Norwegian abandoned us

[Karaboudjan]

3 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

This right here. As you say, NCL is pretty upfront (actually, VERY upfront) about what the "risks" are (if you want to use that term) in allowing them to book for you. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, the world is filled with people who choose a particular course of action without reading the fine print and then play the victim when things unfold as they very likely might. That doesn't mean I *blame* the injured party, I only mean that the outcome was far from unlikely. We once booked a flight from DC to San Juan for a cruise that arrived same-day, but we were using FF miles and it was literally TWICE the number of miles to fly in a day early, and we didn't have enough miles for that. We were indeed delayed and sweated a bit, but made the ship, anyway. I can't say for sure if I'd go through that again or not.  If one chooses BOGO air, one takes the chance of a last-minute delay and a missed embarkation, it comes with the territory. On the other hand, those who say you should ALWAYS book your own flights are missing something, too: there's a COST to that strategy, and it may not be worth it in the long run. If there's a 1% chance that allowing NCL to book you will result in your being late, but you saved $1,000 each time, would it be worth it? Over a long time, that money adds up. If you do it on your own (and even then, you aren't guaranteed that your flight will arrive on time, even if you plan to arrive earlier), then you've paid that money and can't get it back. How much is that peace of mind worth to you? Depends on the person, there's no "one size fits all" to this.

 

Quite apropos to this I just saw an NCL 'Tips for Cruising' post on FB, and this one included:

 

   Want to cruise like a pro?

   Always fly into the cruise port city one night early.

 

So you don't even need to come to CC after all to get that advice!

 

[GeezerCouple]

30 minutes ago, Karaboudjan said:

 

Quite apropos to this I just saw an NCL 'Tips for Cruising' post on FB, and this one included:

 

   Want to cruise like a pro?

   Always fly into the cruise port city one night early.

 

So you don't even need to come to CC after all to get that advice!

 

 

So why doesn't NCL recommend this explicitly when "making" those reservations?

Oh, I guess they think those passengers are only amateur cruisers...

😡

 

GC

[SeaShark]

9 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

So why doesn't NCL recommend this explicitly when "making" those reservations?

Oh, I guess they think those passengers are only amateur cruisers...

😡

 

GC

So they don't have to listen to whiners cry about being "forced" to book a hotel room...

 

[kirtihk]

1 hour ago, julig22 said:

Guessing you've never used BOGO so simply speculation on your part. 

NCL controls your reservation until 72 hours before your scheduled flight departure. Schedule changes within 14 days - expect 1-2 business days for corrected itinerary. More than 14 days, expect 7 business days.

Knock on wood, never had an issue with rebooking NCL flights missed for whatever reason - no different than when I've missed flights I booked myself.

On the other hand, when my flight on SAS was in jeopardy because of a potential strike, NCL proactively rebooked my flight - completely different airlines and route. Would have been very expensive and time-consuming had I booked my own flights.

In my last statement I was writing only about cancellation/delay occurring on the day of flying, not on any day prior to it.  Imagine contacting the cruise line at that stressful moment!  When you call an airline directly, you may discuss all possible combinations to achieve the best outcome (basically, it's up to you depending on availability vs a cruise line air department).

Edited March 9, 2023 by kirtihk

[julig22]

1 hour ago, kirtihk said:

In my last statement I was writing only about cancellation/delay occurring on the day of flying, not on any day prior to it.  Imagine contacting the cruise line at that stressful moment!  When you call an airline directly, you may discuss all possible combinations to achieve the best outcome (basically, it's up to you depending on availability vs a cruise line air department).

Guess you missed the part where the airline controls your reservation 72hrs prior - something clearly stated on your airline confirmation. So of course it would be stressful to call NCL just to be told to call the airline.  On the day of flying your position is no better or worse than if you'd booked the flight yourself - unless of course you are on a delayed NCL-arranged flight and the ship/transfer busses happen to be in a position to wait.

Which does bring up another point - if you are delayed getting to a port and running late- initial embarkation or along the way - CALL NCL to let them know your situation!!!  They might be able to wait or give you instructions for getting to the next port, etc.  They definitely won't wait if they don't know you are on your way but late. This was the advice given by a ship captain on a recent cruise....

[CILCIANRQTS]

11 minutes ago, julig22 said:

Guess you missed the part where the airline controls your reservation 72hrs prior - something clearly stated on your airline confirmation. So of course it would be stressful to call NCL just to be told to call the airline.  On the day of flying your position is no better or worse than if you'd booked the flight yourself - unless of course you are on a delayed NCL-arranged flight and the ship/transfer busses happen to be in a position to wait.

