Are you thinking of giving up on NCL?

[spanishguy1970]

Celebrity had a promotion where you could pick 1 or more perks and the price of the cruise went up each time you picked another perk, so their perks weren't free either.

 

like i always say PERKS are not free they just find a way to include it in the price. :D

[sparks1093]

Celebrity had a promotion where you could pick 1 or more perks and the price of the cruise went up each time you picked another perk, so their perks weren't free either. For the Celebrity or NCL promotions, all you have to do is read the terms and conditions and all will be made clear as far as what the promotions are all about. If one doesn't want to pay the 18% gratuities on the SDP or UBP, pick another perk.

 

Celebrity didn't call their promotions free. NCL does. On NCL (and Oceania)one has to be very careful of and mindful of the small print.

[NLH Arizona]

Celebrity didn't call their promotions free. NCL does. On NCL (and Oceania)one has to be very careful of and mindful of the small print.

Shouldn't one be mindful of the small print in each and every promotion? If they aren't mindful of the fine print, it is on them, not the company, because the company followed the letter of the law and advised them of the ands ifs and buts in that fine print. Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[veradem]

We had hoped to start a long term relationship with Norwegian, however we just received notification that our Dec. 4,2016 Mexican Riviera cruise was cancelled because the agent said it was chartered for a 14 day cruise to Miami. The agent said that they are permitted to change itineraries. I thought that a change in itinerary meant a change in port because of weather etc., not a cancellation.

I am especially annoyed and angry since we were treating our 2 adult children and their spouses to a cruise. It would have been their first ever. Three higher priced balcony and ocean view cabins were cancelled.

Luckily I wasn't stuck with airline tickets.

Plans had been made at least 10 month ahead and I had booked hotel rooms, parking etc for Los Angeles.

I should have gone with my other choice Holland America from San Diego, which fortunately, I was able to do.

I don't understand why Norwegian thinks cancellations such as this doesn't hurt consumer loyalty. My husband and I will never book with them again.

There are too many cruise lines to choose from to give them our business.

[BensonFan711]

NCL is usually where I start my research and ultimately end up booking. My first cruise with NCL had the potential to be a complete disaster, but it turned out to be one of my best vacations ever. I know what to expect on NCL, and I've been happy with it.

 

That being said, I do keep an eye on what the other lines are doing, how they're priced, itineraries offered, etc. In the even that NCL failed to meet my expectations for a vacation (better bang for buck on another line, itinerary NCL doesn't offer, etc), then yeah, I might sail on another line.

 

It's a free market. Cruisers can cruise on any line. But it's also buyer beware...all of the information is out there, if you take the time to read it. Know what you're getting into, and don't be surprised when that winds up being exactly what you get.

[NLH Arizona]

We had hoped to start a long term relationship with Norwegian, however we just received notification that our Dec. 4,2016 Mexican Riviera cruise was cancelled because the agent said it was chartered for a 14 day cruise to Miami. The agent said that they are permitted to change itineraries. I thought that a change in itinerary meant a change in port because of weather etc., not a cancellation.

I am especially annoyed and angry since we were treating our 2 adult children and their spouses to a cruise. It would have been their first ever. Three higher priced balcony and ocean view cabins were cancelled.

Luckily I wasn't stuck with airline tickets.

Plans had been made at least 10 month ahead and I had booked hotel rooms, parking etc for Los Angeles.

I should have gone with my other choice Holland America from San Diego, which fortunately, I was able to do.

I don't understand why Norwegian thinks cancellations such as this doesn't hurt consumer loyalty. My husband and I will never book with them again.

There are too many cruise lines to choose from to give them our business.

I feel your pain on cancelled cruises. I recently had one ripped right from under me on Celebrity. I was a little shocked because this was the first time in over 40 cruises that a cruise had been cancelled because of a charter, but I expected it to happen one day. My point is, this can happen on any cruise line. I was lucky, I was able to book another Celebrity cruise with the help of my travel agent. When you are picking cruise lines, don't pick Celebrity, because I'm walking proof it can happen on there as well. Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[sparks1093]

Shouldn't one be mindful of the small print in each and every promotion? If they aren't mindful of the fine print, it is on them, not the company, because the company followed the letter of the law and advised them of the ands ifs and buts in that fine print.

