graphicguy

Well...if that's their terminology, then getting the "service" from the masseuse qualifies as what the service charge is for. So, whatever nomenclature they use...service charge, tip, "kick you out of the spa room because your time is up charge"...it's all the same to me.

Spa employees sometimes play fast a loose with charges. But, I do remember some verbiage surrounding any discounts offered (i.e. discount for spa services on port days) can only be applied to regular spa prices. It's been a while since I had any spa services for this very reason. It's hard to tell what the rules are, sometimes. Like anything else, there are good masseuses and there are questionable ones. The "new" ones usually push the elixirs and multiple spa treatments. The ones who are veterans seem to know when to back off. That being said, the tips are clearly marked on the receipt. Anything over and above that (or nothing at all) is optional. I don't believe those extra tips go to the spa, but to the individual. If in doubt, give them cash, which they'll gladly accept, too.

I view POSH as a "free" perk for Haven Suites. ON any other NCL ship, the similar VIBE would be extra cost. Plus, the Haven already has its own pool.

I've also read and heard that the Epic's Haven is the best in the fleet...especially since it was just newly renovated. On her in October in a 2 BR Haven Suite. Really looking forward to it. Learned something new in this thread. Epic Haven has her own gym and access to Posh, in addition to all the restaurant and bar areas. Excited. Been in the Haven on other ships. This is the one I'm looking forward to the most.

Not sure what the formula is with bidding prices for minimums and maximums. I know the process is run by a 3rd party source (can’t recall the bid source’s name but it’s floating around here somewhere). It used to be a tool for the cruise lines to at least appear to offer some sort of “deal” to upgrade. Savy cruisers, like most here, shop fares. As such, I’d say it’s 50-50 whether bidding nets a better upgrade fare vs just paying for the cabin upgrade outright by sidestepping the bid process. Since the restart, I’ve found it way less expensive to just check fares and book when an upgraded cabin becomes a good deal. I do believe whatever NCL’s fare formulas are, paying straight up for an upgrade is way less expensive than bidding for an upgrade on my recent NCL cruises. I had read there is some sort of bidding process where the 3rd party source lets you know if you’re being outbid, and to up your bid to be the top bidder. I view that as merely a way to get people to up the bids for open cabins. Apparently it works, because I’ve seen people here do some chest pumping over their “top bid” status. Crafty way for the cruise lines to get more money from you, though. I know sometimes the bid process offers up cabins to bid on that simply aren’t available. All-in-all, I find the bid process a bit sketchy!

This is what the upgrade offer looks like. But, I find if you just price out an upgrade on your own, there's a decent chance you can just cancel and rebook a Haven Suite cheaper than bidding on it. For example, the upgrade from a Spa H9 to the 2BR Haven Suite would be a minimum of $1,000 ($500/pp as below). And, that would not even guarantee you'll get the upgrade. My TA checked and told me I could just pay $113 total to upgrade from the Spa Suite to the 2 BR Suite. It was a no brainer. Certainly would be worthwhile to check and see what the rebook price would be prior to bidding. Dear XXXXXXXXXXX, We’re pleased to confirm your upcoming cruise on Norwegian Epic for reservation number xxxxxxxxxx and look forward to welcoming you onboard. There’s still time to participate in our Upgrade Advantage program, which gives you the opportunity to submit offers to upgrade your existing stateroom. This exclusive offer is only available on a limited number of staterooms on your cruise. As a guest of The Haven, this program allows you the opportunity to upgrade within The Haven to a more luxurious and spacious suite. If you booked your cruise through a travel agent please be assured that your agent can guide you through the upgrade process. Here are your cruise details: Your Cruise Information Your Current Stateroom REQUEST UPGRADE Ship Norwegian Epic Sail Date Oct 02, 2023 Reservation # xxxxxxxxxxx Stateroom The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony (H9) Total Approx. Size 317 - 378 sq. ft. Here are some upgrade options, priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise: The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony (H2) From $950 pp The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony (H6) From $500 pp (Note: Prices shown are in US Dollars.) Please see our Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions that apply to offers made under the Upgrade Advantage program. If you are experiencing any technical issues, simply reply to this email. Important Information NCL reserves the right to not accept any offer regardless of offer amount or stateroom availability. Availability of upgrades is limited and is made at the sole discretion of NCL. NCL reserves the right to accept any offer from the time it is submitted to the departure date and time. Offers are based on double occupancy. Only the first and second passenger on the reservation will be charged. Once your bid is accepted, the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. The upgrade does not include any additional promotions. Current promotions on the reservation will not be altered. NCL cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category. Your cabin number will depend on space availability and cannot be changed. NCL Address 7665 Corporate Center Dr, Miami, FL 33126 Contact Us If you have Norwegian's Travel Protection on your current booking, you will be automatically charged to cover the upgrade cost. For more information please click here. If you have travel protection via your travel professional, please contact them to add your upgrade to your coverage.

