asctony

How late in the afternoon are the lunch eating places open? On the Getaway, O'Sheeans closed at 2 and remained closed until 4:30.

I can't remember exactly, but since you don't sail until 7:00 p.m. I would think at least O'Sheehans will be open later than 2:00.

 

Tracy

I agree with your thinking.. However, like I said, on the Getaway they closed osheehans at 2. That is the reason for my question

Taste/savor opening at noon.

My mistake. What time do they close? Thank you!

Buffet, Taste/Savor, O'Sheehans and Margaritaville are open.

 

Tracy

What time are they open till? Just got off of the Gateway and O'Sheehans closed at 2pm until 4:30pm.

Thank you all for the helpful info. The ship looks beautiful.

The DL looks great, but small? How many will it hold during 5 to 830pm?

On the Allure and Oasis, people would get seats at 430.

Jamies menu is better than the one I found. Will have to try the lamb.

Thanks again!

Getting ready to go on Harmony OTS. I have two questions for those of you who have been on her.

1. What does the Diamond Lounge look like on Deck 4? Any Pictures? I heard it is where Blaze was on the Allure and Oasis.

2. Jamie's replaced Giovanni's. Looking at Jamie's menu it is very limited and does not compare to Giovanni's. Anyone have any experience with Jamie's?

Thank you!

Just got off of the Getaway. Your Daily Service Charge (DSC) of $13.50 is only taken off of REFUNDABLE OBC. Non-Refundable is never used for the DSC. Other cruise lines do use Non-Refundable for DSC, such as Celebrity, Princess and RCI.

How is the new Diamond Lounge on Deck 4? Any pictures?

Thank you!

I been trying to get straight answers on this subject for over 2 hours. I have talked to two different RCI people and my TA. There seems to be no one answer. Here are the questions:

If you are Diamond Plus you have a BOGO the first or second night.

1. If you buy a 3 or 4 night package do you have to use the 3 or 4 night package the first or second night?

2. We do not want to use the 3 or 4 package the first or second night because we can each (DH and DW) purchase a meal the first night then the other spouse purchase a meal the second night to use the BOGO since it is an Individual Perk and not a Cabin perk.

The second person we spoke to was not sure, so that person will check it out with Corp. and with the ship via email.

3. Has anyone ever not used the total package and received credit back? If I bought a 3 meal package and only used 2 meals, would they refund the difference of the 1 unused meal? The RCI person was not sure, but thought that a refund would be given.

4. Can you buy these packages on board at the same price as shown on line?

I will post the answers here when I get them back from RCI.

Thanks for any of your input.

BY SHUTTLE

The Sawgrass Mills Shuttle offers transportation to and from select Miami and Fort Lauderdale Hotels.

Miami round trip: USD$30 per person

Fort Lauderdale round trip: USD$25 per person

To reserve, please call +1(954)838-1039 OR reserve online at SawgrassMillsShuttle.com.

Contact email: info@sawgrassmillsshuttle.com.

Website: SawgrassMillsShuttle.com

Accepted Payments: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Amex Travelers Cheques

The Sawgrass Mills Shuttle is serviced by Sawgrass Tour 95.

Thanks for info. I thought they may have a shuttle bus running back n forth. Our friends thought they saw one when they got off the Allure.

Going on the Allure OTS. Is there a bus that goes from the Pier (Port Everglades) to Sawgrass Mills and if so, how much does it cost?

thank you!

Thanks for your quick responses. The other cruise lines (Celebrity, Princess and RCI) take it from Non-Refundable first. I know each cruise line is different. However, I would have assumed that since NCL gives you an OBC, you should and could use it on any charge to your account, including DSC.

That is what happens when you ASSume. LOL

When you have OBC there are two categories.

Refundable-you may get this back if you don't spend it all.

Non--Refundable--Use it or loose it.

How does NCL determine which category to use when NCL deducts the daily Service Charge?

Do they take the Service Charge from the Refundable first, then the Non-Refundable?

or

Do they ever use Non-Refundable for Service Charges?

Thanks for helping in answering this question.

Yes they do, look at Royal and Celebrity

So True! Don't even pay a service charge on this either.

The price drops are BX generally and do not qualify for UBP /SDP perks, this is non beneficial to those who do utilise the UBP as drinks are expensive

You are correct! Had my TA check this out and was told we would loose our UDP and UBP if we took the lower rate. If you look at it comparing a BX to another B_, the price is $600/person more. So, what do you want, need or really want to pay. They are not giving you anything for free.

But do they enforce the policy? I know Celebrity doesn't.

Maybe not on the cruise you were on, but the one we were on last Nov they did. It was a show to watch when people came back and looked for their property.

After over 90 cruises with various cruise lines, I have never got a better deal from a cruise line than from a TA.

I have tried Celebrity, HAL, Princess and RCI to name a few. They cannot beat a TA.

