Norwegian Escape - Oct 29th 2015 - Inaugural transatlantic

[Universe1]

Think the drinks package is available to buy now.

I'm taking a Halloween outfit just in case.

 

 

Yep, UBP and UDP available now to buy when you login. We did it a while ago and opted for the "all inclusive package". Roll on October!

[mattespana]

We also have opted for both

[IllinoisJohn]

Hi Everyone. While looking at the calendar last night, I discovered that we are sailing during Halloween. Does anyone know if NCL does a Halloween party? Is anyone dressing up? Thoughts?

 

Thanks!

[IllinoisJohn]

Oops. I see this has already been asked. I am glad to hear that others are wanting to dress up too!

[nemini]

I'm debating with myself over Halloween. Definitely dressing up, but I'm not sure if I want to try to bring along makeup and such or stick with something less involved. I suspect I'll end up with a mask of some sort, depending on how much room I have in my luggage.

 

Of course, luggage room may be limited because I was planning on at least minor room decorations. I may just put up some cobwebs and some window clings or something. Hopefully I can persuade the room steward not to take down the fake cobwebbing....

[sjbdtz]

Its starting to feel like this is getting closer....

 

I have a 2 week work trip to Brazil (and I just learned that the day after I arrive in Sao Paulo is their pride parade - apparently the largest in the world with between 3 to 4 million attendees!) :D

 

Then my hubby & I will spend a week in Provincetown to celebrate our anniversary....and then some local work travel.....and THEN:

 

 

A week in Ireland, and a two hour visit to Stratford upon Avon to see the bard's house, and then one last hotel night before ESCAP(e)ing to Miami!

 

We're really conflicted about Halloween.... would like to participate, but with the pre-cruise week, and the expected need for both warm-wear and cool-wear, we're already maxing-out on luggage.

 

So if you see us in our regular clothes at Halloween, it's not because we're no fun. We are.... really. :cool::p:rolleyes:

 

 

Stephen & Daniel

[IllinoisJohn]

Stephen & Daniel - I am exhausted reading your pre-cruise itinerary. I plan on bringing something to wear for Halloween but it will not be anything elaborate. I am already counting down the days. ~John

[mattespana]

The city of Southampton is interesting and nearby the port.

Perhaps if you have time to pick up something inexpensive in one of the nearby shops and then dispose of it after the Halloween event?

It won't be long now till we sail away......

[IllinoisJohn]

ToneInGa - We are going to have a blast! You will be on the boat with a ton of folks. You will not be solo. ~John

[sjbdtz]

The city of Southampton is interesting and nearby the port.

Perhaps if you have time to pick up something inexpensive in one of the nearby shops and then dispose of it after the Halloween event?

It won't be long now till we sail away......

 

 

That's a great idea. We don't arrive Southampton until after 6 p.m., but we're on West Quay Road and if I remember correctly there's a shopping mall very close by. If they're still open, we'll try this.

 

Thanks!

 

Stephen

 

 

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[IllinoisJohn]

Hi All, I don't know if everyone saw this but NCL is now offering an unlimited beverage package as a promotion for this sailing. When we booked our room, we only had the option for a dining credit, internet minutes or a shore excursion. I called NCL yesterday and switched our dining credit for the UBP. You have to pay $97.20 for the beverage service charge and they just add that to your total due. 149 days to go! ~John

[eroller]

Hi All, I don't know if everyone saw this but NCL is now offering an unlimited beverage package as a promotion for this sailing. When we booked our room, we only had the option for a dining credit, internet minutes or a shore excursion. I called NCL yesterday and switched our dining credit for the UBP. You have to pay $97.20 for the beverage service charge and they just add that to your total due. 149 days to go! ~John

 

 

I'm having my travel agent change my booking. I think she actually has to cancel and rebook it to get the UBP. I kind of sucks that NCL makes you pay the $98 service charge on a "free" amenity, but it's still a $540 per person value for our cruise so I think well worth it. I'll get a lot more use out of it than the UDP.

[Universe1]

The deed has been done, our balance was paid y'day [emoji3]. Roll on October!

[Single Cruiser]

The deed has been done, our balance was paid y'day [emoji3]. Roll on October!

 

 

Reminded me that mine is due next week!

[sjbdtz]

Reminded me that mine is due next week!

 

 

I'm confused. Shouldn't everybody's balance be due at the same time? Mine says August 15th....

