Russiamomm

Agreed to a certain extent. I just find the CNs to be more flexible and like to keep at least four in my account at any point in time, I tend to book last minute. My understanding is that you have to buy the CFs at least four months prior to using them. But I may be wrong. I’ve always just waited until I got onboard to refill the pot when I need to. Either way, my point remains. The way they sell the CNs is deceptive. It’s OK for those of us that understand how it works, but it’s obvious from all the posts on this subject that their confusing marketing is having its desired effect.

Completely agree with cruiseny4life. This is a terrible idea! I have a better idea. Why can’t NcL just tell it like it is. “Pay me $125 and I’ll take $250 off your next cruise.” All this business about OBC does nothing but confuse the situation and make people spend more money on stuff they don’t want fearing that the have to “use it or lose it”. But I guess that’s the point.

You’ll be happy to know that NCL has changed from Pepsi to Coke across the fleet.

It’s an espresso martini. It costs $18 all across the ship, as far as I know. So with the FAS basic drink package it costs $3.60. $3 plus a 20% gratuity. I’ve bought many of them. 😂

No problem being part of the 2%. 😃

I know I disagree with the OP. We’re Platinum and Sapphire. The only time we’ve declined the meal package is on a seven night cruise when we are booked in the Haven. We didn’t see a reason to pay for two more specialty dinners when we already get two with our status. It would leave just three nights to enjoy the enjoy the Haven Restaurant. When we’re not in the Haven, taking the FAS dinners is a no brainer.

That I don’t know. I’ve never gotten the Starbucks package. I would assume it would be covered by the Starbucks package, but I don’t know for sure. Maybe someone else does. For what it’s worth, I found the espresso martini to be worth every penny of the $3.60 upcharge. 😃

I don’t believe so. You’re paying for the espresso, not the liquor. Espresso isn’t included in the regular FAS drink package.

Enjoy your new benefits. And enjoy the Haven!

The Haven concierge can book it for you, but ask first thing when you get onboard. We’ve done it before. Much prefer waiting in line for the concierge in the Haven than in line at the CN desk in the Atrium. 😃

As I noted above, always book the fixed price restaurants (Teppanyaki and Moderno) first. If you don’t, they will try to charge you for the meal online, the online reservation system recognizes the FAS meals, but not the Platinum meals.

Just one clarifying note. The two free dinners is one per cabin. Assuming you’re sharing a cabin you will only get one coupon between you. So it’s two dinners, not four. As others have said, you need to sign up for the Behind the Seas tour as soon as you get onboard. It is a different (from what I understand, not as thorough) as the one you pay for, but still fascinating. finally, although you will only get one coupon for laundry, you are both entitled to the free bag. Simply write “Platinum” on the inventory sheets. You don’t really need the coupon. You may have to ask your steward for an extra bag. Edited to add that as far as making dinner reservations goes, make them online as you would any other reservation. But make sure you book the fixed price (Teppanyaki and Moderno) first so they are recognized as FAS reservations. Otherwise the system will try to charge you. (The booking system doesn’t recognize the Platinum status. You need to bring the physical coupon to the restaurant.)

No, it’s not true. For the a-la-carte restaurants you an appetizer, soup or salad, entree and dessert. As far as sides, I believe the rule is two per person, but I may be wrong about that. If I recall correctly at Cagneys we usually each get two and share them all.

Well, I’m a woman with a healthy body weight who can drink ten drinks a day on a ship and remain conscience. While I’ve never actually counted the number of drinks I had in a day, I’m pretty sure I reach 10 on most sea days. A couple of mimosas and/or Bloody Mary’s with breakfast and through the morning. Maybe a shot of Kailua or Baileys in my coffee. Wine with lunch. Frozen drinks in the afternoon. Another shot of Kailua with my afternoon coffee. Pre-dinner cocktail. Wine with dinner. Wine or a cocktail in the evening (usually in the casino). You get the picture. And somehow I remained conscious! 😂

There are two problems with this. First, as nice as these rooms are, they are not Haven cabins. Second, they have no real balcony, if that’s important to OP.

Yikes is right! That alone is reason is reason to sail with NCL! At least I can get Buffalo Trace with the basic package! 😂

I get it. But honestly, I don’t care. At the end of the day it’s $21.80 a day. To me it’s a great deal and I’ll take it. Don’t want it? Don’t get it. Everyone has the option.

Agreed. But the costs aren’t exactly hidden.

No, it’s not free. It costs $21.80 a day for the gratuities. I will grant you that $109 a day is higher than other lines. But I doubt that many, if anyone actually pays full price for the drink package on NCL. It’s marketing. I see the semantic issues with “free”, bit at the end of the day it’s a great deal.

And $21.80/day is still less than any of those. I don’t care what they call it, it’s still a great deal.

There is definitely a difference in the ships. I’ve never been on it, but the Dawn does not have a Haven. On that ship I would opt for two balconies as opposed to a suite, but that’s just me.

A friend and I have done the 2BR Haven on the Joy, the BA and the Epic. She always has the small BR and has loved it. (I get the deals through CAS and have a higher status, so I get the big BR. 😂). While I don’t have personal experience with the bed in that room, and it is smaller, she’s never complained and has stated that she loves her little space all to herself. You can always ask for a mattress topper if needed. I wouldn’t hesitate to do one of those cabins for three adults. Loved them all. And the price difference between it for three and a separate cabin for the solo is a non-starter. At least for me.

If they took the NCL insurance that will go up with the more expensive cabin.

I had the same concern before I tried it. Most of their bookings come with a significant amount of OBC that can be used for drinks. Also, soft drinks are included in the fare and the drinks are reasonably priced. I wouldn’t let the lack of a drink package stop youu from trying it.

Im not ignoring anyone and certainly don’t want to start rumors. I was simply speculating that since the Encore and Joy are sister ships it’s possible that some of the changes made in dry dock will be consistent. Do I know for sure? Obviously not. As far as know there hasn’t been any information put out about the Encore’s scheduled two week drydock.