wasn't the OP initial intention.

Edited January 22, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[cruzsnooze]

The OP didn't try to "sneak" anyone in. The mother-in-law's fare was going to be as the 5th guest (room sleeps up to 6) in the suite. The MIL would be deserving of suite perks in that scenario.

 

The OP wanted (and was willing to pay for) an additional room for the MIL.

 

Some of the advice given may have been....deceitful but that wasn't the OP initial intention.

 

The MIL is not paying for the suite because the 5th guest is free in any suite, so they are only putting her name on their cabin for the perks. There is no double payment.

[amarvel]

In theory I see why people think this could work. However you have to think of it from ncl. Most suites do not sail at capacity. Which means allowing this could open a can of worms.

 

Let's say I am traveling with my husband and two children in a six person suite. And my sibling and their spouse come along on vacation with us but book a balcony. Should I then add their names to our suite so they get suite perks even though they're not using our room? Technically I have two open spots in my cabin for suite perks that are not being used.

 

This issue comes down to the fact should you be allowed to use the full capacity of suite perks for the number of people in your cabin or only for the people that are occupying the cabin. If it's the first then I could sign anyone on the ship to use any perks for a capacity I'm not using in my room. Thus the can of worms I talked about and probably why NCL does not allow this.

 

Thus although the room can sleep up to 6 that does not mean that the perks are up to 6 people. The perks are only for the people that are actually occupying the room.

[Boschmann]

In theory I see why people think this could work. However you have to think of it from ncl. Most suites do not sail at capacity. Which means allowing this could open a can of worms.

 

Let's say I am traveling with my husband and two children in a six person suite. And my sibling and their spouse come along on vacation with us but book a balcony. Should I then add their names to our suite so they get suite perks even though they're not using our room? Technically I have two open spots in my cabin for suite perks that are not being used.

 

This issue comes down to the fact should you be allowed to use the full capacity of suite perks for the number of people in your cabin or only for the people that are occupying the cabin. If it's the first then I could sign anyone on the ship to use any perks for a capacity I'm not using in my room. Thus the can of worms I talked about and probably why NCL does not allow this.

 

Thus although the room can sleep up to 6 that does not mean that the perks are up to 6 people. The perks are only for the people that are actually occupying the room.

 

 

This reasoning really helps me understand NCL's position. I never thought of it from that POV, thanks.

[Sfdtiller]

I just looked at the Alaska cruises at the peak of the summer and guess what? Friends & Family Sail Free on the majority of cruises at the suite level . I don't believe for a second they were going to pay twice. If that were the case then why not put their 4th and 5th person in a suite too if it wasn't a greatly reduced price or a friends and family sail free? What they were going to pay twice for is port fees which is peanuts to get suite perks.

 

It seems that you have a special computer or deals that nobody else can get. If you had read what the OP posted you would see she is going in the summer. So i would guess that is between jun-mid august when kids are out of school. Therefore NO 3rd/4th free is offered. I am guessing again that in your rush to pass judgment you just saw the deal was offered and didn't actually try to book the deal to see when it was truly offered.

[Johnny Bananas]

They would make more money in this situation. .

 

But they AREN'T making more money off of you because your MIL is alone in a second cabin. They could potentially sell that cabin to 2, 3 or 4 other people who would be spending money in bars, specialty restaurants, shore ex, wifi, casino, bingo, pictures, cruise rewards, etc. Just because you are paying for 2 spots for one person doesn't equate to more money for NCL than if they sold that cabin to someone else...

[Kdiamond55]

But they AREN'T making more money off of you because your MIL is alone in a second cabin. They could potentially sell that cabin to 2, 3 or 4 other people who would be spending money in bars, specialty restaurants, shore ex, wifi, casino, bingo, pictures, cruise rewards, etc. Just because you are paying for 2 spots for one person doesn't equate to more money for NCL than if they sold that cabin to someone else...

 

I meant more money off the bat from me (twice as much).

 

I agreed with the others earlier that pointed out that onboard revenue is a big factor here. I get that.

 

For me it was just a question of whether or not it could be done/was it legal. I stated multiple times I was not trying to scam anyone, I was paying huge fares for everyone (twice for MIL) but it was an attempt only to make everyone comfortable and yet keep everyone together during non-sleeping times.

 

So what I will probably do is forgo the suite all together and book 3 mid ship rooms.

[Budget Queen]

I meant more money off the bat from me (twice as much).

 

I agreed with the others earlier that pointed out that onboard revenue is a big factor here. I get that.

 

For me it was just a question of whether or not it could be done/was it legal. I stated multiple times I was not trying to scam anyone, I was paying huge fares for everyone (twice for MIL) but it was an attempt only to make everyone comfortable and yet keep everyone together during non-sleeping times.

 

So what I will probably do is forgo the suite all together and book 3 mid ship rooms.

 

Keep an eye out for the promotions, there most certainly have been the free 3++ deals in Alaska, in season. I have picked up two of them. HAL also runs them which I've gotten that too. BUT, being flexible is necessary and the ability to act quickly in some cases.

[Arzeena]

To the OP:

 

Hope your problem is resolved.

Edited January 23, 2016 by Arzeena

[amarvel]

As my other post explains in more detail this is actually quite simple. Ncl needs you to be listed on one room due to ensuring the manifest is correct. Whatever room you're listed on that's the perks you get. So if mother in law wants her own room then she doesn't get the perks. end of story. I think its honestly that easy. Doesn't have to do with money or revenue. You have to be listed on one room.

 

Now that said she can use your room because no one can tell you that someone can't sleep in your room. That also means that she can share in your snacks that you have delivered to your room. There is no one on the ship going to tell her she can't eat the apple in your fruit basket on your table, etc. You could share your Lavazza coffee with her also. Your concierge or Butler can make reservations at dinner for your entire party. And quite frankly I've been in the suite on the jewel and I didn't think the suite seats at the shows were anything special. the only perk i can think of that might even come into play here is whether or not she would be allowed to check in with you at the dock. there has been some dispute on that depending on the port. Other than that if you're not in the Haven then I'm not sure what suite perks she really is missing out by having her own room versus being your fifth.

[Kdiamond55]

After actually looking into the suite perks you're right, there isn't really that much she would miss out on...truthfully I wouldn't even utilize much of anything myself. The extra living space in the room being the biggest reason for a suite. But I wouldn't want her feeling like she wasn't "part" of the suite, she might feel like she was imposing and it would be uncomfortable. That brings us full circle which is why I wanted her to be a paying fare on the suite as well as have her own mid ship cabin.

 

But I'm not going to try to skirt around rules to do that. Not my style. I wish there were connecting mid ship suites but that just isn't the case on the Jewel. Back to the drawing board.

[Boschmann]

From my experience with NCL it is always cheaper to add people to a room than book a second room, even w/o the #3 & #4 free promo. When I looked at the Jewel (and most other ships not having 3 & 4 free) adding passenger #3 through #6 only adds $700 to $800 each to the total cost including taxes/fees. The #3 & #4 promo make it an even better scenario. As amarvel said, and I agree, many people would be willing to add their friends or families names from other non-suite rooms to unfilled spots in their suite for this amount, particularly if they get Haven perks.

 

I don't think OP, nor myself, were intentionally thinking of it this way. I agree it is not worth it on a non-Haven ship. It makes total sense why NCL won't allow same name in two different rooms, period.

 

Using the loophole for kids complicates things. I can see why NCL has allowed it, but evidently it can be abused. Booking four adults in the suite and four "kids" in a non-suite is gaming the system, but NCL made that choice to allow it.

Edited January 23, 2016 by Boschmann

[Kingofwylietx]

After actually looking into the suite perks you're right, there isn't really that much she would miss out on...truthfully I wouldn't even utilize much of anything myself. The extra living space in the room being the biggest reason for a suite. But I wouldn't want her feeling like she wasn't "part" of the suite, she might feel like she was imposing and it would be uncomfortable. That brings us full circle which is why I wanted her to be a paying fare on the suite as well as have her own mid ship cabin.

