jskinsd

1 minute ago, Budget Queen said:

Yep-   I sure agree with this.    🤩🤩🤩.     I do NOT care about a cabin and am at the opposite end of the Haven.   And I can guarantee-  both Jeff and I see and do  “Alaska”-   WAY more than most of the cruisers.   

I remember paying rack rate way back then.  I learned the hard way.  Now it is a game.  I am one of the fortunate cruisers that didn't have a planned cruise.  Price just was not right.  No FCC for me.  I am sitting on $1000 of cruise next certificates.  But that was free money(What does this have to do with CC).  Oh well.  Maybe next year.  Thanks for the support😃✌️

8 minutes ago, GettotheSun said:

 

No I meant I don't have the money that you do.  Thanks for your sarcasm.

It is not money.  It is research.  On NCL with the cruise next program my cruises are sometimes free.  Last minute bookings and I sail IX most of the time.  Just get me on the ship and let nature take its course.✌️

1 hour ago, GettotheSun said:

 

 For me it would be a bucket list item - I clearly do not have your resources, if you have been on over 50 Alaskan cruises.

 

 

You have all the same resources that I have.  Cruise Critic.  That is where I still get my best information.   It just takes research and patience.  Only you know what you want to do.  But I think I can pick better places to get to the sun.  

On 6/30/2020 at 2:12 PM, GettotheSun said:

Hi there,

I know many members here have done an Alaskan cruise, but I do find it hard to search for comparisons on this forum...maybe just me.  The search feature isn't very good, IMO.

 

Anyway, I'm thinking at this point that summer 2021 may be the earliest I'll be willing to cruise.  I have enough FCC to choke a horse, so looking to book a cruise in the summer (must be July or August) of 2021, to Alaska.  We had a cruise booked pre-COVID-19 that I chose to cancel, so I received FCC.

 

To get to the point, I'm looking at two different cruise options for Alaska for next summer.  Of course these itineraries may be altered (or cruise cancelled) at any time.

 

I just would like some input on (a) the two different itineraries and (b) the ship.  Again this would be summer 2021 booking.

Thanks all....hope you are all keeping well and safe!

 

Option (1) Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan - On the Bliss

Option (2) Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau - On the Encore

 

For either option we are thinking  the Haven proper.  (our pre-COVID-19 plans were the Haven Aft).  We plan to leave the kids at home if we do Alaska, and I've been assured we can apply their original cruise dollars to our Alaska cruise for just me and my partner.

 

I'm really interested on thoughts on the itinerary and the ships.  Thanks all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your cruising interests?  Why Alaska?  Are you choosing a cruise for itinerary or the ship?  How much time do you really expect to spend time in port?  How much money do you want to spend on tours?  Sounds like to me you are more interested in the Haven.  Spending as much time in the cabin to get the biggest bang for your buck.  

Glacier Bay is a wonderful day journey if it is a sunny day. The chance of wild life could be an experience of a lifetime. The Park Rangers narrations are like a Disney movie.  But who can predict the weather.   Rain is OK.  You can still see what is out there.  But if you have fog, oh well.  What good is it if you cannot see it.  It is a one shot deal.  Yes you will reach the Maggiore

Glacier but will not get the perspective to meet expectations.  You will cruise into Glacier Bay.   Same could be said Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier but the chance of getting close to the Dawes Glacier are less than 50%.  Ice fields could also cancel Tracy and Endicott Arms cruising.  No need to go in if you cannot reach the Glaciers.  This will give you more time to enjoy your Haven.

Alaska cruising it totally different.  Most cruises the ship is the show.  You know when you will be entertained.  Alaska cruises, Alaska is the show and you must to have patience.   Nature does not stick to a time schedule. That time you went to the buffet was the same time that pod of Orcas went by.  

I have taken over 50 cruises to Alaska and everyone of them has given me a different experience.✌️

2 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

I think it more like something pathetic  to hash about-  because- 

you and me-  would normally be sailing Alaska.  🙂 🙂  🙂

 

I actually plan on getting there  mid August.    Care to join me?   🙂    

Thinking about it.  It is between driving and visiting my daughter in Michigan or flying to Juneau and take the ferry to Hoonah for a week.   I love it there.  Maybe go fishing off Point Adolphus.🤞✌️

1 minute ago, Budget Queen said:

I have paid a small difference a few times with the Platinum voucher-  NO big deal,  and the generosity of this perk-  I'm expecting changes in the future.   They are perfectly within reason to place any limits they want on a FREE perk.     I have no sympathy for people who whine about everything  not being included.    Good grief.  

