I’m organizing an Alaska Cruise, and inviting everyone to come onboard and join the fun!
This is going to be a pretty long post, because I rather overload you with information then forget something vitally important.
THE DETAILS: Direct Link to this specific sailing date
(if that link doesn’t work, use this one - NCL has moved things around on their web site some: https://www.ncl.com/cruises/7-day-awe-of-alaska-inside-passage-and-glacier-bay-from-seattle-BLISS7SEAJNUSGYKTNVICSEA
When: June 30, 2019 to July 7, 2019
Where: Depart from Seattle, Washington, USA, cruising to Alaska with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria BC Canada, then back to Seattle. Itinerary below.
Who: We’ll be cruising with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Me - Greygal, aka Laura DiFiore, is leading the organizing of this, with the help of several other EveVolunteers.
Why: Why not! My bucket list ain’t getting any shorter staying at home, neither is yours!
What: We’ll be sailing on the brand-new ship, the “Norwegian Bliss,” which is a mega cruise ship, able to carry over 4,000 people. By brand new, I mean it had its maiden voyage in May 2018, and by the time we sail, it will only be just over a year old. Oh, it has a go-kart race track and laser tag…
Go-kart racing
(Note: Currently, go-kart racing is $9.95 per session, and you must wear closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers. There is a day pass for around $30 and a entire cruise pass for around $199. Yes, you can use the group onboard credit to pay for this!)
Laser tag
yes, PVP IRL! (Note: Currently laser tag is $9.95 per session, and you must wear closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers. Yes, you can use the group onboard credit to pay for this!)
The Norwegian Bliss has an onboard casino, of course , and numerous gaming tournaments. Lots of dining, entertainment options including several free shows, swimming, and other options, too! Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship Amenities | Onboard Experience | Norwegian Cruise Line
To book a cabin, you MUST call our Cruise Specialist, and book directly with him.
-
Our Cruise Specialist is Vijay Pradeep (pronounced “Vee Jay”)
-
His DIRECT PHONE NUMBER is: 1-954-514-4422
-
OUR GROUP NUMBER IS 780182
-
He is available Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 9am-6pm (Eastern Time Zone)
-
If you get voice mail, leave your name, phone number, and our group number, and he’ll call you back. (He’s always called me back same day or next.)
-
If you cannot reach him by phone for some reason, or an international phone call is going to cost you, you may send your name, phone number, and our group number to him via email at vpradeep@ncl.com - be aware he gets a few hundred emails a day, please only use his email address to send him your info to call you back with.
-
When you call to book your cabin, you will need our group number, your name, address, date of birth, and credit/debit card number. As we are now less than 120 days before we undock, payment in full is usually required at time of booking.
-
Vijay will provide you with confirmation number, and if you are not already a member of the Latitudes club, let him know and he’ll get you set up with a Latitudes member number.
-
If you are a Ceaser’s Total Rewards Seven Stars, Diamond, or Platinum card holder, ask him if there are any perks/discounts/etc. available to you.
-
Your Tour Conductor is me - Greygal, aka Laura DiFiore. You shouldn’t need that info, but just in case you do, you have it here. If for some reason you cannot reach Vijay, let me know and I’ll nudge things along for you.
-
AFTER you make your reservation please get in contact with me and let me know so I can add you to the master group list. You can reach me on Discord Greygal#6515 Twitter @Greygal__Eve or via email greygal@affirmativealliance.com (please don’t send me evemail, I just don’t check it often enough).
DO NOT BOOK ONLINE, DO NOT BOOK USING THE GENERAL 800 NUMBER.
You won’t get the group bonuses, as you won’t be considered part of the group!
COSTS:
Costs depend on what type of cabin you select, and are generally per person, double-occupancy (2 people) per cabin. INCLUDING port fees, service fees, etc., but BEFORE any group credits, etc., the cost per person will range between roughly ~US$1,700.00 to ~US$5,000.00 per person, depending on what cabin you choose.
UPDATE MARCH 2, 2019: I have removed most of the detailed cost information listed below, and info that only applied before March 2nd, because costs and availability are now fluctuating a LOT on a near day-to-day basis, and will do so more as we get closer to undock date, and since we are now within 120 days of undocking, we can’t “lock in” cabins at a set price anymore (or at least not like we were for most of the last 8 months). For the latest information on cabin availability and cost, please call Vijay.
IMPORTANT INFO:
- If you cancel between March 1st, 2019 and sail date of June 30th, 2019, you will get a partial refund (varies depending upon how soon/late you cancel). Contact Vijay directly to cancel.
- YES, you can reserve a cabin after March 1st! Payment in full is required at time of reservation, however, and you will still get your choice of group bonuses.
