NCL and Dimed

[Aquahound]

In Miami, they are at the top of the escalator, not in the embarkation line.

 

When I boarded Escape in April, they were set up in the glass hallway leading from the waiting lounge to the ship. You could not walk around them because they took up the entire width of the hallway and people were forced to wait while others got their pictures taken. The only way to get by was walking through the picture.

[BirdTravels]

When I boarded Escape in April, they were set up in the glass hallway leading from the waiting lounge to the ship. You could not walk around them because they took up the entire width of the hallway and people were forced to wait while others got their pictures taken. The only way to get by was walking through the picture.

 

O.K. Won't argue with your experience.

 

We've been on 5 NCL cruises out of Miami in the past year including the Escape in November 2015 and May 2016 (last month). Our experience is that we have always been photographed at the top of the Escalator entering the waiting area. That being said, we always show up at the port before boarding starts (10:30 - 11:30) and maybe they shift the photos inside the glass walls once all of the initial boarding groups are done. And that maybe the difference in people's experiences.

[denatravels]

I'm planning on taking four cruises on NCL next year. While I may prefer other lines, I cannot deny that their prices are just significantly lower. I'm a little confused by these constant "nickel and dimed" posts. Here is what I understand about my costs (please correct me if I'm incorrect):

--Drinks-- included in promo. I will pay the service fee on final payment, and other than possibly a few VAT charges in port, no additional $ will need to be paid

--Dining package-- I will pay for this, along with the tips in advance. As I understand it, other than the limitation of one entree, there will be no other charges

-- room service-- not free

--tips- will be added daily to my account

--photos, casinos, excursions- none are free

 

Am I missing something? The prices are STILL lower. And other than the charging for room service, I don't really understand how this is different than other (non-luxury) lines.

 

 

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[ColinIllinois]

In Miami, they are at the top of the escalator, not in the embarkation line.

 

 

Well, It's been two years since I sailed out of Miami so maybe they changed it but it was definitely the embarkation line when I sailed. Hopefully they got smart and changed it.

[Aquahound]

O.K. Won't argue with your experience.

 

We've been on 5 NCL cruises out of Miami in the past year including the Escape in November 2015 and May 2016 (last month). Our experience is that we have always been photographed at the top of the Escalator entering the waiting area. That being said, we always show up at the port before boarding starts (10:30 - 11:30) and maybe they shift the photos inside the glass walls once all of the initial boarding groups are done. And that maybe the difference in people's experiences.

 

I really don't know what would account for the change. We were also there early and were among the first groups to board. I do remember a photographer in the waiting lounge. He wasn't at the top of the elevator, rather he was more in the lounge close to the glass doors for embarkation. The second photographer...the one I'm speaking of, was set up near the top of the second escalator, up in the glass hallway leading to the ship. We had to funnel through his station to get to the ship.

[4774Papa]

I'm planning on taking four cruises on NCL next year. While I may prefer other lines, I cannot deny that their prices are just significantly lower. I'm a little confused by these constant "nickel and dimed" posts. Here is what I understand about my costs (please correct me if I'm incorrect):

--Drinks-- included in promo. I will pay the service fee on final payment, and other than possibly a few VAT charges in port, no additional $ will need to be paid

--Dining package-- I will pay for this, along with the tips in advance. As I understand it, other than the limitation of one entree, there will be no other charges

-- room service-- not free

--tips- will be added daily to my account

--photos, casinos, excursions- none are free

 

Am I missing something? The prices are STILL lower. And other than the charging for room service, I don't really understand how this is different than other (non-luxury) lines.

 

 

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Not sure what cruises you like, but we like cruising Europe and places other than the Caribbean. Prices have gone up since the addition of these promos. Somehow, we are paying for the promos.

 

For a 14 day cruise, DW and I usually spend no more than $400 TOTAL for alcohol. I would purchase a 10 bottle wine package for about $200 and the rest would be an occasional beer or scotch. Now, if I accept the freely beverage package (stated as worth over $50 per day) then I am paying 18% of about $1500 = $270 just on gratuities for the FREEBE. Not a great bargain.

 

Some on cc had indicated that the cruises they book have not gone up in price much. Than is not my experience.

 

I am not giving up on NCL, but I just don't like the bundling.

[denatravels]

Not sure what cruises you like, but we like cruising Europe and places other than the Caribbean. Prices have gone up since the addition of these promos. Somehow, we are paying for the promos.

