luv2kroooz

Try Google or Youtube then. It is all over the internet.

Noted.

Yes. “To comply with this new law and to simplify the booking experience for all our guests based in the U.S. and Canada, Norwegian Cruise Line will be incorporating applicable government taxes, fees and port expenses into our advertised pricing beginning July 1, 2024.” The cost alteration will only affect the way it displays prices and not the overall price passengers ultimately pay to take a cruise. “We are committed to delivering exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey, and we hope this change will provide our guests with a more satisfying booking experience,” the spokesperson said.

Thank you, again, for telling me this.

I did not realize that, but thank you for telling me that. My belief of declining demand is even stronger now.

Come again? Pricing isn't changing Transparency is changing. I dont need the governments help to figure out an all in out the door price for a cruise vs a comparable vacation. Pricing could end up decreasing if the now required, all-in pricing reduces demand for cruises.

"Our price transparency law is about clear and honest communication with consumers, so consumers can make the financial choices that are best for them and their families. This new guidance provides information for businesses across California to ensure that clear answers are available, particularly for small businesses,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The law is simple: the price you see is the price you pay. Laws work when everyone can comply. I am pleased that we can offer this guidance to help facilitate compliance with the law and make a more fair and level marketplace for businesses and consumers." “Every consumer deserves honest, up-front pricing, and I’m proud to have worked with Attorney General Bonta and Senator Skinner to pass a law to help do just that,” said Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa. “A consumer shouldn’t discover hidden fees made up by a business when they pay their bill.”

....especially us. Veteran cruisers, but our first HAL cruise coming up.

I would like to know this too. I have an email from SheerID stating my eligiblity for the offer had been verified, but there is nothing showing online in my booking and nothing from HAL. Emailed guest relations and received a case number a week ago, but no response. How hard could it be to show the OBC in the Navigator App?

New California law regarding price transparency is taking effect July 1. All the big guys will be complying. Look for changes coming soon.... How Cruise Lines Will Comply with California’s New Honest Pricing Law (cruisecritic.com)

This is the key and is critically important. If you have a claim, you'd have to prove you experienced an economic loss. Keep your purchase receipts so that you can easily provide proof when the claim is filed. Of course, it is also important to read and understand your policy.

Surprising, your profile says you live in PA. Hop off the bus at 1030, walk 10-15 minutes, flat, easy walk and you are staring at your cruise ship. Disembark...walk 10-15 minutes to your bus and you are out of NYC by 1030. Easy peasy.

Here's looking at you Harry Sommer.

All of this is true for us. We would consider going back if the product improves. For now, they can fill their ships with other guests. Until then, we are voting with our wallet.

OMG. Did you pay HAL that much more per night? Our entire HAL cruise is less than $60 pp per day with the more equitable fees. Ugh. My condolences to you and yours, Wayward Son.

I know....right? I go on the HAL board and they are saying the same about NCL. I am going to get a first hand experience so I can decide for myself.

You'd probably have better success paying the whiners directly. We just booked a HAL cruise for October. A refreshing $17 per day not $20, 18% service charge, not 20%. You didn't even have to pay us, unless of course you want to. We accept Venmo, Paypal and Zelle. 😁

DSC increase. 22% service charge up from the current 20%. Pure cash grab for NCL.

So well said....I'm envisioning galley staff walking out to the open decks and literally dumping 5 tons of chocolate overboard every week using large cranes and shovels to do so....I don't know. And I sure hope it makes it into the sea and not on my balcony....especially those fresh pizzas or stale hot dogs. I'd hate to find them on my balcony the next morning....although breakfast of champions for those on the beverage plan. 😭😭 It does make for a great laugh though, sadly is some sort of fiction and illusion.

When I think premium, those names dont come to mind.

You'll see it from time to time, but the overwhelming majority of the time it will relate to a safety issue....either weather or civil unrest in a port or an unexpected mechanical problem. Things happen that are outside of a cruise lines control and that is understandable. This is the very reason why there is a cruise contract....it gives the cruise line discretion in the event of an unforeseen situation. What you are seeing on these boards are itinerary changes that are a matter of convenience for NCL.....they want to work on their engines so they are going to slow at a reduced speed, they want to conserve fuel, so they are skipping a port, they received some sort of guest feedback....totally different ballgame and it is an abuse of the cruise contract.

Cruise Lines can elect to pay the VAT on behalf of the customer. Some do. NCL chooses not to do so.

Correct. What is different is that NCL passes the taxes on to the customer. Many are surprised in a negative way when they learn about these unplanned charges onboard. On Princess out of Brooklyn, Princess covers the taxes on behalf of the customer. Many are surprised in a positive way since they don't have any additionally unplanned charges. Big difference! NCL could provide a listing of ports and cities where they intend to pass tax through to the customer. This could prevent the confusion and negativity every year when the European season begins.

Bingo. Problem solved. Expand horizons. We've enjoyed our time sailing on competing cruise lines, not even knowing it going in. Not to mention the stability and reliability in delivering the advertised product, excuse-free.

What is also a little weird is they were talking about offering longer, more immersive itineraries, yet seem to be altering those itineraries regularly.