Concierge service...up charge?

[Midwestgal]

I have never sailed NCL but was looking at maybe booking on Dawn. I have heard bout all the perks with a suit, I did a mock booking and for all these extras everyone talks about seems to be an extra charge per person each day.

So with the penthouse it's not only the cruise price but an extra $30.00 a day for concierge service, am I reading this wrong?

[SeaShark]

I have never sailed NCL but was looking at maybe booking on Dawn. I have heard bout all the perks with a suit, I did a mock booking and for all these extras everyone talks about seems to be an extra charge per person each day.

So with the penthouse it's not only the cruise price but an extra $30.00 a day for concierge service, am I reading this wrong?

 

Perhaps you can provide a link or screenshot of what you are seeing so your question can be better answered? It is hard to be helpful when we can't see what you see.

[Va. Plumber]

the only thing I can think that you might be seeing is the normal taxes and port fees added to the cabin price, and that is the same no matter what cabin you choose.

 

The butler and concierge service is included in the price of the cabin.

You tip the butler and concierge as you see fit at the end of the cruise.

[triptolemus]

I have never sailed NCL but was looking at maybe booking on Dawn. I have heard bout all the perks with a suit,

 

A suit is not required.

 

 

[

I did a mock booking and for all these extras everyone talks about seems to be an extra charge per person each day.

So with the penthouse it's not only the cruise price but an extra $30.00 a day for concierge service, am I reading this wrong?

 

You're reading it wrong. Aside from the daily service charge that every passenger is subject to, there is no daily charge for concierge service.

[GORDONCHICK]

I have never sailed NCL but was looking at maybe booking on Dawn. I have heard bout all the perks with a suit, I did a mock booking and for all these extras everyone talks about seems to be an extra charge per person each day.

So with the penthouse it's not only the cruise price but an extra $30.00 a day for concierge service, am I reading this wrong?

 

Do you live outside the US? Other than that, the only answer is that it's taxes/port charges.

[newmexicoNita]

I have never sailed NCL but was looking at maybe booking on Dawn. I have heard bout all the perks with a suit, I did a mock booking and for all these extras everyone talks about seems to be an extra charge per person each day.

So with the penthouse it's not only the cruise price but an extra $30.00 a day for concierge service, am I reading this wrong?

 

There is a daily service charge or tip, whatever you want to call it, that applies to everyone, suites or not, but there is no extra charges for the concierge. Of course extra tips are expected, but not mandatory.

[Midwestgal]

I'll go back and look but it asks if you want to upgrade to the services for $10.00 a day pp. I'll take a screen shot and post.

 

 

Ad yes triptolemus a suite is required;)

[triptolemus]

I'll go back and look but it asks if you want to upgrade to the services for $10.00 a day pp. I'll take a screen shot and post.

 

 

Ad yes triptolemus a suite is required;)

 

I know what you're talking about now.

 

Simply stated,the new ncl.com website (maybe the old did it too?) offers an "upgrade" to the next category for whatever price. Say you're booking an aft penthouse suite. It might ask you if you want to "upgrade" to say a 2 BR Suite or whatever for $30. In that pop-up, it'll list the same suite perks, which would include "concierge" among other things. Just tell it "no thanks".

[Midwestgal]

I know what you're talking about now.

 

Simply stated,the new ncl.com website (maybe the old did it too?) offers an "upgrade" to the next category for whatever price. Say you're booking an aft penthouse suite. It might ask you if you want to "upgrade" to say a 2 BR Suite or whatever for $30. In that pop-up, it'll list the same suite perks, which would include "concierge" among other things. Just tell it "no thanks".

 

Your right that's what I'm seeing,my mistake.

 

So I'm thinking I'm going to give NCL a try, what ships do people like as I know nothing about this line. I normally do Carnival and did RC once but looking to try other lines.

[WaldosPepper]

Your right that's what I'm seeing,my mistake.

 

So I'm thinking I'm going to give NCL a try, what ships do people like as I know nothing about this line. I normally do Carnival and did RC once but looking to try other lines.

 

Help us to help you. Everybody likes different ships and different itineraries for their own reasons. The more you can tell us about what you liked and disliked elsewhere, the more we can help steer you in the right direction. ;)

[Midwestgal]

It's three of us gals that cuise together and we're pretty laid back. We like Carnival a lot although we always hear the other lines are better. We did do a royal ship years ago and trust me it was not better at all. We like shows and sitting with the same people for dinner. We like to dress for dinner but have no problem with people who don't . We do want some night life in the event we want to stay up later. The one gal smokes and I think NCL still lets you smoke on the balcony? To sum it up we're pretty easy to please.

 

And now for a shout out to the NCL board your so much nicer than some on the Carnival & RC board.

[SeaShark]

It's three of us gals that cuise together and we're pretty laid back. We like Carnival a lot although we always hear the other lines are better. We did do a royal ship years ago and trust me it was not better at all. We like shows and sitting with the same people for dinner. We like to dress for dinner but have no problem with people who don't . We do want some night life in the event we want to stay up later. The one gal smokes and I think NCL still lets you smoke on the balcony? To sum it up we're pretty easy to please.

