Don't take "no" for an answer!

[tarps14]

Want to give our experience here so others can see NCL does do OBC for price drops after final payment. We are booked into an aft-facing Haven suite for our cruise 05/10-17/14. I noticed a few weeks ago, after final pymt, that the cost of our cabin had dropped by $300. I called my TA (very large online TA) and they called NCL. At first NCL offered us an "upgrade" to a spa suite. Ummm, no, that would be an S9 and we're already in an S6. So the TA went back to NCL explaining this and NCL agreed to the $300 OBC. (On a side note-the TA was very embarassed by the cabin "upgrade" offer and apologized profusely for even passing that info along.)

 

Then, last night, I see where our cabin had dropped another $300. So first thing this AM I called to see if it could be done again. The TA (not the same rep as the first time) tried the song and dance about NCL doesn't do this after final pymt, yada, yada. I never mentioned having already received one OBC because I didn't want that to automatically delete us from having another. She also tried telling me that there was one cabin level above us still available (S4) and they usually offer an upgrade instead of credit. I said I was aware but we'd rather have the credit. She called NCL and they came back with a $150 OBC offer. Heck yeah I'll take that!

 

So here is where we stand:

 

$300 (promo from online TA)

$50 (bonus promo TA)

$150 (promo from NCL for suite)

$300 (first OBC for price drop)

$150 (second credit for another price drop)

 

$950 total and haven't even boarded yet!

 

I have it all in writing on NCL letterhead so no worries there. Could this have happened because of the lack of available upgrades? Possibly. YMMV. But, at least try. All they can say is no.

Edited February 26, 2014 by tarps14

[Beaver1975]

...and when the price goes up, on future cruises, are you going to send them a check? :rolleyes:

[che5904]

Want to give our experience here so others can see NCL does do OBC for price drops after final payment. We are booked into an aft-facing Haven suite for our cruise 05/10-17/14. I noticed a few weeks ago, after final pymt, that the cost of our cabin had dropped by $300. I called my TA (very large online TA) and they called NCL. At first NCL offered us an "upgrade" to a spa suite. Ummm, no, that would be an S9 and we're already in an S6. So the TA went back to NCL explaining this and NCL agreed to the $300 OBC. (On a side note-the TA was very embarassed by the cabin "upgrade" offer and apologized profusely for even passing that info along.)

 

Then, last night, I see where our cabin had dropped another $300. So first thing this AM I called to see if it could be done again. The TA (not the same rep as the first time) tried the song and dance about NCL doesn't do this after final pymt, yada, yada. I never mentioned having already received one OBC because I didn't want that to automatically delete us from having another. She also tried telling me that there was still one cabin level above us still available (S4) and they usually offer an upgrade instead of credit. I said I was aware but we'd rather have the credit. She called NCL and they came back with a $150 OBC offer. Heck yeah I'll take that!

 

So here is where we stand:

 

$300 (promo from online TA)

$50 (bonus promo TA)

$150 (promo from NCL for suite)

$300 (first OBC credit for price drop)

$150 (second credit for another price drop)

 

$950 total and haven't even boarded yet!

 

I have it all in writing on NCL letterhead so no worries there. Could this have happened because of the lack of available upgrades? Possibly. YMMV. But, at least try. All they can say is no.

 

Glad you were able to get something.

 

But your last line IMO is probably the most important thing in your post. Too many people try and then are angry because NCL doesn't do anything.

 

I agree it never hurts to try but people should also be aware that that doesn't mean they will get anything at all.

[fergusonvt]

On a 7 day cruise I would honestly have a hard time spending $950.00 in OBC unless there were 3 or 4 of us in the room. Glad you got it though! Happy sailing.

[debshomespun]

On a 7 day cruise I would honestly have a hard time spending $950.00 in OBC unless there were 3 or 4 of us in the room. Glad you got it though! Happy sailing.

 

We would have a hard time spending this much money on a 7 day cruise too. We would probably be taking out a lot of $$$ from the Casino, and obviously, not spending it there!!

[tarps14]

On a 7 day cruise I would honestly have a hard time spending $950.00 in OBC unless there were 3 or 4 of us in the room. Glad you got it though! Happy sailing.

 

Now that I think about it, this is a good point. The credits can't be used for gratuities or the casino and we've already purchased the UDP. :eek: Okay, maybe I didn't think this through. Looks like some people we know (i.e. the kids) will be getting quite a bit of souvenirs this trip (or Mom and Dad will be drinking......a lot).

Edited February 26, 2014 by tarps14

[heakja]

Now that I think about it, this is a good point. The credits can't be used for gratuities or the casino and we've already purchased the UDP. :eek: Okay, maybe I didn't think this through. Looks like some people we know (i.e. the kids) will be getting quite a bit of souvenirs this trip (or Mom and Dad will be drinking......a lot).

 

I thought ypu could a withdraw at the casino cashier with any type of OBC? (Of course, with the 3% fee.)

