joteacher

Eying up a 4 day Sky cruise for the fall (October 2015) and currently they have Oceanview rooms for $229 per person for that timeframe. This would include pick a perk (OBC, Ultimate Dining, or Ultimate Beverage). Is that a good price, high, low, average?? I'd forgo all the perks for a substantially lower price but I think those firesale last minute deals are turning into memories now, and it is all about higher prices with included perks which is fine. Not sure which perk I'd even take...

That's a good deal. I think that's about what we paid last February without the deals. As for which one to take, I definitely would not go for the OBC as I think it's only about $50. The The UBP is around $55/person/day so that's a good deal if you want a few drinks each day and not have to worry about the cost. We bought that on the Sky and it was nice to be able to try different things. We're not much for the specialty restaurants as we are happy with the main dining rooms so we wouldn't take that. I'm not sure of the actual monetary value. I guess you have to decide which is the best value for you.

And by the way...if the price does come down after final payment, you may be able to upgrade to a balcony and keep your package. That's what we did last year. I saw that prices had come down about two weeks before we were leaving, so I called NCL (I always book directly through them). We were upgraded to a balcony at no extra charge because balconies were the same price as we paid for our OV.

Hope this helps!

~Joanne

UBP...cruising with Hubby and our best friend. Can't wait! :D

~Joanne

We did the four-night last February and loved it! It sounds crazy, but for some reason the staff on this ship seemed to be more personable than on some of the other ships. Considering that you are only on the ship for four days, they go out of their way to learn your name and remember it...amazing! The officers were always visible and extremely friendly and approachable. The entire staff works hard to make the cruise a most enjoyable one!

~Joanne

If you are a family (meaning more than 2 people per cabin) you will find the Sun's inside cabins huge. We have sailed on 3 inside cabins and 1 balcony on the Sun, but never on deck 4.

 

If you can watch for a special that gives you 4 category upgrade or run of the ship go for one of the "sideways" inside cabins. Great way to separate dressing areas.

 

We have been in 9133, 0325, and 0129. I can speak to those cabins if you are interested.

Magnolia....we have 0325 booked on the Sun for February. Can you give me any information about it, or perhaps any pictures? I would appreciate it! Thanks!

~Joanne

Joanne:

 

Although I did not go into the detail that you did in my e-mail, I did include a link to an article I had written about my father's passing on the Jewel in April 2012; our experience mirrored your friend's experience. I received a two sentence reply. I would be curious to know if you receive more; I do not think Mr. Elliott wants to know the other side. But hope springs eternal...

 

el henry

el henry...have not heard anything as of yet. If I do, I'll post back.

~Joanne

thanks for sharing. It is so sad when tragedies happen and people have to face something like this as well, but if companies don't keep strict rules why would anyone buy insurance? How would any of us handle a situation where our home insurance or car insurance had just expired and we were in an accident or fire? Would we expect the insurance company to pay us even if we didn't have a paid up policy? Or what about the person who has just started a new job, our health insurance hadn't kicked in and one of our kids falls out of a tree and breaks his arm, should we expect the hospital to treat the injury and we would not have to foot the bill? I know I sound cold, I am glad some companies do show compassion (though I am surprised) but I do not see where someone can say NCL has poor customer service based on this.

 

I think the writer did a sloppy job, he wrote an article for sensationalism and needs to hear the other side of these stories.

I was so irritated after reading that article that I wrote this email to him (forgive the length):

Dear Mr. Elliott:

I just read your recent article, “Some cruise lines take a hard stance on refunds, even when a relative dies,” and I would like to offer a different perspective on how NCL and its staff handle death of a loved one. This past February (17th-21st), my husband and I and our best friends cruised on the NCL Sky. Sadly, on the last night of our cruise, our friend had an episode with his heart and passed away in their cabin. We called 911 on the ship and approximately 20 crew members came to assist (doctors, nurses, officers, medical technicians, etc.) and worked on our friend for nearly 40 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

Needless to say, we were all devastated. The officers and crew of that ship showed so much compassion to his wife and to us; they couldn’t have done more to make it as easy as possible for us. They took care of helping her get their belongings out of their cabin, getting us off the ship away from the crowd, changed our airplane reservations for us, made us hotel reservations in Miami (and paid for the rooms for one night for each of us), got us a taxi to the hotel and paid for that as well. While we were in Miami, NCL contacted us several times each of the two days we were there to see if we were okay and if there was anything more we needed assistance with.

