peacefulOR

20 hours ago, hominid said:

Perhaps get a greeting card with photos of your state and put the cash inside. We usually leave our tips in a card with a message of gratitude. If they want to toss the card, doesn't hurt my feelings. But I know sometimes reading how you helped is meaningful for some people (in addition to the comment cards we fill out)

 

This is a lovely idea. Makes me want to add a couple of photo cards to the thank you box. So, thank you!

2 hours ago, Norwegian Cruise Line said:

We strive to provide our guests with exceptional experiences and added value whenever possible. As recent changes to our beverage program caused some disappointment, we have made adjustments which we hope demonstrate our deep commitment to guest satisfaction. Customer favorites including Grey Goose and Grand Marnier have been reintroduced into the Ultimate Beverage Package, which provides guests with unlimited beverages up to $15 per glass during the entirety of their cruise.  For additional information about our offerings, please click here - https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages.

Re your response on CC. We do not participate in the "free" or otherwise beverage packages but want to commend NCL on responding favorably to the concern of so many of your guests. It's apparent that most are informed, experienced travelers who shop other lines as well. Loyalty is money in your pockets!

peacefulOR

We have booked Sailaway rates on every cruise, four different lines, and have always had good, sometimes great locations (at least for our preferences). We recently booked a TA, same ship as 2 years before and our cabin is EXACTLY the same location but deck 11 (12 last time). We loved this cabin and angled balcony last cruise and will spend the difference in fares on great excursions, specialty dining etc. Works for us.

I'm with the group that thinks NCL is trying to sever ties with Margaritaville. We liked it a lot when it was `a  la carte, even knowing that it was once complementary. Just hoping that NCL will replace this mess with a similar menu that's not name-branded. As of now, looks like a sad farewell to the best margaritas and key lime pie on board. The sandwiches, nachos and more are super-sized; if we could share on one charge that would keep us going back but that's not allowed. I wonder how long it's going to take this to finish off?

Rainey

I see that most posters get the free alcohol packages and have a good point in the excessive price increase. NCL has some great itineraries but are hardly the leaders in food, service, pool space, or ambience. So, here's one who never buys into the over-priced packages.....we pay `a la carte and bring or buy some wine. We're affected, too, and it seems worse. It does not drive me to get on the package train......I'll simply drink less! Most of our cruises are 10+ nights with numerous port days away from the ship for us and have empathy for those who this will hit.

Try the thrift shops in your area. I've lived all over this country (only slight exaggeration) and find lots of aloha shirts everywhere. Bonus is that you probably won't see a dozen other guys in the same shirt and you can donate it back afterwards. As they say onboard, "washy-washy" and might find more than one!

3 hours ago, timf2001 said:

When compared to the total cost of the cruise, $14.95 per person to eat at Margaritaville isn't a deal breaker.  For those with prior experience with the a la carte version though, it does seem like a raw deal and definitely changes usage habits.  Previously, it was a good spot to drop in and have an afternoon snack.  You could spend $5-$10 per person on food, have a couple drinks, and walk out satisfied.  Now, with a $14.95 minimum per person, I would only go there if I wanted a full meal.  Otherwise, it's not worth it.  This alone cuts down on the amount of traffic, and it baffles me why NCL thinks it's better for business.

We ate on the Getaway Margaritaville when it was a la carte.....could never have finished enough items to total $14.95 in food.....more like $10.00 per person and huge portions. Add a margarita or two, you might as well go to Cagneys or Le Bistro. It wasn't busy even then so I agree that NCL made a strange move here.

Living fairly north, I love the late afternoon light, warm and gentle. Sail away time as well from home port, a double blessing.

We've sailed in January and may do so again in 2020 and I've stayed in the Puerta Vallarta area in Feb. and late March. December is supposed to be even nicer than January if you like less humidity and slightly lower temps.

Pretty sure that you can leave your long pants at home . I'd take that trip either time myself.

Having sailed several lines, including these two and to the MR, I think that you'll enjoy them equally except for the temperatures that will increase dramatically by April but it sounds like you already know about that! I swore to never go the Mexico etc. again after January and before November, lol. We moved back to the Northwest and it's much more of a shock to hit the humidity/heat than coming from Texas. Enjoy doing your comparison cruises and especially the magnificent sunsets down there!

Has anyone that knows good barbeque tried the baby back ribs in the buffet? I saw a picture of same in a video on buffet offerings for dinner and haven't sampled them. I love ribs! Thanks, Rainey

On 10/22/2018 at 2:57 PM, Krazy Kruizers said:

When HAL offers the Signature Beverage package, included gratuities, a free dinner, etc., it comes with a higher cruise fare -- to pay for those freebies.  Any many times the down payment is non-refundable.

