emm126

59 minutes ago, JDBRANDT17042 said:

I'm hoping for some C.C. assistance, from those more tuned in to NCL.

 

I received our NCL Air Flight Confirmation, and our outbound flight (to arrive at the port the day-earlier) leaves at 5:00AM, which we'd like to change to a later time.

So, I called the NCL Air office, at the 866-625-11** number.  They told me "the ticket has been issued, there's nothing we (NCL) can do."

So, I called the airline (which I just happen to have status with), and the airline told me that the ticket was purchased by NCL, and any changes need to come from NCL.  I escalated the call to the airline's Corporate Department, and was told that NCL would need to issue the change.

I'm a frequent business traveler, so airline actions that seem bizarre to others, don't surprise me.  But, in this case, I'm at a loss.

...

Does anybody have anything else that they would try?

NCL has to reissue the ticket- IF the ticket was issued within 24 hours, there should be no penalty however if it was issued more than 24 hours prior, I would explain you would like to change the ticket to a later flight and find out what the fees would be. Once you know how much it costs you can decide if it is worth it to you to change. Good luck.

9 hours ago, BlondeKajun said:

I do regular casino cruises on a Carnival but next month will be the first time doing one on Royal Carribean.  I usually charge my slot play to room with no fees with Carnival.  Will Royal charge the 3% for charging to credit card? 

 

thanks!

From what I understand they do charge the 3% however it might be best to check on the Royal Caribbean boards. I haven't been on RC in 4 years. 

6 hours ago, CdrescherRBL152 said:

I would look at changing or doing without a TA. Cause can not say for sure, but am willing to bet yours never called Carnival. Always keep in mind that a TA, no matter how friendly they sound, get paid on  commission.  The more they get you to book thru them the more money they get. So even if yours knows the correct answer. If you cancel FTTF she loses money.

 

Travel agents do not get paid a commission on shore excursions or FTTF. I don't know if they called or not but that part was not correct.

HI- it is good for anything you purchase on your sail and sign card. Personally I would not buy cruise cash bar or pixels because if you don't fully use it you do not get the money back. Have a great cruise!

I have done the cabanas at HMC probably about 3 times. I don't remember them being $360, that seems like a lot for what you actually get or what i remember paying. I loved having them don't get me wrong but for a place to put your stuff, the AC (which is nice) the shower, the mats, snorkel equipment, chairs, soda/water and snacks? I don't know if it would be worth it for 2. I always had 4-6 people so it wasn't so bad. Either way, enjoy your cruise!

I was on the Sunrise, 9/12-16. For the 3 nights we ate in dinning room, wait was no longer than 10 minutes. Enjoy! we usually ate between 730-8pm. We used the app as well.

Great review Sid! you have made be excited for my cruise next month on the Horizon and I sailed on her already, lol! Your pictures were awesome as well! Have a great time on your next cruise!

So happy I found your review! I always love reading them.  I have a lot of catching up to do but I did want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! hope you enjoyed yourself!!

46 minutes ago, bunnyman said:

Great end result.  I just got off the Sunrise on the 16th when this cruise departed.  We were disembarked in Manhattan before she repositioned to Brooklyn.  For some reason everyone on our cruise got about a $140 or so credit for a refund of port charges, which we were never told about.  Carnival at least makes the effort to do the right thing!

Hi - I was on the cruise 9/12-16th as well. Funny enough I was actually booked on the 9/16-22 but switched it a couple of months ago to accommodate my aunt who was traveling with us. The cruise was an 80th BD present for my mom, so I am glad we were actually able to go to Bermuda instead of getting a free cruise.

Anyway to answer your question, I asked about the $70 or so credit. I was told that the port taxes were much less than anticipated, so it was a refund. I actually was pretty impressed with Carnival refunding us, they could have kept it and we wouldn't have known any different.

Did it take you a long time to get off the ship? it took us an hour to get into the building, it was ridiculous. They kept on saying it was customs, but there was no line in customs and they had 6 agents working.

