Feel like such a sucker

[maryisme]

Ok so NCL is giving free dining, free beverages, ship board credit and tips for first two in state room if you book a suite.

 

I booked for February 2016 on Feb. 26th. Today I booked for August 2016 as well. Of course, I could not resist booking two suites.

 

Please tell me I am not alone here - anyone else:D?

[Kcruiser2014]

Sadly.... You are not alone. I booked for December 2015 and January 2017. But, by the time you subtract the add ins from the base cruise fare, we are cruising in a suite for less than I normally pay for an inside or OV pp. and.... I normally would pay for those add ons!!!!

 

I feel your pain![emoji6]

[dna529]

I hear you. I thought I would never book a suite but booked the Star for November 2015 and the Escape for Jan. 2016. I'm going to go broke if I don't start saving up!

 

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[triptolemus]

Don't sweat it too bad. The price of all these promos is pretty much jammed into the fare.

 

My 2016 booking went up by exact amount of the new "free stateroom gratuities" promo on the day the promo was announced.

 

The rub is really on those folks who don't really drink, but are essentially paying for the UBP anyway. There's no free lunch. NCL isn't giving the house (ship) away for nothing.

 

For my upcoming sept 2015 suite booking, fares are up over $1,200 PER PERSON since booking, which was well before all these "promos"...

Edited March 4, 2015 by triptolemus

[garnet115]

I am getting ready to book a 2016 cruise and am really struggling with what to book. On the sailing I am looking at, the cheapest suite is 60% more than the spa mini that I would otherwise book. The promo does not even begin to cover that added cost, yet I find myself trying to justify the splurge. I so, so want that Haven suite, but just don't know if I can pull the trigger. *sigh*

[garnet115]

Don't sweat it too bad. The price of all these promos is pretty much jammed into the fare.

 

My 2016 booking went up by exact amount of the new "free stateroom gratuities" promo on the day the promo was announced.

 

The rub is really on those folks who don't really drink, but are essentially paying for the UBP anyway. There's no free lunch. NCL isn't giving the house (ship) away for nothing.

 

For my upcoming sept 2015 suite booking, fares are up over $1,200 PER PERSON since booking, which was well before all these "promos"...

 

 

The sailing I've been watching hasn't changed prices in the last few weeks, so I don't think it is universally true that the fares are increased to cover the promo.

[triptolemus]

The sailing I've been watching hasn't changed prices in the last few weeks, so I don't think it is universally true that the fares are increased to cover the promo.

 

Perhaps not.

 

But somebody's paying for all that "free" booze... that's all I'm saying.

[Cruisevirgin1965]

We had already booked the Escape for February 2016 - Haven Spa Balcony...figured we would splurge on the Haven when it is just the 2 of us cruising on our own without extended family and to celebrate our birthdays. Price was (gulp) a lot but I justified because it included the UBP, UDP and $300OBC. Today I emailed my PCC and he was not only able to apply the new promo so we now have gratuities included but also the price has gone down and cruise is now $100 less a person. :D

Maybe I should look at 2017 too ...... :D

[emcelh]

Don't sweat it too bad. The price of all these promos is pretty much jammed into the fare.

 

My 2016 booking went up by exact amount of the new "free stateroom gratuities" promo on the day the promo was announced.

 

The rub is really on those folks who don't really drink, but are essentially paying for the UBP anyway. There's no free lunch. NCL isn't giving the house (ship) away for nothing.

 

For my upcoming sept 2015 suite booking, fares are up over $1,200 PER PERSON since booking, which was well before all these "promos"...

Not necessarily. My October, 2015 10 day cruise on the Gem, which was booked prior to the promotions offered now, is costing more than 10 days on the Star next October,which I just booked and got all 4 offers. it's true that this year's cruise has gone up in price since I booked last summer but the fares had increased prior to the current promotion. Since then there's been increases of about $400 pp, but it isn't enough to cover what they're offering with a suite.

[maryisme]

Am definitely in with the right crowd here! Feel a bit better now. Haven't even told DH about summer 2016 yet.

 

Gonna now take a look at Alaska. I have already covered Bermuda and Caribbean cruises LOL.

[Kcruiser2014]

Don't sweat it too bad. The price of all these promos is pretty much jammed into the fare.

 

My 2016 booking went up by exact amount of the new "free stateroom gratuities" promo on the day the promo was announced.

