"Nickel and Diming" Overuse

[david_sobe]

10 hours ago, MNcruisingcouple said:

 

Part of my point was that people get so upset with cruise lines but many other resorts, airlines, restaurants, etc do the same thing.  People don't seem to be nearly as irate in those other situations.  

And it isn't that we aren't charged extra on our cruises.  We have just made sure that we've made an informed decision.  We don't go into it ignorantly and then complain about being nickel and dimed.  It comes down to doing your research ahead of time.  All the information is available on NCL's website or by searching these boards.  You don't have to sift through the fine print.

Yes many people do it but NCL is really in a league of their own.  I still cant understand a service charge/gratuity on a cover charge where you already paid daily auto gratuity.  Huh?

Serving a MDR meal watching a basic magic show (that would be free on a less popular cruise line) upcharge.  Entertainment used to be free on cruise ships.

I could go on and on.  It seems NCL has an entire division devoted to get more nickel and dimes at every turn.  We experienced cruisers know when to say when.  But newbie cruisers really get a wake up call.

 

 

[pickle11]

1 hour ago, david_sobe said:

Yes many people do it but NCL is really in a league of their own.  I still cant understand a service charge/gratuity on a cover charge where you already paid daily auto gratuity.  Huh?

Serving a MDR meal watching a basic magic show (that would be free on a less popular cruise line) upcharge.  Entertainment used to be free on cruise ships.

I could go on and on.  It seems NCL has an entire division devoted to get more nickel and dimes at every turn.  We experienced cruisers know when to say when.  But newbie cruisers really get a wake up call.

 

 

Please go on and on.  What and who was the magic show that up charged you for more money?   And give examples of exact up charges only on NCL and no other cruise lines.  And what was the added expense?  Lets talk real dollars.  I have never been up charged to watch a show.   I have never paid extra because I didn't fine print.  If I didn't like the costs I didn't do it.  I do feel that I have been nickeled and dimed at some restaurants and stores lately (the virus) that are charging more for the meat products and no longer offering early bird specials.  So I do not eat at those places now.   When cruising starts again I will research  cruise prices and go with what I think is the best value for me.   And over the years NCL has been good to me.

[4774Papa]

What I dislike is going on a cruise and being asked on the first day of the cruise if I want a beverage package 8 times.

 

[EllieinNJ]

3 hours ago, david_sobe said:

 

Please go on and on.  What and who was the magic show that up charged you for more money? 

 

I think he was referring to the original Illusionarium that was on the Getaway that had an upcharge and is now a Cirque show there and on other ships that are also additional.  In addition, Wine Lovers the Musical costs extra too.

[All-ready2cruise]

39 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

Please go on and on.  What and who was the magic show that up charged you for more money? 

 

I think he was referring to the original Illusionarium that was on the Getaway that had an upcharge and is now a Cirque show there and on other ships that are also additional.  In addition, Wine Lovers the Musical costs extra too.

I agree! The thing is though, the extra charges for those shows are posted upfront.  There are no surprises such as nickel and dimes being charged.  If you don't want to pay the money for the shows, don't; seems pretty simple to me. 

 

I went to the cirque show on the Epic in 2013... was just ok but wouldn't do it again. Others feel differently, it's all good.

 

Make your own choices as far as what you want to spend.  

[pickle11]

40 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

Please go on and on.  What and who was the magic show that up charged you for more money? 

 

I think he was referring to the original Illusionarium that was on the Getaway that had an upcharge and is now a Cirque show there and on other ships that are also additional.  In addition, Wine Lovers the Musical costs extra too.

Haven't cruised the Getaway.  What was the up charge?  I am hard of hearing so I am not interested in the shows and if you have the beverage package what was the up charge for Wine Lover the Musical?  What is special?  I still do not understand the nickel and diming.  What did NCL force you to do to pay extra?

It is all about choices and I chose not.

[pickle11]

5 minutes ago, All-ready2cruise said:

I agree! The thing is though, the extra charges for those shows are posted upfront.  There are no surprises such as nickel and dimes being charged.  If you don't want to pay the money for the shows, don't; seems pretty simple to me. 

 

I went to the cirque show on the Epic in 2013... was just ok but wouldn't do it again. Others feel differently, it's all good.

 

Make your own choices as far as what you want to spend.  

