Russiamomm

It’s shown as a charge to NCL. It’s not considered a cash advance. Same with taking cash on your account for the casino. This isn’t an issue.

I think I had bought a few things, but I also had $100 of non-refundable OBC, so I got the refundable in cash. And of course turned around and spent a good chink of it in the casino. 😂. I don’t mind getting the cash. There’s never too long before the next cruise. Just keep it in my casino stash at home.😂

Yup. Last fall the new Amex offer came out a week before we sailed. I had already paid for everything. I ended up buying $1000 of OBC to get the $200 back from AMEX. I am a gambler, but didn’t want to pay the 3% to use money I already had on the account, so I used cash. I also needed more CNs, but didn’t want to use the OBC to buy them because I wanted the 3% I’d get charging it to the NCL MC. They wouldn’t let me cash out the OBC until the last day of the cruise. So I was in line when the Guest Services desk opened that morning and got my $1000 in cash. Then walked over to the CN desk and bought my CNs. It worked like a charm. 😃

I don’t think this is true. I had a significant amount of refundable OBC on a trip last October. I asked, but was not allowed to cash it in until the last full day of the cruise.

I’m afraid the link isn’t working. But if these are purchased onboard credits, they are refundable and can be used for gratuities. Non-refundable credits can’t be.

I agree. We did mention it to the server several times, but the meat still came out well done. This was on the Gem. The manager came over and gave us a voucher to try it again on another night. The second night was perfect. It must have just been an “off” night for them.

Back to the issue at hand. 😂. We sail on Sunday. Any recent experience on the lobster situation? Did they get rid of the upcharge or not? If not, can you still order one additional for no upcharge? The last time we were on my DH ordered a lobster tail (just one) at every dinner. He’s going to be disappointed if he can’t do that anymore.

Moderno has been hit or miss for us. A few times it was fabulous. Twice the meat was far too overcooked. We complained and got another meal there. The second time was much better. They are often very slow in bringing the meat around, and the cheaper cuts come far more quickly. The chicken and sausage came around several times before we requested the beef and lamb, That being said, the salad bar is phenomenal and the roasted pineapple is to die for. I often travel with a friend that doesn’t eat meat. Moderno is her favorite because of the salad bar and the pineapple. Two more pro tips. Twice we worked it in advance and they brought her a piece of salmon from Cagneys instead of the meat. Second, if you opt for Cagneys (personally I love Cagneys), it shares a kitchen with Moderno. You can ask your server for a slice of pineapple for dessert and they’ll happily bring it.

We cruised into Cape Canaveral last December and were in the Haven. It was a slow process. At least Port Canaveral does not have facial recognition, at least for transatlantics. We had later flights and took our time getting off the ship. While we were escorted off the ship around 8:15, they made everyone wait on the pier for more than a half hour before allowing us into the Customs Hall. Once we made it in, it went pretty quickly, but still slower than a “normal” closed loop cruise. I’d estimate it took about an hour from leaving the ship to clearing Customs.

Sorry, but I think you’re mixing apples and oranges here. While you are correct that the bartenders are not covered in the DSC, they are included in the gratuity you pay for the drink package, if you have one. If you don’t have a package, the gratuity is added for each drink purchased. This is different from, and in addition to, the DSC. I’m certainly not going to argue against leaving additional, but you are mixing apples and oranges.

I’m not sire what you’re referring to for the MDR. If you choose to eat there, gratuities are covered by the DSC. There will be no additional gratuity unless you choose to leave one. The only additional grats for being in the Haven are the butler and concierge, unless you choose to leave additional for other staff members.

I can comment on our experience last December. We got there early and had to wait in line for a bit with everyone else. We were able to drop our bags with a porter at the curb. When they opened security, everyone was together through the metal detectors. Then everyone was sent upstairs. Haven guests went straight to the Haven lounge to the left as you got off the escalator. Others went to their right to check in. In the lounge you just took a seat, helped yourself to coffee and snacks. A staff member came to you and took your paperwork and a few minutes later brought your key cards to you. Easy peasy.

Same. I’ve been in the studios four times. Very quiet.

Thank you. We will consider it.

Approximately how much is a taxi to Horseshoe? I’ve been there several times and always used the mini busses. This time we have three couples. Wondering if it would be cost effective to just get private transport.

Us, they try to herd you to the buffet. I don’t know why. At least one of the MDRs and O’Sheehans is open. We usually head to the MDR for a relaxed lunch on embarkation day.

Spa, sushi, perfume, top shelf liquor, Bingo, wine/liquor tastings? Also, unless it’s changed, if you’re on a B2B they will consolidate the bills so you may not have to spend it all this week. I assume you have another $100 to spend next week. 😃.

Nope. As far as I know, they can’t be booked in advance.

These events fill up quickly. I would make the CruiseNext desk the first stop when you get on the ship.

Thanks for the insight. We’ll be onboard in two weeks and plan to spend a significant amount of my time in a cabana on the sun deck. It’s my happy place. 😃❤️

I agree that they appear to have listened to all the complaints and are maki g changes. If indeed this is an upgrade to FAS+ it is indeed a major improvement for Ruby and Elite. I’m only a lowly Pearl. I just earned it in December after several cruises during the year. It’s unlikely I’ll retain the status this year. I’m not that heavy of a gambler and only have two NCL/Oceania cruises booked this year and no time on the calendar for any more. My question is that it appears that only Pearl and above qualify for any kind of discount of any kind on new bookings. Jade is gone. This is a change. Even though I’ve never reached Pearl before last year, I have received at least a discount, and the occasional comp, through CAS for years. It looks to me like that’s gone. We’ll see.

This is a little outdated as the terms are changing on Monday, but this gives the basics. There may be more info in Oceania and Regents websites as well. https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/casino-cruise/players-club

No reciprocity between the lines except for the casino. Sorry!

Maybe. But that’s not what’s on the ship. It’s the artificial stuff. They do have half and half in thermoses on the buffet. I suppose one could bring a glass back to the room.

First, the spa is not a public space that is available to everyone. It is available to those who pay for access - same as the Haven, albeit on a smaller scale. On the “in your face” comment, there are limited doors into the Haven area. Usually one or two on two decks. Not sure how that’ll “in your face”. Would you prefer the doors not be marked? On the substance, I’ve been in the Haven four times - soon to be five. Also have been on at least ten NCL cruises when I wasn’t in the Haven, in cabins ranging from a studio to an Oceanview to a balcony and a club balcony. I’ve enjoyed every one of them. Do I love the Haven? Absolutely. But I somehow manage to have fun when I’m not there. And has been stated by others, we’ve worked our entire lives to be able to afford this luxury and it’s our choice how we choose to spend the capital that we’ve spent a lifetime accumulating. I refuse to feel guilty for it. Do you feel the same way about people in first class on an airplane? I’m afraid I’m not seeing the difference.