First TIme NCL sailing. Upgrade Question

[SuperchargedR/T]

Well hey there (to the people reading this anyways). This is probably somewhat of redundant post, but from the search I did prior to posting, there wasnt anything that was exact to my question, so I figured I would attempt to get your opinions. I will admit, I did not read through every prior post I could find, but through the 4 threads I did go through I didnt see anything; So I apologize if I missed it.

 

Anyways, we have solely sailed Carnival in the past. My Fiancee has been one 2 cruises, and I have been on 9 with Carnival. I am pretty familiar with the rooms and layouts (or at least what to expect) on CCL. We are taking our first NCL Cruise in November for our Honeymoon on the Getaway. I called in to NCL directly to book and they gave me the 13700 cabin, which they stated was a larger, forward window cabin. Since this is our first cruise with NCL, this is also my first experience with their bidding/upgrade system, as well as being unfamiliar with their rooms or usable space or amenities within them.

 

So last week I was emailed for an upgrade to either a Balcony (Starting at $25/pp) or an Mini Suite (Starting at $50/pp). So after all this rambling, my question is, do y'all feel it is worth the extra to upgrade to one of the upgrade possibilities, or should I keep what I have with the extra space? And if I should, what do you recommend I should bid in at? From what Ive seen, the room I have is significantly larger than a balcony offering, however, an extended view and balcony is nice as well.

 

I apologize again for the rambling, I just wanted to make sure I covered my bases and explained to I dont get slaughtered too much for being a "repeat post."

 

Thanks, Nick for Indiana.

[Gabsoph]

First time cruiser and our trip leaves in a few weeks. We received the Upgrade Advantage offer. We liked the cabin we had, but decided to make the lowest acceptable bid bc we wouldn't mind a balcony. We felt lucky when it was accepted. We ended up feeling like we received a good value as it was more economical then booking the balcony initially. We booked about 9-10 months before our trip for the ocean view.

 

We determined what we were willing to do to stay within our budget and went into without any expectations of receiving an upgrade. Hope that helps.

[AndyCapn]

So last week I was emailed for an upgrade to either a Balcony (Starting at $25/pp) or an Mini Suite (Starting at $50/pp). So after all this rambling, my question is, do y'all feel it is worth the extra to upgrade to one of the upgrade possibilities, or should I keep what I have with the extra space? And if I should, what do you recommend I should bid in at? From what Ive seen, the room I have is significantly larger than a balcony offering, however, an extended view and balcony is nice as well.

 

I apologize again for the rambling, I just wanted to make sure I covered my bases and explained to I dont get slaughtered too much for being a "repeat post." .

 

No need to apologize. Anybody who jumps down your throat as a new poster is worth ignoring. I mean literally. Click on their name and add them to your ignore list.

 

The bidding process is a gamble: not just whether or not you get the upgrade, but also that you will have no say about where that upgraded cabin is located. If location is important to you, you may not want to surrender control of where you're staying.

 

13700 is a room designed for the disabled, which is why it's larger than other rooms in the category. (You can see some pictures of a nearly identical room on the Breakaway on this thread.) So you can always justify bidding for the upgrade by saying "I wanted to leave this room for somebody who might need it more."

[don't-use-real-name]

xxx

13700 is a room designed for the disabled, which is why it's larger than other rooms in the category. (You can see some pictures of a nearly identical room on the Breakaway on this thread.) So you can always justify bidding for the upgrade by saying "I wanted to leave this room for somebody who might need it more."

 

Somebody at NCL got their priorities or wires crossed giving you a handicap cabin for a honeymoon suite - or -

maybe they know something about marriage that the rest of don't ! LOL !

In any event you have prime bartering cabin location for an upgrade.

If NCL needs a handicap cabin for a guest truly in need - you could expect that NCL will move you up to a

much better cabin as a result and even give bonus perks.

If you are interested in a better cabin location or features such as a large balcony study the deck plans of the

ship and make an offer (bid) for that cabin design location. Read around here at CC about upgrades to find

out how the system works and what you should offer.

If nothing pans out and you would like to move then when you get to Registration before going on board pose

the situation of being in a handicap cabin and would rather have a modest balcony cabin.

You can only ask and see what develops - NCL may have a special needs guest and may be more than willing

to move you - a win-win situation for the both of you.

Be open about the situation and move - it may happen.

 

If nothing happens and you plan on NCL cruising in the future think about attending and participating in a

Roll Call and the Meet & Greet party with perhaps a Cabin Crawl to see other cabins.

Meeting other folks on your cruise share take a look at their cabin(s) and get better educated about cabin

location and selection. Note the best prime cabins may be selected booked several months in advance.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic !

[garycarla]

I think the bigger question is - are you happy with the room you have. Think about the room and what you want SEPARATE from the upgrade thing.

 

Being an HC - it is bigger.

Being on the very front - you can see where the ship is going.

Being in the very front, it will have more motion than a midships.

There is chance they would ask you to move if they need that HC room.

Some folks would love this room. Some not so much. I really dislike the fixtures in an HC room.

If you want a different room than what is assigned, they are usually good at moving you. Check to see what is currently available by doing a fake booking, then call and ask.

 

Okay, with all that aside, you can consider bidding on a balcony. We love and would only sail in a balcony. Again, different strokes for different folks.

 

As to bidding. Sometimes people get an upgrade at the minimum bid. Sometimes they bid strong and do not get anything. There is no "norm" that has surfaced at this point. All depends on the demand on your ship for that particular week.

[garycarla]

No need to apologize. Anybody who jumps down your throat as a new poster is worth ignoring. I mean literally. Click on their name and add them to your ignore list.....

 

That was a bit rough. Yes, people do "jump down the throat" of certain first time posters. There are two active threads right now about first (and apparently last) time posters right now. Check out "Worst Cruise Ever" and "Ruined my honeymoon". Totally different animal.

[SuperchargedR/T]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate them. I guess I couldve explained the room situation a little better, but I felt like I was rambling enough in the first post, so I can explain now.

 

I called in originally (prior to booking a few weeks ago) and got connected with a PCC (or whatever NCL calls them). IMO, that person seemed like they were either getting off work un 5 minutes or was having a bad day or was one of those not really interested in helping those who hadnt cruised with NCL before. So, after getting that vibe, I stated I would try and figure out what we thought we may want and call back. After that interaction, I didnt know what to expect. I didnt know if thats how all of NCL customer service was, or if it was just a fluke. But with that, we kind of looked around and RCL and CCL just to re-compare what was being offered and just reconsider what we "thought we wanted". So after being able to sit down and and truly compare everything, we still decided NCL was offering a "best case scenario" situation for what we were wanting to do. So, I decided to call back an see what happen.

 

When I called back, I talked to a Maria (I believe). She was more than helpful to answer any and all questions I had. Out phone call was just south of an hour and twenty minutes from beginning until end. I explained to her I had cruise CCL line several times and had always stayed in a Balcony or Suite room (granted there is a price difference between the companies). Also, with this being our honeymoon, we figured we would be in the room even less than normal, and would rather save a few extra hundos for stuff to do, so I entertained the idea of a OV or Balcony. She spent a good 15-20 minutes going through the best options she could find and comparing the prices and explaining the differences on the ship. Right before we were going to decide on a different OV (the balcony was $550 more than the OV total and I just couldnt justify it honestly) she stated she wanted to look at one more thing. She then stated they still had several HC rooms available and being this close to launch date, she highly recommended taking that room for the extra room and the same price. I voice my "concern" (or curiosity rather) of it being a HC room and stated with ALL of the exact rooms being available on all of the other floors, she highly recommended taking the room for the advantage of the extra space, and it being on the "top floor for rooms" so no one would be above us. I told her I didnt know how I felt about taking a room that was intended for HC use, and assured it should be no problem at all and that if she was in the same deciding situation as myself and it being this close, she would do it. So, at from the conversation at hand, I decided to follow her advice, considering her knowledge of the situation far outweighs any that I have, especially being new to NCL. I did, however, state that I would be more than willing to give up the room if needed. She stated at that time she would not the account that we were willing to give up the room for an upgrade to a different tier. She stated that they would bump us if needed, but it would be to our benefit as they usually bump to a "better" grade room (I guess thats open to ones interpretation and perspective). Ill admit, I wouldnt mind the extra room at all, however, not at the expense of someone else troubles for not being able to occupy the room when needed. So thats how we ended up in the room.

 

I guess the next question is this. If i DO decide to "bid", it would most likely be at the minimum or close to minimum threshold, as we are very content with what we have (even though we dont know what to expect with a non-balcony experience). With that being said, is there anything that the Mini-Suites offer @ $50/pp that the balcony @ $25/pp dont (and by that meaning features that would be worth the difference or usable services/amenities).

 

The front of the ship or motion aspect of it doesnt concern us as usually on CCL, we are in an Aft-Balcony. I guess the thing that concerns me the most is not being in control. Not being in control of "where" you end up specifically or at least an idea. The $50 or $100 isnt a issue at all, I just didnt really know if it was worth it from the Risk vs Reward aspect. I understand the likelihood of being accepted at those prices is probably slim, but Im not really willing to shell out a bunch since we are content where we are at. I guess maybe the only other thing to consider is being moved by NCL themselves to a better room without charge? Or will they charge me? I know in one instance in the past (a LONG time ago) CCL somehow seemed to doble book a room and only true Suites were available, and intially tried to get me to pay the difference. Endgame we were moved and didnt pay a penny, but it wasnt a seamless transition with CCL CS either.

