Any recourse or suggestions?

[Britkid]

Not that I'm aware of, it certainly wasn't presented that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was unaware of the "At Par" promotion, and double checked my paperwork and there is no mention on there of that at all

[All-ready2cruise]

I didn't try and research the different options, as I just followed the lead from my TA. Once I read up on the "Free at Sea" offers I went back to my TA. I guess had I been given the choice, at time of booking, I know which way I would have chosen.

 

Really unfortunate but don't blame yourself, however, keep in mind this is akin to following your GPS without first ensuring the route you should be taking. Were you assigned cabins or is that undecided yet? If it's undecided then you were given GTY cabin no specific number as yet, this may also disqualify from getting the perks.

 

Just look at the upper right hand corner of the Cruise Confirmation for your reservation... it will tell you there what the promo codes. I'd still call your TA and ask what promo you have that disqualifies from having the Free At Sea offerings.

 

Good luck,

[PatandStu]

My parents trip was not booked with Canada at par.

I received all my "extras" when I paid $136 Canadian (for 2) to upgrade from an inside to an ocean view cabin. (I had already rec'd the UBP). So, I paid the $20 gratuity on 4 dinners and also got 10 free photos, 1000mb internet, unlimited phone calls home, and $50 in casino money.

Dad has called NCL and they will give him his latitude points but WONT combine them with his previous latitude points because he used a different TA this trip?!?! Still trying to sort that one out.

Basically, I paid about $400 less than my parents (who were in a midship balcony cabin) and got LOTS more perks.

As I tried to explain to them, if you fly from ottawa to London, England, not everyone on the plane pays the same amount. Depends on what's being offered when you do book.

 

 

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[hawkeyetlse]

Were you assigned cabins or is that undecided yet? If it's undecided then you were given GTY cabin no specific number as yet, this may also disqualify from getting the perks.

They booked category IA. Even if it was booked as a GTY, that category is eligible for Free At Sea Perks. There must be something else in their booking that makes it incompatible.

[knitlady037]

if they post the codes that show on their confirmation, we can figure it out. No way to really know what the TA did without seeing those.

[Britkid]

OK so my TA said that Sunwing book a block of cabins, and no offers are available when booking this way...not sure why, maybe we did get an exceptional deal (not necessarily buying that but hey ho), after adding in the UBP at $79US for 2 (especially with the exchange) it would be almost like paying for a 3rd person.

[All-ready2cruise]

The good news is... you should have paid in CAD. I checked the website your TA used and it appears you would have gotten a good deal. Is it worth it under the circumstances...? Not sure, but it's close to what I'd expect to pay just for the cabin so, maybe.

 

You can look into the beer buckets and wine packages and see if they will work for you also you may want to look into just buying a bottle of booze... think you'd need to call about doing it but having never done it myself, have no clue.

[punkincc]

It's a balance. Probably some of these "no perks" deals is because they are in a discounted package. "Group" bookings don't have to have any perks. The lower price is the perk. A lot of "ifs" with these posts and far from the entire story. Certainly not noticeable where to claim the blame.

 

 

How did the rates compare- at the time of booking?

 

It sounds like the OP has no idea whether they got a good deal on the TA package as compared to NCL price plus the value of the perks, as she said that this was the first time she did not do her own research beforehand.

 

OP, that statement the TA made about group bookings not qualifying for any promos does not hold water. I currently have a "group" booking which includes the promos I am entitled to through NCL and additional promos thrown in by the TA. But it may have to do with the "At Par" booking, if others are correct that it is not combinable with the Free at Sea promo. The NCL conformation has the booking codes listed in the upper right hand corner of your confirmation, but they may not appear on your TA confirmation.

Edited February 3, 2017 by punkincc

[MizDemeanor]

Have you made final payment?

[Arzeena]

Newbie cruiser here so have a question that hopefully someone can hep with. Have a 7 day cruise booked in April aboard the Norwegian Escape, my husband and I and another couple (who have cruised before). So booked via a TA and was advised on a fly and cruise package that seemed like a good option and price (no need to worry about flight times and transfers as they are included). We are travelling from Ontario to Ft Lauderdale then transfer to Miami.

