DISNEY1975

Nope, no perks. Just a slighly larger room and balcony.

 

And I am sure others will be along to tell you about NCL's unethical marketing practices in using the term "mini suite".

Im sneaking on here at work and saw this. Laughed out loud in my office!

So funny! Thanks for that!!:D

So you would, for a family of 5 in a 2BR Villa, budget $350 for butler and $175 for concierge as a starting point for a 7 day cruise? $525 in addition to the $420 DSC plus extra tips to the steward and kids club personnel, plus auto 15% for drinks all seems a little much... I know that tipping is personal and there really is no wrong answer except skipping out all together, but that guideline seems to be pretty excessive IMO.

 

 

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I backed out of a suite one year for this reason. I posted the same question, with 5 in my party, and got the same answers. I didn't want to wreck my butlers chances of getting $$ he/she is used to / deserves, so I moved to 2 balconies. I preferred to spend $600 elsewhere. It seems to be the norm $10 per day per person + extra for above and beyond.

But yes....its a very personal choice. Tip whatever you would like to.

And your point is ???

Your post made me laugh, a lot! I read it several times. I admit, Im not very bright. You would have to dumb down your explanation for me to understand. Sorry. It's me, not you at all.

Was one last march 2013 just not at midnight more like 930 10

 

 

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Same in June 2013! It was earlier and nothing like years past. It was not in a MDR, but at the buffet. Choices were limited and not really good (tasting). And no chocolate fountain :(! I wouldn't be surprised if it is now gone!

But keep in mind that except for the "freestyle" concept it is not like any other cruising experience with NCL.

What do you mean?

I was looking at my itinerary. States we'll be in the Bahamas 12pm - 7pm.

I then noticed...

"Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.

Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.

Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice."

Really? That cuts off 4 hours at each port.

The objective is for the contestant to obtain the highest amount of money they believe they can, whilst the Banker is trying to minimise the amount they have to pay out. As the game progresses and more possible final values are eliminated, both the Banker and the contestant have more information to offer deals or accept deals. The contestant faces the risk of not accepting a deal may lead to smaller deals later or the final amount being lower than previous deals offered. The Banker faces the converse, the offers made may ultimately end up being greater than the contestant would have won should the whole game be played out.

:confused: :D:D:D:D:D

I'm cruising on the Getaway April 19 in a Outside Cabin(OB). Prices have dropped $100 since I did my final payment:(...oh well. Ship may not be selling as fast as they hoped. So as the time gets closer I will start checking the NCL site for cabin availability. I would like a balcony cabin but I didn't want to pay the price they were charging when I booked. I've read posts from other CC members who purchased cabin upgrades for very good prices. What's been your experience as to timing and prices? If I can't do it I will be just as excited about the trip. I really need to thaw out from this winter.

 

 

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I am on this same sailing. I booked Balcony w/ free minisuite upgrade. Price fell yesterday to $240 below (total for 2 passengers) what I paid, plus the OBC is $40 more than what I got.

I called yesterday and although they couldn't give my any additional OBC, they offered me a free upgrade. Unfortunately I did not like the cabin location of what they wanted to change me to, so I kept what I have already.

I would call now before all balconies may be sold. Seems like they are willing to upgrade now.

We're sailing on Epic April 13th. We've booked 2 Family Balcony rooms (B3) for our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids). When we booked, the first 2 people in each room were $829, and the third was $549. As of today, the price is down to $639 for the first 2 and still $549 for the third.

I figured since it was quite a significant drop (about $780 all together) I would call NCL and see if I could get either a room upgrade or OBC. Since we need connecting rooms with the kids, they couldn't find a suitable upgrade. The rep who I spoke to said that they were authorized to give up to 25% of the price difference as OBC, so my 1 hour on the phone earned us an additional $200 OBC!

It's hard to say if prices will drop further, but if they do, you can always call and see if you can get OBC in lieu.

I saw a price drop yesterday, only $60. They gave me $15 OBC. Today is went down another $240. I called again. The said they would upgrade me to same category, higher deck, far far far from an elevator or stairs (right now Im right next to the stairs, where I like to be). I declined and they said they couldn't do anything else. Bummer, but it was worth a shot!:)

 

I'd say that placing Bliss to CA would be pretty good guess, there are already so many ships on the Eastern side. Homeporting her to f.ex. San Juan would be a good move also - better choices of Caribbean ports for week long cruises; regular cruises to ABC islands, St Maarten etc.

I sailed out of SJ last May (week ending Mem. Day weekend). We were the only ship in port most days, stopping at 5 different ports. A couple of tour guides stated that it was the beginning of rain season and most cruises stop going there for the summer (St Kitts and St Lucia).

I specifically chose April this year on the Getaway to avoid the daily rain! If Boston doesn't get a megaship, maybe moving Epic to MA would be nice.

Escape is taking over Epic's route and slot so a Miami.

 

I think Bliss will be in Europe with Epic and the Spirit/Star type ones migrated back to the niche ports in the US

So Miami would have Getaway and Escape?

