cruiser2015

You have made some very reasonable comments. Some counterpoints: On the "repricing": The post I was commenting on seemed to indicate the they were unhappy because NCL's DSC is higher than most cruise lines and, apparently, did not offer such exceptional service as to warrant it (again, compared to the competition) (also, reading between the lines here). So, by reducing the DSC because it was considered unreasonable compared to other cruise lines, rather than due to outright poor service, he decided to cut the fee and reduce his trip cost to the amount he felt was proper. It's different than in a land based restaurant because there, you pay X% of a meal price. What percentage are you paying the dining staff? Would you care to guess at a meal price for each meal? Worse than that, what percentage do you give to a room steward? Impossible to do it that way. You might come up with a per diem you think is fair - but that only works if you cancel DSC completely and tip individually in cash. Fine for the steward...but not so much for dining staff as well as the others behind the scenes who share. So, there are many differences here vs. not-at-sea gratuities. And, unless you have universally poor service onboard, reducing the fee due to one or two poor performances barely touches those by the time allocations filter through. Better to praise or criticize individuals in writing. I don't sail as often as many of the CC posters, but have cruised on and off for over 40 years. The cruise lines converted their old tipping system (first suggested amounts; then pre-billed but adjustable) to the DSC of today. In that regard, I believe they left open the adjustability to avoid making it outright mandatory. If it became mandatory, it would serve no purpose to exist as a separate charge any longer and could be rolled into the fare and forgotten - other than they currently can promote the cruise at a lower price (before DSC is added, let alone "taxes & fees").

55 pesos to the dollar...what country was that in?

If you were discussing how to tip in a land based restaurant, you can judge the service simply. You could also decide if 15% was fair; or 20%; or whatever. The DSC is not quite the same. It is part of the compensation and/or benefits of assorted crew members, some of whom you never see. These workers are typically under paid and over worked. NCL may be undercutting the direct pay and giving more from the service charge compared to another line. Who knows. All you accomplish is shorting what the employees get. As others have noted, compare your total cruising costs and decide if the pricing is fair for all the services provided plus the quality of the ship & ports. If not, you're free to travel elsewhere rather than trying to reprice your cost. Get discounts whenever possible - but not by stiffing the workers.

Sorry - those dates are for dining.

The main shows (usually 2) open for reservations 120 days before departure; 125 days for Club Balcony & up. Do this rather than waiting until being on board.

Wait a minute... you forgot about all the ships in Europe, Asia, Africa & S. America getting those supplies air lifted from Miami.

Or, they could start the Roll Call themselves. And put out the question of other teens right up front. For that time of year, I would expect a decent group of them.

Coffee makers are available on request from your cabin steward.

NCL will answer procedural questions even if you use a TA. Once you have your answer, they probably will tell you that you must work through the TA, which you must do. But you are now armed with the correct information - and you must insist that your TA follow up with NCL. I had an issue like that this about 6 months ago (not air related).

Beware of that late season sailing date...but not late for hurricanes!

Rogue was used in a cutesy manner. While every recent reference I encountered was consistent with the "standard" 21 day sequence, clearly you have found alternative structures of the menus used.

Where do you get all of this bidding data from?

What difference does it make if the certs. you use are short for making your deposit? Simply add the additional cash required besides applying the CN or CF.

The OP made an inquiry. As usual , there are a variety of responses. All of a sudden, opinions here - even those that differ among us commenters - is a problem? No problem if folks want to save a few dollars and hold back on their internet use for 12 hours (or perhaps a bit less). For those who really would rather get connected on day 1, the small savings is certainly not worth the extra wrangling.

You probably have better odds at the casino too.

Hmmm... Smells like they supplied one wrong coupon. (2 of one type instead of 1 each of the 2 types)

If you are considering an insurance claim. I hope you have the cancel for any reason clause.

Go Elon...😎

Have you tried calling NCL? Seems like it should be a simple issue for them.

Then it appears not to be universal. Using #'s 1-7, press repeat, over and over for a 7 day cruise fits the pattern I described. There is a discrepancy from your history though. Day 1 of the standard menus is not prime rib, but beef medallions, among others. Day 7 is prime rib, not 8. Seems you have encountered "rogue" chefs who like to switch up the sequence. Again, I have seen the unchanged standard list used on 7, 10, and 15 day cruises. I assume that they went to21 days total to accommodate the vast majority of all cruises to have no completely repeated menus on the same sailing.

Ships have one internet service connection. They are all being converted to Starlink. Sadly, my cruise next week is on the Bliss - not yet changed over. I've seen some very mixed (a lot bad) reviews.

Ditto to all of the above comments. Also note that generally, there are 2 specialties that are still flat rate for the meal. Teppanyaki is one.

That depends on the items. Neither DW or I are alcohol drinkers. Actually, I drink on occasion; DW very rarely. Sailing on a 15 day next week. FAS gratuities are over $600 That is a CONCERN. Declined! Dining gratuities are a bargain (compared to purchasing dinners outright)- if you want to use those restaurants.

Not true at all. I've just been comparing similar cruises on both NCL & RCCL. For multiple world regions. Royal's prices are dramatically higher than NCL's on all of them.

Try Trip Advisor.