sherylc

I am new to NCL and a bit confused. For our sailing there is a $5 per person/per day difference in the "Service Charge" for Haven vs non-Haven guests. Everyone keeps saying that the Butlers are not included in the service charge distribution (used to be called gratuities or tips), but if not, where does that extra $5 pp/day go compared to a non-Haven's guest. Some might say to the other behind the scenes Haven staff -- but we are sailing on an older ship that doesn't have an actual Haven or Haven restaurant. I am happy to tip additionally for exceptional service, but just trying to get a baseline for where to start (who I have already given as part of the Service Charge and who might have been left out).

I understand the concept of a service charge, but I am specifically addressing the different amounts listed above for Haven vs non-Haven guests and wonder if that difference is to support the Butlers which the former group benefit from and the latter do not. I am NOT trying to open the tip or no-tip bag of worms - just trying to understand how NCL Haven vs non-Haven Service Charges work.

I've seen other posts that say the Butlers in Haven are not included in the standard gratuities that are paid. With a $5 per person/per day additional charge between Haven and non Haven cabins, is it wrong to assume that the additional gratuities would be for the Butler?

To the OP, I was wondering if it might be time to change the name of this thread. I thought about starting another one to let those not going to Japan know what might happen to them in similar circumstances but maybe changing the title to something like "Oversold Cabins: How Celebrity Deals with this (or mishandles this -- take your choice). Would love for the rest of Celebrity cruisers to know what's going on since it could be any of us on any cruise that this happens to and many people see the title of "Japan Cancelled" and just thing it doesn't apply to them.

I also have a couple of excursions booked with them and I found their cancellation policy very clear and transparent. I booked with a credit card that will cover me if I cancel for a covered reason. Their excursions are just for the 4 of us and pretty far off the beaten path so I can understand their need to protect their costs if we end up cancelling. Our trip isn't until August so I can't comment on how good the tours/tour company will end up being.

I am in the same position for a NCL cruise ending in early September. Would love a tour that could keep our luggage with us while we explore Reykjavik.

Maybe the original title is actually correct? Maybe in addition to the computer glitch mentioned recently by author, perhaps someone at Celebrity "forgot" to book port space in Japan for March and early April itineraries?

From everything I’ve seen, late May cruises have not been oversold and have not had any reported cancelled bookings. I would hold tight for now, but definitely consider travel insurance if you keep your cruise.

It might actually be based on booking date with all the lift and shifts that have occurred. Our March 2024 cruise was actually booked in August of 2021 (about 20 months ago) on the Millennium. We (so far) haven't been affected but just stating that many people booked these Japan cruises around that date since that's when they cancelled and allowed lift/shift.

Just off the Infinity a few days ago in a Concierge balcony aft deck 6. The ship is definitely showing wear compared with other Celebrity ships we have been on lately. Biggest problems for us were sewer like smells from bathroom on and off over 12 day trip (other passengers mentioned same from different locations on the ship). Also had to use one of my magnetic hooks just to keep my nightstand drawer from opening and closing all night. Stains on cabin carpets were plentiful. Other than the smell (which the stewards were well aware of and seemed common) nothing was “that bad” but definitely showing her age.

If shore excursions are super important to you, have you done any research on the "drive by" vs landing approach to Antarctica? Obviously it is more expensive to do a cruise that has landings, but after finishing a Falklands/South Georgia/Antarctica cruise with Silver Sea (also owned by RCCL) I have to say the all inclusive daily landings created the best trip of my life (and I have cruised and traveled pretty extensively).

I spoke with Celebrity just now asking to add on another couple to my reservation in March. They said the ship is completely full (which makes sense since it was the only option when people lifted and shifted from Spring 2023). We shall see.

We are on the March 28 Best of Japan cruise and also watching closely.

Thanks for all the replies. Figured there was pretty much no chance that they would go for this change -- nothing for Celebrity to gain. In the age before computers, when a real person could have thought about it and made a decision, it might have happened. But now "the computers won't let us do that" is too common an answer.

Just to clarify (since I am trying to do the same thing), was there an additional charge to do his upgrade to premium or was it the "switcheroo" (one up to premium, the other down to zero proof) with no additional charge. Thanks!!

Has anyone ever had the bar manager willing to change around drink packages once onboard? (I am guessing there is almost a zero chance of what I am asking for but figured it worth asking if anyone has ever tried!). We have the all inclusive package with classic drinks (booked almost a year ago). I prefer a virgin frozen drink or soda to alcoholic drinks so would probably be better off with the zero proof package. My husband is likely to get nickel and dimed with the add on dollars for the drinks he would enjoy. Do you think there is any chance they would downgrade me to the zero proof in exchange for upgrading him to premium?

This is a bit worrisome. In the Captains Club benefits, it says that priority tender access is an Elite benefit, not starting at Elite Plus. Was counting on that for my cruise coming up in 2 weeks on the Infinity.

If all rejections are at 48 hours prior to sailing, what happens to the cabins that have true "no shows"?

You will have a blast. While I always enjoy reading threads on Cruise Critic, the other place (something about a face and something to read) has SO MUCH MORE -- whole files dedicated to just cruising Antarctica on Silversea. I do recommend you frequent both sites.

I've read others posting having trouble renting scooters on one way cruises such as this one (starting in one country, ending in another). The only solution I saw people come to was to buy a travel scooter and bring it with them. Also, be aware that some of the ports on this cruise are tender ports which often don't allow scooters. Hope you find a good solution!

We were on the Cloud in December and made all our landings in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica (got very lucky). South Georgia was the absolute highlight of our trip so even in the very unfortunate chance that you don't get to Stanley again IMO you would still really enjoy South Georgia (assuming you like penguins and seals all around you!)

Thanks all. Figured that was the answer. Don’t really care about the points. Just thought it might be awkward in Luminae to have the classic beverage package. From previous experience, the sommelier has just poured nice wines and kept glasses full with the expectation that everyone in Luminae would have the premium package.

If I get lucky enough to “move up” to a Sky Suite, will my “always included” package stay at basic WiFi/classic drinks or go to the suite level premium drinks/premium WiFi?

What happens if people "no show" for a suite, for instance. If all the rejections are sent at 48 hrs, do they just let that cabin go empty even when a bunch of people might have bid on it? I had thought I heard that some people even hear about a positive move up the day of the cruise.

Now I am also confused. We bought the "always included" or whatever they called it at the time which included classic drink package. Is it true that I can no longer get a frozen drink (with or without alcohol) on this package??