To me (just me), doesn't make sense for a Megaship in Miami. TONS of competition. The sailings out of Miami are rarely sold out. Why would you add another 4200 cabins to that market?

Im still sticking with Boston, but CA would be a smart choice too.. Nice year round weather.

Im hoping Boston. I love the Dawn, but 4 years already? Needing something new. Especially when the only competition is HA.

Oh, and......There is big money in Boston and many people do not want to fly !!!

You can also order soda at the buffet, you just have to flag down a member of staff.

We are after final payment and already upgraded from a BC to a BA to an MA. That still puts us as paying more than the mini suites are currently selling for which is fine. I went to NCL this morning and their is a new promotion with our sailing and MA's get $140 in OBC.

 

If I were to call, do you think they'd give us that extra OBC especially since we paid $140pp more for our original room than what our current upgraded room is selling for?

 

I just don't want to waste time calling if there's no point.

I called for this exact thing this morning. I was given an additional $15 OBC (25% of the different of what I paid and what they have now)

For the shows that are free, how do you make reservations for tickets?

I asked NCL about reserving "shows" today. I didn't get into details about which show, but I was told I can reserve online at 45 days from sailing, along with specialty restaurants.

Not sure if she meant just the one you pay for, or all. I thought you paid for all, so am happy to see some are complimentary! :)

Thanks everyone for your replies and answers to my question.

If anyone knows about late night at Splash Academy during show times, any info would be great!

Does anyone know the cost of the shows on the Getaway (Legally Blonde / Illusion??? )

Also, I saw in the Getaway thread above (sticky) the show times are changing to 10ish. If the kids are not going, do we need to sign up for the extended hours at Splash Academy (reg. hours end at 10:30)?

Thanks in advance!

I cant speak for Breakaway, but...

On the Dawn (from Boston) last summer...

MDRs were open for breakfast and dinner daily

Blue Lagoon is open 24/7 (Osheehan equivalent)

Buffet was open about 20/7

(I think room service was 24/7 too, but I didn't order and am not 100% sure)

All specialties were open for dinner every night

All shows ran every night

Daytime activites were limited while docked (trivia, sales shows, art auctions, music by the pool etc).

Casino was closed while docked.

I got through and was waiting on hold.

Situation: I booked a cruise for April. Family Balcony cabin, with free minisuite upgrade and $100 OBC for $3675.

Now, almost 2 weeks past final payment

Family Balcony cabin, with free minisuite upgrade and $100 OBC for $3615. ($60 difference)

or

MiniSuite cabin with $140 OBC is $3655 ($20 + $40 OBC difference)

So, I know, I know, I know....past the payment due date....but it doesn't hurt to try!

End result....I got an additional $15 OBC! Hey 2 free drinks is more than I had an hour ago!!! :D

We'll be on this cruise too. I plan on bringing Easter "bags" (baskets too hard to pack) with some candy and a few small toys/tshirt. We also have a day to shop onboard for something cruise related. I also plan on bringing plastic eggs to hide around the room.

Im on hold with NCL...wish me luck!!!:)

I don't know why people think that NCL abiding by their age groups is a 'bad' thing. My daughters are two years apart and have frequently been separated into different age groups in kids clubs, but I've always believed that is for good reason and my girls have always had a good time!

I agree! They meet new people their own age and play age appropriate games. If the siblings want to spend time together, that is great! But, consider an hour or two in the evening for the kids club..they might enjoy it!:)

I just read a thread talking about rushing to guest services to purchase (rent) lounge chairs (Cabanas) ?? Can anyone please give me full details about this.

Thanks

I know I've been reading too many CC reviews when I was actually believing you about the toiletries and electricity! Only when I got to eating leftovers did I start thinking maybe this is a joke!

As funny as your post was, I think Im laughing more at myself for being so dumb!

I like your attitude Tiffygirl!!! My husband and I are boarding the gorgeous Getaway next Saturday, 2/22 and as much as I love reading all the reviews I will NOT let ANYTHING dampen or color my anticipation of our vacation and celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary!!!! All I need for a great vacation is my sweet husband, great conversation and time together...the Getaway is going to provide the perfect 'backdrop' for our special time!! :D

40 Years! Congratulations and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! :)

I have 2..

1) My daughter just came back from a themed party at the kids club, dressed like a (gorgeous) pirate. Splash Academy staff painted her face, gave bandanas, eye patches and a Tshirt decorated like a pirate. She looked adorable. So I stopped in to the family comedy show (Second City) to tell the rest of my family we were going back to the room. As we walked into the lounge, one of the performers said "Oh, look at the pirate who joined us" He invited her on to the stage area and she became part of the act! She LOVED it! I loved it..one of my best moments

2) FINALLY I won a round of Bingo! It was a big jackpot round of $500!! I was so excited and then they announced there was a second winner :(. OK, Ill share I guess!! But of the 300+ people playing, it turned out to be my brother in law who was the second winner! Fun memory!!