 You can chose to ride to go carts or not.  Eat in the specialty restaurants or not.  Do the beer and wine sampling or not.  Take a tour or not.  Are these considered nickel and diming?

[graphicguy]

I do think that NCL surprises some with the extra charges.  But, you choose to pay for other goods and services.

 

There are plenty of free dining choices on board.  Most other cruise lines (CCL, RCCL, MSC, etc) have extra fee dining venues, too.

 

Entertainment is mostly no extra charge, too.  There are exceptions (like Illusionarium, for example).  But, when you do free at sea, even the dinner show would be covered.  Those shows are a cut above and in a more intimate performance venue, too.  

 

Again, choose to spend, or not.  I personally will NEVER buy another VIBE pass for the $200/pp (last I looked) when you can find other areas on the ship to get a waiter and chair to sit (Spice H20 as an example).  To me, that’s pretty brazen on NCL, but typical of the DelRio tenure.

 

Nickel and Diming? Only if you want to spend extra nickels and dimes.

[pickle11]

5 hours ago, david_sobe said:

 But newbie cruisers really get a wake up call.

 

 

Who cares about the newbie.  They pay full price anyway.   And there wake up call only happens when another cruise happens.  The more you cruise the more you learn and the hopefully the more you will pay less for your so called nickel and diming.  

[SouthLyonCruiser]

The same people complaining about 'nickel and diming' are the same people who buy an automobile and are 'shocked' when they see sales tax, license and title charges and delivery charges. 

DO YOUR RESEARCH, PEOPLE!!!

[Budget Queen]

2 hours ago, 4774Papa said:

What I dislike is going on a cruise and being asked on the first day of the cruise if I want a beverage package 8 times.

 

I’ve never been “asked “,   I’ve never been blocked walking by their sales table ,  I’ve never been chased as I walked by    What’s so difficult just walking by?    

[FredT]

32 minutes ago, pickle11 said:

Who cares about the newbie.  They pay full price anyway.   And there wake up call only happens when another cruise happens.  The more you cruise the more you learn and the hopefully the more you will pay less for your so called nickel and diming.  

But THATS the issue.   The average Cruise critic poster (us ) has been on enough cruises to know what to expect.  But remember that only 10% of the American public has EVER been on a cruise.  And if you're only exposure is the glossy brochures that tout how "all inclusive" cruises are.....  THAT is where the "nickel and Dime " is coming from.  

[Budget Queen]

39 minutes ago, pickle11 said:

Who cares about the newbie.  They pay full price anyway.   And there wake up call only happens when another cruise happens.  The more you cruise the more you learn and the hopefully the more you will pay less for your so called nickel and diming.  

I am VERY thankful for the people that do spend.   🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩.     
 

They contribute to the reason of the cheap cruises I previously was able to obtain.   No insight for future though- for me.   

[Two Wheels Only]

19 minutes ago, SouthLyonCruiser said:

The same people complaining about 'nickel and diming' are the same people who buy an automobile and are 'shocked' when they see sales tax, license and title charges and delivery charges. 

DO YOUR RESEARCH, PEOPLE!!!

 

In many ways, the "excitement" of buying a car blinds people from seeing those additional fees. I suspect that the excitement of booking a cruise does the same to many people. 

 

I recently sailed with a family member who had never cruised before. Her only "surprise" was the DSC (which I explained before sailing). Everything else was easy to see/understand.

 

Is SeaWorld using "nickel and dime" tactics by charging $7 for cotton candy? No, you don't need to buy. There is a difference between not liking the price of something and being misled by "nickel and dime" tactics.

[Travelling2Some]

One of my (newly minted) adult children recently asked me to help him book a cruise.  He thought the base price was great but I warned him not to get too excited until he saw the real cost (port fees, service charges, etc.).  He was, of course, shocked by the actual bottom line.  (This was a nice parental opportunity to remind him to thank his Dad for the many cruises he was taken on growing up, lol.)

 

But, while the total price of a cruise can feel like a deception, the charges are not hidden at the time you book or while you are cruising.  I view it more as "a la carte" pricing and I'm okay with that since I don't want to pay a higher price that includes things I don't want.

[david_sobe]

5 hours ago, pickle11 said:

Please go on and on.  What and who was the magic show that up charged you for more money?   And give examples of exact up charges only on NCL and no other cruise lines.  And what was the added expense?  Lets talk real dollars.  I have never been up charged to watch a show.   I have never paid extra because I didn't fine print.  If I didn't like the costs I didn't do it.  I do feel that I have been nickeled and dimed at some restaurants and stores lately (the virus) that are charging more for the meat products and no longer offering early bird specials.  So I do not eat at those places now.   When cruising starts again I will research  cruise prices and go with what I think is the best value for me.   And over the years NCL has been good to me.

Seriously?  It was CEO, FDR who stated 5 years ago his goal was to squeeze another $50 out of every passenger.  Those are his words, not mine.  In reality, I think he meant $200, not $50 but that's besides the point.  Whether you say tomAto or tamato its the same thing.  Is he squeezing $50 out of every passenger or nickel and diming every passenger for an extra $50.

 

Ever since Epic, NCL created this "dinner and show."  While I enjoyed the concept on Epic.  It turned into a cash grab on Getaway for the magic show which costs money.  The food was MDR quality and the show was what entry level cruise lines offer for free.  Don't get me wrong, I love magic and have magicians in my family.  I support the trade.  But watching objects move because of "hidden" strings (that you could see because of the light) was very elementary to be charging customers.  I actually felt sorry for one of the magicians.  A mind reader is really cool but they have those on casino boats for FREE.

If the show had floored me then maybe I would say it was worth it.

 

I just got off Encore in March.  It was probably the best cruise of my life.  The specialty restaurants were a big part.  However is it not about time NCL adds another "free" option.  Every new ship we hear countless new specialty restaurants which is fine.  But how about something "included" again.  I would even take a pizza shack and not necessarily a MDR.

Edited June 21, 2020 by david_sobe

[diplomats]

Having found a thread that is not about who is sailing when and when the refund if coming, I hope it is not totally out of line to ask a question that is not on topic.

 

We have not sailed NCL for a long time but are booked on Breakaway in Feb 2021. Fingers crossed.

 

The array of dining options on Breakaway is amazing and a bit overwhelming.  Some reviewers, including the CC professional review, suggest booking all venues when advance booking is available pre cruise.  But the NCL website indicates that advance booking is not offered for the MRD and complimentary venues.  Which is it?  Can MRD venues (like Savor and Taste and The Manhattan Room) be booked pre cruise or must they be booked onboard? Perhaps there was a policy change subsequent to the professional review.  

 

Again, sorry to be off topic, but this threat looks like a gold mine of NCL veterans. Marshall

[MNcruisingcouple]

11 minutes ago, diplomats said:

Having found a thread that is not about who is sailing when and when the refund if coming, I hope it is not totally out of line to ask a question that is not on topic.

 

We have not sailed NCL for a long time but are booked on Breakaway in Feb 2021. Fingers crossed.

 

The array of dining options on Breakaway is amazing and a bit overwhelming.  Some reviewers, including the CC professional review, suggest booking all venues when advance booking is available pre cruise.  But the NCL website indicates that advance booking is not offered for the MRD and complimentary venues.  Which is it?  Can MRD venues (like Savor and Taste and The Manhattan Room) be booked pre cruise or must they be booked onboard? Perhaps there was a policy change subsequent to the professional review.  

 

Again, sorry to be off topic, but this threat looks like a gold mine of NCL veterans. Marshall

 

Someone else may be able to speak to this better, but we always wait until we are on board to book dining.  In the past, we've tried to be on board the ship by about 11:30am and our first stop is for dining reservations.  I've always been able to get the locations and times we wanted, being a bit flexible, even with groups as large as nine.

This all may completely change post-covid.

[pickle11]

24 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Seriously?  It was CEO, FDR who stated 5 years ago his goal was to squeeze another $50 out of every passenger.  Those are his words, not mine.  In reality, I think he meant $200, not $50 but that's besides the point.  Whether you say tomAto or tamato its the same thing.  Is he squeezing $50 out of every passenger or nickel and diming every passenger for an extra $50.

 

Ever since Epic, NCL created this "dinner and show."  While I enjoyed the concept on Epic.  It turned into a cash grab on Getaway for the magic show which costs money.  The food was MDR quality and the show was what entry level cruise lines offer for free.  Don't get me wrong, I love magic and have magicians in my family.  I support the trade.  But watching objects move because of "hidden" strings (that you could see because of the light) was very elementary to be charging customers.  I actually felt sorry for one of the magicians.  A mind reader is really cool but they have those on casino boats for FREE.

If the show had floored me then maybe I would say it was worth it.

 

I just got off Encore in March.  It was probably the best cruise of my life.  The specialty restaurants were a big part.  However is it not about time NCL adds another "free" option.  Every new ship we hear countless new specialty restaurants which is fine.  But how about something "included" again.  I would even take a pizza shack and not necessarily a MDR.

Sounds like that you just didn't like the experience for the costs.  So how many times have you done this?  How many times has FDR taken you for.  If it is more than two then you tell me who is fooling who.  Just don't do it?   

[debenson0723]

39 minutes ago, diplomats said:

Having found a thread that is not about who is sailing when and when the refund if coming, I hope it is not totally out of line to ask a question that is not on topic.

 

We have not sailed NCL for a long time but are booked on Breakaway in Feb 2021. Fingers crossed.

 

The array of dining options on Breakaway is amazing and a bit overwhelming.  Some reviewers, including the CC professional review, suggest booking all venues when advance booking is available pre cruise.  But the NCL website indicates that advance booking is not offered for the MRD and complimentary venues.  Which is it?  Can MRD venues (like Savor and Taste and The Manhattan Room) be booked pre cruise or must they be booked onboard? Perhaps there was a policy change subsequent to the professional review.  

 

Again, sorry to be off topic, but this threat looks like a gold mine of NCL veterans. Marshall

I have never booked the MDR either before or after getting on the ship, unless I have been in a larger party (say 6 or more).  If I am doing a dinner in the MDR, I show up when I am ready to eat and am usually seated within 5 minutes. The prebooking is for the specialty restaurants and only on my last cruise did I need to go make some changes once onboard.  Now IF you want to prebook MDR, you can usually do so on the phone prior to boarding or on the first day on the ship.

[hallux]

44 minutes ago, diplomats said:

Can MRD venues (like Savor and Taste and The Manhattan Room) be booked pre cruise or must they be booked onboard?

You don't even have to book them!  Part of "Fresstyle cruising" is just showing up to dinner when you want (in the complimentary venues).  The presence of a line depends on when you choose to eat.  I generally ate on the Bliss between 5:30 and 6 and didn't have much of an issue with lines at Taste or Savor.

[debenson0723]

4 hours ago, 4774Papa said:

What I dislike is going on a cruise and being asked on the first day of the cruise if I want a beverage package 8 times.

 

This has only happened to me on RCCL.  Never have I been asked on NCL if I want the beverage package, even when buying my first drink at the bar upon boarding and paying OOP.

[MNcruisingcouple]

2 hours ago, FredT said:

But THATS the issue.   The average Cruise critic poster (us ) has been on enough cruises to know what to expect.  But remember that only 10% of the American public has EVER been on a cruise.  And if you're only exposure is the glossy brochures that tout how "all inclusive" cruises are.....  THAT is where the "nickel and Dime " is coming from.  

 

That's not just down to being a "newbie", that's down to choosing to remain uninformed.  We have friends that have been on 5+ cruises that are still this way because they make the choice not to educate themselves.

[jskinsd]

2 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

I am VERY thankful for the people that do spend.   🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩.     
 

They contribute to the reason of the cheap cruises I previously was able to obtain.   No insight for future though- for me.   

Me too.✌️

[MNcruisingcouple]

1 hour ago, david_sobe said:

Seriously?  It was CEO, FDR who stated 5 years ago his goal was to squeeze another $50 out of every passenger.  Those are his words, not mine.  In reality, I think he meant $200, not $50 but that's besides the point.  Whether you say tomAto or tamato its the same thing.  Is he squeezing $50 out of every passenger or nickel and diming every passenger for an extra $50.

 

 

I understand what you are saying, but how is that any different than any companies marketing plan?  Of course they are going to want to squeeze extra money out of people; they are in the business of making money.  Look at airlines who charge for every little thing (choosing a seat, food, drinks, bags, even carry on bags).  Look at a grocery store that puts candy, soda, chips at checkout.  NCL is no different.  Its up to each individual to be informed and know what they are willing to pay for.