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

[Wildcatllamas]

Listening to Andy Stuart right now and he was very apologetic about the lack of communication on the convenience fee. He showed a shot of the expanded menu and it is a bigger menu with eggs and potatoes and things like that. He was saying they are wanting to see if there is interest in having this larger menu.

 

But they are giving folks another complimentary dining menu. By mid-April the Asian and Noodle Bars will be complimentary.

[Uniall]

Room service on NCL's website for the dining options on the Jàde says. Subject to a convenience fee. I will be going up to lido deck and bringing down a continental breakfast for my husband and I .. Just have to purchase and bring a tray with me....

 

That language on the Jade was used to forwarn cruisers, when booking, about the previous rule of charging for room service between 11 pm and 6 am.

[triptolemus]

Listening to Andy Stuart right now and he was very apologetic about the lack of communication on the convenience fee. He showed a shot of the expanded menu and it is a bigger menu with eggs and potatoes and things like that. He was saying they are wanting to see if there is interest in having this larger menu.

 

But they are giving folks another complimentary dining menu. By mid-April the Asian and Noodle Bars will be complimentary.

 

Listening where?!?

[NYteacher]

Teacher

 

Please open this post, print it and bring it with you on the cruise. Use it when asking the service desk to remove any room service surcharges.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46109480&postcount=743

 

I appreciate the help and perspective you have brought to this as an experienced fraud litigator.

[conandrob240]

Yes, Andy Stuart taking full accountability for the room service charges this week and not letting people know. He is promoting the enhanced room service menu as a "test" this week only on BA and GA so lets see what next week brings. MY guess is the $7.95 vs $4.95 was a direct test to see which ship sold more with the least "noise".

 

Great announcement on Asian/noodle bar restaurants becoming a free offering!

[Wildcatllamas]

NCL has a monthly webinar for TAs. Listening to it right now.

[maywell]

Listening to Andy Stuart right now and he was very apologetic about the lack of communication on the convenience fee. He showed a shot of the expanded menu and it is a bigger menu with eggs and potatoes and things like that. He was saying they are wanting to see if there is interest in having this larger menu.

 

But they are giving folks another complimentary dining menu. By mid-April the Asian and Noodle Bars will be complimentary.

 

Really, all the noodle bars? That's actually good news - I like the noodle bar on Breakaway even with all smoking in the casino. That news actually save me money.[emoji5] Is the sushi bar(s) also included in that news?

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

Edited March 31, 2015 by maywell

[Uniall]

Listening to Andy Stuart right now and he was very apologetic about the lack of communication on the convenience fee. He showed a shot of the expanded menu and it is a bigger menu with eggs and potatoes and things like that. He was saying they are wanting to see if there is interest in having this larger menu.

 

But they are giving folks another complimentary dining menu. By mid-April the Asian and Noodle Bars will be complimentary.

 

NCL has a monthly webinar for TAs. Listening to it right now.

 

Yes Sir,

 

And that's the Andy Stuart we know and love.

Mr. NCL, who takes personal pride AND responsibility.

What a great guy.

[shapatack0]

Listening to Andy Stuart right now and he was very apologetic about the lack of communication on the convenience fee. He showed a shot of the expanded menu and it is a bigger menu with eggs and potatoes and things like that. He was saying they are wanting to see if there is interest in having this larger menu.

 

But they are giving folks another complimentary dining menu. By mid-April the Asian and Noodle Bars will be complimentary.

 

This is such bull by them. Nobody would have given a crap if they rolled out an "experimental" premium menu that incurred a $7.95 fee while simultaneously keeping their complimentary (meaning actually free, no "convenience charge bull") menu. Then they wouldn't be engaging in fraudulent business practices and false advertising, they would in fact be testing out a new menu. And if in fact, they decided to phase out free room service, after giving everyone who had already paid NOTICE and a chance to CANCEL before final payment was due, then they would not be seeing anywhere near the level of outrage they are currently seeing. They are not stupid, they just don't care because they have utter contempt for their passengers and clearly think we are all a bunch of idiots.

