I keep reading that NCL tries to "nickel and dime" their passengers

[islandgirlejfan]

You can make your own arrangements with shore excursions....usually MUCH cheaper. We either drink tea or water on the cruise. We did spring for two bottles of moderately prices wine this cruise. I think the only place that pushing drinks came into question was in the Spinnaker Lounge. The waiters were a little more pushy there, but that was the only place we really had any issue with that.

 

I find it very easy to avoid spending extra money...I just shake my head no if I don't want it and unless I read from other cruisers here that the slots have loosened up some in the future, I doubt I will spend much money in the casino from here on out. The fun is taken out of it for me when you or no one around you is winning.:eek::rolleyes:

[oklaviking]

Added percentages in the gift shop? That's a new one for me... especially since as a Latitudes member I got a 10% discount on everything I purchased there last week... In my four NCL cruises I have also never been in a moldy room, enjoyed all of the entertainment I've seen, and LOVED the food - in the MDRs, the buffets, and the specialties... I'm sorry your experience wasn't as good as all of mine. I do wish that there were no such thing as 'automatic gratuities' anywhere, though... but they seem to be everywhere these days; I mistakenly double-tipped at a restaurant in Miami before we boarded the Sky a couple of weeks ago... :(

 

To the OP: I find that most of the complaints from people accusing NCL (or any other line) of 'nickel and diming' are from those wanting everything they personally enjoy to be included in their fare and everything they do not personally enjoy to be somehow hidden from them. I have NEVER, in four cruises with NCL, felt 'nickel and dimed'. I have never experienced the 'annoyingly overattentive' drink sellers and have gotten quite a few of my own drinks directly from bartenders rather than wait for a server. I have heard announcements for things I am not interested in - like bingo - as well as announcements for things I AM interested in - no doubt being heard by many passengers who felt about them the same way I do about bingo.

 

When I read most of the 'nickel and dime' complaints, I see one consistent common thread - the poster's personal desires are being 'imposed' upon: they have to pay for something they want, or they're offered something they don't want. They appear to be completely oblivious to the fact that they aren't the only passengers on the ship and while they might want a full sized Maine lobster for dinner, everyone who doesn't is very glad that it hasn't been added to their cruise fare; by the same token bingo is always full, so clearly someone on board is interested in those 'annoying' announcements.

 

So, go with the expectation that the cruiseline is doing their best to cater to EVERYONE on board, which includes bingo players, heavy drinkers, art auction fans, emerald buyers... and all sorts of other people interested - or NOT interested - in many different things. The fact that NCL offers such a diverse assortment of options is something I personally LOVE; I can pick and choose what I want and leave what I don't. :)

Well said, well wrote. For future reference concerning being "nickel and dimed". Future cruisers should read your reply.

[Barb Nahoumi]

Just say the first word you learned as a baby. "NO."

[pullbangdead]

Did not feel gouged, pressured, or "nickle and dimed" at all last week. Yeah, they sell stuff in the stores, and the shopping consultant is always at teh ready to sell you more stuff. They have to make a profit somehow though, and the more they sell in the stores, the cheaper my ticket will be next time I want to go on a cruise and not buy any jewelry.

 

And all the other stuff, I think it MAJORLY depends on what you do on your cruise. The ONLY time I got asked more than once about buying a drink was in the Spinnaker Lounge at 11pm, so if someone is in there every night, I'm sure they do feel like NCL pushes the drinks. The ONLY time I was ever asked if we wanted a picture, the whole cruise, was once in the MDR, exactly once, that's it. I guess if you're in the MDR every night and they ask every night, that could get old, but I cruised NCL largely for those specialty restaurants, which are delicious, so we ate in those and had to go in search of a photographer if we wanted one.

 

And the specialty restaurant charges? Yeah, we spent an extra $150 for 2 people on those. And I paid ~ $800 less for tickets for 2 people than I would have on any other cruise line. Seems like a wash to me, and the specialty restaurants were still cheaper than getting the same food on land in a restaurant.

 

I knew what to expect going in, and in my estimation, it wasn't even nearly as bad for us as I had read about on this board.

