Windsorontario Posted September 14, 2017 #1 Share Posted September 14, 2017 I am going on my first cruise in January with my daughter on Norwegian Epic. We do a family trip every year with my husbands side of the family. For January 2019 they would like to do a cruise. I am pretty sure we have made our decision on which cruise to do. Would it be worth it to do the large booking while on the ship? Do you actually save any money. We would be booking 4 rooms that are balconies. Thanks!!! ( I previously posted it on new cruises but was suggested that I posted it here) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetaro Posted September 14, 2017 #2 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Google cruisenext Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garycarla Posted September 14, 2017 #3 Share Posted September 14, 2017 In most cases, it does not matter where you actually book it. They do sell the cruisenext certificates onboard that can be used whenever you book to save some money. I would never book a cruise that I could not also cancel once I got home and realized I either had a conflict or emotionally needed to cancel. (not an issue in this case) As to booking 4 cabins - will you put all of those on YOUR credit card while on the cruise? Will everyone else be okay with you picking the cabin location? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitzel Posted September 14, 2017 #4 Share Posted September 14, 2017 You can purchase CruiseNext certificates while onboard which will provide a net discount on your next sailing. You do not need to book onboard (though ask what sort of perks they might give you for doing so). You can use the CruiseNext certificates with any travel agent, so it pays to shop around and book when there are sales going on or bonus perks being offered. Most will be better than what you could get by booking on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tempus137 Posted September 14, 2017 #5 Share Posted September 14, 2017 See what extra promos they're offering. We booked the inaugural Bliss for next April on our cruise last May. The offer was to book at the rate for a BF balcony & get upgraded to a BA. We were also able to have the booking transferred to our TA afterwards. If you're looking to book 4 cabins, you could buy 4 cruisenext certificates. $1,000 charged to your onboard acct, and use them as deposits on the cabins. Because you will get $500 OBC applied (basically a 50% discount on the certificates) you get a $250 deposit on each cabin for a net cost of $125. They may also run a promo allowing you to use 2 certificates for each cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windsorontario Posted September 14, 2017 Author #6 Share Posted September 14, 2017 The decision will be made by all before I go on the cruise. I have no problem putting them all on my CC. I was just trying to see if we could get a deal booking it while on board. I guess I am going to have to check it out during my cruise and if it is doable I will book them. They would be ok me choosing the rooms none of them have ever cruised before. The next cruise will probably be on the Epic again so I will be able to gain some knowledge as to where to choose the rooms. We will be having 8 adults and 4 kids ranging from 1 to 14. Thank you for your help it is greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetaro Posted September 14, 2017 #7 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Just buy 4 $250 cruisenext certificate at 50% off at the cruise and book your cruise later. Price is usually higher now if you want to book 2019. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appzoffear Posted September 15, 2017 #8 Share Posted September 15, 2017 See what extra promos they're offering. We booked the inaugural Bliss for next April on our cruise last May. The offer was to book at the rate for a BF balcony & get upgraded to a BA. We were also able to have the booking transferred to our TA afterwards. If you're looking to book 4 cabins, you could buy 4 cruisenext certificates. $1,000 charged to your onboard acct, and use them as deposits on the cabins. Because you will get $500 OBC applied (basically a 50% discount on the certificates) you get a $250 deposit on each cabin for a net cost of $125. They may also run a promo allowing you to use 2 certificates for each cabin. That offer now only saved you $80 pp on the TA itin. bf to ba 1649 vs 1729. Seems like a poor offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tempus137 Posted September 15, 2017 #9 Share Posted September 15, 2017 That offer now only saved you $80 pp on the TA itin.bf to ba 1649 vs 1729. Seems like a poor offer. I know it's not a lot, but it's not only the savings, it's a better location. 1 thing that has to be considered is that if we rebook in order to get the OBC that was offered under the Balcony Bonus, we lose the cabin upgrade. So we passed on that as it would have ended up costing $160 to get $100 OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appzoffear Posted September 15, 2017 #10 Share Posted September 15, 2017 I know it's not a lot, but it's not only the savings, it's a better location. 1 thing that has to be considered is that if we rebook in order to get the OBC that was offered under the Balcony Bonus, we lose the cabin upgrade. So we passed on that as it would have ended up costing $160 to get $100 OBC. The reason I ask is we are going to book are next cruise on the Escape in September 23. We are booking either the breakaway 12 night in December or the bliss trans Atlantic in April. I was wondering if it's even worth booking on the cruise ship. Seems they don't give that great of An offer. So you can't book a guaranteed bx and go to a ba then I'm assuming? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldrima Posted September 15, 2017 #11 Share Posted September 15, 2017 They may also run a promo allowing you to use 2 certificates for each cabin. Do they advertise that they allow you to apply 2 certificates or is it on a case-by-case basis? Do you learn about this option through the forums? I purchased 2 on my last cruise and used them for 2 separate bookings but may be inclined to buy more than 2 on my 9/23 sailing if they frequently allow you to apply 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tempus137 Posted September 15, 2017 #12 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Do they advertise that they allow you to apply 2 certificates or is it on a case-by-case basis? Do you learn about this option through the forums? I purchased 2 on my last cruise and used them for 2 separate bookings but may be inclined to buy more than 2 on my 9/23 sailing if they frequently allow you to apply 2. At the time, they said you could use 2 for a balcony or higher, at least 6 months out. I have never seen any emails or ads that stated that, although I don't follow NCL on Facebook or Twitter, so I don't know if it ever shows up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Manbo Posted September 15, 2017 #13 Share Posted September 15, 2017 We once booked on board and as soon as we got home, we had to cancel and re-book. The Next cruise staff were not well informed and we had to pretty much tell them about the specials and perks we were entitled too. Plus, they couldn't really see the cabins available. so once we got home we called and changed the cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYcruzzer Posted September 16, 2017 #14 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Google cruisenext Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk If they did that, then they wouldn't meet nice helpful posters like yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted September 16, 2017 #15 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Don't be in a hurry to book that family cruise a year in advance. Do take advantage of the Cruise Next Certificates. While on board your first cruise take a look or peak of the cabin accommodations that you are likely to find on the ship you are on now - and if booking a sister ship should have a good idea of similar accommodations. Another reason not to be hasty in booking cancelling and rebooking is losing out on perks and promos. Every time you cancel and rebook you may lose more than you gain - approach this carefully. After your first cruise you will have established a Latitudes Rewards account. Periodically logon to the NCL site and look at the blue banner bar for "SPECIALS" - click on that check the "LATITUDES INSIDER OFFER" for promos offering special fares and bonus perks and points. Be a savvy cruiser getting the most bang for your dollar euro or whatever round-tuits is negotiable. If you are going to have a block of cabins check the location - read on here at CC for the best locations and the pitfalls (vicinity of the theatre or LOUD entertainment). Now you thought cruising was easy-peasy - well it is - that's what CC is all about and be careful of what you read here - Don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain get the answers verified - even mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyh85 Posted September 17, 2017 #16 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Go with the CruiseNext certs - best idea for your situation. But when you come home and book, book the Bliss! I'll tell you all about it after I come home! Plus the kids would love the go carts and laser tag.... Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windsorontario Posted September 17, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Go with the CruiseNext certs - best idea for your situation. But when you come home and book, book the Bliss! I'll tell you all about it after I come home! Plus the kids would love the go carts and laser tag.... Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk I know. I think that they will love the bliss. Jamie's parents might not like such a big ship but that is something they will have to deal with if it is for the whole family. You are going March 2019 Sandy? We will be planning hopefully January 2019 for that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser man 60 Posted September 17, 2017 #18 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Hi, a bit of advice please. Can I buy the cruise next certificates in any currency e.g. GBP as we are from U.K. And pay in £ ? Also How does the 50% OBC work, i.e. I pay £500 and get £250 back as OBC, can I use this for trips, dining etc or how does it work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyh85 Posted September 17, 2017 #19 Share Posted September 17, 2017 I know. I think that they will love the bliss. Jamie's parents might not like such a big ship but that is something they will have to deal with if it is for the whole family. You are going March 2019 Sandy? We will be planning hopefully January 2019 for that one.We are doing Jan 2019. Only problem I see with the epic is no Waterfront. It's my favourite place on BA/BA+ class ships. During the day, it's practically empty - could be a selling point for Jamie's parents? Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Oldpeopleinlove Posted September 17, 2017 #20 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Don't be in a hurry to book that family cruise a year in advance.Do take advantage of the Cruise Next Certificates. While on board your first cruise take a look or peak of the cabin accommodations that you are likely to find on the ship you are on now - and if booking a sister ship should have a good idea of similar accommodations. Another reason not to be hasty in booking cancelling and rebooking is losing out on perks and promos. Every time you cancel and rebook you may lose more than you gain - approach this carefully. After your first cruise you will have established a Latitudes Rewards account. Periodically logon to the NCL site and look at the blue banner bar for "SPECIALS" - click on that check the "LATITUDES INSIDER OFFER" for promos offering special fares and bonus perks and points. Be a savvy cruiser getting the most bang for your dollar euro or whatever round-tuits is negotiable. If you are going to have a block of cabins check the location - read on here at CC for the best locations and the pitfalls (vicinity of the theatre or LOUD entertainment). Now you thought cruising was easy-peasy - well it is - that's what CC is all about and be careful of what you read here - Don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain get the answers verified - even mine. THANK YOU for this most helpful reply. We bought two certificates last Thursday on the Gem but we didn't like the cost of the cruises enough to book on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted September 17, 2017 #21 Share Posted September 17, 2017 (edited) Hi, a bit of advice please. Can I buy the cruise next certificates in any currency e.g. GBP as we are from U.K. And pay in £ ?Also How does the 50% OBC work, i.e. I pay £500 and get £250 back as OBC, can I use this for trips, dining etc or how does it work? I believe the Next Certificates are purchased in USA dollars $ since they are only purchased while on a ship. The $ is the universal recognized form of payment by NCL - NOW I also believe that your form of currency the GBP ( £) can easily be converted to purchase the certificates as well as other payment forms i.e. Euro. These are purchased and billed directly to your On Board Account - so there is no cash or credit card used at the time of purchase. When you leave the ship settling your On Board Account with whatever form of payment is on file or NCL accepts. How does the OBC Work ? If you purchase the $250 level you get OBC of $100 (not such a great idea better to buy $500 getting $250) So you purchase the better deal of $500 and get $250 OBC. You get two $250 certificates to make a down payment on future NCL cruises to be sailing within 4 years. You can only apply one of these certificates per cabin at a time - BUT from time to time NCL allows 2 to be used at certain times markets and promotions. OK the OBC - You can use it anywhere on the ship to purchase goods and services***; the Casino may have some restrictions check that out. If there is any unused OBC when checking out and leaving the ship at the end of the cruise it is forfeited poof gone - so live it up and use it up - it does not get carried over to your next cruise or anything like that - it is of the NON-Refundable type. *** Goods and Services: Beverages - Drinks - Specialty Coffee Specialty Dining - Ala-Carte Restaurants Gift Shop - anything in the gift shop Photo Shop - Photos - Camera gear memory cards etc. Duty Free - anything in this shop Spa - Beauty - Hairdressers - Manicures Wi-Fi Internet services Ship-to-Shore Phone Calls Laundry services Shore Excursions Back Scenes Tours DVDs from Show productions MORE ??? LASTLY - TIPS for crew members who you wish to recognize personally* * Go to Guest Services and fill out the forms Edited September 17, 2017 by don't-use-real-name Add data Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kruizin'Kath Posted September 18, 2017 #22 Share Posted September 18, 2017 We bought 2 CruiseNext certificates and applied both of them to our balcony cabin for our cruise next year. I believe we had to book a balcony 9 months out to use both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nola26 Posted September 18, 2017 #23 Share Posted September 18, 2017 The decision will be made by all before I go on the cruise. I have no problem putting them all on my CC. I was just trying to see if we could get a deal booking it while on board. I guess I am going to have to check it out during my cruise and if it is doable I will book them. They would be ok me choosing the rooms none of them have ever cruised before. The next cruise will probably be on the Epic again so I will be able to gain some knowledge as to where to choose the rooms. We will be having 8 adults and 4 kids ranging from 1 to 14. Thank you for your help it is greatly appreciated! While onboard you can purchase up to 4 Cruisenext certificates. Then you can use those certificates as the deposit for the 4 cabins. So you're not actually putting their rooms on your card, just the certificates. There would be no future risk/obligation toward your card for any cabin, including your own, you make your payment decision at time of payment. One of the perks of buying the certificates is you'll receive an OBC during the cruise, typically worth half. So you'll be charged $1,000 for the certificates, but receive a $500 OBC after the purchase. If it turns out you want more than 4 cabins for the group and your daughter is at least 18 she should also be eligible to buy the certificates. For example if someone wants to book their cabin and an adjoining room for the kids you could need a 5th certificate or take advantage of a reduced deposit promotion if one is active at that time (currently $50pp for the first 2 in the cabin). As for booking onboard they call that Cruisenext Ultimate, an additional Free at Sea perk is currently being offered. So your family members could choose 3 perks instead of 2. You may also have a wider selection of cabins open and happier with the locations you select. Given the date you want to sail you'll have plenty of time to change, cancel or transfer the reservation to a TA if that is more inline with how your group prefers to travel. I book direct, but lots of readers on CC use TAs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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