snorklinbarb

That's exactly the email I got the day before the Joy 9/6/22 cruise. Something new as it used to be guest would know one way or the other 48 hours in advance. When the whole check-in process, strawberries, letters, etc. all made to the "originally assigned" cabin, I didn't even give the upgrade a second thought. Just happened to be in the cabin for a 2 pm knock on the door informing me I was moving to a balcony same deck 13! Suitcase had been delivered but I hadn't unpacked. The Group Services Coordinator had a small stack of "You've won upgrade - new cabin # -a/c charged" letters in her hand. Implied that they had gotten the info and had "just processed" the upgrades (so didn't sound like a decision made by the onboard team). So there were definitely other guests being informed embarkation day mid-afternoon. When I had MDR embarkation lunch my original card was swiped so these were indeed late surprises! Not just the oddball no show, either! So hang onto your hopes a little longer - you never know!

Was on your sailing and if it's any consolation the hash browns were not available in the Local, either! Flat out everywhere! Came home and read about the same issue on a couple of other ships! So the kink in the supply chain must have been ironed out.....at least on Joy this cruise!

Fyi, currently on Joy, checked in and went to assigned inside cabin. Used to be upgrade bids were accepted/declined and guest was informed 2 days before sailing. Surprised that at 1:57 pm an email from NCL informed me my balcony bid was accepted! Coincided with a knock on the door with a letter confirming bid accepted with new cabin assignment! So even after check-in you can still get the news!

Can you expand on that, Mike? Last cruise in Eur. didn't want to carry wads of cash so used the room charge option but boy, those 3% charges in the casino sure add up. Going on Joy out of NYC this week so a little easier to go cash heavy and avoid most of those charges. Casino host advised using ATM for 5.99 fee (are there are other hidden fees?) and coming out way ahead on fees.

Anyone know if Emily & Arvin are back on Joy after their vacation? Getting ready to sail and enjoy listening to them! Thanks!

I stand corrected, sorry. It's also not "Byrd" like I somehow wrote! Will look forward to "Bird's" Prima Review soon!

What a beautiful job you did with the photos, Mr. Byrd! The review was great as well. In the lunch photos above might the "spaghetti squash" actually be the lemon shrimp scampi? Always enjoy your reviews because you take the time to post all the menus from the bars and restaurants even if done before - just to be kind enough to bring us all up to date and avoid endless searches for the latest. What's your next NCL adventure? Prima?

As of today Kivanc goes on vacation and Zafer Dal takes over as GM. Zafer rotates between F & B Dir. and GM (when Kivanc is on holiday). Anyone know how long Alvin will be on? He was CD in May on Escape so maybe vacation coming up?

Have been on several cruises since restart and no Wines Around the World on any of them yet but hopeful they will have that back plus Dinner w/officers and Latitudes parties. Has any Diamond/Ambassador heard anything about the new perk Mixology class or seen that offered yet? Or is that what you mean by cocktail class? I thought it was a custom wine making? As for OBC in lieu of no offerings, it's been a mixed bag. Nothing on Breakaway or Gem last year and early 2022 but on Escape April-May Diamonds offered $50 (only thing that was offered was Latitude parties). I'm fine with the OBC but also enjoy the activities especially on longer voyages. Any recent experiences on Escape?

For me, the crazy pricing pops up when the flight perk (2nd person flies free) is added for TA Escape 11/1 (has been as "low" as $2MM or high as 5MM) and just now I checked Prima voyage with air and got $5,499,999. Did inform the powers that be and got a personal email reply (not from intern) but it's now been a few weeks and the glitch has not been fixed. It's hilarious to see but not so funny when one is trying to check prices and possibly book. Hope the whiz kids at the website get around to doing something about this. Have my eye on a couple of cruises where air might make sense (have never used NCL arranged air before) and this doesn't help me make an informed consideration when we can't even get correct pricing. Come on, NCL. Pls fix this asap!