 

If I have a choice between choosing between a company that is transparent and one that is "following the letter of the law" I know which one it would be.

[Aquahound]

Shouldn't one be mindful of the small print in each and every promotion? If they aren't mindful of the fine print, it is on them, not the company, because the company followed the letter of the law and advised them of the ands ifs and buts in that fine print.

 

Beside the point. NCL calls it "free," and then charges you. Fine print or not, legal or not, it's still a deceptive practice. They get away with it, and they just sit back and laugh while apologists champion for them on social media.

[NLH Arizona]

If I have a choice between choosing between a company that is transparent and one that is "following the letter of the law" I know which one it would be.

We all choose who we want to do business with, you might choose to find another company, but many who see that having something in their fine print is being transparent are staying put. Now, if it wasn't included in their fine print, I would think they were not being transparent.

 

I think the tipping on free drinks and dinners has to do with people's mindset. I never remember, when NCL didn't charge the gratuities, that it ever said they were included and I wish someone would show me where it said that. Maybe I missed it or maybe I just do like I do when I get free dinners or drinks in Las Vegas, I tip, because I feel it is the right thing to do. I also tip on my SDP and UBP, even though it says tips are included in my suite fare, because I think it is the right thing to do.

 

Hope you find a cruise line that fits all your needs.

Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[NLH Arizona]

Beside the point. NCL calls it "free," and then charges you. Fine print or not, legal or not, it's still a deceptive practice. They get away with it, and they just sit back and laugh while apologists champion for them on social media.

Yes, they said the drink package is "free" and from all reports no one has said that it isn't, but they didn't say that the gratuities were. Drinks are free at many casinos, but do you tip the servers? Do the casinos say that the gratuities are included, no and do most folks tip, yes.

 

Don't need to be apologetic for them on this, because they haven't done anything wrong....the drink package is "free". Not to mention, you don't have to pay the 18% gratuity, just don't pick that perk...there are always choices.

 

I hope you also find a cruise line that fits what you are looking for.

Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[lmcgrail]

That will be my next cruise, the ABC islands, so will have to choose a cruiseline that goes to them.

 

Check out Princess, they have an 8 night roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale that only goes to the ABC islands. 2 nights at sea there and back.

[sparks1093]

We all choose who we want to do business with, you might choose to find another company, but many who see that having something in their fine print is being transparent are staying put. Now, if it wasn't included in their fine print, I would think they were not being transparent.

 

I think the tipping on free drinks and dinners has to do with people's mindset. I never remember, when NCL didn't charge the gratuities, that it ever said they were included and I wish someone would show me where it said that. Maybe I missed it or maybe I just do like I do when I get free dinners or drinks in Las Vegas, I tip, because I feel it is the right thing to do.

 

Hope you find a cruise line that fits all your needs.

 

So far I have, thank you and as I've said repeatedly I'll give NCL at least one more chance if I can find a fare that agrees with my budget. Many have said that when NCL first rolled out the included UBP that gratuities were not collected and it wasn't until well into the promotion that NCL decided that it should collect the gratuities on the promotional package (and when they did that it is my recollection that they also raised the per day price of the UBP for those that purchase it).

[spanishguy1970]

So far I have, thank you and as I've said repeatedly I'll give NCL at least one more chance if I can find a fare that agrees with my budget. Many have said that when NCL first rolled out the included UBP that gratuities were not collected and it wasn't until well into the promotion that NCL decided that it should collect the gratuities on the promotional package (and when they did that it is my recollection that they also raised the per day price of the UBP for those that purchase it).

 

I agree with you. So far the only promotion i go for is the " prepaid gratuities" other than that the other perks for me are a NON ISSUE because i don't care for them, but that is just me.

Edited September 19, 2016 by qtaromar1970

[NLH Arizona]

So far I have, thank you and as I've said repeatedly I'll give NCL at least one more chance if I can find a fare that agrees with my budget. Many have said that when NCL first rolled out the included UBP that gratuities were not collected and it wasn't until well into the promotion that NCL decided that it should collect the gratuities on the promotional package (and when they did that it is my recollection that they also raised the per day price of the UBP for those that purchase it).

