Room Service No Longer Free - NCL Starts $7.95 Charge Per Order

[Doc2725]

EARLY APRILS FOOLS JOKE.

 

What does a blurry cell phone pic have to do with slow ship wifi????

 

I know, I thought the same thing.

 

This post is now 60 something pages long. Can someone reply with a clear photo of the new room service menu (or link to it). I combed through the thread but couldn't find it. I have a feeling I missed it.

 

Thank you!

[Uniall]

So...in other words, NO...you can't cite a source plainly stating that you definitely will be charged the new room service fee on the Sun, Escape, or Jewel.

 

So what exactly is the problem?

 

Hey SeaShark

 

What's with your angst... ?

I'm not going to repeat info I've put in posts pages and pages ago to take away the joy of you reading every word .......... LOL

 

Within hours of the firestrom backlash to the "without warning" convenience fees for room service on the Breakaway and Getaway, NCL changed the wording

From: "free room service between 5am and 11 pm"

To:

"What does my cruise fare include? ...

Room service menu items (convenience charge may apply) ..."

 

"The following items are not included in the cruise fare: ...

Convenience Charge for Room Service on non-Haven Suites ..."

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq/cruise-fare-includes

 

So they left 3 doors ajar:

1. to start charging room service convienence fee fleetwide for all non suites.

2. to tart charging room sevice for all suites that are Non Haven suites.

(A) ALL suites on ships that do not have a Havens (Sun, Sky, Spirit & Star)

(B) ALL suites on ships that do not allow access to the Haven for ALL suites

(Jewel, Jade, Gem & Pearl)

 

So, we don't know what NCL is planning on doing. But, we sure have some hints, starting with Frank DelRios' post take over announcement that he wanted to push the price of NCL up.

 

Since, I'm about to hit the 2nd NCL milestone plateau above Platinum (500 points) I'm hoping they create (as rumored before DelRios arrival and Sheehan's departure) at least two new Latitudes levels above Platinum and I will get back all the DelRio take aways. So, if they create Platinum Plus and Super Plus, I might get FREE Ultimate Dining Package, Ultimate Beverage Package, Daily Service Charge Waiver and/or Room Service Convience Fee Waiver.

 

Come on SeaShark get your flat shark's head out of the muddy sea bed and do a little creative thinking .............. LOL

Edited April 4, 2015 by Uniall

[triptolemus]

(A) ALL suites on ships that do not have a Havens (Sun, Sky, Spirit & Star)

 

+ POA + Dawn

[Uniall]

+ POA + Dawn

 

I did not include POA intentionally but I completely forgot the Dawn.

 

Thank you for the reminder.

[motleyfan]

If you're too cheap to pay the lifeboat guaranteed seat fee, you are too poor to keep living.

 

In all reality they will never charge a fee for that, let's at least try to keep this grounded in reality.

[motleyfan]

Yes, there is evidence that they intend to extend the room service fee fleet wide. As I mentioned in 3 or 4 prior posts, when the rebellion began on Cruise Critic, NCL started adding new wording on its website: subject to convenience charge except for Haven Suites.

 

Different classes of ships have differing suites, some Haven and some no Haven

 

I have a question, everyone keeps complaining that they didn't give advance notice. since cruise ships run year round there will never truly be advance notice because no matter when they announce its somebody's cruise is going to be a couple weeks away.

[Uniall]

I hope this is true and I know the new language in the Room Service FAQ says that suites and the Haven are exempt, but can you explain why this bullet was added at the same time to the FAQ on what's NOT included in the cruise fare? "Convenience Charge for Room Service on non-Haven Suites"

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq/cruise-fare-includes

 

It does NOT say suites and the Haven are exempt.

 

It says Haven Suites are exempt.

 

Does that mean the exemption ONLY applies to suites on ships that have Havens and only includes suites physically located IN THE Haven?

 

We don't know and because of the "Pearl Harbor" sneak attack of beginning the new room service convenience charge, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Toby459]

As my mother used to say..."it is not only what you say but how you say it" S o NCL.."it is not what you do but how you do it"...changes should be made in a way that you respect your loyal and already booked customers and be respectful enough to communicate with your customers what changes are being made (if it were not for CC..I would not have known about ANY of the recent changes/cost increases)

 

I think your mother must have been friends with my mother who taught me this also. Thanks for this posting.

