teeredi2cruise

51 minutes ago, CruisingNole said:

 

It would be in your cruise planner. 

Ah, I see and  thank you. I am not currently booked with them and was only able to see the "public" offering. S

On 3/19/2019 at 10:07 AM, AlexandNessa said:

I know I'm dredging up a month old thread.... We have been pretty loyal to Norwegian, but recently booked Royal Caribbean on a whim. Our drink package is included with our room, but I was almost in shock when I saw the drink package prices on RCI: Currently showing 46$pp/pd, but some have reported as low as 42/44$, depending on specials. That includes bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, specialty coffee, and a whole host of drinks that NCL charges an upcharge over their basic package.  I was literally floored at the crazy discrepancy between the 2 lines. 

 

We're Platinum Plus on Norwegian, but we'll soon learn if Royal is a viable alternative, where pricing is the deciding factor. 

 

I was unable to find this drink package price on RCL. Would you mind sharing how to get to this information? Thanks

Thank you all for your replies. There are a total of 4 family members for our group of 6 traveling. I will reach out to the concierge closer to our sail date to put in the request with the concierge.

We are Haven but would like to at least stay together with our family since it is an International embark. What is best way if possible to accomplish?

On 3/20/2019 at 6:28 PM, welove2cruise* said:

I just booked today a 2021 cruise and air was included. I think it would only have been a $50 reduction in price if we opted out. We did pay an additional $25 pp to fly in 2 days early. 

 

I’m interested to hear experiences with those who used the air addon as far as flight times, etc. 

It is interesting that you were only charged 25/pp for flying in two days early. When we tried to do that to Barcelona you had to book their hotel and price difference. Their current flights gets us in Barcelona the day of sailing and just out of our comfort zone for international travel. The add on for 2 days before outpriced it for us along with the core price.. no savings for the headache.

18 hours ago, hallux said:

 

Some have reported that you pay PER PERSON for the hotel (costing 2x as much)...

We were told to fly into Barcelona would have us arriving the day of the sailing (leaving the night before... i.e. fly Saturday night for a Sunday cruise departure.) Flying out the Friday was a $50/pp deviation, booking our own hotel. Leaving Thursday, would be $345/pp in addition to the reduced air fare and still not able to have any airline time control and using their hotel. When I looked at the hotel price for the time frame, the hotel cost was $140/per night, so that led me to believe that that difference between the $690 and the hotel price of $280 was for air differences. The reduced air was already $800/pp. Some of the destination cost may work out for some, but our specific cost to fly and use their air was more than booking independently. YMMV

We have friends that booked in July last year on Epic our of Barcelona in Balcony B6 for $1,400/pp with OBC, now same cabin goes for almost $1,900 with the new "reduced" air promotion. It appears that if you do not know what the cost is/was before the new promotions you may not realize how much they are inflating the cabin cost to offset the air that some people are not even taking because depending on your departure city, the reduced air is not that reduced.

1 hour ago, crystalaziza said:

You are very welcome, but******** remember I am Platinum Plus & went to the Concierge before I even boarded to let them know I needed to be escorted off the ship first, Was up & waiting before she was even there, had my Uber pre-scheduled prior, also had tsa pre-check and kept my fingers crossed. It was also a very quiet Sunday morning so I had a few things going in my favor. Any other scenario could impact the time frame. Best of luck to you.

Thank you again and I completely understand. While not Platinum Plus, we will be sailing in the Haven and have high hopes that this will help increase the odds of an assisted early departure, so thank you for clarifying.

10 hours ago, crystalaziza said:

As I promised you, I would let you know how I made out with my 10:35 a.m. flight from LAX to RDU after my Mexican Rivera cruise this past 1/27/19. Well I was first off the ship with self walk off at 7:30 a.m. through customs and outside waiting for my pre-scheduled Uber for 7:50 - 8:00 a.m. off to LAX airport, dropped off at Delta, went through TSA pre-check and off to my gate sitting and waiting all by 8:30 a.m. 2 hours to spare.!! Yahoo for me. I also thought LAX was an extremely simple airport to navigate through. Did not experience any of the scary things I've read, again, maybe just lucky! But, I thank you for your earlier vote of confidence!

Thank you for your feedback and update. We are traveling out of LAX also soon and have been looking for information to ease my mind on our 11:15 flight. You have given me hope and I know that MMWV... 

They booked a balcony air promotion and got in with all of the perks. They are staying at what appears to be NCL's hotel of choice. I think that booking their hotel was the key to getting the diversion in flying in early.

On 1/12/2019 at 10:04 PM, rtkenmore said:

 

If you use the airfare directly through NCL, you don't have the option to fly in early or stay later unfortunately.

We have friends that booked air through NCL, and are flying in 2 days before to be able to join our group. NCL also booked the hotel, so I believe this can be done. YMMV

Sorry for the late response, the forum seemed to not want to let me post anything the last few days.

Thank you all for your replies. I thought I read somewhere that they shut down around 2:00 a.m. If so, was it more for lack of players due to the itinerary?

