Illusionarium with UDP on the Getaway

[Pia1913]

When I made our reservation we were told that Illusionarium was included on embarkation night. Now with all sorts of changes going on, would like to know whether this is still in effect.

 

As you can see by sig line, we board on the 23rd.

[SuiteTraveler]

It was last week when we were on the Getaway, BUT, my husband and I don't like the food they serve in the Illusionarium so we pre-ate at the sushi bar and then just kind of picked at our food in the show. Honestly, I wish they would just switch the Illusionarium to a show venue with drinks but no food. The food is a distraction from the show which you really need to pay attention to.

[WoodsDrive]

When I made our reservation we were told that Illusionarium was included on embarkation night. Now with all sorts of changes going on, would like to know whether this is still in effect.

 

As you can see by sig line, we board on the 23rd.

It's included through July 1, so it's included in our cruise (I'll be on her with you).

[Pia1913]

It's included through July 1, so it's included in our cruise (I'll be on her with you).

 

Hi Laura:

 

Maybe we'll meet that first night prior to the M & G on Sunday.

[Pia1913]

It was last week when we were on the Getaway, BUT, my husband and I don't like the food they serve in the Illusionarium so we pre-ate at the sushi bar and then just kind of picked at our food in the show. Honestly, I wish they would just switch the Illusionarium to a show venue with drinks but no food. The food is a distraction from the show which you really need to pay attention to.

 

I'm not a foodie, but would appreciate if you'd recall what was served.

[hog88]

When I made our reservation we were told that Illusionarium was included on embarkation night. Now with all sorts of changes going on, would like to know whether this is still in effect.

 

As you can see by sig line, we board on the 23rd.

 

It's booked up, I called last night.

[LrgPizza]

I'm not a foodie, but would appreciate if you'd recall what was served.

[Pia1913]

 

Thank you. I will eat the appetizer, the shrimp and the broccoli. My husband will eat everything else. :D

[oracer]

If you don't like the beef, you can ask for salmon and they will bring that. They just don't advertise it.

[Carolina Girl 99]

When I made our reservation we were told that Illusionarium was included on embarkation night. Now with all sorts of changes going on, would like to know whether this is still in effect.

 

As you can see by sig line, we board on the 23rd.

 

I booked our June 6th Getaway cruise at the end of March this year and was told at that time that it is no longer free on embarkation night like it used to be. :(

[Pia1913]

If you don't like the beef, you can ask for salmon and they will bring that. They just don't advertise it.

 

Thanks, but I don't eat "fish fish"; only shellfish.Told you I wasn't a foodie. ;)

 

I booked our June 6th Getaway cruise at the end of March this year and was told at that time that it is no longer free on embarkation night like it used to be. :(

 

See post number 3. We will soon find out.

[jahaha]

I would love to know how this works out, as we board on the 30th.

[weebobby]

any update on this ?

I am sailing June 27th and wondering if its worthwhile getting the UDP

( already have the UBP included free )

[SuiteTraveler]

I'm not a foodie, but would appreciate if you'd recall what was served.

 

The starter is about six slices of proscuitto (which is about 5 slices too much) with a salad bundle wrapped in a thin slice of cucumber and then sliced tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and a balsamic vinaigrette. It is probably the best of the food and not all that good. The entree is a fillet mignon "hockey puck" with 2 incredibly salty grilled shrimp and mixed veggies (potatoes, broccoli) and then the dreaded dessert: something chocolate that is just nasty, a mini flavorless creme brûlée and a nasty red velvet cupcake (don't try it and if you do, remember I warned you!) LOL! If you don't want fillet mignon they will bring salmon which is only marginally better. I believe they also offer some sort of vegetarian meal, but I've never seen it. My advice is to pre-eat OR eat later since you have the UDP anyway and order a bottle of wine for the show.

 

If you think you can eat the shrimp (they were so salty my ankles swelled up like balloons), they will bring you only shrimp if you ask.

 

This is JMO, but life is too short to eat that stuff, so I would just pre eat or eat after the show and give the whole mess they serve a pass.

 

IMO, the entire Illusionarium meal needs a major overhaul and re-think. It's really reminds me of airplane food from the 1980's and not in a good way.

Edited May 28, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[weebobby]

is it included in the UDP on night 1 or has it been scrapped from the UDP ?

[aquarianne11]

is it included in the UDP on night 1 or has it been scrapped from the UDP ?

 

When are you sailing? From what I have read, they are not included for sailings on or after July 3rd, 2015.

 

https://www.ncl.com/terms/shorex-dining-entertainment-spa#dining

 

Ultimate Dining Package

For sailings on or before July 2nd, 2015

The Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings, the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Carlo’s Bake Shop items, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, Chef’s Table is not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The UDP does not include beverages. No Kids pricing, package available for guest 13 and older. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. The package does not apply to Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the Ultimate Dining Package (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). Additional main courses in Cagney’s and Le Bistro will be charged at $10.00.

 

For Sailings on or after July 3rd, 2015

The Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1 and 2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The UDP is nontransferable. Reservations are not required for UDP guests, however, tables reserved onboard will be subject to availability for reservations made 24 hours in advance. We encourage you to log in to My NCL to make dining reservations in advance for specific night(s) of your cruise. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. A 25% discount applies to all a la carte and entertainment based dining and select Specialty Restaurants. These venues include: Sushi, Raw Bar, Food Republic, Hot Rock, Tapas Bar, Noodle Bar, Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, The Cellars, The District, Murder Mystery, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Illusionarium, Supper Club, Wine Lovers, Pajama Jam, Bayamo and Pincho by Jose Garces. The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity. No kids pricing available for UDP. Excludes all 1 and 2 day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. Does not apply to special occasion/holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the UDP (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). $10 per each additional main course will be charged in Le Bistro & Cagney’s. Chef’s Table, Jazz Brunch, Carlo’s Bake Shop items, Ice Cream Bar and Gelato are not part of the package.

[weebobby]

Hi

 

I am sailing out of Miami on June 27th and trying to work out if it is worthwhile getting the UDP. i already got the UBP included in my deal.

 

UDP: The price is $140 each (£91.47 x 2 = £182.94)

 

The way i see it currently you need to eat in about 6 restaurants to get past break even.

 

Cagneys, La Cucina , Le Bistro , Moderno and Teppanyaki (5) = £169.12

 

Not to mention that I may wish to dine at a free restaurant some night such as Shanghai's or a paid for restaurant that is not included in UDP such as Wasabi ( A La Carte ) or Ocean Blue ($39 and not included in UDP)

 

Unless you eat in Cagneys every night I am struggling to see much value in going for the UDP vs just paying individidually when on the boat for the restaurants you fancy.....

[oracer]

The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity.

 

What does this mean? If I have the UDP and eat at say Cagney's, will I still pay the 18%?

[oracer]

One other quick question, looks like there is seating on the floor and banquet seating, what is the difference? I saw pictures of the area and looks like a round stage in the middle with rows of tables about six deep from the round stage, ends with booths next to windows. Are these six rows the floor and I am not seeing seating above?

[SuiteTraveler]

One other quick question, looks like there is seating on the floor and banquet seating, what is the difference? I saw pictures of the area and looks like a round stage in the middle with rows of tables about six deep from the round stage, ends with booths next to windows. Are these six rows the floor and I am not seeing seating above?

 

 

Floor seating is at tables. Banquet seating is the booths. The booths were not used at all the night we were in the Illusionarium. I didn't sit there, so I don't know for certain, but I don't think you can see the film projected up into the dome from the banquet seats. The film is part of the storyline (although I found it a bit annoying to watch and at one point it made me seasick, so I shut my eyes until it was over.)

[t2limar]

Without UDP on the Getaway, is it still worth to have dinner at Illusionarium?

 

If yes, which day will be the best? I believe there area lot of people on the 1st day.

 

I am also concerned that all the best seats will go to the Haven guests!

 

Thanks.

[Pia1913]

is it included in the UDP on night 1 or has it been scrapped from the UDP ?

 

The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity.

 

What does this mean? If I have the UDP and eat at say Cagney's, will I still pay the 18%?

 

We just got off the Getaway yesterday and had the UDP. It was included on the first night. We did 5:30 seating, so can't say whether or not the later time was free too.

 

What I believe the statement about "corresponding gratuity" means, is that if you order a drink in one of the restaurants, you pay the 18%. But that makes sense anyway, because you would be doing that anywhere you ordered a drink. BTW, iced tea and coffee/tea are included

 

Another bit of info: Le Bistro charges $10 extra for 3 special items, but if you're on the plan those are included too and you won't be charged. The lobster tail is enormous!

Edited May 31, 2015 by Pia1913