[Wildcatllamas]

This is such bull by them. Nobody would have given a crap if they rolled out an "experimental" premium menu that incurred a $7.95 fee while simultaneously keeping their complimentary (meaning actually free, no "convenience charge bull") menu. Then they wouldn't be engaging in fraudulent business practices and false advertising, they would in fact be testing out a new menu. And if in fact, they decided to phase out free room service, after giving everyone who had already paid NOTICE and a chance to CANCEL before final payment was due, then they would not be seeing anywhere near the level of outrage they are currently seeing. They are not stupid, they just don't care because they have utter contempt for their passengers and clearly think we are all a bunch of idiots.

 

I don't disagree with you. Just letting folks know what Andy Stuart has said. He has said if folks have any problems or comments to post to his Facebook page.

[maywell]

This is such bull by them. Nobody would have given a crap if they rolled out an "experimental" premium menu that incurred a $7.95 fee while simultaneously keeping their complimentary (meaning actually free, no "convenience charge bull") menu. Then they wouldn't be engaging in fraudulent business practices and false advertising, they would in fact be testing out a new menu. And if in fact, they decided to phase out free room service, after giving everyone who had already paid NOTICE and a chance to CANCEL before final payment was due, then they would not be seeing anywhere near the level of outrage they are currently seeing. They are not stupid, they just don't care because they have utter contempt for their passengers and clearly think we are all a bunch of idiots.

What was a lost to you and others (free room service), winded up being a gain to me and maybe others (Free Asian / Noodle bar for lunch/brunch and dinner). Sometimes that how the pendulum swings as guess... *shrug*

 

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Edited March 31, 2015 by maywell

[shapatack0]

I don't disagree with you. Just letting folks know what Andy Stuart has said. He has said if folks have any problems or comments to post to his Facebook page.

 

Thanks, my consternation wasn't directed at you, just at NCL. Do you have a link to his facebook page? Can it be found just by searching Andy Stuart NCL?

[Toby459]

"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. "

 

It seems is only for the Breakaway and Getaway however i tend to believe with other people that once they implement it on these ships is only a matter of time that it will move to the rest of the fleet...

 

 

Thanks for your posting, Qtaromar1970. A few thoughts that I have had:

 

1. For years, I have heard inside, oceanview and balcony guests saying that they wanted an expanded menu in room service. Of course, they meant a free, convenience service charge free menu containing hot food. They are now getting an option of "hot food" albeit at a cost.

 

2. It's a shame that Norwegian's public relations people did not adequately assess/foresee and verbalize to management the potential damage that rolling out a new program like this might do. If they did suggest restraint but were ignored, I guess they/we will know in time.

 

3. NCL claims that they are trying this out on its two newest ships. Would it not have been wiser to float this past a focus group before implementing it? I find it hard to believe that were the potential program brought before a group of veteran NCL cruisers, that they would not have, at least, been warned of the potential effect. For some years NCL has not utilized the good will of return guests in seeking their opinions.

 

When rolling out a new trial, wouldn't it be reasonable to inform frequent guests of the plans by publishing an article in Lattitudes .... a publication which originally touted as a means of communicating changes and offers?

 

4. If this new offering is indeed a "lemon", I look forward to seeing if NCl has the wherewithall to turn it into "lemonade". I notice that someone suggested that NCL management should love us like family. Realistically, I don't expect them to love me like family but, I do expect them to be appreciative, respectful, responsive and appreciative of my support, ideas and concerns.

 

You still have some opportunities, NCL, to turn your latest "lemons" into "lemonade". I, for one, hope you will/can do it.

[Pikaia]

I don't disagree with you. Just letting folks know what Andy Stuart has said. He has said if folks have any problems or comments to post to his Facebook page.

First they ask us to email socialmedia@ncl.com, and now we're requested to post to Andy Stuart's Facebook page?

 

I can't help but think they're trying to reduce the number of complaints posted to NCL's page. :rolleyes:

[SJ]

Why do a test when a simple question on social media would alert NCL that their passengers are vehemently opposed to room service no longer being included in their fare? Why create such negative attention onto it's brand unnecessarily and risk brand loyalty and trust? This is no test but a full on implementation. Andy Stuart better watch his back because he will be the fall guy if and when these new changes lead to decrease profits.

Edited March 31, 2015 by SJ

[hpecorari]

I don't disagree with you. Just letting folks know what Andy Stuart has said. He has said if folks have any problems or comments to post to his Facebook page.