Loving all the photos especially Beatles Tour and Guiness! Congrats on doubling up on your shorex credit and glad you made the 2nd one in time. Sounds like you really maxed the $50 shorex credit. Did the same recently solo on Escape transatlantic and Greek Isles. With the 15% Diamond discount and the credit it really reduced tour prices! What was the "Nickel and Diming "you mentioned? The "plus" beverage package vs the Premium Plus? Is that the "upsell" you say you didn't like? We haven't had the experience of anyone trying to upsell us from the regular package, but maybe you were referring to something else? Some lines don't charge extra for gratuities on beverage pkg like NCL does. It really adds up. On recent cruises I didn't take that perk as it's less for me to buy bottle of wine which is my drink of choice. Just about everyone onboard had the perk though. Celebrity tried imposing the gratuities upfront but had such pushback they had to drop it. You mentioned you didn't care for CD Troy. Dawn used to have one of NCL's best -Richard Matic. Read here he's on another ship now. Really set the stage for a great cruise, funny and visible everywhere. Was it Troy's personality, lack of visibility or what? Will try to avoid him. Gem had a Brit named Jake who is very very good. Escape has Alvin Oliva who certainly puts a lot of energy into the job. I thought I knew the MDR menus pretty well but a few pages back you posted some photos of blackened shrimp that looked amazing. Now will look for that on next cruise! The bay scallops au gratin photo from one of the MDR lunch menus are amazing. Just like Bistro escargots in ramekins but scallops instead. The moussaka same menu is really good. Top it off with tiramisu. I felt like I had had a full dinner and it was only lunch! Unlike you though, I didn't hit the fitness center......good job! Loving your review. Feel like you took us right along on all your tours!

Have always loved Le Bistro. On recent cruises Gem and Escape had a chance to try the new menu. Loved that veal chop w/peppercorn sauce, the filet Rossini with foie gras, the lobster Thermidor (upcharge), fruits de mer and someone else raved about the duck. For apps, I would agree with Nina about the escargots choice! The onion soup has been changed and lacks that great cheese like before. Server had me try the mushroom soup and it was amazing. Onion soup used to be my favorite. The salmon wrapped crab was tasty as well. Went several times including with 2 guests on 2 separate visits since voucher covered 2. Rest of the time went solo. They also loved their meal. Australian guest said it was one of the best meals she had had anywhere. Too bad they dropped the choc. fondue - other than the poached pear I didn't find a dessert that wowed me although guest raved about strawberry meringue "island." Why would NCL drop their signature dessert?!

Did you speak up at all the 2nd trip to Le Bistro? Consistency is so important and it doesn't help when different waiters give out different information! One night in Bayamo by Ocean Blue I ordered 3 apps and clam chowder, no entree and 1 dessert. No problem after the retraining. I was using an SDP dinner. Another night used SDP in Food Republic and ordered 4 items. The AMD insisted I have a dessert as well and covered that. Fun use of SDP when you don't want a full dinner elsewhere (I was on for a long time). Showed up with my Latitudes voucher at one venue and the host incorrectly said it was only good in Moderno or La Cucina (still printed on the voucher). That was the old system. He had just signed on and apparently wasn't aware of the Latitudes letter expanding the usage at any venue. The Restaurant Mgr happened to be there and corrected the issue on the spot. As @LisaLisa87indicated, they had plenty of food everywhere using SDP but actually they could have had anything they wanted in terms of apps, soups, salads, desserts, sides that they wanted. There is no limit of "2 sides" or "1 dessert." Hopefully they will carry out training fleet wide so that inconsistencies and misinformation disappear!

I've often thought that as well - waiters confusing the 2. Now they've (nicely) expanded the Latitudes dining. First voucher is to be used at Le Bistro, Cagney's, Onda or Ocean Blue and includes wine. 2nd one can be used just like SDP at any venue but at Food Republic or Pincho Tapas one chooses 4 items, again just like SDP. With this expanded use of the Latitudes vouchers, they were not enforcing 1, 1, 1 nor are they charging the excess over the $35 max - with the new menus, entrees have gone up so much in price that there are often few items under the $35 (such as Le Bistro). Before covid, guests were receiving bills for nominal amounts (like $2.20) for their "overage". It put loyal guests off. NCL apparently listened because now you can order whatever entree you'd like - except a few items like Ocean Blue or Le Bistro lobster that have a $25 surcharge with SDP (or when using Latitudes voucher). At Cagney's, if you want the crab cake appetizer, it's a $5 surcharge. The actual vouchers have not been updated and still say $35 max for an entree. They say the next printed batch will be corrected. There was a letter day 1 on Escape about expanding usage to all specialty venues. Came as a surprise to me - nice! Some posters here say they actually carry with them the t & c on the SDP because they encounter the 1, 1, 1 issue. If you do encounter a waiter giving you this misinformation you should ask to speak to the AMD or MD. At the Meet & Greet, they give out a card that lists key senior officers and direct extensions. So if all else fails, you can contact the Restaurant Mgr to take care of the issue on the spot. Agree with @KeithJennerthat this issue seems to go round and round over and over. NCL has had the SDP around for years, as well as the vouchers, and they need to keep retraining to weed out the incorrect info some of the waiters still give out.

