June fees: Pool $20, Hot Tubs $25, Showroom $30

[tallyho8]

Now that I have your attention, no this is not true, but neither are many of the threads of new fees and changes on NCL and other lines.

 

True, some items have gone up in price or, are no longer included at no extra charge, but what hasn't gone up in price in the last couple of years? My electric bill has gone up, my gas bill, my water bill, everything in the supermarket, but thank goodness, my social security check has gone up too.

 

We all know what inflation is, and if we are in a fixed income position inflation is our enemy but there is no way around it. Many present day workers get raises many times the inflation rate so these raises don't bother them at all.

 

When I was young I could buy a Coca Cola for 5 cents and now they are a dollar but I make so much more money now it really doesn't matter.

 

Yes, Norwegian may charge a room service charge on special items and yes, Carnival may not allow gold members into the past guest party, and yes many other lines have cutbacks too, but cruising is still the BEST, cheapest and most fun vacation of all no matter which line you are loyal to.

 

I love cruising, on all lines, and I expect price increases from time to time just like on everything else and no small 1% increase in my cruise fare will stop me from enjoying my favorite pastime.

 

HAPPY CRUISING TO ALL!

[dlynn0366]

I must say I agree with you :) I just look at it & say "it is what it is" .....then booked the POA for 2016 :D

[maywell]

I must say I agree with you :) I just look at it & say "it is what it is" .....then booked the POA for 2016 :D

 

'It truly is what it is' - booked 3 weeks next year b2b due to fares being affordable on my single self salary. Honestly I can not complain about NCL nor the fees because that's how dirt cheap 2 of the weeks were. Heck I can't even complain about this year - the price with taxes I paid for originally is still way lower than the current price by like $200.

 

Drinks are still cheap on NCL even with tips and increases - I live in NYC, what cheap drinks!:D Complimentary food is still included in the fare and I have no issues walking the stairs to get to buffet or MDR and enjoying my meal there.:) Room service is one of those things that you either use it or you don't, even with the fee attached or not.

[abe3]

Now that I have your attention, no this is not true, but neither are many of the threads of new fees and changes on NCL and other lines.

 

True, some items have gone up in price or, are no longer included at no extra charge, but what hasn't gone up in price in the last couple of years? My electric bill has gone up, my gas bill, my water bill, everything in the supermarket, but thank goodness, my social security check has gone up too.

 

We all know what inflation is, and if we are in a fixed income position inflation is our enemy but there is no way around it. Many present day workers get raises many times the inflation rate so these raises don't bother them at all.

 

When I was young I could buy a Coca Cola for 5 cents and now they are a dollar but I make so much more money now it really doesn't matter.

 

Yes, Norwegian may charge a room service charge on special items and yes, Carnival may not allow gold members into the past guest party, and yes many other lines have cutbacks too, but cruising is still the BEST, cheapest and most fun vacation of all no matter which line you are loyal to.

 

I love cruising, on all lines, and I expect price increases from time to time just like on everything else and no small 1% increase in my cruise fare will stop me from enjoying my favorite pastime.

 

HAPPY CRUISING TO ALL!

 

You are absolutely right. Don't let the little things get in your way from an enjoyable cruise. It is just a small amount that they charge for service, but to me I don't use room service that much and I am not going to let these nickel and dime people get in my way for enjoying my vacation

 

If you complain and worry all the time up to and on your cruise you will never be able to enjoy what you actually paid for and once you know it your cruise is over.

[newmexicoNita]

Now that I have your attention, no this is not true, but neither are many of the threads of new fees and changes on NCL and other lines.

 

True, some items have gone up in price or, are no longer included at no extra charge, but what hasn't gone up in price in the last couple of years? My electric bill has gone up, my gas bill, my water bill, everything in the supermarket, but thank goodness, my social security check has gone up too.

 

We all know what inflation is, and if we are in a fixed income position inflation is our enemy but there is no way around it. Many present day workers get raises many times the inflation rate so these raises don't bother them at all.

 

When I was young I could buy a Coca Cola for 5 cents and now they are a dollar but I make so much more money now it really doesn't matter.

 

Yes, Norwegian may charge a room service charge on special items and yes, Carnival may not allow gold members into the past guest party, and yes many other lines have cutbacks too, but cruising is still the BEST, cheapest and most fun vacation of all no matter which line you are loyal to.

 

I love cruising, on all lines, and I expect price increases from time to time just like on everything else and no small 1% increase in my cruise fare will stop me from enjoying my favorite pastime.

 

HAPPY CRUISING TO ALL!

 

Thanks, very well put. I wish more people could see this and realize none of the resent changes is going to put them in the poor house. You know even for those who think it is time to find a new line, because they have to pay for room service: look at it this way, $8 a day times 7 is $56. When we think what we have paid for our cruise, what is $56 more and if anyone has to have room service more than once a day, there is something wrong.

Edited May 16, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[Son of a son of a ...]