 

Did he give a link to his FB page? Because if it's the Andy Stuart I found on FB you can't post to his page if you're not his friend.

 

Harriet

[SJ]

First they ask us to email socialmedia@ncl.com, and now we're requested to post to Andy Stuart's Facebook page?

 

I can't help but think they're trying to reduce the number of complaints posted to NCL's page. :rolleyes:

 

I agree. Continue on NCL Facebook. Don't let them divert traffic. Most would not know who Andy Stuart is and will not find his page.

[Out to sea!]

Can all you people never cruising NCL get on with cancelling your cruises.

 

I don't have any booked and need some price drops to filter through.

 

If you want to pay me $250 each for the two FCCs I have to use, I'd be happy to cancel. Just cough up the cash. :D

[jaja]

for the majority of us, it has nothing at all to do with what we can afford, and everything to do with the sneaky, lying, underhanded actions of ncl.

 

like !

[welove2cruise*]

I am just a bit shocked to discover this is true. I am really questioning the direction that NCL is taking. I have been defending NCL for over 15 years from back in the days when the line's reputation needed a fresh start. It has come a long way with some great innovative ideas (that most lines copied after balking at them to begin with) and here we are at a place where there seems to be a very slippery slope.. which seems to be heading downhill fast. :(

[flahagan]

Just got off an NCL webinar hosted by new Prez Andy Stuart.

He mentioned the new room-service fees very nonchalantly about half-way through and added that in hindsight, they should have notified people ahead of time. He apologized for any inconvenience and said it won't happen in the future.

I'm sure that will make all of those sailing on Breakaway and Getaway feel much happier! I think it's odd that the prices are different on the two ships - $7.95 per order on Getaway and $4.95 per order on Breakaway. I guess they're "testing" to see which price people will tolerate. Crazy way to do business, IMHO.

[sundercruiser]

I don't disagree with you. Just letting folks know what Andy Stuart has said. He has said if folks have any problems or comments to post to his Facebook page.

 

Wildcat, there's been a question out there all day and wondering if you heard any answer to it. Which is:

 

If I order a pot of coffee and some Danish for breakfast, a typical order that used to be completely complementary (though typically pax would tip a buck or two for it), will that arrive at my door for FREE? Or will I get hit with a $7.95 "convenience fee" for it? There's been considerable confusion on this point, with some people hearing from NCL phone reps that there will continue to be complementary room service AND charge room service for the new items.

 

Thanks!

[rochelle_s]

Really, all the noodle bars? That's actually good news - I like the noodle bar on Breakaway even with all smoking in the casino. That news actually save me money.[emoji5] Is the sushi bar(s) also included in that news?

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

 

I agree it is nice that the Asian restaurant and the Noodle Bar will now be included as complimentary venues but don't give them too much praise for the bone they are throwing our way. These places had very few paying customers and that means a lot of wasted space, which is exactly the opposite of what a cruise line is looking for.

 

Don't hold your breath on the sushi. I'm pretty certain that is a money maker for them.

 

 

Rochelle

[NLH Arizona]

I've never seen a recomended gratuity for NCL Butlers.

 

I've utilized the butler's services extensively. I start each day when he delivers coffee and juice. We plan the day together.

I've tipped my Butler anywhere between $5 and $15 per day (for 2 persons).

One time, I tipped $20 per day but that was when we threw a party for 50 guests in the 3 bedroom Garden Villa honoring the Captain and his wife.

My usual tip is $10 per day.

I've never seen anyone else say that NCL quoted a number, that is why I asked.

 

I usually stay in a penthouse suite and leave the butler $10 per day per person and concierge $5 per day person.

 

I just wonder where wildcatlama got their info.

[Wildcatllamas]

I've never seen anyone else say that NCL quoted a number, that is why I asked.

 

I usually stay in a penthouse suite and leave the butler $10 per day per person and concierge $5 per day person.

 

I just wonder where wildcatlama got their info.

 

As I said earlier right before I took my first cruise with NCL I had found a page on their site that listed what was in the suites and photos. It also had a recommended tip amount for the butler of at least $10 per day per person. I have never been able to find that page again.

 

As to Andy Stuart's FB page - I sure can't find one so back to plan A and post to NCL's page. I don't think they are to happy about that right now.