We found out after that Norwegian has the "Free at Sea" program, and then found out we are ineligible because we booked through a third party. Spoke to our TA and they aren't able to offer us anything, so am left with a little bit of a bitter taste, as the cost to purchase UBP is way too much IMO. Any suggestions as to see if there are any "loop holes" or leverage with Norwegian, even an option for on-board credit? Thanks :)

 

Perhaps yours is a X gty rate which is not eligible for any promotions from NCL?

[MizDemeanor]

Perhaps yours is a X gty rate which is not eligible for any promotions from NCL?

 

Good point!

[KeithJenner]

The OP has stated earlier that they are in an IA category.

[MizDemeanor]

Thank you...we booked our last, last minute cruise on RCCL and paid for bev pkg...seems OP should be able to work out a Free at Sea with time left to sail///FP?

[sjbdtz]

I asked about upgrading my cabin to see if that made a difference, but nope, apparently not. Ironically this is the first trip I've done where I have not researched my options....as some have said lesson learned.....Funny that Norwegian are sending me messages about the "Free at Sea" but when our fiend called they said we were not eligible :(

 

 

This was a sad thread so far, so I just want to inject some levity....and am pleased to see you have your own dedicated 'fiend'.

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[newmexicoNita]

My parents booked their recent cruise (with travel package to, and hotel, in New York) with a TA. My sister and I booked many months later directly through NCL, and we got lots of perks my parents didn't get: UBP, Dining, photos, phone calls home, internet, casino chips etc. My parents also didn't get latitude rewards. My mom is furious-I'm sure I'll never hear the end of it! My dad has said that next time they'll get me to do the booking for them!

 

 

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It appears from what has been posted here and since you posted, you fell into a very good good but very short lived promo. No one can blame a TA for this; it is all timing

[sanger727]

OP, it really sucks that your TA failed to explain all the booking options to you and instead lead you to a certain package when you may have preferred a different one. I sometimes book with TAs and sometimes directly, but never before researching the cruise for myself so I know exactly what I want and what I'm willing to pay. Too much chance for miscommunication otherwise. Sorry to say I think this will just have to be a lesson learned to you, but I would definitely express your displeasure to your TA and probably wouldn't use them again. Hopefully you got a great deal.

 

That being said, since the milk is spilled all you can do is deal with it. A. There's no way in a million years I would purchase NCL's drink package. It covers way too little and costs way to much. B. Tips for no drink package: drink in port and choose excursions that include drinks in the cost; you can bring wine on the cruise with you, as much as you want, you just have to pay a $15 a bottle fee; take advantage of the drink of the day specials and the 'tastings' (martini, margarita, etc) (think tastings are $20 and the last time I did one the bartenders kept the glasses filled). Try to enjoy your trip, you'll know what to look for next time.

[telutel]

You won't have to pay the $200 (roughly) service charge for the so called *free UBP. So, you can put that $200 towards the actual drinks you buy, and maybe you won't be out that much...

[MizDemeanor]

You won't have to pay the $200 (roughly) service charge for the so called *free UBP. So, you can put that $200 towards the actual drinks you buy, and maybe you won't be out that much...

 

That is true...unless they purchase the packages....

[Britkid]

And good "fiends" they are too lol

[Orleanscruiser]

Newbie cruiser here so have a question that hopefully someone can hep with. Have a 7 day cruise booked in April aboard the Norwegian Escape, my husband and I and another couple (who have cruised before). So booked via a TA and was advised on a fly and cruise package that seemed like a good option and price (no need to worry about flight times and transfers as they are included). We are travelling from Ontario to Ft Lauderdale then transfer to Miami.

