A few NCL (Breakaway) Platinum questions...

[mitsugirly]

Let me start by saying we are all Platinum with NCL, but we've been away for awhile cruising other cruise lines. So, I'm wondering if there are any changes and have a few questions.

 

DINING:

First, I know that being on one of the "bigger ships" requires a little more "planning"...which I hate to do that because...well...it's supposed to be freestyle cruising! But the last few times we were on one of the bigger ships, we were locked out of getting into some shows and most of all...not being able to get into the specialty restaurants because they are booked full. We get 2 free meals for being platinum and couldn't even cash in on those benefits a few times. So, I can't actually book them prior to boarding the ship because you are required to check out and pay for them when you are doing it online correct? Is there a way around this? Maybe calling NCL direct to book?

 

Also, being Platinum means that you get 2 free meals...but since we are both Platinum, does that mean 4 meals total? I really wish that included children because we are paying fare for her each time as well and she would also be Platinum and would enjoy these meals as well. At what point do they recognize her status? At 18? Or, since my husband and I are both Platinum (and if we get 2 free meals each totaling 4 meals), it doesn't say "who" you can bring to your meal, maybe I can use 2 of the free meals using my daughter as the 2nd person?

 

Also, what is the charge for children if we can't use her as one of the guest for the 2 person meal? (She's 11 if that matters).

 

Next, I also see (online) doing a mock booking, it only gives an option for 1, 2, 4, and so on people. What if we are only a family of 3?

 

PHOTOS:

Same thing for photos...if they have a photo package, for instance 20 photos for $139, can you even book this when you get 30% off for being Platinum? Do they ever have any specials where they offer you ALL photos for a certain price? (We just discovered this on RC and loved it).

 

TEXTING APPS:

Has NCL incorporated any type of texting app where you can keep in touch with family on the cruise? Carnival has one that works great for us and only  need the texting app (not social media or internet or anything...although we do get an internet package with our booking and also with our Platinum status but just wanting a way to keep up with each other if we are not around each other).

 

POP (SODA)

Do they still allow you to bring cases of pop with you onboard? We have the Beverage Package, but still like to bring our own for the room when it's not easy to get to a bar for a refill. (Sailing out of Miami if that matters...I remember certain ports made you carry them with you and others would allow you to check it in with your luggage).

 

I think that's all I have for now unless anyone has anything else to add I could possibly be forgetting.

[brookie848]

A few answers.

 

Platinum benefits are per cabin if you have two Platinum cruisers in the cabin. So you will only receive two free dinners (one at Cagney's/Le Bistro and one at Moderno/La Cucina). I don't think kids get their benefit until they are 18. If you happen to have three (or more) Platinums in a cabin, then you will receive extra dinner certificates for them. 

 

Regarding booking dinners ahead of time, unless you are booking at Moderno, you do not need to worry about pre-paying since the other restaurants are a la carte. I'm not sure how that will work if you decide to do Moderno -- I'm sure someone else will let you know. 

 

If any of your family is travelling with you, you might want to consider booking yourself and your husband in separate cabins. If you do that, then you will get the four dinners. 

 

Your daughter can eat off the kids menu for free or you can pay for her meal a la carte off the menu (or buy her a dining package). 

 

You can no longer bring soda or water on board NCL ships. Do you plan on booking a cabin with the Free at Sea options? The drink package would at least get you access to some pop. 

 

We always call to book our cabins simply because NCL shows limited availability online. NCL does have issues with three people though -- when we book our dining, we always have to book for four since three is either not available or only available at 5:30 or 9:00. 

 

Good luck planning your trip!

[sfxthx]

Hi,

 

I'm also platinum with NCL, so i think i can answer your questions very shortly:

 

Dining: Two free meals per cabin, and it doesn't matter how many platinum members are in the cabin.