 

 

 

For a 14 day cruise, DW and I usually spend no more than $400 TOTAL for alcohol. I would purchase a 10 bottle wine package for about $200 and the rest would be an occasional beer or scotch. Now, if I accept the freely beverage package (stated as worth over $50 per day) then I am paying 18% of about $1500 = $270 just on gratuities for the FREEBE. Not a great bargain.

 

 

 

Some on cc had indicated that the cruises they book have not gone up in price much. Than is not my experience.

 

 

 

I am not giving up on NCL, but I just don't like the bundling.

 

 

But even WITH the bundling, the prices for me (three in Europe) is significantly lower, even on cruises where I'm NOT in a studio cabin. And while I wouldn't purchase the drink package at the new ridiculous price of $93 pppd (including grats), it's a perk that I will definitely get more value than the 18% that I will pay. So with at least $2000 less on celebrity and princess and $1500 less than Royal Caribbean, I just don't see how it DOESN'T make sense. I'm still trying to understand the "nickel and dimes" concept-- I guess I just don't get it.

 

 

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[fshagan]

I'm planning on taking four cruises on NCL next year. While I may prefer other lines, I cannot deny that their prices are just significantly lower. I'm a little confused by these constant "nickel and dimed" posts. Here is what I understand about my costs (please correct me if I'm incorrect):

--Drinks-- included in promo. I will pay the service fee on final payment, and other than possibly a few VAT charges in port, no additional $ will need to be paid

--Dining package-- I will pay for this, along with the tips in advance. As I understand it, other than the limitation of one entree, there will be no other charges

-- room service-- not free

--tips- will be added daily to my account

--photos, casinos, excursions- none are free

 

Am I missing something? The prices are STILL lower. And other than the charging for room service, I don't really understand how this is different than other (non-luxury) lines.

 

I disagree with the "nickle and dime" reputation as well. Usually the phrase is used to indicate, as Google defines it: "to put a financial strain on (someone) by charging small amounts for many minor services."

 

I just don't see it on NCL, Princess or Disney, the lines we cruise. All of those lines have things they charge extra for but there are multiple free alternatives to each extra charge item. We often take NCL cruises without having any extra charges on our on-board account (we usually pre-pay the daily gratuities).

 

It is not "nickle and dime" to give the consumer a choice between something free and something that costs. All of the costs are known at booking, for everything that is included.

[Love my butler]

NCL photographers are usually in the waiting lounge,,, not in the embarkation queue. 100's of people are not delayed because of the photographers.

 

Usually huh? I have been on dozens of cruises with NCL and usually the photographers are taking embarkation photos after leaving the lounge and trying to board the ship. Your statement that people are NOT delayed because of the photographers is completely inaccurate. It clearly depends on the port and the week. Maybe take a few more cruises before espousing absolutes that you clearly know nothing about.

Edited June 25, 2016 by Love my butler

[swedish weave]

I disagree with the "nickle and dime" reputation as well. Usually the phrase is used to indicate, as Google defines it: "to put a financial strain on (someone) by charging small amounts for many minor services."

 

I just don't see it on NCL, Princess or Disney, the lines we cruise. All of those lines have things they charge extra for but there are multiple free alternatives to each extra charge item. We often take NCL cruises without having any extra charges on our on-board account (we usually pre-pay the daily gratuities).

 

It is not "nickle and dime" to give the consumer a choice between something free and something that costs. All of the costs are known at booking, for everything that is included.

 

The problem many have that causes the "nickel and dime" statements is that NCL makes changes and charges for items that were included when the booking was made, but they change without notice. So your statement that all costs are known at booking is incorrect in some cases.

[4774Papa]

But even WITH the bundling, the prices for me (three in Europe) is significantly lower, even on cruises where I'm NOT in a studio cabin. And while I wouldn't purchase the drink package at the new ridiculous price of $93 pppd (including grats), it's a perk that I will definitely get more value than the 18% that I will pay. So with at least $2000 less on celebrity and princess and $1500 less than Royal Caribbean, I just don't see how it DOESN'T make sense. I'm still trying to understand the "nickel and dimes" concept-- I guess I just don't get it.

 

 

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I agree that NCL has maintained its competitiveness. All the cruise lines have raised their prices. Celebrity doesn't bundle its transatlantics, which is good.