We did have travel insurance which I did not buy through NCL; I always buy insurance through an on-line company, so the cruise line never “gains” any additional money from us in that regard. We live in Upstate NY, and always cruise in February since I am a teacher and that is my vacation time; so due to weather conditions, travel insurance is a “must” for us.

I believe that your article unfairly portrayed NCL as an uncaring cruise line. To me, it appeared to be sensationalistic in nature. You specifically mentioned only two negative cases in your lengthy article. I wonder how many positive cases like mine you could have referred to? And how many negative cases are there from the other cruise lines? I thought this quote from your article might be quite telling, ““We’re usually pretty compassionate when a guest experiences a death in the family and is unable to take their cruise,” says Cynthia Martinez, a Royal Caribbean spokeswoman.”” That quote tells me that maybe, sometimes, they are not...

We are so pleased with the NCL customer service, that we have another cruise booked with them this upcoming February. Our friend is going with us; it will be different without her husband, but she feels that he would want her on a ship for the first anniversary of his death. She is not ready to go back on the Sky, so we will be sailing on the Sun, but we know that her husband’s spirit will be with us, and that the Officers and crew of the Sun will be just as friendly and caring as that of the Sky. If you’d care to write another article that includes a positive spin on how NCL handles tragedy, or you’d just like some additional information about our experience, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely yours,

...we'll see if I get a response...:confused:

~Joanne

Mid-ship is a great spot to be. Personally, we always look for cabins that are close to the elevator/stairs because it makes it so easy to locate the cabin:D

I'm not sure how much noise you'll get from the theater; I can tell you the noise from the stairs/elevator shouldn't bother you. We stayed in cabin 6535 on the Spirit (very LARGE inside), and we never heard any noise at all.

Good luck choosing your cabin and have a great cruise...you'll love the Spirit!

~Joanne

I was on the Sky this past January and I can say without question it was the worst ship I've ever been on. Worn rooms and overall drab atmosphere in my opinion. I won't be back.

We were on her in February and found just the opposite! The cabins were very nice...we had mid-ship deck 10 balconies, the ship was clean, and very well maintained. The crew was one of the best at sea!

I guess different people see different things...we would sail her again in a minute!

~Joanne

I am going to try for 6535 first. If that is booked, I'll get one of the larger cabins on deck 10.

 

Thanks again for all your help!

6035 is exactly the same size as 6535 if that is available...it's just across the hall:)

~Joanne

We sailed the Sky this past February and loved it. I actually booked an inside cabin at the time they were giving free upgrades so we were given a porthole on deck 5. About two weeks before we sailed, I saw that the prices had dropped considerably, and called and asked for an upgrade. They upgraded us to a deck 10 mid-ship balcony for free!

The ship was very clean and beautiful, still with a lot of her original Hawaiian flair. The crew was amazing, very attentive and kind (some of you may have read my post right after we returned about our best friend having a sudden heart attack and dying the last night of the cruise). Until that night, the four of us had had the best cruise we ever took! The food was delicious, the drinks were heavy on the alcohol. We really enjoyed this cruise. The only negative about the ship was that the pool water was ice cold! There were very few people in the pool.

I think you'll love the Sky! If you go, have a drink to toast our friend, Elmer!

~Joanne

Inside stateroom 6535 was huge, and quiet.

We, too, were in cabin 6535 and absolutely loved it! It was close to everything being right near the elevators (but we never heard noises from them or the stairs), and you're right the cabin is HUGE...at least 200 sq. ft.! We would stay in that cabin again in a minute!