On 9/12/2019 at 9:21 AM, MotownVoice said:

The OP doesn't understand that in this case, his beef is with the airline industry that doesn't let you just cancel a flight and give you your money back.  Not with the cruise industry who attempted to make amends for the failure without wrecking the ship's budget for the year.

I truly don't understand this, his beef should be with the airline who did nothing wrong and is honoring their agreement but not with NCL who cancelled the cruise, is not honoring their agreement and did not offer a refund? I mean that makes no sense whatsoever. 

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

The "not so good news".....I used my AmEx Platinum to book.  They are no longer offering OBC when you use their card to book a cruise.  Now, they're issuing "points" for booking using their card.  It's still not clear to me what those points would be worth, but I get the feeling the OBC was the better deal.  Amex's insurance that comes with using the card isn't really worth much on the cruise, either.  They cover any out of pocket from a delayed trip, but not a cancelled trip.

HI Graphicguy- sorry about the cruise not working out but I think you got wrong info. Amex still has the Cruise program. I am going on a cruise this weekend and have it, also have it for my November cruise I just booked so that is strange. I book my travel thru an amex office and sometimes they offer bonus points when I book as well, so maybe that is what they are talking about? Right now If I book HAL, Cunard, Princess or Seabourn I would get 5 times the points. I would double check as that is a great benefit. Have a great cruise no matter what you book!

Edit to add. You know what it might, Last time I used my platinum card to pay off my cruise, instead of receiving $100 credit to my card as I have received in the past, I got bonus membership rewards points. Maybe that is what she is confusing.

3 hours ago, Shoppie124 said:

Post announcement riot video courtesy of Nick

 

It's truly sad that NCL employees or any employees are  put in these type of situations, having to defend the actions of their company to upset customers. That looked pretty scary.

4 minutes ago, Shoppie124 said:

Thanks for the heads up!!!  Funny thing is I can't even read all the numbers anymore on that credit card (I had to memorize them).  I'll double check it..

oh maybe you can't see the numbers, I am a little blind lol and didn't really look that hard. Better to be safe than sorry.

Hi- Really enjoying your review and can't wait to see what happens next-lol. I do want to say a couple pages back a wallet with a Citibank credit card is on the table, you can see some of the numbers. I think you should remove that for your security, just in case. I just had my info stolen and it is a pain in the butt. Carry on!

9 hours ago, bnbeyer said:

I just got a Carnival Players Club Elite Cruise offer in email!  It includes:

 

• Free balcony room for 2
• Free drink packages for 2 (everywhere on ship, not just casino)
• $500 casino money
• Free parking or airport pick-up/drop-off
• Platinum status during cruise with priority boarding, debarkation, luggage, etc
• Invitations to welcome aboard and sailaway cocktail parties
• Early room access with our preferred alcohol and non-alcohol bottles waiting
• Complimentary shore excursion for 2
• Treats and gifts delivered to room
• Free social wi-fi plan
• Waived room-service fees

 

It doesn't include gratuities and port fees/taxes.  

 

What a fantastic deal!

 

I booked the April cruise to Eastern Caribbean on the Carnival Breeze, and my sister is coming with me. Happy dance!!!

Congrats ! Great deal. I have an Ultra cruise in November that I am looking forward to on the Horizon, hope to get Elite offers after that. Going on a bounce bank offer next week to Bermuda on the Sunrise that I got from my premier last year. I have been very happy with the casino offers I have received the  last couple of years. Hope you have a great cruise.

And btw- I have received VIFP days for all the cruises I have taken, even if I didn't upgrade. The only cruise I have never received credit for was for a 7 night on the glory a couple of years ago- I was at a charity event and bid on it. funny thing is I paid more for the bid then I would have if I used a casino rate. lol

5 hours ago, david_sobe said:

So, NCL execs are not at fault for their decisions, putting guests in harms way and lack of communication.

