jibbity

Many thanks for your well thought out response. Hopefully that is the case and it's just a rare occurrence but with the sense of entitlement seemingly worsening in society I can see more people thinking they can/should be able to get away with it. I've never been one for "ratting out" anyone but if I wind up seeing something like this I may just resort to that. My dislike for squealing is outweighed by the behavior of spoiled, entitled nitwits who would try to take advantage and get benefits reserved for others who have rightfully paid good money to enjoy.

I understand that and thanks but the point is (pardon the pun) that ship has already sailed...meaning...what's the use at this point?? I can't cancel and rebook as the penalties to do so would outweigh any price advantage (plus the same perks would not be available/be additional in cost) of booking now...or even checking the price as even if it were cheaper booking it separately, it would cost MORE when the cancellation costs/loss of perks to be added would make it not worth doing. My only option really is to do the upgrade or keep my existing booking. And, we've kind of gotten off track as my original question really had to do with the exclusiveness (or not) of the Aurea Experience when it came to allowing those not at that level to access those benefits. With the added concern of why pay extra for a better package if it is not going to be "policed" and as exclusive as advertised.

Yes...thanks you so much for that advice about the mock booking. I had already known about that from reading other threads here on CC but when I checked into doing that I saw I would lose some if not all of the perks I got when booking through a wholesale travel club. I called them (and called MSC) and was told I would have to cancel the existing cruise and rebook the newer one,,,problem being when I booked the existing one it included the liquor package, internet service, a wholesale money back gift card, etc. in the cruise deal package. That would mostly be all gone when I checked and mock booked a bit back so I'd lose all that. Also, cruise is in Nov. so the cancellation penalty would obviously not be worth it.

Thanks for your quick response and info. That's concerning to know - as I said, it makes one wonder why pay extra for added perks if its not going to be as advertised? (I know the right answer is people with some set of morals/conscience would refrain from doing such things but we know how rare those are in today's world).

Hi to all....We received an offer to bid for an upgrade to the Aurea level (from Fantastica) experience. This upgrade is for a whirlpool terrace balcony room on the Meraviglia which made us take notice. We wouldn't even be considering the upgrade without it as we already have an aft balcony confirmed/booked but with the terrace/whirlpool offer we are extremely interested. Some of the other perks are nice too - we especially like the Top 19 Solarium and its somewhat more private area. I know it's not close to the YC experience but it seems a little more exclusive and we love the idea of having access to that. HOWEVER, does anyone know if/how they check or allow access to the Top 19 solarium?? The reason I ask is because of stuff like this Youtube vid below which shows a random woman just walking in unchallenged after being advised she can't by her friend (who stays behind with camera) because she wants to "take a look". You can even hear him say that they are Bella level and that the area is reserved for Aurea level...which doesn't make a difference or stop her (to his credit he doesn't also go in). I would think someone would be there from MSC to control or check those who attempt to enter have valid access. What's the point of paying extra or for added perks if anyone can just wander in?? I'd really appreciate any info if anyone knows whether there are "buffers" in place to prevent this type of crap. Video:

THANKS for your quick response! Yes...just double checked itinerary - departs at 9pm. But also will be later getting into port that day at 1pm. My concern is with a MSC booked excursion we will waste more time lining up, getting on bus, waiting to go, etc. vs. just booking a Uber or Lyft. So it seems that's the way to go. Do you know if there are other shuttles/taxis right there when getting off ship or would it be best to just order a Uber from my cell??

Thinking of doing this as excursion but price is pretty high. I know it closes at 5pm but we wouldn't need to be back to ship until 7:30 or 8 (ship leaves at 9pm) so maybe an Uber would work better. How far is the space center from the port?...in miles if anyone knows - and approx Uber cost for 2 people.

Thanks to everyone for all the advise/information. We're going to keep the NCL cruise as scheduled and enjoy it as it goes. We're not the types that complain or obsess about the little things so we should be good. THANKS!

Newbie here...great site & great posters with info and advice! Glad I found it - my situation is while I've booked an NCL cruise next May (on the Getaway), I can still cancel it as final payment not due until January. It was a great deal with the liquor package and other perks included (internet, excursion credit, etc) but now I'm second guessing it and whether I should cancel and find another option. I've been on one other cruise before - NCL Sun to Alaska over a year ago. While it seemed ok I had nothing to compare it to. I can say I wasn't blown away by it but I know the Sun is an older ship and booked said cruise due to , again, a great deal. I know some will say for a better experience go with a more exclusive line but I'm not to where I can splurge on such (and I'm glad, but envious, lol, of those who can). In the future I plan on cruising more as I get to full retirement so another concern is going with and stick to a line for the customer loyalty thing - and from what I'm reading & seeing, NCL may not be the one. Would Royal, MSC or another be a "like" cruise line to go with vs NCL at this point??