In fact, on our last Escape cruise in Feb 16, I booked another Escape cruise for later this year on the Escape using their people on board. When I turned that booking over to my TA, my TA got me a better cabin, a cheaper price and more OBC. This is just one example.

another was booking the Gateway for this year. NCL could not beat the price or perks that I received from my TA.

I am sure there are some out there that may find a better deal with a cruise line. However, that always depends on who your TA is and how much research you do. JMHO!

There are so many sites on the Web that you can get all types of quotes for any cruise. Just go into the Internet and check out that cruise date and cabin to verify if you have a good price or a rip off.

I constantly check prices on 3 sites to determine the best price. It is so easy.

Just like airline tickets.

However, you do see price changes daily on cruises and flights.

These suggestions would be very valuable and should maybe be posted as a STICKY!!!

Open up a credit card

If you are going to travel you need the security of a credit line for emergencies

How would you pay a medical bill or book a flight back should you have an emergency?

Travel insurance reimburses only after you submit a bill to them

 

Using credit cards when traveling has zero to do with the " I don't use credit cards" mentality and 150% to do with safety and security

and common sense

If you qualify for a credit card please get one even if you don't use it

If you already have a credit card but refuse to use it just call the bank and make sure it's still active. Then advise the bank of your travel plans. Then tuck it away and use it at embark if nothing else

If you can't get or dont qualify for a credit card I have no advice

But if you do qualify it is just good common sense to always travel with a credit card

Excellent advise.

Other things to think about is:

Does your credit card charge you a Foreign Transaction Fee? That is normally ~3%. There are cards out there that do not! Some cards even give more % on travel purchases than others, too.

Always take 2 separate cards under you and your spouses name just in case you loose your card. If you both have the same card and number, your card is of no use if you loose one as you cancel that number.

Always make copies of your credit cards, passports,etc., and keep that in your cabin safe in case you loose your card. Then you can call the Credit Card company and provide them with your card number, etc.

Carry a copy of your passport when you get off the ship. Most ports will allow you to use copy unless specifically noted otherwise.

I'm sure there are other things people can add.

NCL perks are minimal compare to the other Cruise Lines. Here are the perks offered on Celebrity, Princess and RCI as examples. I have added links to check these out. Hope this helps.

Celebrity Elite Member Benefits* (300-749 earned Club Points**)

https://secure.celebritycruises.com/...-club-overview

Many of the benefits of Select membership plus:

• Access to the Captain's Club Lounge for daily coffee house style breakfast

• Evening Cocktail hour (excludes embarkation and evening of Senior Officers' Party)

• Complimentary 90-minute Internet package

• 20% discount on any digital or print photo package at the Photo Gallery

• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one port day of your choice while ship is in port)

• Complimentary dry cleaning of one garment item

• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on every sailing***

• A private shipboard departure lounge, serving continental breakfast

• Priority Tender Service in Tender Ports of Call

• Priority wait list in Main Dining Room

• Elegant tea invitation*

• Diamond Level enrollment in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society‡

• Earn Double Club Points if you travel solo in a stateroom (as of July 1, 2014)

• Receive Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership (earn free rentals) with weekly rental discounts, free upgrades, and other special offers. Learn more.

Celebrity Elite Plus Member Benefits* (750-2,999 earned Club Points**)

Many of the benefits of Elite membership plus:

• Complimentary 200-minute Internet package

• Complimentary tea, cappuccino, latte and espresso

• 10% discount on any Beverage or Wine Package‡

• 15% discount on any Specialty Restaurant‡

• 20% discount on any digital or print photo package at the Photo Gallery

• Private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast

Access to a coffeehouse style breakfast and Evening Cocktail hour

• Invitation to the Elegant Tea event*

• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one port day of your choice, while the ship is in port)

• Two complimentary bags of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on all Celebrity cruises ***

• Complimentary dry cleaning of one item

• Ability to enroll in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society Diamond Level

Princess Platinum 6-15 Cruises or 51 - 150 cruise days

Link: https://book.princess.com/captaincir...fits.page#Gold

Complimentary Internet Credit#

Each Platinum & Elite Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle member will receive a complimentary Internet credit to be used either on the computers in our Internet Cafés or wireless Internet on the passenger’s personal wireless device. The amount of complimentary Internet is determined by the length of the sailing.

VOYAGE DURATION MINUTES

7 days or less 150

8-20 days 250

21+ days 500

Elite - 16 Cruises or 151 or more cruise days

Complimentary Laundry and Professional Cleaning Services***Excludes same-day service. Upon request, your stateroom steward will organize your laundry to be cleaned - compliments of Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle!

Complimentary Mini Bar Set Up** Your stateroom will receive one mini bar set up consisting of a selection of liquors, soft drinks, beer, still and sparkling water. Once onboard you may contact Room Service to change your mini-bar selection. Certain restrictions apply. Drinks will be refilled upon request and you will only be charged for the additionally requested drinks consumed.