[mypleasure]

Added percentages in the gift shop? That's a new one for me... especially since as a Latitudes member I got a 10% discount on everything I purchased there last week... In my four NCL cruises I have also never been in a moldy room, enjoyed all of the entertainment I've seen, and LOVED the food - in the MDRs, the buffets, and the specialties... I'm sorry your experience wasn't as good as all of mine. I do wish that there were no such thing as 'automatic gratuities' anywhere, though... but they seem to be everywhere these days; I mistakenly double-tipped at a restaurant in Miami before we boarded the Sky a couple of weeks ago... :(

 

To the OP: I find that most of the complaints from people accusing NCL (or any other line) of 'nickel and diming' are from those wanting everything they personally enjoy to be included in their fare and everything they do not personally enjoy to be somehow hidden from them. I have NEVER, in four cruises with NCL, felt 'nickel and dimed'. I have never experienced the 'annoyingly overattentive' drink sellers and have gotten quite a few of my own drinks directly from bartenders rather than wait for a server. I have heard announcements for things I am not interested in - like bingo - as well as announcements for things I AM interested in - no doubt being heard by many passengers who felt about them the same way I do about bingo.

 

When I read most of the 'nickel and dime' complaints, I see one consistent common thread - the poster's personal desires are being 'imposed' upon: they have to pay for something they want, or they're offered something they don't want. They appear to be completely oblivious to the fact that they aren't the only passengers on the ship and while they might want a full sized Maine lobster for dinner, everyone who doesn't is very glad that it hasn't been added to their cruise fare; by the same token bingo is always full, so clearly someone on board is interested in those 'annoying' announcements.

 

So, go with the expectation that the cruiseline is doing their best to cater to EVERYONE on board, which includes bingo players, heavy drinkers, art auction fans, emerald buyers... and all sorts of other people interested - or NOT interested - in many different things. The fact that NCL offers such a diverse assortment of options is something I personally LOVE; I can pick and choose what I want and leave what I don't. :)

 

 

I could not have said it all better. Great post.

 

Nickle and dime or the right to choose or decline and not subsidise others?

[boaterette]

Having been on 16 cruises I think that maybe when people say they are being N & D they may be referring to the cost for activities during the day. From my perspective NCL has most of its activities at a charge. While they do have free trivia most everything else you have to pay for. Like all the clinics. On Carnival and RCCL they have free scrapbooking classes and just more free entertainment activities all day long. I think if you were to take the dailies from all three cruiselines for the same basic 7 day cruise you will find mor free organized activities on the other lines.

 

This coupled with the fact that there are more pay restaurants and more expensive drinks and more expensive bingo I can see why some think they are N &D on NCL.

[DMH15]

If "nickle and diming" means "ala carte cruising", hence paying extra for the things I want and not paying for the ones I don't - then SIGN ME UP.

 

I am a big girl and know how to say NO!

 

I love NCL.

 

Yeah, guilty as charged.

[debshomespun]

We spent 2 weeks on the NCL Dawn's repo cruise Nov. 1. It was our 20th cruise, and 2nd NCL. I don't think they nickel and dime any more than any of the other cruise lines. We didn't have much of a bill when we were done. We don't eat at the specialty restaurants. The main dining room is fine. We ate only once in the buffet. We snacked at the Blue Lagoon. Their food was scrumptious! We brought along water bottles, and the single serve crystal light to add for flavor. We stopped at the grocery stores at several of the port stops and picked up a couple bottles of coke or pepsi. We mainly went to beaches, and took a taxi or the local bus. Very inexpensive, and got to see the countryside of the islands. Did our shopping at the local shops. Just bought couple t-shirts. We cruise for the relaxation. We don't spend alot of extra money. We prefer to enjoy the ships activities, shows that are free, and do alot of sightseeing, walking on the islands, which is also free. And the exercise is great!

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

To put this in the proper context, go to a Lattitudes party where the drinks are free. The same people who complain about the aggressive drink sellers are chasing them around the Spinnaker Lounge to get all they can.

 

Too funny.

[stegosaurus1]

:mad: My advice is....hopefully, if you're going to get pestered for money, it won't be automatically assessed like the added percentages everywhere on NCl including the gift shop. IMHO, at least RCI does it with a little more class.

 

Poor service, lousy entertainment, mediocre food and nickel diming to an art form (did I mention the "art" auctions?) moldy rooms = no more NCL for me. Once was definitely enough. Just posted a long review on trip advisor and cruise critic on the Jade if you are interested in a very recent review.

