robcolem

3 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

If I purchased the "Essentials Travel Protection, Essentials level" does that cover testing positive at the port? I mean, I wasn't too concerned about covid travel protection before since NCL was doing most of that and was just looking for something basic that covered everything else, but now I am like shoot did I choose wrong?

Probably have to pull out the terms/conditions.  I got travel insurance from AIG Travel Guard and the trip interruption/delay/cancelation aspects are not covered because Covid is still a national emergency so its like buying travel insurance after a hurricane is named. But the medical coverage still applies.  My guess is that's how other travel insurance is too with Covid.

6 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

ah ok, so if my test is delayed, best to schlep it back to CVS and get a rapid test? 

I would think the CVS would require an appointment, which might be difficult to get if you wait too close to your travel date. At least the CVS and Walgreens where I am require appointments and the antigen test is done at the drive-thru.  

I was unable to schedule an antigen test or PCR for my sailing on the 28th and I fly out the morning of the 27th. It's an all day travel with connections. The next available appointment was an afternoon on the 27th.  I opted for an antibody test to at least make myself feel comfortable even though that doesn't tell me if I have it at time of testing.  With travel medical insurance and general isolation from working at home all year I'm feeling good about it.

2 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

That is why for my Sept 4th sailing, I have scheduled a PCR test on Sept 2nd. My local CVS says 1-2 days for test results. And then I think after my PCR, I will try to find BINAX Antigen At Home Test in case for some reason CVS is delayed with my PCR 

That binax home test, the kit includes two tests. If the result is negative you are to take take the second test to confirm it by taking the second test 36 hours later.

Do the NCL booked excursions in Ketchikan include transportation to/from Ward Cove?

No.  

My final payment confirmation for August 28th Alaska included a health and safety brochure.  Check your confirmation email or go to https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe - it's the same basic info.  The only difference I noticed is the final payment confirmation stated proof of vaccination will be required to be submitted two weeks prior to boarding.

• Cruise Mask-free
• No Capacity Restrictions
• No Social Distancing Required
• All Restaurants & Experiences Are Fully Open
• No Restrictions on Shore Excursions

"All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test, administered and paid for by the cruise line, prior to boarding and receive a negative result. Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional testing."

I've been checking the link every weekend and haven't noticed any changes to it in a while.

Where are you all seeing the cancellation announcement?  

This looks new as I didn't see anything for a photo when I checked in a few days ago.

How do you get an email to bid for an upgrade? Be complete with check-in or something else? 

Hi all, anyone have experience with the bbq restaurants on the ships? If so, is the BBQ restaurant only open for dinner or is it open for lunch too?  Seems like the specialaty dining is only for dinner times.

Well I'm jealous.  No NCL offer with my amex.  Mine is showing one for American Queen Steamboat Company.

Noticed an Amex offer for $300 statement credit for booking American Queen Steamboat reservations by phone, website, and preferred travel advisors. Maybe it's on your offers too.

"Get a one-time $300 statement credit by using your enrolled Card to spend a minimum of $1,000 in one or more transactions on reservations"

On 5/27/2021 at 3:08 PM, SpainAlien said:

Thank you, that's what I have done, hopefully it will work..I've just applied for one of the cruises to start with, if that works I'll apply for some of the others.

Was yours a success?  Just noticed mine today on the summary page under vacation add-ons/purchased items, as on-board credit certificate.  Didn't get any email on it.  

My second confirmation was still in error as it showed a large Primary Package Fee.  Sent a chat message on the NCL site about it and they sent an updated confirmation with it removed. My 10% off coupon isn't listed as a payment but the person said it was applied as everything else, including offers and latitude bonuses, carried over.

Anyone hear if NCL received the conditional sailing certificates for these Encore Alaska sailings?  When they announced the local port agreements it was mentioned that they'd receive the certs in the next few days.  Been a week and haven't seen any news on it.  I did see an article saying "the CDC has approved two conditional sailing certificates for ships using the CDC’s alternative of ensuring at least 98% of crew and 95% of passengers will be vaccinated when sailing. That includes Celebrity Edge," - june 3, 21 orlandosentinel - But no info on the second line/ship.

I either decline the drinks package or opt for the specialaty dining instead.

They reduced the specialty dining nights from 3 to 2.  

In opposite, they have added fee based activities as "benefits" like the go carts and laser tag. Just takes away the deck space and makes what's left even more crowded.

Overall, I say the inclusiveness has been reduced and fee based activities and eateries have been added.

I'm calling now to find out what's going on.  Looks like one of the issues is a $1k in gratuities and another $1k in other prepaids.

Ok, so the NCL rep says they are aware of the issue.  Their system added extra charges and they are working to correct it.  Should be getting a corrected confirmation later.  So hopefully they fix it.  

Also noticed that the 10% off I had is now gone.  Seems to be a real cluster of a mess.

All, just got my confirmation and the billing for the August sailing more than doubled.  Better check yours.

1 hour ago, lizord said:

why would anyone eat at the American diner? maybe I'm too cheap to get this stuff.

That's what I was thinking. They seem too similar.  

Will you be choosing to carry off your own bags?  If so you could leave the ship early versus those leaving who had checked their bags to be carried off the ship.  If you booked a transfer with NCL then they'll give you a departure time to get off the ship based on your flight departure time.

Hi All,   Anyone have experience with the American Diner and how it compares to O'Sheehans/The Local?  I thought the American Diner was another complimentary eatery until I saw prices on the menu.  The menus, to me at least, looks comparable to what O'Sheehans/The Local offer but with a few more items.  

2 hours ago, victory2020 said:

Hi All,

I would like to take advantage of the free specialty dining but I am solo. If I did, I would want to make reservations in advance(I understand it can be difficult on the ship) but I don't know how hard it would be if I met another solo who would want to join, etc. i feel that I would be out of place also. Any thoughts from people who have done the specialty as a solo diner?

I've done solo cruises and done the dinners as a solo and with the group of solos on the ship (NCL organizes group dinners for solo travelers at the main dining rooms if you want to eat with a group).  If you make a reservation for one, then there will be an empty seat across from you so it won't be any issue adding one extra when you show up - the smallest table is for two people.

Not sure why'd you'd feel out of place. If its just you then you got more room to store plates of food at the table.  That sounds like a positive.  It's your cruise, cruise the way you want.

I've also never had issues as a solo with getting reservations, changes, or even waiting long when just walking in.  

3 hours ago, SSFun said:

Hmm. When do you sail? We are booked in mid-August and they sent it while I was still on chat.

August 28.  The itinerary has changed from when I booked last week. Victoria BC is gone, Skagway has been added, and sea days moved.  There are no departure times though.

Attempted to get an email confirmation and was told they're not sending them yet because the itinerary is still "actionable." I guess the only thing I know for sure is the cruise will be on the Bliss, unless it's cancelled.