BritChickBN1

Something seems off about this. When we took the 2 night on the BA in 2014 they kept dropping the price over and over to fill up the ship. To the point where people were PO'd that they spent as much as they did and others were booking late at significant discounts.

ETA: NCL's website is super glitchy a lot of the time. I wish they would do something about that. Once I did a mock booking for a Med cruise and for 2 it was over $200,000.00. No thanks. LOL

On the Gem last summer the courtyard valet was decidedly unhelpful to us and actually quite rude. After the cruise I regretted not speaking up because it kind of ruined the Haven for us. We spent very little time there because we felt like a bother.

My point anyway is don't make the same mistake we made. And enjoy the Haven!

You will not be required to wear or buy anything that you do not want to. Additional charges include alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, specialty restaurants etc. You do not need to purchase any of these things. I would suggest for your very first cruise to just go and have fun, knowing you do not have to put out any additional money that you do not want to spend. Then afterwards assess the cruise and decide if you are going to cruise again what you would like to spend additional money on next time.

Don't overthink it. A cruise is a great low-key, low stress vacation option.

Sounds like an interesting option for some. Have a wonderful cruise.

Yes I have and no I never got my items back.

I've never seen afternoon tea on an NCL ship.

And...this is exactly what I thought. However, two people who were on a cruise recently said they couldn't use their UDP for in room dining.

 

 

 

Do you know this first hand as you've recently cruised with the UDP in a suite/Haven or, like me, believe your statement to be true.

 

 

 

Harriet

I know this first hand.

You are very naughty but I look forward to reading your thoughts on the differences between ncl and royal. :p

One of the perks of having a suite on NCL is in room dining. Your butler can get you anything that is available on the ship for any meal. If you have the UDP you will not pay any additional charges less whatever tip you choose to give your butler.

Now is the time I want to ask you cruisers a question...

 

Where do they get what they play on the tv? Is this pre-recorded shows? Is there sattelite? How does this all work? When you are watching the "news" is it really what is happening now? Or is this all pre-recorded from the week before?

 

I ask this question because we would spend the entire week watching commercials of this...

 

Well, well, well....imagine my surprise when I come here for news on the Carnival Spirit and find one of my favorite NCL reviewers writting a new review here. :p The commercial is luring you back to NCL! LOL

I'm really enjoying your Pride review and look forward to the rest! I love the renaissance art and can't believe someone would deface the artwork like that. It's just nipples! :D

Seems like you had a lovely time. Thanks for sharing.

emilyreid Future Cruise Credit

We will be using ours for spa passes and FCC's.

Beautiful photos, thanks.

Yes, all cruise lines that I have been on start to clear the loungers in the early evening. They won't ask you to move if you are still out there relaxing.

Last I recall the spa pass was approx $120 a week but that may have gone up since I last checked and yes it is heavenly.

Sorry you thought the bowling was free? It's not.

Although I am a loyal NCL cruiser I have to give this one to Royal Caribbean. Key West is a great port!

These increased fees that NCL/FDR have incorporated have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I actually lost sleep over this last night, which is ridiculous considering the fact that I'm supposed to be planning a wonderful vacation for my husband and myself.

 

We got a great price for our Escape Haven Penthouse Suite by booking early, but only got the $300 OBC that is now part of the Freestyle Promotion and not the UDP, UBP, or prepaid DSC.

 

We wouldn't have been hurt too much by NCL's increased fees, but it's the way they were just shoved upon us with no warning and how it's really going to impact family cruisers that upsets me the most.

 

In the Yacht Club on Divina we'll pay $170.32 more and get a larger cabin and balcony and everything that the Haven offers, as well as unlimited beverages and free access to our mini bar contents that have COCA COLA (!) products and snacks inside. Plus, we'll get $200 OBC. Oh yeah, and free room service.

 

So I'm just curious.....is anyone else jumping ship from NCL?

Bye!!!!!

Enjoying your review. Thanks for sharing.

Great start. Can't wait to read more. Safe flight.

Yes, I have! In the Caribbean.

That is weird. Our waitress was so excited to let us know the rolls we're gluten free. Google brazillian cheese bread (I forget them real name), and you will find tons of recipes (what makes them special is that they are made with tapioca flour).

Yes, I'm familiar with the bread so I thought it was weird when they told me it was not GF but I figured they would know best. Better safe than sorry, right? I've since been to Moderno two more times and have been told no bread.

I'll question this further when I'm on the Gem next month. Thanks for letting me know you have had a different experience.

This chicken legs are marinated in lime, the chicken breast is wrapped in bacon but still rather dry. Either might have a light breading. The leg was very good by the by. The grilled pineapple with a bit of brown sugar and possibly a light dusting of cinnamon was TDF and a great palate cleanser.

 

Sausages, such as choirizo may contain filler but the grilled meats, such as 3 types of steaks and delectable lamb chops do not. BTW: I just recalled the flour used for those little cheese rolls is tapicoca, definitely GF. ;)

Every time I've dined at Moderno they have told me the cheese bread was not GF. Weird.

Thanks, BritChickBN1, for your recommendations!

You're welcome!

I just checked my 5/30 Gem cruise and Cagneys is still available for booking. I hope they don't drop Cagneys from the UDP. We usually go at least twice per cruise and I wouldn't want to pay $120 at least on top of the UDP.

Actually I wouldn't pay that at all. I vote with my cruise dollars since at the end of the day that's all that really matters.

As a part of the Norwegian NEXT program, we’re making some exciting menu updates to Cagney’s. The restaurant will be closed for reservations prior to sailing, but you will still be able to make reservations onboard.

uh-oh....Please don't take away my raspberry creme brulee NCL!!! :(:(

Thank you, Can you recall what the cost was? We got the UBP as part of our booking promo but I am not sure they would be willing to give me Gluten Free Beer as part of that.

 

 

 

We will be sailing out of Barcelona the home of Estrella Daura, So NCL have easy access to GF Beer

 

 

 

Thanks

I have been told I would have to buy the whole case before for about $150 US. But every time I get on board they have just sold the beers to me at the same price as the non-GF beer one at a time or in the buy 5 get 1 free bucket. I doubt they'll consider your gf beer as part of the UBP but you never know. All you can do is try. I hope it works out for you. [emoji4]

Let us know how it works out for the future Europe cruisers. Enjoy!

Sorry that this is off topic, but didn't know how to start a new thread. Will be on the Breakaway in less than 2 weeks - and while I understand that taste in food is very subjective - would appreciate any recommendations on particularly mouth-watering, delectable appetizers, entrees, and desserts at Cagney's, as well as those that are only ho-hum, and any to avoid.

 

 

 

Thanks in advance!

The raspberry creme brûlée for dessert is outstanding.

Truffle fries are really good too.