[MissJessicaB]

I will stick up for NCL in general but I think the NCL & Dime argument is twofold

 

1. It costs more in the end. I'm not sure this is true, but sitting down and working out every nickel and every dime according to the average person's tips, meals etc is definitely not something I'd care to do and it probably works out about the same if not in NCL's favor.

 

2. The feeling of being pestered for money. My first cruise was with NCL and I wasn't quite sure what was normal and what wasn't. I just remember feeling a little poor and in two minds about what we would pay for and what we wouldn't. All inclusive vacations tend to be attractive to those seeking a peaceful no decision rest, and having to pull out the metaphorical calculator isn't ideal. There's something nice about being told "don't worry, it's all included, just have fun."

 

Personally I think the latter is more of a valid argument than the former but ultimately it probably won't deter me from taking NCL in the foreseeable future.

[wilmingtech]

My wife and I did our 1st NCL cruise in the Norwegian Fjords and then our 2nd with NCL was as a family on the Mexican Riviera.

 

Fjords total cost was ~2400 including tips for an Oceanview. In addition NCL gave us 200 in OBC and free dining plan (This was when tips were included with UDP and we left about 10$ on the table at each meal) and our cruise agent gave us 175 in OBC. All this was paid by final payment before the cruise (tips included)

 

We had about 6-8 drinks total and paid for the spa with OBC for each of us for the week and when we walked off the ship we had a zero dollar balance.

 

Our Mexican Riviera cruise was 6400.00 total including tips for a 2 bedroom Haven suite for 6 of us. In this package we got free wifi, 50$ for port excursions neither of which we used, all 4 kids were free and we got 400.00 OBC.Again we had about a half dozen drinks. At the end of this cruise we actually had to find stuff to buy to use up our remaining OBC and our balance was zero.

 

Both times we had the option to get the ultimate drink package and it was crystal clear what it cost with the additional tips included. We just did the math and figured with the 18% added on the front end we would have to drink more than what we normally would to break even.

 

Other than the tips on the drink and food packages....what are you complaining about being nickled and dimed with? Also all of this can be paid by final payment with not another penny needed to be spent unless you decide to get pictures or buy Jewelry or play bingo which is the same witb Disney, RCI or Carnival.

 

The difference is that with NCL 6 of us were able to be in a suite waited on hand and foot with a butler, steward and concierge with reserved seating, express boarding privledges, cocktail party, private dining room.... you would be hard pressed to find that kind of cabin and service on any cruise line for less than 10k. Even if they did nickle and dime us it would have to be a few thousand nickles and dimes to cone close to the next cheapest cruiseline.

 

I just dont see it. How about some realistic bottom line prices about how expensive it is to cruise NCL and that you dont get what you paid for.

 

-Sean

 

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Edited June 26, 2016 by wilmingtech

[wilmingtech]

I will add that we did leave about another 250$ in cash tips for the butler, steward and concierge on our Haven trip. Im assuming if you are concerned about nickles and dimes the Havens probably out of budget and leaving additional tips.... well... more nickles and dimes...

 

-Sean

[DevCruise]

Well, It's been two years since I sailed out of Miami so maybe they changed it but it was definitely the embarkation line when I sailed. Hopefully they got smart and changed it.

 

When we boarded the Sky in Miami in 2013, the boarding kiosk where you slide your key was right before you went up the boarding ramp onto the ship. The photographers were set up 2 across right before that. There was no way of going around them without having your picture done or having to decline, but we wanted our pictures done so it didn't matter to us, but I could understand the frustration if you didn't want pictures done.

[fshagan]

The problem many have that causes the "nickel and dime" statements is that NCL makes changes and charges for items that were included when the booking was made, but they change without notice. So your statement that all costs are known at booking is incorrect in some cases.

 

True, that has been the case with all the recent changes. That seems to have settled down some in recent months (I think one free restaurant has switched to pay on the three -Away ships in the last three months, but that's the only change of that type I can recall recently).

[swedish weave]

True, that has been the case with all the recent changes. That seems to have settled down some in recent months (I think one free restaurant has switched to pay on the three -Away ships in the last three months, but that's the only change of that type I can recall recently).

 

The one glaring example that happened to me was when I used my Platinum meal certificate for the free meal at Le Bistro as I have done for many years.

 

I have usually ordered the mushroom soup, escargot, tenderloin, and dessert. On my last cruise, I ordered the usual items and was told I could have only one of the apps but not both.

 

I realize it is a petty item, but I also realize it was a slap in the face for those who have attained Platinum status on NCL. Those who accept the meal package as a booking bonus are entitled to order multiple apps. When eating at the buffet or MDR, multiple apps are never questioned.

