AMHuntFerry

Tips are included with drink package qualifying drinks (i.e., there is no additional charge). There will be tips to pay if you order outside of the package - bottles of wine (although in past you receive 15% off bottles), high end scotch, etc.

I don't think so since the Extraordinary Sale specifically called out Onboard Booking as not combinable. In other words, it may be combinable...worth asking.

Not sure - I think I've seen others say that when consecutive cruises are booked that there is about 5% savings (it varies). There are restrictions about booking consecutive cruises and getting discounts, but you'd need to contact your TA/O to get details about specific ones.

Here's info regarding the all important combinability terms for the Summer Sale, but it's always good to check since some people end up being able to combine things anyway (e.g. shareholder OBC). I used bold to highlight the promos that seem to be mentioned the most on CC ("covert" made me snicker). Promotion may not be combinable with any other discount, fare, or promotion including but not limited to Casino Specials, Travel Advisor/Interline fares, Not combinable with American Express CPP amenities, Premium Economy Air, Oceania Club Certificates, Business Class Air promotions, Back to Back Savings, Covert Deals, Consumer Events, Private Sales, Partner of the Month, Groups, Key Account Promos, National Account Promos, NCL Shareholder benefit, Casino Specials, Single Specials, Past Guest offers, Kids Sail Free, Tzoo/Value Fares, Close the Sale offers, Net Rates, Extend your Voyage, Canadian Resident Special, Olife Ultimate, International Specials, Flash Sale, Holiday/upgrade promotion or any other special offer. The listed expiration date for the Summer Sale is August 31, 2023, but is limited to a specific number of cabins (so when they are gone, that cabin class/itinerary is no longer on sale).

I also have a September cruise, so checked my options...no Ultimate choice for mine. Is your cruise part of the "Ultimate Olife" promo? Here's what mine shows:

Yep, we've paid regular price (minus a small amount for booking onboard, and also some TA perks) for a couple of cruises since then, and also booked a "bonus" Ext. sale cruise that is coming up soon...so excited!

This isn't comparing O policy, but I happen to know (from our roll call) which day you were trying to fly and the destination airport. I booked my flight weeks ago and it was a bear! I thought that Wednesday after Labor Day would be safe from the holiday crush, but it's not. The only low fares got me in at ~midnight...yuck. I paid a little more for the morning flight, but it was gone soon after and I still don't have a seat assignment for the second leg even though my fare comes with a seat assignment (i.e., not the lowest bargain fare)...which reminds me, I think I'll go pay the $10 and choose the "premium" seat today.

Yep, that sale on the Dec 2021 cruise was the key to get me to try something we would potentially hate. I was super skeptical about the whole cruise thing.

For 10+ days, the low-cost choices are limited to 2023, but there are some... Nov 20, 2023 13 day TA Inside $1699 Nov 25, 2023 10 day Caribbean OV $1799 (no insides available) Not in the stated price range, but interesting because it's the same itinerary that we both chose as a test-cruise...Jan 25, 2024 10 day Caribbean Inside $1999 (balcony is $2999 for 2021 comparison...how times have changed!).

Your thinking is spot on. You can make your reservations now and change them later if you change your mind and the new shorex is available (need to call O to do this). If a shorex only has waitlisting, you can sign up for your second choice and waitlist your first (also need to call to do this).

How was this new information delivered to you (e.g. orally, in print)? The ad in Currents still says place, time, and "2 of the same drink for the price of 1 applies to the Bar Menu drinks only."

This may be a case of different coverage for different states. The annual policy from Allianz that I've had did not cover missed ports. (Note, we do not have "family" as an option either, just keep adding who you want covered and their ages for the multi-person plan).

I wasn't aware of this. In June we each had 2 happy hour drinks and then "shared" a third 2 for 1 drink (so 3 drinks each at 2 for 1 happy hour). Did the restriction start more recently, or was this a case of the bartender not making a fuss?

