NCL prices are ridiculous!

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I do my online check-in the moment it is available which is 21 days in advance.  The reason is I want the earliest boarding time possible.  That is 09:00 AM.  This puts you in group one or two when the ship is cleared.  I then make a "B" line to the Vibe Beach Club. 

 

This is not consistent because it has so much to do with the last weeks guest following the rules. My best guess is Group One/Two board between 10:50 AM to 11:15 AM. 

 

I hope that helps.

 

In summary, arriving at 0830-0845 produces boarding around 1100.  A 2 1/2 hour wait.

It seems your wanting to be early to get a vibe pass is driving your time line.

I'm seriously considering hanging at the hotel until 1100 and arriving at the port around 1200.  Any estimate of how long my wait would be to board?

[Oceansaway17]

On 10/4/2022 at 5:01 PM, Encore37 said:

I booked a balcony on the brand new MSC Seascape for half the price of an interior on NCL Encore!  I love NCL but there's no way I'm paying double for an interior cabin over a balcony.  And this wasn't just one particular week, it's pretty much every week until the end of the year.  I have a hard time believing they're going to fill their ships anytime soon with the crazy pricing.

aw yes but then they say the food and entertainment on MSC is not as good.

I will try an MSC ship one day as I hear they are really pretty inside.

BTW new Carnival ships are expensive as well. They have tier pricing of the rooms.

[thespartyof3]

I’m Diamond on MSC. I’ve cruised with them twice this year alone (South Caribbean for 2 weeks & 7 day Greece). Our last 5 cruises were MSC and we prefer them over any other cruise line (Royal x 9, 1x celebrity, 1x Carnival, 2x NCL).
 

We are booked on NCL for the 3rd time in 12 years… we actually cancelled a MSC cruise for this upcoming cruise on the Breakaway (thought we would change it up). 
 

To be honest although I did some research before booking with NCL I’m already shocked at how crazy some add ons are:

-the wifi pkg with streaming for our upcoming 9 night cruise is more $$ then we paid for a 15 day sailing! Also ***** NCL gives your mins for wifi? MSC the incl wifi is unlimited mins (basic pkg for msgs/social media)
- the drink pkg with MSC the $15 drink limit went a long way. I just read on another thread today that Baileys is 16??? Lol 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 8, 2022 by thespartyof3

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

In summary, arriving at 0830-0845 produces boarding around 1100.  A 2 1/2 hour wait.

It seems your wanting to be early to get a vibe pass is driving your time line.

I'm seriously considering hanging at the hotel until 1100 and arriving at the port around 1200.  Any estimate of how long my wait would be to board?

@RocketMan275 No, I have already booked and confirmed a Vibe Beach Club Cabana.  I come early because I am a crazy human being.  I traveled for 40 years, I was always the first online in airports.  I can't help it.  On one thing you are right.  The moment I am on board, since I have my vibe pass, I will be in the Vibe immediately.  It is a tradition.  LOL.  

 

The issue with New Orleans is complete disorganization even in the Haven.  I will take my ipad and start reading my book.  The newest release of Mitch Rapp.  I can't wait.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

12 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@RocketMan275 No, I have already booked and confirmed a Vibe Beach Club Cabana.  I come early because I am a crazy human being.  I traveled for 40 years, I was always the first online in airports.  I can't help it.  On one thing you are right.  The moment I am on board, since I have my vibe pass, I will be in the Vibe immediately.  It is a tradition.  LOL.  

 

The issue with New Orleans is complete disorganization even in the Haven.  I will take my ipad and start reading my book.  The newest release of Mitch Rapp.  I can't wait.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I spend too much time playing 'hurry up and wait' while I was in the military.  Arrive at the airport eight hours before flight time, etc.

 

My plan is too hang at hotel until 1030, park at Fulton Garage, shuttle to port, drop bags with SeaCaps, then check out the lines.  If lines are short and moving, then check in.  If long and stopped, I'll hang in the Riverwalk, maybe Cafe Du Monde, then check in around 1230 or 1300 or so.   

 

Thanks for your insights, they were very helpful.

[MoCruiseFan]

On 10/4/2022 at 5:01 PM, Encore37 said:

I booked a balcony on the brand new MSC Seascape for half the price of an interior on NCL Encore!  I love NCL but there's no way I'm paying double for an interior cabin over a balcony.  And this wasn't just one particular week, it's pretty much every week until the end of the year.  I have a hard time believing they're going to fill their ships anytime soon with the crazy pricing.

isn't the free market system great?  If you think the asking price for a commodity is too high, simply do not purchase.  Problem solved.  Next!

[poppy jalopy]

Two things. A or 1 have you read or watched any you tuber reviews on msc.