 

My personal feeling is that the current management is doing petty things to show long time cruisers that they are not appreciated, and I got the message loud and clear, so have diverted the majority of my cruising budget to other lines. I cruise 6 to 8 times per year, and so far this year have made the one cruise on NCL and four other cruises on other lines.

 

I hope Del Rio and company are happy since they have convinced me to do this.

[graphicguy]

Sounds like it depends on who your wait staff is. I've eaten in LeBistro several times....ordered as many apps as I wanted. Matter of fact, my waitress encouraged it. I was using a certificate as part of an AMEX promotion, and was never limted.

[Maraprince]

Sounds like it depends on who your wait staff is. I've eaten in LeBistro several times....ordered as many apps as I wanted. Matter of fact, my waitress encouraged it. I was using a certificate as part of an AMEX promotion, and was never limted.

 

Platinum certificate only allows one appetizer. Our waitress in Le Bistro told us what was allowed with it and what was not...no lobster or beef for two.

 

MARAPRINCE

[graphicguy]

Platinum certificate only allows one appetizer. Our waitress in Le Bistro told us what was allowed with it and what was not...no lobster or beef for two.

 

MARAPRINCE

 

OK...I see! So it's a special sort of certificate. Makes sense. I feel fortunate. My AMEX cert had no such restrictions.

[xriva]

I did this accidentally once, but if you want to prevent the embarkation photos, just wear a green shirt. Green shirt + green screen = head and no torso. Of course, my wife made them fix it in Photoshop.

 

I think wearing a green shirt and saying, "You don't want to fix this" would probably work.

[MissJessicaB]

I did this accidentally once, but if you want to prevent the embarkation photos, just wear a green shirt. Green shirt + green screen = head and no torso. Of course, my wife made them fix it in Photoshop.

 

I think wearing a green shirt and saying, "You don't want to fix this" would probably work.

I've been on one NCL cruise before but I forget - Do they take no for an answer? I get that it's their job, but that would be irritating.

 

The one glaring example that happened to me was when I used my Platinum meal certificate for the free meal at Le Bistro as I have done for many years.

 

I have usually ordered the mushroom soup, escargot, tenderloin, and dessert. On my last cruise, I ordered the usual items and was told I could have only one of the apps but not both.

 

I realize it is a petty item, but I also realize it was a slap in the face for those who have attained Platinum status on NCL. Those who accept the meal package as a booking bonus are entitled to order multiple apps. When eating at the buffet or MDR, multiple apps are never questioned.

 

My personal feeling is that the current management is doing petty things to show long time cruisers that they are not appreciated, and I got the message loud and clear, so have diverted the majority of my cruising budget to other lines. I cruise 6 to 8 times per year, and so far this year have made the one cruise on NCL and four other cruises on other lines.

 

I hope Del Rio and company are happy since they have convinced me to do this.

 

That is strange. You'd think that they would reverse it and be more restricting with people who they gave it to as a one off promotion, rather than the long time cruisers who show loyalty.

 

On the Gem last year we bought the meals individually via surcharge and the waitress encouraged multiple appetizers when we asked for advice between two choices at Cagney's. We were utterly stuffed and I didn't even finish my steak as a result! :D

Edited June 29, 2016 by MissJessicaB

[richs52]

I've been on one NCL cruise before but I forget - Do they take no for an answer? I get that it's their job, but that would be irritating.

 

Yes, you can most certainly decline any of the pictures that the ship photographers offer to take. I haven't had a single picture taken on any of my last several NCL cruises.

[MissJessicaB]

Yes, you can most certainly decline any of the pictures that the ship photographers offer to take. I haven't had a single picture taken on any of my last several NCL cruises.

Thank you for the info! :) The pics were awfully expensive but in the end we bought one of pics from mine and my wife's 10 year anniversary (though we were asked if we were sisters at least a dozen times on this trip!:rolleyes:).

[fshagan]

I've been on one NCL cruise before but I forget - Do they take no for an answer? I get that it's their job, but that would be irritating.

 

We usually don't see the rudeness people here are talking about, but we haven't sailed on Escape out of Miami either (we sailed Epic and Sky out of there without any issues at all).

 

We did have one cruise where the photographers did not provide a "walk around" area right at the bottom of the gangplank so we complained. We didn't see it again on that cruise. I don't recall if it was NCL or DCL.