~Joanne

Thanks everyone for the responses! This is really helpful! I think the best route is to have lots of singles with us, and lay down a buck or two with our orders--a little more for great service.

 

Demonyte, thanks for answering the "how it's used" question - when you say "stickers," is this a scannable sticker you need to use at each bar or is it just something to indicate you have the UBP?

The sticker just indicates that you have the UBP. They run your card through the register as usual and the amounts show up on your on-board account, but you're not charged for them. It does, however, give you an indication of how much you've been spending on drinks if you were paying for them individually!:D

Also, on our Sky cruise, the bar waitresses told us that they actually preferred their extra tips on the tab (we asked) because bar tips are not shared among the staff. When the servers get tips the amounts go directly to them, and apparently the more they get in tips gives them some sort of ship incentive. They're kept track of by the drink tickets they sell.

Hope this helps!

~Joanne

We waited until we got on the island and rented one right there. They just had us pick out the one we wanted and sign for it just like you do for beverages. I thought it was somewhere between $30-$35. It had a net on the back and two lounge chairs under it.

~Joanne

Some posted comment on NCL Facebook

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

March 15 at 11:25am

What a beautiful and touching story Joanne. Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. May he rest in peace.

 

Laurie Kivi

March 15 at 11:57am

Thank you for sharing.. Just goes to prove the NCL cares!

 

Darleen Lowe

March 15 at 8:52am

So sorry for your loss xox

 

Roxy Bovaird Wasson

March 15 at 8:45am

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words during a difficult time. I am sure your friend is looking down at you all and proud of the way you and NCL took care of him and his family. Life is to short to worry about the little thing we all need to count the blessings we have while we are here on earth. May God be with you and your family

 

 

Kevin Wood

March 15 at 8:25am

How sad, but when I die, may it be on a cruise....can't think of a better way to go, enjoying life....may God be with him

 

 

 

Kathy Ray Hendrix

March 15 at 8:08am

Thank you for sharing. NCL, you are awesome

Is it posted on the Norwegian page? I can't find it. Never mind...just found it. Thanks!

~Joanne

I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept my condolences to you and your friend.

I hope you don't mind I have posted your post on the NCL facebook so non-cruise critic could read this.

I don't mind that you posted it on the FB page. I didn't think to do so myself, or I would have. Thanks!

~Joanne

Carol and I sailed with you on the Pearl last year where you ran the M&G and the Cabin Crawl. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. That being said, that would be the way I want to go, on a cruise ship after the time of my life!

 

We'll tip a glass to your departed friend on our upcoming Getaway cruise, Mom and Dad will be with us again. :)

Thanks so much, Craig! I do, indeed, remember you guys...we sure had a blast on that cruise!

I know that our friend Elmer would be ever so pleased if you tipped one (or a few) to him. Enjoy your Getaway cruise with Carol and your Mom and Dad.

~Joanne

Thank you again for your support and condolences. It is much appreciated.

~Joanne

Thanks to everyone for your kind words of comfort. My friend was here for dinner tonight and I showed her all of the posts. We laughed and cried together remembering her husband and our cruise.

~Joanne

oh Joanne, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I'm so glad Norwegian was able to help you through the process and made it as easy as possible for one of the hardest times in your life.

 

When I sail the sky in December, I will have a toast to your friend.

Oh-Thank you so much! Please have Anita in Breakers get your drink for you. She was Elmer's favorite bar waitress!! She got him and my husband plenty of Bloody Marys!

~Joanne

Let me start off by saying that our recent 4-day cruise on the Sky started out to be amazing!! We cruised with our best friends; it was our seventh NCL cruise and their first. We loved the ship, the crew was wonderful, the weather was perfect….until the last 12 hours of the cruise when tragedy struck!