Hey girl.  Do you believe this.  All about nickel and diming.  There are a lot of experienced rookies out there.  We learn from experience.  Common courtesy help too.✌️🙂

11 minutes ago, IrieBajan54 said:

 

Sounds more like you got a personal favor from the Maitre D since there are limits for Platinum.

You have no idea what I order to get my request.  But thanks for playing the game.✌️

13 minutes ago, electro said:

What the cost is doesn't matter. The point is that NCL has one thing in it's T&C and tells you something different in person to discourage you from ordering extra.

It doesn't matter because you have never been charged.  Nobody has been charged.✌️

With either the Platinum or SDP I have always received what I asked for.  If there was any confusion,  I would ask to talk to the Maitre D.  I have had policies change after only being off the ship for only a month.  We have always come to an understanding.  How much food can one eat one night on a seven day cruise.  Or for that matter...every night.  Better yet...every breakfast and lunch.✌️

On 6/20/2020 at 10:51 AM, MNcruisingcouple said:

It is time to discuss something besides when cruising is coming back or whether your refund is coming or not coming.   

I have been reading CC for several years, particularly the NCL board.   My wife and I have been on many NCL and RCCL cruises and have never been surprised at the bill at the end, except if a mistake was made.   I have never seen the expression “Nickel and Diming” as much as on this board.  I do not understand the overuse of the expression.  I think it is a bad excuse for not doing your research before a cruise, so you know what is included and what is not.  I do not hear the expression used with airlines, who are the kings of that concept, with every airline having different policies as to what is included and what is charged.  NCL clearly states what is included and what isn’t, if you bother to look at their website before you go and if you bother to keep track of what you are buying throughout your cruise.   I know some will agree and some will disagree.  But with no one cruising now people could do the research about each cruise line or the different options a certain line offers.  Then they could have the right cruise to maximize their vacation.   Done ranting!!   Happy cruising everyone!!!  

 

Nice topic.✌️

2 hours ago, FredT said:

But THATS the issue.   The average Cruise critic poster (us ) has been on enough cruises to know what to expect.  But remember that only 10% of the American public has EVER been on a cruise.  And if you're only exposure is the glossy brochures that tout how "all inclusive" cruises are.....  THAT is where the "nickel and Dime " is coming from.  

And of those 10% how many do you even know about CC to even research?  I cruise often and ask people about CC and they have no idea.  And after many cruises.  You would think that if someone enjoyed something often that they would try to get there biggest bang for their buck.  Maybe even save some money.  Or just let someone else handle it.  Some people learn the hard way by spending more than they should have.  And still cruise.  Then they do find CC only to complain that they didn't know about the so called nickel and diming.  I paid full price many many years ago and have since learned how to try to get my Biggest Bang for my Buck.✌️

2 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

I am VERY thankful for the people that do spend.   🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩.     
 

They contribute to the reason of the cheap cruises I previously was able to obtain.   No insight for future though- for me.   

Me too.✌️

We all know that nobody flies sick.🤞

Who wants to take the first limited cruises?  That first time waiting in line for embarkation to get your key card.   The bars on embarkation day with the drink package.  How will the elevator wait times work at half capacity?   Anytime dining?  The line at the restaurant with a reservation?  Will there be a show?  Chair hogs.  Day care for children.  Oh yeah and how about the 1/2 hour life boat drill.  Arm to arm with face masks and gloves?   Blow out sales from the gift shop.  Jewelry drawings.  Basket weaving.  BINGO.

Sure sounds like a cruising experience of a lifetime.✌️

54 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

maybe the reason for the sharp rise with  no income is that ncl is being bought out?

maybe......maybe not.  And then what happens if you are right?  You WIN.✌️  

14 minutes ago, Tummy said:

Here is where I'm at today with my NCL options.  Initial investment about $3,000 and I've sold a few the last few days for about $5,000.  I also bought some CCL.  This feels like a once a decade opportunity because I know all the lines will bounce back to some degree when they start sailing again. 

