cathi007

Why smuggle on booze when you can just pick the UBP as your perk? Is the 99.54 over 7 days too much for you?

That perk is not always offered and some people like to make drinks in their cabin, not sure why that is a problem

There are a few ways to bring on what you wish still. Hint, you are personally not searched beyond metal detector, and the flexible flasks you can purchase on eBay or Amazon work well.

 

I was able to get two large bags of boxed wine and several plastic flasks on board.

Yes they work great, thanks to this board I was able to purchase a 3 pack for my last cruise and they we amazing!!!! I'll do that for now on. The water bottle policy really makes me angry though, I am a water-haulic I drink about 5-8 bottles a day and I don't like the taste of the water that comes from the ship. It's only so the cruise line can make more $$$$$, ridiculous

YOU do nothing.

You get an e-mail, or would get a call. Now some of the ships have instituted this "bid" system for the upgrades.

You find out if you won the bid a few weeks before sailing.

OP said they called the upsell number. I have been on many cruises and I have never been offered an upsell, neither has any of my family, so I think there must be a way for people to call this "upsell" number and get a better deal

[quote

Food comparisions are difficult, personal & highly subjective - without surcharges (if offered at all) - shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon & lobster tails are not to be expected (with rare/limited exceptions as someone will surely insist) ... best to look at recent reviews. My guess, from past several years, expect more changes (carry-on soda & water ban) in early Spring ... usually fleetwide & BA seemed to be the "white rabbit" to pilot by testing things out first.

What, you can't bring bottled water on anymore??? That is ridiculous!

We are on the Epic next Saturday. I would appreciate any updates on the condition of the ship. I know NCL is always looking for new revenue streams, but I'm surprised they would risk a major capital asset like the Epic for one week of cruise fares. I presume they charged regular fares plus something additional for vandalism repair.

I agree, they are taking one hell of a chance! I realize I am older now, but even in my prime a cruise like that wouldn't do anything for me, no thankyou

How often are you guys tipping?

I bring 100.00 dollar bills and tip 1.00 every time I order a drink, I do that when I go to all-inclusives too, it makes a difference

Boston Gal,

Yeah I understand why babies have to pay, but it still stinks. It won't stop me from booking, as it's been my dream to have my entire family go on a cruise together. We are planning on the 11 day Caribbean out of New York, it's the best itinerary as far as I am concerned. Hopefully they will do a deal with 3rd and 4th guests free again. Thanks for the response

Cathy

Thanks for all the responses, good to know about the pregnancy thing, I did not know that. I also didn't realize that the DSC does not have to be paid by children under 3. It's sad that they charge you full price (or whatever for 3 & 4guest), as infants who only eat what mom brings or has, not using any of the facilities and such, but it is what it is. At least the babies will be the 3rd and 4th guests for their parents, which will still cost about 800.00/child. Also I didn't realize that the babies have to be at least 1 year for the longer sea day voyage. I did know that they had to be at least 6 months. SO all this information helped, thanks again

Cathy

:)

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

 

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

 

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

 

Thanks the the reply, we live in CT, so for us, NY is the way to go. I think we will give the Breakaway a chance, I heard so many reviews good and bad, so I'll take a chance. Thanks for all the advice ;)

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

 

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

 

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

 

Thanks the the reply, we live in CT, so for us, NY is the way to go. I think we will give the Breakaway a chance, I heard so many reviews good and bad, so I'll take a chance. Thanks for all the advice ;)

I am looking to book a cruise out of NY to the Caribbean during the winter and I see when we want to go the Breakaway is the only ship. I was on the Gem last winter for the 10day out of NY and I absolutely loved the ship. I am not a fan of the mega-ships, so please tell me experiences on the BRKWAY.

Also we will be traveling with young babies, maybe under a year, do we have to pay for infants? What about tips? We are traveling with the DH and I, 3 grown children and their families, one of who will be getting pregnant within the next few months. Thanks for any help/advice....Happy sailing

I was on the Gem last January and got to see the playoffs on the big screen in the Atrium, it was amazing. Only thing is get there early to get a good seat! Enjoy, the Gem is my favorite ship :)

Good for you, as a parent of older children, 20, 17, and 14, I wish I had thought of that! It kills me to see ppl get so mad, since most of them are probably parents and just forgot what it's like to have young ones. I'm with all you young parents, bring your pools and I'll gladly move out of the way for you, enjoy your cruises, Cathi P.S. I might be the drunk one in the hall, lol

Hi from CT, good luck with your wedding and honeymoon, hope you enjoy your cruise. I will be on the Spirit Nov, 19, so I will be looking forward to hear what you think. This is my first time cruising with NCL and freestyle, so keep me posted, if you have time, thanks, Cathi