 

But I'm not going to try to skirt around rules to do that. Not my style. I wish there were connecting mid ship suites but that just isn't the case on the Jewel. Back to the drawing board.

 

If price is not an issue....the 3-bedroom Garden Villa will solve the problem. :D

[Kdiamond55]

If price is not an issue....the 3-bedroom Garden Villa will solve the problem. :D

 

Hahaha!! Well, money is not the issue within a few thousand for this trip...but not Daddy Warbucks kinda money...LOL!!! (I actually didn't even see it listed in my search-must be for super special peeps) :)

[amarvel]

How mid ship are you looking? The suite that is 11030 or 11530 would be under the start of the lido deck, almost mid/front. Might not be that big of a difference if you can select the very back of those suites verses midship?

 

We stayed in 11024 and used both the mid and front elevators. But didn't feel like we were "front" like we did on one of cruises on deck 5 forward when we felt everything.

 

The haven is kinda midship if you choose one of the front haven rooms. Have you looked into that? Haven uses midship elevators. Although probably just the same difference back from midship as 11030 would be forward from the exact center :)

Edited January 23, 2016 by amarvel

[Kdiamond55]

From my experience with NCL it is always cheaper to add people to a room than book a second room, even w/o the #3 & #4 free promo. When I looked at the Jewel (and most other ships not having 3 & 4 free) adding passenger #3 through #6 only adds $700 to $800 each to the total cost including taxes/fees. The #3 & #4 promo make it an even better scenario. As amarvel said, and I agree, many people would be willing to add their friends or families names from other non-suite rooms to unfilled spots in their suite for this amount, particularly if they get Haven perks.

 

I don't think OP, nor myself, were intentionally thinking of it this way. I agree it is not worth it on a non-Haven ship. It makes total sense why NCL won't allow same name in two different rooms, period.

 

Using the loophole for kids complicates things. I can see why NCL has allowed it, but evidently it can be abused. Booking four adults in the suite and four "kids" in a non-suite is gaming the system, but NCL made that choice to allow it.

 

I totally hear what you're saying. And you're right, it isn't worth it.

 

This doesn't help me, but I priced out this scenario anyway for s's & g's and it got me thinking...

 

1. I book a 2 bedroom suite for 5 people which comes out to $11.5k. It's tight but doable. Everyone gets to stay together.

2. I book a 2 bedroom suite for 3 people which comes out to over $10k so not a huge savings there) plus book the adjoining mini suite for my 2 kids which is $5k extra. This opens up my suite for additional space, but adds no additional passengers, and in fact 2 of these 5 passengers are minor children and would not be have been spending any additional revenue on the boat anyway. And NCL gets $3.5k additional from me.

 

This doesn't seem like a "scam" to me at all. NCL allows kids to be in connecting cabins. NCL allows kids to participate with their parents who are in suites (for the sake of boarding, etc).. If it's allowed and you are paying for the space, why would it be a scam? Nobody is reaping extra benefits, these kids would have been in the suite anyway, and they are making more money (off me now) by selling another cabin for full fare. Down the line they might not get top dollar for that mini suite. The boat is barely 1/2 full and there are no deals to be had here. It is one thing if people are jamming a suite to capacity then jamming a mini suite full of kids to get suite perks, but another if you are truly just trying to have a little more space, you require connecting cabins because of kids, these are your family members, and you pay for the extra space.

 

I'd be glad to book adjoining suites if that was available, but it is not. Maybe NCL should just decide these issues on a case to case basis. If a family requires a unique configuration, maybe NCL should work with them.

 

Anyway I am not going to do that because it doesn't help me with MIL, but to call it a scam (not directed to OP above, just to all the people who are freaking out) doesn't seem right. If it was a scam NCL would not do it. Period.

Edited January 23, 2016 by Kdiamond55

[amarvel]

I would call ncl with this specific question about the mini suite adjoining the suite. That's different then when you asked about her being on two rooms manifest.

[Kdiamond55]

I would call ncl with this specific question about the mini suite adjoining the suite. That's different then when you asked about her being on two rooms manifest.

