PATRLR

The last time I cruised during NFL season, the only place I saw a game on TV was at The Local (or whatever it was called at that time, on that ship). It was on with video only, no sound. We did search around and asked around and that was the only option. That's encouraging. I wonder if the fact that it's embarkation day makes a difference? I could find out when I embark on a Sunday this November, but, Encore doesn't have Spice.

Spent a lot of time on the track and never smelled any exhaust. Maybe you should have tried it instead of dismissing it outright.

I've flown Jet Blue a fair number of times, along with most of the other low cost carriers. They all have similar baggage policies, in my experience. Even the legacy carriers (e.g. United) has their no frills fares (e.g. United Basic Economy) with similar baggage policies. My suggestion is just read up on what their policy is and pack accordingly. Often times it's cheaper (and easier) to pay for your bags before you get to the airport. Jet Blue is superior to many of the low cost carriers in my opinion because the planes are generally newer and Jet Blue offers free Direct TV at all seats.

If you really want a room when you arrive at 5:30, you can book the night before and ask that the room be held for your early morning arrival.

Could be the year of first release, doesn't mean it hasn't been updated since. I know for a fact that at least one of the most common airliner's flight management system has a 1980s date of first release. So 1996 doesn't seem all that unusual to me. Some people might be very surprised at just how old some of the most critical software systems in use today really are.

That statement is wrong. Reservations can be made per this schedule: Suites and Haven 130 days prior to sailing Club Balcony Staterooms 125 days prior to sailing All other staterooms • For sailings that are 6 days or less and are not a holiday sailing, 90 days prior to sailing • For sailings that are 6 days or less and are a holiday sailing, 120 days prior to sailing • For sailings that are 7 days or more, 120 days prior to sailing Reference: https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-faq/when-can-i-book-dining-entertainment

Do you know who gets part of the DSC and how much they get? Answer is "no". So it is obfuscated to everyone whether you want to admit it or not. Nobody asked for an explanation or justification of how people tip. LGinPA was simply looking for some clarity on an otherwise confusing topic. Ah - I get it, it's all about you MoCruiseFan. You don't care, so, no one else should. You don't care. Good for you. I don't really care too much about tipping either. That doesn't change the fact that it is not clear what becomes of the DSC. I think a reasonable person would understand that lack of clarity could lead to questions about gratuities. LGinPA was asking a reasonable question about gratuities that you rudely dismissed, I assume because you don't care about tipping. LGinPA shouldn't get dismissed just because MoCruiseFan doesn't care about the topic. If you really don't care, then what are you doing in a thread about Tipping? How about this: Rather than rudely dismissing peoples questions about topics that you don't care about, you just move along to the next topic and spare us all your careless thoughts?

I have received rejection e-mails. But, I haven't bid since 2018, so that was the last time.

When I've been on an NCL ship during NFL season, the only place I found NFL playing was in The Local (or its predecessors) and then there was no sound available.

Of course you don't have sympathy to offer to the Eagles - you guys are going to need all of it 😉 (says the Patriots season ticket holder who probably won't have a much better season)

I hope you have good travel insurance. If not and its not too late to purchase, I know I would.

You didn't quote anyone, so, I assume you are referring to the OP. So, I have to ask, how do you know what OP's perspective is? OP asked a simple question with no statement of reason for the question or what his perspective is.. For all we know, OP wants the ship filled to max capacity because he loves the excitement of crowds.

Who the hell are you to tell someone to move along? NCL's use of the DSC, without full disclosure, obfuscates the issue resulting in plenty of confusion.

Say what? I'm sorry, I disagree. An obstructed view should not be a risk we take just because it's a new ship. If I am paying for a balcony, I have a right to know that it's obstructed view. NCL has a responsibility to communicate it's an obstructed view balcony. Apparently not and that's a problem, IMO. It's not just Haven rooms affected. This will stop us dead in our tracks from bidding on anything or using Sail Away rates on this ship. The one thing I do care about with my cabin is that it has a balcony and it's unobstructed.

You say you don't have a TA but somehow you know there are no TA added benefits for cruises you book. Hmmm.. Well, I too am a frequent but cheap cruiser and I get something more every single time I book with a TA. One difference might be that I use the telephone to do my bookings after I find what I want online. There is an online agency with "cheap" in their name that claims to have "cheap cruises". Call them and ask about the 2023 cruise you're looking at. There is another based in NH with 6 characters in their name. I've used both and always got more than NCL offers. Sometimes the difference might only be a small amount of OBC. But many times it's quite a bit more.

I don't suppose there is anyway you can communicate what web site you were using to get that view?

I believe I answered these questions of yours right in my first sentence: I just think most people are missing the point about NCL essentially adding a day to OP's vacation. It's all good now becuase we all think the OP should arrive a day early, but what if OP had already opted to fly in 2 days early and NCL decided to put them in 3 days early? It's the same issue, just the former we all know is "better", the latter not so much.

I agree that going in a day early (at least) is the right thing to do. Heck, we're arriving in Miami on Thursday for a Sunday cruise. So I absolutely "get it" that what NCL has booked is a better option. But none of us are in the OPs shoes. What if OP couldn't get the extra day off from work? What if they are on a budget and the couple hundred dollars for a hotel means a couple hundred less they can spend during their vacation? I'll assume the T&Cs for NCL air allow them to do what they did, but I know I wouldn't be pleased if it were me, especially if they don't pay for the hotel night (and I don't expect they will). It's why I will never, ever use NCL air. Let me ask all who responded this question: If the OP had requested a 2 day deviation (come in 2 days early) and NCL put them in 3 days early, would you all still be saying "that's great, be thankful and just book a hotel"?

Good to hear. Thank you.

On Bliss, crepes are in Coco's and you have to pay for them. I assumed this would be the case for similar ships (like Joy and Encore).

Yes, absolutely you should book with another line. You aren't going to be happy with NCL.

Not necessarily, especially in southern New England and especially if you mean earlier October vs later October. I have a home in central VT and Columbus Day Weekend (are we still allowed to call it that?), Oct 8-10 this year, is always peak there. From that point south pretty much the bulk of October is peak. Coastal areas also tend to lag behind the mountains.

I'm sure it's not critical to your planning, but, they no longer open or allow open balcony partitions.

It's still bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is NOT the same as going out of business or liquidation of ones assets. Would you believe Merriam Webster: "a debtor (such as an individual or an organization) whose property is subject to voluntary or involuntary administration under the bankruptcy laws for the benefit of the debtor's creditors" How about Oxford: "(of a person or organization) declared in law unable to pay outstanding debts." The Canadian CCA is a bankruptcy law whether you want to believe it or not.

I saw the "cirque" show on Getaway. I thought it was good, for a ship based show. I enjoyed it and recommended to others that it was worth using an SDP to see. The meal they served though? Not so much.