NEVER Cruised Norweigan (Free at Sea ???s)

[Cruise Mermaid]

Hi everyone!  It's been quite a few years since the Cruise Mermaid posted anything (our last cruise was a New Years Eve cruise in 2014 aboard Carnival).  In fact, all of our cruises (except our very first which was Celebrity) have been on Carnival.  So I'd be a brand new little fishy for Norweigan and of course I have a few questions (and forgive me as I'm SURE these questions have been discussed before but I wanted a thread all to myself ... and hope no one minds or takes offense!!) .....

 

Travelers: My parents (Mom and Dad in their early 70s, they've cruised 20 some years ago on Celebrity); Myself, husband and two now grown adult boys (ages 20 and 24); My sister and her two LITTLE boys (ages 7 and 10). *Keep in mind, this is currently a FIGHT because my sister has been a couple of "Disney" cruises and refuses to entertain any other cruise line .... and both myself, husband, boys and mom DO NOT want to do Disney because there is NO CASINO! 

 

Destination(s): Currently looking at possibly Alaska (although that may not be 'fun' for the younger ones), *OR* possibly Eastern Caribbean (that has always been our favorite). 

 

Room Types: We would definitely be looking at balcony rooms.

 

FREE AT SEA: Ok, this is where I'm fuzzy - it seems that ANYTHING free is way better than NOT free, however, let's start with:

 

The Drink Package. We are not super big drinkers AT ALL. I mean, one, two, three possibly here and there ... for the most part we would be up for SODA (and I think that is not free on any cruise ??? not sure ....) but I'm puzzled at the (from what I understand) the must pay gratuity on the package or something ?  Can someone explain this whole "free drinks" thing to me?  AND if we are in a situation where we have potentially a 3/4 situation in our rooms (obviously my sis little ones will be in her room) - but the jury is still out on whether or not my two grown sons will be in our room or we'll have them in their own room - probably leaning toward their own room.... Any help there would be great .... Which then means - the "3/4" person free would NOT be applying as one of the free perks for my cabin(s) .... 

 

The Free Specialty Dining - Is that even worth it ?  Again do the gratuities that you have to pay does that take all the 'freeness' out it ??  As you see, i really have ZERO experience with the free at sea and very little knowledge .....

 

The Free Airfare - That seems like it would not really be a great thing - like for one - flying from 'certain' airports at 'certain times' or possibly even 'connecting flights' - is that normally the case ?  I can't see them offering you the best case scenario flights for free ...

 

I'll leave the questions at that for now .... 🙂  Thanks for your help fellow cruisers!

[Two Wheels Only]

8 minutes ago, Cruise Mermaid said:

Can someone explain this whole "free drinks" thing to me? 

 

The package for drinks (PBP) is normally $99 per person per day. A 20% service charge/gratuity is added to the package.

With the promo, NCL covers the package and you pay the 20% which is roughly $20pppd for guests 1&2. If you don't have a package, 20% is added to each individual drink. With the package, the $20pppd covers you no matter how many drinks you have. 

 

 

11 minutes ago, Cruise Mermaid said:

The Free Specialty Dining - Is that even worth it ?  Again do the gratuities that you have to pay does that take all the 'freeness' out it ?? 

 

The dining package promo is similar to the above. There is a package and you pay 20% on that package. The number of meals will differ depending on length of the cruise. You pay the 20% and NCL covers the retail price of the package. Again, it is for guests 1&2. If you don't have a package, 20% is added to whatever you order (a la carte, cover charge, etc.).

 

It is important to note that selecting the "free" promos will increase the fare. You can skip the promos and pay for what options that you want but you cannot select your stateroom. If traveling as a family, close proximity might be important so you might not want a guarantee stateroom that avoids the higher cost and promos. 

[Robinsoncruiseso]

7 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

The package for drinks (PBP) is normally $99 per person per day. A 20% service charge/gratuity is added to the package.

With the promo, NCL covers the package and you pay the 20% which is roughly $20pppd for guests 1&2. If you don't have a package, 20% is added to each individual drink. With the package, the $20pppd covers you no matter how many drinks you have. 

 

 

 

The dining package promo is similar to the above. There is a package and you pay 20% on that package. The number of meals will differ depending on length of the cruise. You pay the 20% and NCL covers the retail price of the package. Again, it is for guests 1&2. If you don't have a package, 20% is added to whatever you order (a la carte, cover charge, etc.).