 

Photos: NO Discount on Packages

 

Texting App: You can use the NCL App to stay in touch with others onboard. To stay in touch with family members at home, you have to buy a package (e.g. social media package)

 

POP (Soda):

 

You are not allowed to bring your own drinks

 

 

Hope that helps 🙂

 

 

[Katie H]

I'm Platinum Plus but I just checked at the Latitudes site and the dining benefit is the same for both Platinum and P+.  You get a total of 4 meals per cabin - dinner for 2 at Cagney's or LeBistro with a bottle of wine and dinner for 2 at Moderno or LaCucina (no wine).

[All-ready2cruise]

Yes, absolutely perfect Katie. ;)

[KeithJenner]

There are some details about the process of booking restaurants with platinum (and the SDP) in the link in my signature. That should answer your questions about the meals.

 

 

[dcipjr]

The Platinum dinners are per-stateroom. If your daughter orders off the kids' menu, she's free in the specialties. If she uses the regular menu, it's the regular price (bummer).

 

If you wanted to ditch your poor husband, then yes, you could have her as the second guest -- I believe it's a voucher that would work for whomever is at the dinner.

 

One Platinum perk that is per-member is the laundry bag. You and your husband would both get a free bag of laundry.

 

For photos, if memory serves, my wife bought a package of a few photos last time around, and got the Platinum discount on the package, so I'm pretty sure that it applies to photo packages.

 

For texting, NCL has the Cruise Norwegian app, that will let you do texts, calls, and group chats for anyone else that has the app that's onboard. It's a one-time charge, but I believe that it's per-person.

 

For drinks, unfortunately, you can no longer bring soda or water or any other beverages (except wine, paying corkage). They really want you to pick the beverage package perk. You still have to pay roughly $18/day/person for the gratuities on the included drinks package (don't get people here started... 😁) but it's still a good deal for short cruises. If you start looking at longer cruises, that adds up to the point where your liver and wallet may not be able to take it.

[KeithJenner]

24 minutes ago, sfxthx said:

Dining: Two free meals per cabin, and it doesn't matter how many platinum members are in the cabin.

It isn't relevant to this discussion, but in case others are reading who it would apply to, if there are more than two platinum members sharing a cabin then you get additional platinum vouchers as appropriate. For example, a family of four who are all platinum would get two meals for two at each of the options.

[mitsugirly]

41 minutes ago, brookie848 said:

A few answers.

 

Platinum benefits are per cabin if you have two Platinum cruisers in the cabin. So you will only receive two free dinners (one at Cagney's/Le Bistro and one at Moderno/La Cucina). I don't think kids get their benefit until they are 18. If you happen to have three (or more) Platinums in a cabin, then you will receive extra dinner certificates for them. 

 

Regarding booking dinners ahead of time, unless you are booking at Moderno, you do not need to worry about pre-paying since the other restaurants are a la carte. I'm not sure how that will work if you decide to do Moderno -- I'm sure someone else will let you know. 

 

If any of your family is travelling with you, you might want to consider booking yourself and your husband in separate cabins. If you do that, then you will get the four dinners. 

 

Your daughter can eat off the kids menu for free or you can pay for her meal a la carte off the menu (or buy her a dining package). 

 

You can no longer bring soda or water on board NCL ships. Do you plan on booking a cabin with the Free at Sea options? The drink package would at least get you access to some pop. 

 

We always call to book our cabins simply because NCL shows limited availability online. NCL does have issues with three people though -- when we book our dining, we always have to book for four since three is either not available or only available at 5:30 or 9:00. 

 

Good luck planning your trip!

 

It sucks they don't have platinum benefits for children. 😞 My 11 year old has been on 21 cruises now. I wish they would do "something" for them. But that is life...

 

I didn't notice that the others were a la carte...so that helps. I figures I put in Moderno for my first mock booking and seen the price. LOL  Go me!

 

This time around it will just be the 3 of us (2 adults and 1 child). The adult kids are sitting this one out darnit. But, I will keep this in mind next time.

 

Good to know they offer the kids menu for free in there. At least she'll be able to dine with us if she wants.

