graphicguy

Actually, using @laudergayle example, just hit "dates and prices", pick your cabin category and the taxes, fees, etc should show as a line item. But, NCL's WEB site has been wonky, at best, the last few weeks.

I was still working right after the restart on the Encore. Zoomed at least one meeting/day. Worked fine. But, I think we were sailing at like 70% capacity at the time. So, probably the bandwidth wasn't taxed as much. Tried the same on a Royal ship, Ovation, in May of '22. No way I could Zoom. And, just trying to get a web page to load (like CC) was dismal, to the point I'd have to constantly reload just to make sure the connection wasn't dropped. I did MSC Divina out of MIA. It was dismal, too. Bottom line, regardless of the cruise line, or the particular marketing terms they use denoting their "speedy" internet, it's anything but.

(fingers crossed)...I'm hoping that beginning next year NCL sends out coupons again. I scored some really good fares over the last 12 mos. All solos, all with FAS...I got a ~$700, 7 nte Breakaway cruise in a mini-suite to NE and Nova Scotia. Scored a 7 nte Alaska Cruise on the Bliss in a mini-suite for ~$900. Couple of months ago, mentioned I scored an 11 nite European Cruise on the Epic in what eventually became a 2 BR Haven Suite for ~$4,500. Got significant OBC on all of them. But, some of that OBC was because I used AMEX, some from my TA, some from NCL. But, I hadn't seen those kinds of fares for 2+ years, right after the COVID restart. As an aside, NCL is the best when it comes to attracting solos and then having a specific focus on providing us a good time.

I try not to hang out with people who want to hang out with me on a cruise. 😉

Yay….threads like this are always a good time!!!!!!! The major lines add in fees to make their look less. Discretionary? I suppose. I know the first cruise I took back in the ‘80s it seems I tipped everyone for everything all the time. So, I (sort of) like having the DSC as a way of alleviating that. I had sailed Celebrity right after the restart. Haven’t looked at them for a while, but they were “including” everything fares, where tips, internet and drinks were included. But, the fares were much higher than their competitors as a result. Some actually complained they didn’t want to include drinks, internet and tips. Not sure if they’re still doing that or not. The alleged “luxury” lines for the most part are “all inclusive”. But, their fares are much, much higher as a result. And, they aren’t “discretionary”, they’re mandatory. So, one way or the other, you’re paying the DSC on all cruise lines. Sometimes it’s baked into the higher fares.

Yeah….seems like they don’t care about your photo uploaded when you’re checking in at the pier. They seem to always retake mine again, anyway.

Mods should probably move this. It’s not about NCL, per se. It’s about Norovirus in general and Viking ships in particular.

Still carry hand sanitizer with me…in my car, one of those little pocket ones that I can carry with me to restaurants, the ballgame, etc. I guess out of all the habits I started, 3 years ago, this is the best one I’ve stuck with.

Just looked at my billing for FAS drinks in October on the NCL EPIC.....11 night cruise. Drinks end up being $22/day. Tough to do apples to apples because the 2 Specialty Dining Dinners end up being $20 ($10/ea) which is also included in the FAS. Also includes $50 excursion credit and some internet minutes (150 mins off the top of my head). And, there's some OBC. Some of it from NCL. My fare was really, really good, too. NCL sent out 20% of European Cruises, which I took advantage of. I'm going solo and staying in a 2 BR Haven Suite for right around $4,500, which to me is crazy good. IIRC, NCL is given either 3x or 4x Latitudes points, also. There are a lot of moving parts. Whenever I book, I get knuckle deep in the fares, fees, tips, etc to really see what it's going to cost and what I'm paying for...what I value and what I will use vs what I won't use. As I mentioned, MSC had some really good deals for me when they were just getting a start in North America. Now? Not so much! But, if it works for you, have at it.