I know some have said that the gratuities were included and they could have just assumed that, but I don't ever remember seen that in print anywhere and I received the UDP as a perk a number of times prior to the 18% being added. If it was not stated, I'm sure that NCL probably thought, like the casinos in Las Vegas, that one would tip for a free meal or drink. Now, as I said, I could have missed where it said it was included and, if I did, I would love for someone to show me where it was stated and I'll be more than happy to say that I totally missed it. Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[sparks1093]

I know some have said that the gratuities were included and they could have just assumed that, but I don't ever remember seen that in print anywhere and I received the UDP as a perk a number of times prior to the 18% being added. If it was not stated, I'm sure that NCL probably thought, like the casinos in Las Vegas, that one would tip for a free meal or drink. Now, as I said, I could have missed where it said it was included and, if I did, I would love for someone to show me where it was stated and I'll be more than happy to say that I totally missed it.

 

Here's a thread from last year and they seem to be discussing the promotion and the fact that gratuities are included with the promotion.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2205029&highlight=ubp

[NLH Arizona]

Here's a thread from last year and they seem to be discussing the promotion and the fact that gratuities are included with the promotion.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2205029&highlight=ubp

I read all 12 posts, but all I see is one poster saying it was included, everyone else is saying the gratuities is being charged on the promotion, as this was after NCL started charging for it. Like I said, I don't remember it ever saying it was. I think that with NCL's omission folks thought it was included and unless someone shows me a link to NCL's terms and conditions saying the gratuities were included when received as a perk, I can only go by my memory.

Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[jaja]

This has been an interesting discussion...

 

My DH has "given up" on cruising for now...not NCL . I have a solo CAS cruise in a few weeks...and then we both probably will be taking a break from cruise vacations.

 

That being said...though quite happy with my NCL onboard experiences...I have not been pleased with the NCL corporate end.

 

The last few years of CONSTANT changes (most at the expense (monetary and otherwise) of the PAX ) has been very disturbing. Another complaint of mine..the total lack of clear, accurate online(website) and phone information/communication from NCL.

 

Misinformation and constant changes certainly make the cruise planning tedious and not the enjoyable planning and anticipation experience it should be. And when the changes are post booking but pre cruise and impact/ change the cruise experience we thought we would have ...it is very upsetting.

[NLH Arizona]

Here's a thread from last year and they seem to be discussing the promotion and the fact that gratuities are included with the promotion.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2205029&highlight=ubp

I found this from a September 2014 (prior to the 18% gratuity being added) post asking if gratuities were included in the UDP purchase price, I guess I would think it would be the same if it were given as a perk, but don't know:

 

I know this has been asked before and there is a article in cruise critic saying that tipping is not required but on the FAQ page on NCL site they say

 

"Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?

A. No. If you wish to recognize the crew for their service, you may do so at time of service using the gratuity line on the check. Plus, a beverage gratuity of 15% will automatically be added to all beverage sales"

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2103170&highlight=udp+gratuities

Edited September 19, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[cindobeast]

So as you can see in my cruise history below.. NCL will be the first cruise line that I have sailed more than once!

 

I was supposed to go on the Gem with my now husband, but he is in the military and just could not get out of military obligations... so I ended up taking my Dad (romantic cruise for two turned into father-daughter bonding) ha ha ha....

 

However, loved the experience, the entertainment, and everything!!

 

NOW I am sailing on the Jewel with my husband OFFICIALLY in 20 days! YAYYYYYY!!!! This is his FIRST CRUISE EVER and my fifth!

 

If this cruise is just as awesome as the Gem, I will probably continue to sail NCL. However, I also had a very good experience with Royal so I wouldn't mind sailing there again :)

[Aquahound]

Many have said that when NCL first rolled out the included UBP that gratuities were not collected and it wasn't until well into the promotion that NCL decided that it should collect the gratuities on the promotional package (and when they did that it is my recollection that they also raised the per day price of the UBP for those that purchase it).

 

And to my point...Regardless of what they did then, today NCL takes their promotion a step further than other lines by calling it "free at sea" and then they slap you with a fee that other lines don't.

 

For example...HAL calls their promotion Explor4. Nowhere on the Explor4 page do you see the word "free." The drink package is called an "offer" under this promotion. Gratuities are included. Other than, perhaps, a higher cruise price on the front end to cover this offer, there's nothing deceptive about the offer itself. Same goes for other lines.

 

So when people say things like "do you tip the servers," it really is ignorant to how the rest of the industry works.