[Uniall]

I have a question, everyone keeps complaining that they didn't give advance notice. since cruise ships run year round there will never truly be advance notice because no matter when they announce its somebody's cruise is going to be a couple weeks away.

 

Chris

You ask a good question. All they had to do was to do what they did just last month when they raised the Daily Service Charge for each passenger.

 

They said starting next month there will be an increased DSC. Anyone booked before the kick off date will pay the old lower DSC if they prepay it before boarding. In other words, they grandfathered in the pre existing bookings.

 

With the Room Service Convenience Charge, there was no prior annoncement. They just started charging it to everyone who boarded the Breakaway and Getway last week.

 

John

[Wendy&Grumpy]

I have a question, everyone keeps complaining that they didn't give advance notice. since cruise ships run year round there will never truly be advance notice because no matter when they announce its somebody's cruise is going to be a couple weeks away.

 

Please don't tell me you're claiming to have never heard of "grandfathering" for folks who have already booked?!

 

Just in case, it's quite simple... announce a beginning date for a change and all those booked before the beginning date are exempt from the change.

[Out to sea!]

Just saw that Carnival is going to run the same 'test'...

a limited room service menu for free, and more 'hot' items will incur a charge

 

Sorry but it is not the same test. Carnival will offer ala carte items for a fee as well as their free RS menu. NCL put a service charge on every item ordered so it doesn't matter what you order, you will pay. Two different balls of wax.

[Kreativ' Gal]

soooooo...when this thread started, the fee was limited to the Breakaway and Getaway, is that still the case? or has it been implemented on all ships?

[Uniall]

soooooo...when this thread started' date=' the fee was limited to the Breakaway and Getaway, is that still the case? or has it been implemented on all ships?[/quote']

 

We don't know for sure, yet. But, as a CYA, NCL has changed the website wording to say they gave advanced notice if they go ahead with a fleetwide Room Service Convience Charge.

[LoveyHowell]

In all reality they will never charge a fee for that, let's at least try to keep this grounded in reality.

 

Casino entrance fee?

 

Pool fee?

 

Luggage tag fee?

 

Baggage fee?

 

Linen restocking fee?

 

limit of 1 appetizer in MDR, extra for a fee.

 

All entertainment for a fee

 

Ropes course fee

[maywell]

Casino entrance fee?

 

Pool fee?

 

Luggage tag fee?

 

Baggage fee?

 

Linen restocking fee?

 

limit of 1 appetizer in MDR, extra for a fee.

 

All entertainment for a fee

 

Ropes course fee

 

That what the casino machines and tournament / table prices are

 

I can see them doing that to the pools.

 

Paying $2-3 to the porter is that

 

they already limited how many bags and their weight - bring a rolling carry-on might be the only way to avoid that if they ever implement a fee. (I hope they don't restrict the size of the carry-on, just got a new 30 inch rolling duffel bag to hold everything...)

 

DSC says hello, but I can see them charging for bathroom towel changes. There's already a fee for the beach towels exchange.

 

I can see that happening, (Royal already charges for premium food items in the MDR) I can also see people heading to the buffet (I can also them putting card reader at the doors deny access for those that going back for more or remove the DSC)

 

The Cirque / Illusionrium already do, its matter of time before the others are too, sadly....

 

You forgot the mini-golf, rock climbing wall, and the plank too. Plus they charge for the arcade, Bingo, Deal-or-No-Deal and pay-view-movies too.

Edited April 4, 2015 by maywell

[Nola26]

It does NOT say suites and the Haven are exempt.

 

It says Haven Suites are exempt.

 

Does that mean the exemption ONLY applies to suites on ships that have Havens and only includes suites physically located IN THE Haven?

 

We don't know and because of the "Pearl Harbor" sneak attack of beginning the new room service convenience charge, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

 

Many posts back I shared a FAQ from NCL.com, it does list Haven and suites. Mini suites are not suites, so those aren't included.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2190716

Edited April 4, 2015 by Nola26

[LoveyHowell]

That what the casino machines and tournament / table prices are

 

I can see them doing that to the pools.

