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I have one CC that is consistently declined by NCL even though I use it fine everywhere else with no problems.  It is very frustrating for sure!

Can anyone answer a few questions about the Ultimate packages?  Thanks in advance!

1. If you have the package do you still need reservations or can you just show up anytime and use the priority line?

2. Can these be purchased in advance or does it have to be done onboard?  

3. Is the robo keeper (soccer goalie game) included as part of the galaxy package?  I assume so since it's in the Galaxy pavilion, but technically it's not VR so just double checking.

I was wondering about this too.  Was hoping to book reservations for friends who are traveling with us but boarding later.  Bummer if I won’t be able to.

On 1/11/2023 at 12:46 PM, cruiseny4life said:

Yep! I'm an easy drunk. Just give me booze. I don't really care what, though I do enjoy Capt. Morgan which is still missing from the ships. Otherwise, I'm not really into the different brands. I guess I should be thankful hearing all this from others that they are not getting what they paid for. I feel for them! It would be like me paying for the thermal suite, only to have the big pool or loungers out of order, with no refund.

They don't have Captain Morgan??!!

Is this new?  The disclaimer on the package now states the following:

Premium Plus wine by the bottle is limited to one bottle at dinner per package. Wine is to be consumed at the restaurant.

This is a bummer.  Are there plans to bring it back on either the Getaway or Breakaway?

9 minutes ago, pdmlynek said:

You may want to write something about what you prefer, so that experienced cruisers will be able to provide guidance.  Beaches? Mayan ruins? Local culture? Independent excursion?  Guided excursions?

Looking for a good mix of activities... beaches, sightseeing, and adventurous options like ziplining or rafting.  Will be traveling with 3-4 families and teenagers.  Mostly curious if any of these ports are "can't miss" (Great Stirrup Cay, for example) or if one is often skipped due to winds, etc.  The only one I've been to is St. Thomas.    

Debating between 2 itineraries for late March (spring break)... which would you choose and why?

Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, Cozumel  (either on Breakaway or Joy)

-or-

Great Stirrup Cay,  St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Plata (either on Escape or Encore)

Thanks for any feedback!
 

15 hours ago, marbleski said:

If they are older teenagers consider booking a balcony and an inside across from one another.  You will have to put one adult in each room to make the reservation. 

This is exactly what we did for our trip next week with our 2 boys, 13 and 16.  I think it will work out great.

Without insurance you will receive FCC.  If you purchase the NCL insurance you can request a full refund.

I received my flight info via email at 29 days out.  They are definitely running behind due to the current chaos of air travel.

8 minutes ago, CanadianKLM said:

And the current update is that we will be disembarked tomorrow after the other guests to be taken to an unknown location. They can’t tell me where. Or the cost. It feels rather surreal. 

Sorry you are dealing with this.  I hope you feel better soon.  

Do you have trip insurance?  Hopefully so, and your out of pocket costs will be minimal.

Just curious, how did NCL find out that you're positive?  Did you report a test that you took yourself?  

When traveling on a Mediterranean cruise, is it better to tip the waiters in euros or USD?

I always like to book through the hotel directly.  Mainly because if there is a problem, such as the hotel is overbooked, if you booked through a 3rd party it will be harder to resolve.  

10 hours ago, Bowmanvilletravel said:

I was just on the Epic in Spain and we were not required to wear masks. 

 

On the ship?  Or in port?

My understanding is that the 3 day prior test is still required, and there MAY also be testing at the port depending on the country/port (and this testing may be random).  I would definitely get the 3 day early test just to be on the safe side.  And expect that worse case scenario you may also be tested at the port.

On 4/8/2022 at 7:26 PM, JF2828 said:

 
 

I had the same information but check again- it opened today! Someone in a Facebook group alerted us. 

Thanks for posting this!  I was able to make reservations for July 🎉

2 hours ago, KnATL said:

responding to the rules and regs in general...the 270 day rule...My J&J has expired, I assume i can just get another J&J...and that would satisfy the conditions? (cruising out of Athens) --yes?

I had J&J originally and then a Pfizer booster.  I’m assuming (hoping?) there is no issue with mixing brands.  CDC recommend Pfizer or Moderna for the booster over J&J.

What a mess.  My takeaway from this thread… my family will all be boosted (again for my husband and I) 60 days ahead of our July cruise, just to avoid any potential issues.  The last thing I’d want is to get to Barcelona and find things have recently changed (or I misinterpreted) any of the ports rules and be denied boarding.  
 

OP I’m sorry this happened to you and others.  

On 3/31/2022 at 1:51 AM, TrumpyNor said:

This is the case for the EU countries when it comes to the second vaccination shot (or first when talking about one of the vaccines that requires only one shot) - there is a 270 days validation limit. There is currently NO timelimit for the validation of a BOOSTER.

 

For other questions in regards to local covid-rules when it comes to the use of masks indoor etc, this is the best and most up-to-date website for that: https://reopen.europa.eu/en

As far as I have understood, in most of EU all covid "rules" will be gone by end of May 2022 if not earlier (dates varies from country to country) - except the vaccination requirement. 

So if you’ve had a booster, it doesn’t matter if it was more than 270 days ago?  

Thanks for sharing your story.  As others have said, many valuable lessons to be taken away here.  I appreciate a lot of the information you shared, gives me a lot to consider for our first international trip with kids this summer.

1 hour ago, tony s said:

Make sure you give yourself a day prior as if they use Iberia the connection is Madrid and they always miss the earlier one and you do not get to Barcelona until 230pm

Good to know, thank you.  I’m planning on 2 days early, just in case.

I chose NCL Air into Barcelona this summer.  For $2000 for my family of 4, there is no way I could have booked cheaper myself.  

34 minutes ago, JandC_Cruising said:

Your first question is easy....If you get a bottle of wine at dinner, you are free to share it with whomever you wish (provided they are of age...which I assume your husband is 🤣).  The person doesn't need to have a drink package. You can share the bottle with the table. 

We did this once with a single mom at a neighboring table in Le Bistro when we had more Vueve than we could consume prior to our bottle of red (yeah...i know....how can you have too much Vueve!) 

 

The second question is also easy (but with a "disclaimer")...By rule, you cannot buy a Starbucks, or some other beverage for that matter, and give it it to someone who does not have the package.  That is a direct violation of the beverage package rules.  

Does it happen?  Absolutely.  

Does it get overlooked (particularly if you tip)?  Without a doubt!

Can it result in the suspension of your beverage package, and subsequent charge for every drink you've had up to that point if management feels you are abusing the program?  Yes. 

 

Sharing of beverages was one of the main reasons they changed the beverage package promo to include everyone in a cabin that is "of age".  Prior to the pandemic only passengers 1 & 2 were eligible for the "promo".   Other passengers in the cabin would either have to pay full retail for a drink package or sneak drinks.

 

Hope that helps clarify so you can choose your path to a wonderful cruise!

If you're on the Epic on the 27th...see you there!  

 

Thanks so much for the detailed response.  Much appreciated!  

I'll be on the Epic July 24th for our first Mediterranean cruise.  Hope you have a great trip as well 🙂