What is the choice promo srvc charge?? Are the really free?

[SportsMomof4]

We (me, DH & son) are going to book the Escape. Our 1st NCL cruise is next week, just my DH & I for a few days so I amreally NCL illiterate.

 

We are booking the free at sea....we want the UBP & ppd service charge. If these are "free", what is the choice promo service charge of $199.08 that is being added to our reservation?

 

Can anyone help me understand this whole promo thing or should I call NCL?

 

Thanks!

[pieshops]

That is the gratuities for the bartenders, it is based on the value of the plan if you were to buy it

 

Just like on land when you have a free meal coupon, you would normally tip on the actual value of the meal.

 

No need to tip on each drink.

 

Have a great cruise you will love NCL

Edited August 20, 2016 by pieshops

[hawkeyetlse]

Everything is explained in the terms and conditions of the promo. No need to call NCL.

 

The UBP has a retail price of $79 per person per day, plus 18% service charge. That is how much you would have to pay to buy it yourself.

 

With the Free At Sea promo, they don't charge you the $79/day, but they still charge you the 18%. The package itself is free, but the perk is not free: You have to pay the 18% if you choose this perk.

 

$79/day × 7 days × 18% × 2 people =$199.08

[Orleanscruiser]

We (me, DH & son) are going to book the Escape. Our 1st NCL cruise is next week, just my DH & I for a few days so I amreally NCL illiterate.

 

We are booking the free at sea....we want the UBP & ppd service charge. If these are "free", what is the choice promo service charge of $199.08 that is being added to our reservation?

 

Can anyone help me understand this whole promo thing or should I call NCL?

 

Thanks!

from the NCL website

 

this is the current promo

What's the service charge?

Why is there a service charge?

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that your service charge supports. How much is the charge? Onboard Service Charges are additional.

 

How much are the service charges:

• $13.50 USD per person per day for guests staying in Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Mini-Suite categories

• $15.50 USD per person per day for guests staying in Suite and The Haven categories

• Guests sailing to Hawaii will be charged an additional 4.275% Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax

 

 

(This will be automatically added to your onboard account)

 

Are service charges across the board for all guests?

All guests 3 years or older.

 

How do I prepay my service charges?

Contact your travel professional and request that it be added to your cruise reservation. If you have not made final payment this will be included in your final payment amount or if final payment has already been made we will require full payment at the time it is added.

 

At what point in the booking process can the prepaid charges be added?

They can be added at anytime up to 24 hours prior to sailing.

 

Why would I prepay my service charges?

The convenience of pre-paying the service charges allows you to plan your budget prior to your cruise giving you additional freedom while on board.

 

If I cancel my cruise are the service charges refundable?

Yes! The service charges are 100% refundable. If there is a service issue can the service charges be adjusted on board? Guest satisfaction is the highest priority at Norwegian Cruise Line. We have structured a guest satisfaction program designed to handle any concerns about service or on-board product quickly and efficiently. However, in the event a service issue should arise during your cruise please let our on-board guest services desk staff know right away, so that we can address these in a timely manner. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory solution to any issue when it happens and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. Should your concerns not be met with satisfaction you can adjust the charges.

 

What about Gratuities?

 

Unlike most other ships in the cruise industry, there is no required or recommended tipping on our ships for service that is generally rendered to all Guests. While you should not feel obligated to offer a gratuity, all of our staff are encouraged to “go the extra mile,” so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities for exceptional or outstanding service if you care to offer them. Also, certain staff positions (e.g., concierge, butler, youth program staff and beverage service) provide service on an individual basis to only some guests and do not benefit from the overall service charge. We encourage those Guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. Additionally, there is an 18% gratuity and spa service charge added for all spa and salon services, as well as an 18% gratuity and beverage service charge added for all beverage purchases and an 18% gratuity and specialty service charge added to all specialty restaurant dining and entertainment based dining.

 

We are booking the free at sea....we want the UBP & ppd service charge. If these are "free", what is the choice promo service charge of $199.08 that is being added to our reservation?this is the 18% gratuities for the ubp promo: $79.per day x 7 days x 18% x 2 = $199.08

Edited August 20, 2016 by Orleanscruiser

[SportsMomof4]

Ok....I understand now. Thank you all for replying. To start with a new cruise line can be overwhelming. I normally don't like change but it's time for a little one :D

 

Thank you again!