After a very nice dinner at Crossings where we met some lovely folks from Virginia and Florida, our friend decided to go back to his cabin around 9:30 because he was tired. His wife walked him back and then came to the picture gallery to meet me to purchase some photographs. We returned to our respective cabins around 10:00 (theirs was right next-door to ours), so we could pack and get ready to disembark the next morning. Suddenly she was pounding on our door and calling for help because her husband was on the floor and she couldn’t get him up.

My husband and I ran over, he to try and help get him out of the bathroom, me to call 911. Within 60 seconds two doctors, nurses, security, officers, housekeeping, and others responded to the “Code Alpha” on the ship. They valiantly and tirelessly worked on our friend for 40 minutes, trying to revive him before pronouncing him deceased of a heart attack. You can only imagine the grief and shock we felt at this time. Our wonderful vacation ended with the death of our best friend and husband of nearly 50 years to his wife.

The crew aboard the Sky was wonderful! I cannot say enough for how they handled the situation and what they did for us. The Hotel Director, Cary, offered my friend a new cabin but I had her move in with us for the night. Housekeeping came right in and made up the couch into a comfortable bed for her. KitKat, in charge of Guest Services allowed us to use the telephone to call whomever we needed at no charge. They offered to come in and pack for us the next day and also told us not to worry about the time we left the ship. When we left, KitKat escorted all of us off and many of the officers were standing in a line to offer their condolences to my friend and us. The NCL Team in Miami changed our plane reservations for us and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we could be there while the arrangements were made to fly the body home. NCL even paid for one hotel night for each of us! They also made arrangements for the head of the Port of Miami to take us through the line so that we didn’t have to wait, quickly getting us through customs and getting us into a taxi to the hotel. He even paid for the taxi! Several times during Friday and Saturday, NCL called to check on us to see how we were doing and to see if we needed anything.

We flew back home on Sunday; the funeral was just Friday (exactly a week after we disembarked from the ship). I know I’ve read a lot of negative comments about the customer service at NCL, but I cannot say how grateful we are to both the crew of the Sky and the team in Miami for all they did at such a difficult time.

Finally, I’d like to end by saying that our friend left this world in the best possible way! He had the time of his life for the days prior to his death. The Sky and her Crew are awesome. We fully enjoyed the time we spent on her and I’m so glad to have had a chance to have that experience! I will write a full review in a few days when I have a bit more time.

~Joanne

Thanks for posting your review...looking forward to boarding the Sky on Monday! :D

~Joanne

As many have said (in not exactly these words...) I always book a cabin and location I'm happy with at a price that I think is fair. If I'm able to get an upgrade because the price has gone down...yay, me!!! But honestly, it doesn't matter because we're on a cruise and that in itself is good enough for me!!!!:D

~Joanne

We're leaving on the Sky next week. Well, last evening I was checking the NCL website and noticed that the prices for our cruise had come way down. So I took a chance and called...was upgraded from a deck 5 OJ (porthole) to a deck 10 midship balcony for no cost to us! :D And, the other couple that we're traveling with got the same upgrade since our reservations were linked...right next door to us! I think I did pretty well!! We are very excited!!

I guess it does pay to call when you see a price drop! We've been looking forward to this cruise; now we're really excited!

~Joanne

The first time I bought insurance, I compared through insure my trip dot com and ended up going with CSA. Boy, was I glad I had them several years ago when we missed our connection due to weather (flying the day before), and missed three days of our cruise...we caught up with them on Wednesday of a Sunday-Sunday cruise. Anyway, CSA took care of everything from making new flight arrangements, booking hotels in Miami and Belize (where we spent a couple of days waiting for the cruise ship), all of our meals (including drinks and tips), and reimbursing us for the days we missed on the ship! And we had the money within two weeks of sending them our receipts! They are the only insurance I ever use...fabulous! And they were one of the least expensive (we bought the cheaper of the two plans they offered).

~Joanne

Thanks for the great review! It sounds like you really had a blast! We're sailing 2/17...now I really can't wait!!:D

~Joanne