[deladypilot]

You did great.

 

An idea for you. You said you have already paid for the UBP. How about canceling it and getting the money refunded to you then re-purchase it when you get on the ship.

[deladypilot]

Oops, sorry UDP instead of UBP. Not sure if you can buy that on the ship or not. It is so new

[emcelh]

Since you're in a suite you'll want to tip the butler and concierge. If you go to Guest Services you can get a voucher to give to them and have it charged to your onboard account. I know you can't use OBC for the DSC but I think you could use it for the butler and concierge. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure. You could also buy Future Cruise Rewards.

[che5904]

Oops, sorry UDP instead of UBP. Not sure if you can buy that on the ship or not. It is so new

 

You could on our Dawn cruise 2 weeks ago, it was in the first day's dailies.

[sixesandeights]

Now that I think about it, this is a good point. The credits can't be used for gratuities or the casino and we've already purchased the UDP. :eek: Okay, maybe I didn't think this through. Looks like some people we know (i.e. the kids) will be getting quite a bit of souvenirs this trip (or Mom and Dad will be drinking......a lot).

 

You can buy anything in the stores with that credit. Stock up the liquor supply, buy a nice watch, purchase more pictures then usual. I would have no problem spending this much, and most times spend twice that :-) I think you did great, and anything is better then letting NCL rip you off with price drops. All other mainstream lines give these OBC without having to fight with them, so enjoy the shopping spree :-)

 

6&8

[DinaS]

Now that I think about it, this is a good point. The credits can't be used for gratuities or the casino and we've already purchased the UDP. :eek: Okay, maybe I didn't think this through. Looks like some people we know (i.e. the kids) will be getting quite a bit of souvenirs this trip (or Mom and Dad will be drinking......a lot).

 

 

Cancel your UDP, and then even if you can't buy the UDP on the ship, simply use your OBC for your meals purchased individually.

 

It's really only a little more without the UDP, and this way you can use your OBC for that.

 

I am sure you will find ways to easily spend your OBC :)

 

Congratulations on getting all this OBC, and have a wonderful cruise!!!!

[dolita22]

You could also use some if it in the spa, if you're into that! Just giving other ideas. :-)

[david_sobe]

Glad this worked out but this is really standard procedure with working directly with NCL PCC (my experience). I have had $600 price drops a few weeks before sailing. There are no upgrades available so we got $160 OBC.

 

Sorry your TA was having so much trouble. But my PCC can do this everytime with no problems.

[che5904]

anything is better then letting NCL rip you off with price drops. All other mainstream lines give these OBC without having to fight with them, so enjoy the shopping spree :-)

 

6&8

 

I rest my case :rolleyes:

 

No not all other mainstream lines do this. Carnival will only honor it if you purchase under their special protection price.

[LrgPizza]

I could easily spend $950 in OBC!

[GSLMOM]

I could easily spend $950 in OBC!

 

Me too!

[Dorhead1230]

You could also pick up a piece or two at the art auction, if there's anything you like. I know there are great debates about the actual value of the pieces sold at the auctions, but some (like the ones I purchased last summer) are inexpensive enough that, if you like them, you don't need to worry about them being priceless investments :). Just watch out for whether it's framed; that is where they really seem to make their money. My BF learned to mat and frame paintings just to avoid paying twice as much as the paintings cost for framing :eek:.

[towel-animal]

...and when the price goes up, on future cruises, are you going to send them a check? :rolleyes:

 

I've seen lots of people bring up this argument on different threads, and it makes no sense to me. It's not uncommon for businesses to offer price adjustments, and what business has ever requested customers pay more? NCL obviously is obviously sometimes generous after final payment so what's the harm in trying? None. I don't see any relevance to your comparison.

 

:rolleyes:

Edited February 26, 2014 by ceejmaster

[NoahtheRed]

On a 7 day cruise I would honestly have a hard time spending $950.00 in OBC unless there were 3 or 4 of us in the room. Glad you got it though! Happy sailing.

 

Now I feel like a hedonist. I could blast through that easily in 7 days. I think my last cruise had a $1700 tab at the end. Felt that one pretty hard :P

Edited February 26, 2014 by NoahtheRed

[jonbgd]

. All other mainstream lines give these OBC without having to fight with them,

 

6&8

 

Can you tell me what lines do this:confused:

[sdmike]

Can you tell me what lines do this:confused:

 

They don't. Nor do other companies that sometimes need to fill capacity with lower prices late in the game.

[GSLMOM]

Now I feel like a hedonist. I could blast through that easily in 7 days. I think my last cruise had a $1700 tab at the end. Felt that one pretty hard :P

 

I'm right there with ya!

[jkgourmet]

Oops, sorry UDP instead of UBP. Not sure if you can buy that on the ship or not. It is so new

 

It was for sale on our trip on the Jade in January 2014. No, we did not purchase it.