2 or B As curious old man I wondered how our energy policy affected the cost of fuel for these monsters of the sea. It seems bunker fuel is up 55% . That brings the cost of operating a Dawn class ship on a seven day cruise to near $888,000.00 a bliss class to over $1,000,000.00. Also every morsel of food , drink, toilet paper is delivered by truck. My son needs trucking in his business and his costs have doubled. Costs are up for everyone , remember it all gets passed on to the consumer.

[Sthrngary]

12 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

I spend too much time playing 'hurry up and wait' while I was in the military.  Arrive at the airport eight hours before flight time, etc.

 

My plan is too hang at hotel until 1030, park at Fulton Garage, shuttle to port, drop bags with SeaCaps, then check out the lines.  If lines are short and moving, then check in.  If long and stopped, I'll hang in the Riverwalk, maybe Cafe Du Monde, then check in around 1230 or 1300 or so.   

 

Thanks for your insights, they were very helpful.

I very clearly see your point.  Thank you for your service by the way.  You keep our county safe and it was very much appreciated. I too will be at Cafe Du Monde which is a staple of my wife and my time on any trip to NOLA.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[blueslily]

On 10/8/2022 at 3:47 PM, Oceansaway17 said:

aw yes but then they say the food and entertainment on MSC is not as good.

I will try an MSC ship one day as I hear they are really pretty inside.

BTW new Carnival ships are expensive as well. They have tier pricing of the rooms.

 

I certainly enjoy sailing on MSC. I always find food to wat. Dining room food is fine. In my last MSC cruise, I shook my head wondering what people were complaining about when it came to the Main dining rooms. I sail on MSC to relax. So, I dont really need to be running around for entertainment options. But, I've never been bored. If the price is right, I sail. 

[kenzie]

On 10/8/2022 at 1:23 AM, Sthrngary said:

You are going to have such a good time.  MSC is a very nice cruise brand.  When you compare NCL, Royal and MSC; there are more similarities than differences.  It kind of reminds me about comparing Ford and Chevy trucks.  Yet, brand loyalty is a thing.  I have personally gone on lots of brands.  My favorite thing is to figure out, what is really special about a brand, then on the next cruise it is part of my plan to leverage it again.  

 

Please tell us all how the trip goes.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Hi Gary, I have done 2 Haven ships, Bliss and Getaway- after reading your great pages re Haven on the NCL CC boards looking at January- NCL Haven on Escape or considering the NSC YC, as you have done both, could you please provide your views on the differences from the experiences on each Haven/YC, what will we miss?

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by kenzie
mistake

[Rob-Bob]

I just booked a land trip to Ireland.  Until the price of cruising comes back down I will most likely be vacationing on land. 

 

21 cruises under my belt.  I do know there are alternatives.

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, Rob-Bob said:

I just booked a land trip to Ireland.  Until the price of cruising comes back down I will most likely be vacationing on land. 

 

21 cruises under my belt.  I do know there are alternatives.

I think our Mexican March cruise is the last one for a bit. We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon in 2019, so we're headed back for our 5 year in winter 24, then up to Alaska in fall 24. There is no way I would ever do a cruise to Hawaii, unless it was given to me for free.

 

The value just isn't there and I cannot see myself staying in port for one overnight, rather than seeing the islands for their true nature for a few days at a time. I'm not sold on an Alaskan cruise yet. I've been there before (on land). You can definitely do one heck of a land adventure for like $5,000 all-in, for two. 

 

Next cruise will either be Alaska, 24 or something in 2025 I think. Watch...in two weeks I'll let everyone know we've booked another 2023 cruise. We do only have one vacation scheduled for 23, so it's possible haha

[BklynBorn47]

On 10/5/2022 at 11:54 AM, Encore37 said:

 

I've heard they only do the safety announcements in multiple languages on cruises departing from the United States now.  All other announcements are in English.

On the Meraviglia TA (arrived in PC Oct 13th) all announcements were in all 6 languages

We loved the International Vibe including the announcements.  I would try to understand the Spanish ones while my husband worked on his French and German.  Just our thing, I suppose. 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, kenzie said:

Hi Gary, I have done 2 Haven ships, Bliss and Getaway- after reading your great pages re Haven on the NCL CC boards looking at January- NCL Haven on Escape or considering the NSC YC, as you have done both, could you please provide your views on the differences from the experiences on each Haven/YC, what will we miss?

 

Boy,  I certainly don't want to step on Gary's toes, but I've sailed MSC's Meriviglia (Mediterranean) and DIvina (Caribbean), both in the Yacht Club.  I've also sailed in the Haven on NCL's "_away" ships.

 

There used to be a pretty big pricing delta between the Haven and the Yacht Club (YC), with the YC being significantly less expensive.

 

That's not the case any more, although YC prices look pretty good if you can sail in the next 30-60 days (save for Thanksgiving week).

