40 Days 40 Free Cruises from NCL

[seahorse]

I just got off the phone with NCL. It is commisionable charges which constitue port charges and govt. taxes. She told me it would be $161.95 times two. For a 5 day cruise and for me to pay airfare, I do not think it is worth it. That is over $320.00 for the "free" cruise. I guess if you lived in Miami it might be worth it, but that $320 could buy air fare. I asked if I could get any on board credit for my Spirit cruise. I would have taken any nominal fee as a gesture since I missed the onboard credit promotion by a day when I booked. NO deal!!! I printed out the terms for the giveaway and I will read it better later, but I do not see anything about port charges etc. She also told me when the take your booking they charge your credit card $500.00. She said that it is still cheaper. Well it is not cheaper than not taking a cruise. I don't mean to sound ungrateful but I was on hold for 20 minutes to find out this info. So Monte sorry to say but you may be better off. I also asked her about the additional dates for the Pearl that looked like multiple sailings. They leave on the same day, but you can book the cruise for a 5 day (it goes back to Miami and you get off) or a 14 day and you stay on. Sounds like a strange itinerary. I would have considered next Dec. 23rd sailing (since I am a teacher) which was now offered but for me to possibly bring my kids with me it is a very expensive cruise to buy another room. So I won but I didn't. Guess it was to good to be true.

Patti Wong

If anyone finds out anything different let me know. Maybe I just didn't have the "right" person.

 

I was waiting for this:o It does say that you have to pay the taxes in the small print in the promo. Travel agents win free stuff all of the time and I would bet, unless air was included, only about 20% take the "prize".

 

I love the "prizes" that are 2 nights in a hotel in Barcelona:rolleyes:

 

I won a free cruise on NCL but it was for any ship anywhere. I chose the Dawn.......did not have to fly......had to pay the taxes, etc.......and I upgraded:o Not "free" but I had a good time:D

[VoyageVirgin]

I am sure that would be the best outcome for NCL. New customers:)

 

My question if you were not on the boards or digging thru NCL.com would you even know about the contest.:confused:

 

I have not seen a banner ad, TV or Radio ad, direct mail, or any other source that this contest was running. How would someone who never cruised before even know to enter:confused:

 

Heck I even the first day. :eek:

 

Shoreguy and all - I first read about the contest through a direct email by

NCL - came directly into my ebox. So, I'm not sure why others did not - other than we had been registered on the new site for the upcoming Jan 07 cruise. I was surprised to learn CC'rs were unaware of it until after Shoreguy posted. Shame they missed out in marketing it to more people, but so far still hasn't helped me win !!

 

Marj

[dwrist]

Hate to throw a downer in but----many times gov't taxes mean income taxes. When we win something or receive something for nothing we have to declare the retail price as income on our 1040 forms. Check with your accountant. ;)

[CAinTO]

Engineer.

 

I just got off the phone with NCL and the terms were explained. The taxes(non-commissionable funds) on the 2 dates that I gave were $100 per person. The taxes on an EE outside cabin were $59.08. Around $160 per person before tips travel costs etc. Given that the advertised value of the trip was " Approximate retail value of each cruise prize: $1,400" and the present cost of an outside room is February 11, 2007

 

 

 

$517.00

Wish I could use some of the "prize" value to make this cruise a reality. Hope things will work out for your daughter.

 

Carole-Anne

[VoyageVirgin]

Engineer.

 

I just got off the phone with NCL and the terms were explained. The taxes(non-commissionable funds) on the 2 dates that I gave were $100 per person. The taxes on an EE outside cabin were $59.08. Around $160 per person before tips travel costs etc. Given that the advertised value of the trip was " Approximate retail value of each cruise prize: $1,400" and the present cost of an outside room is February 11, 2007

 

 

 

$517.00

Wish I could use some of the "prize" value to make this cruise a reality. Hope things will work out for your daughter.

 

Carole-Anne

 

So the "Value" is 517.00 per person, on that particular date (Feb 11), Would I spend 320.00 plus airfare to be on the Pearl - you betcha. I'm curious as to the "Mathematical skill testing question" they asked you. As we are Canadians as well. Always seems a little cheeky that our government won't allow people who can't do math win anything :rolleyes: . But at least we don't have to pay income tax on winnings either. Better brush up on my math - only one chance left after today.