I had the same issue with only have one available, (at 130 days for suite) and had to call into Customer Service. They booked for us and also mentioned that they were having to book quite a few from call ins and that there is a system glitch.

I vote for call!

14 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

 

Having the TSA Pre-Ck is a BIG PLUS

Traveling in the Business or First Class cabin another

Affinity relationship with the airline that helps too

 

What you have planned is do-able - highly recommend a walk-off with luggage and take a cab or small shuttle bus

to LAX and everything should be comfortably fine. 

 

You did not indicate or tell us where you are flying from/to ? And airline ?

 

LGB is a small airport with limited service - basically only non-stop flights west of the Mississippi river - anything east

of that and a plane change connection is required (think small regional jets).

 

BUR forget that - way too distant and even more limited services to the cities flown to.

 

LAX beset by a potential granddaddy of all traffic jams - the 405 and the 110 - but then if everyone is behaving themselves

it works and it works well in spite of the horrendous amount of traffic movement. The LAX airport recently went through

some major airline movements (Delta moving from T5 to T2 & 3) a lot of construction signage etc.

Things seem to have settled down - if using any kind of shuttle or NCL transfer service DO NOT board the conveyance

if it is going to make multiple stops before getting to your airline i.e. Leaving on United the bus stops at all the rest of

the airlines first - Southwest Delta American and a bunch of others in between before getting to United. Does not apply

if your bus is dedicated just for United. Ask ???s !

Your arrival on SUNDAY should not present any major traffic problems unless Hollywood is filming a chase scene !

 

Not mentioned in the transportation is -

SNA - Santa Ana Orange County (John Wayne) airport - a tad further with

non-stop flights to the east coast - fares maybe not so competitive but a suitable option to consider if LAX doesn't have

the seats.

ONT - Ontario/San Bernardino  (NO not that Ontario in Canada) but with limited regional service much

like BUR - Hollywood Burbank (Bob Hope).

 

Putting the time versus distance puzzle together -

Factor NCL cruise terminal is on West Coat time Pacific time and there are 3 time zones going east - Mountain - Central

and then the East.

Flying to the Mountain Zone - flights are 1.5 to 2 hours long

to the Central Zone - flights are 2.5 to 4 hours

and the East Zone - 4.5 - 6 hours

 

So you want something early leaving from LAX to arrive before or at sundown in the east zone - you are going to be

pushing the time envelope for a 10 AM departure to arrive at 6+PM at say New York City ***

*** this is not going to happen unless you have a police escort

If you leave at 4 PM arrival at NYC is going to be 1+AM the next day

Leaving on a Red-Eye at 10 PM or later arrival is the next day at sun rise 7+AM  

 

Going to Universal Studios or Disneyland is not going to solve the time travel problem.

Consider having an alternative plan in case NCL is late getting you off the ship.

 

Good Luck  

Thank you everyone for your amazing feedback!

WOW  - Do-Not-Use-Real-Name!!!! This is so thorough and helpful. Right now here are some specifics:

Currently the ticket on hold is an award ticket with AA First Class leaving LAX at 11:15 a.m. with one connection arriving at my destination at 9:15 p.m . No priority status with the airline other than seating and credit card.

 I am trying to make sure that this departure time may work taking traffic considerations and LAX as the airport before finalizing the flight.  I am still monitoring and looking at all of our options and trying to be flexible.

Due to this being an award booking, I have some limitations on flight itineraries that some others may not have and other itineraries right now appear to require red-eye travel leaving either too early or much later. Everything available to me right now is connecting and most are red-eyes. Award travel will let me change times if something better becomes available fee free as opposed to purchasing the ticket and incurring a change fee. So I will keep checking times. 

Transportation to airport from the Port can be Uber or Private transportation. I have one Private car quote so far that says pickup for 11:15 a.m. LAX flight is 9:15 a.m. 

Backup Plan - One of the reasons I was sticking with LAX is hoping to have more flight availability to be re-booked on in the event that we can't make it in time and downgrading seating from FC to Coach to accommodate the missed flight.

Thank you everyone. We are on the Bliss and are holding a 11:15 a.m.  "Sunday" return flight. We are also TSA precheck. Do you think this is doable?

Traveling in April on the Bliss and need to lock in air. I Currently have a flight on hold (with miles) for in and out LAX, but see some other feedback that either Burbank or Long Beach may be better. I am traveling in the day before, so not as concerned about the incoming airport, but definitely concerned about making departure travel timing in LAX. 

Any feedback and assistance is greatly appreciated.

Can anyone share any insight as to the casino open and closing hours. We have only done Caribbean itineraries.

Thanks all for your feedback. I was able to secure dates and times this morning online, so just waiting for sailing now!

Thanks, I will try them

Has anyone had this happen before and if so, how did you rebook if there are now “no” dates and times available? We are in Haven.

We also prefer the forward or aft facing rooms. The added benefit of two areas, (living and separate bedroom extra space) outweighed the smaller room in Haven proper for us. Also... love the bathrooms in these rooms. The walk did not bother us at all, but YMMV with what is more important to your personal preference. We prefer the room space. 