 

Any other tip or advice for being a first time NCL cruiser?

 

Thanks, Nick

[babynurse06]

The mini suites and balconies are pretty much the same room. The difference is the bathroom. Mini suites have a bigger, nicer bathroom with double sinks and a spa shower. For me, the mini suite is definitely worth it if the price difference isn't huge.

[garycarla]

...

 

Any other tip or advice for being a first time NCL cruiser?

 

Thanks, Nick

 

Please take this with all the respect possible. I have no idea what the question is. A really long post.

[SuperchargedR/T]

My apologies.

 

Any tips for the embarkment or boarding process? Or maybe a better explanation of how NCL does theirs? I am used to Carnival where I can put in my CC info for the on-board spending months in advance. It definitely helps with the time during the screening and registration prior to boarding.

 

How long is the process with NCL from Customs to Foot-on-Ship?

 

Sorry for the extended posts.

[Sauer-kraut]

she highly recommended taking the room for the advantage of the extra space, and it being on the "top floor for rooms" so no one would be above us.

Well..... this is a bit scary because if no other cabins are above you what exactly are you under? Are you under the pool deck and will hear deck chairs being set up at WayToEarly o'clock in the morning? Are you under the theater, the disco, a bar/lounge etc with noise at late hours. Under the buffet you'll be hearing the food carts rolling back and forth. Have a look see what is above you as this might not be the best position after all.

 

Handicap rooms will not have a sofa but rather one chair and the shower will have no step so you might have water issues when showering.

[garycarla]

My apologies.

 

Any tips for the embarkment or boarding process? Or maybe a better explanation of how NCL does theirs? I am used to Carnival where I can put in my CC info for the on-board spending months in advance. It definitely helps with the time during the screening and registration prior to boarding.

 

How long is the process with NCL from Customs to Foot-on-Ship?

 

Sorry for the extended posts.

 

the longer lines are for security I think. The credit card part only takes a few seconds. Delays happen when people have to dig for their passports, or dig for their credit cards, etc.

[poohdreaming]

Well..... this is a bit scary because if no other cabins are above you what exactly are you under? Are you under the pool deck and will hear deck chairs being set up at WayToEarly o'clock in the morning? Are you under the theater, the disco, a bar/lounge etc with noise at late hours. Under the buffet you'll be hearing the food carts rolling back and forth. Have a look see what is above you as this might not be the best position after all.

 

Handicap rooms will not have a sofa but rather one chair and the shower will have no step so you might have water issues when showering.

 

NCL Getaway Deck Plans:

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/getaway/deck-plans

https://www.icruise.com/cabins/ncl-cruises-norwegian-getaway-cabin-13700.html

 

(No cabins above 13700)

 

OP - Boarding process - when you check in, NCL listed down times for you to choose to when you would like to show up at the port. I do not know which port you would be boarding at. The first chosen time is from 9:30-10:30 am. You can arrive earlier than 9:30am. Once you arrive, you would get in line and to go through the security. Then they would give you a boarding group #. Then you would sit down to wait til they announce that the cruise ship is ready to be on board and would be calling by the group #. They usually let people go on board around 11:30 am. Once on board, you can go have lunch. On my first cruise with NCL, I did not go to the MDR or the Garden Cafe for lunch. I went to somewhere else for lunch that was not too crowded. Check out O'sheehans. Rooms are usually ready around 1 pm?

 

Bidding - Are you satisfied with the location of your room? If not, I believe you can call NCL to change the location of your room at no cost on same cabin type. If you bid, can you let NCL decide where your cabin would be? Looking at the deck plan, your cabin would be seeing the front of the cruise ship?? You can try to bid, however it would not always be accepted.

[don't-use-real-name]

My apologies.

 

Any tips for the embarkment or boarding process? Or maybe a better explanation of how NCL does theirs? I am used to Carnival where I can put in my CC info for the on-board spending months in advance. It definitely helps with the time during the screening and registration prior to boarding.

How long is the process with NCL from Customs to Foot-on-Ship?

Sorry for the extended posts.

 

Typically:

You arrive at the Pier and a porter or other person takes your checked luggage to be taken on board the ship

to your stateroom later.

Your carry-on gear and documentation is run thru a TSA ATF machine checking for Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.

A skip the tobacco part unless you are going to and from Cuba.

