Not Happy with Liquor Up Charges

[AlexandNessa]

What I'm amazed at is the number of people I see on other social media asking when the Premium Package will be available, as if they're clamoring to buy it. Yikes. 

 

We sailed Holland until they ticked us off and haven't been back. Then we sailed Disney until they ticked us off and haven't been back. 

 

This is going to be our final straw ... and we sailed through the infamous Breakaway Bomb Cyclone cruise.

[NLH Arizona]

On 1/29/2019 at 7:48 AM, ksmcdonald said:

 

Exactly!  NCL should just bring their individual drink prices down to a reasonable price and charge $55 a day for their drink package that includes everything (just like Carnival does, bottled water, spiked milkshakes, etc.)  

 

 

I'm a little confused.  If NCL is trying to generate revenue, which I see no other reason for them to be making these changes, how does this work for them, since the majority of folks take the UBP as a perk?  First you are suggesting reducing the prices of drinks for those not on the UBP and secondly, you are suggesting they bring the UBP down by $44 a day.  Even if chosen as a perk, NCL would be losing $8.8 a day in service charges/gratuities and the cost of water that is not currently in the package.  This certainly would be a win win for passengers, but a big loss of revenue for NCL.

[Zippeedee]

1 hour ago, ziggyuk said:

 

NCL say otherwise.

 

As I said, it was sent to me by NCL today.

The bottom is clearly cropped by them and they say it is a full list of what is included FOC on my upcoming cruise.

It has everything to do with this thread as according to NCL, it lists everything still available after the price hike.

Isn't the All-Inclusive package sold in the UK completely different than the package offered in the US? I don't think you are comparing the same items.

[senseib]

34 minutes ago, ziggyuk said:

 

It is for me! with my email I can print and take with me, I have it in writing everything on that list is included in my package.

 

Good luck.  Let us know how that works out.

[kfnesq]

4 minutes ago, Zippeedee said:

Isn't the All-Inclusive package sold in the UK completely different than the package offered in the US? I don't think you are comparing the same items.

I was wondering the same thing.  Hendricks has also always been an upcharge and now they would include it?  I don't believe it.

[ziggyuk]

24 minutes ago, Zippeedee said:

Isn't the All-Inclusive package sold in the UK completely different than the package offered in the US? I don't think you are comparing the same items.

 

No, the drinks package is the same, same bar drinks to the value of $15 just like you.

 

Our difference is the gratuities (daily and bar), specialist coffee (with food) and 1L water a day are included in addition.

[ksmcdonald]

51 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

I'm a little confused.  If NCL is trying to generate revenue, which I see no other reason for them to be making these changes, how does this work for them, since the majority of folks take the UBP as a perk?  First you are suggesting reducing the prices of drinks for those not on the UBP and secondly, you are suggesting they bring the UBP down by $44 a day.  Even if chosen as a perk, NCL would be losing $8.8 a day in service charges/gratuities and the cost of water that is not currently in the package.  This certainly would be a win win for passengers, but a big loss of revenue for NCL.

 

Let me try to clear things up for you.

 

NCL - free perk of the drink package for 7 days = $138.60 (pkg plus gratuities)per person

NCL - upgraded premium drink package $29pp/pd  + $5.80 (gratuities) = $243.60 per person for 7 day cruise

 

If you add $138.60 +  $243.60 = $382.20 for one person to have the Top Shelf Premium drink package for 7 days.  This comes out to $54.60 a day for a customer to purchase the free drink package that is equivalent to Carnivals.  Why don't they just say it will cost you $55 a day to get the top shelf liquor, bottle water and energy drinks, speciality coffee etc.

 

Not sure what you are confused about.   NCL would be getting the same $55 whether they want to spin it as free drinks plus buying an upgraded package (which equals $54.60) OR just tell their customers they need to pay $55 a day like Carnivals does.  NCL doesn't need to make it so difficult.  I don't understand why they need to increase their prices of drinks to outrageous amounts.  All they are doing is using  smoke and mirrors as a Marketing ploy and it is actually ticking people off!  Be honest and upfront!  

 

 

Bottom line, NCL is making $55 a day per person on their new upgraded drink package.  Just say that.  PERIOD!

[erdoran]

19 minutes ago, ksmcdonald said:

 

Let me try to clear things up for you.