 

Sorry Patti that it's not working for you - seems a shame not to be able to fit it in somehow. I truly wish you the best with it. Get NCL to shake the magic ball for you.

 

Marj

[cruisingfromMN]

I wonder what other consumers -who DON'T come here to CC- think or wonder about the "monte-isms" that have been on the contest site?

If they even notice it???

 

My mom does not read Cruise Critic but has been entering everyday to win the cruise. We went for about 4 days when I told her about the monte-isms and she had no clue what I was talking about. Then, a couple of days later, I asked if she was reading them and she said "oh, I didn't notice them, where are they"? When she didn't see her name she just quickly and sadly closed the NCL session.

[Lotteryfan]

Here is the list of names announced daily:

November 8, Thomas Mollick (M)

November 9, Roxanne Wasson (F)

November 10, Caroline Conneely (F)

November 11, Stephen Tenyak (M)

November 12, Judy Lemrick (F)

November 13, Suzanne Chesney (F)

November 14, Brittany Ogle (F)

November 15, Mary Gerke (F)

November 16, Danny Haynes (M)

November 17, Shannon Verwey (F)

November 18, Gary Walker (M)

November 19, Carole Ann Bowers (F)

November 20, Cindy Schwemin (F)

November 21, Dawn Uncapher (F)

November 22, Stephanie McCormack (F)

November 23, Kathryn Portal (F)

November 24, Laura Poncik (F)

November 25, Patti Wong (F)

November 26, Keith Brown (M)

November 27, Janis Serrano (F)

November 28, Suzan Cumberland (F)

November 29, Donna Vaughan (F)

November 30, Dennis Anderson (M)

December 1, Thomas Mollis (M)

December 2, Evelyn Pacheco (F)

December 3, Philipp Fiesser (M)

December 4, Joe Eddy (M)

December 5, Norma Houghton (F)

December 6, Robert C Lindberg (M)

December 7, Caroline Gembus (F)

December 8, Janice Smith (F)

December 9, Ricky Parker (M)

December 10, Kathleen Warner (F)

December 11, Diane Neibling (F)

December 12, Larry Ward (M)

December 13, Brent Cockrell (M)

December 14, Amy McGee (F)

December 15, Floyd Ribe (M)

 

 

Only two more names to add to this list. The males are hot again!! Who will it be???????

[mbisson]

My mom does not read Cruise Critic but has been entering everyday to win the cruise. We went for about 4 days when I told her about the monte-isms and she had no clue what I was talking about. Then, a couple of days later, I asked if she was reading them and she said "oh, I didn't notice them, where are they"? When she didn't see her name she just quickly and sadly closed the NCL session.

 

I'm not sending her an autographed picture! ;)

No matter how nicely she asks, I'm not sending one!

 

BTW-noticed on one of the NCL TV commercials last night a little tag to go to NCL.com to enter the birthday cruise giveaway. Now if they had said on TV "Monte, you lost again" that would've been a real hoot!

 

-Monte

[bskmom]

Unfortunately I can't change my Spirit cruise. My father-in-law recently passed away so we are taking my mother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws and our whole family on this cruise. The first for my mother-in-law. She really needs it so it isn't a cruise I can change. I guess I thought I could swing another one. But it just starts to add up. I was naive about the port charges and govt. charges. I absolutely knew I would still pay gratuities etc. But there is on board expenses plus I planned on getting another cabin for my kids. I just can't travel without them (sappy mommy I know but it wouldn't be a vacation for me without them).. I just can't justify another cruise. I wish I could take any ship like the other poster said. Then I would hop on one from NYC and I wouldn't have the airfare. Also they stipulate that there is absolutely no upgrading. You are stuck with a 2 berth cabin. If I could transfer it I would give it to you in a heartbeat, but they wouldn't even let me give it to my husband. He is more flexible with his work and could jet down there with a family member (He will travel without kids) but they said no to that too. But trust me his onboard (did I say drinks and casino) would definitely cost me more. Well it was fun feeling like a winner anyway. Who knows maybe I will win the lottery too. Guess I should start playing. Good luck the next couple of days Monte.

