txclctr

I upgraded to a Penthouse Aft Balcony on a 6 day port intensive cruise back in July. Thought the same thing, why am I doing this? So glad I did, I got sick, didn't leave my cabin for 2 days, slowly ventured out on the 3rd day, missed 2 ports completely. So glad I upgraded I'm sure I would've been claustrophobic, it was nice having a butler bring you whatever you wanted anytime you needed it. Not the reason I upgraded, but soooo glad I did!

Absolutely not true - i received my upgrade confirmation 3 weeks prior to my cruise last month.

I spoke to my TA about the new bid for an upgrade program and he his not happy about it, for the following reasons:

 

Everybody gets the same offer to upgrade, even if the cruise is completely sold out.

 

Nobody will receive a confirmation that their bid is accepted until days before the cruise. This basically leaves people hanging in the mean time.

 

People may bid months in advance. And when they don't get a reply, they keep upping their bid with the hopes that it will be accepted. But it doesn't matter since in his experience, nobody is upgraded until the final week anyway. But I suppose it's possible if you make the maximum bid that NCL will lock you in before you can change your mind. If you bid is accepted early, you almost certainly bid too much.

 

NCL uses a computer program to work out whatever combination maximizes profits.

 

When your bid is accepted, you take the location that you are assigned, and you have no recourse.

 

Since there are many people willing to pay extra, the free upgrades will be a thing of the past.

 

He's tired of his clients calling him to ask why it's taking so long for their bid to be accepted.

Hi All

 

We will be sailing out of Venice on the 3rd Sep on Star and I have booked a train into Venice from Bologna arriving at 11:30. Assuming another hour to get from the train station to the cruise terminal I estimate that we will probably get to the check in at about 12:30.

 

My question is basically how easy or busy is check in and boarding at the Venice terminal and is it a bad idea getting there at 12:30 which i assume would be the rush hour? We prefer getting on board as soon as possible but if it is going to be a pain at this time then would rather lunch in Venice and then head to the port a bit later.

So easy to get on, the Star is small the terminal is big, very easy getting on, dont go for lunch, it will be too cumbersome, we walked right on

Does anyone know how the Simm cards work in Italy and the Adriatic? The verizon international calling plan is ridiculously overpriced. I've been told just get a simm card at the airport and pop it in. That simple?

Mine never changed as well and bid was not accepted

 

 

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Mine changed, the only way I saw it was that i cancelled my bid and then when I went back in to rebid it was listed at a lower amount.

Did you notice if the minimum bid ever decreased from the initial opportunity to bid? For instance, if it were initally set by ncl at $500, did you ever see the minimum decrease to a lower amount weeks or months later?

On mine it did decrease. However, the only way I saw it was because I cancelled the offer and then went back in and noticed it was a lower offer, so I bid on it all over again.

Thank you all for so much insight into how to do this upgrade thing!!!

My upgrade status is processing! I am giddy, although it is my least favorite upgrade - I know, don't look a gift horse in the mouth - I'm moving into the Aft with Large Balcony!!! Price is soooo right!!! And I am still 25 days out!!\

WooooHoooo!!!!

Can anyone tell me how far the hop on hop off bus is from the port? I thought I read it was close proximity but I cant find that thread. And is it worth it? or would you do a tour?

I really don't understand what's to hate, honestly.

 

You book the stateroom that you want (or can afford). Then, you decide how much an upgrade is worth to you. If they can upgrade you for that price, you get an upgrade at a price that you decided was reasonable. If they can't, then they don't, and you get the cabin you originally wanted.

 

Where's the problem?

Not a problem! Just getting excited about my trip and hoping for the best. Perhaps my words were too strong.

I just left the ship today, can confirm they had a White Hot party.

Thank you!

I'm starting to hate this upgrade system. The prices on cruises change almost daily, sometimes more than once. So when you put in your upgrade bid and compare it to what you have paid, its not fair. Yes, i know i can call and say I'll just pay the diff, but as a loyal customer, why wouldnt they approach me first, it's a cat and mouse game. Just throw me a bone, NCL, and I'll be dancing!

