graphicguy

Agreed. Price of VIBE=$230/pp Price of Thermal Spa=$200/pp That's $860 for 2, just for those 2 amenities. The other cruise lines do the same. Afore mentioned Carnival "Faster to the Fun", Royal's Drink Package is normally way more expensive than NCL's FAS and they charge for their Thermal Spa, too....just as random examples. Point being, you can drive up the price of your cruise pretty darned quickly on all the cruise lines after you pay your fare.

It took my former company and myself a while to find a happy medium regarding work. The positive part of it was I wasn't inclined to take them up on their contract offer. So, it wasn't one of those "you have to do this even though you may not like it because you're our employee". For me, it was more like "nah.....I'll pass on this contract. But, thanks for asking". They finally came back and asked me "what would make you happy?" What a novel approach. Thanks for asking. I'm working about one week a month....straight 9-5. Before 9, I'm not in my (home) office. After 5...same thing. You won't find me answering phones or responding to emails., sending spread sheets, doing ZOOM, and explaining my Power Point presos. On occasion they ask me to help with remote customer visits to present the Power Points in support of the sales team. But, those are usually only one day trips. If it's overnight, I require at least a week of warning. Cheaper than paying someone to do the same thing full time, but in my estimation, they are overpaying for the privilege. Still, it's easier to pay me on a contract basis than to justify hiring someone and doing all the justification that requires. Eventually, someone in HR is going to ask "why are we paying this guy?" Until that time, good work if you can get it. But, I'm turning really lazy and wondering if that's something I want do in 2024. They're pressing me for an answer and I keep putting them off.

It gets funky sometimes. I fluctuate between MacOS and iOS with Safari and Firefox. When one doesn’t work, the other does. Don’t mess around with Chrome as it seems to flake out the most. NCL definitely needs to work on their WEB site, though. I’m patient and will try to find what works best via the WEB. But, most are not. And, that has to translate into lost sales if people can’t make the WEB site work or it takes tooong to load!

All cruise lines have a wealth of extras you can drop your coin on. Personally, I find Carnival's "Faster to the Fun" charges crazy. You mean I have to pay Carnival for the privilege of getting on board sooner to spend more money first before everyone else? Sure..that sounds like a great idea. No intent in demeaning Carnival cruisers who like it. I just don't get it. Royal's START CLASS cabins are crazy expensive. You think the Haven costs a lot? Go look at the similar Royal Star Class Suites. NCL has their own dollar extraction methods. We all know what they are. There was a brouhaha on these boards recently because NCL changed out the FAS+ Champagne from one brand for another. I think that discussion went on for pages and pages with outrage. Seriously? I like the FAS package. They have the bourbons, vodkas, gins, beers, etc that I like. If they don't have a particular one, I'll move to another. It's not worth it to get all bent about. I used to like the VIBE.....when it was $69/pp. I could kind of see the value in that. Private area to hang out, no crowded hot tubs to contend with. Then, NCL raised the price...A LOT......over a relatively short period of time. I don't know what they charge currently, but last I looked it would be ~$250 for the VIBE. Not something I'm willing to pay THAT much for. Not sure what that nets me other than some couches and a bartender who's fun to hang with. Plus, the last time I was in the VIBE, it turned into a mini crazy drunk fest like you'd find around the main pool area....just with fewer drunks. But, perhaps it's changed. It's been a while for me. Depending in itinerary, the Thermal Spa may or may not be attractive to me. If it's the typical Caribbean/Mexico/Bahamas cruise, where I'll be outside most of the time, not attractive. I did sign up for it on my last Canadian cruise. It was in the Fall. Days were sunny and nice. But, it got chilly in the late afternoon. I enjoyed retreating to the Thermal Spa for those times. I know people who feel the Haven is way too expensive. I tend to agree most of the time. But, if I find a good deal on a Haven fare, I'll snag it every time. It trumps the VIBE, the Thermal Spa, extra charges for extra Specialty Restaurants, etc. It includes all of that and adds the Butler, the Concierge nicer cabins, nicer places to just hang out. But, even there, I see people talking about spending high 4 figures and 5 figures for the Haven. Not happening with me. I'm retired. But, my old company asks me to do contact work every once in a while. At first, I tried 20 hours/week. Didn't like that as it still seemed I was working full time given their projects and deadlines. Rejected doing that. I told them they could find someone cheaper than me to do the projects and they certainly could find someone younger. They kept coming back to me. Finally, I told them I won't work more than a week at a time and never back to beck weeks. We came to an understanding. I have my retirement and my contract work for "play" money (including cruise fares).

