cruiser2015

Ah, feedback from a local. As for the San Pedro hotel, I did not know the address, so I scanned a Google map in of the area. I spotted a motel in the approximate area, so I guessed that it might have been the old BW. In any event, it does not seem to have a shuttle. Oddly, I did not see Aliotta's during my map search. Personally I prefer southern Italian. But Aliotta's menu looks interesting. Thanks for your suggestions.

That could instigate on onboard duck hunt. 😲 I know the crew is overworked, but if a plastic duckie floats their boat, I truly feel sorry for them.

A Sail Away should be tagged a "Sail Away" in the cabin title.

This is what I suggest: On boarding day, go to the desk where they are doing dining reservations. I think it is likely to be at Teppanyaki. Adjust your current reservations to more preferred times, if possible. Then, see if there are more slots at the restaurants you like that meet your requirements. If so, make the reservations - and then purchase the upgrade package. One caution - if any one the 2 new ones is for a flat rate venue, you will need to pay to get the res. If they are not, you're good to go. If there are any of those then purchase the upgrade immediately. Use the app on your phone; or the res desk may be able to "sell" it to you through their systeem and complete your reservations on the spot. Good luck.

UPDATED INFORMATION It seems that the mysterious no reservation time has passed. The two main shows are now bookable.

You dazzled them with science! And they were overwhelmed - by total ignorance.

One please...hold the clowns. Beware the towel terrorists!

You guys may have just sailed into the danger zone. 🙄

Wait a sec. Are you saying they now charge for mini-golf?

Darn. I wish they'd say lets make a deal with those Broadway style production rights. But deal or no deal, it seems like it's a no to the big show. Sniff. May the wheel of fortune not spin their way until they right this great wrong.

Where there any rats in the hole?

I'm not sure what I would have chosen if it were not for the free stay. Likely, I would have looked at hotels close to the cruise terminal. Our hotel is one block north of the mall on Torrance Blvd. Do you have any favorite restaurants there? I spotted an Italian place a few blocks west called Scardinos that looks interesting. Hopefully, our cousins, who live about an hour east of LA, are coming into town to meet us for dinner, so we will have transportation to get around. But, I figure to stay in the area unless the relatives come up with something that they are familiar with.

That was pretty much a figure of speech. But, I'll say you make a technically correct (language) point.

Seems calling NCL or your TA would be simpler

A different take: I'm sailing in January with NCL on a trans-canal voyage. Looking at the options for a hotel chain that I like to use, I chose one that seems a decent choice that is almost exactly half way between LAX and the pier (in Torrance). Just under 12 miles for each leg. I didn't choose based on being mid-point, it just worked out that way; and there were a few hotels to choose from. This gave choices that did not carry premium prices. The kicker here is that with my member points, the hotel stay is free. Perhaps 2 trips is a bigger nuisance, but this options saves me a lot for the hotel, We have no sightseeing planned, just an overnight stay. And the trip to the terminal on embarkation day will be quicker and have less traffic issues than a trip from LAX. I was originally booked on a nearly identical cruise exactly 3 years ago (Covid strikes again). At that time, I had a free booking (with my BW points) in San Pedro, not far from the pier. That facility had a free shuttle to the terminal. Alas, the hotel is no longer with the chain and neither has the shuttle. Hence my plan B.

Makes sense. On the other hand, perhaps that smell is the lingering odor of......hash browns!

Don't forget those wonderful new "quiz shows".

Do I smell a pattern?

Worth noting though that with Royal, if you cancel anytime before final payment you forfeit your deposit...unless you pay a hefty upfront fee by paying more for the cruise price. And, as you now know, the penalty is scaled over time. Could be worse.

The funny thing was I put my cell # in the form and they used that for the contact. Figuring it was about my upcoming cruise, I picked up...and for a few seconds I'm thinking "complete what?". After I explained I really wasn't going to book anything, he basically wanted to be my PCC - told me to call him as I now had his number.

Only because you had an interest. If I received a follow up call every time I did a mock booking I'd soon grow to hate them. Fortunately, i do most of those through my TA's website, so NCL does not see it.

Wishful thinking...

Most definitely a good choice.

That's called aggressive marketing, my friend. It's all about making the sale. I have cruised with NCL a few times over many years and booked on another leaving in 2 weeks. A few days ago I was playing around with a mock booking that required me to put in some ID info to get the pricing. The next day I got that same call about finishing the booking. Their system also sends out emails for the same - suggesting that you finish your booking. Just business.

You say you were allowed a free checked bag. I take you have the Amex/Delta card. Otherwise, there should not have been a freebie.