Good Luck.  🤞

4 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

Of course you make an excellent- knowledgeable point.    Many people don’t know what they’re doing and don’t have a clue about-  investing.   Growth is my priority.  And with no dividends and devaluation?     A “LOT “. Of cruises to me means at least 10/ year- every year.   Some people think a “lot “ is a lot lower.    🤩.      You and I do cruise a lot.   🤩.   Last year was my highest benefit $2150.    Of course this year is only $300.  🤩

Thanks girl.  Cashed in a lot the last two years. 😁 Only one  7 day in Jan this year.  I will still get to Hoonah this year somehow.  Looking forward to cruising with you again.✌️

On 6/7/2020 at 6:22 AM, cementhands said:

A huge concern is the maintenance of ships in the ocean and being unoccupied. The salt water of the ocean causes rapid deterioration of ships. The normal full maintenance crew is lacking so deteriorating conditions are likely both Inside and out on ships. Anyone who has closed up a house or business knows this. You return from Florida from your winter escape and things are needing tons of care. Imagine the plumbing in a ship that is constantly running and being maintained. Stopping that for an extended period of time is going to cause glitches on reopening. Machines used to constantly running and being idle often have many problems on restarting. Closing my seasonal business for the winter often involved extra work getting up and running in the spring. It might take a while for restarting cruise ships to run smoothly. 

When do you think it will be safe for you?

6 minutes ago, kollegekreed said:

thanks! Youve added a lot to this conversation! Go back under your bridge. 

All about timing.  And day trading is hard.  As I mentioned I bought NCL at $33 in 2013.  Saw it rise to $60 and most recently below $10.  Now around $25.  My stock investment may be lower but because I cruise NCL often and use my stock OBC with the purchase of Cruise Next, my overall investment over the years is positive.  And I am sitting on $1000 of cruise next that was almost for free to be used on my next cruise.✌️

10 minutes ago, kollegekreed said:

Afte ri sold last time it went to ten after the bankruptcy talk and I decided to stay out...whoops. Also sold my RCL at 48 two weeks ago and it’s at 73 today. 

I love it when people complain about making money.  I assume you bought lower than $48.  Would have, should have, could have.

53 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

OK let the secret out of the bag - - -

When you purchase the CN certificates do you get $100 OBC for being a stockholder ?

AND

then when you book the cruise get an additional $100 OBC ?

Is this how it works ?

No secret.  Use your OBC wisely.  Buy $250 of cruise next.  Do not buy anything on your cruise.  You get $100 OBC from your cruise next purchase for your cruise.  $250-$100(cruise next)-$100(stockholder)=$50.  I will take $5 for $1 it costs me anytime.  And when cruises are $249 for a seven day cruise, that $50 investment has really paid off.  😁 

Stockholder benefit really pays off if you take more than 5 cruises a year.  

Buying and selling before and after your cruise for the OBC is just day trading.  You just hope the price doesn't go down.  And if it did you are holding until your next cruise for your next OBC.  It's GAMBLING.🤞

1 hour ago, brovol said:

Not sure what your point is, but whats the problem with being a day trader, or buying a little stock when it is obviously low, with very little risk, and getting a little OBC perk, for the recreation of seeing what happens, and having something to watch?  Seems like your post is meant to disparage, and if so, whats the problem?

 

I am rooting for NCL to do well, and thought to myself, I bet it will survive, and if so, that $10 stock could be worth $5000 in a couple years.  I dont buy individual stocks as a rule, and frankly, I had to figure it out one morning after deciding it would be fun.  I'm glad I did, because it is fun.  Without sports right now it gives me something to follow daily.  I have a few retirement accounts, which are all essentially mutual funds.  They are tougher to follow throughout the day than an individual stock.

 

To each his/her own.  Lots of people here were betting on NCL to go out of business.  I didnt think that was likely, and felt it might climb up again.  I still do.

The point is that you can still make money when the stock price may be lower than what you purchased it at.   Staying pat and cruising NCL.   And to parlay that money with cruise next means free cruises for me.

Good luck on your investing. ✌

46 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

Well, Wayne Manor is way too large to take care of by himself.

🙂

I love all these could have, would have and should have people.  You people are not investors.  You are day traders until you cruise is over.  When will be a good time to sell?  Or just buy the shares to get the $100 OBC and then sell.   And why just cruise stocks.  What about the airline industry? Do they offer perks for stockholders for flying?  I do not know.  If you are not cruising anytime soon you might as well sell and take the money now.  Buy again when you think you may cruise again.  How much money do you really think you will make on 100 shares for a $25 stock that does not offer dividends?  Stocks fall a lot faster than they gain. This isn't Microsoft in the 90's.  When the stock hits $33 again I will be even on my investment but have collected over $5000.00 on my over 50 NCL cruises in OBC.✌️

9 hours ago, Love my butler said:

Our butler is currently on her!

Must be nice to have a personal butler.