vayka

I just called NCL to book on Joy Penthouse Suite (SC) and asked for a list of perks/amenities that come with the room. The agent read directly off their website. ( I will attach screen shot) I mentioned some people are saying the are not getting the special lunch and dinner.  The agent, essentially had no additional data to find out specifically about the Joy. When I asked if I can get a guarantee in writing that this list would be honored, the agent was not sure if that was possible. I did not book and will wait for more clarification on this ship. Poor marketing info on their end.  IF Anyone recently was on NCL JOY in this category SC, can you PLEASE, share your experience?

Retracted our bid and below is why. This may be slightly off topic but useful for those of you who have placed bids and may need to watch pricing changes.

 

We were in Category SE (Aft Penthouse Suite)

 

H3 (Owners Suite) minimum starting bid was $600 per person

SC (2 BR) minimum starting bid was $200 per person

 

Prices for these suites had dropped considerably over time, yet our SE either stayed the same or increased. (It must be in high demand). I noticed the price for the SC dropped to a $600 difference to what we paid. I was pretty sure a minimum starting bid for SC ($200 pp/$400 total) wouldn't win and to offer the smallest bid that would get me out of the "poor" and into the "fair bid", it would total $570. I called my TA to see what it would cost if I outright paid for the SC (no bid just pay for a room change). They quoted $600 plus an extra $100 OBC. I took it. ;p

Both of our friends traveling with us got their bids accepted. They had balcony rooms and were upgraded to mini suites. Minimum bid was $25, they bid in the low poor range and it was accepted. There are a lot of rooms left on this ship and it leaves. In 2 weeks so they were lucky.

Retracted our bid and below is why. This may be slightly off topic but useful for those of you who have placed bids and may need to watch pricing changes.

We were in Category SE (Aft Penthouse Suite)

H3 (Owners Suite) minimum starting bid was $600 per person

SC (2 BR) minimum starting bid was $200 per person

Prices for these suites had dropped considerably over time, yet our SE either stayed the same or increased. (It must be in high demand). I noticed the price for the SC dropped to a $600 difference to what we paid. I was pretty sure a minimum starting bid for SC ($200 pp/$400 total) wouldn't win and to offer the smallest bid that would get me out of the "poor" and into the "fair bid", it would total $570. I called my TA to see what it would cost if I outright paid for the SC (no bid just pay for a room change). They quoted $600 plus an extra $100 OBC. I took it. ;p

;)Sailing with a group of friends and leaving within a month. Several of us bid and so far only 1 couple has been accepted. They were in a balcony and bid for a mini suite. Poor minimum was $25pp and they bid slightly above it still within the poor range. Will let you know in a few weeks if any of the rest of us were accepted.:confused:

Any thoughts on what percent of people opt to submit a bid? This is purely a speculation question but I wonder whether 25%, 50%, or ?% of the cabins wind up putting in a bid. Likely no way to know but would like your thoughts.

Tip for services rendered. If you want salary info go to a site like Glassdoor or Paysa to see self reported actuals. I saw 25% quartile for a Butler around $57k a year with top end 75% quartile around $80k a year. If you do the math between tips and base pay it is doubtful the Butler is getting $10pp/pd.

We went to Bermuda on Breakaway with a group of 12 (6 couples separate room) we had a 9th floor corner aft suite. It was wonderful and we hosted happy hours on our deck several times. ( the aft decks on 9 are enormous) We also upgraded my in- laws to an aft balcony. short story... I highly recommend aft cabins. If you book try to do so off season, when kids are in school. The ship can get quite crowded and although there are more venue choices they don't seem as big as the NCL jewel class. Take advantage of the I concierge phone app and you can pre- book shows and dining online once you have paid. Have a great cruise:):)

Thank you DirtyDawg. I'm skeptical that the cruise line actually pays out all that they take in for gratuities so I just want to make sure staff who do a great job get compensated. I guess I'll tip extra cash when service is very good.

Last September I called NCL and asked them specifically if the Butler and Room Steward received any of the gratuities if you were booked in a suite.

NCL indicated staff who attend to the suites are not part of the pool. We had a wonderful trip and gave $400 amongst the 2 individuals who took care of us and our room. Now NCL has increased gratuity to $12.95 pp/day for cabins and $14.95 for suites. We are going away in May so I called

NCL and asked if they've changed their policy to now include the suite butler and suite steward since the price is different. They informed me it hasn't changed and the suite butler & steward are not part of the pool. Does this make sense to anyone? If the gratuity price is higher for suite guests shouldn't the special suite staff get part of it? (You can still always tip extra if you want)