wichitastatecruiser

OMG, what do you know about what really happened? All we know is a family is mourning the loss of their child, people on the ship are sad and we are praying for heeling for the family and you want to put the blame on someone. Now, could you tell us how many cruise lines have you been on where they have life guards?

 

Where in my statement was I blaming anyone. There have been 3 drowned and 3 near drowned in the 3 years. Of those 2 of the drowned and 1 near drowned have been on NCL. At the very least NCL needs to supervise the area or put security measures in place to help another tragedy from happening. If cruise companies would put surveillance cameras in pool areas it would at least help determine what happened and how to prevent accidents in the future instead of it being unknown what happened as has been the case with a majority of the cruise ship incidences.

Actually hotels already have different prices. Double rooms at most hotels cost more than a single room. Usually its just $10-20 more for a double so maybe that should be the reduced price for anyone just wanting a single bed on a cruise ship.

Disney Cruise Line now has lifeguards on their ships. But it was only after a child drowned on one of Disney's ships that they implemented life guards on duty.

 

It was a near drowning.

 

This is the third reported drowning in the last 2 years on all cruise lines:

 

May 2015 10 year old drowns on NCL Gem

 

Jan 2015 4 year old near drowning on RCCL Oasis

 

Feb 2014 4 year old drowns and 6 year old near drowning on NCL Breakaway

 

Oct 2013 6 year old drowns on Carnival Victory

 

Mar 2013 4 year old nearly drowns on Disney Fantasy

 

Also notice a pattern about the age range of the children involved in these incidences.

Hi everyone,

I want to book a cruise for this July but the price is $800 more than I paid last year at this time to Bermuda. I am wondering if there is usually a Memorial Day Promo or if anyone has heard what the June promo is.

It's just so hard to pay that much more for the same trip but then I don't want to wait and have the price increase! I am so torn : (

 

what would you do?

 

You may have waited to long to book and now the price is up due to how full the ship is. If you HAVE to go book now. If you would LIKE to go wait for the June promo and search pricing on different categories every other day as there might be price cut on categories that aren't sailing well.

This is the second drowning (with a near fatal one) for NCL in a year and a half. Will be interesting to see how NCL responds. After the Breakaway drowning their "solution" was to make the pools on that class ship adult only. Now with this one it seems their best 3 options is to make pools of certain depths on all classes adult only, staff pools better or hire part time life guards to monitor the pool during high traffic time periods.

 

Sympathies to the family and here's hoping that NCL does the right thing with regards to their pool policies.

Now to be fair:

 

Carnival has a list of reduced supplement cruises.

 

Royal gives double loyalty points if you book a regular room solo and they are starting to add studio rooms.

 

NCL also has studio rooms.

 

People who cruise a lot should know that a major agency has "fast deals" that offer reduced supplement cruises.

Why would there have to be a class action suit to refund UDP? People can just call and ask for a refund. It happens all the time.

 

And the terms have not been changed because this has not even been announced. An untrustworthy staff member who needs to lose her job has shared this info without permission. That in and of itself makes me lose faith in NCL. I don't like crap employees, even if it benefits the captive audience waiting for news.

 

If the changes are true the questions would be how would the general public know? Also the claim that this was leaked by a "staff member". Do you think the average crew is informed of changes that are coming 6 months down the road and that PCC are told to warn people who ask?

 

Just a bunch of trolls trying to scare people! My proof? Link to thread were a large number of people on this thread have claimed that Cagney's was suppose to go a la carte by "x" date. Funny how "x" date got pushed back!

 

Thread stating that Cagney's will go a la carte in June according to a "Hotel director":

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2201272

Here are the terms and conditions for the UDP on the NCL website:

 

For Sailings on or after July 3rd, 2015

The Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1 and 2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The UDP is nontransferable. Reservations are not required for UDP guests, however, tables reserved onboard will be subject to availability for reservations made 24 hours in advance. We encourage you to log in to My NCL to make dining reservations in advance for specific night(s) of your cruise. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. A 25% discount applies to all a la carte and entertainment based dining and select Specialty Restaurants (Not included in the Ultimate Dining Package). These venues include: Sushi, Raw Bar, Food Republic, Hot Rock, Tapas Bar, Noodle Bar, Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, The Cellars, The District, Murder Mystery, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Illusionarium, Supper Club, Wine Lovers, Pajama Jam, Bayamo and Pincho by Jose Garces. The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity. No kids pricing available for UDP. Excludes all 1 and 2 day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. Does not apply to special occasion/holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the UDP (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). $10 per each additional main course will be charged in Le Bistro & Cagney’s. Chef’s Table, Jazz Brunch, Carlo’s Bake Shop items, Ice Cream Bar and Gelato are not part of the package.

