gcsmith

Approximately how close to the sailing do these offers start?

 

 

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Mine was 2.5 weeks before sailing. I have since seen the suite prices drop by 20-30% (still way higher than I paid) and the advantage to the past passenger rate has been reduced for other sailings. I've been watching out of curiosity to see how they fill the ship. I think they've been pretty successful so far, only 1-2 suites and minisuites are left.

We just took the upgrade for $199/per person on the 4 day Golden out of LA. I emailed my TA and said will do it if it is for 1st / 2nd (we have 4 in a mini-suite). I looked to see what suites were available and two categories were left. Something smaller and Owner's Suite. The charge was just for the first two, and we ended up with the B751 Owner's Suite. For 4 (two small children) it is a great upgrade since our last cruise was a 2-bedroom family suite in the NCL Haven (amazing doesn't describe it, the shower alone . . .) and this was looking like a huge downgrade. The cruise itself was not expensive for a mini, and has $400 OBC.

Looking forward to Sabitini's breakfast, and yeah, we might even use the laundry :-)

The interesting thing is I found one online video and it appears identical to the Dawn Princess mini-suite (bathroom/bedroom setup), but much bigger in the living area and balcony.

Thanks for the info! Been searching for Princess Pelicans recent experience. We switched to NCL a few years ago after one test cruise, but the 4 day Golden out of LA Oct 13th is too hard to resist. Was hoping our 7 + 5 year olds would have good time as NCL has been fabulous - as in we never put the kids in the club, they asked/begged to go in. Kids were much younger the last Princess trip. Looks like Pelicans is 3-7 so our two will actually be together on this one.

I'm feeling kind of depressed about all of this.

even though I'm an 80% and never complain, princess doesn't want me as a repeat customer. they would rather entice a new, younger cruiser.

brucemuzz said "convincing the public to return is a recipe for bankruptcy in today's market". I don't want this to be true! I'd like to stick my head in the sand a while longer please.

Princess doesn't want me as a repeat passenger? I haven't been on the line in 3-4 years (switched to NCL for kids program and Haven - just wow). Going on a 4-day out of LA, $750 1st/2nd if I wasn't a previous passenger. Previous passenger rate - $429. I think they want us back. This is for a mini-suite, which is the smallest cabin I'd do with my wife and 2 children.

In a way your posts are highly complimentary to NCL. Only someone who loves them would be this critical. People that are just neutral about them would just move on to the next cruise line.

I would start at $1000 and adjust based on any extra needs the kids might have.

Wow, the butler gets $1000 for breathing for one cabin? Could you pay for my next cruise? I know this is an opinion . . . but in your opinion what is extra. Let's put it this way: I'm staying in the Waldorf Astoria, New York City. So I expect to pay $5 for each bag delivered and $5 to hail a cab. So I call room service and ask for a pot of coffee and the hotel director sends me some canapes each night for a week. So 10 bags, round trip = $5 * 10 * 2 = $100. $5 * 7 for canapes and a few taxi rides. I'm well under $200 for the week and in NYC would have tipped the bell boy for the bags, someone else for the cab.

Are you getting illegal drugs, favors or just the feeling of having illegal drugs from your butler? He does have other cabins. I'm over 6 figures, but I could quit my job and just service the two GV suites for 50 weeks and do great with the US deduction on foreign earnings.

Reading this shows how personal tipping is. Heck, another thread a poster asked why the OP cared they lost $400 in an ATM (as if it were a slot machine). I will not tip $10 per person per day day to get a cup of coffee and whatever treat NCL includes with the stateroom. You don't get a tip for just breathing. Now if I checked a case of wine into baggage, so I don't have to carry it on, and the butler takes care of it (yes, charges the corkage) . . . tip. Bottle of wine to the room, tip - but I'd do the same for room service. Daily treats, ok, there is something there, but not 4x$10.

First and only time I was in the Haven called for the $5 pizza for my 5 and 3 year old. They seemed shocked and asked if I would like my butler to bring it. Honest answer: whoever can bring it faster. I don't need white gloves, I have two children that want a freaking pizza. And the pizza sucked :-) But the butler did call to confirm so I had a chance to add a bottle of Malbec. Not all bad.

I'm glad there are people around that blow their noses on $100's to help out the staff and keep cruising affordable for the rest of us!

I ordered pizza on the Peal in the Haven and when I called room service they asked if I wanted my butler to bring it. I said just get it to my room . . . the butler called me back and by that time I wanted a bottle of Malbec, so it worked out, but really I don't need a butler to bring me $5 room service pizza. Especially if it will delay my pizza that the two toddlers are crying about.

I one word about the kids program YES, YES, YES...well maybe a few words. They will LOVE it. Mine never wanted to leave, but I'll get into that later.

 

There were plenty enough children on board for lots of playmates for sure, but the ship was definitely not overwhelmed with tons of kids since it's now the off season.

 

Plenty of shade for a child. If you are bringing children, you will get the big palapa I'm sure. They are covered and VERY nice. The only people I seen with only chairs and an umbrella were single couples.

 

The water wasn't bad at all IMO for the pools. It was 90 degrees out, so it was very refreshing for sure. :)

Ok, I will be patient and wait for your child center review! That is the hardest information to find on cruise lines. As far as the water goes I live in Arizona and don't generally get in my pool unless the pool temp is 88+. I'm sure it will be freezing in the ship pool but I will tough it out for the kids.

Bummer to hear about your ziplining issues. I used Bodden 4 years ago and I'm sure took the same zip line. I did not have any safety issues (and rock climbing is a hobby for me) - what you described are certainly issues. Our guide was wonderful as well.

My wife and I are taking our 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter on the Spirit 10/9. I'd be interested in any details about what your 3 year old enjoyed.

In no particular order:

Did she use the children's program at all? Did you use the late night baby sitting? How were the counselors? Kind of a port intensive cruise for the program, still not sure how much we'll be able or want to use it.

Were there many children on board?

Aside from mosquitoes (big problem) was there enough shade for a child at Maya Chan? Sounds like there was and the bed sounds nice, but was that a typical palapa or did you luck out?

Is the water cold in that kids pool? I'm a wimp and I know I will have to stand there to catch them! - note to kid police, yes the 2 year old is potty trained, so she can go in the pool.

Any other child related thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Greg