JGmf

Yes, NCL will show table points as they accrue.  You can just scan your card on a machine to see.  From Princess: nada on point accumulation.

That said, while Princess is opaque with regard to 'tiers' and points, I get extremely better offers from Princess than NCL.

Sort of reminds me of that old ship on that episode arc on "Lost".

Best. Show. Ever.

Just now, schmoopie17 said:

Reliable carrier? Who would that be??

Ha!  You're not wrong on that, but maybe the better phrase is "relatively more reliable", meaning a carrier that not one of those ultra-budget ones (ex: Spirit), one that is handling both legs of a flight should there be a layover, and one that has a decent on-time history (check out FlightAware for that information).

55 minutes ago, bandp407 said:

Like you, we don’t want to accept a Guarantee.

I have a guarantee mini-suite on a 10-day Island Princess Med cruise this summer.  I had no choice, even using my PVP.

I'm assuming the reason that most don't want a guarantee room is not knowing where it will be located, that it may be too far, too close, too loud, or whatever.

In addition to the relative location of the cabin, is there any other reason that a guarantee room brings worry or risk?

In my opinion, commingling a lounge with slot machines on the Royal as @azbirdmom shared in this photo below works only if they turn the slot machine audio WAY down. 

That said, I've been on the Enchanted twice so far and both times it's been difficult to get a machine during peak hours.  I suspect (like all of us) that if they're going to add new machines, they'll fill-up the space (and please, please make it non-smoking).

On 5/29/2024 at 3:46 PM, Stickman505 said:

 Would really appreciate learning how others maximize the available benefits.

Concierge Lounge

Well, for us, on the Enchanted this past February, we were way too far away from the Concierge Lounge to make it worthwhile or even a destination. (Read: don't need extra food, already have sodas in the minibar, already have drink package, already socialize with others at other places).  We did find that for tendering, the lounge was the meeting point for priority tendering off the ship.

Snacks in room

We did take advantage of this.  I would routinely ask for the fruit bowl to be restocked; and I did indeed request the canapes on a daily basis (doubled-up on the sushi, skipped the other stuff).

First night specialty dining

I was needlessly worried about pre-booking The Catch on night one, so much so I called the 800 number in advance to make the reservation.  In hindsight, as others have said, you don't need to. The place was kind of a ghost town and anyone could've walked in and got a spot.  I've found that to be the case on other Princess cruises we've been on while staying in a suite.

Laundry

Yes, take advantage of this perk.  We did.

Breakfast in Sabatinis

We're not breakfast people, so we did this only once; and it was excellent.  The service was top notch.

That's pretty much it. There aren't a ton of perks with being in a suite given the very high upcharge.  Maybe it's the space in your room.  There's a lot of it!

48 minutes ago, pirate4me2 said:

Happy Friday Tribe! 
 

Anybody have fun weekend plans? We are doing a taco bar dinner Sunday for our June birthdays (Chris, my Grandma, and my Dad) but other than that, I’m going to be pretty low key.

:Low key is good sometimes!

I've got a whirlwind weekend.  We're packing our two cars tightly and moving my daughter to her Boston apartment on Saturday.  It's about a 5 hour round-trip adventure.  Me lugging a mattress up 3 flights will be the highlight.  Pure joy really. (Wife and daughter will hear a lot of salty language coming from me).

Then get home Saturday night to pack for NCL Joy Bermuda cruise out of NYC on Sunday.  Two plus hour drive the other way.  It'll be a blast, as bringing two other best friend couples to squeeze into our 6 seater Telluride -- it's a big vehicle, but not that big!  I've already informed everyone that it's going to be like the airlines: only one carry-on and a personal bag per person.  That's the limit I can fit behind the 3rd row...I hope.

7 minutes ago, maluhia87 said:

I don't think he is going to be amused, and this could be the push that stops him from posting on CC altogether.  

You're all probably correct.  That's too bad.  If so, then all that genuine admiration and appreciation for Sid will have backfired.

1 minute ago, EZ1 said:

That was discussed on fb page.you cant get 30, still only 15 drinks.   Will be on enchanted this weekend,we'll see.

Well, if so, then it's rather useless to me, but to others, I'm happy for you.

11 hours ago, EZ1 said:

Update:

The Princess casino will be offering free drinks while playing in the casino once you reach 1500 points.

This is a new program and is gradually being rolled out to the entire fleet. By the end of September should be available on every ship in the fleet. Ask your casino host if it is available on your sailing when you sail. Heard its already on the Enchanted.

3 hours ago, memoak said:

This is all pretty moot since we always sail with plus but did you have a limit they would cover ?  Just wondering what would happen if you order a $30 shot of something 

Well, I'll be on the Enchanted again at the end of July, so I'll report back.  I'd love for that to be true, if nothing else than maybe the casino-comped drink doesn't count towards my Plus package 15 limit -- that would be the major benefit to me.

28 minutes ago, dmet0225 said:

Driving slowly in yet another heavy rain storm through a 2-way construction zone.  Nobody around, and a temporary detour sign blew over onto the front end of my car.  Not quite as new as graphicguy's car (mine just passed 5,000 miles). Tore the fiberglass on the front end, which has separated from the hood.  No telling what else under there might be damaged.  Called the City where the construction work is being done, and they gave me the name of the contractor (a very large local construction firm.  Now awaiting their return call.  

 

I hate to call my insurance company just yet, as it will automatically go on my insurance record.

Geez, sorry that happened.  I hope you have photos of the sign, location, and damage as it appears like a slam-dunk liability payment from the contractor's own insurance company to you.  I'm assuming you'll need an estimate for the repairs. 