Thanks for walking us through it. You kind of reflect my feelings about Moderno and Tepenyaki. I do like Modernos's salad bar. The meats? I am like you....not my fave. Teppanyaki....have eaten at those types of restaurants many times. They're all about the same. You pay for the show. Although, they do a nice "non fried" calamari. I vacillate....sometimes I'll go all out if I find a deal on the Haven ($4,500 or less). But, I've been known to cheap out, too. A year ago last Fall I found a New England/Canada cruise. ~$800 all in with FAS. Never found the value in the VIBE. I can always find a bar that's not crowded and am always able to find a seat somewhere outdoors, particularly on the -Away and Away plus ships. But, I know I'm in the minority. My good friend @ChiefMateJRK is a pro at finding $100 (or less)/nite cruises.

I'd surprise my sisters if I thought I could get away with it. In my case, it would be 20 questions of "Why are you asking us to meet you here? Why are we flying to XXXX? Why are we packing and what are we packing for?" And on and on and on. But, if I thought I could get away with it, I'd love to surprise them with a cruise. It just wouldn't be a surprise. 😉

Hmmmmm.......go figure! 😉

I get an invoice from my TA. It looks like this. I give them my payment information, and they initiate the charges and send this to me. It's a pass through. charge to NCL. But, the TA OWNS the booking and are responsible for everything related to the reservation regarding what is/isn't included or charged. My entire trip and what's included is identified on the invoice. The TA makes certain to remind me to review it because once it's booked, I agree to the booking as outlined. Any changes made and they send me a new invoice outlining exactly what the changes are and what is/isn't included. xxxxxxxxxx 376 Route 9 North Englishtown, NJ 07726 Toll Free (866) 214-7447 Local (732) 970-9142 Email support@americandiscountcruises.com Website www.AmericanDiscountCruises.com Cruise Final Payment Confirmation #: 122307 [click here for Important Details] Total Price $ 2,240.52 Total Received - $ 2,240.52 Balance Due PAID IN FULL Final Pmt Received 6/18/2019 Please pre-register at www.ncl.com to obtain your electronic boarding documents. Have a great cruise! Cruise Package Details Modify / Change Cruiseline NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Ship NORWEGIAN ESCAPE Deck 10 Itinerary BERMUDA (NEW YORK) Cruiseline Res # 41348733 Sailing Date 6/23/2019 # of Nights: 7 Dining OPEN Stateroom 10880 Stateroom Type BF - BALCONY Passenger Details Modify / Change # Full Legal Name Departing City Depart Date Insurance Birthdate 1 Mr. xxxxxxxxx Cruise Only 6/23/2019 customer provided xxxxxxxx IMPORTANT INSURANCE INFORMATION At least one, or more, passengers have chosen to decline travel insurance. We STRONGLYrecommend travel insurance as a way to protect your investment in the case of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances that may cause you to cancel or delay your plans. If you would like to purchase travel and cancellation insurance, please notify us immediately. Passenger Pricing Details Description 1 Cruise (includes tax / fees) $ 2,051.12 Beverage Package Service Charge $ 138.60 Dining Package Service Charge $ 15.80 Transfer - Airport To Pier $ 35.00 PASSENGER TOTAL $ 2,240.52 Special Gifts Description $400 Onboard Credit For Cabin 3 Meal Specialty Dining Package Dinner For 2 At A French Restaurant Internet Package (250 Minutes) Per Cabin Internet Package (30 Minutes Per Cabin) Premium Beverage Package Shore Excursion $50 Credit Per Port Payment Details Date Payment Type Method Card Type Memo Amount 6/17/2019 Initial Deposit Vendor Direct Cruise Next 1 Of 2 $ 250.00 6/17/2019 Additional Payment Vendor Direct Cruise Next 2 Of 2 $ 250.00 6/17/2019 Final Payment Credit Card American Express $ 1,705.52 6/18/2019 Additional Payment Vendor Direct Client Added Transfer $ 35.00 TOTAL PAID $ 2,240.52 Mailing Address Modify / Change Name xxxxxxxx Address xxxxxxxx xxxxxx Cruise & Travel Expert (732) 970-9142 (866) 214-7447 Important Information - Read Thoroughly! All Cruise Passengers Must Pre-Register Prior to Their Cruise Line's Registration Deadline: Click Here for More Information What should you do now? Follow these easy steps: 1. Review this confirmation to make sure it is accurate. 2. Read the terms and conditions below. 3. Sign and return the bottom portion of this document. 4. Ensure you have the appropriate identification and citizenship documentation for your vacation. To verify this, U.S. citizens can go to https://travel.state.gov. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their equivalent government division. 5. Make sure you pay in full by your final payment due date. In order to pay in full, simply call our agency and provide your agent or a customer service representative with your credit card details. If you'd like to pay with a different form of payment (such as check, money order, or wire transfer), please contact us for additional guidelines and restrictions. 6. Complete your pre-registration online-check-in), if needed. Click the link above for more information. 7. Access your travel documents. Depending on your vendor, they may be accessible to you at the vendor website or they may be sent to you from us. Ask us for more details. It is your responsibility to verify travel documentation. See step 4 (above) for more information. are responsible for returning the booking bonus to us. Review all Tickets and Documents Charge my credit card on file My check is enclosed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _____________________________________