 

Notice how it does not include Cagney's in the not included portion. On top of that it goes on to specifically state that $10 extra will be charged for an additional main course at Cagney's.

 

The rumor is false. Since these are terms and conditions NCL has to abide by them or find themselves in a class action suit where they would have to refund the UDP cost in part or whole that bought it because of Cagney's. It would be too much of a logistics nightmare to grandfather in people who already have it because then you would need a way to identify people who had the UDP before the change from those who bought it after the change. If Cagney's or any other restaurant would change to a la carte pricing NCL would suspend sales of the UDP, update their terms and conditions, the implement the change to after a specific sail date on the site. Otherwise it would be opening itself up to so many US law infractions that it would pretty much run it out of business.

If Escape is not supposed to begin sailing until Fall 2015, the prices for Cagney won't become a la carte until then according to the statement above. But, then someone said July 3, 2015? Anyone have guesstimate when?

 

I was referring to the terms and conditions of the UDP on NCL's website. Both Terms and conditions for sailing before and after July 3rd include. Cagney's. The only difference is that for sailings after July 3rd the terms and conditions state that that certain venues on board the Escape are not included.

I believe it when I see it. The current term and conditions for sailings after July 3rd states that Cagney's is included and excludes 3 a la carte venues specific to the Escape. Even if they were to change Cagney's to a la carte anyone who purchased or had the UDP pre purchased or as a promo before they change Cagney's to a la carte would still get it per the current terms.

 

Also the fact there has been no word of other lines taking their steak houses a la carte. If I hear rumors of other lines thinking about making something like that a la carte then I'm more likely to believe it. IMO the only thing that will be a la carte is sushi/ tapas. Other places will probably just have an all inclusive cover charge.

Just curious...I thought any cruise originating in the US had a 21 age minimum on drinking. Or am I confusing it with other lines? I know I had a friend with a young adult son who was of age in the UK, but not here, and he refused to take US originating cruises until he was 21, but would go if it was sailing on the other side of the pond. Again, priorities, lol.

 

I think NCL is the only US cruise line with this policy. I know Royal doesn't and I don't think Carnival allows it either.

[quote name='dsrdsrdsr']I don't see the hotel idea, somehow. Imagine the phone call: "Hello, I and my family would like to spend several thousand pounds at your hotel." "Certainly sir, do you have a Smartphone?" "No." "Then clear off, we don't want your type here" (or words to that effect).

I really don't see it.

As for the idea that someone can take money out of my account faster than they do now, why is that an advantage? As it stands, I have to put a credit card in a slot and type a four digit number. Not too onerous. Is the idea of these new technologies, like contactless cards, that someone can take my money without me definitively agreeing? And is that a good thing?[/QUOTE]

With cruises and resorts you would still be given a final statement that you could dispute charges, just like now. Also you might still be required to sign for things upon purchase, you just won't have to produce a card or remember a pin number, just move your wrist or touch your wrist to a RFDI scanner.

I don't know how to break it to you BUT I don't wear watches (especially cheap plastic ones) or anything tight on my wrists and I will not on a cruise. They can figure out some other way to get me to pay but it won't be that way.

 

I have one of those rubber bracelets you wear to support different diseases. Mine is for pancreatic cancer. I love the guy I'm wearing it for but it is an act of love to wear it and the minute I get home I take it off that horrible constricting band.

 

Management is going to have to figure out a better way to monitor my spending movements and likes and dislikes. Number one dislike - wearing a monitoring system.

 

Just out of curiosity how do you know for sure that Cruises and hotels will probably be mostly using them exclusively in 5-10 years.

 

Like other poster have said, you'll have the option to wear them, eventually the technology will become like the rubber bracelets. Cruises and hotels will be using them because that's how technology works. I was at Best Buy a few weeks ago and they have RFID locks for homes out. I was at Applebee's this past week and they are in the final stages of rolling out their at the table interactive ordering system so that they can lower the amount of servers they had.

 

10 years ago self check outs at grocery stores and self check in lines at airports were not common and lots of people claimed they would never use them. Now more and more grocery and airports are on that system and having an actual person help is limited. Generation X and beyond is way more willing to trust technology. In 10 years the boomers will be in their 70's-80's and not traveling as much and in 20 years the market place will be vastly different. People like me will be Gen X and beyond will be 50 and under and scoff at using "archaic" technologies.

Hate to break it to you but these rfdi bracelets are the future. Cruises and hotels will probably be mostly using them exclusively in 5-10 years.