6 hours ago, Run14 said:

Hello everyone!  Given the promo, lack of recent experiences (at least in my searches), and likelihood of people wanting info I thought I'd share my experience on the free airfare promotion.  First, a bit about me/the situation:

Booked ~ 5 months in advance, 5 people in a 2 bedroom haven suite, weekend before Mardi Gras sailing out of New Orleans on the Breakaway.  DW and I flying in from LAX, sister/BIL flying in from BUR, mom flying in from TPA.  Haven gets all promos for first 2 people (I'm paying, so, dibs).  Booked online.  Because we're flying from LAX, there is no added cost (aka "reduced airfare").  Wife and I are NCL platinum, others are bronze.  After booking, we called NCL to setup the airfare.  Here we go.

 

The first rep we talked to seemed really confused and thought that we were going to have to add airfare for everyone (at a cost for guests 3-5).  When I questioned that she said it's a "firm rule" and a supervisor can't help.  HUCA time (Hang Up Call Again).  Next rep is clearly more seasoned - says it's not a problem and codes the profiles.  Makes sure to verify we want to fly out of LAX.  The flights default to the day before the cruise departure with a return the same day we end the cruise (sad face).  I asked if we can move that out a day to enjoy NOLA some, and she indicates we certainly can...for a cost.  She went over the cost ($100 per person) which wasn't a big deal because flights to the Big Easy during Mardi Gras peak season is insane.  She said to anticipate receiving our itinerary at 75 days out from departure. Cool.

 

75 days out: Nothing.  same for 74-60 days out.  The holidays were in there too so we didn't have time to follow-up.  My wife called in at T-60.  After waiting for 35 minutes (no exaggeration - not even a little) the rep said "oh yeah we have your flights - I'll send them now".  Delightful!  5 minutes later we get the email and, *drumroll* it's blank.  It says our names and airline/time/etc is all empty.  Not cool.  She calls back and now faces a wait of 1 hour and 14 minutes.  There was a lot of solitaire played, and we're so thankful that she had the time to hang in there.  Second rep confirmed, told her the flights, and waited on the phone until we received the email with all of the info.  

 

The result is that we actually got ideally timed, direct flights on Delta (our preferred carrier).  The cost to purchase the flights would have been $2,069.20 for the two of us.  Bonus kicker - the fare was booked into a fairly high fare class so we could choose better location seats at no cost, and upgrade to Comfort+ for 69$ each, which is pretty great for a nearly 4 hour flight. 

 

Bottom line: saved about 2 grand, but had to HUCA a few times and devote hours (plural) to get this done.  Wait times were super annoying, rep knowledge is mixed, and it seems like NCL was in no way prepared for this promo.  

Thank you for this review. It was super helpful. One question... What do you mean when you say that they said at booking that air defaulted to day before? They were able to tell you this well in advance of the 75 Days?

Hi everyone!

 

I just booked a European cruise this summer on the Epic (to celebrate my son's graduation) and have a few questions. This is my 18th cruise' date=' so I am a seasoned cruiser, but I typically sail Carnival and have never tried NCL. I know I will have lots of questions over the next few months, but for now, here we go.....

 

1. What is the muster drill like on the Epic leaving from Rome (midweek)? My DS has Autism and a sensory processing disorder, so he cannot easily tolerate a drill out on the open decks mashed up against others. If the drill is typically in an area where he can be with his own space, he will manage much better. With Carnival, I request an alternate drill for those that are still held on the decks, but he tolerates those in the dining rooms and theater just fine. Trying to figure out if I should request an alternate drill or [/quote']

 

Welcome to NCL... While I haven’t sailed on Carnival in quite a while, I think you will enjoy sailing NCL. I encourage you to give the Special Needs Dept a call to discuss any concerns and accommodations you may have. They were very helpful with me and my Mom. The below excerpt is from their page...

https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising

 

Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Guests with cognitive, intellectual and development disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease are encouraged to contact the Access Desk to discuss your cruise. Upon request, every effort will be made to meet your cruising special requirements, including:

 

 

• Boarding and disembarkation assistance
  

The transatlantics don’t count as they have non eu ports in them. Any cruise that is a round trip with no non eu ports will have tax charged the entire cruise.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Wow, thanks for this information. I was completely unaware the this itinerary will charge tax the entire cruise. Would you know what the rate is???

We stayed in an aft-facing Haven penthouse on the Epic a couple of years and were mildly shaken awake when entering most ports in the morning by some kind of thruster or azipod doing its thing. We never have experienced anything like that in the back, the front, or middle of any other ship. It wasn't annoying but definitely noticeable. Not ever a problem when underway though.

I appreciate this perspective. We have sailed in the forward and only noticed vibrations when leaving and departing. Once we knew about it, it was okay and only when we were obviously in the cabin. My aft experience has only been on the Getaway and no issues, so I am hopeful that the temporary vibration will not be bothersome with prior knowledge.

Thanks again...