Ultimate Dining, in your opinion

[mlkmnsgrl]

What do you think of the ultimate dining package deal to have all time access to the specialty restaurants? The Sun has a churrascaria, which is easily my favorite "fancy" type of restaurant besides fondue. (When I'm pregnant, all I can think about is meat, so I live at the Brazilian steakhouse :D) They've got the package listed at $120/person right now. My DH's twin sister and spouse did a roundtrip NCL last summer and I think she said there's was only $70pp. They bought it on board and felt like it was very very worth the price, but they're also much wealthier than we are.

 

Is NCL likely to offer a lower price on the unlimited plan once we're onboard? In your opinion is it worth it, either at full price or some discount? Some ppl have said the specialties are crowded, but SIL said they were deserted and much faster than standing in line at the MDR or buffet.

 

 

 

Btw, what time can we board? Getting to Whittier 3:45ish and I want to visit the little PWS Museum in the Inn, but then we'd like to board around 4:30 and get acquainted with the ship even if our stateroom isn't ready. Departs at 9, so I'm assuming everyone on board by 7, muster at 8:15?

[LrgPizza]

You can easily eat at specialty restaurants 5 of your 7 nights, including once at Cagney's, for less money by just paying as you go instead of getting UDP. I say it's not worth it.

[NLH Arizona]

They said they were limited, but were selling them onboard my cruise (just got off Thursday). You could ask when you are onboard if you can by say the last three or four nights, not sure about that.

 

I would figure out what restaurants you want to go to and see the cost and then figure out if it is worth it to you. On my upcoming 11 day cruise, I purchased it and will save $90+.

 

If you are on a seven day cruise and for example went to Cagney's ($30 per night) twice, Teppanyaki ($25) once, Moderno ($20 per night) twice, Le Bistro ($20) once and La Cucina ($15) once, it would be $160, but with the UDP it would be $120. The only restaurant that really fills up is the Teppanyaki restaurant, because of the limited seating.

 

BTW, I could be wrong, but I don't think the UDP was available last summer (I think it just started recently), they might have had a special dinner package last year, but I don't really know.

 

Sorry, not really sure what time you could board, but I don't think 4:30 would be a problem.

Edited May 13, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[TracieABD]

I was on the Spirit in January, and I wished I had purchased the UDP. The food in the dining room on that cruise was slow and cold. I only ate there 2 times before I gave up and went to only specialty dining.

 

When I return to the Spirit in November, I will purchase the UDP for the 12 night cruise. at $190. I figure I will eat in Cagney's 3x, LeBistro 3x, LaTrattoria 3x, Shogun's 1x and Teppanyaki 1x. That comes to $235 if I were to pay as I go.

 

I have a large amount of OBC. I don't drink or gamble or spa (much). I use little internet. I may take a couple of yoga classes, but as this is a very port intensive cruise, that probably won't happen.

 

I do like specialty coffee, but will have an espresso maker in my room.

 

Really all that is left is dining.

[NLH Arizona]

 

Really all that is left is dining.

You could adopt me and I could spend it! LOL!

[TracieABD]

You could adopt me and I could spend it! LOL!

 

I could adopt you!

 

Actually on my last NCL cruise, even after doing everything I wanted, I had so much OBC left over that I just cashed it out at the casino and gave much of it to some special crew members as additional tips.

[NLH Arizona]

I could adopt you!

 

Actually on my last NCL cruise, even after doing everything I wanted, I had so much OBC left over that I just cashed it out at the casino and gave much of it to some special crew members as additional tips.

I'll hold you to it, if we are ever on the same cruise! LOL!

[Demonyte]

BTW, I could be wrong, but I don't think the UDP was available last summer (I think it just started recently), they might have had a special dinner package last year, but I don't really know.

 

You are not wrong, UDP was launched this January. There have been some specials earlier that they tried on specific ships but it was not the UDP back then. Also there was the Signature Trio package that gave you Italian, French and steakhouse for a fixed price but it was discontinued from general public (I think that it can still be bought as a group amenity) when UDP was launched.

 

So OP, the price is what it is - no lower pricing onboard.

Edited May 13, 2014 by Demonyte

[mlkmnsgrl]

Thanks for the input all!

 

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

[Yo Adrienne]

What do you think of the ultimate dining package deal to have all time access to the specialty restaurants? The Sun has a churrascaria, which is easily my favorite "fancy" type of restaurant besides fondue. (When I'm pregnant, all I can think about is meat, so I live at the Brazilian steakhouse :D) They've got the package listed at $120/person right now. My DH's twin sister and spouse did a roundtrip NCL last summer and I think she said there's was only $70pp. They bought it on board and felt like it was very very worth the price, but they're also much wealthier than we are.

 

Is NCL likely to offer a lower price on the unlimited plan once we're onboard? In your opinion is it worth it, either at full price or some discount? Some ppl have said the specialties are crowded, but SIL said they were deserted and much faster than standing in line at the MDR or buffet.