We found out after that Norwegian has the "Free at Sea" program, and then found out we are ineligible because we booked through a third party. Spoke to our TA and they aren't able to offer us anything, so am left with a little bit of a bitter taste, as the cost to purchase UBP is way too much IMO. Any suggestions as to see if there are any "loop holes" or leverage with Norwegian, even an option for on-board credit? Thanks :)

 

Sorry to hear about your misfortune . NCL is not at fault in your situation, It looks like your TA failed to inform you about what you were purchasing. It's the TA's responsibilty to inform you of the terms and condtions of the third party involved.You mentioned in post 31 the third party , a quick check on the website you would have noticed that supplier purchased a block of rooms from NCL, and if you check the NCL website under the terms & conditions for "free at sea promo"

"Offer is not valid for affinity groups or tour operators and cannot be held as group block." Good thing you are a resident of Ontario, you may have recourse in your situation. In Ontario we're protected by The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) their website tico.ca. You don't mention if your TA has explained to you the t&c of the third party . If your TA did not explain the T&C from the third party you may have recourse with tico. Contact tico and explain your situation. Check their website"tico.ca" under consumer information you will find all the information you need. Good luck

[sanger727]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune . NCL is not at fault in your situation, It looks like your TA failed to inform you about what you were purchasing. It's the TA's responsibilty to inform you of the terms and condtions of the third party involved.You mentioned in post 31 the third party , a quick check on the website you would have noticed that supplier purchased a block of rooms from NCL, and if you check the NCL website under the terms & conditions for "free at sea promo"

 

"Offer is not valid for affinity groups or tour operators and cannot be held as group block." Good thing you are a resident of Ontario, you may have recourse in your situation. In Ontario we're protected by The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) their website tico.ca. You don't mention if your TA has explained to you the t&c of the third party . If your TA did not explain the T&C from the third party you may have recourse with tico. Contact tico and explain your situation. Check their website"tico.ca" under consumer information you will find all the information you need. Good luck

 

 

While I agree to this, just to be clear, the free at sea promo isn't universally blocked to travel agents. Many people, including me, were able to book with the perks through a TA. It must have had something to do with the package or the way the TA booked you. But if you call up a TA tomorrow and ask then to book you on a future cruise with the free at sea perks, they can do it. The price may be quite a bit higher than you paid though.

 

 

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[Orleanscruiser]

While I agree to this, just to be clear, the free at sea promo isn't universally blocked to travel agents. Many people, including me, were able to book with the perks through a TA. It must have had something to do with the package or the way the TA booked you. But if you call up a TA tomorrow and ask then to book you on a future cruise with the free at sea perks, they can do it. The price may be quite a bit higher than you paid though.

 

 

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I agree the promo is not blocked to TA but in this case it's the third party that is block from the promo, I alway book via an Ta here in Canada and always get the promo but I make sure there is no third party involved.

[Lookingforfacts]

A couple of posters got it right. OPs TA booked a group cruise through a (consolidator, wholesale,...whatever) tour operator.

 

Group bookings are "negotiated". Years ago a poster offered details on Princess, I suspect NCL is similar. Based on the number of cabins booked, and other factors, determines how much money can be "allocated" to extras. It can be used for extra free cabins for the organizer, lower the rate, on board credits, specialty dining, drink packages or even tips. Years ago the only way to get a drink package was through group bookings.

 

The OP got exactly what they paid for. They were never promised free drinks and didn't get free drinks. It's not fair to compare (after final payment/fire sale pricing) with what they paid. They got a good deal if the price they paid offered value compared with what NCL was charging, with the freebies, at the time of booking. Cruise air, transfers and cruise hotel rooms aren't always the best deal. Sometimes a package, costing more then buying everything individually, is worth it for convenience.

 

How many people who skip "free drink plan" if you had the option of booking the cruise for $80 less per day?

[Mom2B&Z]

I agree the promo is not blocked to TA but in this case it's the third party that is block from the promo, I alway book via an Ta here in Canada and always get the promo but I make sure there is no third party involved.

 

 

 

The other thing to consider is that Canadian at Par has been offered several times recently as a perk that explicitly states it excludes free at sea. I'm guessing this is also part of the problem.

The OP needs to look at what discount codes are on their statement (top right corner), our breakaway cruise in March/17 has Can at Par and that's it. IMHO it's a better deal than free at sea. Our Ontario TA sends us a quote to approve before payment, but you do need to read the details carefully to realize what is and isn't included.

 

 

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[Mac4YYZ]

"I would love to know how you got casino chips and free calls home. I have never heard of anything like that."

 

The program is called Norwegian Selects and it applies to certain sailings. I saw it on NCL.com this morning. It seems they have an added perk for certain sailings as of now for some NY and Boston departures. It looks to me like slow moving inventory they're trying to move without further discounting.