Which does bring up another point - if you are delayed getting to a port and running late- initial embarkation or along the way - CALL NCL to let them know your situation!!!  They might be able to wait or give you instructions for getting to the next port, etc.  They definitely won't wait if they don't know you are on your way but late. This was the advice given by a ship captain on a recent cruise....

But I was “only” 30 minutes late for sailaway!!
They said something about the other 4100 passengers on the  ship wanting to leave on time. It’s just not fair!! 😭

[kirtihk]

19 minutes ago, julig22 said:

Guess you missed the part where the airline controls your reservation 72hrs prior - something clearly stated on your airline confirmation. So of course it would be stressful to call NCL just to be told to call the airline.  On the day of flying your position is no better or worse than if you'd booked the flight yourself - unless of course you are on a delayed NCL-arranged flight and the ship/transfer busses happen to be in a position to wait.

Which does bring up another point - if you are delayed getting to a port and running late- initial embarkation or along the way - CALL NCL to let them know your situation!!!  They might be able to wait or give you instructions for getting to the next port, etc.  They definitely won't wait if they don't know you are on your way but late. This was the advice given by a ship captain on a recent cruise....

"of course it would be stressful to call NCL just to be told to call the airline. " - perhaps, I was clear 2 times with my point: I was writing the opposite - if air was booked through a cruise line and you call an airline, the airline would tell you to call the cruise line that booked your flights, and that is stressful, because as I wrote you would have much less flexibility of rebooking available preferrable flights, since you would just rely on a cruise line person without a chance to plea for the best flight, for example, perhaps, even from a different airline which sometimes is allowed in these days (a few years ago it was a standard procedure when no flights were available on the originally booked airline).

[julig22]

5 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

"of course it would be stressful to call NCL just to be told to call the airline. " - perhaps, I was clear 2 times with my point: I was writing the opposite - if air was booked through a cruise line and you call an airline, the airline would tell you to call the cruise line that booked your flights, and that is stressful, because as I wrote you would have much less flexibility of rebooking available preferrable flights, since you would just rely on a cruise line person without a chance to plea for the best flight, for example, perhaps, even from a different airline which sometimes is allowed in these days (a few years ago it was a standard procedure when no flights were available on the originally booked airline).

And I repeat - the AIRLINE owns the booking 72hrs before scheduled departure. The point you are trying to make was quite clear but INCORRECT. And I am actually speaking from several personal experiences, the most recent about 10 days ago, although I was on my way home so time wasn't as critical.

Flight 1, as scheduled.  Flight 2, delayed by 30 minutes, making the connection for flight 3 a no-go.  I went to the counter as I was already at the airport, they looked up what was available and like magic, I had a later reservation for flight 3.  No NCL involvement whatsoever.

 

The one thing I have learned after having to reschedule more than once, is to do your homework and know what your options will be if you do need to reschedule. Twice when I've had to have the airline rebook my flights, their initial choice wasn't that favorable and I had to steer them in the direction of the best option (and on their own airline no less!)

[mickeysgal]

18 hours ago, julig22 said:

 

 

The one thing I have learned after having to reschedule more than once, is to do your homework and know what your options will be if you do need to reschedule. Twice when I've had to have the airline rebook my flights, their initial choice wasn't that favorable and I had to steer them in the direction of the best option (and on their own airline no less!)

This is solid advice right here.  All you have to do is have this happen to you once and you learn how to avoid it going forward.  My husband flies every week for work.  He always has his alternate choices in mind should there be a flight issue...delay, cancellation, etc.  It's just smart.

 

For the most part when we fly to Europe, it's our preference if at all possible, to have our connection in Europe, not the USA.  If something happens and we can't make that connection, there are other choices of airlines and high speed trains to usually get us to where we need to be.  Missing an overseas connection in the US, usually means waiting another day for that overnight overseas flight.  I'd rather figure it out in Europe than waste another day of vacation in the US.  That's our preference though...even if it costs us more.  And we always, always, always fly in a day or two before for a European cruise.  And yes, we do have limited vacation time like so many others.  We look for cruises that start/end on days where it's compatible for our schedules with flying in early. 

Edited March 10, 2023 by mickeysgal

[jtrollin]

If you google around you will find the email address of the VP of Guest Services for NCL, I had the same issue and emailed her directly the full story of what happened and got some satisfaction from that route.  I also always use a TA who saved us when we had those issues.

[CILCIANRQTS]

45 minutes ago, jtrollin said:

If you google around you will find the email address of the VP of Guest Services for NCL, I had the same issue and emailed her directly the full story of what happened and got some satisfaction from that route.  I also always use a TA who saved us when we had those issues.

Second the use of a TA. They earn their stripes when things go wrong.