NCL is the only cruise line that I know of that does not upcharge you for espresso and cappacino and I order doubles on NCL ships with no problem. Stay off NCL ships, more cabins for us. Celebrity, RCL and Carnival are all nice lines but I like NCL ships (configuration) much better. Let alone the price differential. Just wish I didn't have to fly to get to them all the time. Could we move Ohio or start a port in Cleveland? lol:D

[sjbdtz]

Lots of people I spoke too felt nickled and dimed, including my own dh.

 

 

Did all of these people you spoke to tell you the felt nickle & dimed BEFORE, or AFTER they told you they were sick, and quarantined to their cabins but unwilling to seek medical assistance?

 

:rolleyes:

[Urban trekker]

"Did all of these people you spoke to tell you the felt nickle & dimed BEFORE, or AFTER they told you they were sick, and quarantined to their cabins but unwilling to seek medical assistance?'

 

Good one - hope you didn't ruined their New Year's Eve with that post.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[CanadianTwosome]

NCL is the only cruise line that I know of that does not upcharge you for espresso and cappacino and I order doubles on NCL ships with no problem. Stay off NCL ships, more cabins for us. Celebrity, RCL and Carnival are all nice lines but I like NCL ships (configuration) much better. Let alone the price differential. Just wish I didn't have to fly to get to them all the time. Could we move Ohio or start a port in Cleveland? lol:D

 

Ohio would work for me!! Anything closer to my landlocked, middle-of-nowhere home would be great! The idea of having to fly everywhere (since we are in the same 'boat'), brings up an interesting point. One of the comments people often make when discussing the idea of 'nickel and diming' is that cruising 'used to be' more all inclusive. Now, since I started cruising in 1975, I can speak from my own experience when I say that EVERYTHING that 'used to be' included still is, with possibly the exception of sodas - I do remember buying drinks (with cash - no keycards), but they may have been something other than a simple soda. There was no spa, no bowling, no hot tubs, no dining outside the MDR except for the noon barbecue on deck, no room service... etc. etc. etc.

 

Meanwhile, thinking back to the same set of travel memories, airline travel truly WAS all inclusive. Bags were checked for free, hot meals were served in all classes of the plane - and I remember getting FREE liquor as recently as 1988. The only things the airlines give to coach passengers now are a non-alcoholic beverage and a bite-sized 'snack' - and on one of our latest flights, with a duration of 3 hours or so, when I asked if I could have the whole can, I was told that there was only a limited quantity on board, so they couldn't do that anymore. That was a new one for me! But, I ate my six pretzels and drank my four sips and was just happy to be flying! :)

 

I think some of the folks who think those days of 'more inclusive' cruising were so much better should track down one of those tiny little ships and put things in perspective, perhaps over an exciting game of shuffleboard... :p

[cliffd64]

How hard is it to say politely "No, Thank You" when you are asked if you want a drink? Even if it is 10 times an hour out by the pool deck? (exaggeration)

 

What a lot of these people who are annoyed at the bar service people asking them about drinks fail to realize, is that these people don't get paid to stand around and wait for someone to need a drink... they only get paid based on the amount of drinks they sell. More sales = more pay.

 

Each server has quota to earn for a given month, which is comprised of 2/3 of every automatic gratuity added to your drink bill (the bar manager gets the other 1/3) ... a minimum sales quota so to speak... If they fail to earn that minimum quota the cruiseline makes up the difference so they at least get their minimum salary, but of course, when it comes time for performance reviews, if you arent earning the minimum, you are not long for that position.

 

By simple calculation, in order to meet the minimum for any given month, it requires a typical server to sell at least 70 - 75 drinks at $5 each on EACH and EVERY DAY of the month... The more you sell, the sooner you make your minimum (good servers can do it in two weeks, and sometimes less) and the additional sales above the quota result in more earnings... Obviously sea days provide more opportunity to earn than port days if you work up at the pool deck during the afternoons so you have to be especially enterprising during these times.

 

So.. OF COURSE the bar servers are going to ask if you want a drink... their livelihood depends upon it. They are just hard working people trying to earn their living. All we are required to do is simply say "No, Thanks!" when they ask if we don't want a drink... it's not a big deal. It is virtually the same on most mass market lines. If it bothers you... relax and enjoy yourself. You're on vacation... go with the flow.