[Orleanscruiser]

Norwegian's Free At Sea Promotion

 

Terms & Conditions

 

Booking Window: August 15, 2016 - September 18, 2016 11:59 pm EST

Applicable Sailings: 3 nights or longer sailings

Studios & Insides: Pick 1 Offer

Oceanviews, Balconies & Mini-Suites: Pick 2 Offers

Suites & Haven: Automatically gets Specialty Dining Package, Ultimate Beverage Package, Free Stateroom Service Charge, 250 Minutes of Free Internet and *Extra Guests Sail Free (on select sailings).

 

Offer is not applicable to categories IX, OX, BX & MX.

 

Norwegian Sky and Pride of America sailings are not eligible for this offer. Pride of America in Hawaii offer listed lower on this page.

 

Free at Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 48 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board. Bookings made within 48 hours to departure can choose promotion at time of booking.

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations and new speculative groups delegates.

Qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing speculative group and count towards tour conductor credits.

Offer is not valid for affinity groups or tour operators and cannot be held as group block.

Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time.

Singles paying 200% of voyage fare qualify.

Guest cannot substitute or customize this offer. All guests in stateroom must choose same offer.

Government taxes, port expenses & fees, and discretionary on board service charges are additional.

Cancellation Fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.

Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE

This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruise-tours or bundles.

No components included in this offer have any monetary value, are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, AUSTRALIA, NCL BRAZIL, and NCL ASIA. Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

 

Unlimited Beverages: (Excluded on Hawaii Cruises)

Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Guest must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests under 21 will receive the soda package.

Variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD. Includes fountain soda and juice, and non-alcoholic beer.

A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included) purchased on board.

Does not apply to the Ice Bars.

Does not include room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, Lavazza coffee beverages, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.

Guest who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise.

Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package prior to cruise, except when booking a Haven or Suite.

18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package are included when booking through the Australia office. Retail value of Ultimate Beverage Package is $79 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change. Retail value of the Adult Soda Package is $7.50 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change.

When booking a Haven or Suite category, gratuities related to beverage and soda packages are included.

 

Specialty Dining Package:

 

Sail Length Number Of Dining Package Meals Retail Value

3-9 Nights 3 $69 USD per person

10+ Nights 4 $84 USD per person

 

Package prices are subject to change.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package prior to cruise.

18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package are included when booking through the Australia office.

Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Food Republic, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.

You may choose to dine in the following venues as part of your Specialty Dining Package for the corresponding upcharges: The Supper Club ($15 USD), For the Record ($15 USD), Ocean Blue ($15 USD), Bayamo ($15 USD), Cirque Dreams and Illusionarium ($10 USD regular seats/$15 USD premium seats/$35 USD VIP seating on Breakaway), Sushi Bar ($7 USD), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7 USD), and Raw Bar ($7 USD).

Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro restaurants. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.

There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the package.

 

Internet Package:

250 minutes per stateroom.

Internet package is per stateroom. One login per stateroom.

On Breakaway, stateroom receives an internet package of 250 minutes or 1000 MB of data.

Internet package includes activation fee.

 

Free Pre-Paid Service Charges:

Pre-Paid Service Charges are applicable to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom 3 years of age and up.

Applicable to guests 1-2 on reservation.

Offer not applicable to guests 3-8.

Guests are responsible for onboard gratuities applicable to all other shipboard purchases.

 

*Extra Guests Sail Free Promotion:

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations, qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing speculative group and count towards tour conductor credits.

Offer is not combinable with existing group block rates and cannot be held as group block.

Offer valid for guests 3-4 sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying full fare.

Offer only valid on select sailings.

3 & 4 guests sail free dates are subject to change at any time without notice.

No deposit is required for qualifying 3 & 4 guests.

If there are guests 5 - 8 in a reservation, those guests will be required to pay prevailing fares.

Government taxes, port expenses & fees, and discretionary on board service charges are additional.

Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.

Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE

This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruisetours or bundles.

Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, AUSTRALIA, NCL ASIA and NCL BRAZIL . Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

 

 

Terms & Conditions: (Hawaii Offer Only)

 

Booking Window: May 18, 2016 - August 31, 2016 11:59 pm EST

Applicable Sailings: Pride of America Sailings through December 16, 2017

Studios, Insides, Oceanviews & Balconies Pick 1 Offer

Suites: Eligible to receive 1 Night Pre-Hotel, Specialty Dining Package, Pre-Paid Service Charges, Shore Excursion Credits, and *Extra Guests Sail Free (on select sailings).

Promotional Amenities: All Amenities are applicable to 1st and 2nd guests only, except for Free 3rd & 4th guest (HFREE34).

*Extra Guests Sail Free is available for select sailings.

Offer excluded on IX, OX, & BX stateroom categories

Applicable to NCLMIAMI, NCLINTL, AUSTRALIA, NCL BRAZIL and NCL ASIA . Australia does not pay the 18% gratuities on the Dining Package. Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

 

Hawaii Free At Sea Promotion

Free at Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 48 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board. Bookings made within 48 hours to departure can choose promotion at time of booking.

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations and new speculative groups delegates.

Qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing speculative group and count towards tour conductor credits.

Offer is not valid for affinity groups or tour operators and cannot be held as group block.

Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time.

Singles paying 200% of voyage fare qualify.

Guest cannot substitute or customize this offer. All guests in stateroom must choose same offer.

Government taxes, port expenses & fees, and discretionary on board service charges are additional.

Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.

Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE

This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruise-tours or bundles.

No components included in this offer have any monetary value, are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

 

 

1 Night Pre-Hotel:

If choosing 1 night pre hotel option, reservation must be made more than 30 days prior to sailing based on EST.

Offer is only available when booking primary package CHOICEHAW1NTPRE.

Blackout sail dates apply, see NCL Help for details.

1 night pre hotel offer is only available for FIT reservations.

1 night pre hotel offer is for Waikiki Marriott Resort - City View.

In the event that the hotel scheduled to be used in your package is unavailable, for any reason, Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to substitute the hotel included in your package with other similar accommodations/services.

1 night pre hotel offer is available on reservations with 4 guests or less.

Transfers from the hotel to the pier are included.

Offer only valid for one night hotel stay. Extension cannot be accommodated through this offer.

 

Specialty Dining Package:

 

Sail Length Number Of Dining Package Meals Guest Gratuities Per Person in USD

7+ Nights 3 $12.42 USD

 

3 meal Specialty Dining Package is applied to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package prior to cruise.

18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package are included when booking through the Australia office.

Package is based on a per meal basis.

Specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.

A la carte priced restaurants are excluded (i.e. Sushi)

You may choose to dine in the following venues as part of your Specialty Dining Package for the corresponding upcharges: Sushi Bar ($7 USD)

Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Jefferson's Bistro restaurants. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.

There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the package.

 

Pre Paid Service Charges:

Prepaid gratuities, otherwise referred to as "Service Charges," applicable to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom 3 years of age and up.

Applicable to guests 1-2 on reservation.

Offer not applicable to guests 3-8.

Guests are responsible for onboard gratuities applicable to all other shipboard purchases.

 

Shore Excursion Credit Offer:

$50 USD shore excursion credit is per stateroom.

Limit 4 ports. Credit has no monetary value and is nonrefundable.

Itineraries visiting less than 4 ports for any reason are not eligible for a refund or credit.

In the event a port of call or excursion is missed, for any reason, no refund or credit will be issued.

Shore excursion credit is applicable for each port, and is not transferable to other ports. Use the credit or lose it.

Does not include embarkation and debarkation ports. Overnight stays count as one port.

Shore excursion credit can only be redeemed by calling 1-866-625-1167 or booking onboard.

 

*Extra Guests Sail Free Promotion:

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations, qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing speculative group and count towards tour conductor credits.

Offer is not combinable with existing group block rates and cannot be held as group block.

Offer valid for guests 3-4 sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying full fare.

Offer only valid on select sailings.

3 & 4 guests sail free dates are subject to change at any time without notice.