I was thinking the same. $150 for a Dr visit is pretty good....actually outstanding if you're on a cruise ship. Truth told, I think the only way I would go to a ship's medical facility would be if there was something I couldn't power through on my own. Thinking back, the only time I had gone to a ship's med facility is when I twisted my ankle. Originally thought it was broken. But, they wrapped it and I was on my way. They offered crutches but I felt those would hinder me more than help me, so I declined. I found there was a hidden advantage to having my ankle wrapped...people let me get on the elevator first. They let me cut in line whenever I was in the Garden Cafe. They let me sit in the front rows during shows (albeit it was a further walk for me). About $250 charged to my on board account, if memory serves? But, insurance ended up reimbursing me. As far as OTC meds, I don't know of anything outside of those little aspirin tins (with about 4 tablets in them) to cost under a $1. And, I'm not even sure those are still available. Managed pain with the Tylenol I brought with me for such occasions. Internet minutes included? Yeah, you'll need a tablet, a smart phone and/or a laptop to use that perk. Self explanatory, I thought? Maybe I'm missing something, though. Anyway, hope the rest of the cruise went well.

Some other small, but necessary things I put in my carry on....particularly if there are rough seas.... https://gingerpeople.com/products/gin-gins-original-ginger-chews/ And, if you're on a long flight (as I will be), these are a must...compression socks!

I’ve done the Latitudes “Behind the Scenes” tour. I’ve always enjoyed it. It consists of a tour of the Galley and the Theater. Enjoyed those tours the most. The sheer volume of food and drink they acquire, store and prepare daily is staggering. Even the Theater tours are amazing given they have their own costume repair and seamstresses on board. Seeing the hugeness of the large production facilities and the machinations they go through to put on the shows is impressive. The Breakaway and Getaway tours are very similar, as they’re nearly identical ships. The Bliss and Escape were a bit different, particularly the theater tours, as they were much larger. I think they take about an hour +. You view the galley, the freezers where they store food, the back stage operations and the “I95” areas where the crew traverse when they’re not working where we can see them.

Jeans work, too. But, they seem to be heavier than khakis. I know...I'm splitting hairs as jeans may or may not weigh more. And, it's only one pair. But, my perception is my reality!!!!! 😉 Not traditional Hawaiian shirts, but I like Bamboo Cay shirts.

So, this is the stuff I swear by when I.......imbibe too.....ummmmm.....need hydration. 😉

Great idea. I'll call them Monday! THX!

Looks like you're a convert from Carnival. Welcome. NCL Jewel class ships are quite nice. Not TOO big, and not TOO small. Free at Sea (or FAS, as we like to call it) is a great way to get some perks, mainly cheap drink package. For about $20/day/pp you get just about any alcoholic drink your heart desires unless you are married to some specific brand that NCL considers super premium. I've toured their water filtration system. I'd venture to say the tap water on an NCL ship may just be better than anything sold in the bottles/cartons. Not sure if you're a Latitudes member (which nets you some other perks). With FAS you're going to get some Specialty Dinners. Just a suggestion, but check out LeBistro and Cagney's. Good luck on your bids. My bet is you're going to have a great time!

LOL!!!!!!

Oh NO!!!!!!! So sorry to hear of this. It’s a real PITA (speaking from recent experience). Insurance call forthcoming, I’m betting. It will get sorted out. But, you have my sympathy!

