cruiseny4life

I think this is the best course for you, based on what it appears you value. The NCL of two years ago is not really the NCL of today. And, it certainly isn't the NCL that serves filet or lobster in the main dining room (without an upcharge). Let us know if you find a line that has the feel of NCL and the value it used to have!

Just lunch!

Post on the roll calls section of this site. See if any future cruiser would pick up for you.

Absolutely, this! Travel is about experiencing other's cultures. Certainly your feet have been bare (or socked) on carpet before. There's so much elitism in this thread. Go and enjoy or stay at home and watch your TV.

Oh, but I was answering your question so you could see what MSC would provide based on your NCL status. Here's a screenshot of what MSC provides, and yes, I agree NCL does not have any reciprocity/matches/etc. with anyone, but NCL. Also, I'm glad you weren't able to fill out all the information. The status match with MSC is only good for three years, so if you don't sail with them, you lose it. Be sure you have a booking ready to go before trying to match the status. Direct link to the chart if you can't read the snippet: https://frequentfloaters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/B2B_TA_Status-Match_Conversion-Table.pdf

Oooooooo! You're more witty than I!

Unclick "following" at the top of the thread.

My husband and I have used the NCL BOGO program twice. Once domestically. Once international. Domestic was Delta and we were able to pick our seats, at no additional charge once the tickets were issued and we were able to login to Delta's website. We would have been able to upgrade to First Class if we had wanted to pay the price. On the international flight, we had Delta from SYR to JFK, then Air France to BCN. We picked our seats on Air France, including upgrading to a better location in the main cabin (economy). There were no paid upgrades to a different class. We did choose our Delta seats, but for some reason that selection disappeared. We were assigned seats an hour before the flight left at the gate. Seats together, in Delta Comfort Plus at no additional charge. We could have been separated on that Delta flight. I live with him. We would survive 90 minutes apart. I know some spouses/families can't, so if you want seats next to each other, do not use NCL BOGO Air as you might not have the option to book your seats. As for us? If the price is right, we'll continue booking NCL BOGO Air. And, be sure you actually read through the comments of those that used NCL BOGO Air. In this thread alone, a majority of posters have "heard" it's terrible. Don't listen to them. They literally have no experience with the program. Be sure you read the Norwegian's Flight Booking Service page that provides the Air Standards. Then, re-read it. Be 100% sure you're flexible and willing to go with what you receive! Most people (not all) that are upset with NCL's BOGO Air are upset, because they didn't understand something contained in the Air Service Standards. Here's a link to the page: https://www.ncl.com/air-service-standards Take a look at this post (granted, it's from 2023) but I believe the poll results and comments speak for themselves:

If Zoom matters, my husband was able to use Zoom fine when working on Getaway when traveling between NYC/Bermuda and then down to the Bahamas on a separate trip. Not sure how it will work in the Med, but I imagine you would have no issues with the basic unlimited package. Julig gave the best answer on the upgrade options.

Probably the same propulsion issue they had over the 22/23 New Year's Eve cruise...of course it couldn't possibly be that, though!

You can say Lyft and Uber here.

The rep that confirmed arriving two days in advance of your cruise is correct. You may arrive at 5 AM, 1 PM, 11:30 PM on 10/8 depending on the flights NCL gets you. We were thankful NCL booked us on a red eye from JFK which had us landing in Barcelona at 9 AM. We had the entire day to wander around the city. Our hotel even allowed us to check-in at 10:30 AM with no fee!!

I know I'm not @UKstages. I don't have such knowledge of Broadway, though I think we share a fondness for Hell's Kitchen. I could be mistaken though. I'm also not as witty. Anyway, take a look at this article from The Points Guy regarding MSC's status match. There's a link to a chart (that could be outdated, or could be real) that'll help determine the benefits you receive based on your NCL (or other) status. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/status-match-msc-cruises/ *I know many do not consider The Points Guy to be a valid source of information, but since my favorite podcast (and radio show), Marketplace, talks with (and quotes from) The Points Guy, I consider it valid.

Oh, schmoopers! He's in Delta One. He'll be fine. The plane could be a wild ride. Or tame and sore. The time in Japan sounds fun! And the cruise sounds stunning.

Well this looks like it could be a fun ride!!

Haha! Thanks for humoring me, Birds!! I've mentioned to NCL staff the lack of pleasantness in the formal photos of the senior leadership. They've just smirked a little and left it alone. 🙂 I guess next time I have a non-smiley senior leadership team members I'll just have to make conversation at the captain's cocktail party and ask what gives.

What a refreshing take. Empathy! It's nice to have some times. Thank you for saying this.

@MoCruiseFan - you're constantly saying it's "onboard service charge," not "prepaid gratuities." Technically, of course, you're correct! But, as I've mentioned, I'm a TA. Recently my agency had a deal with NCL where the NCL BDM provided us with language that said "free prepaid gratuities..." so yes while this is technically the onboard service charge, even NCL uses the language that includes gratuities. So, as @PATRLR mentioned, it's not an either/or and serves no purpose but to confuse folks. OSC, DSC, PPG...all the same thing, regardless of how far up the semantic rabbit hole you want to go!

Thank you!!! I appreciate having an idea of what the kiddos are thinking. We rarely get their perspective. I'm glad you're still out there with the Insta tags! I'm sorry the time he wants to be near you is coming to an end. Hopefully he'll be one of those teens that still stays somewhat close. You seem like a pretty cool mom from this side of the screen!

Bird, I know, I know! I'm being persnickety! But could you please teach these people, especially Guest Services Manager Cruella and Captain Frankenstein to please show a smile? At least they who are obfuscating (Cruise Next, y'all) lead with a smile. Gosh - we're not in Europe, y'all! Show those pearly whites...or ivories...or ambers. Now, onward! Have a most wonderful cruise aboard Encore!!

Oh, we have the return of Stewart! How I've missed them. 🙂 So, a question if you'd be so kind as to answer (or tell me to fluff off) - what does your boy think of you taking photos and posting random musings on some 1990's era discussion forum? Is he of the same mind as my husband? That you're nuts? Is he cool with it? Curious? Etc...just wondering what he's said to you about your Cruise Critic posts and all us kewl cat followers!

Hahaha I was so confused when I read those quotes. I was like...ummm, pretty sure that wasn't good ole lonesome road IA! Oh @jleslie48, I'm glad you're here to provide a diversity of opinion!

You probably know this already, but a direct flight may still land at another airport before arriving at the final destination. I do not believe there are any nonstop flights from BOS to ANC on any airline. I just want to be sure you know that the $150 fee you pay (if you choose to) will not get you a nonstop flight. I've used NCL's BOGO Airfare twice. I would likely not pay the $150 fee (it's still a fairly new option). I have been happen on both my domestic and international flights NCL arranged for my husband and I.

It's the blablabla in the email. That's the point. Don't give me some marketing-speak drivel. Tell the truth. Be honest. Give it to me! I assure you, I can handle the truth! Heck, even if the truth is we need to pay our bills, so we're changing course to save money. I might grumble a little, but at least they would be providing a modicum of respect to their passengers. I'll even be supportive if it's an unpopular decision...just don't feed passengers a line of BS. Deep down, I'm sure there probably are reasonable decisions to make after final payment changes. The drivel doesn't provide that story though.