NCL invoices the TA (less the TA’s commission) since they made the booking. The TA in turn invoices the customer. NCL has the guest’s personal info but only for manifests and charges made once on board. TA has to pay NCL. TA owns the booking! I get an invoice from my TA. It shows the fare, my OBC (if any), any discounts offered to me by the TA, sailing date, reservation number. personal info, etc. The charge is for an NCL cruise, but is booked and charged to my cc by the TA.

Depending on time of day/night $10 minimum (early on sea days) to as high as you want to go, at least as high as I am willing to go for the max!

Have traveled and cruised with family. Just did a family outing for 2 weeks in Europe....AFTER I had sailed for 11 days through the Mediterranean. I was in the Haven. They (and I) wished they could be with me, schedules didn't align. No issues. Enjoyed my trip solo and enjoyed the trip where we were together. The surprise portion was I threw a birthday party for my sister at a local restaurant in the Tuscan town we were staying. She loved the surprise and I enjoyed hosting it. I've had people I had sailed with in the past recognize and approach me on subsequent cruises and I always loved running into them, again (and feeling a little guilty I didn't recognize them). Have met fellow CC-ers on cruises and always enjoyed spending time with them. Bottom line, I do like being with people who enjoy our mutual love of cruising.

Feel the same....if what you want to do is people watch only when on vacation, just book a hotel in an amusement park or mall (which is what those inward facing balcony cabins remind of on Royal). What's the purpose of being on a cruise ship otherwise? And NO...you can never have too much of an ocean view and smells and sitting on a balcony overlooking the deep blue sea. I enjoy having coffee in the a.m. on my balcony, a drink/nightcap at night on my ocean facing balcony, and sometimes just sit on my balcony to watch the pier runners after returning after a day of frivolity in port.

You have an independent TA. They own the reservation. They are the ones who must resolve the issue. If you have a receipt showing your payments, send it to them. You paid them to handle this and they, in turn, sent money to NCL. They are the ones that have to contact NCL. That's why they own the reservation. Since you're on board, you're running out of time to resolve this. Don't get off the ship until it's resolved with your TA. Matter of fact, call your credit card company and protest the charge with them. They'll do a charge back to the 3rd party Travel Agent. That will get them to resolve it pretty quickly. Again, do it before disembarking.

OP…. Congratulations….It’s rare….very rare…that anyone in here can who can fluxom me and make me throw up my hands in total frustration. I’ll leave it to the others here to deal with this inanity!