 

Well phooey! No more pop to be brought onboard. That sucks! They must have did this after my last cruise in 2016. We did get the Free at Sea booking with the drink package, so we are good on that. It's just I'm a popoholic and wake up to it and go to bed to it and I know from many years of cruising that you can't get any in the morning until breakfast is over and it's very hard to find any at night unless it's the casino. Boo!

 

Thanks for your info! I appreciate it.

 

39 minutes ago, sfxthx said:

Hi,

 

I'm also platinum with NCL, so i think i can answer your questions very shortly:

 

Dining: Two free meals per cabin, and it doesn't matter how many platinum members are in the cabin.

 

Photos: NO Discount on Packages

 

Texting App: You can use the NCL App to stay in touch with others onboard. To stay in touch with family members at home, you have to buy a package (e.g. social media package)

 

POP (Soda):

 

You are not allowed to bring your own drinks

 

 

Hope that helps 🙂

 

 

 

Thanks for the info.

 

So are you saying you don't get the platinum discount on any of the photo packages? You have to buy them individually to get the discount?

 

Only looking to stay in touch with those onboard. I think I might have used that before but don't remember. I think I have some dementia going on these days or just been away from NCL too long.

 

 

22 minutes ago, Katie H said:

I'm Platinum Plus but I just checked at the Latitudes site and the dining benefit is the same for both Platinum and P+.  You get a total of 4 meals per cabin - dinner for 2 at Cagney's or LeBistro with a bottle of wine and dinner for 2 at Moderno or LaCucina (no wine).

 

Thanks so much!

 

15 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

There are some details about the process of booking restaurants with platinum (and the SDP) in the link in my signature. That should answer your questions about the meals.

 

 

 

That link was a great source of info. Thanks so much!

 

14 minutes ago, dcipjr said:

The Platinum dinners are per-stateroom. If your daughter orders off the kids' menu, she's free in the specialties. If she uses the regular menu, it's the regular price (bummer).

 

If you wanted to ditch your poor husband, then yes, you could have her as the second guest -- I believe it's a voucher that would work for whomever is at the dinner.

 

One Platinum perk that is per-member is the laundry bag. You and your husband would both get a free bag of laundry.

 

For photos, if memory serves, my wife bought a package of a few photos last time around, and got the Platinum discount on the package, so I'm pretty sure that it applies to photo packages.

 

For texting, NCL has the Cruise Norwegian app, that will let you do texts, calls, and group chats for anyone else that has the app that's onboard. It's a one-time charge, but I believe that it's per-person.

 

For drinks, unfortunately, you can no longer bring soda or water or any other beverages (except wine, paying corkage). They really want you to pick the beverage package perk. You still have to pay roughly $18/day/person for the gratuities on the included drinks package (don't get people here started... 😁) but it's still a good deal for short cruises. If you start looking at longer cruises, that adds up to the point where your liver and wallet may not be able to take it.

 

Yea, bummer on the regular menu being full price for kids. I guess I'll play it by ear once we are there and see what she wants to do.

 

I do know about the laundry bag since we've used that in the past. But NEVER have I received more than one bag delivered to my room and I'm sure they know we are both platinum. I've always had to ask for it in the past.

 

Hopefully you are right on the package for photos and getting the discount.

 

Any idea what the text app charge is?

 

Wait, what is the $18 a day per person for gratuities on the drink package? Are you referring to what I already paid with my cruise when the "free" drink package was picked as my option and I had to pay gratuities? (Which is already paid for) or are you saying that once I'm on board I will incur another charge daily for using it?

 

[mitsugirly]

Just thought of something else....

 

How are the casino's working these days? Do you still have to put actual money into the slot machines and get a voucher in return? Or have they upgraded, like Carnival, where you can charge your room card?

Edited July 23, 2019 by mitsugirly

[smplybcause]

9 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

Just thought of something else....