Does anyone know if they have the White Party on The Star? I am doing a 6 day out of Venice in July.

I received my email notification that NCL has accepted my offer for June 11 sailing on the Star out of Venice. Went from Balcony to Aft penthouse!

Very Nice! And early too!

I'm on the Star july 17 out of Venice also. How many bids did you put in? Please give a review when you return!

The ship may have reach passenger capacity but that does not mean that cabins are unavailable. Many cabins might have 3 or 4 guests in them and a large number of cabins may be empty. There is no way to tell from the publicly available website if the ship is truly sold out, and that there are no cabins available in a given category.

 

One thing OP should remember never book a cabin in anticipation of getting an upgrade. If you are not happy with your original cabin don't book it.

I just thought it was strange how one day there are so many cabins available and the next day all sold out.

I was very happy with my original cabin, and then they sent that damn uograde email and i haven't stopped dreaming. :cool:

So of course I've been doing mock bookings since I put in my upgrade bid to see what availability there is. Every category had, up until yesterday, a lot of cabins, numerous categories showed 15. Today, except for a few Haven rooms, EVERYTHING is sold out. How does that happen? My chances of getting an upgrade are wiped out!:(

Star/Jul 17/Venice

I threw in my bids, lowest bids, I've seen a lot of empty rooms but its early, i just figured the whole conflict uprising is keeping people away! That 3 bdrm villa upgrade looked nice but I'll save my money for another time!

So i paid my cruise balance fri nite for a jul 13 Star european 6 day. Today i get an upgrade advantage email. I know theres no rhyme or reason ti how its done. So we're 60+ days out, do i put in a bid now? Or wait? It says you only pay for the 1st 2 passengers, and we are 3, does that sound right? When you put in a bid, how long before you hear? And if you dont hear can you rebid? Should i wait? Or not?

I called the US # they said can't answer your questions you need to talk to the int'l dept, they will reopen Monday, Dec 26, 8am, I am not calling Asia

I booked a 50% off special for 2nd person. I booked an SJ category on the Star which is a family suite. The description of the stateroom says it includes specialty dining free open bar shore excursion credits and free WiFi package. There are 3 of us in the room, me and 2 DD. I booked it on the last day of the promo on Dec 17. It was not a perk that you pick such as 50 off and sdp or udp. I got half off 2ND person and 3rd person was substantially less, so doing a mock booking now I'm paying about $1300 less than current price.

I tried calling to get clarification of everything brought up cuz you guys are making me nervous, lol. The international dept is closed today and reopens Monday. I think I got a great deal but I will keep watching prices for any price drops or specials offers for this 6 day Adriatic cruise next July and there is nothing under vacation summary about any perks. Hope I booked what I thought I booked!

I booked the family suite and it should come with all 5 perks

Just booked July 2017 Star in a family suite. I think it's comparable to Haven, I have 3 people, me and 2 DD, age 14&22. Do we all get UDP for all days? Has anyone done the Star? Any suggestions?

My fare is through United, and yes I saw an upgrade to economy plus, yes extra leg room is a big help on 8 hours, but this was $143 extra, still I grabbed it!

I just assumed that it would be in the same terminal otherwise they wouldn't even allow you to book that type of flight, sort of like running from gate to gate, but yes I will double check.

Now for another question, what does a butler and concierge do for you?? Hehe

Lol! I got roundtrip newark to venice for $572 with a short 45 min stop in zurich. I missed out of the direct $500 flights because I kept rubbing my eyes in disbelief. Same here enough of a saving to upgrade to I guess comparable haven suite in the Star for myself and my 2 daughters. Hope they love and appreciate it!

Yes I see it. Upgrading to the suite gives you all the perks also. A little more than I wanted to spend but still a great deal. Will wrap up my booking today. Thank you so much! I got such a great price on airfares last week that now I don't mind