I’ve never seen any of those restaurants have no availability throughout an entire cruise. I’ve always seen some early and late times available. But, if there’s some times that you prefer, make reservations as soon as possible. Also, go to the scheduler at the front of the restaurant and let them know what you’re looking for. They may be able to help. As far as getting a refund, if you don’t use the SDP certificates, you lose them.

What @ggTexasGal said. I wear Khakis and a button down Hawaiian shirt with tennis shoes to LeBistro. No issues!

GREAT suggestions @Travelicious @mking8288 and @laudergayle. Thanks! I'll check them out. Mentioned previously, NCL is letting me double up on the Excursion Credit on the FAS+ upgrade. But, by doing that, I can't make any excursion plans until I'm already on board.

Rules of packing for an NCL cruise....this includes the fact that tuxes, suits, sports coats, gowns, heels, dress shoes, sparkly clothes, tiaras, etc are not needed. -outfits that can be worn 2x before needing to be cleaned -Hawaiian shirts that can double as dress shirts for the few (actually only 1 or 2) restaurants that require them, that can also double as casual wear -1 pr of khakis for that same restaurant (or 2) that require long pants -1 pr of shorts for every 2 days of the cruise -tennis shoes, which can also double as closed toe shoes for restaurants that require them, and can be worn at embarkation -sandals for the pool decks -swim trunks -1 pr boxers/day of the cruise -1 pr of workout shorts -2 workout t-shirts -1 pr of socks for every 2 days of a cruise (some can be white workout socks-others colored socks to wear with the khakis) -meds, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, brush, deodorant (I use the ship's soaps and shampoos so I don't have to pack them), razor (2/week) -1 iPad for posting to CC on a cruise and playing music while I shower every day -1 iPhone to text take pics/vids on the ship -charging cables (usb A/C, lightning), international plug adapter, rechargeable power bricks for long layovers when I fly -electrolyte packets for those mornings when I might have (oh who am I kidding...always) been over served the day before. These get me right back in the game. I've tried a lot of them. IQ MIX and IQ JOE is what I've settled on to do the job for a.m. coffee fix and rehydrating...https://www.eatiqbar.com/collections/all-products/iqmix I wash and rinse clothes as needed in the cabin shower and hang them on the cabin's laundry line. I also take advantage of NCL's laundry service (Latitudes gets one batch free). I can pack a roll aboard carry on and a back pack for a 7 day cruise. I have an 11 day cruise in the Mediterranean beginning next month. And, I'll be sticking around Italy for another 2 weeks after the cruise. So, I'm going to have to break down and take one checked bag as well as my usually roll aboard and back pack this go round.

We’re a laid back, fun group. Sailed with some who post here…all great folks! Would gladly sail with any of them on NCL, again!

Thanks! Kind of feeling the same. There’s certainly plenty to explore in Barcelona. 3rd party tours in Spain, France and Italy seem to be pricey.

Am going through the same decision process. Not sure I want to be on a bus for that Monsterrat tour. Have you made a decision? Is the name of the company "Spain Day Tours"? TIA!

Someone suggested Harr for cabin videos. CAn't recall who it was, but thanks! Found this...not sure if they're all the same or if this is my cabin, but it's what I upgraded to after I originally booked....

AMEN to that. The less I bring on a cruise, the happier I am. My first NCL cruise was the NCL Norway, shortly before it blew up. Inside cabin……Couldn’t have two people in the bathroom at the same time (and yes, we tried). 😉 IF someone was sitting in the main cabin area on the bed, the other person would have to move to let the other go by. Teeny by comparison to today!

Yeah…entertainment is changing. The long running shows are only under contract for a finite period of time. They’re going to be replaced. But, having done a couple of behind the scenes tours with the Stage Managers, NCL has a huge entertainment only complex that they develop and rehears new shows, which will replace the ones that are being performed now. Will miss shows like Choir of Man and Million Dollar Quartet. But, if the current Syd’s and Cavern Club shows are any indication, I’m really looking forward to the other shows replacing the current theater shows (given I’ve seen them all multiple times). To me, NCL has the best entertainment at sea…and has for a while.