- Please be aware I’ll be ordering our embroidered polo shirts on May 20, 2019. If you reserve after May 20, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to get you a shirt in time for the cruise. (You’ll still get one, but I may have to get it to you after the cruise).
- For more info, read Cancellation and refund procedures, policies, and details.
Reminder! DO NOT BOOK ONLINE or on the 800 number. You will NOT get the group bonuses!
UPDATE MARCH 2, 2019: I have removed most of the detailed fare information listed below, and info that only applied before March 2nd. Costs and availability are now fluctuating a LOT on a near day-to-day basis, and will do so more as we get closer to the undock date. For the latest information on cabin availability and cost, please call Vijay.
ALL FARES INCLUDE: For full details: https://www.ncl.com/faq/cruise-fare-includes
- Meals in the free dining venues, which includes the Garden Cafe, Savor Main Dining Room, Taste Main Dining Room, The Local (24 hour pub, lol), Manhattan Room, room service menu items ($7.95 convenience charge may apply), the buffet, pool bar & grill, the Coffee Bar (regular coffee and pastries included, specialty coffees at nominal extra charge), Iced Tea, some juices in the buffet (for breakfast), regular coffee, tea and ice water.
- All entertainment on board (with the exception of dinner and lunch theater entertainment)
- Dedicated Kids & Teen (ages 3-17) programming & spaces during at sea days until 10:30 pm and from departure until 10:30 pm during port days
- Poolside activities
- Fitness facilities/gym and sports court activities. (Exercise classes are additional charge)
- Some on board classes/demos/presentations (this varies from cruise to cruise)
- Use of outdoor pools and hot tubs
- In-stateroom TV programming (on-demand movies extra)
- Phone calls onboard the ship (stateroom to stateroom)
- If you are in a suite, there are additional amenities/bonuses.
We will also be organizing and including:
- A meetup dinner in Seattle the night before we embark. I’ll be finalizing the details on this mid-March, and it will include food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Cruisers of Eve: Alaska embroidered polo-style collared shirt!
- Loot bag with lanyard and whatever other cute/fun/useful loot I get for us!
- Possibly a special group shore excursion
- Possibly some sort of pub/meetup with Eve players in Alaska
- Karaoke at least once
- Whatever else we can think up that we can squeeze in.
Fares do NOT include port fees (about $232.35), cruise service/gratuity fees ($14.50 a day, total $101.50), soda pop, casino betting, video arcade, laundry, a few other things. Transportation from your home to and from Seattle is NOT included. For full details on what the fare includes and does not include, read this: https://www.ncl.com/faq/cruise-fare-includes
Note: If you select the Unlimited Beverage Package as your group booking bonus, that DOES include soda pop. If you don’t want the Unlimited Beverage Package, you can purchase a separate soda pop drinks package for $68.
Note: Currently, the go-kart race track and laser tag are both $9.95 each per session, but that price may vary. The race track offers unlimited races for $29.95 per day or $199.95 for entire cruise (check that price closer to date, it keeps changing!)
Our group block of cabins is set up for mid ship. There are still a few balcony cabins blocked for us, but you can select any room type you prefer. Note most rooms the beds can be pushed together or separated to be either two small beds or one big bed.
UPDATE MARCH 2, 2019: I have removed most of the detailed fare information listed below, and info that only applied before March 2nd. Costs and availability are now fluctuating a LOT on a near day-to-day basis, and will do so more as we get closer to the undock date. For the latest information on cabin availability and cost, please call Vijay.
All fares (except the solo single) are per person, double occupancy, that’s 2 people per cabin. If you put 3/4/5/6 people in a cabin, the fare for beyond the first 2 people is lower - roughly 30-60% lower (depends upon the cabin, but they don’t get some of the bonuses.)
Contact our cruise specialist Vijay for latest rate information.
Inside Cabin: Some can fit up to 4 (basically bunk beds)
VERY FEW inside cabins left. Average price is ~$1,600 per person plus port fees/taxes/etc.
Studios: For single/solo travelers only, limited to 1 person per cabin. Includes digital window and access to the private Studio Lounge — no single supplement required.
**NOTE: As of March 2nd, looks like there are 4 of these have become available.
Oceanview Room: Some can hold up to 5 people (basically bunk beds). Has window showing outside, is wee bit larger than the Inside Cabins
As of January 14th, ONLY FOUR oceanview cabins are still available. (Note: Compare this to Balcony cabin, which sometimes works out to be larger and same or lower price)
Balcony Cabin: Up to 4 people. Larger, with your own private outside balcony!
As of March 2nd, VERY FEW balcony cabins left and the “spa balcony” cabins are sold out (check with Vijay to see if any have opened up). I’m not sure if that’s this type of cabin or the “spa balcony” cabin below.
