kenns

With today's news about a pier at GSC and 8 new ships (4 for NCL, 2 for Oceania, 2 for Regent), I am hopeful they're going to release more details on the Aqua very soon. 

Anyone think we will hear more details about the ship (restaurants, venues, etc.)? It's just over a year away from arriving so you'd think NCL will be releasing more details sooner rather than later....

correct, corporate employees only 

Makes complete and perfect sense. I knew they were hurting, but didn't realize it was that bad - so much so that they are struggling to fill their existing ships. 

They made some big announcements today as well - new Brand Presidents for Oceania and Regent and a 9% RIF including some big names at all 3 brands. 

With the World Dream now going to auction - does anyone think that NCL will take a serious look at it? 

The ship is practically identical to the Breakaway + class but with some obvious differences. I bet the actual sale price doesn't scare them, but rather, the cost to renovate and turn the ship into an "American" cruise ship would be a likely deal breaker. 

thank you everyone! this is super helpful 

Hi All - 1st time going on Celebrity but have sailed with NCL and just did a cruise on Royal's Wonder of the Seas.

Booking / Room Type

In looking at the April 16, 2023 cruise on the Beyond, it shows a "cruise only" rate of $1,852 for a Concierge Class cabin and $1,638 for a Veranda cabin.

1. What does the concierge class get you for the extra $214pp?

2. I suspect the "cruise only" rate is the same as NCLs "Sail Away" rate, which means it doesn't include any of the perks: wifi, classic drink package, tips, etc.

3. I see there is the Aqua class which gets you access to Blu restaurant and access to the spa

3a. Does this include the meal at Blu - or just simply access?

If I select the $1,638 veranda, I then need to select which type of veranda: Edge Stateroom w/Infinite Veranda, Veranda Guarantee or Deluxe Porthole

1. What is special about the "Edge Stateroom", which BTW is $1,716 or $78 more per person

If I pick the $1,638 "Veranda Guarantee" option, I can add on the "All Included" option (classic drinks package, Wi-Fi, tips) which brings up the per person cost to $2,236.

1. So, "all-inclusive" for an extra $598 per person - seems like a pretty high increase? Or when you consider that tips will be $122.50 per person and TBD on drinks, maybe it's not a bad deal? I know you can upgrade the drink package as well, which I think we probably would - the wife likes nice wines and champagne 🙂

Anyways, so with All Included upgrade and the port fees/taxes added in, I get to a total cost of $4,757.78. The AquaClass room would be a total of $5,390.78 - so $633 more per person - is Blu and Spa Access worth that premium? As an alternative, do they offer weeklong or day passes to the spa?

Compared to the brand new NCL Prima, with their Free at Sea (drink package, Wi-Fi, 2 specialty restaurant credits, $50 shore ex credit) also on April 16, the total is $4,222.18. I was just surprised to see Celebrity be more expensive especially compared to NCL's brand new ship (yes, NCL has gotten more expensive lately and the Prima is akin to Celebrity/Princess, etc.). Does this total cost seem right to you?

For dining on Celebrity, we'd have Anytime Dining

1. Does that work the same as on NCL, where you can book in the app or literally just show up? I understand you need to make reservations for the specialty dining venues. 

2. If I purchase a specialty dining plan for Celebrity, can I make reservations ahead of time, or not until we board the ship?

Beverage Package

1. I understand that the Classic Package includes drinks up to $9, whereas the Premium goes up to $15 - what does a glass of Veuve cost on Celebrity Beyond?

2. Do both packages include coffees at the café? 

 Sorry for 1,000,000 questions - I am just so used to NCL but very curious to trying Celebrity. Thank you in advance!

I doubt there will be any "major" changes from the Prima as the ship is already basically built at this point. There will be some cosmetic differences, sure - but the layout will be 99.99% the same IMO.

The real question is will NCL listen to the feedback and incorporate that into Prima 3-4-5-6 - such as the venues being way to small, main pool deck being too small, etc. 

