Pwrmaster7

2 hours ago, Phaedrus78 said:

I really enjoy the assumption that people couldn’t possibly book NCL without actually knowing what they’re doing. 

LOL exactly. I looked for weeks and priced options out on every website I could find. 

13 hours ago, DaCruiseBug said:

As it's been discussed before NCL knows their beverage package isn't worth anywhere near $99. To be honest, I don't think a single person buys a package at that price.

 

There's only 1 reason why NCL prices the UBP at $99 per person: SERVICE CHARGE

 

NCL has the highest price on the UBP and the highest service charge percentage in the industry. So they charge you a higher percentage of a higher number and you are basically paying 1/4 what other cruise lines charge for their beverage package. Then you couple that with the extra $300-400-500 it costs per person to choose a fare that includes the perks and NCL is robbing you blind! Why do you think NCL has the highest margins in the industry? Because too many people are too dumb to realize they're getting hosed!

 

I know I know...i'm ducking because the NCL cheerleaders are all over the place. I get it. There's a reason the NCL board on Cruise Critic has the most complaints out of any of the cruise boards. NCL will nickel and dime you to death and so many of you are happy to pay.

 

NCL is nowhere close to being the most economical. As a matter of fact, I can sail on MSC Seaside in the Yacht Club for the cost of a mini-suite on NCL. I can sail on Celebrity with a beverage package and other perks for $1,000 less per cabin. RCL even by buying the beverage package usually comes out a little cheaper than NCL. But hey...you love those FREE perks right?

 

Also, as others have said...this new program will just lead to NCL pricing more and more drinks above the $15 threshold so that more people ultimately pay for the upgrade or if they don't...they end up paying a few bucks a drink. Either way...more money in their coffers!

I looked at every cruise line, every option and NCL was the cheapest by a decent margin if I included the drink package on all the trips. My wife and I like to drink on vacation and it is a must for us to have the package. Celebrity was the closest but they just didn't have enough on the Equinox for me to enjoy. Now time of year may change this of course. People know they aren't FREE perks so being condescending like that really isnt necessary. 

I am arriving the night before for my cruise April 13th on the Epic around midnight to MCO (Orlando). Any thoughts on the best way to go? Should i get a hotel by the airport and uber/shuttle the next day or just uber it upon arrival and get a hotel closer to the cruise port? I am just wondering if there are any benefits I may be missing here in my decision. Thanks everyone I appreciate it!

ugh not what I wanted to hear. That was what I got from watching videos though. Thanks for the response, see how this goes!

Going in April...are the pools cool enough or too warm like bath water? Just wondering what I am in for. Also ive seen varying depths listed. Anyone have that info handy for the different pools? I like to spend my days in or near the water and this is my first cruise. Thanks 🙂

Thx Baylee! greatly appreciated!

fantastic tips! I just booked the epic sunday to leave on 4/13. When can I make dinner reservations for the specialties? I looked on the app and they all say not available to book. does that mean they are full? If so am I going to just try to book right when I get on the ship at headliners? I appreciate any advice you can give and I am sure I will be back with more questions!

Thanks Oak. I searched around and couldn't figure out how to tell about the bed.

Just looking for more info on this room. I used the search function and couldn't quite find all the info I wanted. I know it is supposed to have a bigger balcony as its a corner. Is the bed by the balcony or door? Is there a way to get a lounger on the balcony instead of two chairs? Good room selection for a couple? Thanks everyone :)

I just wondered if anyone has any experience viewing the NCAA basketball tournament on the ship? I know its vacation, but the tournament is my favorite thing every year so i would like to watch at least some of the games. Is there a bar that shows the games? Can i get the unlimited wifi and watch it on my laptop without a vpn etc? Thanks for taking the time!

Ok well I the cruise is out. Glad i asked. Mexico here i come. They showed nfl games so I'm notnsure why asking about bball is so strange. Thanks all

I am thinking about booking the escape for the March 17th thru 24th and do not want to miss all my tournament games. Is there a place that has a bunch of tvs that will show them? Has anyone been on the ship before during this time and watched the games? Thanks!

This is exactly my situation It isn't the sail away rate because as you mentioned it doesn't get the perks. If you were going to book a category would you book one with more openings as you might have a better chance for an upgrade? Thanks

Hi I am thinking about booking my first cruise on this sailing. I am interested in a balcony or above room. The prices have dropped decently over the last few weeks and there are a lot of rooms unbooked. I know an upgrade isn't guaranteed etc but am I better off booking say a mini suite balcony guarantee for $999 (for example are all these good no matter which one I get) or am I risking too much to save a couple hundred dollars. I really am a newbie when it comes to cruising so any help or info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all!