horseymike

I'm cruising from the Port of Miami this weekend and this will be our first time driving to the port. Can anyone provide parking info (I.e facilities, costs, safety)? If parking isn't available near the port which would be good off site alternatives?

 

Sorry if this is the wrong thread to post this. Wasn't sure where to ask the question.

 

 

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park at the port. best option.

Enjoy the Holiday, but remember that Freedom is not Free.

Does anyone know if the Maui brush fires are affecting Kahuli Harbor where the Pride of America is supposed to be in port today and tomorrow ?

Is it affecting the cruisers access to and from the ship ?

Gamble enough money that you either get 1500 points during your cruise ($5 credits, yours or theirs = 1 point) or can get a Casinos at Sea cabin on your next cruise.

Just going to bring a water container and refill it as needed.

NCL offers free bottled waters to folks with casino drink cards. And specialty coffees. And energy drinks. All of which are not included in the UBP

 

[ordered through the casino bar]

what does one have to do to get a casino drink card ?

$$$$$$$ bottled water $$$$$$$. next there will be an extra charge for toilet paper.

all the rest is hogwash.$$$$$water$$$$$

I appreciate all your responses.

Aloha

We have been twice before and are going back In September. Really Enjoyed it, Aloha

You have really gone the extra mile with your review , photos and answering the questions from other posters. Thank You, Thank You , Thank You.

Absolutely Great !

judging by the responses, i guess there is no laundry special.

Thanks for your response, it is very informative.

are the engines on the empress the original engines from when the ship was built ?

Is there a laundry special on pride of America ?

Are the engines the originals from when the ship was built ?

First, a Note on Airlines

“De-bundling” is a popular term, particularly in the airline industry, for the concept of variable pricing for airfare, baggage, beverages, etc. The airline industry runs on tight margins, and continuously seeks to increase ancillary revenue.

From a customer’s perspective, this translates to “hidden costs”. While there was much uproar over checked bag fees a few years ago, most customers have come to understand that this shift is an industry norm.

To the benefit of the customer, de-bundling gives the opportunity to pay only for the services desired. For example, Spirit Airlines charges a la carte for everything including carry-on bags and sodas, for which most customers have an expectation will be complimentary. To Spirit’s credit this also provides them the ability to present the lowest price base fare compared to other carriers because they attach the costs after the fact. Unfortunately for Spirit, they have very low customer satisfaction ratings because they take advantage of opaque pricing, and are not very forthcoming about managing customer expectations of hidden fees.

While the revenue enhancing element of Spirit’s practice has benefits to the organization, there are external costs borne by the customer service team, who often have to apologize for practices that outside the norms of air travel. Further, those customer relations employees are given very little autonomy to help customers because the nickel-and-dime-the-customer business model is the core practice of the airline.

 

Cruises

Very few industries operate on as tight margins as cruise lines. In fact, the price of the room may even operate at a loss. Cruises depend on ancillary revenue, particularly from the casino and alcohol sales. And, these are acceptable cultural norms for cruise providers and customers alike. For example, it is commonly known that all cruise lines enforce strict policies around bringing alcohol on board because selling drinks is the primary revenue stream for a cruise line. And, people have an expectation that the prices will be high, which is a tradeoff for low cost accommodations and free meals.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a pioneer in “de-bundling” in the cruise industry. They have branded themselves as offering “freestyle” cruising which has many benefits. The basic premise is not having a committed dinner seating. So, NCL is able to offer more dining venues, some with optional, nominal supplemental charges. This is a great way to enhance revenue for the cruise line and provide a better overall experience for discerning customers who want a more upscale or more private experiences while aboard.

On the flip side of cruise “de-bundling”, NCL has pushed some boundaries in other areas. For example, they are one of the first cruise lines to charge a delivery fee for room service… a traditionally free amenity of cruising. Also, they advertise enticing promotions like free Wifi, dining upgrades, drink packages, photos, etc. But, these promotions have complex terms and conditions, which catch people by surprise.

Just like Spirit Airlines, though, this type of creativity in pricing and breaking from typical expectations of travelers may have long term customer experience and reputational repercussions.

 

NCL Guest Relations

Hopefully you’ve found the opinions above to be objectively represented. Unfortunately, I did find myself in a “caught by fine print” situation. I have tried to resolve my issue 7 times with NCL guest relations. It has been my experience that NCL guest relations’ policy is to not respond to pre-cruise or post-cruise requests.

there are "included meals " more now than ever , nothing is free

could you go on direction on a different cruise line and then return on another line ????

no worries about the formal night .it is strictly optional.

Thanks for all the tips.:)

Mahalo

hi everyone,

we have already been to Pearl Harbor on a previous trip, that said any suggestions on how to spend the day on oahu before boarding the ship ?

the ship leaves at 7 pm and I think they want you onboard by 5pm.

mahalo:D

Do you save anything $$ by booking it pre cruise ???

hi everyone,

i am looking for the closest car rental company to the cruise pier in Honolulu.

thanks

I am presently on the Enchantment looking out at Key West from the balcony of our Royal suite. We have had breakfast in Chops every morning. The service and food has been wonderful. Also, the concierge Alan has been absolutely the best concierge that we have ever experienced. Enjoy your cruise.

Glad you are enjoying your cruise Paul. Have a piece of key lime pie for me!

going in the enchantment in july can't wait.

hope the rest of your cruise is great.

excellent point

Thanks for your comments about the enchantmant