NeutralNovice

After receiving the e-mail, I got all excited, thinking I could get a refund for the Premier Package but nope! But I will say this.. the prices are insanely higher. I cruised on PCL for the first time a several years ago and apparently I played a decent amount at the casino (I think overall, I lost $2k). I haven't been since but luckily, Princess continued sending me offers where I got up to a Balcony for "free." I was looking through Sun Princess sailings and the suite upgrade prices were irresistible, showing $1600pp so I booked a Penthouse Suite for a November sailing for a whopping $3926 once taxes/misc were factored in. I also booked the Premier Package for 2 so that was another $1150 or so. Total I've paid so far is ust over $5k. I just took a look at other cruses that I remember seeing the same price upgrade for and holy smokes... the upgrade cost has skyrocketed to $6857 PER PERSON! And if I wanted a Sanctuary Mini-Suite, it's $3724 PER PERSON! Luckily, on non-Sphere class ships, the Suite upgrade price is still similar to what I've gotten before but I am guessing that will all change in a matter of time if they ever convert the older ships to have something similar. So yeah, I'm glad I booked these early as I will never pay that much for a suite. Lucky me.

Did you take pictures by any chance? Particularly your balcony? I currently have a booking that's on 17637, so all the way in aft, starboard side. Also, how was your cruise, ship movement-wise? Did you notice a lot of movement up that high and all the way back? Thanks!!

Thank you for the information. This is a bit frustrating... I hope I'll be able to still get it comped. I booked this cruise on 12/4/2023. And Princess 360 was pretty much one of the main reasons I wanted to even book this short Alaska Sampler cruise and, from all that I was reading, it was supposed to be complimentary for suite guests. I am on the phone right now hoping they can help me with it but the rep doesn't even seem to know that it was free for suite guests at any point. I'll definitely pay for it but dang, that's another $300 I would need to spend when I was expecting it to come with the suite.

Sorry to piggyback off this thread but just wanted to clarify... Is the 360 experience still free for suite guests? I am trying to book through the app but it is showing that there will be an upcharge. My cruise isn't until April 2025.

I'm really sorry you had to go through all of this. Hopefully this is just the growing pains of a brand new class of ship. I'm hoping that it will all be smoothed out come for my November 9 cruise on the Sun. Best of luck on your future cruises! Hopefully there's nowhere to go but up!

Hi all! So I am getting an absolutely fantastic deal through the players club--so I decided to go big and just get a Penthouse Suite buuut I haven't booked yet. Maybe someone can give me some insight! The deal I am getting is $1050pp on the Nov 9 Magic Castle Conjurer's Cruise. Never heard of this before and just from the basic research I've completed, I haven't really heard much about it except there will be a focus on magic shows and special food/drinks? There are plenty of suites left on Deck 17, Aft; however, a public space is directly above it. Based on other cruises, how bad should I expect the noise to be on this deck with the public space being directly above us? And since this cruise is sailing in early November, what are the chances we'll hit rough waters? Can't wait for them to reveal more about this ship!