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

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[Single Cruiser]

I'm confused. Shouldn't everybody's balance be due at the same time? Mine says August 15th....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

No. Only if booking direct. It depends when your agent wants the money. That's how they can offer discounts as they hold the money for a month or so which adds up to a lot of interest.

[Universe1]

No. Only if booking direct. It depends when your agent wants the money. That's how they can offer discounts as they hold the money for a month or so which adds up to a lot of interest.

 

 

And also because we are in the UK and using a US travel agent we wanted to ensure the money was there in good time and the foreign exchange agent we have an account with to shift money around advised that the exchange rates weren't forecast to go in a favour in the short term. As it happened the dollar moved 1.5% in our favour last Thurs which in itself saved us £100!

[eroller]

I'm confused. Shouldn't everybody's balance be due at the same time? Mine says August 15th....

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

 

 

I just checked the invoice from my travel agent, and mine shows July 31st. I don't think she is collecting earlier than the cruise line requires, but I'm not sure.

[FlyGuy13]

Being that I am the topic of conversation on here, I thought I should finally say something :). Counting the days til we all meet again. For all of the NCL TA virgins out there...you are in for quite a ride!!! This is by far...The BEST group of LGBT folks out there! Many of us met years ago and are friends for life now! We are more like "family". Pun intended!!! Can't wait to welcome many more to our TA Family!!! - Jason

[Zurichguy]

Hey Guys. I just booked 2 days ago. Brian here. I'll be traveling with my BFF Erika and her Aunt.

This is my 5th T/A crossing (they are so addictive). It will be my 3rd time on a brand-new ship too. The feeling is great when you step into a shiny-new ship. The staff is all hand-picked by the cruise line to open the ship smoothly. Everyone you come in contact with is one of the best of the best.

Each night I look forward to the gatherings at the martini bar with our GLBT friends. What a lively place.

Nearly everyone I know on this crossing has gotten the UBP; so it's really going to be a party.

Yes, you definitely want to bring some sort of costume for Halloween. Last year we organized a group to go as the cast of Gilligan's Island. Halloween and The White Party on the Epic's westbound crossing last year were 2 of the best night of my life -- dancing outside under the stars with old & new friends. Thanks to that "other social media" website we've all managed to stay connected.

I'll be bringing "Cards Against Humanity" and "Utter Nonsense" with me -- if we have an overcast afternoon we'll organize a game down in O'Sheehans.

[aireboy]

I'm onboard solo with 2 other solo friends, plus a set of parents, plus another gay couple. The group keeps getting bigger and bigger. For Platinum members, does anyone know what NCL is going to do for Platinum members dining at Le Bistro? It's becoming an A La Carte dining venue. See you onboard.

 

Anyone needing a Gay Guest House on Fort Lauderdale beach, post cruise, let me know. I manage one.

 

FYI...............Norwegian Air Shuttle from FLL to Gatwick 10/26 - Fares as low as $248.00 one way!!

[sjbdtz]

Welcome! I'd heard this from Andy Stuart. While my question was specific to comp dinners from the casino, the same would ostensibly apply to Platinum dinners as well:

 

"Thanks for the note. I appreciate you taking the time and your support. My view is that if we wish to offer a dinner at your favorite restaurant as part of our casino package we can still do that regardless of the a la carte pricing. We offer dining packages that will still include the restaurants with a la carte pricing. "

 

 

 

Stephen (and Daniel)

 

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[sjbdtz]

Well.... final payment's been made, and I don't have to go back to Brazil until after this trip, so it looks like this is the next big trip for us. :)

 

Time to start focusing on Shore Excursions.... oh....wait....

 

Maybe we can just relax in the spa & casino & bar for 10 days.... THAT will be fun.

 

We have a large aft PH, which will be a soothing place to watch the wake. Just have to find some cuties (or just some nice people) to hang out there with us. ;)

 

 

Stephen & Daniel

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[geminitraveler2]

These TAs are great. 5th one for me. We will have a great group. I'm traveling with my coworker, David, a couple, Stephen and Kevin, plus more. My name is Alfred.

 

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[geminitraveler2]

I'm debating with myself over Halloween. Definitely dressing up, but I'm not sure if I want to try to bring along makeup and such or stick with something less involved. I suspect I'll end up with a mask of some sort, depending on how much room I have in my luggage.

 

Of course, luggage room may be limited because I was planning on at least minor room decorations. I may just put up some cobwebs and some window clings or something. Hopefully I can persuade the room steward not to take down the fake cobwebbing....

I'm definitely bringing a costume. I was on another cruise and the non us travelers were so intrigued by the costume. It was worth it.

 

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