 

They can't get lost as easily as room keys, they are quicker to access for payments than room keys, they can track guests quickly and easily for on the fly staffing adjustments and to help management and ownership tweak things for efficiency and to maximize profits. Counter to many arguments they are not gaudy like hospital bracelets but resemble cheap plastic watches.

In 2009 I went on NCL at about 22 weeks. Really cut it close. Check to make absolutely sure that it is still 24 weeks. I also needed a statement from my doctor proving I was where I said I was in terms of gestation. I was showing so it was necessary to even board. I was basically not allowed to book any excursions other than days at the beach or really dull tours. Nothing exciting is available for pregnant women.

 

Would we want to give pregnant women something exciting to do?!? :p

Ha ha more confused than ever but at least i am far more informed about each cruise!!!!!

 

What type of vibe are you looking for?

 

When I was on the Freedom (a sister of the Glory and also pre 2.0 upgrades) to me it was more of a party atmosphere. You have a piano bar and comedians that seem popular. At night the main "hot spot" tended to be the night club which played mainly hip hop. There is also at least 1-2 dance venues on the ship. The casino is ok and the serenity deck is ok. Two small pools, and ok water slide, 6-8 hot tubs, all which close at midnight.

 

Getaway is between Carnival and RCI IMO. The big thing is the deck parties every night. The waterfront is my favorite aspect of any ship I've been on. Combine that with Spice H20 and a balcony and you will be close to the sea. One small pool, 4-6 hot tubs (which close early). No real "only adults" area. Besides the night deck parties there is only one other dance club and it was mostly dead. Comedians on here aren't as good as Carnival and they have the same 3.

 

Oasis is a big ship, but you will forget your on the ocean when your not on your balcony. The ship will give you the most options when it comes to food and entertainment. Central park is gorgeous. Solarium is almost unbeatable as an adult space. So many pools and hot tubs. Hot tubs are cleaned in cycles to assure that there is at least 1 always open. At least 4 different dance clubs that target different music styles. More formal than both Carnival and NCL. Comedian here was funny. Also have the great ice show.

 

Food is about equal on all three. Carnival staff dance and do routines in MDR, NCL staff do Congo lines in buffet randomly, RCI, I don't recall what they did if anything.

 

Also humor is subjective since I am American and your not. See Megacruisers opinion on the show since he's on your side of the pond on if he thought they were funny.

 

The new Harmony is adding water slides, if RCI ever adds a waterfront concept to the mega ship I would be elated. The new Carnival Vista is adding exclusive areas like the Getaway but sadly those launch after you have your baby! I have had fun on all 3 and will go on all 3 again. I'm a balcony snob in that aspect NCL is cheaper for me to get a large or aft balcony as the only way to get large balconies on RCI is junior suite and above and Carnival really doesn't have any large balconies.

 

Maybe you will hit the lotto and be able to take a b2b2b on all 3! Whatever one you do choose you will have a good time as I have had on all 3 ship classes.

Well, we're not going to be doing that much lounging by the pool this trip. It's a November Cruise, so it's not going to be that warm at all. It's a 7 night, 8 day cruise, with 5 ports. We've got excursions plans for each port. Except for the first day and the one and only day at sea, we plan on mostly just grabbing a quick breakfast on the way off the boat in the mornings, and then when we return having a glass or wine or beer with dinner, following by maybe a cocktail or 2 late evening.

 

So I think I just did the math correctly. Tell me if I'm wrong.

 

The cost of the UDP is $280 for the two of us. All drinks are hit with the 18% service charge, so if I back out 18% from the $280, that leaves me with $237. Divided by 7 days (the last morning hardly counts as we'll be off the boat so early) leaves $33.86. So the question is how many drinks could I get for about $34 (Not taking into account Service Charge)? I think from my research wine and mixed drinks are around $10, and beer is $6. So we're looking at somewhere between 3-5 drinks a day for $34. Does my math sound right?

 

9.75 is the higher end for margaritas and such, mixed drinks are 7.50-8.50. Beers are 4-6. UBP does include soda. So your math is pretty right on. Since your port intensive and doing excursions I would stick with UDP.

Loved your comparison review. I normally cruise with NCL (cruised the Getaway last year in May) and was "thinking" about trying the Conquest after many recommendations right before I booked my Carnival Pride cruise (that I just completed a few weeks ago).

 

I completely agree with the food and entertainment. I definitely prefer NCL on both of those subjects. I have only cruised with Carnival twice now and both times had an awesome cruise and will continue to book with them. I definitely won't book based on their entertainment or food, but yet I did find the MDR food on Carnival to be great this time around.