 

NCL - free perk of the drink package for 7 days = $138.60 (pkg plus gratuities)per person

NCL - upgraded premium drink package $29pp/pd  + $5.80 (gratuities) = $243.60 per person for 7 day cruise

 

If you add $138.60 +  $243.60 = $382.20 for one person to have the Top Shelf Premium drink package for 7 days.  This comes out to $54.60 a day for a customer to purchase the free drink package that is equivalent to Carnivals.  Why don't they just say it will cost you $55 a day to get the top shelf liquor, bottle water and energy drinks, speciality coffee etc.

 

Not sure what you are confused about.   NCL would be getting the same $55 whether they want to spin it as free drinks plus buying an upgraded package (which equals $54.60) OR just tell their customers they need to pay $55 a day like Carnivals does.  NCL doesn't need to make it so difficult.  I don't understand why they need to increase their prices of drinks to outrageous amounts.  All they are doing is using  smoke and mirrors as a Marketing ploy and it is actually ticking people off!  Be honest and upfront!  

 

 

Bottom line, NCL is making $55 a day per person on their new upgraded drink package.  Just say that.  PERIOD!

More than that.  MUCH more.  Look at the price difference between sailaways and "with perks" cabins.  Depends on the value the other perks have to you.  Given a perceived value of $700 (7 days/$100 day UBP) not hard to justify the price difference - even considering what you'd pay for a few drinks/day.  I think the rest of the perks alone, if you do the math, may not justify the upcharge; adding in the UBP if it's of value may.

The direction NCL's booze package is going is the basic booze pkg is $20/day; the premium is $55/day.  A decent price, to be sure, and it would be nice if multiple people in a cabin could buy it.  

 

But FREE?  HAHA!

[jmele999]

The worst part about this is that the majority of guests don’t know about this change.  Imagine booking a cruise two months ago when Grey Goose (a relatively cheap vodka) was included.  Now board the ship to find out that you have to $6 extra dollars per drink.

 

I wonder if those who actually paid for the UBP, can argue that they purchased a package that included XYZ, and that now they are only getting X.

 

NCL pricing is ridiculous.  I cannot believe that they dare to charge $27.95 for a glass of wine.   

 

 

[NLH Arizona]

38 minutes ago, ksmcdonald said:

 

Let me try to clear things up for you.

 

NCL - free perk of the drink package for 7 days = $138.60 (pkg plus gratuities)per person

NCL - upgraded premium drink package $29pp/pd  + $5.80 (gratuities) = $243.60 per person for 7 day cruise

 

If you add $138.60 +  $243.60 = $382.20 for one person to have the Top Shelf Premium drink package for 7 days.  This comes out to $54.60 a day for a customer to purchase the free drink package that is equivalent to Carnivals.  Why don't they just say it will cost you $55 a day to get the top shelf liquor, bottle water and energy drinks, speciality coffee etc.

 

Not sure what you are confused about.   NCL would be getting the same $55 whether they want to spin it as free drinks plus buying an upgraded package (which equals $54.60) OR just tell their customers they need to pay $55 a day like Carnivals does.  NCL doesn't need to make it so difficult.  I don't understand why they need to increase their prices of drinks to outrageous amounts.  All they are doing is using  smoke and mirrors as a Marketing ploy and it is actually ticking people off!  Be honest and upfront!  

 

 

Bottom line, NCL is making $55 a day per person on their new upgraded drink package.  Just say that.  PERIOD!

The UBP, according to NCL's website is $99 dollars a day,  with your scenario, they would be losing the gatuity/service charge on $44 a day, plus the difference in drink prices to those without the UBP, since you want them to reduced that prices as well PERIOD.:  

The Ultimate Beverage Package (ages 21 & older)

Starting from $99.00 USDper person per day

 

ITEM #: UBP

Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD during your entire cruise.

Prepaid @ $99.00 USD per person per day x Cruise Days plus 20% gratuity and beverage service charge.

Beverage packages must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom, additional stateroom, adjoining stateroom or travel with.

Individuals under the age of 21 will be required to purchase the Soda Program

Restrictions apply. Please read the Ultimate Beverage Package Terms & Conditions. Not available for sailings of 2 days or less.

*Effective for Norwegian Sky sailings booked on or after 4/22/15: FREE Ultimate Beverage Package for sailings on or after 1/1/16. See full Terms & Conditions.