 

You have to do your homework.

It's not just HAL. I think that it's only a good deal for those who imbibe several drinks, every day. The fare is higher plus the mandatory 15-20% service charge that is paid up-front & charged every day including port-intensive days. Do the math, you can always elect to purchases drinks a la carte if you find the net price too high.

18 minutes ago, ludicrous_speed said:

Thank you peacefulOR!

You are most welcome. We will be back on the Getaway for an April TA and are really enjoying your photos and commentary! Now I know to get a lobster roll early in the cruise (just in case I want to repeat, lol), try some of your other recommendations and ignore a couple that you said were "meh". Love your sense of humor and generosity in spending the time and effort to do the most entertaining  and honest food review I've read on CC.

We eat very healthy, Mediterranean style meals at home and see cruises as our annual vacation from so much food prep and enjoying a few "treats" across the board. We are fortunate in the US that we have such a huge variety of foods available for every taste, pocketbook, and the freedom to choose how we spend our calories.  I do hope you have more to contribute on this thread; it's fun and informative!

Thank you all. I know how to do it now, including ignoring someone. Guess I've always been too interested in what everyone has to say to learn the basics.:D

Go to your login, click on ‘edit options’, and go down the page, and unclick the option for show avatars. I looked up your history, and found what you are writing about, and when I turned off avatars, it no longer showed. Good luck.

Thank you very kindly; I've tried to be always positive and felt bad about complaining. You are awesome.

I can't see where you block a poster; I just want the flashing eyeball off of my screen. It gives me a headache and I have no problems with the poster, just the eye. Can you help me? Thank you!

I did it for my January 2014 Transatlantic Crossing on The Getaway. Because it was a one way fare, my travel agent found that Norwegian could do better in price than he could from the Pacific Northwest. It was a long nonstop flight from Seattle, Washington to Heathrow (London). It worked out very well. He was able to book me a window seat. Would I have him to it again for me, YES.

Are you speaking of a flight through NCL or Norwegian Air (not affiliated) ? We're looking for a one-way from London to Seattle and the flights next year are very high for Premium Economy. Thank you for your response,

Rainey

We just booked a Sailaway balcony for our April TA. Haven't had a bad cabin yet but okay with whatever. Remember when it is suggested that you can bid for an upgrade you still won't be able to select a particular cabin, stay in the same category, and can't bid over if you don't like it. I'd only pay the large upcharge to select our cabin (and get "free perks" if it was a hugely popular sailing. Have a great cruise, whatever you decide.

FedEx?? [emoji23]

 

 

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The Getaway sails from NYC to Southampton on 04/27/2019. It's a 12-day passage.

On a 16 day TA (4/30-5/16) the charge was $299 pp, if you purchased online, about $20 more if you wait until boarding. Haven passengers can book at 100 days before sailing, the rest at 90 days. Loungers were plentiful during the very early morning hours; around 3 p.m. every lounger was taken, at least with a book or towel, including the non-heated ones. On the Getaway, it's all the way forward, so check your walk. It was too much for me with my cane after 2 days but "back in the day", like 2 years ago, wouldn't have bothered me.

Would anyone happen to know the price of the spa pass on the Breakaway for a 14 day cruise (going Feb 2018)? Just trying to see if it's going to be worth it for us or not. Thanks!

Prices will probably go up next year, but I just paid $299 for 16 nights on the Getaway ($329 if purchased on board) leaving Sunday....YAY! You should see a price somewhere around there and can pre-book online 100 before sailing if in Haven, 90 days before if other cabin type. I understand that the TA's do fill up more than the shorter, more port-intensive itineraries.

I'm on the same TA with you and did get my spa pass early. I think you have 2 options: Go directly to the spa when you board; this is a first time for this itinerary and less likely to be sold out that more familiar cruises. Second, some people change their minds either just before sailing or shortly after and you could ask about that too. Have them take your name and cabin no. in case plan A doesn't work out. Good luck!

Rainey

Thank you for two right answers. I hadn't thought about an accident while in a port; wish that they had provided a small card with pertinent phone numbers with the package. On board, no problem apparently. I've never experienced a problem, but you never know.

Leaving Sunday on the Getaway and lots of printing done. What about their insurance plan? I would hope that they would be familiar with it but it's 16 days, mostly at sea. Any help would be appreciated!

that depends on how sexy your body is? ;p

actually when at sea it would be hard for anyone to see onto your balcony; when in port consider how it would look to see a guy walking around outside the ship in his underwear? :')

I was thinking of his wife, who probably isn't Victoria Beckham, because the odds are that it won't be a pretty sight! Sometimes we need a good laugh....