What is the name of the FB group with the pictures? 
 

glad to hear she is on schedule (no further delays from what was already delayed) 

Has anyone heard anything else on this rumor? I know they didn’t address it on the earnings call a few weeks back. The only “new ship” news was how the 4 Prima class ships after Viva would be “Prima plus” so not sure if anyone has any news or updates to share. 

Maybe they’ll address these “rumors” on the earnings call on May 10th. But with the $4B price for 6 ships, I agree with you guys above, sounds like a potential order for Oceania / Regent. 

1 hour ago, TMFTL said:

I'm with you.  Can't wait

I’m also on this cruise! First time on Royal (long time NCL cruiser) so very excited! 

Agreed that this is far fetched / unlikely given NCL’s current financial situation. The company is relatively stable for now but has a lot of new debt due to borrowings and whatnot due to Covid. However, stranger things have happened and you never know. 
 

There is an article on a cruise employee website that says multiple interested parties are already in talks with Genting about acquiring the shipyard and/or the World Dream ship being built. 
 

I’d put my money on MSC or a private equity firm as the ultimate “winners” for the assets. 

I’m booked on the 5 day cruise on April 15th - anyone think I should be worried it’s going to be cancelled? The ship should be ready by then, no?

Are they going to leave the Chinese characters / signs or will those be removed? Probably not worth the cost to remove them and replace with new signs. 
 

Also, any news on what the mystery speciality restaurant is? 

Sounds like the DBP includes bottled water? Is that true?

Thanks guys! Appreciate such fast responses to my questions. 

Hi All, 

I know there are several threads on these items but couldn’t find a recent one for new Royal cruises. I’ve only sailed NCL and always had the beverage package, any time / freestyle dining and the 3 night dining package as part of their standard offering. My wife and I are heading on our first Royal cruise in April on the Wonder. 
 

UDP / Dining 101

- I know the dining room is closed on embarkation day for lunch on Royal (difference from NCL)

- since I have the UDP, can I go to any speciality restaurant on embarkation day? If so, do I need a reservation? Or do we just show up?

-  if no, I suspect the other options would be windjammer, park cafe or cafe promenade?

- I understand that Royal automatically makes a reservation for me on night 1 or night 2, but what restaurant do they pick? Can I change this on the app or only once onboard?

- should I make dining reservations for speciality dining on the cruise planner or on the app? I’m sure you can change on the app if things change 
- the UDP includes breakfast, lunch  and dinner, right? I know it’s $20 for playmakers but what about Johnny Rockets?

- is the MDR open for lunch on sea days?
- is the MDR open for lunch on port days?

sorry for 20 questions, I’m just very used to

NCL where you can literally just show up to the MDR

we have the deluxe beverage package too, I suspect that not too many drinks are over the $13 per drink limit? 

I got the DBP at $58pp on our upcoming 5 Day Wonder cruise in April 2022

They’re not offering the UDP, either a 3 night plan for $109 or Chops + 1 for $84

Thanks for everyone's replies, I went ahead and booked it and will cancel and re-book if the price comes down as others have suggested. 

Ooooo nice spot! 

3 hours ago, Nator72 said:

Any new rumors about a District Brew House on board? While looking at some of the pictures/videos, I’m seeing something forward that looks like it could be the DBH.

I hope there is one on board. Where did you see this “resembling” place? Which render? I’m curious to look myself! 

I’m heading to Coco Cay in April 2022 on the Wonder. The beach club pass today is being offered at $160.99 - is that a good price or should I wait and see if it goes down? 
 

The beverage package is at $58 per day which I thought was pretty good. 

Agreed that the top deck looks a bit like the encore in that there’s not much free deck space. Was hoping that the go-karts were just a rumor.  But everyone needs to remember that NCL is a mass market line that caters to families and not just those looking for a more upscale experience, they’re trying to appease the majority of the general public. 
 

Hopefully the ocean Blvd is NCL’s version of the sanctuary / solarium you find on on Carnvial and Royal? 
 

4 hours ago, Wendy&Grumpy said:

 

Except that it's the same type of enclosure as this one.

 

Is the architect Tillberg of Sweeden? I know they do a lot of work with NCL. 
 

and yeah, this def looks like the “fence” on the other picture