A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added at checkout.

Edited January 30, 2019 by NLH Arizona

[thephillykid]

Can you imagine not having a drink package and ordering a grey goose and tonic on board the ship and the bill came to between $24 AND $25 dollars including the tip? How much would a double be?

This is just crazy for a spirit that is around $30 for a bottle.

How can NCL justify these prices?

Even at a very fancy 5 star restaurant in Phila, NYC or Miami, this would be overpriced.

Howard

PS.........NCL, we see right through your nickel and dime tactics.

 

 

[SNJCruisers]

3 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

Isn't the All-Inclusive package sold in the UK completely different than the package offered in the US? I don't think you are comparing the same items.

 

3 hours ago, ziggyuk said:

 

No, the drinks package is the same, same bar drinks to the value of $15 just like you.

 

Our difference is the gratuities (daily and bar), specialist coffee (with food) and 1L water a day are included in addition.

Since the all inclusive package that the UK customers get includes espresso based coffees with meals as well as a 1 ltr bottle of water, it's obvious that there is a code that goes along with their package that comes up when their card is swiped.  The exact thing could be instituted with those who should be grandfathered under the old package which is what we all paid for, a code that would have the old pricing for those who agreed to those prices when they paid for their cruise.  But of course, NCL has their loop hole in the T&C's that covers their butts.

Unless they come out with something totally revolutionary with the Leonardo project, our Bliss cruise next week will be our last on NCL. And I will let certain officers know this first hand at our meet n greet on Sunday, but it will probably fall on deaf ears.

[JennKach]

Ouch!  So for a family cruise, if I booked four rooms we'd ALL have to buy the package?  I wonder if we booked separately if they'd cross reference the last names and force everyone to take it. Only two people in our family would be remotely interested in unlimited alcohol or soda, so they would be very unhappy the rest of us didn't want to get it.  Just another reason we're booking elsewhere.  

[erdoran]

2 minutes ago, JennKach said:

Ouch!  So for a family cruise, if I booked four rooms we'd ALL have to buy the package?  I wonder if we booked separately if they'd cross reference the last names and force everyone to take it. Only two people in our family would be remotely interested in unlimited alcohol or soda, so they would be very unhappy the rest of us didn't want to get it.  Just another reason we're booking elsewhere.  

Not at all - it's "per room".  So room 1 has the two people who want the UBP, Room 2-4 don't - NP.  

 

The only time it's an issue is if you have more than 2 in a room - let's say you have 4, the first two have UBP, #3 wants it and #4 doesn't.  #4 has to buy it.  If #1 and #2 have UBP and #3 and #4 don't want any pkg, no problem, they don't have to guy.

 

Not clear about premium pkg, not sure if #1 buys premium (already having UBP) if #2 has to buy it as well.  I'd think yes.  

[ninjanurse77]

I could have sworn someone posted a screen shot of the roll out dates for this, but I cannot find them anywhere. Help?

[sparkmaster]

3 hours ago, thephillykid said:

Can you imagine not having a drink package and ordering a grey goose and tonic on board the ship and the bill came to between $24 AND $25 dollars including the tip? How much would a double be?

This is just crazy for a spirit that is around $30 for a bottle.

How can NCL justify these prices?

Even at a very fancy 5 star restaurant in Phila, NYC or Miami, this would be overpriced.

Howard

PS.........NCL, we see right through your nickel and dime tactics.

 

 

 

Simple. NCL doesn't want anyone drinking without the UBP. 

[Driberif1]

How could you not tolerate the upcharge but you can tolerate being a Sabres fan??

[gmbhardy]

19 minutes ago, Driberif1 said:

How could you not tolerate the upcharge but you can tolerate being a Sabres fan??

 

What can I say. My life has been filled with disappointments.Lol

[luv2kroooz]

41 minutes ago, sparkmaster said:

 

Simple. NCL doesn't want anyone drinking without the UBP. 

 

Why do you think that is the case?

[cb2021]

On ‎1‎/‎29‎/‎2019 at 1:54 PM, getawaynow10 said:

Hi Reba.  I love mah jong.  I will pack my card.  Look forward to playing and hoping we get two more people.  Will be fun.

