My 1st time on ncl

[newmexicoNita]

I have am booked on the escape for a cruise in janurary. This will be my 2nd ever cruise. I went to alaska in 2016 with royal carribean. I'm worried that I've made the wrong call for the trip to the carribean. Part of me wants to stay with ncl. Part of me wants to book with royal carribean on the allure. I had a balcony cabin for alaska. I have a inside cabin on the escape . I have the dining package. This is a cruise for my 50th birthday. I need some advice from the veteran cruisers assuring me I've made the right call.

I guess my first question and it may have been asked already, why are you doubting your decision? Of course an inside cabin is going to be a very different experience than a balcony, but I am sure the cost of a balcony on the ALlure would be quite a bit higher than what you are paying. The two lines are more similar than different. The Allure is a great ship, but older than the Escape. Not that it always makes a difference. You have more dining choices on NCL and the food may be a little better, but that is a matter of opinion. If it were me, I would weigh the itinerary to see which one seems to fit your interests the most. I realize that is hard, as you haven't cruised enough to know about the islands.

As for the UBP or the dining package, as has been mentioned it depends on how much you enjoy your daily drinks? We enjoy the chance to try new drinks we would otherwise not spend the money on. We enjoy the speialty dining but the MDRs are ok and with an OBC you can still splurge for a specialty dining room or two. This is simply our idea and everyone feels differently. As for storms, unless an island is almost wiped out the itinerary isn't likely to change. And unless we have a horrible few months ahead it isn't likely there will be any storms bad enough to warrent changes, but that is not something anyone can know for certain. The one thing you need not worry about is the posibility of storms while you are cruising in Jan. A little rain, heck that can always happen, a storm not likely at all.

Edited September 4, 2017 by newmexicoNita

[fredflint]

Allure only offers made to order omelettes in one small location, which may seem small but after 10 days on the TA a couple of years ago it did bug me!

[Badgeaz]

I've decided after reading all the comments. That I'm gonna stick with my gut and stay on the escape. I'm gonna bump up my obc to $400. And whatever offer I get to bid on I will certainly look at it. I really appreciate all the feedback.

 

Badgeaz

[uneamie]

Did I make the right call getting a inside cabin. All this stuff is spinning in my head. I have to make my final payment in 6 weeks

I don't think anyone can really answer that for you.....but if it were me and I already experienced a balcony I don't think I'd be happy with an inside cabin, especially going to the Caribbean where the weather is lovely and you'd use your balcony more. If you are a drinker then the UBP may be a better option than the dining package. Drinks cost a lot more than the specialty restaurants. However, if you are not a drinker then I'd go for the dining package.

[Steve007NY]

As for ships, definitely a toss-up.

UBP probably makes more financial sense. You may not be big alcohol consumers, but a cocktail each per day, perhaps a couple glasses of alcohol free mint lemonade by the pool and A glass each of wine with dinner and either way, way ahead. Check out the post and menus and those of the specialty restaurants. Even buying a specialty dining package with your OBC Will give you the dining options and guarantee that you don't have to think about that second glass of anything.

 

Personally, A balcony is up there with the most important parts of my cabin. However, (although I can't predict what it will be like for your sailing) if you check out the upgrade bids threads, there are a lot of reports of people getting upgraded from inside the balcony on bids of $50 a person. It's a gamble. Except when traveling with our elderly parents we're being close to their favorite spots matters location on the ship is never been much of an issue for us.. You're either from from the theater or the casino or the buffet or the dining room or the pool . Hi decks have better views; low ones less motion but for me, particularly in tropical Saillans, being able to sit outside in the fresh air on a balmy evening in January without having to leave your cabin is fantastic.

[Tiggertastic]

If you drink, swap your package to drinks as its financially worth much more. You can pick up a dining package for 4 days for the price of 2 days drinks.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums