Does Celebrity "Nickle & Dime" You?

[sabookkeeper]

I do not consider the extra charges nickel and diming. I do not drink and do not eat at any of the specialty restaurants. I do purchase the non-alcoholic drink package because after calculating how much it would cost us, it was a good deal. This is the only extra item that we pay for. If they increased the basic fare to include some of these extras, it would mean I was paying for items that I am not using. I did not feel Celebrity was pushing any of these things when we were on board. Just remember that it is your cruise and you only have to pay for the things that you want.

[jackdiamond]

We have never felt that we were being pressured to spend extra on any of our Celebrity cruises; and, we have sailed many.

[hansolosmom]

Basically one persons "nickle and dimed" is anothers "a la carte" menu

also many celebrity ships have free gelato in the ocean view area

 

personally I prefer the the option ofchoosing a service over paying for a bunch of stuff I'd never use or do

jmho

 

Paul

 

This is how I see it. To me if it's a nice extra it's not being nicked and dimed. If its a necessity than I think it's being n&d.

 

For example, to me airlines charging for checked baggage is being n&d'd, but cruises charging for a fancy extra restaurant isn't.

[mandream]

For example, to me airlines charging for checked baggage is being n&d'd, but cruises charging for a fancy extra restaurant isn't.

 

Very good example. I agree.

 

Mike

[hansolosmom]

Excellent attitude, perhaps this is the way I should look at it.

 

So ship excursions are not the way to go? We arent expereinced cruisers so I figured doing ship-based excusrions would be safer (literally and in getting back to the ship on time). Have you ever run into any issues on a non ship based excursion? On my last cruise we did a tour followed by a few hours at the beach and literally got back tot he ship as they were pulling the gang plank. We had to board through the cargo hold! Scary then, funny now and a good story.

 

This really depends. For our first several cruises my dh refused to do non-ship excursions because of the guarantee of not getting left behind and all of them were fine and reasonably priced. These were all in the Caribbean.

 

Then when we went to the Baltics he agreed to do a private excursion in St. Petersburg & found out we saw so much more & paid so much less than people who did ship excursions. But I really think you need to look at where your going & if you have time look into non-ship options.

[baldercash]

:eek:

You have to pay for gelato? :rolleyes: That sounds like nickel and diming to me.

 

Lets see, X provides soft serve ice cream, soft serve yogurt at the spa and hand made scoop

ice cream complementary.

You think paying for gelato is nickel and dime, what cruise line have you been sailing?

[Germancruiser]

Since X´s prices are not that high up - I suppose they have to make an extra Dollar here and there in order to keep to basic cruise cost down. Nobody HAS to buy anything so I would not call it nickle and dime.

[bbappel]

In principal you could do a cruise without spending any extra's, especially on Celebrity as their free drinks are not as bad as on other lines and the free food is good and plentiful.

 

The only exception is ofcourse the dayly tip charge, but just see that as a hotel service charge and never skip that!

 

Also most of us have some kind of OBC nowadays, so there is no need to "feel" nickel and dimed.;)

 

I agree w/Waihekean that it is your choice whether to feel that way. I too kind of mind the specialty restaurants because I feel it is possible that the quality of MDR food has declined a bit. Then again, it is the opportunity for those who have a lot of money to enjoy a fancier cruise while benefiting from Celebrity's clientele and non-smoking policy and ships.

 

I like that they have some extras offered ala carte because it means I can still afford a cruise. I don't have to add on all the extras to have a great time, and if I've been frugal, I can splurge on something special.

 

About the Shore Excursions, with Celebrity we haven't found a great savings for doing them independently though generally they are more personal if done privately. Some private tours are in fact more expensive but you see more. I like that you pay in advance for shore excursions if you book them ahead because it helps with budgeting.

 

If you want an all-inclusive trip, you can get a drinks package, a dining package and an excursion package or there are cruise lines that include everything. I believe they are more expensive, and in essence, you are paying for your neighbor's habit of drinking two bottles of wine with dinner, etc. or perhaps someone else is paying if you do that :D. With Celebrity, you pay for your own luxuries, but don't have to share in the cost of the luxuries for others.

 

I'm glad Celebrity has been able to keep the basic cost of a cruise affordable.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Personally - I don't feel nickel and dimed at all. I look at it as having lots of options available, should I choose to take advantage of them.

 

Mike

 

Well put! I share your opinion.

[dln929]

First off, I dont mean this to be a negative thread as the wife and I are looking forward to our cruise on the 24th. But now that I have my logon and was looking at the spa, drink and excursion packages it is starting to seem that you are "nickly & dime'ed" for everything (OK everything is not a totally fair statement). Granted last time I was on a cruise was in my early to mid 20's and things have changed in those 15+ years. But that last cruise was Carnival I dont really rememebr paying for much of anything except alcohol, even certain excursion were no-cost or low cost.

 

Its not that another $100 here or $300 there is going to prevent us from doing anything but still feels like the experience or expectation has changed? For example: $600+ for both us to have drinks for the week? $520 for a couples massage? Given that my wifes a big coffee drinker, we'll have plenty of bottled water and pop and probably a couple of adult beverages a night Im sure it works out to get the pkg, but seems things like pop, coffee, cappuchino, bottled waters would still be included in the base price. We are Aqua Class, I believe we get free bottled water, does anyone know how much and what kind?

 

IN the end Im sure what will stick with us are the great memories of a great trip and not the extra $$ spent for drinks or tours.

 

Never spent $600+ for drinks and never went thirsty either. ;)

 

Never even considered a massage on a cruise but I'm glad they're available because other people like them. Never felt pressured before the cruise to book one, or during the cruise either.

 

Never felt the need to book every excursion; only book the ones that interest me, and sometimes not even then. Excursions to me are icing on the cake. They're fun but not necessary to my enjoyment of a port.

 

Never needed to eat at a specialty restaurant--sometimes we do, but most of the times we don't.

 

Never went to the casino and spent money either, but I know lots of people do and that it's an integral part of their cruise experience.

 

 

The point is that there's a lot of things we could spend extra money but honestly, we're not bothered. We buy what we we're interested in on board and the rest? Who cares. I've never been made to feel uncomfortable on a Celebrity ship just because I'm not buying all the extras out there. As to the drinks like cappucino, bottled water and the like--not included because they're upgrades. Celebrity will provide you with plenty to drink, ie, milk, hot tea, lemonade, coffee, etc. but if you want to get fancy you'll have to pay extra. That's pretty well industry standard across all the lines except for the premium lines. Since you're going Aqua, you'll get 2 bottles of water a day, regular size not the litre. The brand varies. Sometimes you can get your cabin steward to bring you an extra bottle or two, but sometimes not.

 

[Lightngsvt]

Thanks for the well reasoned and calm replies everyone! You have presented varying points of view and have opened my mind mind as to how to view these extras.

 

I guess it all comes down to individual priorities and budgets. Being our 10 anniversary i want to make this special so Im just going to try and relax and open the wallet and just go for it! I mean why not? Wont take food off the table and as you have pointed out to me we can make this vacation what we want and as fancy as we want.

 

Thanks again for the great words and advice.

[librarylady19]

We recently spent a few days visiting DS in Florida (Tampa). While it was an enjoyable trip (though chilly by Florida standards) it was quite pricey - factoring in rental car, gas, having to drive everywhere, hotel, meals out, drinks, etc. If I said once I said 10 times, "it's no Celebrity cruise." It's great to have all your needs met on one place and for a fixed price - unless YOU choose to add on specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions and even Gelato!!

We didn't have room service or twice a day cleaning either:mad:

[Karynanne]

It's all about choices. Look at it this way...if there weren't any choices whatsoever, then passengers would consider a cruise very bland, and in some cases boring. But IMHO, I feel there is something for everyone. Some complimentary...some with fees.

 

Again, it's all about choices.

 

Karyn

[slp123]

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if at breakfast in the MDR I asked for fresh squeezed OJ and the waiter replied "no problem, can I have your room card so I can charge the $3.95 extra for fresh squeeze."

 

I would I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if at dinner I wanted a steak from the every day menu and was asked "if I wanted the grade choice sirloin free of charge or the prime filet for $19.95"

 

I would I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon returning to my cabin at midnight decided I wanted a hot chocolate and was told the drink would be up in 10 minutes and $4.95 charge would be added to my account for room service dining orders placed after midnight.

 

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon getting my final bill I find that every on demand movie I watched before falling asleep carried a $10.95 charge.

 

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon returning from a long ay of sightseeing, I was offered chilled bottle water as I rechecked into the ship and then found charge of $4 on my bill for the water.

 

All of these are actual examples of charges on other lines that friends of mine incurred and were outraged by.

 

There is nothing like that on Celebrity.

[ORV]

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if at breakfast in the MDR I asked for fresh squeezed OJ and the waiter replied "no problem, can I have your room card so I can charge the $3.95 extra for fresh squeeze."

 

I would I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if at dinner I wanted a steak from the every day menu and was asked "if I wanted the grade choice sirloin free of charge or the prime filet for $19.95"

 

I would I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon returning to my cabin at midnight decided I wanted a hot chocolate and was told the drink would be up in 10 minutes and $4.95 charge would be added to my account for room service dining orders placed after midnight.

 

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon getting my final bill I find that every on demand movie I watched before falling asleep carried a $10.95 charge.

 

I would consider myself nickel'd and dime'd if upon returning from a long ay of sightseeing, I was offered chilled bottle water as I rechecked into the ship and then found charge of $4 on my bill for the water.

 

All of these are actual examples of charges on other lines that friends of mine incurred and were outraged by.

 

There is nothing like that on Celebrity.

 

No, the fresh squeezed juice is only 2.50. I agree with the ala carte group.

[Germancruiser]

Well almost true slp123

-bottled water- X charges for them prior leaving the ship for sightseeing

- fresh OJ- X- charges you for that special service every morning (only the canned version is for free

- they charge you for films on deman- how much I don´t know since I do not often use them.

I don´t blame X though, but that is just how it is!

Michael

[SNJCruisers]

But one must admit that $520 for a couple massage is extreme! Id like to learn more about where to get this done on the beach!

Research, research, research. Check out the ports of call section on CC as well as the port that you will be visiting on Tripadvisor.com. They are a wealth of general information and there is also a forum that is specific to the geographic areas that your cruise will visit and you can search those forums and ask questions there as well. A good place to look would be on the beach near or at a resort that sells day passes to cruise ship visitors. often there will be a set up for beach massages. Nachi Cocum on Cozumel comes to mind, and I'm sure there are plenty of others out there. Good luck

[Germancruiser]

520 for a massage- for two- anyway- that is not just expensive that is downright ridiculous - but as I said- no one forced one to accept that. So if you really have to have a massage...! But that really comes close to rape...!

[rnrcruzin]

We were cursing with the "other guys". You know the ones that paint smiley faces on the bow of their ships. We booked a specialty restaurant and were surprised to find extra charges for menu items other than alcoholic beverages. I was a bit miffed in that this item, lobster, was being served in the MDR that night. Now to me this is nickel and dimeing. Does this sort of thing happen on X? If I'm going to drop an extra $100+ on a meal that already been paid for, then I'd prefer no surprises other than an excellent meal.

[TN Vol Fan]

I am surprised and somewhat disappointed to read this...I had gelato almost every day on Azamara and was never charged extra for it. Before anyone says that I probably paid more for Azamara...I did not. I booked at the last minute and got a great rate.

Yes, but not everyone has that option of booking at the last minute and getting that super deal.

If you look at the base price of Azamara in general compared to Celebrity, you will see a big difference, and that covers your "free gelato". Also, the general experience on Azamara is very different from Celebrity: some love it and others don't.

Personally, I love the free ice cream on Celebrity and never felt the need to buy gelato!

[true45]

Don't be disappointed. On Solstice class at least there is a station in the oceanview open most of the day that had homemade-tasting ice cream with a few choices of toppings. So delicious in cone and cup.

 

I think Celebrity is a super value. Be a smart shopper, look for discounts & best times to travel. In the past yr I travelled Carnival, Princess & Equinox. Celebrity was not more expensive. Princess coffee whether the free stuff or the fancier coffee was undrinkable, food was hit & miss. Carnival had free cappachino only in the Dining room but it tasted the same as regular (not that good). Celebrity free coffee is good and cappachino great with free pastries & little sandwiches. Carnival's treats with coffee are not complementary. Carnival's food was bad, hard to find anything edible. Even my son noted it, & he'd eat anything. Carnival & Princess was hawking their wares every 5 minutes. I was accosted at an elevator for teeth whitening after saying no more than once (had just had dental work I had not recovered from but they didn't stop pushing). Many more loudspeaker announcements than Celebrity.

 

I never found it necessary to eat in pay venues -- I had a reservation for Silk Harvest on our 11-night but had to cancel when DH got sick. They did not charge me even though cancellation was last minute and got MDR menu dinner cheerfully and delicious.

 

I have spent money on Celebrity and also gone home with only a $35 bill -- my choice but don't feel nickel & dimed at all. Felt like I had my pockets picked dry on Carnival & Princess.

[Algebralovr]

I don't feel nickel and dime'd either. Having been on Carnival, X is downright easy! We purchase the beverage packages, but I did the math and we come out ahead. I figure they are like purchasing an all inclusive option at a resort.

 

We don't mind the surcharge restaurants, restaurants as we aren't forced to use them. We like the Bistro on Five, and figure we are basically paying for service. Plus, we ask for extras there :)

[CathyCruises]

I don't feel nickel and dime'd either. Having been on Carnival, X is downright easy! We purchase the beverage packages, but I did the math and we come out ahead. I figure they are like purchasing an all inclusive option at a resort.

 

We don't mind the surcharge restaurants, restaurants as we aren't forced to use them. We like the Bistro on Five, and figure we are basically paying for service. Plus, we ask for extras there :)

 

What kind of extras? I have eaten there quite a bit but don't know about any extras!;)

[Algebralovr]

What kind of extras? I have eaten there quite a bit but don't know about any extras!;)

 

We have a bad habit of sending them over to El Bacio for pots of tea, gelato with our desert crapes, lots of extra strawberries with them, etc. Nothing major, but we tend to send them running a couple of places.

[baldercash]

Well almost true slp123

-bottled water- X charges for them prior leaving the ship for sightseeing

- fresh OJ- X- charges you for that special service every morning (only the canned version is for free

- they charge you for films on deman- how much I don´t know since I do not often use them.

I don´t blame X though, but that is just how it is!

Michael

 

X charges for water every where on the ship so why should they give it for free when disembarking or boarding. If you want a bottle would you rate them higher if they did not offer it at all?

 

X does supply free movies on demand just not every new release. I guess they could drop the latest release that they pay a higher fee for and they would be abetter cruise line.

 

Do you think X has done the math and figured out the logistics and cost of supplying the fresh squeezed oranges. I know few people who go to the expense of doing fresh squeezed at home. Not a hard ship to go with out or pay for it if that floats your boat.

Once again they could not offer it at all and I assume they would be viewed as a better cruise line?

 

Come on this is not nickel and diming, They charge more for premium brands of alcohol and beers as well.

If they charged you for a pool towel that is.

 

Charging for a bus to get from the ship to town would be nickel and dime.

 

Charging for a pool towel or a tender now that would be something to complain about.

 

The fact they offer up grades makes it better for those who don't use them.

Those who complain are cheap, they want it but won't pay for it!