leaveitallbehind

Not challenging you, but did you read #15 - chengkp75' s response? (Abbreviated version included above). I think his expert explanation addresses this issue quite well. I guess as you suggest, anything CAN happen, but in this case IMO based on his response, the water is not likely the cause.

I don't know if that is accurate. And it is more in the ankles, not the legs, which is mainly a result of fluid retention. IMO it is more likely from increased humidity and salt in the sea air combined with on board food which may be higher in sodium. Many cruisers exercise less when on board which may be a contributing factor as well. The ships' water process systems are very well controlled and managed and IMO I would not suspect that as being the primary cause. Perhaps @chengkp75 or others could weigh in and correct me if I am wrong and provide accurate insight.

And by offering the option to cancel they did offer a refund, so I am confused as well. And to the OP, normally cruise lines don't give refunds for missed ports of call. They credit port fees for those missed ports. And depending on how disrupted the itinerary was, they may offer some amount of on board credit or possibly a discount on a future cruise credit. As this is your first cruise experience I don't think you have a full understanding of how the cruise industry operates and you may not aware of what they normally do in any given circumstance. Unfortunately your situation is a difficult way to be introduced to that world.

I agree with and would recommend all of the premium lines you suggested. But based on the OP's comments of preferring small ships v the large ships and all inclusive, that IMO would rule out Virgin. And even though Yacht Club is a ship within a ship, the MSC ships are mega ships and would be ruled out as well by me. (IMO the Haven with NCL and the Retreat with Celebrity would be the same as yacht club, but I would not recommend them either). I would also suggest that the OP should talk with a Travel Agent that specializes in cruises and review their preferences with them. They would be in the best position to assist IMO.

That should confirm your purchases.

Always a safe bet. RCCI has confirmed with the OP that all would remain, but I can't argue with your suggestion.

I'm not aware of ice being provided on board by anything other than the ships' water. Not sure why you are asking, but if there is a concern, water on board is made from several different processes and is perfectly safe. The ships crew survives on it for months at a time while at sea.

No. All of your on board arrangements made through the app or other wise should remain in tact. And if I read your question correctly (and we've seen how well that's worked out!) the only things booked through the other family member was the beverage package and the key. As confirmed by the RCCL rep, as they are paid in full in your names everything with those items should be fine as well.

Yep and there I go again forgetting the no-show doesn't have one - too many senior moments LOL. You have it all correctly - sorry again for my confusion!

If that was an RCCL agent, that isn't too terribly surprising. While they are well trained in the basics regarding making bookings, etc., they may not be as well versed in the details regarding the app. They work out of a call center and I would venture to guess that most of them have never been on a cruise and don't have direct experience with some of the things they are asked about. If you ever run into a wall with them, ask to elevate the conversation to a supervisor. BTW if you end up with a no-show, those package cancelations are made directly on the app by that passenger. The port fees will be refunded directly to the booking.

Sorry, I did misunderstand that - and just wanted you to be aware there are refund opportunities for that. You were probably clear - I was likely foggy. LOL. So you are covered and that is good! BTW the other comments regarding port fee refunds is also valid. Enjoy your cruise!

I understand that, and it is as I thought. So that's good. However, if you know that they will be a no show at least 48 hours prior to sailing time they should be able to cancel their packages without penalty for a full refund. At that late date there will be no refund on their cruise fare, but port fees will be credited.

No, your purchases should not be canceled. However unless you request to cancel the no-show passengers purchases that money will likely not be refunded. Package and other purchases made through the app can be canceled (and rebooked) without penalty prior to sailing. I agree as well not to rely on an email - call and speak to someone about this to confirm your options. Did you book directly or through a travel agent? There are also implications regarding the money spent for the initial booking fare of the no show passenger as well. If you booked through a TA they are the ones that would have to handle this for you. Otherwise if you booked directly with RCCL, then you need to talk directly with a customer service representative there. But CALL - do not just email!

I think you can put this issue to bed as it is clear that the information you received was incorrect, which is also supported by the responses you've received on your similar post on the NCL board. If for some reason you still aren't sure then contact NCL again and ask to speak with a supervisor to confirm. I assure you the times are not 2 hours post docking and 2 hours pre departure on ports of call. Book your independent excursions and plan to enjoy your cruise. BTW those operators will know the appropriate start and end times to comply with the ship's requirements.

