Can't bring soda on board anymore

[Norm1]

I just ordered you a $70.00 case of water...I would just lose that amount in 20 mins on Wheel of Fortune in casino...$70.00? could save me$$

[Lv-to-sail2]

This is a deal breaker for me. I drink a lot of water and wouldn't mind buying it on board if it was reasonable priced. I like taking the smaller bottles with me when I go on shore so 1 liter bottles won't work. I refuse to pay their prices and on top of that 18% + service charge! Carnival reduced the prices of their water when they stopped letting you bring it on board AND they don't charge anything thing else like the service charge! This also means I would have to carry a lot of water back to my room every day from the buffet to keep in my room. Drinking water from the bathroom facets is FILTHY.

 

I now regret having bought 2 of there certs for advanced deposits on future cruises. I will find a couple of 1-2 day cruises to use them on and not spend one dime on board unless they lower their prices on the bottled water and get rid of the 18% and service charge. I'll bring a couple of filter bottles with me. I cruise 3 times a year and spend a lot on board but it won't be with NCL.

 

I will also write them and let them know they have lost a customer.

Edited July 7, 2016 by Lv-to-sail2

[cruisebie]

I contacted NCL and heard back today. I thought I report it back here.

 

They do offer sparking water on board and here is the email I received.

 

 

 

Bottled Water policy:

 

Bottled water is available for purchase on board all ships.

 

 

 

Aquafina bottled water is available in both 20 oz. and 1 liter bottles. (Aquafina is purified, reverse osmosis processed). Perrier sparkling bottled water is available in both 193 ml. and 750 ml. bottles.

 

 

 

As of the July 15 policy change, guest cannot bring bottled water, soda or juices on board. Beverages will be confiscated and discarded at the security check point.

 

 

 

Exceptions to this policy are: (1) distilled water in factory sealed containers for use with medical devices and (2) water in factory sealed containers for use with infant formula.

 

 

 

Aquafina 20oz - $2.50

 

Aquafina 1 liter - $4.50

 

Perrier 193ml - $2.50

 

Perrier 750ml - $4.50

 

 

 

Also please see attachment for water packages.

 

 

Is the attachment on water packages something that NCL just sent you? I notice that the price listed for the 24 & 18 bottle packages are higher than the prices shown on the web site. Are they planning to increase the package prices? Interesting.

[TLCOhio]

Hardly ever send them love notes, but I did support the no-take out ban as well. In this case, I think the ban is warranted and long over due. Last cruise on the Dawn, was caught in line behind some idiot who pushed is case of Mt. Dews through the que with his foot. Thirty-five minutes in that god awful Black Falcon queue with his case scraping the floor the whole time. Yeah ban that crap!

 

Personally, I really like Diet Mountain Dew. It is, in my opinion, the "Nectar of the Gods". BUT, lots of cruise ships do not carry or offer Pepsi products.

 

Maybe NCL should also ban luggage as that slows things down the board process and/or could cause security worries. Maybe, stop allowing cameras and camera cases/bags?

 

From FOX News, they have this headline: "Norwegian Cruise Line bans almost all carry-on beverages" with some of these key highlights: "There are a few exceptions to the new rule: --You are permitted to bring two sealed bottles (not boxes) of wine onto your ship. But be forewarned: 'They will be checked prior to embarkation and a corkage fee applied at that time of $15.00 for a 750 ml Bottle or $30.00 for a 1,500 ml Magnum bottle…. If guests do not wish to pay the corkage fee, the wine will be held onboard and returned to the guests at the end of the cruise.' "

 

Is not that so kind of NCL in picking the customer's pocket for $15 per bottle??? Freedom is so alive and well with NCL!!! Will help attract more customers?

 

Full story at:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/07/05/norwegian-cruise-line-bans-almost-all-carry-on-beverages.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 148,281 views for this posting.