[newtocruisingcdn]

 

 

[graphicguy]

On 3/10/2023 at 11:08 AM, CILCIANRQTS said:

Second the use of a TA. They earn their stripes when things go wrong.

Amen to that! 😉

[complawyer]

I disagree 100%. always best to just do it yourself. book the airfare yourself, go into the departing city/country a few days earlier, book the hotel by yourself, if you need a travel agent, just have them book the cruise , cabin and departure point you want

[njkate]

16 hours ago, complawyer said:

I disagree 100%. always best to just do it yourself. book the airfare yourself, go into the departing city/country a few days earlier, book the hotel by yourself, if you need a travel agent, just have them book the cruise , cabin and departure point you want

Agree but currently air fare, especially to Europe is high so many will be using NCL air

[WarfRatWA]

I personally never use a 3rd party to book hotel/air/cruise.  If you get into a bind that could turn stressful, time limited or otherwise negatively impact your vacation, why add a layer of bureaucracy?  That said, I understand cost is a factor.  This is just a mehod works for me. 

[BirdTravels]

On 3/10/2023 at 10:22 AM, jtrollin said:

If you google around you will find the email address of the VP of Guest Services for NCL, I had the same issue and emailed her directly the full story of what happened and got some satisfaction from that route.  I also always use a TA who saved us when we had those issues.

So,,, you realize that the public facing email addresses of any executives go to an off shore call center who provide canned "approved" responses tailored to your issue. The Katty never sees the thousands s of emails that hit her external email each week. 

[BirdTravels]

On 3/10/2023 at 11:08 AM, CILCIANRQTS said:

Second the use of a TA. They earn their stripes when things go wrong.

So, TAs are not agile enough during a crisis like the OP. You accept the risk of using a TA to get some extra perks and discounts.

 

You also use a TA if you don't know what you're doing. There are dozens of posts every week about "I didn't know this" or "I didn't know that" woe is me. If you are an infrequent or inexperienced cruiser or new to a cruise line, then a TA is an excellent resource to help you navigate booking a cruise. 

 

Example: We were scheduled to sail on the Encore on April 3, 2022 out of Miami. Per the advice on this thread, we booked flights to fly in the day before and stay the night in Miami. On April 2, 2022, day before departure, there was a big storm over Orlando disrupting all flights into central and southern Florida Even though it was sunny in Miami, FAA shut down the airspace, not allowing planes to fly through or around the monster storm. 

 

Long story short, hundreds of flights were cancelled, including ours (after waiting at the airport for over 12 hours). Hold times for airlines and travel agents were measured hours ("your estimated hold time is 3 hours 46 minutes"). All of the flights the next day (day of cruise) to anywhere in Florida or near Florida were sold out. 720 passengers scheduled to fly in the day before departure missed the ship. A handful joined the cruise on Day 3 in the Dominican Republic. Several hundred joined the cruise on Day 4 in St. Thomas. Those who flew in day of cruise were fine. We were able to get the airline to oversell a flight by two more seats by working directly with the airline and not through a travel agent, who were closed for the day. 

[Panhandle Couple]

On 3/10/2023 at 10:08 AM, CILCIANRQTS said:

Second the use of a TA. They earn their stripes when things go wrong.

However,

Missing a connection in Portugal at 9 Am local time means calling the TA at 5 AM eastern time, 4 AM central, etc.

 

I doubt anyone answers their phones at those times.  Most don't start work until 8 AM.

[complawyer]

njkate: you just need to do  little research.  we're leaving from southhampton july 27th. we're booked on british airways july 25th to london. business class was 1300 one way, premium economy was 960 coming back from stockholm. Leaving from and returning to LAX. i dont think $2200 per person with those category seats is outrageous. it's 10 hr non stop flight from lax to lhr and im looking forward to business class perks

 

if you choose economy, im sure it's much cheaper.  remember the old cliche an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  i'd rather spend a little more money for the comfort and security of getting somewhere, then rely on ncl or a travel agent.

 

this site is loaded with horror stories about flights missed or cancelled, cruises missed etc.

 

i dont want to sound like im bragging, or more knowledgeable than someone else ( i acknowledge i am not), but we've been on over 20 ncl cruises since 2010. from u.s ports, to european ports. ive booked all our own flights, hotels, transportation to/from airport to hotel, hotel to ship, etc, and never once had a problem.  thank god for the internet, google, booking and hotels.com.

we have a very lovely consultant from casinos at sea ( cruise critic precludes me from naming her, unfortunately) but all she does is the actual cruise booking and pricing after i tell her what we want.

or, i'd be more than willing to assist you on your next cruise/flight/hotel if you tell me where you want to go.

 

finally, if you keep looking far enough in advance, you'll find good prices. 