 

How are the casino's working these days? Do you still have to put actual money into the slot machines and get a voucher in return? Or have they upgraded, like Carnival, where you can charge your room card?

 

You can still use cash. If you use your card though they charge a fee unless you're a high enough level. Similar to how Royal does it, except I think NCL is only 3%?? (Unless you have a cash account, then I've read on here they don't charge the fee)

[Sand and Seas]

2 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

Just thought of something else....

 

How are the casino's working these days? Do you still have to put actual money into the slot machines and get a voucher in return? Or have they upgraded, like Carnival, where you can charge your room card?

Yes, you can insert your players card or room key and download money that will be charged to your on board account.  There is a 3% fee, but this is waived for those who reach higher Tiers with Casinos At Sea.   The cash downloaded shows up at end of the cruise as part of your on board purchases.

[MNcruisingcouple]

My nephew was able to get soda every morning for breakfast in O'Sheehans on the Breakaway.  I don't think they were happy about getting it, and I think they had to go down one floor to the Atrium bar to get it.  They always brought him two glasses, so they wouldn't have to go again.

 

No, you won't be charged an additional gratuity.  Just the 18% you already pre-paid.

 

I can't believe you haven't been on NCL since 2016.  Your reviews have been very helpful to me in the past.  Have a great cruise.

[Turtles06]

3 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

Wait, what is the $18 a day per person for gratuities on the drink package? Are you referring to what I already paid with my cruise when the "free" drink package was picked as my option and I had to pay gratuities? (Which is already paid for) or are you saying that once I'm on board I will incur another charge daily for using it?

 

It’s the former; there’s no additional gratuity charged on board for the “free” drink package.  

[BirdTravels]

You will get one free bag of laundry per person that is platinum. 

 

You register for your free behind the scenes tour ON EMBARKATION DAY at the cruise next desk. If you ask, they will probably allow you to bring your daughter too. 

 

Restaurant booking is not unique to big ships. You need to book your platinum dinners on all ships. 

 

Discounts will be slightly less for Platinum

 

Edited July 24, 2019 by BirdTravels

[dcipjr]

3 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

Wait, what is the $18 a day per person for gratuities on the drink package? Are you referring to what I already paid with my cruise when the "free" drink package was picked as my option and I had to pay gratuities?

Yes, you already paid it. There’s nothing additional. What you already paid works out to be roughly $18 per person per day, sorry if that caused any momentary panic. 😆

 

I seem to remember the texting being $10 per person. That might have changed since we last went.

[Carolina Girl 99]

Hi Kim- I don't have any additional answers to your questions that have already been answered, just wanted to say hello. I'm also looking at a couple of Breakaway sailings- when are you going?

[Carolina Girl 99]

Also thought I would mention that there is currently a Latitudes past guest offer on select sailings (a couple of Breakaway ones that I'm considering, too) with 20% off passengers 1 and 2 fare, plus the Free at Sea offers, so check that out, too!

[newmexicoNita]

15 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

Let me start by saying we are all Platinum with NCL, but we've been away for awhile cruising other cruise lines. So, I'm wondering if there are any changes and have a few questions.

 

DINING:

First, I know that being on one of the "bigger ships" requires a little more "planning"...which I hate to do that because...well...it's supposed to be freestyle cruising! But the last few times we were on one of the bigger ships, we were locked out of getting into some shows and most of all...not being able to get into the specialty restaurants because they are booked full. We get 2 free meals for being platinum and couldn't even cash in on those benefits a few times. So, I can't actually book them prior to boarding the ship because you are required to check out and pay for them when you are doing it online correct? Is there a way around this? Maybe calling NCL direct to book?

 

Also, being Platinum means that you get 2 free meals...but since we are both Platinum, does that mean 4 meals total? I really wish that included children because we are paying fare for her each time as well and she would also be Platinum and would enjoy these meals as well. At what point do they recognize her status? At 18? Or, since my husband and I are both Platinum (and if we get 2 free meals each totaling 4 meals), it doesn't say "who" you can bring to your meal, maybe I can use 2 of the free meals using my daughter as the 2nd person?