 

The rub is really on those folks who don't really drink, but are essentially paying for the UBP anyway. There's no free lunch. NCL isn't giving the house (ship) away for nothing.

 

For my upcoming sept 2015 suite booking, fares are up over $1,200 PER PERSON since booking, which was well before all these "promos"...

 

 

I agree on many sailings that they went up. However, IF you are sailing with more than 2 AND would otherwise pay for the beverage packages and dining anyway, there are deals to be had. Example, I just booked an SJ suite on the Dawn for 6. AARP discount applied. The first two passengers were $1243 pp. Passengers 3-6 were 0. Total cruise fare, including $110 port fees/taxes pp was 3152. When we cruise, we always get beverage packages for DH and I. Also do a lot of specialty dining with the kids ( they are older). So, the dining package is a no brainer for us to buy. The TA also is giving us $225 OBC on top of the $200 NCL includes. So, total value of Prepaid Gratuities for 2 ($209), 425 OBC, UBP for 2 and soda packages for 4 ($1,106 incl grat), and UDP for 6 ($717) is $2,457. So net, the stateroom is costing us $695, incl the port taxes and fees.

 

Now, I know that if you do not normally buy the UBP and UDP, your value would be less. But... We do.

 

The Suite life for a little over $115 pp for the week... You betcha.... I am all over that. The OBC will be used for our tips for the Butler/concierge. So, besides shopping, casino, excursions and DSC for 4, I am set.

 

I also know that January is one of the cheapest times to cruise, but we look for value. This has "value" for me!!!

[mployhar]

Yes, we too booked "up" on the cruise we took last week because we needed to get us and our three kids into a room and were enticed by all the "add-ons". I have to say the Haven was worth every penny we spent on the the trip...so relaxing, but BEWARE there are a lot of added expenses with all the other incentives. A 15% gratuity charge is added to EVERY drink order, plus you are expected to tip extra for all of your dinning package usage. It all adds up.

 

All that said, we did book our next cruise on NCL, just a balcony though, because we really had a good deal with the new incentive of the kids free (yeah the oldest will be 18 by the time we cruise next and he will have to pay his own way and book his own room now if he wants to come with us - don't feel too bad for him since he is already a certified professional welder and will be raking in the dough as soon as he turns 18 in a couple of weeks) AND the pre-paid gratuities for two of us.

 

Just my 2 cents to add to the discussion.

Peggy

[abbyar]

I'm seriously considering it as well, the kids would have a blast. My littles are still small, but we'd have to pull the oldest 2 out of school, might be difficult.

 

Anyone see dates that are more kid friendly but still have the free 3+ sailing?

[Chuck2810]

Checked this morning - yes the 2x Gratuity is available on our sailing, but not a good deal yet. The base fare for the 3+ pax went up $0.50 each :rolleyes: but the OBC drops from $300 to $200. On top of that I can choose to prepay the gratuity/DSC at the old rate of $12 x 5 x 7 rather than the new rate of $14.95 x 3 x 7. So I could re-book for $4.55 savings, but I think I'll stick with a $300 credit in hand.

[Mom2B&Z]

Not necessarily. My October, 2015 10 day cruise on the Gem, which was booked prior to the promotions offered now, is costing more than 10 days on the Star next October,which I just booked and got all 4 offers. it's true that this year's cruise has gone up in price since I booked last summer but the fares had increased prior to the current promotion. Since then there's been increases of about $400 pp, but it isn't enough to cover what they're offering with a suite.

 

 

This is our experience as well. Our TA left a message for me yesterday saying he rebooked our Star cruise for Jan 2016. Lost a total of $100 obc but gained a $200 price drop and added prepaid DSC for DH and I. We still have UDP and UBP so I'm very happy :)

 

 

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[emcelh]

This is our experience as well. Our TA left a message for me yesterday saying he rebooked our Star cruise for Jan 2016. Lost a total of $100 obc but gained a $200 price drop and added prepaid DSC for DH and I. We still have UDP and UBP so I'm very happy :)

 

 

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Good for you. I'm very happy with the price of our Star cruise next year too and glad we were able to take advantage of the promotion. The Gem cruise for this October has gone up so much in price since we booked last summer that, unless we'd spend more than the amount of the increase while onboard on things that the promotion would cover, there's no benefit in rebooking. At best we would break even and it would probably cost us money.