Sometimes the solo discount is reduced but not 1/2 the 2 guest rate. Sometimes there is absolutely no solo supplement whatsoever for interior cabins and above. I was lucky enough to get the no solo supplement on recent Escape sailings. For solos on cruises with no solo specials, one pays fare for 2 and taxes/fees for 1 guest. For "Let's Get You Upgraded", solos pay double their bid, if accepted. Often an inside cabin w/no solo supplement is less than the studios. Of course, one should factor in what category as sailaway guaranty, for example, does not come with all the perks offered to studios. Under "deals" at ncl.com you can go directly to the sailings that offer some form of solo cruiser discounts.

Actually the only venues listed in the t & c saying 1 entree are Le Bistro and Cagney's. And that an extra entree will be charged. So presumably at other specialties one could order more than one entree even. Someone here reported they tried to have both a pizza and entree at La Cucina and were told that was not included - but they should have been able to. There are no restrictions regarding the # of apps, soups, salads, desserts. On Escape the waiters informed me that those were "unlimited" and did ask that one choose an entree. Some waiters (and I guess reps on the phone?) have in their mind this "1, 1, 1" formula but it is not accurate. Ongoing training on this topic as it comes up all the time. Crew just signing on, especially after 2 years being at home, sometime come on the ship with some previous (mis)conception in their minds. In Bayamo by Ocean Blue a couple of waiters gave wrong info and the Restaurant Mgr. on Escape immediately held retraining for all staff all venues. Here are the t & c right from the website. Not sure where on the website something indicating "1, 1, 1" is listed. @Jana60what part of the website did you find that? Does not seem correct. This is what I found just now: Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation Dining package is applicable to guest ages 2 and older Package prices are subject to change Guest is responsible for 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package prior to cruise 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package are included when booking through the Australia office For Casino booked reservations – promotion code CASFAS will be added under referral code CASUPALL on sail lengths 7 nights or longer for Balcony and above staterooms Packages are based on a per meal basis Any Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages Guests are permitted to pre-reserve specialty dining with entertainment included However, the guest is responsible to pay the full retail value If the guest chooses to use the reservation as part of their specialty dining package, they will need to make these arrangements once onboard Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the package

Can't wait to follow along on another graphic guy's cruise! Too bad your SO can't join you but from previous reviews understand her tough schedule. Like you I sail a lot solo - just got back from B2B2B Escape! But in Oct. DH has agreed to tour Rome and then go on Escape Greek Isles. That's enough for him but I will probably stay on solo for the crossing that follows. Everyone gets to know you quickly - you will no doubt see a lot of familiar faces - NCL is so welcoming to all guests including solos. When I went on Celebrity, it was an issue every time at the MDR. Either, "Oh, you are alone?" and not very interested in finding me a table for 2 that I could occupy alone. Or trying to insist I join a group table (once in awhile I did). On NCL often the best window seat table or 2! Especially on Escape with reduced numbers! Once you use up your FCC, will be interesting to see if you choose NCL. From your previous posts that seems to be somewhat up in the air. The new Haven menus are amazing (try the surf and turf and you will see the "lobster tail" is actually 1/2 a small lobster with a claw!) but must say food all over Escape was really really good, always piping hot even in the pub! Latitudes has expanded to allow you to use your first voucher in Le Bistro, Cagney's, Ocean Blue or Onda w/bottle of wine (pared down comp list). Second is just like an SDP and can even be used in Food Republic (or Pincho in case of Escape) for 4 items. SDP is unlimited apps, soups, salads, desserts -- just select an entree (1 entree only in Le Bistro or Cagney's). Have fun with it! Sounds like you got a good deal and that OBC will be sweet! Have a great time and thanks in advance for taking us along!

Loving your live review! Back to the MDR menu you posted above, what is the picture of for your entree? Seems to be some kind of crusted item - was it fish? What is there to do in Portland? You showed Cobh and some photos of Portland but maybe I missed what you ended up doing there? Too bad about the singer going "solo". On Escape we had a good singer who did 2 shows, both with with show band. It really made it a full production and the band even had little solos. Singer said he gave them the music that afternoon and had one short rehearsal. Pulled off a great show! @insidecabin, 1200 on Getaway? Wow. That must have felt like a private yacht! Were you on the April TA or a cruise after that? Loved Syd Norman's on Breakaway so assume you hit that venue on Getaway. The June return crossing (after just going from NY to Southampton end of April) must have very few pax? Probably a very good deal. Always enjoy reading your input! *Regards to Nina!