I agree with Chief……weather is relative. I sailed the past Spring (April) on the Bliss with Chief. Weather was good….cold, but good. Sailed the Encore in the Fall and had fantastic weather…allowing me to wear shorts on part of the cruise. As mentioned, sailing at the very beginning of the season and the very end of the season, some SHOREX excursions won’t be available. If that’s important, sail Alaska in the Summer. Must dos…..GLACIER BAY, walk to the Mendenhal Glacier (if allowed), White Pass and Yukon Route Train excursion….breathtaking. Take a boat to go wale watching. That said, weather is unpredictable. Spring is a bit dicier because it won’t be just a chance for snow, but for sleet, which I got caught in once. Had fun, but I was prepared with rain gear.

Agree, entirely!

I'm sure different cruises...different experiences. I've sailed in the Haven 4 times.....2x on the Breakaway and 2x on the Getaway. Pretty much the same ship and same Haven set up. I think I counted 2 kids on each sailing in the Haven. All polite...all respectful. If adults got in the hot tubs or the pools, they either got out, or moved to the other side of us. I have never seen kids on the top, overlooking the Haven Pools, where there are lots of loungers. Again, not saying it's a frat party, but I've seen many adults in the Vibe behave like unruly kids. If you want to spend money for the Vibe while staying in the Haven, I have no objection. It's not my money. But, I can't make the case that there's a rowdy (kids or no kids) element in the Haven. Can't say I've been in every Haven on every ship, either. So, who knows. For a couple, $500+ is a chunk of change just to go behind a door that separates the Haven from the VIBE. Then again, maybe I'm the only one who views $500 to be a steep price to pay for the VIBE if I'm already in the Haven.

Yeah...not sure how that works, but I leave my phone in airplane mode on board, too. Granted, I get unlimited WiFi plan, which means I do have access to WiFi calling. But, I find the ship's WiFi doesn't carry much past the gangway once you disembark. Which means, turning AIRPLANE MODE off if I want to be able to make/receive calls in a foreign port. Also, having AIRPLANE MODE on while on board, keeps the pesky marketing texts from using any data charges when not in my home geography. I guess I can call my carrier and tell them I will decline any data or voice charges on my phone when in a foreign port. But, not sure how they would separate those charges on my bill if they do hit. And, getting them removed would be a big hassle after the fact. I'll be in the EU for practically the entire month of October, so I'll go ahead and buy their plan. IIRC, T-Mobile says it's $50/mo. Worth it to me.

Plus, I found at night, there weren't many there either because it was overwhelmingly populated by adults. It's not really kid friendly.

My preferred activity. I truly enjoyed Placensia. Not a "touristy" stopover, but authentic food and drink plus places just to while away a few hours without a care in the world.

AMEN! That’s why there are choices. I’ve always said, unless my ship runs aground or there’s the infamous “Poo Cruise” (I think Carnival, but not sure), it’s hard for me NOT to have a good time on ANY cruise or ANY cruise line. I always get a chuckle out of those who are looking to compare cruses with different cruise lines. My opinion doesn’t mean diddly. It’s what YOU think that matters. What matters most to one won’t matter a lick to another. Take the cruise you think you’ll like the most. What’s the worst that could happen? You get stuck on Gilligan’s Island!

Agree….people look at the fares only and try to do comparisons that way, instead of total out of pocket for the entire cruise including perks. I have no insight to pricing in Europe. So, I really can’t make an informed comment. In the U.S., the drink package for MSC is roughly 2X the price of NCL’s “tips” charges with FAS. FAS also offers some other perks like internet minutes, SD and excursion credits. Add all of that up, and the out of pocket changes significantly….again, in North America. Not saying MSC is a bad product. I enjoyed sailing them twice. I enjoy NCL more. And, while pricing was very good for MSC when they first entered the U.S. market, that’s not the case now.