[NYcruzzer]

If you consider being asked to pay for photos, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, internet access, excursions, and specialty restuarants and on and on nickle and diming then yes NCL "nickles and dimes" just like every mainstream cruise line does. Go on Carnival, Royal, X, Princess, and HAL boards and you will hear the same complaints about their beloved line nickle and diming them as well. I agree with other posters. I like the fact that cruise fares are at historic lows, and much prefer paying extra for the options that interest me. Generally people who complain about nickle and diming are just cheap !!!

[ddakrt]

It really depends on your own definition of nickle and diming. There are many things that you have to pay extra for, but you have to pay extra for the same thing in other mainstream lines too.

 

I've heard some people say there are more announcements on NCL ships, it doesn't bother me any though. Bingo is also more expensive on NCL, but I never play it anyway. I have also never had bar staff bothering me neither, but I don't lounge by the pools where they're most active.

There are more for-fee restaurants on NCL, but the price per meal in those specialty restaurants are usually lower than other mainstream lines.

[crusinmama22]

It seems sometimes like that -- but when I think back to our first cruise in 1979 we paid a lot more than we pay now. I guess cruising is a style either you like it or not.

 

We love it -- and can't get enough !

[RoupMom]

First, I don't think the OP was complaining, as some of you think, but rather trying to find out information. There are so many cruise options these days (thankfully) that it's hard to choose, so more information is better than less.

 

We're considering our first NCL cruise (previous on 3 other lines with choices due to itineraries and cost), so I have questions, too, and appreciate all the information others provide.

 

One thing my sister ran into, and that could be possible on other lines as well, that after a massage to which she treated herself, the receptionist asked did she want to add a gratuity for the therapist, and my sister did. Later she found out there was an automatic 15% added, which they didn't tell her. Just something to watch for on any line.

 

Am I understanding correctly that NCL charges a fee for the various educational opportunities (classes, etc, not Bingo-type things) that are free on other lines? And what about the gym? Other lines I've been on had a few free classes -- an early morning stretch class was my fave!--but it seems NCL charges for all those?

Thx in advance for any answers.

[ddakrt]

First, I don't think the OP was complaining, as some of you think, but rather trying to find out information. There are so many cruise options these days (thankfully) that it's hard to choose, so more information is better than less.

 

We're considering our first NCL cruise (previous on 3 other lines with choices due to itineraries and cost), so I have questions, too, and appreciate all the information others provide.

 

One thing my sister ran into, and that could be possible on other lines as well, that after a massage to which she treated herself, the receptionist asked did she want to add a gratuity for the therapist, and my sister did. Later she found out there was an automatic 15% added, which they didn't tell her. Just something to watch for on any line.

 

Am I understanding correctly that NCL charges a fee for the various educational opportunities (classes, etc, not Bingo-type things) that are free on other lines? And what about the gym? Other lines I've been on had a few free classes -- an early morning stretch class was my fave!--but it seems NCL charges for all those?

Thx in advance for any answers.

 

I'm under the impression that those types of (gym) classes have a cost associated with them on other mainstream lines as well.

The lectures are free, tasting classes are not, and neither are the behind-the-scene ship tours (not the bridge tours, those are by invitations only and have no cost if you are lucky enough to be invited).

 

All are pretty standard to my knowledge.

[Bamagal in FL]

added percentages in the gift shop? That's a new one for me... Especially since as a latitudes member i got a 10% discount on everything i purchased there last week... In my four ncl cruises i have also never been in a moldy room, enjoyed all of the entertainment i've seen, and loved the food - in the mdrs, the buffets, and the specialties... I'm sorry your experience wasn't as good as all of mine. I do wish that there were no such thing as 'automatic gratuities' anywhere, though... But they seem to be everywhere these days; i mistakenly double-tipped at a restaurant in miami before we boarded the sky a couple of weeks ago... :(

 

to the op: I find that most of the complaints from people accusing ncl (or any other line) of 'nickel and diming' are from those wanting everything they personally enjoy to be included in their fare and everything they do not personally enjoy to be somehow hidden from them. I have never, in four cruises with ncl, felt 'nickel and dimed'. I have never experienced the 'annoyingly overattentive' drink sellers and have gotten quite a few of my own drinks directly from bartenders rather than wait for a server. I have heard announcements for things i am not interested in - like bingo - as well as announcements for things i am interested in - no doubt being heard by many passengers who felt about them the same way i do about bingo.