I've been sooo torn on what I want to do... So many variables--if anyone can give me some advice, I would appreciate it! A bit about me--I like being on the biggest and/or newest ships. I've been on PCL, NCL, and RCCL. I really liked my experience at all of them but mostly NCL and RCCL. Now that I am centered on my career with a stable income, I want to get the best of the best and book the suite/concierge categories. I have no kids. I love to eat and gamble. I like activities like Escape Rooms, Mini-golf, Games, musicals, acrobatic arts (cirque du soleil). I also love Disney and Disney Parks. Here is what I've been mulling over for awhile now... DCL * Disney Treasure, 7-Nights, Concierge Family Cabin w/ Verandah - ~$12,000 * OR Disney Wish, 4-Nights, Concierge Family Cabin w/ Verandah - ~$8,000 * PROS * I LOVE Disney, I've always wanted to go on DCL * Dining experience looks like a lot of fun * I will probably love all the Disney-themed shows * Port Canaveral is Embarkation so it's close to Disney and I can use DVC for pre and post stays. * CONS * There will probably be A LOT of kids. * No casino (though this may also be a good thing lol) * Based on videos I've seen, there don't seem to be too many on-ship activities like an escape room, mini golf, or other games * The most expensive, by far * QUESTIONS/CONCERNS * Since this would be my first cruise with them, I would have zero status and therefore lowest reservation "power." * I don't know if Concierge is worth the price. Like how hard is it to get seats at a show without concierge? And how hard is it to get reservations at one of the specialty restaurants? NCL * Prima - 7-Nights - Haven Owner's Suite w/ Large Balcony - ~$12,000 * PROS * Their food options look really good. * They seem to have quite a bit of fun activities that I would like. * Casino * Go-Karts! * CONS * Everything seems to have an upcharge * The most expensive non-DCL cruise. * A YouTube Cruise reviewer I like gave NCL and the Haven some bad marks. (Cruise with Ben and David) * New York Embarkation * QUESTIONS/CONCERNS * The last time I cruised with them was on the Breakaway 10 years ago. I don't know how much they have changed since then. RCCL * Utopia of the Seas - 4-Nights - Grand Suite 1-Bedroom - ~$5,000 * PROS * Their food options look really good, especially that new "Immersive Train" experience * They seem to have quite a bit of fun activities that I would like. * Casino * Port Canaveral embarkation * CONS * For a ship this large, 4-Nights doesn't seem like enough. I would probably want to add a 3-Nighter. * QUESTIONS/CONCERNS * The last time I cruised with them was on the Harmony in 2019. * Of the three cruises I've been on, RCCL is my favorite. * I remember getting something called "The Key" which actually worked out pretty well in terms of benefits--maybe I can save some $$ by just stepping down to non-suite cabin and buy into Key program. VIRGIN * Valiant Lady - 5-Nights - Brilliant Suite - ~$4,500 * PROS * Their food options look really good. * Casino * Adults Only! * CONS * Miami Embarkation * Not many of the activities I would like - most stuff seems to be clubs/bars. I am no fun and don't dance lol. * QUESTIONS/CONCERNS * Never been on Virgin and I am afraid I am not "hip" enough. * I wish the Korean BBQ Place had an option of party-only seating. Sorry for so much text!

Ok good to hear that it never really feels crowded! The observation lounge will probably be really nice for Alaska. I'll look at all the deck plans though I am leaning toward the latest one, the Encore. Thank you! I had to look up what "steerage" meant! If I do Alaska, I'm going to have to decide if I want early/late season where weather might be cooler or peak... I do like the prospect of long daylight hours. Thank you for your input! We'd probably do a mix of both Haven and regular activities. Like if we want to just chill, we'll definitely stay in the Haven where it'll be less crowded.

I have only cruised with NCL once, way back in 2013 on the NCL Breakaway from NYC--I went solo and single at the time and was... younger lol! It's time to come back and try NCL again! After 2013, I've done 2 cruises, Ruby Princess (US West Coast) and Anthem of the Seas (Carribbean). I am torn on what I should do for my next cruise! Choice: Joy/Bliss/Encore OR Prima/Viva? I always love being on the newest ships which would make Prima/Viva a + for this question but the Breakaway+ classes have a Haven Suite that has a jacuzzi in the room, which is actually quite nice. My partner and I are kinda shy when it comes to using a pool or jacuzzi in a public area--and we're sort of introverts lol. Only issue is that in B+ ships, those suites are on the opposite end where the Haven is BUT the proximity to the Spa to use the thermal suites sound kinda nice. Choice 2: If Joy/Bliss/Encore, should we do Haven Spa Suite or pick a suite that's actually in the Haven area? Haven Questions: Now that cruising seems to be back in full swing after COVID, how has the Haven experience been when the ship is near or at capacity? Do things at the Haven feel as busy as non-Haven areas? Are hot tubs and jacuzzies always crowded/occupied? For in-room dining, is it true that we can order stuff from the menus of other dining establishments? Lastly, for a colder climate itinerary (early season Alaska), is Haven still worth it? Thank you in advance for the advice and guidance!

Got it, thx. First time looking for cruise on NCL in a loooong while. But at least for some good news... I booked my Haven Room (their lowest tier room in that cat) on the Viva! Worked with a direct NCL consultant and I was able to get an additional 10% off!! Only 15 months to go 😞

Looking to book the NCL Viva from Miami in early December 2023 (I think it's the only Miami embarkation, the rest are from PR). I also want to book the Haven but oof, those prices are super high but it might be worth it!