I had similar concerns on our June Alaska cruise since my dad had warned me about the zoo when cruise ships are in port, and we were going to be in most ports with larger ships (10k+ in small towns...eek!). However, we found that as soon as we walked a few blocks out of the tourist area, it was practically deserted except for the locals walking their dogs or going about their normal business. I noticed the same thing when visiting Vancouver for a conference many years ago. The "shopping opportunities" near the cruise ships were packed, but the surrounding areas were normal. In a place like the Italian coast where steep hills may restrict movement to only the hardy, planning ahead for transport away from the crowds may be a good idea. Also, look for "alternate" things to do that don't draw the hoards if you want to get away. One of the silly things we do when traveling, and we want to take a break, is to look for mini-golf; a certain Seattle-area person made a whole business taking people off the beaten path, so have fun and find your own uncrowded fun...enjoy!

Some of the less expensive cruises (7 day CA coastal, Bermuda, Caribbean) are at that price point (or below). Some of them are on sale, but it only saves about $100. The real savings are on the cruises that are, say, $3k that are now $2k. Cruise Critic search was showing at least some of the sale prices (I didn't check all) so you don't even need a super-secret TA for this one like was needed to get early access to the Extraordinary Sale. https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?cl=75&sort=price

Everything below PH2 is waitlisted so there is no sale price. The PH2 (no air) is $5149 on O's site with $3549 for the Summer Sale price. A very nice sale for someone who wants PH2. The cruises with sales are on par with the Extraordinary Sale but they go well into 2024 now (Ext. Sale only went to end of 2023).

Venmo! No, seriously...cash. There has been no way to tip an individual via your shipboard account. Oops, just realized I need to add @PinonNoir

You should also ask your TA (or O rep) for the current shorex description pdf (sometimes it has more than you can see on the website and in your account); it will be similar to what you see on the website, but will also have times and (here's the important part) it will have description of discounts available (e.g., YWC) and things like cancellation/refund terms that I have not found detailed elsewhere ("PRE-PURCHASED SHORE EXCURSIONS & ONBOARD EXPERIENCES" pdf). The most error free way to book is to call O; after booking ask for the shorex pdfs...one will be brief and just show that your shorex bookings are confirmed, while the important one has line items showing each shorex along with discounts and actual price paid (advice stolen from one of our expert posters FlatbushFlyer). I know FF gets a sad face when I say this...I use the online shopping cart to choose my shorex, I log off (so an O rep can see my cart), then I call to book; since the O rep can see my cart and miscommunication is minimized.

In the top suite you will have one of the best butlers available. Since you will be using them extensively, an extra tip will certainly be appreciated (and most likely earned). If you were in a penthouse wondering what in the world you'll have a butler do, then no, you probably would not tip extra.

That one is showing $3699, so not a sale either. If you are wanting Vista in the Caribbean, the Nov. 19, 2023 is a bargain (starts at $3599 for 12 nights). There are also a few summer 2024 Mediterranean itins that are priced right.

You probably want to speak with a broker or do a lot of research (the fine print is super important). The annual insurance I have purchased asks for you residence-state and age(s); it then has options for different levels ($ amounts) of coverage (e.g., $5000). Some of the coverage types (e.g., trip interruption, lost luggage, car rental) is per trip maximum, while others are per year maximum and/or per person. The annual plan I chose cost about the same as the single trip insurance (~10% of cruise fare?) for approximately the same coverage; we are in our 50s (story might be different if older/younger).

Hoo boy, I'm a wreck today when it comes to accuracy. I was looking at Jan 9th. The Jan. 31st 11 day cruise is $4349 on my TAs site, so still no sale.

Not O-specific, but this is an interesting view of crew-life: https://emmacruises.com/do-cruise-ship-employees-get-free-food-insider-guide/ I'm guessing their curries and the like actually have identifiable spices in decent quantities (more than what is served up above).

Balcony for $3599 but don't know what category...usually the lowest non-waitlisted category. The prices appear to be on Cruise Critic's search if you want to watch there. Just checked O...has same price so not on sale.

Bingo! It appears that July 17, 2024 on Riviera (7 days) may be on sale. Starts at $1599, $2049, $2399, $3299. Price on O-site $2299, $2849, $3299, $4499. The Summer Sale is a real thing! (as long as you're OK with SM)