OP....you keep stating the same thing over and over and we keep giving you reality. No Android or iPhone is prohibited from being brought on board. They are not banned where NCL sails. Period....end of story! I don't know how much clearer any of us can make it. Nor, do I understand why you keep belaboring a moot point.

Oasis class....again, the balconies face each other so people can see in, plus people can see your balcony activities from below...

Those cabins look at each other and others can look in...

Get a call a week before sailing wishing me "bon voyage" and asking if I need hotels, etc booked. I prefer to take care of my own hotels, flights, etc. So, it's more of a courtesy call. Get either a phone call or an email a couple of weeks after returning from the cruise to see how it went.

The issues I've had with Royal's Central Park and Promenade facing cabins is others can see inside your cabin and balcony.... cabins facing your from both the balconies of others with inter facing balconies and those walking on the Promenade and the Park areas. I don't want that. All of NCL's Prima balcony cabins face the water. Unless you're docked close to another ship, or someone has some sort of telescope pointing at your particular cabin from afar, NCL's balcony cabins are much more private. To get a water facing balcony cabin on Royal, you have to pay a higher fare.

I go by how much time they spent doing things for me. 5 minutes/day for the Butler to drop off snacks and replenish coffee. 35 minutes…rounded up to an hour/week….$50/hour. Concierge is the same, as is the Suite Steward, who probably spends the most time taking care of me/my suite. Butler-$50 Concierge-$100 Suite steward-$200 Haven lead bartender-$50 Haven Restaurant waiter (only dine there 3-4 times week)-$25 Bartenders/bar waitstaff-$1/drink (at least)

Yeah…I’m not tipping every single crew I talk to. Nor do so tip anyone who offers the slightest service. You bring prompt complex drinks? Special food requests? Special cabin requests? Etc? OK!

My former TA (who was with a large American Discount Cruise booker), used to send me a spread sheet every month that tracked the fares for the month and ship I was booked on. It was up to me to sift through and look through the fares to see price drops. In reality, it was a cut and past from their WEB site fare list. I appreciated it as it made it a little easier for me to keep track. She's moved on and my new agent doesn't do that. No issue, as I can shop/track on my own. But, the agency does discount the fare from what I see advertised by the cruise lines. They don't advertise that, as I don't think the can publish that. But, I do believe it's a part of their commission, and yes, it is between 8%-10%.

3rd party excursions in Cancun or Cozumel aren't something I'd book again. If they're that tight in getting you back to the ship, I don't think I'd book one. Cancun/Cozumel 3rd party tours can range from good to abysmal. Problem, you never know which is which. Have had a bus break down on a 3rd party excursion...another time had an argument break out between two competing tour operators as to who was taking us on a tour. Had another that simply didn't show up at the pick up site/time and had to find a taxi at the last minute take us back to the ship (at extra cost). Had to get my charge card customer service to reverse the charges but was still stuck with the Taxi charge. In brief, go with the ship's excursions so you have some protection. Not saying you can't find a good tour operator in either place. Just saying you'll easily find poor ones, too.

Yeah...I remember the times of handing out greenbacks to every person we came in contact with. I don't want to go back to that. Seemed like I had to carry dollars in my shorts, my swim trunks, ny pants, my shirt pockets. Nope.....don't want to go back to that. Sales.....ya know....I look at all of the marketing jargon for ALL the cruise lines, and if you read between the lines, you know that the bottom line fare is really all that matters. I ignore sales (actually, I ignore sales for ALL goods and services). If you've cruised for a while you understand it. Now, if I was a novice booking my first cruise, I'd enlist a TA to explain it all to me. Point being, there are PCCs and TAs that will guide you through the fares, ships, itineraries, inclusions, exclusions, etc if you don't understand the pricing or sales.

They don't participate in the DSC as they do not offer services to anyone OUTSIDE of the Haven. So, if you tipped them as you went along, no harm-no foul. But, the Haven Concierges, Butlers, Bartenders and Waitstaff do not provide services to anyone but the Haven guestsl. Some however don't know that and will utilize their services extensively and offer them nothing. Their entire income is based on those tips.