"It is...no it's not....yes it is...no it's not...." We can do this for days. Here's the thing.....if there's a drink that you absolutely must have on your cruise, and it's not included in the drink package....ANY drink package....buy it by the glass, pay the FAS discounted price. To argue about what is or isn't, what should or shouldn't, who does or doesn't...is futile. If you don't want to pay tips, don't include FAS. If you don't want any internet, don't buy FAS. If you don't want excursion credits, don't buy FAS. If you don't want to use any internet minutes then don't include FAS. If you want to cruise another line because they include "Big Bob's Moonshine and Tar Remover" sail that line. Arguing with anyone here isn't going to help your cause. This reminds me of an argument I used to have with my late and wonderful Father about buying a Honda Accord. He was a dyed in the wool "buy American at all costs". He would point out how his Cadillacs were bigger, with bigger motors, more chrome, etc. It also cost 2x my Accord did and got ½ the MPG, never mind the "faux wood" in his Caddy started to peel after a year and it was in the shop 3X as much as my Accord. He would not be deterred that his Caddy was better in every way. Once they started making Accords in our Native Ohio, he was beside himself because Honda was paying AMERICAN WORKERS to build AMERICAN HONDAS. Never could figure that one out. But, that's another story for a different time.

Free at Sea includes drinks (you only pay tips), specialty dinner(s), some internet and a $50/excursion credit. IIRC, the cost of the tips for NCL drinks is much, much less expensive than the drinks packages on the other cruise lines. Although, MSC's drink package, which still way more expensive than NCL's FAS, is still less expensive than most other cruise lines' drink packages. Don't know if Celebrity still offers it, but they used to have an all inclusive package that included tips, drinks and internet (but no Specialty Dining). IT was a pretty hefty delta between the fares that were all inclusive and those that weren't. But, it was better than booking them a la carte. MSC's newer ships are beautiful....as are NCL's. Entertainment hands down goes to NCL. And, it's not even close. MSC has a definite Italian flair, which I liked. Some do not like it, however. They don't like the many different languages spoken on board. And, as mentioned, the entertainment tends to be watered down to focus on the widest range of audiences geographically. Service on MSC is more laid back. With NCL it seems everyone will approach you to make sure you're having a good time...and do so with a smile and a friendly greeting. Again, some people like the laid back type of service with MSC. Aside from that.....cabins are similar. Itineraries may be somewhat different. NCL has way more ships going out of way more ports in North American than MSC does. Pricing for MSC's Yacht Club used to be much less than NCL's Haven (which, in my opinion is still better than Yacht Club). It's pretty on par with the Retreat on Celebrity, Haven on NCL, but still way cheaper than Royal's Star Class.

How cool. She's supremely talented. So's the rest of the group, for that matter.

Yeah.....I'm figuring any issues I may have I'm sort of on my own with any of the mobile companies. I have an iPhone with an eSIM, so no physical SIM card. Not sure how that works. But, got a couple of months to figure it out for international calling.

Just transferred to T-Mobile. They bricked my phone in the process, their personnel aren’t the sharpest knife in the kitchen, but I got Apple to fix everything after being without cell service for a couple of days. Feel like they all are just in it to get your monthly fee and if anything goes wrong, “too bad, so sad”. It’s why I stick with Apple products. They’re built incredibly well and they support them better than any other tech company I know. Off on a tangent. Given I’m headed to Europe (France, Spain, Italy) in October, I’ll assume you are saying if all I need is to text and data (say for directions), I’m good to go? Not sure I want voice, but depending on the cost, may add it as I’m going to be gone for a month. I guess I could contact them and find out, but there again, who knows when, or even if I get a reliable response from them.

Welcome back……;) Good points. I think even Canadian ports are included in many Verizon plans. I just dumped them because their customer service has really taken a nose dive. So, I’m going by memory. WiFi calling should be fine anywhere else as you’re not using cell towers in the “foreign” locales. IIRC, Verizon offers a $100/mo plan for EU ports, but there are caps on data (maybe on voice, too).

Yep…..Haven pool and bar area there is usually snacks and at breakfast and lunch, food available. If I want the rowdy set, I’ll go to Spice H20, which has a bar. Never had an issue getting a lounger there, either. Plus, on the newer ships there are some nice water features at Spice H20. I can make as many friends at Spice H20 as I can in the Vibe. Make even more in the Haven. I could see perhaps $49/week/pp as a decent price. But, even at that, if you have access to the Haven, I personally don’t see the point. Non-Haven guests? Makes a bit more sense. $249/pp/week? Nope…..not doing it. Haven guest? Definitely not doing it.

I think generally speaking they have DJs and groups all over the ship where you can dance if you want!