 

Paying $2-3 to the porter is that

 

they already limited how many bags and their weight - bring a rolling carry-on might be the only way to avoid that if they ever implement a fee. (I hope they don't restrict the size of the carry-on, just got a new 30 inch rolling duffel bag to hold everything...)

 

DSC says hello, but I can see them charging for bathroom towel changes. There's already a fee for the beach towels exchange.

 

I can see that happening, (Royal already charges for premium food items in the MDR) I can also see people heading to the buffet (I can also them putting card reader at the doors deny access for those that going back for more or remove the DSC)

 

The Cirque / Illusionrium already do, its matter of time before the others are too, sadly....

 

You forgot the mini-golf, rock climbing wall, and the plank too. Plus they charge for the arcade, Bingo, Deal-or-No-Deal and pay-view-movies too.

The dsc is a discretionary Charge. Look up that word. They aren't going to deny anyone entrance to anything if it is removed. Dumbest comment I've ever read here. :rolleyes:

[Cloudyrain]

I'm thinking about this.. Someone at NCL completely dropped the ball on this as it seems to me the smart way to do this would have been to leave the current room service menu alone..no charge for the limited menu it now is and simply created a new offer for "dine in your room" that would include a small fee per order but provides the exact same menu as in the main dining rooms -for breakfast, lunch and dinner. How hard could that be (food is already prepared) and it would truly offer a "new" offering to those who wanted to dine in their cabins. I believe suite guests have this option already. This could have turned an extremely negative change into a new potential for revenue that may have made many people happy.

 

^ Totally agree, Mr C and I said this earlier actually.

 

To be honest it's an annoyance, but not a deal breaker. Im not going to get upset about it, or complain to the staff, or cancel any thoughts of future cruises with NCL.

 

I suppose in all reality the concept is actually a bit of a master stroke by NCL. By bringing this policy in they are reducing the "hassel" of room service, removing the cost of staff (that previously had no direct financial benefit to the company), and encouraging people to go in restaurants and therefore walk passed the shops/bars/casino . The cost-benefit analysis they will have done massively supports the policy move - the reduction in people booking a cruise because of the room service is going to be negligible, the customer dissatisfaction is going to be minor, but the money saved is going to be sizeable, and before long people won't even think twice about it and will have moved on to complaining about something else! :D

[maywell]

The dsc is a discretionary Charge. Look up that word. They aren't going to deny anyone entrance to anything if it is removed. Dumbest comment I've ever read here. :rolleyes:

 

Oh, I give Del Rio til the end of this year to update the contract - the word discretionary used to be on the FAQ and has been removed since the beginning of March when the increases went into effect. I wouldn't put it past them to change the contract wording without notifying people like they done these past couple of weeks.

 

You may think my comment is dumb but please don't cry a river when NCL does change that - Don't say no one didn't warned...

[Kmcspoon]

If there is going to be a "Room Service Charge" fine, but lets make it apply to every category and room. Haven, Suites, and all the rest. Just like it was in their "your cruise includes", it was also included in my lowly B6 "your cruise includes" when I booked!!!! So why not just make it even across the board?????

 

Good point!

 

Also, how can you ever compare a fare you book with another line if you aren't sure what will actually be charged by the time you sail?

 

I am really amazed at the push back some posters why anyone would be concerned that NCL can do this without grandfathering in those of us who paid in full before the charge was put in place. I had my edocs printed and luggage tags folded and ready to go long before this was announced.

 

Our family is booked on the Star, and leave in a week for a 38 day cruise. Since I cannot possibly know if we will be charged a room service fee before I board, I decided to do some calculations. If we order room service for our two adjoining Oceanview rooms each morning for our 38 day cruise it would be an additional $604.20. We normally did this on our other cruises because...well that doesn't matter. Because we want to, and are on vacation, and it is on the "What's included in your Fare". Can someone explain what the word FARE means? Because based on the list I have saved of what was offered, NCL mentioned free room service from as part of the FARE from 5am to midnight.

 

Even if I chose to use NCL again, how could I possibly ever know what my fare included at any point during the transaction?

 

Sigh. Off to pack. I know, first world problem. My husband makes more, but actually less, every time we get some new "benefit" or "benefit that is a tax but we won't call it a tax" (US residents will know what I mean).

 

Let's see what ship gets a surprise Test next.

