cmukid87

I've always been told original form of payment but that doesn't seem to be the case for you.  I have always funded my S&S with gift cards, too.  I have never wanted to risk getting a gift card back with any balance so I've cashed out my balance at the casino the final night.

I thought about pulling the trigger on a 15 day transatlantic next summer.  Our biggest concern is repetitive entertainment options.  We are used to 7 day Caribbean sailings where I think it's about the exact amount of trivia, karaoke, specialty nights, etc.  

For those who have done the transatlantic or at least the longer Journey's cruises, what has been your experience?

11 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

Take a picture of it with the numbers or upload to your phone wallet

This ^.  I have the physical gift card in my travel wallet but will take pictures of it/them just in case.  The kiosk nor guest services need a physical card since they will just manually type in the numbers anyways.

Lost Go Pro?!?!  Glad you got it back.

Had a similar situation about 9 years ago in Grand Cayman.  My Go Pro came loose from the mount and I didn't notice it until we surfaced.  I told the lead and he jumped right in.  He resurfaced shortly after with the Go Pro.  He got quite a tip for me since it was our only camera we used and it was our last day before going home.

I never prepay the daily service charge/gratuities.  So that.

Then Cheers!

Then Steakhouse.

Then a couple hundred $ converted in the casino to play blackjack.

Sounds like a fun few days!

Don't have a great answer but yes, it is different prices around the ship.  

To be fair 5 days ago I searched for anything in March still to depart and there were 2 options.  Either a website glitch or sailings are at capacity.

Morning - Bloody Mary (extra spicy), fresh fruit juice mimosa

During the Day - Patron Margaritas and vodka-soda-lime

Evening - Long Island and bourbon

Same.  And I have an offer of $1500 obc for any length cruise out of Australia. 2 days, 3 days, 8 days, it doesn't matter.  $1500 obc.

Pricing out my first NCL sailing.  Does anyone know how these break down?  I am used to sailing another line and similar itineraries are about half the fees.  

Been there twice and my opinion was it was below average.  It's not a big island so there aren't many options for local excursions.  It's beach, water activities, and a casino/resort.  Not much shopping, not a lot of dining options and the price gouging is real.

To confirm with the rest.  For years now I have used gift cards to pay for entire cruises, drink packages, onboard spending, casino play, etc.

About 1/3rd of sailings give me the same error message you are seeing or something similar.  The other 2/3rds let's me mock book all the way to payment.  No idea what's going on but it's certainly annoying because I like to get a ton of options down on a spreadsheet before I make a decision.

16 hours ago, VentureMan_2000 said:

$5 difference.

For cruises 6 days or longer:
Purchase before boarding:   $59.95 + 18% gratuity pp = $70.74 pp

Purchase after boarding:   $64.95 + 18% gratuity pp = $76.64 pp

For cruises 5 days or less:
Purchase before boarding:   $69.95 + 18% gratuity pp = $82.54 pp

Purchase after boarding:   $74.95 + 18% gratuity pp = $88.44 pp

This will be the future pricing.  Right now 5 days or less is still the same price as the 6 days or longer.

16 minutes ago, Eli_6 said:

Free drink? Do you get a free drink for being the first on board?

Don't let the cat out of the bag.  First customer in the Red Frog Pub gets their drink for free.

Earliest was probably just before 11am.  

I was able to be the first at the Red Frog Pub for a free drink boarding just after 11.

We will be getting on the Freedom right when you get back!  I hope you take good care of her.

Without reading all responses I will chime in with a vote for each cruise being anecdotal.  Each sailing is it's own personality.  There are variables that can make shift that personality one way or another.  Cruise line, length of sailing, homeport, ports of call, time of year, price of cruise, specialty sailings, large groups booked, etc.

About 400k points going away.  I knew I'd never use them all obviously.  I do have a non-aarp discount site if anyone wants a referral.

Doesn't matter as long as you are checked in.

My "unique" stat would probably be I've eaten in the steakhouse 10 times and have had the tuna tartare every time.

I have too many to choose but I'll pick the most unique and special at least.  Carnival Magic August 2021 - Back to Fun Cruise.  Magic's first sailing back post-pandemic shutdown.  The ship was about 50% full but we had the most active roll-call (although on another site) and man of those involved became life-long friends.  There are so many of us that still message frequently, some visit others across the country, some have spent holidays with each other and some actively plan cruises together.  There is something Magical about that sailing.

Unfortunately I think the "stereotypical demographic" of Carnival makes these rowdy kids more likely to happen.  This falls solely on the shoulders of poor parenting.  Don't get me wrong, my kids are spoiled and I do allow them freedom on the ship but they know from the jump that the leash is short and consequences of stern and steep.  On the flip side are the parents who have a selfish view of the cruise and think it's their vacation from everything, including their own kids.

Any of the soups they offer and 2x shrimp cocktail every time we eat in the MDR.  Obviously lobster tail(s) and prime rib on the longer sailing's elegant nights.

33 minutes ago, kdnurs said:

 

Thank you so very much! 

I was not able to get a drink right away with my boarding pass.  You have to muster first!  

Now, I didnt have the CHEERS! package but silver lining is our muster was right near the Red Frog Pub and I got a free drink for being first customer!