[Lorey2007]

I sent 5 emails yesterday and got 4 auto replys "out of the office". $2.50 for a 20oz bottle of water is still out of line if you ask me, that would be 1 bottle a day $25.00 plus 18% on my 10 day cruise. As for the soda I do prefer caffeine free diet coke but if they offered caffeine free diet pepsi I would be okay with that. Not being offered a good selection of soda is the problem. I would pay a reasonable convenience charge to bring on a caffeine free cola beverage.

 

WOW almost 1400 posts and 82,000 views.:eek:

[Raring to go]

Carnival did the same thing last year with stopping the carrying on of water, etc. However, they at least lowered the price of bottled water to $3.99 for a 12 pack! Not even in the same ballpark as NCL's bottled water price. It is actually very convenient ordering the water before we sail and having it waiting in the cabin, instead of shlepping it onboard! Maybe NCL will lower their crazy price of $39.95 for a 12 pack of water.

 

 

Yes, but Carnival allows soft drinks in cans to be carried on. They also allow canned water products like Lacroix sparkling water.

 

 

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[$hip$hape]

No I guess it's not that much of a concern anymore and the 18% is nicely guaranteed to Ncl

 

A poster mentioned the corkage fee...now that's brilliant on Ncl part....

 

They charge you $15 for the privilege of bringing onboard a bottle of wine you already bought yourself

 

You keep it in your cabin and you can even open it yourself.

 

All your waiter must do is what? Make sure the wine glass is on your table? Lol

 

Bring over a wine stand?

 

Ncl has just made $15 for doing absolutely nothing

 

A poster suggested that there will now be a water bottle corkage fee

 

So Ncl can charge you to bring your own water on and do absolutely nothing but will make money.

 

Amazing how Ncl can find revenue streams out of thin air

 

They are actually so good at this that their company should be doing much better than they already are doing. Lol.

 

They charge you $15 for the privilege of bringing on-board a bottle of wine you already bought yourself.

 

You keep it in your cabin and you can even open it yourself.*

 

All your waiter must do is what? Make sure the wine glass is on your table? Lol

 

Bring over a wine stand?

 

One of our experiences...

Brought a bottle of white wine on-board for the $15.00 fee.

Chilled the wine in our cabin fridge.

One early afternoon, I corked/opened it, and then re-set the cork.

Then we walked to a quiet lounge, sat at a table with a nice view. (There were only a few other couples in the lounge.)

We were ignored by the waitress.

After about 15 minutes, I went to the bar and requested two wine glasses from the bartender and tipped him two bucks, (as the waitress watched from the far side of the lounge.)

My DW asked me not to let this bother our “romantic” moment alone.

 

I blame this not on the waitress, but on pax that had screwed her out of tips in the past.

Edited July 7, 2016 by $hip$hape

[C&F]

I hope they have larger cups in the buffet to fill the water up with. Those cups were tiny. That is a major problem.

Edited July 7, 2016 by C&F

[pcakes122]

I realize that mostly folks are upset about the principle of NCL making abrupt policy changes, but there's many people posting about not being able to drink the ship's "tap" water for medical reasons.

 

If this is the case, wouldn't it have also been true before the bottled water carry-on ban? The ship's water is in everything - from ice cubes at the bar, to the soups, cake batters, and any other food that is cooked in or with water.

 

I'm only mentioning because I have a friend with celiac disease, and she has to be SUPER careful about every single thing she puts in her mouth - and whether or not it has come into proximity with gluten anywhere along the line. I would think someone who has medical issues relating to ship water would have to be as diligent?

 

If this is the case, I'm certain the Access Desk could make accommodations or grant necessary exceptions with the right medical documentation.

[C&F]

I just ordered you a $70.00 case of water...I would just lose that amount in 20 mins on Wheel of Fortune in casino...$70.00? could save me$$

 

 

Thank you!! I will repay you kindly with cigars from the onboard shop!! They are probably priced higher than a land based cigar shop, but I understand a cruise line is in business to make money. If I don't like the policy, I could just not sail NCL. But I will because I know going in that cigars are more expensive on a cruise ship!

 

 

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[alwalaska]

Carnival was the first to do this and IMHO did it much better job of implementing it. No one likes change, but if you give ample notice and provide some viable options, people will accept it.

