[Malvina]

It’s max 2x.

I was in Budapest and the same thing happened to me.

They also tried to charge me another $10 euros for having a P2 with me.

[Malvina]

For most fare buckets, it’s a cash + points upgrade. I assume you don’t have status?

You’ll need to call to be put on the list. If you don’t have status, I would not hold your breath.

There’s a tiny chance upgrade space is available, but it’s truly minuscule.

[Malvina]

I matched on Sept 17th and thought I could book this week because everything says the 15th of the month after you match.

When I called today MSC didn’t have my name so I called Ocean.

Ocean told me I’d have to wait until the 15th of the month AFTER the first 15th following your match.

They said if I matched after 9/15 they won’t have my name until Nov 15th.

I just hope the person I talked to knew what she was talking about.

Time will tell.

[Malvina]

If the bags are critical to you, I think the question becomes how you feel about the $300 fare difference.

That’s a personal choice as it’s a lot of money to some people but not others.

[Malvina]

I just got it and it seems that would work.

I’m going to try with my property taxes too although Bilt says I can’t.

But if all I have to do is fill in a routing and account number I don’t see why not.

[Malvina]

Just get to Europe and pull Euros from the ATM.

Exchanging currency is never a good idea.

[Malvina]

Blackout dates during peak travel times will be the norm.

If cabins are made available during these times, there will be very few and they will be gone very fast.

These “free” cruises are not intended to replace revenue passengers.

They are meant to fill cabins that would otherwise go empty, thereby creating additional opportunities for profits in the casino, shops, bars, specialty restaurants, excursion sales, spa treatments, etc.

In other words, the cruise lines know what their passenger loads historically are, so they know when to sell and when to “give away” cabins.