Port of Miami is at fault.  No  Dorian is at fault.  NCL did not put anyone in harms way  

NCL did put people in harms way but telling them the 9/1 cruise was a go and for them to go to Miami, knowing they did not have authorization to leave the next day. They were hoping they would get it, they did not. They then told their guests to wait it out in the hurricane in Miami until 9/4 when the cruise will now leave. I think that's putting people in unnecessary danger,  if you don't I don't know what to say.

To blame the TA community as a whole for 1 or 2 people on here who commented about their agents is laughable IMO, especially since most that posted said they heard from their TA.  My TA is open 6 days a week and has 24 hour service, I am sure they would send me the information IF they receive it from the cruise line. They can't send what they don't have. My agent has always told me to check with the airline, cruise lines, website for the most updated info, well according to those that have posted, NCL website was not updated. I get it you don't like TA's, that's fine but to blame them instead of NCL, the people who are making the decisions and are responsible for getting the information out to their guests just doesn't make sense to me. Saying they get paid (10-15%, maybe) and they should do their job but excuse NCL for not doing their job? again makes no sense to me. 

I work in customer service, I am a very right is right and wrong is wrong type of person. I think NCL handled this situation horribly. Obviously you disagree and that's fine. I wish you the best on your future cruises.

49 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

Lack of communication, yes, but not sure the passengers were ever in harms way.

I think so, NCL told thousands of people to get into Miami on or before September 1st so the cruise could board between 9 and 11 and leave right after, Knowing they had no authority to leave at that time. NCL was not cancelling the cruise. They were gambling they would get the authority and they didn't. So yes, there are people stuck in Miami right now unable to get out of the way of a hurricane. Then NCL for a brief time told passengers to stay in Miami until 9/4 to get on the cruise??

And I will add 1 more thing, insurance companies and NCL will pay reasonable expenses. For air changes maybe $200-$300, well what about the people who spent hundreds more changing their tickets every time NCL came up with a new plan? They will be out of pocket and that's not fair.  

35 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Glad you made it home safe.

I don't think the CEO makes these kinds of decisions when it comes to navigation and safety.  Its understandable that people are angry and upset and while I am no fan of Del Rio, he does not decide hurricane decisions.  He is an easy punching bag though.  This storm was so unpredictable and still is.  If you rewind time just over a week ago, it was forecast to be just a tropical depression and from there the path changed daily.  Cruise lines almost never cancel cruises.  The port of Miami closing seemed extreme as I already noted.  However, with the facts and data presented to them, they made that decision.  Its easy to arm chair quarterback and second guess.  This happens EVERY year during hurricane season. Cruises get rerouted and delayed.  It is rare for them to be cancelled.  Its true that all cruise lines will suffer huge losses if cruises are cancelled so they will do everything and anything to keep them running.  That is not unique to any cruise line.  I have seen so many people on your cruise complain they cant get ahold of NCL because "their TA does not work Sundays and they don't have an emergency number."  IMHO, if a TA sells you a cruise and makes a profit off your purchase, you are supposed to cancel and receive notifications from the TA.  We found out your cruise was cancelled from a TA who immediately let their customers know. However, so many are so attached to their TA that they don't want to blame them for not working Sundays or keeping them updated.  That is so wrong and unfair.  IMHO, those who take the perks of booking with a TA suddenly don't want the inconvenience of cancelling with a TA. NCL actually stepped up and allowed them to cancel directly. They had every right to say, contact your TA.  I also applaud the crew and captain who kept everyone safe during this experience.  I am not flaming anyone. I would be so upset if my cruise was cancelled.  But there is only one blame for all this mess and that is Dorian.  I hate it when people always chime in "should have bought insurance."  But sailing the Caribbean during peak hurricane season with no travel insurance is quite a risk.

Graphicguy.  This is not all directed at you but just the various complaints people are doing.  I am so disappointed you did not make your cruise. I was really looking forward to your review.  So many of us are so fortunate we have a home to go to.  So many on board are so angry yet the captain kept them safe and the staff kept them well fed.  They will get home late but their house will still be standing which is not something people in the Bahamas can say and 4 days ago, we in Florida thought was going to happen.   Here is a bit of irony.  So many who book cruises during peak hurricane season say "who cares if we get a longer cruise.  Who cares if we get rerouted.  Who cares if it gets cancelled.  Well where are all those people now?