 

Also, what is the charge for children if we can't use her as one of the guest for the 2 person meal? (She's 11 if that matters).

 

Next, I also see (online) doing a mock booking, it only gives an option for 1, 2, 4, and so on people. What if we are only a family of 3?

 

PHOTOS:

Same thing for photos...if they have a photo package, for instance 20 photos for $139, can you even book this when you get 30% off for being Platinum? Do they ever have any specials where they offer you ALL photos for a certain price? (We just discovered this on RC and loved it).

 

TEXTING APPS:

Has NCL incorporated any type of texting app where you can keep in touch with family on the cruise? Carnival has one that works great for us and only  need the texting app (not social media or internet or anything...although we do get an internet package with our booking and also with our Platinum status but just wanting a way to keep up with each other if we are not around each other).

 

POP (SODA)

Do they still allow you to bring cases of pop with you onboard? We have the Beverage Package, but still like to bring our own for the room when it's not easy to get to a bar for a refill. (Sailing out of Miami if that matters...I remember certain ports made you carry them with you and others would allow you to check it in with your luggage).

 

I think that's all I have for now unless anyone has anything else to add I could possibly be forgetting.

Can't answer all your questions but as the dining one: You can book on line. I just booked 4 of our 5 specialty dining perks on line for our  breakaway sailing in Oct. 2 of them were using our specialty dining package and 2 were platinum for us. I  booked tables for 4 and had no charges. We also, often wait until we get to the ship and have never had a problem. We do not always get the  exact times we want but certainly within 15 minutes or so. We have been platinum plus for years, never had a problem. 

 

No you can not bring soda on anymore That was changed a few years ago. 

[drumming cruisers]

Most ships have soda machines in the teen arcade area. I buy cans and put in my refrigerator in the cabin. Think last time I cruised they were $3.99. Slot to put your sea pass card in. 

[drumming cruisers]

This is pic from Epic

 

[mitsugirly]

On 7/23/2019 at 5:17 PM, smplybcause said:

 

You can still use cash. If you use your card though they charge a fee unless you're a high enough level. Similar to how Royal does it, except I think NCL is only 3%?? (Unless you have a cash account, then I've read on here they don't charge the fee)

 

Well darn. I was hoping they had changed that by now. I guess I'll be using cash to avoid the fee.

 

21 hours ago, Sand and Seas said:

Yes, you can insert your players card or room key and download money that will be charged to your on board account.  There is a 3% fee, but this is waived for those who reach higher Tiers with Casinos At Sea.   The cash downloaded shows up at end of the cruise as part of your on board purchases.

 

Yea, I only play slots and not that much so I will never reach the higher tiers. :(

 

 

 

21 hours ago, MNcruisingcouple said:

My nephew was able to get soda every morning for breakfast in O'Sheehans on the Breakaway.  I don't think they were happy about getting it, and I think they had to go down one floor to the Atrium bar to get it.  They always brought him two glasses, so they wouldn't have to go again.

 

No, you won't be charged an additional gratuity.  Just the 18% you already pre-paid.

 

I can't believe you haven't been on NCL since 2016.  Your reviews have been very helpful to me in the past.  Have a great cruise.

 

Ohhhh, thanks for that. I do slightly remember getting pop there once in the past during breakfast. But I suppose you would have to be actually eating breakfast there in order for them to get you one right? Or is the bar there in O'Sheenhans open that early?

 

Good to know about not paying additional gratuity.

 

I know...and to be honest, the only reason I'm going on it now is that I can 2 cruise certificates I had to use up. Otherwise, I'd be headed back to Aruba this summer. :)  But I'll be happy to be back on NCL. I love NCL, just tired of the same old ports. The other lines seem to do ports that NCL doesn't do.

 

 

21 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

 

It’s the former; there’s no additional gratuity charged on board for the “free” drink package.  