Spa Mini-Suite, Spa Balcony Suite: Up to 3 people. Includes complimentary thermal spa access
Rooms are very similar to the mini suites; some appear to be better located, or a bit larger.
As of January 17th, ONLY 2 of the “spa balcony” are left. I’m not sure if that’s the “spa balcony suite” or the “spa balcony” cabin above. Either way, there’s only 2 left.
Mini Suite: Can fit up to 4 people
Rates vary on these, but they start around $2,549 per person, plus port fees/taxes/service fees. Contact our Cruise Specialist (see “how to book” below) at NCL for details and specific rates.
Haven Suite: Up to 6 people. Located at the top of the ship, includes 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck. Also includes free meals at the private Haven Restaurant, and you get additional booking bonuses.
These START around $4,000 per person for double occupancy, less per person if you have 6 (the max). Haven reservations have numerous options/layouts that are far too much to go over in this post, please call our Group Specialist (Vijay, see “How to book”) for details.
GROUP BONUSES/DISCOUNTS/ETCETERA:
Because we are a group, hopefully a really big group, we get a few perks.
First, everyone gets an on-board ship credit of $25/$50/$75 to spend however you want (varies based on which cabin type you book).
Secondly, everyone gets YOUR CHOICE of TWO of the following bonuses (note: if you are booking a suite or the Haven, you will have more/additional choices). NOTE: If you do not select 2 bonuses when you book your cabin, by default you’ll receive the Ultimate Beverage Package and the Specialty Dining Package.
- Ultimate Beverage Package (for first and second person in each cabin only). Includes unlimited cocktails, various spirits, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 in cost (per glass/bottle), and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, and restaurants. Includes a 20% discount for all bottles of wine purchased on board. Normal charge is $89 per person per day (or $630) plus $18.00 per day gratuity fee. If you select this bonus, you get the Ultimate Beverage Package for free, but will be charged the gratuity fee (which works out to $124.60 per person). More details: https://www.ncl.com/terms/ultimate-beverage-package
- $50.00 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit (credit is per cabin). This can be used on any of the excursions booked through NCL, which you can find all kinds of info about here.
Shore excursion credit is applicable for each port, including debarkation port, and is not transferable to other ports. Use the credit or lose it. Does not include embarkation ports. So, that means this cruise has four ports, so this bonus is valued at about $200.00. (Pretty sure Seattle is not included because it is both our embarkation and debarkation port, but will find out and confirm.). Shore excursion credit can only be redeemed by calling 1-866-625-1167 or booking onboard the ship. For the guests that book their excursions online; they are charged full retail for the excursions and the discount will be applied on-board in the form of a credit to their onboard account. - Specialty Dining Package* (for first and second person in each cabin only): Gives you four meal tickets/credits to be used at the specialty/ala carte restaurants (such as the chocolate bar at Coco’s, Teppanaki, or Cagney’s Steakhouse). Normal cost for this is about $85 per person, plus gratuity. If you select this bonus, you get four specialty meals free, but do still have to pay the gratuity fee, which is $16.80 total per person. You can see the various dining rooms here: Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship Amenities | Onboard Experience | Norwegian Cruise Line
Details/FAQ about the specialty dining package is here: https://www.ncl.com/specialty-dining-package/faq - 250-minute Internet package, gives you 250 minutes of internet connectivity for use anytime during the cruise. Can be used only on one device at a time, but anyone in your cabin can use it (if you want them to.) Normal cost for this Internet package is $105.00. If you want to see all the Internet packages they have, you can find them here https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/internet-packages but why on earth would you be on the Internet? Like, omg, you’re on a cruise ship with unlimited food and casinos and laser tag and a race track and well, LOOK OUTSIDE! That amazing view!.. sigh…
- 20 Image Photo Package, your choice of 6x8 and 8x10 photos shot by onboard photographer. Normally they charge $199 for this package, or you can just whip out your smartphone/digital camera, of course…
- $75 Onboard Credit. This would be in addition to the $25/$50/$75 onboard credit you get as part of the group for booking a cabin.
- Commitment ceremony, renewal of vows ceremony or get married at sea! Includes champagne, cake, ceremony, canapes, photo, bit more. Click for details - normal price/value is unknown to me right now.
NOTE: If you do NOT select 2 bonuses when you book your cabin, by default you’ll receive the Ultimate Beverage Package and the Specialty Dining Package.
Finally, because we are a group, NCL credits back a portion of the fares paid to the group, depending upon how many people and how many cabins end up booked and paid for and the average price paid. After covering costs of T-shirts, loot, and the Seattle meetup dinner, and covering any other related group costs, I will be splitting up and disbursing back any remaining group credit to each person who booked a cabin about 20 to 30 days before the ship sails. There is no way to know how much this will be worth until after group account close date (about 60 days before undock, around end of April), as it depends upon the average fare cost per berth and the total number of berths/cabins sold, but as a guesstimate it will be in the $50 to $100 range, as we currently have between 30 and 40 berths reserved.
Reminder! DO NOT BOOK ONLINE or on the 800 number. You will NOT get the group bonuses! See “How to Book” below!
HOW TO BOOK - VERY IMPORTANT!
To book a cabin, you MUST call our Cruise Specialist, and book directly with him.
-
Our Cruise Specialist is Vijay Pradeep (pronounced “Vee Jay”)
-
His DIRECT PHONE NUMBER is: 1-954-514-4422
-
OUR GROUP NUMBER IS 780182
-
He is available Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 9am-6pm (Eastern Time Zone)
-
If you get voice mail, leave your name, phone number, and our group number, and he’ll call you back. (He’s always called me back same day or next.)
-
If you cannot reach him by phone for some reason, or an international phone call is going to cost you, you may send your name, phone number, and our group number to him via email at vpradeep@ncl.com - Be aware he gets a few hundred emails a day, please only use his email address to send him your info to call you back with.
-
When you call to book your cabin, you will need our group number, your name, address, date of birth, and credit/debit card number. He will provide you with confirmation number, and if you are not already a member of the Latitudes club, let him know and he’ll get you set up with a Latitudes member number.
-
If you are a Ceaser’s Total Rewards Seven Stars, Diamond, or Platinum card holder, ask him if there are any perks/discounts/etc. available to you.
-
Your Tour Conductor is me - Greygal, aka Laura DiFiore. You shouldn’t need that info, but just in case you do, you have it here. If for some reason you cannot reach Vijay, let me know and I’ll nudge things along for you.
-
AFTER you make your reservation please get in contact with me and let me know so I can add you to the master group list. You can reach me on Discord Greygal#6515 Twitter @Greygal__Eve or via email greygal@affirmativealliance.com (please don’t send me evemail, I just don’t check it often enough and I really miss EveGate).
DO NOT BOOK ONLINE, DO NOT BOOK USING THE GENERAL 800 NUMBER. You won’t get the group perks, you won’t be considered part of the group!
ITINERARY:
All times are ship time (which I think is Pacific time zone throughout the cruise).
| Date | Time | Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 29th, 2019: | TBA | Group dinner/meetup in Seattle, details and plans to be announced mid March and will include food and non-alcoholic beverages for cruisers. I will set this up as a simple “meet up”, so people who are not going on the cruise will be welcome to join us; however, will be responsible for their own food/beverage costs. |
| Sunday, June 30th, 2019 | 1:30pm | MUST be on board ship no later than 1:30pm! |
| Sunday, June 30th, 2019 | 3:30pm | Depart Seattle |
| Monday, July 1st, 2019 | TBA | At sea (Probable group dinner on board) |
| 10:00pm | Havana! (show) | |
| Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 | 2:30pm - 11:00pm | Juneau, Alaska (Shore Excursions) |
| Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 | 7:00am - 8:15pm | Skagway, Alaska (Shore Excursions) |
| Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 | 9:30pm - whenever | Onboard “pub crawl!” Starts at “The Local” on Deck 7 (It’s Falcon’s and Myxnee’s birthday, so we’re celebrating even if they aren’t there, lol!) |
| Thursday, July 4th, 2019 | TBA | At sea/Cruise Glacier Bay (fireworks?? unknown) |
| Friday, July 5th, 2019 | 6:00am - 1:00pm | Ketchikan, Alaska (Shore Excursions) |
| Friday, July 5th, 2019 | TBA ( evening sometime) | (It’s Tairon Usaro’s 50-1 birthday, raise a toast or hit the chocolate bar or something to celebrate!) |
| 10:30pm | Jersey Boys (show) | |
| Saturday, July 6th, 2019 | 7:30pm - 11:59pm | Victoria, BC, Canada (Shore Excursions) |
| Sunday, July 7th, 2019 | 6:00am | Arrive back in Seattle |
Other ideas: Karaoke night, in-game roam while cruising…
So, I’m sure I’m forgetting something, and when I remember what I forgot, I’ll update this post, and I’ll also reserve the next spot for additional information regarding anything else we happen to come up with, special group milestones, etc.
If you have any questions, please feel free to post here in this thread, or poke me on Discord Greygal#6515 or on Twitter @Greygal__Eve or email greygal@affirmativealliance.com
)
Every time they got a craving, they went and ate or drank! LOL!