 

Thanks for your review. I enjoyed reading it. :)

 

(Oh, I had to say, I didn't realize that the MDR on NCL also had the Heuvos Rancheros for breakfast there. I just tried it on Carnival last month and LOVED it!!! I will definitely be looking for it on NCL in a few weeks). :D

 

I'm going to hold out for the Vista to book Carnival. Looks like they "borrowed" a lot of ideas I loved from the Breakaway Class and adding their own

Hi all

 

I have spent a whole day going through MegaCruisers Getaway and Oasis review and Jim Zims Glory and Allure reviews !

 

Each cruise has some great positives!!

 

What a hard choice !!!

 

Weebobby

 

Tried to warn you that either you would know which one you wanted to go on or be more conflicted! :p

Another poster mentioned the soda package. However if beer and wine is more up your alley and the UBP is too expensive you might also want to look into the Corks and Caps Beer and wine package:

 

$44 USD per person per day.

 

Includes a variety of draft beer up to $5.95, bottled beers up to $5.50, glasses of wine under $11 and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay.

Anyone else get depressed when they get home from a cruise/vacation. I haven't taken a real vacation (or an entire week off of work) in over two years, and forgot how depressing it is when it is over and time to go back to work. Today is my first day back to work after a cruise on the NCL Sky last week (first cruise for my husband and I!) and boy does it suck. Does anyone else experience this and if so, how do you make yourself feel better/when does it subside?

 

The only thing that seems to help me right now is planning another cruise haha. I really enjoyed our cruise and the ports. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the food on the boat and actually found it to be pretty disappointing but not enough that I'm not already considering another cruise on the same boat later this year. After seeing all the commercials for the Escape I would LOVE to go on a cruise on it, however, I know we wouldn't be able to afford it until next year and thinking of having to wait that long just depresses me more.

 

So now I'm thinking of booking another NCL Sky cruise this October/November (doing the weekend one that stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay as we loved these ports and weren't crazy about Freeport) Have I become addicted to cruising? I can't believe I'm willing to go on the same boat to the same places again just so that I can afford to go back this year instead of waiting until next year to get on a better boat to go somewhere new.

 

I highly recommend not saving up for bigger better ships and not trying other lines that have different atmospheres than what you have experienced with NCL because if you do, you'll just end up more depressed that you can't go on more cruises more often....

Hi,

OCruisers and wichitastatecruiser thanks for your messgaes

 

Oasis - I was quoted 2731 euros total for a sea view balcony (cat D7) so converted that's about $1550 per person with $100 on board credit. Including taxes but not gratuities. I noticed the same sailing 2 weeks earlier is cheaper so was maybe gonna hold out for a similar drop...although this cruise ends on your 4th July if that affects price.

 

the best price on the Getaway for one of the angled sea view balconies is 770 British Pounds = $1200pp including taxes. This includes the free drinks package too although my wife will not be drinking alcohol.

 

prices from Sandy @ http://vivavoyage.co.uk/

 

 

wichitastatecruiser - I will read through all your information now ! thanks !!!

 

Jim Zim is the one with both photos and video, they also can be easier to follow because he provides links to a stand alone site. After seeing those reviews either you'll know which one you want to do, or be even more conflicted!

 

Also with NCL you can do the Dining package since your wife can't drink. So that might give NCL an advantage there.

 

Let us know which one you pick and safe travels to this side of the pond!

I've been on two of the three ships. (I was on the Freedom before the 2.0 upgrades which is the same class ship though).Main question on the Oasis is what kind of balcony did they quote you for? Central Park, Boardwalk or Ocean view? If that's the price for the ocean view I would jump on it. I would pick Oasis over Getaway personally but a lot of people seem to prefer Getaway over Oasis. There are two CC members that have had in depth photo reviews of both ships, one even has video.

 

One is Megacruiser Link to Getaway review and in his signature you can click over to his Oasis review): http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2171334

 

The other is Jim Zim who was actually on the Allure the Oasis sister ship, he also has a review to both the Getaway and Carnival Glory in his signature: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2136157

 

That should keep you busy researching for awhile! Remember, there will be a test!

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

I'm seriously bummed about this change, the other changes didn't really effect me, but this one got me. All DH and I have talked about since our last cruise was how great it was to bring food from the buffet down to eat on our balcony. We were even talking about packing a tray in the luggage for our next cruise. Why eat at the buffet and look out the window when we have a beautiful open air balcony? Now I'm afraid to tell the DH because he's gong to be very disappointed. :(

 

The Escape buffet has open air seating so you can still snack with a beautiful view.

You should be able to put most excursions on the card. The only cash you should need is for things off the ship like food or drinks. Only thing that won't sea pass on the ship is the casino and I believe even Carnival will allow you to do that if you set it up.