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Posts
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About Me
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Location
Maryland
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Interests
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Groups...NO Shopping or hotel restaurant meals
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Favorite Cruise Line(s)
The one going where I want to go!
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Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
World
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pghflyer's Achievements
1,000+ Club (7/20)
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Sorry you feel that way (sincerely). No one here is happy this is happening to you at all, and we sympathize......but we are trying to tell you that it is pretty normal and unlikely to resolve in the way you are hoping. Cruising is the most cutthroat travel industry out there and you just have to come to terms with it.
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We do have NCL cheerleaders who think they can do no wrong, but most of us are pretty pragmatic. I think it is just the drama that is the put off TBH - the all caps, the overblown thread title, the acting like it is the end of the world. You do have some legitimate kernels of complaint in all the production here, but realistically 95% of your cruise will most likely be as you planned it to be. If you are disappointed about losing laser tag, a few days of availability in the most overpriced and cacophonous specialty restaurant, and one of the lounges not being finished.....imagine how you would feel if all your ports were changed with no notice? Just saying there are people with worse NCL problems (and this is only in the world of vacation after all). File your grievance, escalate if needed, but other than that just move on and make a different decision next time if you feel someone else will treat you better. Nothing will force NCL to change their ways MORE than being forced to sail with empty rooms. Cheers and happy travels.
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I definitely don't remember a triple promotion this year. I last know of one in June 2023.
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I just paid $359 per person ($27.62 per day) for a 13-night pass on Bliss (will be my first time to even enter into a NCL thermal suite but seemed worth it for Transatlantic).
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yeah entertainment has tanked - we did 14 days on Star recently and like 5 of the days entertainment on main stage was a house band called "Ice Bucket" ugh....a few days were movies....and only 2 actual full caliber shows. But, I book cruises primarily to travel so my bigger issue with NCL right now is the lack of reliability in them sticking to the schedule I booked.
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NCL Itinerary Changes After Final Payment *just the facts*
pghflyer replied to JamesIowa's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
In the future, I actually think posting the full letter is most helpful. I am mostly curious in the volume of their discretionary changes (ex. fuel, environmental, better experience, etc.)....so like seeing the verbiage explaining WHY they are changing. I don't hold any harm with them changing due to political unrest, weather, and mechanical issues as these are generally unforeseeable. -
I can't imagine booking it unless there were a LOT of sea days (I booked during a transatlantic with 8 sea days out of 13), otherwise I am out and busy in ports.
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I just paid $359 for 13-night pass on Bliss (will be my first time ever in an NCL thermal suite). I saw the disclaimer about 20% service charge, but it wasn't charged on my bill and can't imagine them asking me for 20% later. I found this walk-through video helpful:
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Can you share your letter that you received in the thread that tracks these types of changes?
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pay cash tips or pay service gratuities?
pghflyer replied to eagles 2024's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
I hear you and don't know the answer but that is one logical way of approaching it. To be clear, I was more referring to the beverage package service charges, which may/may not be handled the same as OSC........all conjecture. -
pay cash tips or pay service gratuities?
pghflyer replied to eagles 2024's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Lots of conjecture that none of us really know (and I am not taking the word of randos talking to randos on the ship).....it would be very easy to program allocating a flat or percentage amount to the person who charges your drink. I know our bartender who we were with for 14 days on Star said that they do get "credit" (whatever that means) for our drinks so it does help if we go to the bartenders we like and not stop somewhere else......fwiw (I wouldn't believe me either ha ha) -
pay cash tips or pay service gratuities?
pghflyer replied to eagles 2024's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
Apologies from this American for our refusal to pay people a living wage and making people grovel for tips to survive.....and then spreading this terrible practice worldwide. DSC does NOT go to bar staff.....but if you bought a FAS/MAS package with alcohol included, then those large charges on your bill for that package were a 20% service charge for that service. -
pay cash tips or pay service gratuities?
pghflyer replied to eagles 2024's topic in Norwegian Cruise Line
I'm on vacation, so I am not going to worry about how NCL distributes my service charge funds - that is between them and the employees. I will continue to give extra cash gratuities where I feel I received extra service above what I expect at their 20% service charge fee. -
Interesting the fees for specialty dining and beverage package are now called "Price" and not a "20% Gratuity" of the previous value......but the FAQ still indicates that the "price" covers their gratuities. I definitely give extra to bartenders for excellent service BUT I certainly do expect that they are already getting a base gratuity from my 20% fee.