cruiser2015

From an accounting point of view, seems like since they do not close the folio, they extend the life of those assorted credits into the second voyage.

The price charged to you includes the 20%. There should be an initial price shown that does not include the gratuity. The check out price should be all inclusive. You will not pay any more. Not sure what your meaning is about the 20% charge, but it's the same 20% they add to all food and beverage purchases. I think spa as well. As for reservations, looks like they goofed in their description. You may book when the reservation window opens for your sailing. 120 days prior to departure; 125 days Club Balcony & up and Platinum Latitudes & up.

I was considering the ask at guest services. The only concern with that was the printed disembarkation schedule which designated a few "guests with NCL transportation going to MIA" before the "independent air" option. Sure doesn't hurt to ask though. Thanks again.

Thanks for your feedback. It's been some years since I disembarked in Miami. Freedom of the Seas. Just hopped in a cab to MIA. Flight was probably an hour or so later than this one. I hear you about the numbers - the question there would be whether you can access the baggage if you slip out early (I'm more than happy to leave early). I'm pretty sure if i tell my wife that we are dragging our bags ourselves she will not be pleased. One large suitcase and a moderately heavy carry on for each. Getting on the passenger elevators and I don't know what corridors and walk ways need to be navigated. This does concern me. If it were me alone, I'd go for it.

Granted it's an assumption that the same schedule may be followed, but to be clear, it's the same ship that just finished the reverse itinerary we are doing. The ship is on the west coast for the next 3 weeks then is doing BTB Panama canals. I understand the slow down with the bus routines, but according to that schedule (posted on CC), the first non-priority time for independent air is one hour later than the first bus group. The scheduled "arrival time" is 7 AM.

Docking in 5 weeks; Saturday. My early flight was moved up after booking to 11:20. I've seen a disembarkation schedule for another cruise (same ship, but for LA) that indicates 9:30. That seems quite late. Only way to move up is take off the luggage ourselves (7:30-8:30) UGH! or book NCL transport assorted times, but earliest is @ 8:30. Was planning on using Lyft; now thinking about ship's bus. Any comments?

I'm taking the tour on 1/22. I've seen some positive comments on the NCL board. Will know for sure in a few weeks, LOL.

Not sure, but I suspect it could take 1-2 days.

So does Carnival.

I wonder if she was sporting a cute little gold ribbon on her lapel the following night.

I'll go along with the non-participation. My biggest annoyance with these places is the non-boxed take home bonus: a coating of oil spray all over my eye glasses 😒

Alas, I do not have that exalted status - and probably never will. After next month, I'll be just a tab short of gold.

Perhaps the memo was written by one of those immigrants from across the pond...or down under..

Yeah. But they just might run out of seats in that mad dash. I hate roaming around searching for a seat when it crowds up. Perhaps it's wise to hit another spot for some lunch.

True enough. Already have my dining reservations (3). I'll see how the show res. goes on Thursday night. Need to get upgraded internet after boarding (paying with OBC). Cabins, of course, are untouchable for some time. So, rush to board? Not so much.

Good tip. Thanks, RocketMan

Thanks. I was originally figuring somewhere between 11 and 12 for check in. We're staying at a hotel about 24 minutes away from the terminal, so easy to adjust the time.

Oh, okay. I thought you were sailing in April. Again, if you are in balcony cabins and below, it opens @ 120 days. Your NCL account page will show the exact day count. And it opens at midnight on day 120. Be prepared to jump on it.

Okay - how would I know when boarding actually begins? Is that "announced" with the sign in?

Is there a sweet spot you would suggest?

No, April is too late. Dining reservations (specialty venues) open at 120 days before sailing (125 for platinum or cabins CBS & above). If you wait until April, they will all be gone (at least the times most people desire). Book as soon as the window opens. There will still be many slots available once you board - but way better to lock them up in advance.

I had a similar experience several years ago when sailing with Princess. Tried to get credit for a Costa sailing. Quite a few years had passed and there also was a change in ownership (Carnival had acquired Princess & Costa in the interval. That was a hard no. (but not unexpected).

You say pick an early time to board. Two issues with that. First, the time you pick is for check in, not boarding. Second, if you arrive extra early, you may indeed board sooner, but doesn't that mean a longer wait at the terminal before they let anyone board?; plus there are lots of priority passengers that will board before you (if you're not one of those, which I am not). I am interested, as I will be departing from there in 3 weeks. I've seen comments about boarding that if you show up later, you shorten your total time by quite a lot.

Oh, why worry? No doubt they will restock in Miami. Bet they load up - right in front of your baggage. 😎

I'm pleased to hear that this worked out for you. My comment was prompted by the post indicating that instead of docking, the ship might anchor off of Staten Island. Hence, being trapped at sea (at bay, actually, LOL)..