So, NCL execs are not at fault for their decisions, putting guests in harms way and lack of communication.

Port of Miami is at fault.

Travel Agents are at fault for not keeping their clients updated even when there was no information coming from NCL?

Captain and crew should be applauded. (although IMO NCL puts their crew in a horrible situation with lack of information to answer guests question and they receive the blunt of the guest's anger) 

Dorian is at fault (I agree with that one) 

Those that didn't purchase travel insurance are at fault even though most policies don't kick in unless a cruise is cancelled.

Those that cruise at this time is at fault and this one always cracks me up- the Cruise lines offer cruises at this time, knowing there can be a hurricane, but they are not at fault, just the people cruising- lol- and this is All cruise lines not just NCL.

I see a pattern, everyone is at fault but NCL. Most other lines made quick, tough decisions for the safety of their guests and crews. I don't think NCL did that. I agree with Graphicguy, NCL made decisions based on generating the most revenue possible. They gambled and lost. It was a business decision pure and simple and without their guests best interest in mind, what NCL doesn't seem to get without their guests they will have no business. 

.I think you should be able to eat at the bar, I believe I did it on the Breeze. My friend had a little too much to drink on the day we were going to the steakhouse. I went to her cabin, no answer then figured she went to the Steakhouse but she wasn't there either, tried calling and no answer. So I told the hostess and asked if I could eat at the bar instead and was told no problem- Enjoy your cruise!

57 minutes ago, beerman2 said:

Did you read the above post, PCC can do a lot for you and usually get back to you within a day. PCC's have a direct extension. My NCL PCC is excellent and even answers her cell on off days.

 

Lets us know that she will be back in office on xxxx day and will check the current prices/promotions. 

 

One must remember there are thousands of people either booking, looking for better deals , etc. on a daily basis.

I understand that, I always book with a Travel Agency so I don't have to worry about any of this, 1 call to my agent and I am done, they will take care of everything.  

4 hours ago, JDoyscher said:

Finally got through on August 12. Was told that if I had spoken to someone prior to May 25 I would have gotten a full refund of the difference and that if it was worth it to me I would have stayed on hold for as long as was necessary.

11 minutes ago, adam_s_allen said:

No the agent was correct, OPs booking was way past the 48 hour mark.

 See quote above- NCL agent said had you stayed on hold you would have received full refund of the difference, that was in August way past the 48 hour mark when she booked in January.  

20 minutes ago, adam_s_allen said:

Norwegian's Best Price Guarantee

If you see a better price on the same ship, sail date, and stateroom within 48 hours of booking – either on our website, or in a communication from us – we want to know. ... Re-price your cruise at the lower price, or. Give you 110% of the difference in onboard credit.

 

The form OP filled out was not the correct way to go about getting a price reduction.

 

Not saying NCL couldn’t have handled this circumstance better.

So then the res agent at NCL was wrong when she was told had she should have stayed on hold for hours to get the price adjusted? I am in customer service and it truly shocks me how some cruises conduct business. AND it really shocks me how many customers are ok with such bad service.  Companies should stand behind their policies and misinformation their employees give. That's all, 

I am shocked that NCL stated it was your fault (if it was important to you, you should have stayed on hold?) and Why do they have a policy in place (the price protection form) if it is useless and goes nowhere? That's not great service IMO. I would call back and speak to a supervisor, if they see the price protection form was submitted before the final payment, they should honor it. Best of luck to you. I do hope you have a great cruise. 

I am actually on the 9/12-16, I am thinking we will be encouraged to leave very early and quickly, so it can make their way to Brooklyn. Hope everyone has a great cruise!

If it is a passenger deck, I also look at cabin #'s but if it is an open deck, I look at the ocean to see which way the ship is going to figure out aft/forward.