 

It is important to note that selecting the "free" promos will increase the fare. You can skip the promos and pay for what options that you want but you cannot select your stateroom. If traveling as a family, close proximity might be important so you might not want a guarantee stateroom that avoids the higher cost and promos. 

You can pick your stateroom and still decline the freebies you do not want. The price is higher than a guarantee but you will avoid the 20% charge on the items you do not select

[smplybcause]

8 hours ago, Cruise Mermaid said:

We are not super big drinkers AT ALL. I mean, one, two, three possibly here and there ... for the most part we would be up for SODA

 

So you are most likely big enough drinkers for the free package. Unless you're beer only all your drinks will be $10+ which is $12+ with the automatic gratuity. Therefore two alcoholic drinks will put you over the free package gratuity of $19.80 per person per day. A glass of soda will cost you about $4 plus gratuity. So two sodas and one alcoholic drink would also be about break even. If you're a beer drinker it's 3 beers to be above the cost of the "free" package. 

 

Basically unless you are wanting to drink 11 or less on a 7 day cruise alcoholic drinks not including non alcoholic drinks (which could be soda or could be virgin drinks) the free package is the cheaper option. 

[newmexicoNita]

13 hours ago, Cruise Mermaid said:

Hi everyone!  It's been quite a few years since the Cruise Mermaid posted anything (our last cruise was a New Years Eve cruise in 2014 aboard Carnival).  In fact, all of our cruises (except our very first which was Celebrity) have been on Carnival.  So I'd be a brand new little fishy for Norweigan and of course I have a few questions (and forgive me as I'm SURE these questions have been discussed before but I wanted a thread all to myself ... and hope no one minds or takes offense!!) .....

 

Travelers: My parents (Mom and Dad in their early 70s, they've cruised 20 some years ago on Celebrity); Myself, husband and two now grown adult boys (ages 20 and 24); My sister and her two LITTLE boys (ages 7 and 10). *Keep in mind, this is currently a FIGHT because my sister has been a couple of "Disney" cruises and refuses to entertain any other cruise line .... and both myself, husband, boys and mom DO NOT want to do Disney because there is NO CASINO! 

 

Destination(s): Currently looking at possibly Alaska (although that may not be 'fun' for the younger ones), *OR* possibly Eastern Caribbean (that has always been our favorite). 

 

Room Types: We would definitely be looking at balcony rooms.

 

FREE AT SEA: Ok, this is where I'm fuzzy - it seems that ANYTHING free is way better than NOT free, however, let's start with:

 

The Drink Package. We are not super big drinkers AT ALL. I mean, one, two, three possibly here and there ... for the most part we would be up for SODA (and I think that is not free on any cruise ??? not sure ....) but I'm puzzled at the (from what I understand) the must pay gratuity on the package or something ?  Can someone explain this whole "free drinks" thing to me?  AND if we are in a situation where we have potentially a 3/4 situation in our rooms (obviously my sis little ones will be in her room) - but the jury is still out on whether or not my two grown sons will be in our room or we'll have them in their own room - probably leaning toward their own room.... Any help there would be great .... Which then means - the "3/4" person free would NOT be applying as one of the free perks for my cabin(s) .... 

 

The Free Specialty Dining - Is that even worth it ?  Again do the gratuities that you have to pay does that take all the 'freeness' out it ??  As you see, i really have ZERO experience with the free at sea and very little knowledge .....

 

The Free Airfare - That seems like it would not really be a great thing - like for one - flying from 'certain' airports at 'certain times' or possibly even 'connecting flights' - is that normally the case ?  I can't see them offering you the best case scenario flights for free ...

 

I'll leave the questions at that for now .... 🙂  Thanks for your help fellow cruisers!

sounds like you are finding most everything offered in the "free at sea" promo not really important to you. 

Free or reduced air: of course you will not pick your seats or your flight times and yes, there may be layovers, but the savings is well worth it.

 

Dinner package offer, again, something that may not interest everyone, but it is nice to be able to go to the specialty dining rooms and already have the cost paid for up front. If you are going to pay separately without the package the cost is quite high for most. BTW no higher than a similar land restaurant but still expensive  

 

If you are really only going to drink a couple of drinks on the entire cruise, the drink part of the package is not worth it at all. Most people, if they drink at all will find themselves drinking more than two drinks on an entire 7 day cruise. 