Patti Wong

[mbisson]

Patti-

I really feel badly for you :( . It must be a lot worse to have won and not be able to do the cruise than it is not to have won at all. And with the loss of your father-in-law I sure hope that you and the family can enjoy this cruise on the Spirit. I'm sure he would have wanted you all to have a good time and think kindly of him.

 

Bless you all

-Monte

[bskmom]

I think you are right about my father-in-law. He was always the traveler and would want us to think of him on this cruise. I am actually excited for my mother-in-law to get out and about again. And since the Spirit ship was originally an Asian ship I believe she will love the decor and the feel. It is why I planned this for them. But don't feel to bad for me because I am going on a cruise anyway. So all is not bad!!!! Also we are having 60 degrees here in New Jersey so if this weather keeps up I should be able to make it through the winter with a smile. Maybe one day I will see the Pearl. Who knows she may make a rotation up in this NY area one day and I will quickly hop on. I have been following Shore guys blog and she sounds like fun. Hey any cruise ship is fun. I will definitely post a trip report when I get back in April so keep your eyes peeled for that Monte.

Talk to you soon.

Patti

[Lotteryfan]

Patti-

It must be a lot worse to have won and not be able to do the cruise than it is not to have won at all. -Monte

 

For a second, I thought I was reading Shakespeare :-)

[JuneauMe]

To "Twas the night before Christmas...

 

Twas the last night to enter, and all through this thread

Monte’s name has been dancing through each members’ head.

The questions all answered with knowledge and care,

But poor Monte again would be taunted there

I on my PC, and you on your Mac

Would look on in sorrow as winners we lack

When on NCL’s web site there arose a new matter

Dec 17 would increase our chatter

Could Monte be getting an honorable mention?

Surely this oversight deserves some attention!

First Thomas, then Roxanne, and poor Patti’s not ready

12/4 saw the name of a guy named Joe Eddy

Yesterday, not me, twas Amy McGee

Today I am more than a wee bit annoyed

I lost again to some guy named Floyd

Now sail away, sail away, sail away all

And we wanted to wish you a all a great cruise

But as Monte will tell you, it just sucks to lose

[mbisson]

For a second, I thought I was reading Shakespeare :-)

 

LOL-It was not intentional! But I see where your thought came from. I apologize to the Bard.

 

JuneauMe-Now that is outstanding. And seeing the way it's snowing & blowing outside my window, it's appropriate. thanx

 

-Monte

[JuneauMe]

JuneauMe-Now that is outstanding. And seeing the way it's snowing & blowing outside my window, it's appropriate. thanx

-Monte

I rooting for you Monte, and thank you for being such a good sport through this:D

Donna

[bskmom]

Now that I am really reading the terms and conditions (which to my knowledge just specify taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner - are port charges taxes??) But anyway why (and are they serious) do Canadians have to answer a mathematical question to win after they win. I had a laugh at that as if I was reading a joke. But one of you mentioned in your post as well which I didn't catch at the time but went back and read. Can someone explain this to me. I am very curious about that now.

PS I love Canada. Visit there any chance I can. I watch my Yankees play up there in Toronto (much cheaper that way and better seats) and love to sight see in Montreal. Have to get that passport now to visit you. Will need it to cruise soon too. But seriously enlighten me on this.

Patti

[JuneauMe]

But anyway why (and are they serious) do Canadians have to answer a mathematical question to win after they win. I had a laugh at that as if I was reading a joke. But seriously enlighten me on this.

Patti

Patti, I thought this was a joke too:confused: and I just want to wish you luck on being able to find some way to enjoy this win

Donna

[bskmom]

Hey I am almost feeling a little like Monte. Getting my name "Patti" in a song. When all these NCL recordings are released I will be willing to sign anyones CD. HAHA. But what a creative bunch we are. I can see it now "Shakesperean like" play by Monte entitled "The Cruise that wasn't" and lyrics by Juneaume. Think Broadway will love it. I definitely want Kate Hudson to play me.