 

YC from the get go has a tent set up and Butlers available to take your luggage from you as soon as you hit the pier.  They will escort you to the check in area and get snacks and food for you if you want. Haven---you get an exclusive check in area with snacks and drinks, but you handle your own luggage.  Both have escorts that will take you on board.

 

YC has the Top Sail Lounge, which is quite nice, where snacks are served throughout the day and waitstaff accommodating any bar requests you have.  It has couches and padded chairs with a 270º view out to sea with floor to ceiling windows.  Haven views depend on which ship you're on.  If your ship has an Observation Lounge, it is a very large area, also with snacks and waitstaff for bar service.  But, not all Havens have the Observation Lounge.  They all have access to a private small pool/jacuzzi area and also has a private massage area.  

 

Both the YC and the Haven have their own private restaurants.  The YC restaurant tends to be slightly more formal (long pants for males, sleeves for females), while the Haven Restaurant is slightly less formal.  YC restaurant menu changes every evening for dinner.  Haven restaurant is static, offering the same choices every night.  But, they will offer MDR choices if you request.  It's been reported that Haven Wait Staff will offer Speciality Dining offerings, but aside from offering it as an in cabin dining option, I have never seen it done.  

 

Food is so subjective, but I will say the food is good on both lines.  YC obviously has a European bend, where the Haven has more of a North American tilt.

 

Service in the Haven, to me, is top notch.  Sometimes it seems the Haven Concierges perform miracles...getting dinner reservations and a sold out specialty restaurant or an excursion to escorting you (via back elevators and stairs) to some of the shows.

 

YC personnel are accommodating, but less proactive.  They are more than willing to try and help, but it's normally as you request something.  

 

Both have Butlers and Concierges.  I say the Butlers in the YC are better than those in the Haven.  But, I think the Concierges are better in the Haven than in the YC.

 

In short, no. bad choices either way.  I like the entertainment more on NCL, but that has nothing to do with either the Haven or the YC.

 

Good luck!

[Oceansaway17]

On 10/15/2022 at 10:28 PM, blueslily said:

 

I certainly enjoy sailing on MSC. I always find food to wat. Dining room food is fine. In my last MSC cruise, I shook my head wondering what people were complaining about when it came to the Main dining rooms. I sail on MSC to relax. So, I dont really need to be running around for entertainment options. But, I've never been bored. If the price is right, I sail. 

and the food is supposedly healthy too

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Boy,  I certainly don't want to step on Gary's toes, but I've sailed MSC's Meriviglia (Mediterranean) and DIvina (Caribbean), both in the Yacht Club.  I've also sailed in the Haven on NCL's "_away" ships.

 

There used to be a pretty big pricing delta between the Haven and the Yacht Club (YC), with the YC being significantly less expensive.

 

That's not the case any more, although YC prices look pretty good if you can sail in the next 30-60 days (save for Thanksgiving week).

 

YC from the get go has a tent set up and Butlers available to take your luggage from you as soon as you hit the pier.  They will escort you to the check in area and get snacks and food for you if you want. Haven---you get an exclusive check in area with snacks and drinks, but you handle your own luggage.  Both have escorts that will take you on board.

 

YC has the Top Sail Lounge, which is quite nice, where snacks are served throughout the day and waitstaff accommodating any bar requests you have.  It has couches and padded chairs with a 270º view out to sea with floor to ceiling windows.  Haven views depend on which ship you're on.  If your ship has an Observation Lounge, it is a very large area, also with snacks and waitstaff for bar service.  But, not all Havens have the Observation Lounge.  They all have access to a private small pool/jacuzzi area and also has a private massage area.  

 

Both the YC and the Haven have their own private restaurants.  The YC restaurant tends to be slightly more formal (long pants for males, sleeves for females), while the Haven Restaurant is slightly less formal.  YC restaurant menu changes every evening for dinner.  Haven restaurant is static, offering the same choices every night.  But, they will offer MDR choices if you request.  It's been reported that Haven Wait Staff will offer Speciality Dining offerings, but aside from offering it as an in cabin dining option, I have never seen it done.  

 

Food is so subjective, but I will say the food is good on both lines.  YC obviously has a European bend, where the Haven has more of a North American tilt.

 

Service in the Haven, to me, is top notch.  Sometimes it seems the Haven Concierges perform miracles...getting dinner reservations and a sold out specialty restaurant or an excursion to escorting you (via back elevators and stairs) to some of the shows.

 

YC personnel are accommodating, but less proactive.  They are more than willing to try and help, but it's normally as you request something.  

 

Both have Butlers and Concierges.  I say the Butlers in the YC are better than those in the Haven.  But, I think the Concierges are better in the Haven than in the YC.

 

In short, no. bad choices either way.  I like the entertainment more on NCL, but that has nothing to do with either the Haven or the YC.

 

Good luck!

GREAT outline.  I remember when it was much less to go YC.  Those were the days.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.