 

I never carry on water or soda and have always just drank whatever was available on board. However on my last Carnival cruise I pre ordered a 12 pk of water since it was such a reasonable price. I wonder how much more water NCL could sell to people like me by lowering the cost? I can't imagine that they are selling too much of it now at those super inflated prices.

 

I am like many of the other posters here and am looking at other lines for future cruises. The price increases, the changes, and the callous way those changes are implemented are putting me off of NCL. I have loved my cruises on NCL but until management gets its act together, I think it's time to go elsewhere.

I totally agree. Carnival also still allows each person to bring on up to 12 cans/boxes of soda/juice per person and the price is definitely reasonable. I pre-ordered a 12 pack on Princess and theirs is a bit more than Carnival, but still very reasonable. The NCL "discount" is still crazy expensive.

 

Hopefully NCL will come to its senses, otherwise, they will have one more negative point against them when I am trying to decide on our future cruises.

[GiGi]

My issue with the policy is the two week notice of a policy change. We are sailing on 7/31 which gives us no option of cancelling our cruise if this was a deal breaker for us.

 

We did not get the UBP. It would cost my family of $1560.06 for 2 UBP and 2 soda packages. Absurd! We would never drink enough of anything to make it worth paying so much.

 

We were planning on bringing bottled water on board because our son has a heart condition and must stay hydrated in hot weather. I want the convenience of having water in the room so I can just hand him a bottle to drink when he leaves to participate in some activity rather than travel around the ship trying to find a water dispenser several times per day. I would be willing to provide a doctors note of medical necessity.

 

I did call my TA yesterday to ask if there was any medical exceptions to the rule (other than water for medical devices), she said she had been receiving complaints about the change all day. She did call NCL but they said no.

 

I wouldn't be upset about this if we had been notified about the change prior to our final payment. I can't say I would have cancelled over it, but at least I would have the choice.

[Joyously Sailing Away]

Must be honest. This is the most ridiculous penny pinching, nickel and dimming move NCL could have done. Just purchased a package cruise and stay vacation and have no choice but to sail on the NCL Pearl. This will be my one and only NCL cruise. I'm taking my business back to HAL where you are treated like a value guest. I can order room service for free and bring on all the water, juice, canned pop I like. Oh and did I forget to mention HAL will also let me bring on one bottle of wine, FOR FREE!!!

 

 

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Edited July 7, 2016 by Joyously Sailing Away

[NLH Arizona]

Oh and did I forget to mention HAL will also let me bring on one bottle of wine, FOR FREE!!!

With the price difference between HAL and NCL, HAL should let you bring on all the wine you want for free, not just one bottle. Edited July 7, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[alwalaska]

Just curious what size cup is at the beverage station?

 

For health reasons my body needs to stay hydrated.

Pickup one of these babies.

 

2.2L water bottle

 

Except there are signs all over the beverage stations at the buffet saying that you are not allowed to fill water bottles at the beverage stations and the water cups are super tiny (maybe 8 oz max but probably 6). I usually get two waters with my meal and only have to get up 2 or 3 more times for refills. I guess you will have to bring a tray to load with cups of water and then pour them into your water bottle.

[TLCOhio]

By contrast, here is the more flexible and reasonable policy with Celebrity for their ships. I just pulled off this policy tonight from their website:

 

Can I bring alcoholic beverages on board?

No beer or hard liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. If you wish to bring personal wine onboard with you on the day you board your cruise, you may do so, limited to two (2) 750ml bottles per stateroom. When enjoyed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.

 

From our experiences in doing two cruises with Celebrity, they were also very flexible for bringing on board soft drinks, sparkling water, etc. Also, in ports in Italy, there was no problem or hassle for bring on-board added wine bottles to open and use in our rooms without any added charges or fees.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 214,450 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[NLH Arizona]

By contrast, here is the more flexible and reasonable policy with Celebrity for their ships. I just pulled off this policy tonight from their website:

 

Can I bring alcoholic beverages on board?