 

When we were first offered the UDP--about 4 months before our cruise, the price was too high, and the numbers didn't add up for the number of times we planned to use the specialty restaurants.

 

BUT...two weeks before we sailed, they dropped the price on it...and it suddenly became VERY reasonable, so we opted to purchase it. We're VERY glad we did...! The food was GREAT and we paid much less than we would have if we'd just done a pay-as-you-go with the specialty restaurants.

 

So, I'd say...keep an eye on the prices in the week or two before your sailing--the prices DO change...!

 

Hope this is helpful...! :)

[garycarla]

What do you think of the ultimate dining package deal...

 

 

You asked for an opinion. I think it makes little sense. You are now "forced" or at least feel like you have to eat in one of those restaurants, every night. You have to make reservations. I would just buy the nights you want, AFTER you board and know what you want to do.

 

After all, you might not feel like a special dinner one or two nights. Maybe MDR. Maybe eat later. Maybe just buffet. Maybe just Blue Lagoon. Maybe just room service.

 

Some love the idea. Not me.

[happy cruzin]

You asked for an opinion. I think it makes little sense. You are now "forced" or at least feel like you have to eat in one of those restaurants, every night. You have to make reservations. I would just buy the nights you want, AFTER you board and know what you want to do.

 

After all, you might not feel like a special dinner one or two nights. Maybe MDR. Maybe eat later. Maybe just buffet. Maybe just Blue Lagoon. Maybe just room service.

 

Some love the idea. Not me.

 

Agreed....EXCEPT if you plan is to eat in a specialty restaurant each night anyway. Then...it probably makes sense. ;)

[Orleanscruiser]

What do you think of the ultimate dining package deal to have all time access to the specialty restaurants? The Sun has a churrascaria, which is easily my favorite "fancy" type of restaurant besides fondue. (When I'm pregnant, all I can think about is meat, so I live at the Brazilian steakhouse :D) They've got the package listed at $120/person right now. My DH's twin sister and spouse did a roundtrip NCL last summer and I think she said there's was only $70pp. They bought it on board and felt like it was very very worth the price, but they're also much wealthier than we are.

 

Is NCL likely to offer a lower price on the unlimited plan once we're onboard? In your opinion is it worth it, either at full price or some discount? Some ppl have said the specialties are crowded, but SIL said they were deserted and much faster than standing in line at the MDR or buffet.

 

 

 

Btw, what time can we board? Getting to Whittier 3:45ish and I want to visit the little PWS Museum in the Inn, but then we'd like to board around 4:30 and get acquainted with the ship even if our stateroom isn't ready. Departs at 9, so I'm assuming everyone on board by 7, muster at 8:15?

 

THE PRICE FOR THE UDP VARIIES BY THE AMOUNT OF DAYS

 

FROM THE THE NCL WEBSITE

Ultimate Dining Package

 

Take advantage of Norwegian's Ultimate Dining Package – Try a Norwegian specialty restaurant every night of your cruise for one special rate. Bring your appetite and desire to taste something deliciously new each day.

A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Entertainment based dining and 1- and 2-day sailings are excluded. See FAQs and Terms & Conditions for more details.

Please note:

Platinum level Latitude Members will receive a $20.00 discount off the total Ultimate Dining Package price

Beginning with Norwegian Getaway's 4/19/14 sailing - Guests who have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package can reserve the embarkation day performance of The Illusionarium at no additional cost.

Beginning with Norwegian Breakaway's 4/20/14 sailing – Guests who have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package can reserve the embarkation day performance of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at no additional cost.

Beginning with Norwegian Epic's 5/8/14 sailing – Guests who have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package can reserve the embarkation day performance of Cirque Dreams at no additional cost.

Price

UDP3 Price per person during cruises of 3 days $59.00

UDP4 Price per person during cruises of 4 days $74.00

UDP5 Price per person during cruises of 5 days $89.00

UDP6 Price per person during cruises of 6 days $104.00

UDP7 Price per person during cruises of 7 days $119.00

UDP8 Price per person during cruises of 8 days $134.00

UDP9 Price per person during cruises of 9 days $149.00

UDP10 Price per person during cruises of 10 days $164.00

UDP11 Price per person during cruises of 11 days $179.00

UDP12 Price per person during cruises of 12 days $194.00

UDP13 Price per person during cruises of 13 days $209.00

UDP14 Price per person during cruises of 14 days $224.00

Please call to find out pricing for sailings longer than 15 days.

Dining Terms & Conditions

Refunds and Cancellation Fees

For standard dinner reservations, cancellations of dinner reservations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full price of the cover per guest will be charged to the guest's folio.

For pre-paid reservations, cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled dining time to receive a full refund. If cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours’ notice, no refund will be issued.

For Ultimate Dining Packages, no refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited.

To ensure that our guests receive our best service, we can only hold your dinner reservation for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the unclaimed reservation will be released. For standard dinner reservations, the full price of the cover per guest will be charged to the guest's folio. For pre-paid reservations, no refund will be issued.