Patti

[goodml]

Now that I am really reading the terms and conditions (which to my knowledge just specify taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner - are port charges taxes??) But anyway why (and are they serious) do Canadians have to answer a mathematical question to win after they win. I had a laugh at that as if I was reading a joke. But one of you mentioned in your post as well which I didn't catch at the time but went back and read. Can someone explain this to me. I am very curious about that now.

PS I love Canada. Visit there any chance I can. I watch my Yankees play up there in Toronto (much cheaper that way and better seats) and love to sight see in Montreal. Have to get that passport now to visit you. Will need it to cruise soon too. But seriously enlighten me on this.

Patti

 

It's some weird law we have up here. This is true for most of our contests. Quebec residents can't enter at all. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia that explains it a bit:

 

Skill testing questions are a legal requirement attached to many contests in Canada.

 

The combined effect of Sections 197 to 206 of the Canadian Criminal Code bans for-profit gaming or betting, with exceptions made for provincial lotteries, and licensed casinos and charity events. Many stores, radio stations, and other groups still wish to hold contests to encourage more purchases or increase consumer interest. A classic example of such a contest is Tim Hortons' Roll up the Rim to Win, that gives chance to win prizes with every cup of coffee purchased, with prizes ranging from vehicles to doughnuts. These organizations take advantage of the fact that the law does allow prizes to be given for games of skill, or mixed games of skill and chance. In order to make the chance-based contests legal, such games generally have mathematical skill-testing questions incorporated.

 

By the way, we're glad you love to come and visit us! If you're driving you won't need that passport til 2009 so don't stop now!

[VoyageVirgin]

Now that I am really reading the terms and conditions (which to my knowledge just specify taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner - are port charges taxes??) But anyway why (and are they serious) do Canadians have to answer a mathematical question to win after they win. I had a laugh at that as if I was reading a joke. But one of you mentioned in your post as well which I didn't catch at the time but went back and read. Can someone explain this to me. I am very curious about that now.

PS I love Canada. Visit there any chance I can. I watch my Yankees play up there in Toronto (much cheaper that way and better seats) and love to sight see in Montreal. Have to get that passport now to visit you. Will need it to cruise soon too. But seriously enlighten me on this.

Patti

 

Yup, we have to be able to do some basic math. Gotta get the mitts and snow shoes off to be able to use our toes as well :D Just kidding. It is law that one must answer a "skill testing question" to claim a contest win.

Not a lottery (not that I'd know from personal experience) I've always thought it to be a tad ridiculous - but always carry my calculator!! :rolleyes: Most of the questions are basic add and subtract - but you would be surprised how many people get them wrong. and then of course they don't win. Saw that happen a few times with draws we've done for Charity contests. But the best part is that if we win at a casino - or lottery we get to keep the money and only pay tax on any interest it gathers. If we happen to play the casinos in the US - we have to pay the US Tax man but I think someone said that you can put in certain forms to request that

back - and it actually happens:) I've been in Messina - won and they haul

the tax from you before you get your payout. It wasn't enough to worry about getting involved with Internal Revenue though :p That's one agency I'd not like to have to tangle with. ;)

 

Sorry to hear about your FIL - Hope you enjoy the Spirit Cruise - we'll try to keep it in ship shape when we leave.

 

Marj

[Maryfrei]

Laurie Swan!

 

 

 

No note today, about Monte or tomorrow's surprise!

[Maryfrei]

No Monteism BUT:

 

We're glad you enjoyed this banter - stay tuned for our biggest promotion of the year...visit freestyle07.com on Saturday, December 16, for more fun!

 

Tried to look this morning, but nothing there. Anyone connect?

[sjbdtz]

Tried to look this morning, but nothing there. Anyone connect?

 

Although that's the date I saw when I registered yesterday, too.....later in the day it said Sunday the 17th.

[Maryfrei]

OH! Thanks for the update:)!

[NJLVW]

JuneauMe, wonderful poem..

I tried to get online as well Access denied......

I guess we'll try again later or tomorrow. It would make sense to start whatever it is tomorrow when the birthday promotion ends. duh.