Russiamomm

True. My bank also reimburses all ATM fees. That’s why I usually just pull cash out of the ATM. Even if it is a wash with the NCL credit card, using the ATM keeps me somewhat on track. I know the money is there and don’t have to worry about paying it back the next month.

I always book through CAS, but the most I’ve ever been offered is a comped inside, but I always upgrade the cabin.. I don’t gamble that much. I had a similar offer last year and CAS was able to apply the coupon, as well as an additional small discount. It made the TA in the Haven very reasonable.

I’m looking at that one, Looks good to me,

Hmm. Which ship?

Unless you have high status in the casino, there is really no way around the 3% service charge. Probably best to bring cash. There is an ATM onboard. It costs $6.99 plus whatever your bank may charge. If you have an NCL MasterCard you will get the 3% back in points that can be taken as a credit to your balance, wiping out the charge.

I looked at my NCL account and have a 25% off coupon for any transatlantic or transpacific cruise in 2024. Transatlantic shows as an option on the search engine, but transpacific doesn’t. I’m going to shoot a note to my CAS guy, but wondering if others here have thoughts.

There is a 3% charge. No way around it unless you have high status in the casino.

This is a YMMV issue. I’ve won bids into the Haven twice and both times I got the extra point per night.

If you win the bid you get all the perks associated with being in the Haven. That does not include any additional alcohol unless you are in the Owners Suite.

Agreed. We’re Sapphire and Platinum on NCL. Also Pearl for CAS. We booked our first Oceania for this summer and nothing. No discounts for CAS and not even the OBC that I get on NCL for the casino status. Not complaining, but it does seem that there should be more of a connection between the lines “in the family” than there is.

Was on the Epic in December. As others have said, there is a smoking section on the top level of Posh. It is not shaded and there is no elevator that will bring you there. It’s up a flight of chairs. Also as others have said, the smoking area on 15 is close and it is covered.

I learned the hard way on my TA earlier this month to upgrade in the first two days if you think you want to. At least on that sailing, they had a “special” the first two days to upgrade to unlimited for something like $129 for the duration of the cruise - 16 nights. My thought was that the price would go down as the days passed and I’d upgrade later in the trip as my 300 minutes were used up. I didn't need the unlimited for the first half of the cruise as it was very port intensive. I wanted it for the six sea days at the end. Anyway, the option disappeared from the app on day 3. I went to the internet manager who quoted $275 to upgrade. They wouldn’t budge. So, when they say it is a special on the first two days, believe them. It is a good deal and really is a “special”, unlike so many other “deals” that they offer. Just my experience. YMMV.

I’m just off the Epic on a 16 night TA. What others have said is true. You can send iMessages to anyone with an Apple device. You don’t need to sign into the internet and use your minutes to do it. It just happens when you’re logged into the ship”s Wi-Fi. As far as logging into the app, yes, you need to log in to see your account, things happening on the ship, your calendar, your onboard account, etc. When you get on the ship, open the app and there will be instructions on how to log in. If you’re lucky, you will remain logged in. If you get kicked off, it will bring you back to the same screen. Just log in again. Once you’re logged onto the WiFi, there is a separate “block” for internet. That’s what you go to to get to the internet. It will tell you how many minutes you have left and give options for upgrades. Just click “Go Online”. It will bring you into the internet and the minutes start rolling. Just remember to go back to the app to log out when you’re done and log out. The minutes will go really fast if you don’t log out. I managed to get off the ship with more than 100 minutes (out of 300) left over. You just have to be careful. Just one more note. Even when not online using minutes I still got my regular news alerts (although for some reason someone thought I was in Colorado when I was in the middle of them Atlantic. 😂). I also got alerts when someone sent me a message through FB Messenger. I was able to read the incoming message but needed to log into the internet to respond to them. Just a few tips.

I was on the Breakaway in April and just got off the Epic - both times in the Haven. In the BA I wore flip flops to almost every meal. It was never an issue. On the one warm day we had on the most recent sailing, I wore them once. Again no issue. We saw many (men and women) wear shorts and flip flops. Again, no issue. I take the rule to mean that you have to have shoes on. Doesn’t specify what kind of shoes. Just my two cents.

On the Latitudes Behind the Scenes tour on the Breakaway last year the Entertainment Director said the current contract required the show to be in the small venue. He said they were hoping to adjust the terms to move it to a larger venue but it hadn’t happened yet. Maybe it never will.

Agreed. Go to the CruiseNext desk. If you’re in the Haven, go to the Haven concierge.

Same. I’ve always gotten the offer to upgrade. Even won twice!

Not sure what happened here, but I know I responded before, the answer is absolutely not. The spa passes are per person.

I’d share a meal with you any time! 😃

Once again, thank you for your review! I’m actually loving this delayed review. It lets me relive the trip! I’m sure we saw you in the thermal spa. Wish I had actually met you!

True. The question is not whether you can eat alone, but rather can you join a shared table if you want. The answer is that you can do either. But if you want to share a table it may be more difficult, especially in the MDR or a specialty restaurant other than Teppanyaki.

Completely agree. That’s how it is with most lines, including NCL. Not on Virgin. You won’t see this on those ships. That was my only point. Understanding that this not the Virgin board. 😃

Understood. I know this is the NCL board, but this is one of the things I like the most about Virgin. Everyone - from the room stewards to the Captain - wear the same t-shirts, There are no Officer uniforms with bars on the shoulders/sleeves. I couldn’t care less about rank. As long as they are friendly and doing their job, I’m good with it. 😃

I’ve never heard of this or noticed it. Not to be snarky, but why does it matter?

It is an option, just not the norm. I wish it was. Don’t write off NCL so quickly. They have a lot to offer. I’ve travelled many different lines. Sometimes with my husband, sometimes with a friend, and several times solo. NCL is still my favorable lime. (Taking Virgin out of the equation. I love them, but it’s really not fair to compare them to anyone else.)