[Kcruiser2014]

This is our experience as well. Our TA left a message for me yesterday saying he rebooked our Star cruise for Jan 2016. Lost a total of $100 obc but gained a $200 price drop and added prepaid DSC for DH and I. We still have UDP and UBP so I'm very happy :)

 

 

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Sounds like you have a great TA that watches out for you!!!

[garnet115]

Yes, we too booked "up" on the cruise we took last week because we needed to get us and our three kids into a room and were enticed by all the "add-ons". I have to say the Haven was worth every penny we spent on the the trip...so relaxing, but BEWARE there are a lot of added expenses with all the other incentives. A 15% gratuity charge is added to EVERY drink order, plus you are expected to tip extra for all of your dinning package usage. It all adds up.

 

 

I thought the 15% gratuity was included in the UBP (no extra charge for it when UBP is included as a perk)? THey charge extra grat for each drink ordered? Or am I misunderstanding you? I am happy to tip and would have signed for extra tips when ordering drinks, but I didn't think it worked the way you are describing.

[mployhar]

I thought the 15% gratuity was included in the UBP (no extra charge for it when UBP is included as a perk)? THey charge extra grat for each drink ordered? Or am I misunderstanding you? I am happy to tip and would have signed for extra tips when ordering drinks, but I didn't think it worked the way you are describing.

 

Sorry, I stand corrected. I was looking at the tips we added on over and above the 15% for the drinks (kind of almost assumed that you will add them though) and the tips for the waiters in the special dinning venues. Plus, we had more people to tip being in a suite (our butler, concierge, and the Haven waiter). Still added expenses that we normally don't have when not using all these perks and the suite amenities. :)

[amarvel]

I'm jealous of you all. There are so many great cruise fares but for us living in Seattle the airfare negates any savings. I found several cruises that the fair itself with all these deals is a steal but when I have to pay four to six hundred dollars per person for airfare it's not cheap vacation anymore. Wish there was more west coast itineraries.

 

I'm still searching though. I'm determined to book something with this sale ;)

Edited March 4, 2015 by amarvel
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[maryisme]

ignore

Edited March 4, 2015 by maryisme

[maryisme]

My August 26 2016 Bermuda cruise on Dawn from Boston

 

Passengers 3 - 5 pay only taxes and port charges

 

2 adults; 4 kids ages 20 and under - gonna be tight but this is a *bonus* trip so we will rough it :D

 

Figured since we are on pool deck bathrooms won't be far off - just in case

 

6 of us in a SJ Family Suite = $4635 receiving:

 

Amenity Details

 

•Adult Beverage Package

•Dining Package

•FREE PREPAID SERVICE CHARGES SUITES & ABOVE

•$200 shipboard credit

Edited March 4, 2015 by maryisme

[emcelh]

Sorry, I stand corrected. I was looking at the tips we added on over and above the 15% for the drinks (kind of almost assumed that you will add them though) and the tips for the waiters in the special dinning venues. Plus, we had more people to tip being in a suite (our butler, concierge, and the Haven waiter). Still added expenses that we normally don't have when not using all these perks and the suite amenities. :)

 

Tips for the waiters in he special dining venues are optional as they are included in the DSC pool. Some people tip extra if service is above expectations but many do not. It isn't really expected.

[garnet115]

Sorry, I stand corrected. I was looking at the tips we added on over and above the 15% for the drinks (kind of almost assumed that you will add them though) and the tips for the waiters in the special dinning venues. Plus, we had more people to tip being in a suite (our butler, concierge, and the Haven waiter). Still added expenses that we normally don't have when not using all these perks and the suite amenities. :)

 

Thanks for clarifying. Agreed that staying in the Haven comes with additional costs in tips, but so worth it for the service that you get. Again, if it weren't for the astronomical difference in the base fare on the cruise I am eyeing (Getaway during a prime holiday week), I would do it in a heartbeat. I still might, but with a few palpitations instead of beats. ;)

[Mom2B&Z]

I'm jealous of you all. There are so many great cruise fares but for us living in Seattle the airfare negates any savings. I found several cruises that the fair itself with all these deals is a steal but when I have to pay four to six hundred dollars per person for airfare it's not cheap vacation anymore. Wish there was more west coast itineraries.

 

I'm still searching though. I'm determined to book something with this sale ;)

 

 

Oh trust me, we are in the same proverbial boat when it comes to airfare. Flying to Florida from Ottawa, Ontario isn't cheap, I have budgeted $2500 for 4 people and that may not be enough. Keep those price drops coming lol!

 

 

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