I don't know about Texas laws, but here in NYS, you are not obligated to report it to your car insurer if you don't want them involved. 

On 5/27/2024 at 5:35 PM, dbrown84 said:

After taking all 9 of my previous cruises on NCL, I'm now giving MSC (next month) and carnival (in November) a shot.  In addition to neither charging an admin fee, MSC also don't charge you for port fees and taxes.  If I'm impressed with either, it could be the end of NCL with me

I'm of the same mind.  I'll be on the Joy in 4 days, but not going to chase any comps* or casino action anymore as the NCL offer ROI of spending time/money in the casino just isn't there anymore.  I've pivoted to Princess, but since I'm out of NY, I'm looking at MSC as well.

(Yes, we all know we should never chase comps, but after a lot of NCL cruising, there's always that little devil on your shoulder telling you to maintain or advance your level so you can score the next cruise at a big discount).

Really?  I wonder if this is just that host on Majestic or you unearthed some secret Princess policy.  Only 400 points seems too low.  (For drinks, for me, it's a moot point, as I get the Plus package).

For other onboard comps, I've heard other players get approached for restaurant freebies or spa services, but I'm unclear (like all of you I suppose) what point/time/play combo triggers that.

6 hours ago, Ellis1138 said:

I'm so sorry this happened. It's part of why I do everything piecemeal by myself on a trip. I need the control of all aspects. I learned my lesson about 18 years ago with Orbitz, about how 3rd parties save you so much money and it's wonderful when it all goes to plan; But when it doesn't, it becomes a bigger nightmare than if I had booked direct.

So agree @Ellis1138!  As also mentioned by @ChiefMateJRK, I keep my flight arrangement under my control, preferably with one reliable carrier, early in the day with alternate options, and with enough cushion to suffer long delays.  I'm assuming most of you seasoned cruisers do the same.

To the OP @rivkadr:  welcome to cruise critic.  The high cost of the money,stress, and aggravation of what you suffered really sucks.  I hope you can somehow recoup the money spent on your last minute flight.  I hope you can take a deep breath and enjoy the remaining days of your cruise.

I'd also love to hear Mallorca recommendations if anyone has any. 

I'll be there myself in early September for 4 days and haven't planned one thing yet...

Looking forward to Sid's return to this "not live" review, what he ate, what he thought about the ports, ect., ect., ect.

Signed-

One one of your 128 followers

One of the casino pit bosses on the Enchanted in April 2024 briefly commented that yes, slot machines are headed to the Take 5 space.  Not sure how many, all or a portion of space, or when...

Uggh.

The policy is not new.

People who are overly clever and don't pay the DSC/gratuity add-on under the guise of being clever, sanctimonious, and/or "know better who to tip and who not to" are just being cheap. 

Sorry, paying the DSC/gratuity is just the cost of the cruise, baked into the business model.

15 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

Paul or anyone who is Carnival cruiser:

Can you exceed the 15 limit if you pay retail (at the discretion of the bartender)?  Or is it a hard cap?  For Princess it's the former.

42 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

 

Texas Live!

 

What the heck is that???!!!  Holy moly, that place is real??! 

Looks amazing, but not so much a first date kind of place, but it's Texas, so what do I know?

31 minutes ago, markmbsc said:

can't wait to read the real thing and see his reaction to this fan fiction🤣

Sid cruise review "fan fiction".  That's priceless! 

18 hours ago, Teechur said:

The Bull and Finch Pub in Beacon Hill must have been renamed "Cheers". It is on Beacon Street in Beacon Hill and stop #7 on the Boston Trolley route.

I looked up Bull and Finch on Trip Advisor and they don't have a listing in Boston, although there are some in other cities.

If you've never been to Boston, and only have limited time, then skip the "Cheers" bar.  It's nothing special at all.  Yes, enjoy nearby Beacon Hill and Boston Commons, but keep walking down Newbury street (or Boylston) towards the Back Bay area.  There are countless outdoor bars and restaurants for great people watching in absolutely beautiful neighborhoods. 

Regardless, enjoy your visit and have a terrific cruise!

@graphicguy So, so sorry for the accident you had to endure.  I know there's no insurance reimbursement for life's inconveniences, but when you are the victim of some other driver, you have to endure all sorts of paperwork burdens, interim vehicle issues, schedule disruptions, etc.  It really sucks....and yeah, your car sounds like its totaled.  The cost for repairs and parts likely won't justify the fix.  I hope you get a check that at least allows you to buy a comparable vehicle.

@Funsince1983 and @ZoeyVictoria we're a Kia family too....well, of late, as my wife's Acura MDX was totaled by the insurance company after her December accident.  Got a 2024 Telluride.  It drives like a dream, but personally, it has WAY too much tech in it.  I haven't even scraped the surface of all the crazy driver assist and personal comfort features!

1 hour ago, TxTeach79 said:

I’m mostly gonna wait on drinking til Sailaway (and stick to beer mostly) since I’m paying today, but this is a requirement. Plus I got my folio off the receipt so I can activate my internet on the Hub. 
 

that said, this came to like $17 after the NY added tax. Yeah, I’ll wait a bit on the next one!

Sorry, not a Carnival cruiser.  Um, is that a Carnival policy that drink package works only AFTER day one?  If so, that's extremely lame.  Worse than the Galveston restrictions and the only-one-bar-per-deck Canada restriction.

After countless NCL embarkations at MCT (including next Sunday on the Joy, yeah baby!), it's really interesting to see another cruise line using that space.