 

I think you might want to check other options rather than the "free at sea" This is just my opinion and I happen to be a huge supporter of "free at sea' 

 

Now, for your sister and kids: Disney is certainly a more upscale line than NCL, with niger cabins but as her kids are getting older they may enjoy a new experience, not to mention the extreme difference in price. And like you mention the casino is entertainment for a lot of adults. 

 

Good luck with your decision and have fun with the family. 

[hallux]

1 hour ago, newmexicoNita said:

you will not pick your seats

You absolutely CAN pick your seats - I did.  Once you get your confirmation numbers for your flights you can go on the airline's website and select them.  What you CAN'T select is which "class" you fly in, but you can also pay the airline a fee to upgrade if you want to do that.

[graphicguy]

Almost all is covered above.  I’ve found the drink (which does include sodas) and dining packages worth it.  As mentioned, the package prices are covered by NCL and you pay the tips.  What does that mean?  You’re paying $20/pp/pd in tips for drinks, and about the same for the dining package.

 

Gotta say, I find the Main Dining Room means quite good, especially recently.

 

The two least expensive fares are SAILAWAY, where everything like drinks, specialty dining, internet, airfare is a la cart.  Guarantee cabins may include a perk (or more).  In both cases, NCL picks the cabin for you.

 

The regular fares usually offer two or more of the perks, and you pick whatever cabin and location you want.

 

FWIW, I’ve read the free/reduced air perk sometimes is onerous given NCL picks the least expensive option from your city to your embarkation point.   But, if your airfares tend to be expensive, it might very well be worth it.

 

Ask away if you need more info!

[newmexicoNita]

2 hours ago, hallux said:

You absolutely CAN pick your seats - I did.  Once you get your confirmation numbers for your flights you can go on the airline's website and select them.  What you CAN'T select is which "class" you fly in, but you can also pay the airline a fee to upgrade if you want to do that.

Not always the case. I am glad you were able to do this, we were assigned our seats. There were 3 of us traveling and our seats were not together at all. Our TA stood up for us and got us re-assigned. 

[jmh3791]

A couple of things not mentioned - 

 

Free/reduced airfare:   Read and reread the terms & conditions, you are only guaranteed that people on the same reservation (i.e. in the same cabin) will be on the same flight.  Therefore, if you have 4 cabins, you may have people on 4 different flights.  Transfers w/ fees will be automatically added. but you can ask for them to be removed.  You can pay $25 per person to go in a day or 2 early, so you don't have to worry about flying on the day of embarkation, but you will be responsible for your transfer to the ship. Once you have been notified of your flights, you can go to the airline's website to choose your seats.   You will be ticketed economy, so it may cost more to choose a seat, if you choose not to pay extra the airline will assign you a seat, and it is not guaranteed that you will sit with your travel partner.  If none of the above bother you, the free/reduced airfare may be for you.   We saved about $700 using this perk. 

 

Drink Package:  With getting the PBP ( https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-beverage-package-2019.pdf) free and just paying gratuities that equates to ~ $20 per person/per day.  This covers drinks under $15, wines, beer, soda, and juices.  The soda package will be ~$9.50 per person/per day.  If you think you might have a couple of glasses of juice, or a couple of drinks (they have GOOOOOOD drinks), this perk is worth it.   If you don't do soda or juice, skip this perk.  Coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade and flavored water are available for free with juice at breakfast.  

 

Specialty Dining:   Some people swear by it.  It comes with the take all perks (again you'll prepay the grats,) when you book a balcony, but you don't have to take it.  NCL has a variety of dining rooms and restaurants, so it's not necessary.  

 

Destination:   ALASKA!!!  There are things there that EVERYONE (including the youngsters) will enjoy.  The scenery, wildlife and excursions are all spectacular!  Think trains, whale watching, glaciers, gold panning, dog sleds....

 

The boys: 1.) which ships are you looking at?   The larger ships are going to have all the bells and whistles - think ropes/climbing walls, laser tag, race tracks, etc...   The smaller ships will still have a pool, but not all the other fun stuff.  2.)  Both ships will have a kids club for the younger boys.  While I don't have kids, I did run into a couple of the clubs several times on the Jewel on my last cruise, and the littles (5) and the tweens all seemed to be having a great time with each other and the club staff.  

 

One last thing to consider for NCL:  Freestyle!!  Dine when you want, where you want, with whom you want, and wearing what you want! My dad (73) loved that he could wear his jeans and a polo shirt or a sweatshirt for every meal.  It also makes packing a whole lot lighter when you don't have to bring extra clothes for dinner.  In fact, my dad loved his cruise so much that we're going back next week and taking mom with us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[4774Papa]

We have become more disenchanted since NCL started bundling its cruise prices (significant increases) with promos that we don't want.