In this case I don't think that is likely as routine drydocks normally only take 2-3 weeks. If the drydock is part of the amplification program that could take 4-5 weeks. In either case Quantum is showing itineraries available prior to the sailing date in question.

I'm also a little confused by this situation as there is still a Quantum sailing on the books, but it is a 14 night transpacific repositioning cruise from Seattle to Tokyo on 9/30 with no ports of call in Hawaii. Perhaps this is what the original cruise canceled / changed to? Completely different. Prior to 9/30 Quantum is doing Seattle / Alaska itineraries The only 9-night Vancouver to Hawaii is on Ovation of the Seas on 10/4. So if this is it, it would have been a ship change as well. Prior to 10/4 Ovation is also showing Seattle / Alaska itineraries. Following the 10/4 Hawaii 9 night is an 18 night transpacific repositioning cruise from Hawaii to Australia.

There really are two issues here: the cancelation of the cruise, and your perspective on the customer service - or lack thereof - you have received. As to the first part, there could be a number of valid reasons why this cancelation was made, and contractually by your booking agreement, they are within their rights to do so. It is unfortunate and unpleasant, but that is the way it is. Canceling an itinerary is one of the last things a cruise line wants to do as it is very disruptive for everyone and always results in negative feedback about them. Hopefully at some point some clarity will be provided for your understanding. As to your thoughts on their customer service, travel agents are in essence the extended sales arm of the cruise lines. When you book through one, they have responsibility for, and control, your booking. By that relationship, the cruise lines cannot talk to you directly about the booking and you are obligated to go through your TA. The TA also cannot provide any direct internal cruise line call line for you, but they certainly can, and should, manage your situation with the cruise line on your behalf. They are your advocate and this is part of their responsibility. I would contact your TA (again) to review and determine your best option and to see whatever information has been made available to them regarding the original itinerary. I'm very sorry this has occurred with your first cruise experience. It is one of the most unfortunate things that can, and occasionally do, arise. The cruise line is trying to do the best for you given the circumstances, an you do have the three options presented. As such, I hope this all works out to your satisfaction and that you enjoy your first cruise.

As long as the topic was raised I will add that with most cruise lines, you will not receive any credit or refund of the fare paid due to missed ports for the affected cruise, however they may issue some form of an on board credit or discount for a future booking.

As @mom says, plus any port fees associated with any missed port of call.

Agree!

I have never cruised with NCL but have to say that in 50+ cruises I have never heard - nor experienced - that. That just makes no sense to me. It has always been as described by myself and others on this thread. And if that is the case then that is one reason I likely will never sail with them. IMO whomever you have talked with is incorrect and I would call back to reconfirm. I would also post this question on the NCL board to get responses from other NCL cruisers to hear their experiences. Here is that link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/64-norwegian-cruise-line/

Agree. But for clarity, in either case the 2 hour guideline as questioned by the OP would not apply, as ports of call would typically have disembarkation commencing as soon as the ship has cleared immigration at the port of call, and return embarkation typically 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure, as others have said. Agree, as suggested by others, that the 2 hour guideline is, in particular, for initial departure, and final disembarkation.

I am saying that as well. If it is called a service charge then the passenger is obligated to pay it to NCL. Calling it a gratuity provides the passenger the option not to pay it to NCL. Calling it a service charge assures NCL that the money is indeed paid by the passenger. Further, NCL's own statement indicates that this service charge is a component of the applicable staffs compensation.

...and I wasn't trying to suggest changing lines, only pointing out who, IMO, has the better programs to consider. As one formerly involved with the travel industry, has the NCL air program worked well in the past and is this your first negative experience? I ask only as I want to compare opinions with my posted response. Hopefully you will still find a successful resolution.

Fortunately, no we have not, and I can't answer your specific situation other than to say IMO NCL has one of the worst air programs. While they often are inexpensive, they frequently are at inconvenient times, via connecting flights, and at the lowest cabin class, and will have itinerary changes that are not always caused by the carrier. Your situation is unacceptable. I would continue to press NCL for a correction, or at least to put you both together on the changed flight. If you booked through a TA they should be able to assist. I realize it's too late in your case but for future reference, IMO, Princess and RCCL / Celebrity have very good programs of the mass market cruise lines that offer that service. Otherwise I would book the air directly. I hope you are able to find an acceptable solution with NCL with this. Also as this specifically relates to NCL you may also want to post this on the NCL board for additional responses here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/64-norwegian-cruise-line/