ledaebel

Now I can happily head to Ireland for a week or so.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I contacted my CC and whey were helpful advising me to call NCL again and check the status before starting any actions. They also gave me the names of the VP, CEO, Mr. Andrew Stuart, 7665 Corporate Drive, Miami, Fl 33126, to write about my dissatisfaction.

They also gave me the web address for the South Eastern Florida BBB. Interestingly, they had 491 complaints in the past 12 months and about 400+ resolved.

Again, the wait on hold was over 35 minutes. Later, she said it was mailed on the 26th. She requested I give it until next Wednesday, Sept. 7 to arrive before I take action to have the check reprinted. And, yes, I'd have to wait on hold, again. I mentioned that the message before being placed on hold says that if you are calling about a refund they would be processed 5 days after return from the cruise.

I will wait and I think I will write Mr. Stuart and include some other issues like having sales persons all over the main floor, in the way, selling jewelry, art work and the high cost of playing one game of Bingo.

NHLArizona, I am going by what my TA explained I'm not an experienced traveler so may have terminology wrong. (that was what I understood.)

In any event I find it hard to reach responsible NCL employees. I speak with my credit card provider tomorrow. Maybe they can give me some guidance.

When I received the final bill they night before the end of the cruise, I went to the front desk to have some questions answered. They said the mandatory 18% gratuity for shipboard tips and expenses was being taken from my excursion refund and the funds should be mailed 5 days after end of the cruise

I am not looking forward to the extremely long waits on hold trying to speak to a real human being.

Every one has great ideas but I rally like the Facebook comment.

We have been back home more than 6 weeks, 5 more than promised.

Why do people seem so pleased with NCL? But, I must admit we enjoyed ourselves with all the excursions and port visits, Grandchildren loved the teen club.

Thanks all, I may just use your wording. I just checked, money not in my account yet. I'll get to facebook on Thursday if no deposit by then.

Linda

Sorry if I was not clear.

My final accounting showed that NCI deducted my 18% tip charges remaining and the on board expenses from the money owed me ($3000.00) from the excursion cancellation. The excursions were made thru NCL.

ZQV01: I asked about the refund at the front desk and I was told I'd get the refund 5 days after we docked.

lovethehip: I aso wondered if NCL was in a dire financial situation.

In general, I spoke to customer service and the excursion dept though whom I made the reservation, the general number was useless and frustrated with me. I tried to make the plans directly with the helicopter company but they directed me to call NCL. I paid for this using my credit card in June so it has been paid already.

NCL does not make it clear on their web site what number to all to talk about post cruise issues.

I should have listened to others on CC to book directly with the excursion company but since they directed me to NCL I felt I had no other choice. I leave for Ireland in 3 weeks and would like the money deposited in my account before that date.

Thank you, everyone.

Linda

Our family was on the Sun starting July 1, southbound, from Seward, Alaska. We prepaid for a helicopter tour to a glacier which was cancelled due to weather. I was promised that funds would be refunded within 5 days after our return,

It has been a month since we returned and have difficulty getting a telephone connection to discuss this Each time I spoke with someone I had been on hold 30+ min. Getting to the right dept. was difficult and there were multiple phone transfers. The first time, I was promised the refund after the next Wednesday. It was explained there would be a deduction for charges for tips etc which seemed fair. Two weeks later, I had a frustrating call after a 35 min on hold, to be told it would "take time" to refund over $2000.00. Remaining calm, told them I expected a refund very soon since they expected my money on their schedule.

Still no refund received Who else has walked this road with NCL?

This is no way for them to expect return customers.

Linda

Casafilla, I have not been on many cruises in the past 30 years. I was spoiled by going with Nat Geo. last year where everything was included except booze. Of course, this was not glitzy but a rustic expedition.

On the Sun, just walking from one area to another was blocked by these sales people, the first few days. Otherwise, we were fairly satisfied.

We did get stung saying we had bid on some artwork that they misrepresented as original It was a fair litho but we didn't bid on

BTW: I did buy some hair product that had to be discarded in customs.

I was on the Sun in July. There was a physician on board giving lectures about her services including Botox and fillers. I used the Spa for a nail repair ($17 for 1 nail). Spa was clean and offered massages, stone therapy, hair and nail service plus the physician services. There was a almost mystical waiting room for both sexes together. They did push purchasing products.

We were aboard the July 18 cruise on the Sun. I am able to say we did not find any of the problems we saw listed before the trip. We were 10th floor mid ship balcony and it was lovely up there No smells, no water damage and everything seems well updated.

I know nothing about the specialty bars. We are only wine and beer drinkers and honestly were to tired at night after the shore excursions to enjoy the night life.

We are coming in aday early because of previous problems with plane delays. We have no idea what hotel NCL will be placing us. So, we will be there a day early and think we may rent a car and take a ride down the southern road. I've heard from a friend who lived:p there that there are only 2 main roads out of Fairbanks and I know the tour is going north.

I hope NCL lets us know what hotel they will be assigning us in Fairbanks so we can get a room therefor Thursday night and not have to move our luggage twice.

I went to the Travel agency, a little p***ed off and spoke to the secretary and she was great. Another TA was on the phone, smiled nicely and said she would be with me. Finally, got our cabin numbers, on deck 9, with the spa above us. Many of my questions answered. She corrected the problems with the NCL account but she had to make some phone calls. She seemed mystified how things had become so unorganized. We then checked the airlines schedules and picked up two non-stop flights.

I think I will follow suggestions that I make my own connections for excursions directly, not through the TA or the cruise line. Will it save some money doing it directly?

We will have to decide about going on a helicopter but all reviews seem to say it is worth it. I think my SIL and the 17 y/o, Chloe. may be unable to handle the air ride.