 

The beverage package is a terrible option for us, since we are moderate drinkers and the package doesn't offer the wines that we like.  We decline the beverage packages, bring our own wines and spend LESS on wine than we would paying the 20% gratuity on the overvalued $99 per person per day.

[newmexicoNita]

29 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

We have become more disenchanted since NCL started bundling its cruise prices (significant increases) with promos that we don't want.

 

The beverage package is a terrible option for us, since we are moderate drinkers and the package doesn't offer the wines that we like.  We decline the beverage packages, bring our own wines and spend LESS on wine than we would paying the 20% gratuity on the overvalued $99 per person per day.

But most of the perks are things that most want. As for the choice of wines, I agree they are limited but there is something for everyone in my opinion. For  us, the bundle is the best way. We know before we even leave the house how much money we will spend. There are almost no additional cost when we board the ship. 

[hallux]

9 hours ago, jmh3791 said:

but you will be responsible for your transfer to the ship

Not true.  I paid for 1 day deviation AND transfer to the ship (which was added automatically despite paying for the deviation).  Staying near the airport and using the hotel's free shuttle to get back for the cruise transfer.

[4774Papa]

6 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

But most of the perks are things that most want. As for the choice of wines, I agree they are limited but there is something for everyone in my opinion. For  us, the bundle is the best way. We know before we even leave the house how much money we will spend. There are almost no additional cost when we board the ship. 

That method works, if you know what your baseline would be for cruising without the perks and accounting for what you spend.

 

Prior to NCL going with the bundled perks, we had several cruises on Celebrity and NCL where we had no loyalty benefits like Celebrity elite happy hour or the NCL Platinum free dinners.   I always kept totals on our spending in specific areas like alcohol, excursions, photos and other areas.   The most we ever spent on alcohol on any cruise was about $550 for both of us for a two week cruise.  We usually purchased a wine package.  You can still purchase a wine package on NCL.  

 

Also, I suppose what you drink and how much is important.  We don't normally drink alcohol prior to happy hour.  Also, we don't drink umbrella drinks with a lot of sugar.  Occasionally, my wife will have a scotch and water.  I drink about 90% wine on a cruise and my wife about 75%.

[newmexicoNita]

It does depend on how you choose and what you enjoy about perks, versus basic pricing. Before the "free at sea" came along we never booked tours via the ship or rarely. Now, with our plat plus discount and the $50 off we mostly do ship tours. At home our drink of choice is a few glasses of wine late afternoon or for dinner. On a ship not too much more but hubby will have a scotch each day and I may have a martini. Yes, we too used to get the wine package. Now we enjoy a good drink before lunch and are more inclined to listen to music after dinner at the piano bar enjoying a drink. We love the specialty dinners, so for us and many others the perks are worth it. The one think we do not us is the WiFi. It is still an individual preference. 

[FitchburgWIFamily]

Not sure how many rooms you were thinking on booking, but if you look at the Joy for Alaska, they have a concierge inside stateroom that will comfortably sleep quite a few people:  it is a two bedroom inside state room with a "virtual" balcony (large tv screen).   I am using it for my husband, myself (in the master), my mom (in the living room) and my two almost adult girls (in the second bedroom).   In theory, you and your adult sons could share one and your parents, sister and her kids another.  Two staterooms instead of 3 or 4.  

 

That will change your math a little on the perks, since only passengers 1 and 2 get the perks.  It may make it easier for you to decide not to take them.

 

If you don't end up with the beverage package, there are few things you can do to avoid a huge beverage bill.   The drink of the day is usually a pretty good buy.  Instead of buying wine by the glass, if you don't bring wine  on board with you and pay the corkage fee, you can buy it by the bottle on the ship and have them only pour you a glass.  They will store the wine for you and give you a claim check. You can have served to you in any restaurant.  We do this for my mom, and on a 7 day cruise, a bottle of red and a bottle of white (sorry Billy Joel) will last her for the whole cruise.  Sodas are not free on the ship, and you can no longer bring soda on board.  But before you buy a soda package, be aware that NCL is a Pepsi ship an there is no Coke to be found.

 

The Joy is the first ship to have this type of stateroom and they seem pretty popular because the price vs. square feet and amenities seems to be a pretty good bargain.

 

Price it out a number of different ways, and happy planning to you!