MrBill64

Thanks for the replies. This is not a handicap cabin but as far as obstructed view cabins, the location, imho, can't be beat. The main concern we had was location of the cabin not the view. That is the main reason I really would not like to change from this assigned cabin (unless the upgrade/upsell fairy offered us a deal we couldn't refuse ;) ) . I will keep checking my account and maybe give my TA a call and advise her of my wishes and see if she can note them on my booking.

BTW, having a GTY cabin assignment so far out (a few days after final payment but 74 days before sail date), is this normal for NCL? On a few past cruises when booking a GTY on Princess I did not get my cabin assignments until about 10 days before cruising.

Bill

I booked an oceanview OK gty on the Jade and was pleasantly surprised to receive my cabin assignment today, more than 70 days from sailing. I am very happy with my cabin, so my question is can I make sure I am not "upgraded" to another outside cabin before my sail date? If NCL decides to assign me a different cabin, would I be consulted first?

I totally understand booking a gty I am at the mercy of the cruise line in assigning my cabin, but AFTER they assign me a cabin am I still at their mercy?

Bill

Ok I think I got this to work.

Nice sunset with Regal and AOS off in the distance.

You can upgrade without cancelling or penalty. I upgraded from IN to BL for $20 14 days before sailing. The question is whether prices for the OV will come down and if they will sell out or not.

Are you allowed to upgrade shortly before cruising without losing original promos like the the UBP or UDP or OBC promo that is going on now?

Do you get the same prices booking directly with NCL or it it better to find a travel agent? I've used a travel agent once and booked myself once but have not noticed any difference.

For me using a TA has always been cheaper. Even if my TA comes back with a quote that is equal to what booking direct would be she always gives me a perk or 2 (OBC, bottle of wine, free photos) YMMV but for me I always recommend using a TA.

So.... to get two of the packages you just have to book a balcony?

Nope, Europe cruises you are allowed to pick 2 of the 3 choices (UDP, UBP, or OBC) but you have to book a minimum of an outside cabin, not necessarily a balcony. We booked the lowest/cheapest outside gty. 14 days of speciality dining and free drinks might be more than my body can take!

Couldn't agree more with the value of this promo. We were originally booked on a 14 day European cruise for this summer in an inside cabin. We decided to "upgrade" to an outside gty to be eligible for this promo and got to choose BOTH the UDP and the UBP. The amount of $ to rebook from an inside to outside cabin was less than the retail cost of just the UDP.

And just one more thought, I noticed the price for our Jade cruise in July on the NCL web site was so much more expensive than our TA's quote. I also saw the price of this cruise to be much cheaper on a few online web sites as well. Not sure why NCL's price was so much more expensive but the pricing through our TA made the switch a no brainer.

there is no duty free in Puerto Rico. There is in St. Thomas and many other islands that are not US affiliated. St. Thomas is duty and tax free.

First I want to thank you for answering my questions and showing patience as I try to understand all this duty free, tax free stuff on liquor. Check out this link to an article about the duty free liquor store at the San Juan cruise ship terminal, pier 4 I believe, http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/san-juan-cruise-pier-duty-free/ . I am thinking that any liquor I buy at this store would be considered duty free or am I missing something? And if it is considered duty free would this change my exemption upon returning to New York after my cruise? Thanks again.

The shop is not duty free but tax free. That is the difference.

What if the liquor I buy in Puerto Rico is duty free? Does that make a difference? Sorry, I am a bit confused.

and whatever you buy in San Juan is not subject to your duty free allowance so stock up before boarding or during your stop at the store on the cruise pier.

I will going on a cruise that departs from NY that stops in San Juan, Bermuda, Grand Turk, and the USVI. So when we stop in San Juan I buy 12 bottles of liquor in the duty free shop I don't have to declare them when I return to NY? On my return I just show the customs agent in NY my receipt showing that I purchased those bottles in San Juan? Just trying to get clarification.