First cruise in a few years

[jfleming40]

We are looking to book our first cruise in several years after previously doing them almost yearly. What kind of changes can we expect with the booking process? Is it possible to get free dining and drinks with a guaranteed stateroom if we press hard enough? Any new upgrade options or procedures? Basically, what has shaken up the NCL world in the last 4-5 years?

[drvmywifecrzy]

yes

[jfleming40]

39 minutes ago, drvmywifecrzy said:

yes

 

Yes what?

 

[drvmywifecrzy]

yes you can bid on a upgrade

[jfleming40]

34 minutes ago, drvmywifecrzy said:

yes you can bid on a upgrade

Gotcha, thanks.

[tomk3212]

The Upgrade Fairy (as we used to call him/her) has "retired" to be replaced by, basically, an auction.  You bid on a cabin upgrade along with everyone else.  Highest bid wins...we hope... but the process is anything but transparent.  I believe it's even handled by a third party & not NCL itself; someone else can verify or dispute this if they know more.

 

One good thing: EVERYONE gets to bid rather than a select few.   I always thought the Upgrade Fairy process was a bit unfair as it seemed to be offered to a select group of pax.  I've been cruising on NCL since '04, am Platinum level & had NEVER received a call offering an upgrade.  

[JamieLogical]

You can't get specialty dining or the drink package included with the Sail Away rate, but sometimes you will see that low-inventory categories go to "Guarantee" status and still include perks. Be mindful that if you select specialty dining and/or the drink package as a perk, you will have to pay the associated 20% service charge on the package.

 

As for upgrades, if you book directly or with a TA that participates in the Upgrade Advantage Program, you should receive an invitation to upgrade at 80 days prior to sailing. You can bid two "metas" above your own, meaning if you are inside, you can bid on oceanview and balconies. If you are oceanview, you can bid on balconies and mini-suites. If you are in a balcony, you can bid on mini-suites and Havens.