 

When i read most of the 'nickel and dime' complaints, i see one consistent common thread - the poster's personal desires are being 'imposed' upon: They have to pay for something they want, or they're offered something they don't want. They appear to be completely oblivious to the fact that they aren't the only passengers on the ship and while they might want a full sized maine lobster for dinner, everyone who doesn't is very glad that it hasn't been added to their cruise fare; by the same token bingo is always full, so clearly someone on board is interested in those 'annoying' announcements.

 

So, go with the expectation that the cruiseline is doing their best to cater to everyone on board, which includes bingo players, heavy drinkers, art auction fans, emerald buyers... And all sorts of other people interested - or not interested - in many different things. The fact that ncl offers such a diverse assortment of options is something i personally love; i can pick and choose what i want and leave what i don't. :)

 

 

 

very well said!!!!

[sillysailor 1955]

The only "nickel and diming" by NCL that I find kind of annoying is the "specialty restaurants" - some NCL cruisers love 'em however I find the food in them to be only slightly better than that served in the MDR and the fare in the MDRs is okay but nothing special. As far as the drinks go... I did find them to be a little more agressive than Princess or HAL, but no one is twisting anybody's arm to buy them. Bingo and the art auctions have a following and I believe NCL probably make a lot of $$ with them - so to each his own if that's your thing. NCL however does offer the best prices around. So if good value is what you are looking for then give them a try. It all comes down to what you are looking for in your cruising experience.

[boaterette]

First, I don't think the OP was complaining, as some of you think, but rather trying to find out information. There are so many cruise options these days (thankfully) that it's hard to choose, so more information is better than less.

 

 

Am I understanding correctly that NCL charges a fee for the various educational opportunities (classes, etc, not Bingo-type things) that are free on other lines? And what about the gym? Other lines I've been on had a few free classes -- an early morning stretch class was my fave!--but it seems NCL charges for all those?

Thx in advance for any answers.

 

What NCL calls their educational sessions are really liquor tasting which cost money. NCL does not have very many free activities.NOt like the other cruise lines do. They did have a port lecturer on our alaska cruise which was free. It lasted an hour. Most of the classes in the gym cost. YOu can not use the spa with out paying for it. The saunas are free on the other cruise lines.

[NYcruzzer]

The only "nickel and diming" by NCL that I find kind of annoying is the "specialty restaurants" - some NCL cruisers love 'em however I find the food in them to be only slightly better than that served in the MDR and the fare in the MDRs is okay but nothing special. As far as the drinks go... I did find them to be a little more agressive than Princess or HAL, but no one is twisting anybody's arm to buy them. Bingo and the art auctions have a following and I believe NCL probably make a lot of $$ with them - so to each his own if that's your thing. NCL however does offer the best prices around. So if good value is what you are looking for then give them a try. It all comes down to what you are looking for in your cruising experience.

 

All the mainstream cruise lines have specialty restaurants that require an additional charge. Additionally how would you like to pay a "service charge" for room service from midnight to 5:30 am as Royal Carribean does ? Also do you think Royal is "nickel and diming" passangers by charging $14.95 for a thicker cut of beef in their MDR ? or charging for Johnny Rockets(which used to be free)..? All cruiselines are in business to make money. Its up to you as to how much money you will part with once onboard.

[sillysailor 1955]

All the mainstream cruise lines have specialty restaurants that require an additional charge. Additionally how would you like to pay a "service charge" for room service from midnight to 5:30 am as Royal Carribean does ? Also do you think Royal is "nickel and diming" passangers by charging $14.95 for a thicker cut of beef in their MDR ? or charging for Johnny Rockets(which used to be free)..? All cruiselines are in business to make money. Its up to you as to how much money you will part with once onboard.

 

I agree with you for the most part.. (and I realize that all the major lines have "specialty" restaurants) however I feel there are too many specialty restaurants on NCL at least on our last cruise (NCL Jade) the ones they had were pretty empty, perhaps the European market is a little more savey than us Yanks. They were for the most part empty... I feel it is "nickel and diming" to make you pay for good food (my point is - I didn't think it was that much better for the cost)

[Don Haynes]

Its the age we live in with 150 cable channels on television to a FM band from one end to another filled with different styles of music, to our surfing with computers at home. I enjoy a cruise for just the opposite, a early 70s era of twenty or so TV channels, several radio channels, and no computer games. I rather sit back, relax, and enjoy a good book, the era of the 50s. I don't need to be entertained 24/7.... The best game I have ever seen is not on television, its a board game called Scrabble...