smillerholmes

OMG - Super cute!

While I definitely agree with @zqvol. I pretty regularly tip more, but I go by service level not actual cruise length. I have some pretty standard request: egg crate mattress, ice and "if" time allows towel animals. All communicated day 1, I make sure I find him/her as early as possible after cabins are ready. If my steward remakes my bed with the egg crate that day. Wow - love that! Gratuity up front (usually $40) and as long as things continue swimmingly another $20 midway. I pay attention to things like laundry pick up and delivery, is my ice bucket filled at the end of shift instead of when they service my cabin, how many days I actually received towel animals etc. End of cruise tip can be anywhere from $40 - $100. Once upon a time my steward was reassigned mid cruise and that's why I try to "appreciate" as I go. My cruises are typically on the longer side usually 12 - 30 days. I do alot of B2B so that's my system. It is not my intention to kick the hornet's next on tipping around here, so just explaining what I do for those inclined to tip more and asking for guidance.

I had no idea cruise ducks evoked feelings on the level of tipping. 😁

I'm here to report back my experience when boarding the Spirit. I haven't needed to buy the drink package in a long time since previously my Casino drink card met my needs. At check in I was given my latitude card showing 2UP/3D/UB - I knew that 2UP/3D was for the upgraded meal package that I purchased. I wasn't too sure about UB. No explanation was offered so I figured I would head to the Casino for definitive answers. I spoke with Lei - one of the Casino Hosts. She looked me up in the computer and determined that since I was Ruby I was eligible for the Unlimited Open Bar even though I had not purchased a drink package with my Free at Sea. She gave me a packet from a stack that had not been delivered to the rooms yet and it contained my "Ruby" player card. Internet is basic unlimited 1 device for the entire cruise. There is however a $3.95 activation fee. I was also presented with the choice for 300 minutes as part of my free at sea. And upon arrival ther was a 12-pk of Flow in my room. No letter about OBC, but I went down to Guest Services and confirmed it is still $400. Side note - don't know why I didn't put 1 and 1 together, but no gambling in Hawaii. I knew the Pride of America had no Casino and now I know why. I'm OK with keeping a little more money in my pocket.

Based on this feedback I am going to have him travel a bit with me on my next cruise on the Sun. Maybe there will be some kids on the Alaska cruise. 🏔️🛳️🐳 If not, I will rehide him anyway. Hopefully a non-cruise duck hater will find them for a little bit of joy on their cruise.

I probably shouldn't be this excited, but it's my first cruise duck. Am I supposed to rehide it on this cruise or a future cruise? I have not seen one kid on this cruise. Happy Sailing! Very much enjoying the Spirit. I am not even remotely doing a "Live from" or even a "Semi-Live from" but I am happy to try to answer questions if anyone has any.

I *think* I prefer older ships. I *know* I prefer less people. The only way to be sure is to try them all! CAS has made it possible for me to cruise more often - the least I can do is try to take advantage of my good fortune. As for the large(r) ships here's my current done list: Getaway Breakaway Epic Bliss Older smaller ships: Pearl Jewel Sun Pending: Spirit - 04/24 Sun - 05/24 Joy - 09/24 Gem - 12/24 Epic - 03/25 Star - 07/25 Viva - 11/25

Same!

w00t! w00t! - Thanks for posting. Not sure how I missed that...

oooh....thanks for posting - I always forget about this option!

I'll add my info for another data point. I am Ruby and I always decline the FAS package, and I always add at least the two package specialty dining depending upon length of the cruise. I have 5 cruises booked. No changes as of this morning. I sail 04/22 so looking forward to NCL working out the kinks. According to the latest CAS structure Ruby does not get the Premium Beverage Package??? And there is no mention of FAS+??? I gotta admit I thought this thread would be longer after yesterday. Hmmm....

At least you got an email. I am still waiting for some sort of notification other than CC 😁 I am hoping somone will post their experience after April 1 - I am especially interested in those that did not select the FAS package and the mechanics of allowing an upgrade for those that may/may not have realized there has been a change to the program. Let the chaos begin!

The only money I ever leave with is if I have received a hand pay, but in theory/practice you could "charge" your room and move the $$$ to the machine (I pay slots) then simply cash out and take your ticket to the cashier. I only move what I intend to actually play on the machine, but it is possible to get some "cash back" if that's what you want to do. This process is separate from paying your folio.

Also, the 3% could be waived depending upon your CAS level.

I'm not sure if this was made clear or not, but you are not taking a cash advance on your card. You are "charging" to your room which is in turn billed to your NCL card. They charge you 3% for the convenience, but it goes on your folio as a charge and then you pay your total folio with your NCL card to earn the 3X points.

I do the same. I was told there is a 5K limit per day for card charges in the casino.

Sorry. I hit enter before I could explain further. I called CAS and it is indeed as you suspected; the basic package has to be purchased and the "upgrade to premium" is complimentary for Ruby/Elite. That is what led me back to this thread. Also another change noted - the "internet package" is now one device unlimited for both Ruby/Elite. So, my original question stands - when did they change the drink package discounts based on latitude level?

Did I miss something? When did the drink package discounts changetbased on latitude level???

I sail April 22nd - After my first CAS cruise I began rejecting the drink package. I am Ruby so we will see about the OBC and "Upgrade to Premium Plus" Drink package. Perhaps it will only apply to cruises booked AFTER April 1??? Curious minds want to know.

Wow - that was deep, and yet refreshingly appropriate. Bravo!

Hey Now! I'm on the Joy the first two weeks of September - would love to party with a fellow Ohioan 😁

The Art Auction Manager was the "officer" designated for my dinner on the Sun. There were only two others and it was clear they were bored to tears - I on the other hand had a wonderful time chatting with him about his travels and some of the art/Artists he had been privileged to see/meet in person. I wouldn't consider myself a collector, but let's just say I was able to keep up with the conversation. To each their own.

LOL - yes, I guess we could say Spoke was succint. Enjoy the triple points!

True.

I am going to give this a whirl on my upcoming cruise. This could be helpful on cruises when you have been to the ports multiple times.