Now, we will look at what we can do in Anchorage for a day waiting for our tour to Denali to start. We have decided to go a day early after the stress of of last year's trip, trip delays, getting no sleep and dealing with the loss of luggage.

No one answered the phone but I let a message to call me at Travel Agency, no response. I know I should have gone to another agency but allowed myself to be swayed by a friend. Oh, well.

Tomorrow, I go there with my questions and papers in hand.

I still wonder if there are any excursions we should schedule in advance. Seeing the sled dogs, possibly via helicopter, seeing eagles and a fishing trip for the SIL are on the list. Sled dogs are mandatory. If we can make arrangements on the fly that would be best way to adjust to the changing weather conditions.

With the help of other cruise critic members I was able to get the possible excursions downloaded. I can't get anything ordered directly from NCL since my name and reservation to not match anything on their records.

I'm frustrated because I don't know what sells out first. No answer from TA and when I walked in the office, last week, she was too busy to help me. She apparently was only in office Mon and Tues of this week. No one calls back. Now I wonder if I should have gone directly to the cruise line. It's tooo late to make new arrangements.

We went to the Galapagos with Llinblad and Nat Geo where the destination and naturalists are the trip. It was wonderful but alcohol was not important to enjoying the cruise. But, they had a Captains cocktail evening and a beautiful outdoor wine-tasting of 8 Equadorian wines that were very good. We bought wine at meals for about $9.00 per bottle.

I wish I could find some of the wine here.

Thank you, I was able to print out all activities available during the cruise. The kids will love choosing their activities. Of course they want to see Icy strait since they are familiar with the TV show filmed there.

Do you have any ideas about how to time them? (Not the kids the activities.) We are also adding the pre-cruise Denali Express extension. They had a very short list of activities including the long train ride. Is it best to wait until there to add adventures? I'd like to take a copter or sea plane to a glacier if it somewhat affordable. I had originally set a limit of $6000. for sightseeing but everything looks expensive for a family of 5.

Your help is welcomed and appreciated.

Linda

I tried to follow through as soon as I saw your info. They said my name was incorrect the confirmation number was not valid etc.

Upon looking up the confirmation number I found the the TA had two different numbers. I tried both numbers and neither worked.

I just wish the TA was more on the ball.

Thank you for your suggestion.

How do you book activities before you sail? We just booked, 2 weeks ago, on the NCL Sun, starting with an excursion to Denali. There are many activities we would like to do but have no idea how to schedule them. Our TA doesn't seen too interested in getting information for us. Do I wait for her to send us the info? Can I request it from NCL?

Thanks for the info. I am a little anxious to make the plans affecting the 5 of us. The girls want to do so much but I haven't been able to get a sense of what is available and costs for us to do anything not on the schedule.

The girls are interested in whale watching, zip lining, seeing the sled dogs and maybe fishing with their dad, if possible.

Your review , summary and photos made me anxious to use the Radiance. Our 3 generation family had planned to go to London and Paris but since the trouble in Paris we decided to stay stateside.

But, you did such a great job, and I am starting to plan too late, our TA is having difficulty finding us a balcony cabin for this summer. Today, I told her to start in Anchorage not Vancouver. I hope to get good news tomorrow.

If we get the cruise we will definitely want to go on a tour similar to yours. We will plan on starting a day early since our trip to the Galapagos had so many airline problems (every plane was 6 to 24 hours late, lost our luggage and also got stranded in Ecuador for 2 days on the way home) and we don't want to be exhausted before we start.

You captured the beauty of Alaska, the rugged activities and the ship's finest features. Thank You.

I am not sure what line we will be taking, at lot depends upon the wonderful information I am getting here. I am sure we will also take a tour that includes on Denali. Our national parks are treasures the family embraces.

Thank you for your input.

We will be leaving from OHare and would like to avoid the time in customs so I thought flying direct to Alaska would be best after reading multiple complaints.

Yes, kids to find friends wherever they go.

_Almost said "in same boat." I want to take the family to Alaska and Donali next July. The girls will be 15 and 17, and have only been on one cruise and that was with National Geographic to the Galapagos.

They did well with all the activities but want to make "friends" on the ship. I guess they don't want it to be a ship of old people, like me, their Nana. I have no idea what line would be best. I am cautious of the bigger ships that seem like a 10 story city block on water.

Have you made plans as yet? Can you share your information? The travel agent we saw recommended Norwegian American lines. I am concerned with all the negative reviews about the food and cleanliness of rooms.

Just pushed the wrong button. I would love Alaska but am now concerned about bringing heavy coats, waterproof boots and other cold weather apparel for a summer trip. We are also limited by time constraints by my teacher daughter and SIL getting continuing education.

I have been ill for 5 years and now that I am much better and able to continue an active life I want to do some active things. Maybe any cruise will have that available.

Thank you all. We did get together but since I have the pocketbook they are leaving it up to me to decide. The 14 y/o wants Europe but not Disney, I think she feels it willl be all young kids and she wants to make friends. The 16 y/o says she doesn't care but loved the Nat. Geo trip with snorkeling and adventure etc. SIL would love a luxury trip to Hawaii or Alaska. Daughter just wants her children to be safe and is concerned about the violence in the mideast. I found one cruise that ended in Casablanca and she said no.

Thank you all. I guess we was spoiled by the Nat. Geo., all inclusive trip, to Galapagos, no matter what we wanted to do, we just did it. I would like to room with the granddaughters like the last trip. This time I would need to pay a single supplement fee since they do not have any triple rooms.

You are right, maybe I need a travel agent. We don't want to just sit on a ship and eat. Are there any lines that are more active and the teens would like?

I am also planning a trip to Ireland next September. Unfortunately, most of it will be bus related but fun nevertheless.