Deluxe Canapes Selection- Upon request you will receive a complimentary selection of deluxe canapés specially created by the Chef, delivered to your stateroom on formal nights (one order per Elite stateroom, each formal night). This benefit can be ordered by completing the card provided in your stateroom and hanging it outside your stateroom door by 10:00pm the night prior to the formal nights.

Afternoon Tea - Complimentary afternoon tea may be served in your stateroom, should you wish. You may request this via room service at least six hours prior to the desired delivery time.

Upgraded Bathroom Amenities - Regardless of your stateroom type, your stateroom bathroom will be stocked with the upgraded amenities normally reserved only for Suite guests.

10% Boutique Discount - Our Boutiques are second to none for choice and gift selection. Now, as an Elite Member, take advantage of a 10% discount storewide to buy those extra gifts for all your family back home! Your Cruise Card is your key to this wonderful benefit - simply show it when you make any purchase, and our Boutique Staff will automatically deduct 10% from your purchase price.

Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting - Our Grapevine Wine Tasting Event is popular and many of our Members attend, so we have made arrangements to pick up the cover charge for you!

RCI Diamond 80 points Diamond Plus 175 points

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/be...=NAVBAR&pnav=6

SeaPass Card recognition

Priority check-in1

Private departure lounge with continental breakfast

Exclusive Trivia

Exclusive Top Tier Event

Robes for use onboard3

Signature lapel pin

Welcome Gift/Amenity including choice of beverage5

Milestone recognition4

Chef's Choice Gift/Amenity

Priority wait list for Shore Excursions/VitalitySM Day Spa services

Diamond Lounge

Priority departure

Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event (Free Drinks from 5 -830PM nightly)

Daily breakfast with specialty coffee

Entertainment Tour

Behind the Scenes Tours

Personalized Gift/Amenity

Concierge Lounge Access

Priority seating at theater, ice show and AquaTheater events

Meal with an Officer for members with 340 or more cruise points

that's unusual -did you book through a UK travel agent or NCl uK? the free UBP perk should include gratuities with nothing else to pay

 

However if you pay for the UBP yourself gratuities of 18% are payable

USA - Past two NCL cruises on Escape and Getaway this year - UBP free as a perk, however, did have to pay the 18% gratuity. Upcoming two NCL cruises on Escape and Getaway later this year - same thing again. Free as a perk, but had to pay the 18% gratuity.

Same applied to the UDP/SDP.

During all of our cruises with Princess (17 so far) we always had "Dedicated wait staff" in any of the dining rooms but now I wonder if that will go away because according to the FAQ the "Dedicated wait staff" is now reserved for Club Class Mini & Full suites.:rolleyes:

 

2. What is Club Class Dining? It’s an exclusive, uniquely styled, dedicated area of the Main Dining Room available to Full Suite and Club Class Mini-Suite guests for dinner each evening as well as breakfast and lunch on sea days. Club Class Dining includes:

• Expedited seating with minimal to no wait • Private main dining room entrance with host • Dedicated wait staff • Exclusive menu options with Daily Chef’s Special • Table-side preparation

 

Also, some of the "Extra perks" mentioned were up until now included for all passengers. Does that mean we, Inside-Ocean view-Standard Balcony guests, are getting those things taken away??

 

PLUS, all the comforts of a Mini-Suite including:

• Welcome glass of champagne • Complimentary Fresh Fruit upon request • Separate seating area with a sofabed • Balcony with patio furniture • Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow • Walk in closet* • Two flat-panel televisions • Private bathroom with combination tub and shower • Massage showerhead • Luxury 100% cotton towels • Plush European Duvets • Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion • Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk • 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings • Twice daily housekeeping serviceTheo

Private main dining room entrance with host. Will that reduce the one entry door that we now use to enter the MDR? Or will they add another door for CCD?

Maybe I am totally confused? When we were on the Regal in Feb 2016 I remember getting these new benefits without being CC. LOL

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone, 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Twice daily housekeeping service - don't we get that now or will they only do it for CC?

Yes, space has been taken from "normal" cruisers in Celebrity for Suite passenegrs only. In the main dining rooms, a very large thick wall was installed between the normal MDR and Luminae, taking floor space away. Tables in Luminae are also set further apart than in the normal MDR thus reducing even more the footprint for "normal" passengers. And Michael's Club, which on all ships was a piano bar anyone and everyone could enjoy, has become a suite only lounge - thus less space for "normal" passengers...

And on Infinity Class, with both Blu and Luminae sectioned off from the main dining room, it greatly reduces the footprint available for "normal" passengers, and has affected wait times for Select dining. And tables are much closer together than before either restaurant was added..

It's a wait and see how this pans out on Princess. Will it be sectioned off, or roped off or just a separate entrance or what? Who knows... Wait and see.

Your posting is totally correct. In fact, when they took space away from the MDR to build the Luminae, they also took one entry way into the MDR away from the MDR. So on that lower deck you must enter via one entry instead of two to get into the MDR. In addition, you have to weave your way through the tables, guests and waiters to go from one side of the MDR to the other. It is a MAZE.