Sounds like you were on our Escape 5/11/22 cruise with the medical emergency causing us to turn back to Civitavecchia and ultimately cancellation of Santorini. At the "Floating Hotel" Q and A the General Manager said the woman had had heart surgery and experienced an issue such that she was now in an Italian hospital. They received email that she made it. I was right in the atrium just feet away when she went down for the count. It was apparently not covid related but rather cardiac. I ended up testing positive despite always masked, even on outdoor shorex. Care was excellent. Like you, grateful it could be handled right onboard and no evacuation necessary. Everyone was disappointed at the missed port but they did save a life. When we turned back to Civitavecchia I suspected there was no way to reach Santorini in time, especially since it was an afternoon arrival with tender. Glad you are OK. I had a test today after returning home- negative antigen. We'll see what PCR says because reportedly by our CDC one can test positive on PCR weeks or even months after covid. If you were on Escape, I had no idea there were 63 cases. Curious how you learned that? There were very few tables out on deck 5. I was put in an oceanview for 7 days per Italian protocol. I did send laundry out using the "crew slip" but got it back in regular wicker basket, not hazmat red. Asked for extra towels, etc. and they came in clear plastic bag. Though my used stuff went out in orange infectious disease bags both for towels and trash. I also learned to clean my own cabin using the disinfectant wipes, vinyl gloves and pink handiwipes I received. Didn't change sheets but I did change my pillow cases. No cabin steward allowed inside to clean.

First time to see a complete list like this, thanks. There was no charge for covid PCR or quarantine. Excellent care provided. For the few extra pills I needed for 1 prescription I asked what the charge would be. Told that "because of age" there would be no charge of 10 pills. Very pleased with that. Some lady on Santorini, despite warnings not to use the donkeys, did and must have had a stumble. Needed x-rays for what she thought was broken rib. And then started fight over charges. Had zip to do with NCL or any negligence on their part. She received excellent care and then complained.

Read accounts of covid quarantine with one poster claiming NCL - who has invested much money and effort to covid protocols - saying their medical facilities were barely 5th grade level. I unfortunately tested positive on Escape and had to go into 7 day quarantine. Excellent medical team and care, food, beverages, free wifi and movies. Everything handled top notch. Haven't yet posted as a counter balance to their complaints because it ends up in bashing. I'm sorry for all the help you have given Haven guests plus your excellent review of not doing Haven but supplementing your experience ends up in people being mean. Have been with CC since 2003 and boy, I hate to see the attacks especially since you have. been nothing but helpful and polite. I don't even have any social media a/c's - not worth the stress. Please keep your good info coming and know others really appreciate it.

Just got off Escape and we stopped in Malta. 2 days before, the authorities informed NCL that we needed to download the VeriFly app and register for a "Malta pass" (or whatever it's called). NCL scrambled to get letters to everyone along with providing 30 minutes free internet to get this done. CD made announcements. Problems were encountered. Internet was slow, the app was not downloading, etc. The night before we arrived the CD announced that Malta had just informed them that regular vaxx cards would be accepted! Irony was absolutely all the Maltese authorities looked at getting back on the ship was the key card! In other countries they looked at ID's/passports along with our key card. At no port did anyone glance at the vaxx card. Regulations continue to change and sometimes with no notice.

From what I understood on Escape - was looking into that shorex as well as the longer one - drop-offs were at the NCL hotel and airport. I believe they separate the 2 groups so everyone on a particular bus is going to the same destination. At the airport drop-off for the regular transfers was terminal 3. Not allowed to stop at other terminals. So doubt they would make a custom drop-off for your specific hotel. Guess you could check with shorex once onboard.

Fortunately the SDP is not limited to 1 app, 1 entree and one dessert. It actually entitles you to unlimited apps, soups, salads, desserts and you are asked to choose an entree. In fact, mention of only one entree is specifically only pertains to Cagney's and Le Bistro (so technically you could choose more than 1 entree at other venues). From the t & 😄 Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro On Escape one night in Bayamo by Ocean Blue I had 3 apps and a soup, no entree and 1 dessert. So have fun with it or as they said in Le Bistro, "Have whatever makes your heart sing."

@GraphicGuy, a little OT here but on Escape they were offering a daily lunch special, daily dinner special and 2 dinner desserts in addition to the new upgraded Havenmenus. However, I heard that's only on longer cruises (Greek Isles) and not for a 7 day run. I didn't stay there so someone else would have more info + know about other ships. Happy Sails!