Buffet on Jewel embarkation day....do you pay for it !

I have just read a review of an Alaskan cruise on the Jewel. The cruiser said that upon embarkation they were ushered to the Buffet and were then charged for it "because the ship was still berthed". Does this sound right? Their Review was peppered with numerous negatives gripes, so I am thinking that there must have been a misunderstanding here. Perhaps they purchased alcohol with their meal which they would, of course, have to pay for.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

No, when you get to the buffet see Jose and he will sit you down and explain how the buffet works. Also ask him what is the most delicious for today's lunch? Jose will take care of you. Tell him Tom sent you!

No. You never have to pay for the buffet. Sounds like a disgruntled cruiser who is trying to make the cruise sound worse than it was.

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Complimentary restaurants are complimentary. Includes the buffet, main dining room and O'Shehands. . There is no additional charge lunch venues on embarkation day.

Don't believe everything you read.

Both the buffet and main dining room will be open. They never charge for that meal. If they ordered alcohol, you have to pay. If you are on the free drink program, in some ports you still have to pay a tax.

Please post a link to that review. Maybe some folks here can straighten those folks out.

The review was on Cruise Critic under Norwegian ... Jewel. I read it this evening so should be easy to find. I think they have 2 or 3 stars but the review contained a lot of negativity.

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No, when you get to the buffet see Jose and he will sit you down and explain how the buffet works. Also ask him what is the most delicious for today's lunch? Jose will take care of you. Tell him Tom sent you!

Interesting advice. I guess I always assumed that everyone pretty much knows how a buffet works. ;p

There is no charge for the buffet. I was on the Jewel in May. If you want an alcoholic drink when in Seattle, you will have to pay the sales tax on the drink. That goes for a lot of embarkation ports.

I found the review. It makes no sense. Clearly says they were charged for eating at the buffet which is a complete crock. Not sure what actually happened that could have led them to believe they had to pay for the buffet. Or if they are just a basher and making things up.

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Interesting advice. I guess I always assumed that everyone pretty much knows how a buffet works. ;p

Yea, I was thinking that. Grab your food and go sit down. Eat. Rinse and repeat!

(okay.. skip the rinse part and just go to repeat)

I found the review. It makes no sense. Clearly says they were charged for eating at the buffet which is a complete crock. Not sure what actually happened that could have led them to believe they had to pay for the buffet. Or if they are just a basher and making things up.

 

 

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Sounds like they were totally confused by the additional charges on their bill. At one point, they mention additional gratuities after they booked because of a rate increase. I have no idea what that could mean either since the reviewer mentioned the beverage pkg. gratuities separately, so it obviously wasn't that.

you pay port taxes on any alcohol until the ship is out of local waters. that's probably what they were cahrged.

I saw this review as well and thought it seemed strange. Glad to know it's not true!

Looks like the review is the only post OP has on CC. I would of loved to have seen their room statement the last day to see else they were "charged" for and how it was worded. Did someone come by and swipe their room card at the buffet that first day? How else would they be charged. Inquiring minds want to know. :confused:

Don

I'm thinking they were confused about the DSC. Shows up everyday and maybe they think it was the charge for the buffet. Did it read to you that they thought the casino had free games?

I'm thinking they were confused about the DSC. Shows up everyday and maybe they think it was the charge for the buffet. Did it read to you that they thought the casino had free games?

WAIT!! The casino does NOT have free games??:')

Looks like the review is the only post OP has on CC..../quote]

 

And that answers a lot of things.

 

For those that spend(waste) a lot of time here - one time posters are often questionable.

 

And before someone types it - yes, I know everyone has a first post. But ......

never mind

Well, I'm glad you asked! As a first time cruiser (who will be on the Jewel next month), I saw that same comment in the review the other day and sat there for several minutes thinking, "No, they don't charge you for eating before leaving port! Or wait...do they?!"

No they don't. However,

If they starting drinking before leaving port,- Seattle has 10% sales tax, which is more than most are used to. (We have no state income tax) they could have had charges to their account.

Also increase in DSC from time cruise was booked and taken--not prepaid - could be the increase they are talking about.

Best Advice, check room account every 2-3 days and make sure it makes sense. 'Go to desk and ask for printout of your room summary.

That way you are not in long line on last day trying to figure out what extra charges are :D

Next time I cruise I am parking myself at the entrance to the buffet and telling eveyone there is a $5 cover on embarkation day. Bet I could pay for my cruise :) :) :)

Next time I cruise I am parking myself at the entrance to the buffet and telling eveyone there is a $5 cover on embarkation day. Bet I could pay for my cruise :) :) :)

Only if you can collect cash.:)