[spanishguy1970]

I know some have said that the gratuities were included and they could have just assumed that, but I don't ever remember seen that in print anywhere and I received the UDP as a perk a number of times prior to the 18% being added. If it was not stated, I'm sure that NCL probably thought, like the casinos in Las Vegas, that one would tip for a free meal or drink. Now, as I said, I could have missed where it said it was included and, if I did, I would love for someone to show me where it was stated and I'll be more than happy to say that I totally missed it.

 

me neither. I would love to see when it was ever included.:eek:

[sparks1093]

In anticipation of our upcoming Getaway cruise I've been reading some recent CC reviews. I was surprised to read a few that said passengers who had the Ultimate Beverage Package still had the tips remaining on their onboard account after the drink purchase was removed. NCL's promotion clearly states, "When choosing this offer, we’ll also take care of the 18% gratuity that’s normally added to this package!" I'm confused, does NCL pay for the gratuity or do passengers?

:confused:

 

me neither. I would love to see when it was ever included.:eek:

 

I had to go back to April of 2015 to find that quote of NCL's promotion, but there it is "we'll also take care of the 18% gratuity". I know that I have read many responses to threads lately where people booked under that promotion and said that if they made changes to their reservation they would have to pony up the 18%. But as Aquahound correctly notes it doesn't matter since the current practice can be perceived as deceptive.

[pokerpro5]

The worst thing about these "gratuities" is that they are misleading and falsely imply that they're tips.

 

They aren't.

 

Your "gratuities" are going directly to NCL, not ship employees. The crew receives a FIXED paycheck agreed upon beforehand.

 

The DSC and the forced tips for specialty dining and beverage packages are actually just additional revenue for NCL. They do NOT affect staff pay.

 

The only tips actually distributed to the crew are the additional ones you voluntarily leave on your checks. However, those tips are pooled and split amongst those in each department. The only way to tip a specific employee is with cold, hard cash.

[sandpiper35]

We all choose who we want to do business with, you might choose to find another company, but many who see that having something in their fine print is being transparent are staying put. Now, if it wasn't included in their fine print, I would think they were not being transparent.

 

I think the tipping on free drinks and dinners has to do with people's mindset. I never remember, when NCL didn't charge the gratuities, that it ever said they were included and I wish someone would show me where it said that. Maybe I missed it or maybe I just do like I do when I get free dinners or drinks in Las Vegas, I tip, because I feel it is the right thing to do. I also tip on my SDP and UBP, even though it says tips are included in my suite fare, because I think it is the right thing to do.

 

Hope you find a cruise line that fits all your needs.

 

 

Point well taken, I can see about the tipping mindset, and that we were told they would not charge the tips, etc. But consider this: NCL is charging us for service not rendered. If we consume $40.00 worth of drinks per day, NCL takes it upon itself to charge us not for 18% of $40.00, but for the full cost of the package, last I checked around $79.00 or more. So you get charged 18% of $79.00, which roughly comes out to be about 36% service charge, or charging for services not rendered. I wonder what happens if one consumes more than $79.00 per day? Will you get charged over and above what you have already paid? I do not know, I do not think I have ever reached package the dollar limit. If you are happy with this set up, then NCL is great, otherwise this is something to consider when choosing a cruise line.

 

Cheers

[chisoxfan]

Point well taken, I can see about the tipping mindset, and that we were told they would not charge the tips, etc. But consider this: NCL is charging us for service not rendered. If we consume $40.00 worth of drinks per day, NCL takes it upon itself to charge us not for 18% of $40.00, but for the full cost of the package, last I checked around $79.00 or more. So you get charged 18% of $79.00, which roughly comes out to be about 36% service charge, or charging for services not rendered. I wonder what happens if one consumes more than $79.00 per day? Will you get charged over and above what you have already paid? I do not know, I do not think I have ever reached package the dollar limit. If you are happy with this set up, then NCL is great, otherwise this is something to consider when choosing a cruise line.

 

Cheers

 

You make an interesting point. To me the whole concept of charging a fee

(it is not really a gratuity as pointed out by others) on something proffered as free is misleading.

 

We just decided to vote with our feet and cancel our Getaway cruise and replace with HAL. I can't say we would never consider NCL again and I understand the cruise industry is changing but NCL seems to be pushing the envelope of 'what they can get away with' faster than others.