One more question

[54Carol]

First time on NCL line.   It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'.   What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?   I know I will see the following, is there anything else?

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid)

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining?  If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?)

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?   Is this just US ports or all ports?  If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?)

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV?

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?)

 

 

[KeithJenner]

I’ve never had any surprise charges on my account (well, one or two incorrect ones that needed correcting, but that has always been easy enough).

 

There are many optional costs that you could incur, so it would be very difficult to put together a complete list, but don’t think that you will be forever getting charged for things unless you have made a specific decision to do so.

 

To answer some of your questions, there is no gratuity on complementary dining, and any costs incurred for included speciality meals are paid prior to the cruise. There are a couple of upcharge items, but they are clearly specified on the menus (which you can look at in advance).

 

There is no hard and fast rule about tax in ports. Some Non US ports charge them, but then it is usually only on purchased items, rather than those covered by a package.

 

There are then other charges that you could incur (Spa, go karts, arcade, drinks tastings, coffee, Vibe etc). It is very easy to make your total cost for them equal zero, and any charge is usually clearly stated.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Looks like you’ve got it covered. The 20% gratuity on drinks and specialty dining, in my experience, have been paid in advance with final payment of cruise fare.  You’ll pay an extra gratuity on any drink you order that is over the price cap…plus the tax. Not sure if you pay an additional tax on drinks in ports outside US as I’ve never cared enough about that to look. 

[2 Fun Guys]

The in port taxes on things are not a uniquely NCL thing by the way. And all cruise lines "nickle and dime" you one way or another.

 

As stated above, you prepay gratuities, etc. and anything extra is up to you. They don't hide charges.

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, KeithJenner said:

There is no hard and fast rule about tax in ports. Some Non US ports charge them, but then it is usually only on purchased items, rather than those covered by a package.

You're definitely right about the rules being odd in ports. I know that in NYC we were charged tax on beverage package covered drinks in April. Perhaps we could have had them taken off if we had asked. We didn't - it was only a dollar or two total (sodas were ordered). So, at least in that US port, taxes are sometimes (or all the time) charged on drinks included in the beverage package.

 

I echo everything else you and @2 Fun Guys say though. Every line has a way of charging extra. It's how and when they do it. When I was a NCL newbie, I was ticked at the hidden charges due to NCL's lies (their marketing). Now that I understand there aren't free excursions, all you can eat specialty dining for free, no free unlimited WiFi, and not all drinks are covered I can enjoy my experience. Let's just say we got on the Getaway the first time in April and I didn't think we'd ever get on another NCL cruise ship...then we went on a cruise in September and have one booked for March 🙂 

[MNcruisingcouple]

If you do your research ahead of time (read fine print, T&C, CC) and know what you're booking, then there shouldn't be any surprises.  Taxes on drinks while in port varies with every port but the dollar amount is minimal.

[cruiseny4life]

3 minutes ago, MNcruisingcouple said:

If you do your research ahead of time (read fine print, T&C, CC) and know what you're booking, then there shouldn't be any surprises.  Taxes on drinks while in port varies with every port but the dollar amount is minimal.

Oh I did read the fine print. I read the terms and conditions. I read Cruise Critic and probably asked annoying questions. The more I read, the more pi$$ed I got at how much NCL lies in their marketing. I do understand the other mass market cruise lines do the same which is why I haven't tried another experience. It'll just be slightly different lies on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and their subsidiaries. At least I knew before I boarded. Then my husband and I had a most wonderful onboard experience...so we are loyal to NCL (just doesn't sound as good as loyal to Royal). I'll still complain, whine, moan, and anything else about NCLH's corporate practices. 

[9tee2Sea]

even though the daily the daily cabin charge per person is already paid, the extra tip you may want to give your cabin steward is not.   I have the drink package and tips are included, I still usually give the bar tender AND server a couple of bucks per order.  They remember you when they see you, and usually have your drink ready to be sent before you even sit down at a table.  Same goes for dining rooms.  The service charges are pre-paid, it still is nice to tip your servers a few additional bucks if the service was good.  I like leaving $2.00 bills ( not 2 One dollar bills, but a couple of $2 bills) with the server as I leave the dining room.

[Redsky5292]

So the taxes in port for drinks is not an NCL thing, it's the government of the port that you are docked in. NCL is required to follow local, state and gvt. rules when docked in port. When we were on the Breakaway in July the bars had signs up saying that you were going to pay port taxes on drinks while in port.  I *think* they might have mentioned it in the dallies but don't quote me on that as I didn't study the dailies very closely.  We've sailed on NCL 5 times and have never had "hidden" costs added onto our bill at the end.  If you have the drink package you will be charged gratuities up front, we always prepay them before boarding.  If you go over the $15 cap I believe you pay 20% on the drink, I usually stick to wine that is below the $15 cap so I am not exactly sure how this works.  If you are charged the 20% on a drink above the cap the cost is right there on the receipt.  They don't add up all of the extra 20% and charge you at the end.  The staff gives you receipts if you have to sign for a room charge and the cost, plus taxes etc., are listed on the receipt.  We also always pay the staff gratuities up front and then tip people as we see fit during the cruise.

Edited October 27, 2022 by Redsky5292

[truckswain]

1 hour ago, Redsky5292 said:

So the taxes in port for drinks is not an NCL thing, it's the government of the port that you are docked in. NCL is required to follow local, state and gvt. rules when docked in port. When we were on the Breakaway in July the bars had signs up saying that you were going to pay port taxes on drinks while in port.  I *think* they might have mentioned it in the dallies but don't quote me on that as I didn't study the dailies very closely.  We've sailed on NCL 5 times and have never had "hidden" costs added onto our bill at the end.  If you have the drink package you will be charged gratuities up front, we always prepay them before boarding.  If you go over the $15 cap I believe you pay 20% on the drink, I usually stick to wine that is below the $15 cap so I am not exactly sure how this works.  If you are charged the 20% on a drink above the cap the cost is right there on the receipt.  They don't add up all of the extra 20% and charge you at the end.  The staff gives you receipts if you have to sign for a room charge and the cost, plus taxes etc., are listed on the receipt.  We also always pay the staff gratuities up front and then tip people as we see fit during the cruise.

Having sailed Royal, Celebrity and NCL, this is definitely an NCL thing.  I was never charged taxes on drinks while in port on Royal or Celebrity.

 

While this amounts to very little money it was something that was not communicated, so yes it was a "surprise" charge on our final bill.

 

As far as NCL lying in their marketing, that is a bit much.  When we took our first NCL cruise I knew exactly what was included and what was extra, it was not that difficult to figure out.

[kylenyc]

35 minutes ago, truckswain said:

Having sailed Royal, Celebrity and NCL, this is definitely an NCL thing.  I was never charged taxes on drinks while in port on Royal or Celebrity.

I'm middle of the road between NCL fanboy and nickle and dimer but this definitely pushes me to the latter if true.

 

Just read one of the RCL CC threads that corroborates this. IMO NCL should not be charging port taxes on drinks from people who have pre-paid UBPs but they do. 😡

Edited October 27, 2022 by kylenyc

[54Carol]

I have cruised Carnival and Holland and have never been charged a port tax on drinks, which surprised me when I saw that on another thread and prompted me ask my original question.

 

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, truckswain said:

As far as NCL lying in their marketing, that is a bit much.  When we took our first NCL cruise I knew exactly what was included and what was extra, it was not that difficult to figure out.

"When we took our first NCL cruise I knew exactly what was included and what was extra...." I could have written that statement as I knew as well (except for taxes on drink in port, but I don't really care about that as it's a few cents) I had to do a lot of research (as I've discussed) to figure it all out pre-cruise. Thankfully some enlightened cruisers on Cruise Critic helped me understand. I've now been conditioned to read all of NCL's Terms and Conditions to know the truth. 

 

 

I know some on here (possibly you) will tell me it's all in the terms and conditions, and that I must read them (I agree), but it sure looks like NCL is "All-Inclusive" today on their website....unless you read the terms and conditions which one must do. 

 

As a new cruiser (yes I cruised Carnival back in 2009, but I considered myself a new cruiser in February when I booked our April cruise), I believed NCL. I truly thought I could drink anything I wanted, I'd have all the specialty dining I could handle, I would go on all free excursions, and I'd have free WiFi for the entirety of the cruise (3rd & 4th guests free didn't apply). 

Call me naïve. Call me gullible. Call me stupid. I believed NCL. I should have known better. We live in a capitalist society.

 

And that's why I was so ticked when I found out the large print is far from the truth. Those that claim  NCL "nickels and dimes" them don't read the fine print. They don't educate themselves as they should. Now, I know and I try to help everyone else understand the lies that are spouted by NCL's marketing department. Yes, the disclaimer to read the terms and conditions is there....in fine print that somewhat blends in with the image. Did NCL do anything wrong? Nope. Do I still hate them for lying to gullible customers (as I once was)? Yep...do I still cruise NCL? Yep...I sure do. So, sorry (not sorry), but I don't buy that calling them liars "is a bit much."

 

I'm sure plenty of y'all will disagree and that's ok. You're as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine. 

[dandelpino]

22 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I'm sure plenty of y'all will disagree and that's ok.

 

Those who disagree are just corporate apologists. Fine print should never contradict the large print and we know with NCL it happens all the time. 

 

[trivimp]

1 hour ago, 54Carol said:

I have cruised Carnival and Holland and have never been charged a port tax on drinks, which surprised me when I saw that on another thread and prompted me ask my original question.

 

There are reports that some other cruise lines hang on to all the charges incurred in port & then ring them up all at once after they get out to sea.  That is, they serve you a drink at 3pm while you're still in port, but the charge doesn't appear on your account until 9pm, long after sailaway.  Presto, tax avoided.  Not legal, but to my knowledge, no municipality has gone after these cruise lines to try to enforce tax payment.  It would be an interesting lawsuit.  

[LadyZolt]

2 hours ago, truckswain said:

Having sailed Royal, Celebrity and NCL, this is definitely an NCL thing.  I was never charged taxes on drinks while in port on Royal or Celebrity.

 

While this amounts to very little money it was something that was not communicated, so yes it was a "surprise" charge on our final bill.

 

We were on the Bliss out of Seattle for an Alaska cruise in September and at every bar, there was a sign posted about the taxes added while we were in port.  The sign was taken down once it no longer applied.  

Edited to add:  I just want to post this as it may be something new NCL is doing if they had feedback about people not realizing when they would incur these extra charges.  

Edited October 27, 2022 by LadyZolt
Clarification

[kylenyc]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

And that's why I was so ticked when I found out the large print is far from the truth. Those that claim  NCL "nickels and dimes" them don't read the fine print.

Thank you for this thread because I booked my first US port intensive cruise and now fuming at the extra taxes that will most certainly add up to a lot.

 

30+ cruises. I'm in the dope club too.

 

This makes the value of beverage package much less on a port intensive US cruise. Wasn't there a thread where someone got heavily taxed for having an expensive glass of sailaway champagne? Totally wrong if NCL is among the few that does this.

 

Anyone wanting to book a cruise has to

Go to ncl.com and get wowed by all the freebies. No mention of extra taxes.

Click "Learn more". Is there any mention of the word tax, gratuity or service charge on this page? No.

Click the little "terms and conditions" linke

Oh finally on the third page in, in the last line about "Unlimited Open Bar" does it mention taxes.
"Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries."

 

This statement doesn't convey the real costs extra costs on a port intensive cruise.

 

It's psyops and lawyerisms.

Edited October 27, 2022 by kylenyc

[PATRLR]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Those that claim  NCL "nickels and dimes" them don't read the fine print. They don't educate themselves as they should.

Actually, after reading the fine print and fully understanding the T&Cs I feel even stronger that NCL is the king of N&D.

[PATRLR]

8 minutes ago, LadyZolt said:

We were on the Bliss out of Seattle for an Alaska cruise in September and at every bar, there was a sign posted about the taxes added while we were in port.  The sign was taken down once it no longer applied.  

Edited to add:  I just want to post this as it may be something new NCL is doing if they had feedback about people not realizing when they would incur these extra charges.  

Not new.  Bliss 2018 I saw those signs.

[davencl]

Disney does the same thing.

[2 Fun Guys]

It isn't even a question of reading the small print. It is right there when you select which of the 4 FAS items you choose when you are making your reservation:

 

If you unclick those, the gratuities disappear, then you can buy your meals & drinks if you choose to, understanding that you will automatically be charged a gratuity on each purchase. The only place in the "big print" that says unlimited is the open bar, nowhere is it implied that you'd get unlimited specialty dining.

 

The fare itself does not change when you unclick those things. Not getting the FAS means you don't get charged anything in advance and everything is a la carte. Click them and pay only gratuity. So actually, the drinks and the 2 meals are free, and your fare is not more expensive because you are getting FAS.  

 

As far as other lines not charging tax when in certain ports, either they add one big charge at the end (big is a relative term... it's not that much) or they are defrauding the local municipality by not collecting that money. Of course, they may just roll it into your fare, thus charging you for something you may not have done. I'm no lawyer, but that all reeks of criminality. Every NCL cruise I've been on has had clear signs about in port gratuities. YMMV on this.

 

All of that said, I do think it's ridiculous that NCL charges $80/pp to pick your own cabin ("Sail Away" vs standard rate). It is also ridiculous to not know what you are agreeing to before you click that "reserve" button and make your deposit. 

 

Sure, NCL could be clearer in their advertising. What company couldn't? I mean when was the last time you bought a Big Mac that ever looked like it does in the ads? 

 

[NW Pacific]

Extra charge for movies on demand unless in Haven- at least our experience  (7.95??)

[BirdTravels]

16 hours ago, 54Carol said:

First time on NCL line.   It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'.   What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?   I know I will see the following, is there anything else?

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid)

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining?  If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?)

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?   Is this just US ports or all ports?  If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?)

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV?

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?)

 

 It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'. Absolutely not. no different than any other cruise line. 

 

What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?  Absolutely not. Only if you are so drunk that you buy a diamond ring. 

 

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid) This is normal on most cruise lines. And you can always tip the crew with additional cash for jobs well done (concierge, butler, kid's club staff, waiters, hosts, cabin stewards, waiters, bartenders, performers)

 

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining? Of course not. 

 

If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?) The gratuity for the package is included when you sign up for it. No additional gratuity at time of dining unless you order something with an additional charge. 

 

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?  The state of departure may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price. 

 

Is this just US ports or all ports? The state may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price.

 

If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?) If  you stay on the ship, the state may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price.

 

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV? If you purchase a pay per view movie, you pay to view it,,, just like a hotel. Unless you are in a suite. The movies are free, but you need to tip your butler to iron and hang your undies. 

 

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?) Yes, anything you purchase like bingo cards (which have been around since the start of time), professional photos, Starbucks, specialty coffees, bottled water, energy drinks, sports drinks, money invested in the casino, the diamond ring you may buy when inebriated, video arcade, virtual reality rides, go kart rides, laser tag, vibe private sundeck, additional-fee dinner shows, drinks that exceed $15 (difference in cost and tip on that difference), wine tasting, whiskey tasting, sparkling wine tasting, specialty dining items with an upcharge (upcharge + tip on the upcharge), spa treatments (waxing, massage, facial, pedicure, manicure), personal trainer at the gym, some gym classes and spin classes, thermal suite, teeth whitening, weight loss treatments, beauty salon (cut, style, blow, color, highlights), barber shop (including shaving), shore excursions, bowling, darts, pool games, and much much more. 

Edited October 28, 2022 by BirdTravels

[MoCruiseFan]

16 hours ago, 54Carol said:

First time on NCL line.   It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'.   What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?   I know I will see the following, is there anything else?

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid)

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining?  If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?)

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?   Is this just US ports or all ports?  If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?)

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV?

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?)

 

 

 

Nothing is a surprise if you read what you are buying.  The taxes on drinks is NOT and NCL issue. That is the rules/laws if each locality.  You won't be on a boat drinking, you will be on a ship.  The DSC is fully disclosed.  (BTW there is no requirement to tip anyone).  If you have the dining or drink package, teh 20% will have already been charged thus you will not see any added percent per meal/drink.  What you pay for as far as TV depends on what you want to see.  No one is going to force you to waste you wonderful cruise vacation time pasted to a television, that is your choice.

[MoCruiseFan]

9 hours ago, dandelpino said:

 

Those who disagree are just corporate apologists. Fine print should never contradict the large print and we know with NCL it happens all the time. 

 

 

I've never seen it 'contradict' the main information.  It clarifies it quite well and address a LOT of ASSUMPTIONS people tend to make.