 

That's a good point and I will consider that for another trip. My MIL is absolutely convinced she needs to be mid ship and not in the front or back where the suites are! Oh the joys of being the family trip planner! Ha ha!

Edited January 23, 2016 by Kdiamond55

[Kdiamond55]

How mid ship are you looking? The suite that is 11030 or 11530 would be under the start of the lido deck, almost mid/front. Might not be that big of a difference if you can select the very back of those suites verses midship?

 

We stayed in 11024 and used both the mid and front elevators. But didn't feel like we were "front" like we did on one of cruises on deck 5 forward when we felt everything.

 

The haven is kinda midship if you choose one of the front haven rooms. Have you looked into that? Haven uses midship elevators. Although probably just the same difference back from midship as 11030 would be forward from the exact center :)

 

The Haven had nothing connecting that I saw but I see what you mean about 11030 and 11530 being sort of mid ship.

Edited January 23, 2016 by Kdiamond55

[amarvel]

Well the haven suggestion was more that having access to the haven would give you guys space. We stay in the haven with six of us and feel like we can be in the room, balcony, or haven, or even the haven deck to give us space if need be but you'd still all sleep in the same room though :)

[Sparkygirl]

I totally agree you can have multiple adults in a family as I travel with my sister & her husband and also with my adult kids and have been in one suite.

 

But, Wow! from me. All four of your adults are really staying in the same cabin together? That is what one side of this thread is about.

 

The four adults booked in one suite and the three children in a connecting mini or balcony was one of several booking options we explored. We sail every other year as a blended family. NCL is wonderful for this as each parent books their own dinner reservations for various combinations from all 7 of us to a couple's date night while the kids are with the other parent.

 

We ultimately for this upcoming cruise decided on connecting balcony and mini suite as last time we were a deck apart and were constantly having to swing by the other parents cabin to pick up or drop off stuff the kids forgot.

[Boschmann]

Are you following this other related thread?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2304687

[sjbdtz]

I meant more money off the bat from me (twice as much).

 

I agreed with the others earlier that pointed out that onboard revenue is a big factor here. I get that.

 

For me it was just a question of whether or not it could be done/was it legal. I stated multiple times I was not trying to scam anyone, I was paying huge fares for everyone (twice for MIL) but it was an attempt only to make everyone comfortable and yet keep everyone together during non-sleeping times.

 

So what I will probably do is forgo the suite all together and book 3 mid ship rooms.

 

 

1. You weren't paying HUGE fares for people. You're paying the going rate. It's not like you were doing them a favor by paying a multiple of the going rate...and then feeling like you should have gotten something extra. You paid what anybody would pay.

 

 

2. NCL generally only covers their costs with what the cabin is sold for. They make their profit in the onboard spend.

 

 

 

I guess I just don't understand why person #5 doesn't sleep in the suite, and then you all get suite privileges, save the money of the extra cabin, and this whole thread can slowly drift away.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[Kdiamond55]

I never said I was doing them a favor. I said I wanted to pay full fares for everyone plus another double fare for one person to have another cabin in order to satisfy everyone's comfort and keep the family and kids together. I was wondering the legality of it. I don't like it being implied that I was trying to get something undeserved for free because if you had read everything you would see that was not my intent in the least.

 

If this boat had connecting mid ship suites...well, problem solved.

 

However we can't all squeeze into a suite because there isn't a suite mid ship. Yeah we are being a little dramatic but who doesn't want to make their mothers happy? ;)

 

Apparently this thread has caused a whole movement to get 'scammers' exposed to NCL. Maybe they should train their PCC's not to allow and actually book minor children in connecting cabins if it were indeed unallowed. I don't even think there are enough connecting cabins to suites on any given boat that would make a huge impact on service or take away from any of the enjoyment from other suite passengers anyway. But that's a whole nother argument for another day, and it wasn't even the question being asked here anyway.

 

We can definitely stop the arguments and judgments now. I have my answer. Thank you everyone.

Edited January 24, 2016 by Kdiamond55