 

And now for a shout out to the NCL board your so much nicer than some on the Carnival & RC board.

 

You've already got a great attitude, so you're 90% of the way there. Be flexible and have a great time. Sitting with the same people for dinner is overrated (which is why you will find 0 restaurants at home offering the same waitstaff, a scheduled seating, and assigned tablemates!. :rolleyes:

 

The great thing about NCL is the staff...much more so than a particular ship.

 

Get involved with your roll call, go to the Meet & Greet, and have a great time!

 

 

Oh yeah, and don't miss Fountains!

[Demonyte]

What comes to the ships, if you do not have any specific desire to experience the big mega ships (Epic, Breakaway and Getaway), I'd suggest booking one of the quite recent mid-size ships like Jewel, Pearl or Gem (assuming that you'll cruise from US in the winter season). Almost as good choices (my personal opinions, YMMV) are Dawn, Star, Spirit and Sun that are few years older and/or a bit smaller but very nice ships still.

 

The smaller ships are more intimate and based on recent reviews etc, the service seems to be at least a bit better and personal on smaller ships because there is more staff per pax compared to mega ships. On mega ships there are more entertainment options that are available on several times during the cruise but we've been completely happy with more traditional entertainment and less crowds onboard.

 

Just my $0.02, hope this helps at least a bit. :)

[kcwingwalker]

A suit is not required.

 

 

[

 

You're reading it wrong. Aside from the daily service charge that every passenger is subject to, there is no daily charge for concierge service.

 

You're bad:)

 

And your answer is correct!

Edited November 11, 2013 by kcwingwalker

[Sauer-kraut]

As to which ship... choose the destination. OR if you can swing it, try for a suite on one of the Jewel class ships.

 

EPIC, BREAKAWAY, and GETAWAY are all new style ships, lots to do, smoking in the casino and very large ships.

 

SUN is in a class by herself -- older but still lovely

 

and I can't comment on Jewel, Pearl, Gem but newer than the SUN.

[WaldosPepper]

It's three of us gals that cuise together and we're pretty laid back. We like Carnival a lot although we always hear the other lines are better. We did do a royal ship years ago and trust me it was not better at all. We like shows and sitting with the same people for dinner. We like to dress for dinner but have no problem with people who don't . We do want some night life in the event we want to stay up later. The one gal smokes and I think NCL still lets you smoke on the balcony? To sum it up we're pretty easy to please.

 

And now for a shout out to the NCL board your so much nicer than some on the Carnival & RC board.

 

After reading your post, I would guess that you girls would love NCL. Although they do not offer assigned seating in their dining rooms, they DO offer the flexibility of being able to dine with whomever you choose, where ever and when ever you choose. So, should you happen to meet some nice folks on your roll call, or onboard the ship, you could easily arrange to dine together.

 

Also, from the comments I've read recently it seems Carnival has really cut back on their entertainment options, and done away with live bands, etc. Not so on NCL! You will find a variety of live entertainment all over the ship, with plenty of options to suit any taste. Nightlife is every where.

 

All of the NCL ships have very good theater entertainment as well, with a good variety throughout the sailing, so again there is something for everyone.

 

Dining options are far beyond what the other lines are offering as well.

 

Lastly, I have to echo the poster who suggested booking a suite on the Jewel Class ships. If it's within your budget, do it! The perks are wonderful - nobody does the suite life anywhere close to NCL.

 

Keep us posted, and if you have more questions by all means, ask away!

 

:)

[spirit rev]

And now for a shout out to the NCL board your so much nicer than some on the Carnival & RC board.

Thank you. I've found the NCL board to be very helpful - one of the reasons we cruise the Jewel class (usually Gem) nearly every year. Enjoy your first NCL cruise. Who knows, you'll never want to go back to traditional dining after experiencing freestyle dining.

[mpk218]

After reading your post, I would guess that you girls would love NCL. Although they do not offer assigned seating in their dining rooms, they DO offer the flexibility of being able to dine with whomever you choose, where ever and when ever you choose. So, should you happen to meet some nice folks on your roll call, or onboard the ship, you could easily arrange to dine together.

 

Also, from the comments I've read recently it seems Carnival has really cut back on their entertainment options, and done away with live bands, etc. Not so on NCL! You will find a variety of live entertainment all over the ship, with plenty of options to suit any taste. Nightlife is every where.

 

All of the NCL ships have very good theater entertainment as well, with a good variety throughout the sailing, so again there is something for everyone.

 

Dining options are far beyond what the other lines are offering as well.

 

Lastly, I have to echo the poster who suggested booking a suite on the Jewel Class ships. If it's within your budget, do it! The perks are wonderful - nobody does the suite life anywhere close to NCL.

 

Keep us posted, and if you have more questions by all means, ask away!

 

:)

 

+1 What WP said above. ;) with one addition . If you tell the Hostess at the MDR you would be interested dining with others they will try and accommodate you if others are also looking for said mix..

 

And I too think the Jewel class ships would be a nice fit for your first NCL voyage.

 

Have a good time...