 

On ‎1‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 9:33 PM, gmbhardy said:

I You fully don’t understand the concept of getting “nickeled and dimed” until it punches you in the gut. I’ve posted a number of comments on this topic on two threads that are running concurrently concerning the new liquor pricing and the UBP. To reiterate, I sailed on the Biss January 12 to 19. We chose to be in the Observation Lounge for sail away as the views from that vantage point are stunning. Most of the time my wife and I choose a champagne substitute (prosecco) to toast the start of the cruise but for some reason I decided to order Grand Marnier, my favourite drink, instead. I was shocked when the bartender told me there was now an up charge for Grand Marnier (17.95). I said “since when” (I sailed on the Bliss in November) he said “starting today there is a new liquor menu in effect” and handed me one. Before even looking at it i saked him “what about Grey Goose” and he said “yes also an up charge” (19.95). I was stunned to say the least but collected myself and ordered two proseccos instead. They didn’t have any as their stock for the week had not been replenished yet. This cruise was not getting off to a very good start. Later in the week I attended the Latitudes reception so I could vent my dissatisfaction with the food and beverage manager. I asked him if NCL monitors CC discussions and he said of course they did. So then I said you must know then that the number one complaint about NCL is it’s “nickel and dime” approach to gouging customers. He didn’t quite know how to respond to that comment but instead told me about a new premium beverage package that will soon be available for an additional $28.00/day. I then told him I had six future cruises book with NCL with three being in the Haven and given what I’m paying to stay in the Haven, I can’t fathom having to pay extra for semi premium alcohol. I think our conversation ended at that point. I also noticed a few other new bar policies during the week. With virtually nobody ordering Grey Goose with the $6.00 up charge ($5 + $1 service charge) Tito’s appeared to be the vodka of choice. In the evening if a bar ran of Tito’s they made no effort to get another bottle. I’ve seen resorts in Mexico have limited inventory on some of their premium selections so unless you got there early your chance of getting some was limited. I always considered cruising to be a step above all inclusives resorts, but with changes like this it makes you wonder. Could I afford to pay a little extra for Grand Marnier? Sure I could, but I don’t feel I should have to given the price of cruising, especially in the Haven. The other issue that really bothers me is how they are able to change their product after you purchase it. The travel and tourism industry is notorious for bait and switch tactics and they continue to get away with it. Most businesses would grandfather changes like this but not the travel industry. I have been a loyal NCL customer and in all probability will continue to purchase their products, but in my opinion the NCL brand is starting to deteriorate. When you have the highest priced booze package in the industry and exclude semi premium items from it,  a lot of customers are going to be extremely unhappy. FYI I have attached photos of the new menu. Thanks for letting me vent!

 

[cb2021]

Thank you for the photos....sincerely Thank you.  Hendricks is my preferred drink, but  $29.95 is impacting my mood!  I contacted Norwegian about liquor prices today and was told that would be a $1 extra for tonic water to be added to the drink, plus tip. I expect to pay extra for premium alcohol but 3 times the price of Beefeater??    

 

I travel on Epic April 27 - Transatlantic. If this is the case, I will cancel the South American tour this winter.  

 

Holland America does not do this.

Cindy Brown

 

The more that I think about it the madder I get

[LD Silver]

I just got off the Pearl last Sunday.  I think we were the 2nd cruise after the changes to the UBP.

 

I happy to report everyone survived.

[erdoran]

17 minutes ago, cb2021 said:

Thank you for the photos....sincerely Thank you.  Hendricks is my preferred drink, but  $29.95 is impacting my mood!  I contacted Norwegian about liquor prices today and was told that would be a $1 extra for tonic water to be added to the drink, plus tip. I expect to pay extra for premium alcohol but 3 times the price of Beefeater??    

 

I travel on Epic April 27 - Transatlantic. If this is the case, I will cancel the South American tour this winter.  

 

Holland America does not do this.

Cindy Brown

 

The more that I think about it the madder I get

You ARE kidding, right, about an upcharge for tonic water?

[cb2021]

8 minutes ago, erdoran said:

You ARE kidding, right, about an upcharge for tonic water?

It was a 'customer service' person, but that is exactly what he said. He also stated that all ships have the right to 'charge per ship'.  He declined my request for written pricelist of Epic. My only take away was 'expect some distinct changes from previous voyages' 

[erdoran]

That one I’d argue - we get free unlimited soft drinks, I would think the an argument could be made that the tonic water is covered under that.