Guindalf

It's a promo, not actual cash, s it never existed in the first place! If you're expecting to get it back as cash, or even OBC, not a chance.

BirdTravels is wrong. MOST TA OBC is refundable. Usually, only OBC provided as a perk by the cruise line is non-refundable. On our last cruise (in February), we had $575 in TA-provided OBC and we also got $50 for a missed port. After spending a few dollars, we were able to go to guest services on the last evening (or final morning) and we were handed the balance of just over $600 in cash. We were also given $100 in non-refundable OBC for that missed port, which bought some Toblerone, etc.!

Another thing to consider is that prices are often quoted with the current promotion applied. For example, if the cruise price is $1000 and it's 'second passenger is 50% off', the prices shown are likely to be $750 each. The discount would come off the rack rate, not the discounted fare!

When you upgrade, you retain the original perks. In this case, it would be the one meal. After final payment, you were lucky enough to get a balcony, so I would be thankful that they were giving me that and not upset that i didn't get another free meal! After final payment, the cruise line is under no obligation to give you anything at all, and sure, prices get reduced when you get closer to sail date, That's the nature of the beast.

What a useful topic. really prepares me for my upcoming cruise

Unfortunately, all the coffee is Starbucks crap including the french press stuff in the Haven. I prefer anything else to starbucks - I don't like burnt coffee!

I guess no-one on board is following this forum, huh?

We were on Breakaway in early February and, by a strange twist of fate, will be on again at the end of April. We got quite friendly with the bar staff in the Haven, namely Naveen and Raymond (also a barback called Anastasia). It's not critical, but if someone on board could let me know if they're still there and if they'll be there in late April/early May, I'd be very grateful. TIA.

My opinion is no, it's not worth it, but someone else who won will say otherwise. We found the show to be terrible and couldn't wait for it to be over. It's designed as a money-maker, pure and simple, just like Bingo, Deal Or No Deal and the pull-apart cards. The odds of winning are insanely low. Each round saw the highest point scorer get a water bottle and the overall highest points earner 'won' a $500 Effy gift card and the on-stage winner got to keep their game winnings in OBC, amounting to $465. I don't know for sure, but I'll bet it was non-refundable and, as it was day 6, they didn't have a lot of time left to spend it! When you consider the on-board markups, they were not really getting a lot. By that token, they sold a lot of cards, ranging from $25 for two, up to $50 for 10, so the whole thing really did come across like a money-making scheme. As for entertainment value, there was little or none. I guess a more enigmatic Cruise DIrector (we had Roberto) would have improved the experience, but halfway through, my DW apologised to me for making me sit through it!

As a professional thief myself, I get great results when I pay for a week long cruise and target peoples’ dirty laundry in cheap suitcases!

Try scootaround.com or specialneedsatsea.com I don't know about Southampton, but they provide scooters for cruises in the US for sure. I think they extend around the world or should at least be able to steer you in the right direction.

Thanks for the replies. I'm happy to know I can comfortably reward good service! (maybe the bartender will provide me with the JW Blue for a few bucks 😉 ).

Another quick question. We usually pre-pay gratuities, but always tip extra to the butler, concierge and bar staff. Everything I'm reading strongly encourages you NOT to tip. Do you usually add something extra or not? If so, how much for each? I'm not advocating a discussion, just trying to be prepared, but I realise this can be emotive and personal.

It IS included in the Premium Plus package on NCL! Apparently, it's normally $60 (plus 20% gratuity for a total of $72) a shot. On the Breakaway last week, we were drinking it all the time. I didn't have the upgraded package, but a couple of others did and the bartenders were quite ok with charging it to those that did - including some times when they weren't even there, but didn't mind their cards being used!

We're normally loyal Celebrity cruisers since I quit smoking in 2015, but our last four cruises have been in the Retreat (on Edge nd Solstice class ships), in a Penthouse Suite on Princess and in the Haven on NCL (we returned last Sunday 2/11). For comparison purposes, we have just booked the Yacht Club for our next outing in February of next year. While Princess completely failed to impress as a suite experience, X and NCL were great. Before we pick a winner and stick with it, we decided to try the YC to see if it is a viable option. It's certainly the cheapest choice, even going on the Seascape out of Miami. Has anyone else compared the three and if so, any pointers, do's and don'ts, etc.? I know this is an MSC sforum and as such, is biased by definition, but what is the consensus? ETA: Is Johnny Walker Blue available in the drinks package

Bummer. Thanks for the replies.

Is there a Chef's Table on Breakaway? If so, when does it take place and how much is it? Do we have to book as soon as we get on board? We're sailing this Sunday. TIA.

Look after her. We're on next week!

We were exclusive NCL cruisers up until I quit smoking in 2015, when we switched to Celebrity. We've sailed most of the X ships, mostly Solstice class, but also on the Apex (and Solstice itself) in the Retreat. All cruises on both lines have been in a balcony or above. We have a cruise booked on the NCL Breakaway in early February so we can try the Haven for the first time.

We flew Alaskan from Seattle to Atlanta back in September and used Port Valet. It meant we could visit the Museum of Popular Culture (recommended) with nothing more than a carry-on. We booked it in advance, but it was offered by the cruise line a day before the end of the trip. The service was free. We were on Princess but the process should be the same.

Yes, you can buy a drinks package for the remainder of the cruise (not individual days) up until a couple of days before the end of the trip. The cost is the daily rate times the number of days remaining.

Thanks. Good idea.

It's also important to note that in some instances, local taxes (VAT in Europe and state sales tax in the US) may apply. This could add around $1.00 to each drinks bill, whether you have a package or not. If not previously mentioned, there is no 15 drink limit like other lines, bit the package does NOT include specialty coffees unless you invest in FAS+.

This is not limited to the salon. Just about every receipt, on land as well as at sea, has a space for 'additional tip'. I believe they are standard forms. I have seen spaces for tips on take-out orders and even counter service. The easy option, especially if you've already been charged 20%, is to ignore that line. If the person providing the service is being pushy, remind them that they're getting 20% and, if they persist, report them to a supervisor - up to the Hotel Manager if necessary.

Yes and yes. The only extras you would pay for with the classic package are premium water like Evian and any alcohol drinks that exceed your limits.