No beer or hard liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. If you wish to bring personal wine onboard with you on the day you board your cruise, you may do so, limited to two (2) 750ml bottles per stateroom. When enjoyed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.

 

From our experiences in doing two cruises with Celebrity, they were also very flexible for bringing on board soft drinks, sparkling water, etc. Also, in ports in Italy, there was no problem or hassle for bring on-board added wine bottles to open and use in our rooms without any added charges or fees.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 214,450 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

It is funny, I also cruise on Celebrity and yes, I can get water included in their beverage package, but it is going to cost me considerably more than I pay on NCL. Take December 16, 2017. I can cruise a 7 night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity for $1,099/$1,204/$1,414 per person in a balcony (depending on if I pick 1, 2 or 3 of the perks offered: Beverage Package, $150 OBC, prepaid tips, unlimited internet). I can cruise a 7 night Caribbean cruise on NCL for $899 per person in a balcony and the choice of 2 perks offered (beverage package, shore excursion, 250 internet minutes, SDP). Even if you do apples to apples, Celebrity would cost me $1,204 (with two perks included) and NCL would cost me $899 (with two perks included) for a balcony cabin. I think with the $300 savings, I could afford to purchase the water or wine at NCL's current prices. I think one has to look at the entire picture when picking cruises, not just one policy. Edited July 7, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[Cruise Junky]

It is funny, I also cruise on Celebrity and yes, I can get water included in their beverage package, but it is going to cost me considerably more than I pay on NCL. Take December 16, 2017. I can cruise a 7 night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity for $1,099/$1,204/$1,414 per person in a balcony (depending on if I pick 1, 2 or 3 of the perks offered: Beverage Package, $150 OBC, prepaid tips, unlimited internet). I can cruise a 7 night Caribbean cruise on NCL for $899 per person in a balcony and the choice of 2 perks offered (beverage package, shore excursion, 250 internet minutes, SDP). Even if you do apples to apples, Celebrity would cost me $1,204 (with two perks included) and NCL would cost me $899 (with two perks included) for a balcony cabin. I think with the $300 savings, I could afford to purchase the water at NCL's current prices. I think one has to look at the entire picture when picking cruises, not just one policy.

 

Don't forget to include your 18% on your "perks", bottled water, coffee. It's $100 pp just paying the gratuity for the drink package.

Edited July 7, 2016 by Cruise Junky

[pspercy]

This also means I would have to carry a lot of water back to my room every day from the buffet to keep in my room. Drinking water from the bathroom facets is FILTHY.

 

 

Why?

Edited July 7, 2016 by pspercy

[NLH Arizona]

Don't forget to include your 18% on your "perks"

There is no 18% gratuity on the shore excursions or internet minutes.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

Here's my new plan. As I have paid NCL an 18% service fee for a "free" beverage package that doesn't include bottled water, and since I cannot bring on any, and since they want extortionate rates to purchase it..... I'm going to take advantage of the "included" tap water in my cruise fare and go to the bar as often as possible asking for a glass of water. I figure if the bartenders get bogged own enough pouring water rather than drinks that they will let their displeasure be known.

 

The lines at the bars are already 20+ deep at peaks times with slow and surly bar staff if recent cruisers are to be believed. So if we all did this then the lines would be even longer. A few well placed vacation photos of "spent my cruise waiting in line for water for 45 minutes" on Facebook would REALLY help improve their bookings!

Edited July 7, 2016 by AtlantaCruiser72

[Cruise Junky]

There is no 18% gratuity on the shore excursions or internet minutes.

 

So your math only works for a non drinker.

[kathybelcher2433]

Does anyone else feel like they are stuck in the movie "Groundhog Day"?

[richstowe]

Why?

Great question but people are funny that way . In truth cabin water is lukewarm at best . Clean but too warm .

 

There is no 18% gratuity on the shore excursions or internet minutes.

Not yet anyway . Might be instituted , everyone say it together , for our convenience . :D Edited July 7, 2016 by richstowe

[dna529]

Does anyone else feel like they are stuck in the movie "Groundhog Day"?

 

Yes!