[cruiseny4life]

38 minutes ago, Panhandle Couple said:

However,

Missing a connection in Portugal at 9 Am local time means calling the TA at 5 AM eastern time, 4 AM central, etc.

 

I doubt anyone answers their phones at those times.  Most don't start work until 8 AM.

If you use a small agency, you'd be surprised. They know when their clients are traveling, therefore keep ringers on (hoping it doesn't ring). Big box places...yea, they aren't going to do that.

 

But, you do have to find the right travel agent for you that offers more than just book the trip service.

[hallux]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

If you use a small agency, you'd be surprised. They know when their clients are traveling, therefore keep ringers on (hoping it doesn't ring).

Yup.  I recall my parents saying that their TA keeps a portfolio of her actively-traveling clients with her so if they call her with an issue she can jump to action.  She doesn't have status with NCL to do any kind of perks so I don't go through her for my bookings.  The one time I did use her she just booked what I asked her to book after doing my own research and I paid the 'rack rate' for everything.

[julig22]

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

njkate: you just need to do  little research.  we're leaving from southhampton july 27th. we're booked on british airways july 25th to london. business class was 1300 one way, premium economy was 960 coming back from stockholm. Leaving from and returning to LAX. i dont think $2200 per person with those category seats is outrageous. it's 10 hr non stop flight from lax to lhr and im looking forward to business class perks

 

if you choose economy, im sure it's much cheaper.  remember the old cliche an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  i'd rather spend a little more money for the comfort and security of getting somewhere, then rely on ncl or a travel agent.

I'm ok with my economy class, usually pay for added leg-room on longer flights - I fly from a small regional airport in Oregon, so leg 1 will always be to a hub and ticketing is a little more complex, so NCL saves me time and effort, as well as money - at least on international flights.

Last summer I flew to Reykjavik, returning from London, total: $600. Direct flights both ways after 1 flight to appropriate hub, Seattle to Reyjkavik, London to LAX. So less comfort but security??  Booking yourself doesn't necessarily guarantee you any better flights or prevent issues with your flights. LOL- it doesn't matter if you are in business or economy if a flight is delayed or cancelled.

[complawyer]

julig22. youre absolutely correct. any flight  can be cancelled regardless of when or who books it. i just feel safer if ive done  it myself. i can fly into departure city a few days early to lessen the chances of missed flights/cruise. it also gives me a chance to explore  the city to which ive flown (especially great from foreign ports)

 

a number of people are ok with economy. with flights 8-10 hours or longer, i prefer a little more comfort, and i think it's worth the extra costs. it's like booking an inside cabin or a club balcony.  your preference. if youre only using the cabin to sleep  or change clothes an inside cabin is perfect. i admit to being ultra spoiled and want a little extra comfort

[ged1967]

We had a cruise from Tampa February 2022. Flying from Scotland and booked with NCL as a package. Originally it was direct flights (I believe) with AA. 
then it got changed to indirect from Glasgow with 1 change in London. 
One week before I just browsing though my BA app and noticed our domestic flight from Glasgow to London Heathrow had been cancelled and we’d been rebooked on a flight leaving Glasgow AFTER our flight to the US was due to depart. 
A quick but panicked call to our TA got things sorted but now with TWO changed. London Heathrow & Miami. 
 

a couple of days before we left the U.K. we had really bad storms and flights were all affected. Our domestic flight was the red eye to London but we were concerned aircraft of crew would be misplaced. We were prepared to drive anywhere to get in this cruise. (Originally this was meant to be in 2020!)  The domestic flight departed on time no problems. 
However the first leg to Miami was delayed by 2.5 hours. We had a plane (it was sat at gate) we had crew, the flight deck even waved at us) however we had no gate staff to board us and there were two aircraft using the gate. 
Well we took off 2.5 hours late (not late enough to get a refund ☹️) arrive late into Miami & missed our connection. 
My partner needed a wheelchair & assistance at airport so we were lucky & missed all the queues at immigration & check in Miami. 
There was only 1 flight left that night with no seats available. The girl out is on standby for that flight and also put us in the first flight the next morning (in case we didn’t get the last flight) these were the last 2 seats available. 
With luck we got seats in last flight if day and made it to Tampa. 
We were meant to have transportation from airport to hotel but there was nobody there I think by this time we were 5 hours late so we got an Uber. In the morning again there should’ve been transportation to the ship. No! 
This was all part of the cruise/flight package booked with NCL. 
maybe because we were late but we’re both young 40s/50s and able to sort things out, but there are quite a few elderly that like to cruise and they could’ve been quite worried trying to get to hotel after midnight in a foreign country. 
luckily coming from the U.K. the flights are always 1 day early. Maybe next time I’d come 2 days early. 
 

the coach transfer on disembarkation was running.