Jump to content

Guindalf

Members
  • Posts

    1,877
  • Joined

Everything posted by Guindalf

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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 😉 ).
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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+.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. OP, have you considered a knee scooter, wheelchair or mobility scooter? Whilst not ideal, at least you'd be able to go! I use a mobility scooter and, although I can't take it on tendered ports, I can get off the ship and do most excursions with a cane. Even staying on the ship is preferable (to me) over canceling at this stage! This year, we have cruised the Mexican Riviera and Alaska.
  17. Of course you lose the original perks. Think of it this way: canceling a booking means you're canceling everything related to that promotion and rebooking at today's deal. Therefor only one set of promotions apply! Cruise lines are changing their promotions all the time and, within a few (hundred) dollars, the bottom line is close to the same. Example: 70% off second passenger is similar to 35% off both. and $100 OBC is almost the same as $100 off the cruise price, This means that if they drop the price by $100, they're NOT going to give you the OBC as well! You mention that you got a July 4th promotion. Why would you think that if you rebooked, you'd keep it?
  18. When the previous cruise ends - so it won't be available from the 26th (as I said originally).
  19. Hmm, Machu Pichu at $14 or Fulton at $20? Tough choice! Either way, I plan to hit the gulf shrimp 😉
  20. I've NEVER heard of any restrictions of dress in the theater. Not sure where you heard or saw that. Make sure that X are aware of your C&A status to get a matched Elite level. You will start at zero for obtaining points, but you will be recognized at that level. See the link given above for more details.
  21. Here we go again! If you're THAT worried about a couple of dollars a day for waiter/assistant waiter/maitre'D etc. gratuities. then do everyone a favor...DON'T CRUISE! What you are doing is removing part of someone's salary. If you choose not to use the services provided, then why punish everyone in the tip pool? Remember, you're not removing the wait staff's tips, you're reducing the amount everyone, including the room steward, laundry workers and more get.
  22. Sadly, the production show, Six, is leaving the Breakaway, and will not be available from January 26th 2024. We are sailing on February 4th. This is a show I've been wanting to see, too! Is there a schedule that will tell us what, if anything, is replacing it?
×
×
  • Create New...