jaja

I'll start simple. There is absolutely no way to get a better price than "only port fees and taxes". You always pay port fees and taxes. If you didn't, these are REAL fees that the cruise lines would have to pay themselves, so they always make sure you pay them. Therefore, if you are getting a free cruise where you just pay port fees and taxes, stop looking elsewhere for a better deal, as you will not find one.

Why?

 

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Last time I got and took a "free" cruise..if I recall it was not "only port fees and taxes"...I believe there was more added..

someone explained it as " you are not paying for taxes and port fees (as shown on the web site), you are paying taxes and NCF (non-commission fare). "

I can tell you-- I was a nervous wreck watching our departure from Newport RI...there were so MANY sailboats in the harbor (as there usually is !)..all sizes and some were very close...:eek:

For a cruise to Alaska I would think that binoculars would be on your must have lists.

 

For all our cruises my husband always brought binoculars and I don't think ever used them.

 

We have an upcoming cruise and we will not be bringing binoculars.

Yes--for Alaska --a must..!!! We also brought them for our Canada/NE cruise....and did use them...(never took them for southern cruises...don't know why...and never missed them)

Thanks for the update :)

We just returned from the cruise on the Brilliance, and took the Olie's Trolley tour in Bar Harbor. Aside from the disappointing fact that Acadia was closed, it was a fabulous tour that I highly recommend. The tour guide we had was quite engaging, knowledgeable and funny. I believe Bar Harbor was my favorite port of the cruise, and I would love to go back and just spend at week there.

We also just returned.(NCL Gem) ..We had visited Acadia NP on a previous cruise via a ship excursion...this time (yes park was closed) we did the Acadian Boat Tours...Nature Cruise...and had gorgeous view of the cliffs and foilage ..from the water....a great alternative..!!!:)

I agree Bar Harbor is a favorite for us also....:D

Yes, you can have the tips placed on your shipboard account. We did this on our last cruise. We also left an additional tip for the steward.

 

The desk will give you a slip of paper you can present to the recipient (butler, concierge, steward) as a thank you.

 

We really liked this option, since it saved us from having to carry a lot of cash for the tips.

Ditto--just did this on the 10/12 sailing of the Gem...

What browser are you using?

Explorer...which was never a problem...last time my favorites disappeared..I called...and they got it to work..(BTW--they did not even know what I was talking about...they did not know I could save favorites:eek:

I have this problem now and also have had it in the past....it is quite annoying....favs would disappear for weeks and then reappear...and disappear...NOW--I can't save either......:mad: Guess NCL does not want me to cruise again....

I'm interested in any updates as well. We sail in 16 1/2 weeks (although I'd prefer if it were 16 1/2 days!) :D

Hi just off Gem today..

HD...Jenny Lim GREAT!!!!!!

Concierge...Carlos....

Cruise Director...Julie....

Just off the Gem....requested 2 things..pillows and refrig empty...pillows were there...Butler emptied refrig when he came...!!!!

omg, i just have to laugh and believe someone from ncl must have been reading this blog. Just brought my ncl and i'm looking at the lattitude benefits.

 

It is now specified. :d

 

laundry service

 

25% on one bag of laundry gold members, complimentary one bag of laundry platinum members

 

i'm thinking cc and ncl are a good combination. :)

lol that is hilarious. Good job cc and good job ncl. .

 

Just in case norwegian is still following the thread i would be happier yet if stockholder benefits could be combined with other benefits .

like!!!!!!!:d

I do not like the soap in the dispenser in bathroom so I bring a bar of soap

Me too !!! ..I will put up with the shampoo.but not the soap:D (just doesn't lather up like my good old bar soap )

Well, I agree...the CD has almost 0 interest for me. I'd much rather know who the Executive Hosts are at the casino.

 

BUT the HD on the other hand, has the ability to influence almost every aspect of the cruise (which isn't mechanical-related)(or destination-related).

 

A good HD (like a good CEO of any company) can create and foster an environment where crew are happy to work. A happy crew makes for happier passengers. So I see a direct correlation between a good HD and a good cruise experience.

 

The F & B managers are good to know too... I was on a sailing where I made friends with a couple of people who were vegan. The F & B director who I'd met several times on different ships, visited our table. My new friends gently bemoaned the lack of vegan options, and the next thing we knew, the E-Chef was tableside, asking them their preferences - as he was going to prepare them something special, from scratch.

 

That was not expected. It was above & beyond... but it's in the nature of things a person in that capacity can accommodate.

 

Having had the opportunity to get to know many of these people in the past, it's also an element of feeling at home....of returning to 'family'.

 

 

I know I'm not alone in feeling this way, which is why the thread is so long. Also, in the USER CP (link at top of the page), you can change the number of posts / page... so if 500 is distressing ;) just change it! (I'm on page 13 at the moment.)

 

 

 

Stephen

 

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YES!..I agree---..I for one think the HD is of great importance..and sets the tone for the entire ship...!! I always am interested in who it is!! (along with some other positions..) I like this thread...and check it often... ...As with any thread.. any reader can read it or not...post or not...

Stewman's will be open until November 1st. And West Street Café will be open until October 26th (subject to change). Jan

Thanks for the update !!!!:D

not sure about OP..but I will be in BH on 10/16..as will another ship if I am not mistaken...so interested on what will be actually open..

any weekend updates???:)

IMHO, what one tips should not be decided based on what a person makes, what country they come from, how they live, how many children they have, etc., it should just be decided upon based on the services received and how they are performed and what one feels that those services are worth.

I agree...;)

yeah, i wasn't even gonna mention it as a percentage of my gambling budget lol... But boy, don't know if i could do a 28 day b2b, the casino budget would make hubby keel over lol... Kinda glad we don't have that kind of time off yet... :d

 

robin

lol !!!!!:d

Tipping is very personal and as others have said... also varies on services rendered....I do, though, like it when people share their experiences and how they tip--as when I was new to the suite life...I had no idea what to do...:o Now I have a starting point..and adjust up and down ...

(for example...we once had a butler who left a lot to be desired..and felt totally comfortable not tipping the max we had planned on...and on next cruise..had a great butler..and upped his tip....it all depends.....;))

Never sailed with Jenny...REALLY looking forward to it :D

How is Carlos as Concierge ?

And hoping all the September Gem PAX will come back and report for us going in October !!!!!

Jenny is now going back to Gem again change in schedule. She boards tomorrow

Thanks !!!...So jenny HD) and carlos © it is...;)

just ordered mine ! have used it before..not a problem...easy...

Ok--just trying to clarify. from what I have read....for the Gem Oct.12th...

HD ..would be Mirsad (or will Jenny be back) :confused:and Concierge will be Carlos :confused:

Anyone???

time for weekend updates :D