Children

Children may order off of our complimentary children’s menu in any of our specialty restaurants at no charge, or they may dine for 50% off the cover charge by selecting from the ½ price children’s specialty restaurant menu.

All adjustments for non-package pre-paid reservations for children will be completed onboard through the posting of a credit to your stateroom folio. If the child ordered from the complimentary children’s menu, then a credit equal to the amount of the cover charge for the restaurant will be posted to your folio. If the child ordered from the ½ price children’s specialty menu, then a credit equal to 50% of the amount of the cover charge for the restaurant will be posted to your folio.

Ultimate Dining Package

The Ultimate Dining Package is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings, the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Carlo’s Bakery items, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, 24/7 Pizza Chef’s Table is not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The UDP does not include beverages. No Kids pricing, package available for guest 13 and older. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. The package does not apply to Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the Ultimate Dining Package (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). Additional main courses in Cagney’s and Le Bistro will be charged at $10.00

Edited May 22, 2014 by Orleanscruiser

[$hip$hape]

Agreed....EXCEPT if you plan is to eat in a specialty restaurant each night anyway. Then...it probably makes sense. ;)

"UDP10 Price per person during cruises of 10 days $164.00 "?

 

WE just booked the UDP for the Escape's 10 night TransAtlanic for $104.pp

Maybe a Platinum level discount ?

[happy cruzin]

"UDP10 Price per person during cruises of 10 days $164.00 "?

 

 

 

WE just booked the UDP for the Escape's 10 night TransAtlanic for $104.pp

 

Maybe a Platinum level discount ?

 

 

Heck of a deal!

 

By "just" do you mean before the recent price adjustments??

 

 

Sent from my phone - using the Cruise Critic forums app

[TracieABD]

I would love it if they lower the price on my cruise... Even at $194, it is worth it to me. :)

[$hip$hape]

Heck of a deal!

 

By "just" do you mean before the recent price adjustments??

 

 

Sent from my phone - using the Cruise Critic forums app

By "just", I mean today. It includes the embarkation day performance of Cirque.

 

The cruise is 524 days away.

I hope I will still be alive, and the food kept warm.:p

Edited May 23, 2014 by $hip$hape

[LrgPizza]

By "just", I mean today. It includes the embarkation day performance of Cirque.

 

The cruise is 524 days away.

I hope I will still be alive, and the food kept warm.:p

 

 

So the Escape is having Cirque, same as the Breakaway?

[$hip$hape]

So the Escape is having Cirque, same as the Breakaway?

I apologize. I should have read closer.

In fact, at this time, NCL's information (below) does not even mention the Escape.

Sorry for misleading; I'm looking for more information.

From NCL:

ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The Ultimate Dining Package is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings, the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Entertainment-based dining and Chef’s Table are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. Reservations are not required however table availability will be guaranteed for Ultimate Dining Package guests with 24-hour advance reservation. The UDP does not include beverages. Child pricing remains as is for specialty dining. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings.

 

However, from the same page's FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. With the Ultimate Dining Package, you can dine in any specialty restaurant every night of your cruise,

including our exciting Italian, Asian, Brazilian, French and signature steakhouse restaurants. On Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic

the Ultimate Dining Package will also include dining at Spiegeltent/Illusionarium on the first sailing day only.

Plus, you can enjoy 20% off the cover charge for dinner at Ocean Blue and all a la carte priced restaurants (not included in Ultimate Dining Package).

[VickiD59]

I'm hoping the UDP will result in the regular MDRs being less crowded ;)

[aubreyc1988]

Our Getaway cruise in Aug will be our first NCL one, and since I have HEARD they are known for their specialty dining, my DH and I are gonna get the package! We love food (too much) and can't wait to try a bunch of different restaurants...and I believe the Illusionarium is included, and we both love shows, and DH especially loves magic shows haha :)

 

Seems like a decent deal to us! But to each their own, I think it will be a perfect introduction for us to specialty dining on NCL since its our first NCL cruise

[Susie51]

Thank you for the UDP info and details. I'm going to do this in November on Jewel, because the last two times on NCL the MDR food wasn't as good as it use to be and the service was very slow.

[Jenjer]

For us it was not worth because we wanted to do the Illusionarium and the lobster buffet. Me and DS are lobster lovers from a land locked state :-)

 

Then they included the Illusionarium on the first night. Booked it and am looking forward to it in 8 days.

 

Basically add up where you will like to eat. You basically have to go a specially almost every night to make it worth it.

[johnsak123]

It is worth it if you take advantage of it

I don't particularly like to eat in the specialty restaurants every night

I actually like the MDR and sometimes the buffet

So for me it isn't worth it even though it would only be $104 for a 10 day cruise.

That's a great price.

Edited May 23, 2014 by johnsak123

[Alliezona09]

IMO, it's not worth it for us. Too much food