No deposit is required for qualifying 3 & 4 guests.

If there are guests 5 - 8 in a reservation, those guests will be required to pay prevailing fares.

Government taxes, port expenses & fees, and discretionary on board service charges are additional.

Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.

Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE

This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruisetours or bundles.

Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, AUSTRALIA, NCL ASIA and NCL BRAZIL . Not applicable to CE and UK offices.

 

Reduced Deposit:

 

Booking Window: May 18, 2016 - August 31, 2016 11:59 pm EST

 

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations and new speculative group delegates booked outside of finalization. Qualifying new individual reservations can be moved into existing group and count towards tour conductor credits. Promotion cannot be held as group block. Reduced deposit is 50% off the standard deposit. Reduced deposit does not apply to Haven and S1 categories.

Reservation must be assigned with names. Guests who cancel and rebook must accept this promotion's terms and conditions.

For reduced deposit reservations cancelled during deposit fee period, fee amount will be assessed in line with terms of booked promotion. Government taxes and fees, and onboard service charges are additional.

 

Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE

Applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, NCL ASIA, and AUSTRALIA. Not applicable to NCL BRAZIL, CE and UK offices.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $65 USD per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, Norwegian Cruise Line will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $10 USD per passenger per day Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

Ships’ registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2016 NCL Corporation Ltd

[kayden]

So if I read the above correctly, if we chose the Free at Sea and received prepaid service charges for 2 guests, and then we have our child under 3 with us, we should not incur any charges at all? Just making sure. I nearly had a heart attack when it said only first 1-2 guests per stateroom, but since our child is under 3 they should be free from service charges anyways.

[Two Wheels Only]

...but since our child is under 3 they should be free from service charges anyways.

 

Correct. Our 2 year-old was 1 month shy of turning 3 and didn't have a DSC.

[mianmike]

We are booking the free at sea....we want the UBP & ppd service charge. If these are "free", what is the choice promo service charge of $199.08 that is being added to our reservation?

 

Can anyone help me understand this whole promo thing or should I call NCL?

 

Thanks!

 

Unfortunately the UBP is not free. Back in March of 2015 when we booked our cruise the UBP was actually free. No service charge. NCL now charges $199 for the "free" UBP. It's quite a shady deal as they came up with this arbitrary fee to help recoup lost revenue from the UBP promotion. The fee is 18% of whatever figure CEO Jack Del Rio wants it to be. Right now it's 18% of a ridiculous $79 a day if you were to buy the UBP (much higher than any other cruise line and nobody in their sober mind would buy).

 

If you and your partner drink 33-35 beers while on the cruise you should break even. If you drink at least 20 $10 mixed drinks should come out even. For many people this is still a good deal.

[GLYNAGP]

Despite living in Spain we book direct with NCL in London and pay in pounds and the free drinks package is free there's no additional service charge . I think maybe legislation in the UK (and possibly other European countries) is that if somethings advertised as "Free" it has to be "Free".

 

Having said that in I'm sure they will be getting it back elsewhere,n even so we still find NCL a good deal.

[Two Wheels Only]

The fee is 18% of whatever figure CEO Jack Del Rio wants it to be..

The Oakland Raiders are guilty of many things but you can't blame them for this one. :p

[Kosi]

If you are in a Haven room do you have these charges?

[Two Wheels Only]

If you are in a Haven room do you have these charges?

 

No, there is no service charge for the promos that Haven guests get.

 

"Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package prior to cruise, except when booking a Haven or Suite."

[mianmike]

The Oakland Raiders are guilty of many things but you can't blame them for this one. :p

 

LOL, I keep confusing the two as I was a fan of Jack Del Rio back when he was a linebacker. :o

[AdoraBelle]

We (me, DH & son) are going to book the Escape. Our 1st NCL cruise is next week, just my DH & I for a few days so I amreally NCL illiterate.

 

 

 

We are booking the free at sea....we want the UBP & ppd service charge. If these are "free", what is the choice promo service charge of $199.08 that is being added to our reservation?

 

 

 

Can anyone help me understand this whole promo thing or should I call NCL?

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Cute, isn't it?