NCL checks for weapons of mass destruction aka swiss army pocket knives and for alcohol other than corkage fee wine*

* Any wine you will be directed to a NCL agent collecting the corkage fees for the wine

At this point your ride is 20 minutes away and you must be this tall to ride it ! LOL !

Seriously you are directed to the Registration area where your E-Docs are bar scanned and you are given your cabin Key Card.

You photo is taken for file but is not imprinted on the Key Card itself.

From there you will be boarded in some orderly fashion.

If you have some priority of being a frequent guest on NCL or are in a suite you maybe escorted or permitted to board right away.

Otherwise you wait for your que or group to board.

At the end of the gangway your Key Card is inserted into a scanning machine and a NCL agent welcomes you on board.

 

Now you are free to move about the ship but maybe required to wait until your cabin is cleaned and ready.

So go have a bite to eat at the Buffet or Main Dining Room -or- perhaps a liquid lunch with the UBP.

 

About an hour before sailing away into the sunset - you will have Muster Call and be directed to your Muster Station.

A ten or so minute spiel of where to go - what to do - put on your life vest and await further instructions from a crew member.

 

Now join a sail away party or whatever you would do on one of your Carnival cruises except enjoy FreeStyle

cruising and a cruise casual dress code.

 

Bon Voyage and Happy Sailing !

[SuperchargedR/T]

*** Little Update on the whole situation!

 

So, I called NCL directly to explain to them I didnt want to occupy a room in which I wouldnt be using for its intended purpose. I do have to say, the woman I talked to on the phone gave me probably the best experience Ive ever had dealing with in a customer service aspect. She told me she would see what was available that she could move me to. After a few seconds of listening to some tapping on her keyboard she comes back and tells me that, if I would like, she could move me to a Balcony room, AND give me $122.89 BACK TO ME! She told me she would be willing to change the promotion code that I had, I could still keep my UBP & Internet package, and she would change it to the current promotion they are running now (which is the waived taxes and fees for Balcony and above). So she moved me to a BA class Balcony and I save myself some money in the process, and save myself from the possible upgrade charge as well.

 

I appreciate everyone's responses to the post and the willingness to help. Thank you for the feedback.

 

It sounds like their boarding process mimics Carnivals with the exception of the boarding by zone, so it should be a similar process.

 

**I would assume that Passport CARDS (not books) are acceptable since it is a US Customs and not a NCL requirement (instead of a Birth Certificate). Ive used them the past few times on CCL, I would assume it would be the same here (As I did not notice any information about CARDS specifically on NCL website.

[don't-use-real-name]

*** Little Update on the whole situation!

 

SNIP

 

**I would assume that Passport CARDS (not books) are acceptable since it is a US Customs and not a NCL requirement (instead of a Birth Certificate). Ive used them the past few times on CCL, I would assume it would be the same here (As I did not notice any information about CARDS specifically on NCL website.

 

My understanding is Passport Cards are not valid for cruise ship travel* -or- airline travel.

They are to be used for ground land transportation between Canada and Mexico.

The Passport Card does not replace the Passport Book but is merely a supplement.

 

*Exception might be a closed loop cruise (begin and end cruise at same USA port).

Double check this out to avoid issues with CBI and the cruise line ! Know before you go.

[garycarla]

...she could move me to a Balcony room, AND give me $122.89 BACK TO ME! She told me she would be willing to change the promotion code that I had, I could still keep my UBP & Internet package, and she would change it to the current promotion they are running now (which is the waived taxes and fees for Balcony and above). So she moved me to a BA class Balcony and I save myself some money in the process, and save myself from the possible upgrade charge as well. ...

 

 

WONDERFUL. Best results all the way around.

 

Make sure you double check the invoice that shows your promotion and pricing to insure everything was done right in the computer.

 

As to passport/etc - make sure they are okay - not sure about that as we just use a passport.

[SuperchargedR/T]

I have personally used passport cards in April of this year and October of last year with CCL. I ask NCL when I was on the phone last night, however she could only direct me to the website and she did not know.

 

As far as the paperwork, everything appears to be correct, has my UBP, Interent, and Prepaid charges listed on the with the new updated room number. Hopefully its that smooth and there are no hiccups

[newmexicoNita]

That was a bit rough. Yes, people do "jump down the throat" of certain first time posters. There are two active threads right now about first (and apparently last) time posters right now. Check out "Worst Cruise Ever" and "Ruined my honeymoon". Totally different animal.

I totally agree with you. Many first time posters are legit and we are always willing to help. We were all first time once,but examples like you are pointing out do not deserve to be treated with respect. Of course those of us who are supporters of NCL are going to be defensive. The two examples you give are perfect. :cool: