Rollaway for an adult are they kidding me

[lawton54]

A common complaint running on a lot of these boards is the extra charges. As has been stated many times, this is entirely optional. My wife and I have sailed twice this year with NCL, on the Spirit and the Sky, and have never felt "second class" even though we didn't go to many of the specialty resturants. We did Cagney's one night on the Spirit and Le Bistro one night on both, but the most memorable meal we had was in the main dining room of the Spirit. We've also sailed twice on the Pearl with exactly the same feeling, that we were the ones on vacation and they were there to help us have a great time. I did not notice ANY difference in the level of table service anytime during our trips. We attended all of the shows, games, and other onboard activities that anyone else did at no extra charge. We never felt that we weren't getting the same value for our vacation as others just because we were in an inside cabin on the lowest deck. We have had a blast on every NCL sailing we have ever been on.

 

OP, if you are truly wanting to try a new line, then give them the benefit of the doubt and not be overly influenced (positively or negatively) by what you may read on these boards. If you go looking to have a great vacation and don't get caught up in the minor things that may not go exactly as planned I think you will have a great time on NCL. Likewise, if you go in anticipating problems you will probably find some issue or other to be upset over.

 

I would just like to say that for me, I feel like NCL offers a great product at a competetive price. I felt that way so much that on my last sailing with them I purchased a future cruise credit, knowing I really wanted to sail with them again.

[snorklinbarb]

I want to try NCL otherwise my cruising is probably over as I do not care to do the short 3 or 4 days to the Bahamas again. This means I am going to have to choose between NCL and Carnival. Given this choice NCL wins hands down. RCCL moved their midsized ships all out of FL and I for one can not or maybe it is will not pony up the cost for a Freedom class ship which is the only 7 days that they cruise out of FL. I also can't afford airfare so I am destined to either like NCL or quit cruising. I have 150.00 worth of credit towards a cruise on RCCL but it is still to high priced or at least for 3 it is as their "discount for 3 and 4" is almost non exsistant. I truly was disturbed by the bed situation and it may be my last cruise booked thru a TA. This too is my first I usually book directly thru the cruise line. The only reason I booked with my TA was the extra obc and a lower price than NCL was showing on the web themselves. Yes you can say that with me it is all about money. I am on disability and have been since 97. This is the cruise that my mom would have wanted me to take as she worried about how stressed I was all the time. Her untimely passing has afforded me this last luxury and I am looking for the best value for my money. That is what she would have wanted. For all those who say I will not enjoy you are wrong because if I can't do anything but stand on deck, fell the wind in my hair and look at God's abundant beauty I will have a great time. I was upset to be paying for a rollaway and not told that upfront. Hopefully my TA will be able to confirm the pullman or change my room today. I would really like to know other than beverages, spa, salon, laundry, excursions and specialty resturants are there any other charges. I thought that is what the board was for answers not chastisment.

 

Daily service chg $12pp. You are not obligated to tip on top of that, unless you feel someone deserves extra.

 

Other than that, it is quite conceivable to go on NCL without spending another penny. So it will be completely up to you.

 

We enjoy some of the "garbage," especially the spec. restaurants. The food and service is generally excellent and we like to mix it up with different cuisines and ambience. But you can certainly eat just fine in all the included venues.

 

I really hope you're right that you will be happy just feeling the wind through your hair and won't feel deprived or nickel and dimed or spend the whole cruise comparing it to RCI and wishing you could have done that.

[bakerintn]

Here is what NCL says about what is included:

Your cruise fare entitles you to accomodations, meals and entertainment aboard ship. Specialty restaurants are available with either nominal cover charges or fixed price menus and à la carte pricing in addition to the standard dining program. Items of a personal nature are not included, such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, spa treatments, indoor pool relaxation areas, certain specialty exercise classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone, email, Internet, fax and Shore Excursions (including all "Dive In" programs). Government taxes and fees are also not included.

 

In addition to the base fare plus government fees and taxes above, there is the per-person "service charge" that takes the place of tips for the restaurants and cabin stewards and some behind-the-scenes personnel. It is added to your shipboard account each day at the rate of $12 per person, over 3 years old.

 

Here is what NCL says about that:

NCL Service Charge

Onboard Service Charges are additional. A charge of $12 per person per day for guests over the age of 3 will automatically be added to your onboard account. Please see our brochure or www.ncl.com for details.

Our crew is encouraged to work together as a service team and compensated by a combination of salary and incentive program that the Service Charge supports. It is our earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle Cruise experience and that our entire crew in all areas of the ship will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL is known. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise; please bring them to the immediate attention of our reception desk staff on board so that we can address any issues in a timely manner before the cruise is over.

Both NCL and NCL America have a structured guest satisfaction program on board designed to handle any concerns raised by our guests relating to the service or on board product quickly and efficiently. In almost all cases we are able to come up with a satisfactory solution to any issues which are raised and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise holiday. In the unlikely event we cannot satisfactorily resolve the issues through our guest satisfaction program; guests will be able to adjust the Service Charge according to the level of inconvenience they feel they have experienced.

Our clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue, when it happens, to everyone's complete satisfaction.

---------

[CruisnGram]

Anette, I don't think that anyone is chastising you. Perhaps if you look at what we are reading from you, you will understand why many of us feel that you are not going to enjoy this cruise:

 

1) You are already upset about the beds

 

2) You obviously have picked NCL because you can't afford anything else (or "better" in your mind). You obviously want to cruise RCL and have "settled" for NCL.

 

3) You believe that NCL will nickle and dime you to death

 

4) You are upset in general that cruise lines charge extra for many things.

 

Putting all of those together seems to make a pretty sour attitude. Many of us are concerned that you will not go with an open mind. It sounds as if instead of being excited about your cruise, you are going with the mindset of "I'd rather be on RCL" and that is a receipe for disaster.

 

I urge you to really search your feelings and decide if you can indeed go on this cruise and enjoy every moment, or if you'd be better doing as another poster suggested. Cancel this cruise and save some money over the next year or so that will enable you to sail on the cruise you want to go on...on RCL.

 

If however you decide that you do want to do this sailing, I hope that you go with an open mind and the thought that you are going to have the time of your life. Don't compare everything and anything to other cruiselines and do what your mom would have wanted you to do...enjoy living and making memories with your children.

 

Good luck.

 

CG

[Cruise_More_Often]

I am sure the rollaways don't sleep that bad however I would like to retain what little bit of space is in the cabin for movement. With a rollaway I can't fathome a bit of movement or for that matter where they could open one. I slept on a pull out single bed in a hospital room for 60+ days with my granddaughter at Duke so that isn't the issue.

Annette

Annette, girl!!!! Why are you stuck on the rollaway bed issue???? :eek:

 

Please, read through this entire post once again and count the number of times people have been telling you that there are 2 beds AND a pullman in your cabin and

YOU WILL NOT NEED A ROLLAWAY BED.

 

For Pete's sake, move on! Better yet, please cancel your cruise. You are already miserable.

[Urban trekker]

I will give the OP credit - unlike at lot of other people with complaints or concerns about their cruise who post one post and are never heard from again she has hung in there and taken the abuse and also the clarifying info head on that CC is (in)famous for.

 

Hopefully she will get the matter resolved and will be able to have a great cruise with her adult children.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[elvisbuff]

I will give the OP credit - unlike at lot of other people with complaints or concerns about their cruise who post one post and are never heard from again she has hung in there and taken the abuse and also the clarifying info head on that CC is (in)famous for.

 

I agree

 

Hopefully she will get the matter resolved and will be able to have a great cruise with her adult children.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

I hope her next cruise is great too.

[Zeno]

I will give the OP credit - unlike at lot of other people with complaints or concerns about their cruise who post one post and are never heard from again she has hung in there and taken the abuse and also the clarifying info head on that CC is (in)famous for.

 

Hopefully she will get the matter resolved and will be able to have a great cruise with her adult children.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Uhm - what abuse? I am amazed at how patient everyone has been. We want her to have a GOOD, HAPPY vacation. Many of us have concluded that she likely won't have this on NCL and have advised her to save up for a vacation that she will ENJOY. That is "good advice" - not "abuse", not "chastisement".

[snorklinbarb]

I will give the OP credit - unlike at lot of other people with complaints or concerns about their cruise who post one post and are never heard from again she has hung in there and taken the abuse and also the clarifying info head on that CC is (in)famous for.

 

Hopefully she will get the matter resolved and will be able to have a great cruise with her adult children.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Agree with you that she has hung in there and come back to explain.

 

But what "abuse" has she taken? People who are suggesting she just cancel are not trying to attack, just their honest reading of the situation.

 

Everyone wants her to have the best cruise possible for Christmas with the children, whether it's on NCL or her preferred line.:)

[Cinderose]

We had a rollaway on Carnival and it was just fine - I would think NCL would be that same way. And I think you would much rather have that than a pull down bunk bed!!!!!

[mbisson]

Why don't you read the other posts

 

I think the problem now is that she read them, but doesn't believe them---

 

We need a white flag emoticon because I surrender ;) (although it still appears to me that with the 'nickel & dime belief plus the bed they're already in a mindset that will make it difficult to enjoy the cruise---hence my cancel comment previously)

[Rockwife]

I think the problem now is that she read them, but doesn't believe them---

 

We need a white flag emoticon because I surrender ;) (although it still appears to me that with the 'nickel & dime belief plus the bed they're already in a mindset that will make it difficult to enjoy the cruise---hence my cancel comment previously)

 

I agree.

 

And what troubles me most about the way I perceive her attitude is that she cannot afford to cruise, yet she feels she "deserves" it and will go on it while being dissatisfied the whole time.

 

I have had to cancel cruises more than once after crunching the numbers and not having my funds add up. It happens. We all "deserve" vacations and relaxation, but we don't always get what we want. There is nothing wrong with waiting, saving, and booking again when the funds are in order. I find I appreciate the trips more when that happens.

 

Happy travels, all.

[Urban trekker]

Okay - perhaps Abuse wasn't the proper word - was just trying to find words to show the constrast in the views expressed.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Cruise_More_Often]

We had a rollaway on Carnival and it was just fine - I would think NCL would be that same way. And I think you would much rather have that than a pull down bunk bed!!!!!

Oh, Cineroise, please don't confuse her.

 

IMHO, this actually has been one of the kindest, most considerate (i.e., adult), most helpful threads in the history of this board. We're just trying to help poor Annette realize that she has a cabin perfectly suited for her and her children.

 

Annette, if you're still reading this thread, I've changed my mind about the advice I gave earlier to cancel your cruise! Look at all the swell folks who cruise NCL, who you'd miss out on getting to know!

[ZoneHPH]

I finally went into the web site to look at my ressie and to my suprise it says with 2 lower beds. I booked this for 3 adults and paid for 3 adults. E-mailed my TA who contacted NCL and was told they will get a rollaway for the third person. That would be fine with me if the third person was a child but come on this is supposed to be a vacation to beat all other. After finding that NCL will nickle and dime you to death last night, this today, no gratituties that are adjustable but a "service fee" and the fact that the majority of the "freestyle dining" is in a pay resturant I am seriously considering canceling my7 ressie. If RCI would come close to what I paid on the date I would be out of here in a heart beat. Has anyone had to use the "rollaway" for an adult and if so how was it. As you can see I am very angry at this time. Heck even the Big Red Boat that wasn't very big had 5 true beds in our tiny little cabin, one double, one lower and two uppers.

 

i know there are many other replies...but i haven't read them all. please don't come on here and B&M to us. have a talk with your TA and complain to them. they should have educated you on your booking.

 

wait a minute...

 

you should have educated yourself FIRST before booking.

[Toyz711]

to the OP:

i really don't understand what you are upset about....but since you ARE upset about it:

i went on the "big red" boat a few year before you, nothing was included...everything, but food in the main dining room...the buffet...and a glass of water...was extra. compared to that, NCL will be like being royalty...no matter what your budget! i was hungry between meals, thristy all the time (had $100 extra for the 3 day cruise..couldn't afford a single soda!) drank awful ice tea and water for whole cruise!!!!

on NCL, you can take your own sodas, save money there

2 main dining rooms, a buffet, free food in a couple of the bar areas, blue lagoon (24 hr "included" diner), late night buffet in casino, food by the pool (weather permitting) and room service. there is no need to do ANY of the "surcharge" speciality dining (unless you wish to).

i cruise NCL...as of 2006, i ONLY cruise NCL: i don't do bingo (extra on ANY cruise ship), i don't pay extra for any food, i bring my own sodas..i do whatever i can to afford the cruise and ENJOY it! i cruise NCL because it offers me MORE for my little cash.

you, already, know the "extra" costs of cruising, the same as on your last cruise...sodas, alcohol, bingo, spa treatments, certain exercise classes, excursions...hasn't changed in over 20 years. none of the cruise lines advertises the "extra" costs...if everyone knew how much the foo-foo drinks are, they would stay home.

if you wish to worry about a negative comment you got as hearsay, instead of the many positive comments you got on this thread..then cancel and make your self happy.

it sounds like your TA has never sailed on NCL and won't be able to calm your (unfounded) fears?

[theshireshihtzu]

I thought that since the TA took the info including dates of birth and ages of all passangers that there would be 2 lowers and 1 upper. That is what I had the last time there where 3 of us. When there where 4 we had 2 lowers and 2 uppers and when we had 5 there was one double lower, one lower, and two uppers. I can't for the life of me imagine where they could put anything extra in a traditional OV actually a porthole, yes I am aware that it is just a porthole not a large window but I knew that when I paid my deposit. I did look at the deck plan and on NCL's own web site 4548 has a solid triagnle which is for 3 persons. As to who I am angry with NCL since their website is obviously incorrect.

 

If you hae a TA then she did NOT do her/his job.

I agree with others that you should cancel your cruise and save up for one you will be happy with.

[tbear2762]

Annette,

 

I think that the reason many people are responding vehemently is that you managed to capture several different issues in your original post:

 

- problem with the bed

 

- problem with a la carte pricing

 

- suggesting that you want to adjust the crew's tips.

 

 

These are hot-button topics on this board, and a quick search will reveal a lot of information about these areas.

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

Thank you very much for your insight.

 

The bed problem has now been confirmed as a pullman by a very sweet RCL Customer Service Agent-Rebecca.

 

I had just added the a la carte pricing from another thread where I had read that they charged for everylittle thing.

 

The tip issue is mainly that the way I understand what they have under FAQ is that the "Onboard Service Charge" is split among all crew so if someone gives crappy service they get the same as someone who goes out of their way to assist you. I have never gave less than the recommended gratituty on a cruise but don't like the right to withhold being taken away from me. If NCL is going to require that why not just include it in the cruise cost up front. I know that I have to pay it and will allow for it. Actually my last cruise I paid it before I ever set foot on the ship but I didn't have to. I just feel like it makes the service less personal. That was all I was saying about the gratituty.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful day and thanks God for everything he has blessed them with.

[takeavacation]

Annette -- I hope that you really do have a good time on your cruise. However, as a TA, I hate to see someone going into their trip with a "negative" attitude -- and you already seem set to dislike many aspects of your trip. If you were my client - I would probably recommend sending you to an all-inclusive island vacation -- rather than the cruise. You don't have to go far -- the Bahamas aren't far from Florida - so, air wouldn't be a huge issue. All meals, drinks, activities are included with no extra fees. It is never too late to cancel your cruise. You deserve a fabulous, relaxing vacation -- and your mom would hate for you to be so upset about an upcoming trip when you should be excited!

[tbear2762]

Why don't you read the other posts.......you got exactly what you wansted. Are you kidding me? seriously! Read the thread that YOU start....don't just keep adding comments defending your positition which is obviously wrong.....a poster showed you the room and the description.

 

Actually the description wasn't exactly correct as I hope there is not a crib in my cabin. It was of what could be in my cabin.

[iheartbda]

I do agree with you that there are more things available now than used to be. However, if something is at an extra cost it should be advertised that way from get go, ie; commercials. I also agree that all ships do it and I am just waiting on someone to challange them in a court of law about it.

Not sure that there is anything to challenge in a court of law since the commercials do not advertise as being ALL INCLUSIVE.

 

I personally will not use the "freestyle" fee for service dining rooms just as I do not get a massage, hair do, exocitic coffee or any of the other garbage that they charge for.

Could you explain what you mean by this? I hope it doesn't mean that you have an issue with the DSC.

 

I would however like to be able to access a price list for all the "extras" in advance so that I would know my budget before I leave. I am so thankful that I do not have children as cruising would definately be out of the question for that reason. Please don't hate me for feeling the way that I do and I will not hate you for be ok with all the add ons maybe you have a bigger budget than I do.

Annette

Have you had access to price lists for all the extras on RCCL?

If there are certain things you may be interested in as an extra, i.e., soda card, spa treatment, there is usually someone who will have the answer if you ask. But according to this post, you don't do any of those. There is nothing that is available as an extra that you HAVE to purchase. The extras are there for people to have choices.

 

The only thing that I can see that you might want to know about is excursions and pricing for those can be found on the NCL website for the cruise you are taking.

 

No one is hating you for not having a bigger budget. Some choose to spend lots and others don't....neither is right or wrong.:)

[Zeno]

Actually the description wasn't exactly correct as I hope there is not a crib in my cabin. It was of what could be in my cabin.

 

They can supply a crib if needed but it won't be there unless you have a small child booked.

 

OOps - forgot to add - You can prepay your service charge if you want to. (This is new to NCL).

 

BTW - You CAN remove your service charge BUT you will have to give a reason AND if you remove it you will be penalizing ALL the people who provided you with good service as well as anyone who did not. If you have any complaints about inadequate service NCL prefers that you let them know on-board - so that they can take corrective action on-board. I have never encountered service that was bad enough to make me want to remove the service charge and indeed we have always given our cabin stewards extra because they have done such a great job.

 

Whatever you decide - relax and ENJOY your vacation!!!

[Toyz711]

No one is hating you for not having a bigger budget. Some choose to spend lots and others don't....neither is right or wrong.:)

 

if that was the case i would be in BIG trouble!! :eek:

going back to work, at my age!! just to pay bills and still can't take a cruise until dec (hopefullY). money is NOT a issue on this board, i can verify that. :)

[Cruise_More_Often]

Annette, if you're still reading this thread, I've changed my mind about the advice I gave earlier to cancel your cruise! Look at all the swell folks who cruise NCL, who you'd miss out on getting to know!

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, I'm changing my mind once again, based upon Annette's latest comments.

 

Annette, cancel this cruise immediately. NCL is obviously NOT the cruise line for you. With your attitude, you are bound to experience the worst service of your life.

 

Please do yourself a favor, do NCL a favor, and do the rest of us who enjoy NCL a favor. Please . . . I beg you!

 

And I apologize to the rest of you for abusing poor Annette!

[sjbdtz]

Not sure that there is anything to challenge in a court of law since the commercials do not advertise as being ALL INCLUSIVE.

 

Exactly, and they do include food & entertainment....but not beverages or extras.

 

Could you explain what you mean by this? I hope it doesn't mean that you have an issue with the DSC.

 

I think that she quoted the wrong section. She's referring to the freestyle "fee for service" restaurants (aka surcharge), and saying she doesn't plan to use them. However, Annette....the $15 you might spend at Le Bistro would be equivalent to spending about $100+ on land, and may enable you to treat yourself to something really special, for a minimal charge.

 

 

No one is hating you for not having a bigger budget. Some choose to spend lots and others don't....neither is right or wrong.:)

 

She'll have a good trip, now that the bedding & DSC issues are out of the way.

 

Annette, come back & tell us how it went.

 

 

Stephen