 

 

Thank goodness

 

21 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

You will get one free bag of laundry per person that is platinum. 

 

You register for your free behind the scenes tour ON EMBARKATION DAY at the cruise next desk. If you ask, they will probably allow you to bring your daughter too. 

 

Restaurant booking is not unique to big ships. You need to book your platinum dinners on all ships. 

 

Discounts will be slightly less for Platinum

 

 

 

I've done one (maybe 2) of the behind the scenes tours but they always have it early in the morning when I don't have to get up for a day in port...which sucks for me. 🤣  Any idea where they take you on the Breakaway for the tour? I've seen all I wanna see of the laundry. lol

 

Sorry, I must have typed that wrong with the unique to big ships. I was referring to getting into the shows (was my actual gripe) because you don't have to book with the smaller ships and do with the bigger. As for the specialty restaurants, I have walked right up to them and said we'd like to eat there for platinum status and they have seated us, but the smaller ships only...and only because they are usually not busy.

 

 

20 hours ago, dcipjr said:

Yes, you already paid it. There’s nothing additional. What you already paid works out to be roughly $18 per person per day, sorry if that caused any momentary panic. 😆

 

I seem to remember the texting being $10 per person. That might have changed since we last went.

 

 

Haha...thanks for the clarification. My heart rate is back to normal.

 

18 hours ago, Carolina Girl 99 said:

Hi Kim- I don't have any additional answers to your questions that have already been answered, just wanted to say hello. I'm also looking at a couple of Breakaway sailings- when are you going?

 

Hi there!!! :)  We are going in...well....11 days. hehe

 

18 hours ago, Carolina Girl 99 said:

Also thought I would mention that there is currently a Latitudes past guest offer on select sailings (a couple of Breakaway ones that I'm considering, too) with 20% off passengers 1 and 2 fare, plus the Free at Sea offers, so check that out, too!

 

Already booked. ;)

 

 

9 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

Can't answer all your questions but as the dining one: You can book on line. I just booked 4 of our 5 specialty dining perks on line for our  breakaway sailing in Oct. 2 of them were using our specialty dining package and 2 were platinum for us. I  booked tables for 4 and had no charges. We also, often wait until we get to the ship and have never had a problem. We do not always get the  exact times we want but certainly within 15 minutes or so. We have been platinum plus for years, never had a problem. 

 

No you can not bring soda on anymore That was changed a few years ago. 

 

Thanks for the info and confirmation.

 

2 hours ago, drumming cruisers said:

Most ships have soda machines in the teen arcade area. I buy cans and put in my refrigerator in the cabin. Think last time I cruised they were $3.99. Slot to put your sea pass card in. 

 

 

You mentioned you buy cans and $3.99....as in PER CAN??? The pic you show below shows bottles. Even for a bottle that's a lot!  

2 hours ago, drumming cruisers said:

This is pic from Epic

 

 

 

 

 

I'll have to go back to my last Breakaway review and see if I can spot this machine on it. Hmmm

[mitsugirly]

HA! Just discovered this pic I took on the Breakaway....

 

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/BREAKAWAY/SHIP-PICTURES/i-RjTLZLC/0/89d93f85/L/PA090265%20copy-L.jpg

 

I'm crossing my fingers that it will still have diet in it again.

[mitsugirly]

On another note...why is it none of my pictures are showing up as a picture within my post??? Did they change things up again? All I see is a link.

[MNcruisingcouple]

5 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

Ohhhh, thanks for that. I do slightly remember getting pop there once in the past during breakfast. But I suppose you would have to be actually eating breakfast there in order for them to get you one right? Or is the bar there in O'Sheenhans open that early?

 

 

Yes, we were eating breakfast there when he got the sodas.  The O'Sheehan's bar wasn't open that early, but I believe the Atrium bar was where the waiter got the soda.  Atrium bar is one floor down from O'Sheehan's, so you could check there for soda in the morning.