 

I'm also not crazy about the "Sorry! (Not Sorry!) statements from NCL.

[welove2cruise*]

^ Totally agree, Mr C and I said this earlier actually.

 

 

 

To be honest it's an annoyance, but not a deal breaker. Im not going to get upset about it, or complain to the staff, or cancel any thoughts of future cruises with NCL.

 

 

 

I suppose in all reality the concept is actually a bit of a master stroke by NCL. By bringing this policy in they are reducing the "hassel" of room service, removing the cost of staff (that previously had no direct financial benefit to the company), and encouraging people to go in restaurants and therefore walk passed the shops/bars/casino . The cost-benefit analysis they will have done massively supports the policy move - the reduction in people booking a cruise because of the room service is going to be negligible, the customer dissatisfaction is going to be minor, but the money saved is going to be sizeable, and before long people won't even think twice about it and will have moved on to complaining about something else! :D

 

 

Sorry, I must have missed that as I have been skimming through. What a difference it would have been to say they were adding something rather than taking something away. I can only hope someone at NCL reads these boards and considers this other option as an alternative to the original idea.

[Uniall]

Many posts back I shared a FAQ from NCL.com, it does list Haven and suites. Mini suites are not suites, so those aren't included.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2190716

 

Hi Nola

 

Yes, indeed you did post such info.

(Here's the direct link to your Post: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46131305&postcount=16 )

 

"Just pulled this from the NCL website:

 

Is Norwegian Cruise Line now charging for room service?

 

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced an enhanced room service menu that is debuting on board Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway. The new menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider variety of options available 24 hours. Individual items on the menu remain available on a complimentary basis and a convenience charge of up to $7.95 will be added to each order placed (Room Service orders placed by guests sailing in Suites and The Haven will not attract a charge)*. Room service is one of up to 29 dining options offered across the fleet, and guests continue to be able to enjoy a wide array of complimentary choices onboard 24 hours a day.

 

*Prices subject to change."

 

.

BUT, NCL keeps changing the language and the reality. In fact, if you asked 5 NCL PCCs the question, you got 7 different answer.

 

(They later changed the info on the website at http://www.ncl.com/faq/cruise-fare-includes )

 

"What does my cruise fare include? ...

Room service menu items (convenience charge may apply) ..."

 

"The following items are not included in the cruise fare: ...

Convenience Charge for Room Service on non-Haven Suites ..."

.

Notice the difference between the terms: "Suites and The Haven" and "Haven Suites". All Haven Cabins are Suites but not all Suites are in a Haven.

 

Normally, I would write it off as poor wording or imprecise information. But, both of these changes occured as a CYA rapid responses to the customer firestorm over the sneak attacks on the Getaway & Breakaway.

 

I think what is most disturbing to NCL Loyalists (myself included) is NCL is beginning to act like and sound like government:

Change the Rules in secret, Put the New Rules into affect without warning, Turn the Spin Meisters loose to twist and distort the facts and wait for the rabble to quiet down.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Uniall

[Kmcspoon]

.......

I think what is most disturbing to NCL Loyalists (myself included) is NCL is beginning to act like and sound like government:

Change the Rules in secret, Put the New Rules into affect without warning, Turn the Spin Meisters loose to twist and distort the facts and wait for the rabble to quiet down.

 

Uniall,

 

Thank you very much for all your comments. I sincerely appreciate your insights, as you express what I'm thinking, but in a much better way.

 

I'm glad you are posting. It helps.

 

:)

 

 

Kmcspoon

[Minoushka]

I think when more charges will be put in people will think twice before booking a cruise .i am right now becuse our $$$ is not doing well 30% over and above US price adss up quickly,factor in flightshotels pre or post cruise,tips,drinks,visits and spending money plus now fee for specialty restaurant and room service ..you are adding hundreds if not thousands to theoriginal cruise price ....time to rethink that option .....i think all inclusives will reap in former cruise pax.

[LoveyHowell]

Oh, I give Del Rio til the end of this year to update the contract - the word discretionary used to be on the FAQ and has been removed since the beginning of March when the increases went into effect. I wouldn't put it past them to change the contract wording without notifying people like they done these past couple of weeks.

 

You may think my comment is dumb but please don't cry a river when NCL does change that - Don't say no one didn't warned...

 

not gonna happen