The complaining is done by folks who don't spend much beyond fares. They are like my parents with whom we cruised last week: don't drink, don't gamble, and left the ship with less than $200 tab for both of them. However, my spouse and I spend a heck of a lot more money during the cruise on drinks, dining, casino, and extra tips. For us, these little bumps are "budget dust" - if you have to sweat a few extra dollars a day, then you are not on vacation. :)

[maywell]

The complaining is done by folks who don't spend much beyond fares. They are like my parents with whom we cruised last week: don't drink, don't gamble, and left the ship with less than $200 tab for both of them. However, my spouse and I spend a heck of a lot more money during the cruise on drinks, dining, casino, and extra tips. For us, these little bumps are "budget dust" - if you have to sweat a few extra dollars a day, then you are not on vacation. :)

 

No... Because I don't spend much past my fare along with the DSC and I'm not complaining about the increases. :p Its the people who think the extras like drink packages and specialty dining are mandatory to enjoy one's vacation is who are complaining the most. If the packages save you money in the long run of the vacation then buy it but one should be honest with themselves to make sure they really need it - I notice I didn't before getting on the ship since I like to have 0-4 paid drinks (soda and alcohol) per day, so buying the any drink package is waste of money for me. Also, I'm glad I didn't buy the dining package on my 1st NCL trip because then I wouldn't have realize how good the complimentary choices are for the evening time - I'll maybe eat once or twice at a specialty but its not a requirement to have enjoy the trip more.

 

I bring my budget of $300 per week, enjoy a glass of wine or any alcoholic special of the day, taking in the sea air, watching a free show, play at casino for like $5-10, get a snack from O'sheenan or the Buffet to sit down to and pretty much going about my business of having fun on my trip. :) If $1-2 extra on a alcoholic drink under $11 being charge to the drink package is going to destroy one's budget, then something is wrong with person who brought the package!:eek:

[jennmaybe]

People are upset because of the way NCL has gone about the increases. They did not give prior notices and the fees were implemented/increased on people while they were on their cruise. :mad:

 

I respectfully do not agree with the comment about cruising being the cheapest vacation. We have done many road trips (including a 2 week road trip from NC to the Grand Canyon) & other land-based trips and did not spend as much money for 3 of us as my hubby and I do for 1 cruise. We do not spend a lot of extra money on the ship & we stay in a regular balcony cabin. :)

 

The fees don't bother us too much. We just avoid anything that will consist of an added fee. My hubby is most upset over the new food policy about not being able to take food to your cabin. :mad:

Edited May 16, 2015 by jennmaybe

[Son of a son of a ...]

Cruising is evolving from being all inclusive to being a floating hotel.

 

Depending on the location of your cabin, room service for $8 is not a bad deal - I would probably tip the deliverer that much anyway. Then again, I have lived in places where I would not blink twice at paying $7 for a bottle of domestic beer and $12 for a mixed drink.

[maywell]

Cruising is evolving from being all inclusive to being a floating hotel.

 

Depending on the location of your cabin, room service for $8 is not a bad deal - I would probably tip the deliverer that much anyway. Then again, I have lived in places where I would not blink twice at paying $7 for a bottle of domestic beer and $12 for a mixed drink.

 

Those prices you describe are normal for me - Its been awhile since I've seen a can of soda being just a $1 or under. :(

[RMS Olympic]

I am a solo cruiser and pay double fare.....understood.

I also believe the cruise lines have dug a hole for them selves.....ridiculously low fares to get people on board...then get the money back via onboard charges. I think this worked to a point until the bargain hunters took advantage of the cheap rates and then did not spend on board.

I prioritize my money to cover my passion....cruising. I have no issue with the cruise lines trying to improve their profitability margin and would be willing to pay more for my cabin. But the industry is becoming too much like the airlines....cram more people onboard and offer less and finally charge for what was once included.

Again, I can weather additional costs, what I cannot handle is a take it or leave it business attitude.

Granted, corporates job is to increase profits; loyalty to the stock holders.....I get it.

I even understood the idea behind generating additional income via room service charges....but communicating the changes was not to be found for those of us already under deposit. Was this policy change prohibiting carrying food out of the buffet a deal breaker.....no.

Now ethics and loyalty is a big thing with me, maybe too many years in the Marine Corps....but

Friday I learned of the latest change...Cagney's going a la carte. The explanation given was to be able to increase the number of offerings and improve customer satisfaction. To me its another way to increase profits...understood. BUT....I asked how this change affected the UDP I already paid for that at the time of purchase included Cagney's. Answer...Cagney's is no longer part of the UDP and I would have to pay to dine.

Well that is just plain wrong. Don't sell me something and then take it away under the guise of improving customer satisfaction. NCL said that's the way it is which to me is take it or leave it.

As a cruiser with 36 years of cruising under my belt I have seen the industry continually change.....change is a part of life. But I draw the line when you sell me something and then change it. I cant imagine how I would have reacted while dining on the Escape in Cagney's and then gotten a bill.

I am a brand loyal type person, but loyalty and trust goes both ways. NCL has now lost my loyalty. Again, its not about the money, its ethics. So come Monday I will contact NCL and cancel all bookings (5 in all) and look to another cruise line.

Many might think I am stupid, but we all have guidelines by which we live....NCL corporate and I are at different ends of the spectrum.

I think NCL crew are great, the entertainment wonderful, but it is time for me to leave NCL...I wish the rest of you bon voyage.

[punkincc]

Well said, RMS Olympic, and I could not agree more. Good luck to you.

[tvguy72]

GREAT POST OP. Too bad it will fall on deaf ears. For whatever it's worth. Your post was spot on.

 

Thank you[emoji2]

[PDIDDYwife]

Agreed. Even at the higher end accommodations you can't beat NCL specifically for suite fares . Cruising in suites in not an inexpensive undertaking ( neither is spending a week in Disney World') but we get a lot lot lot more bang for our buck with suites on NCL vs any other line we've cruised. Carnival doesn't even have any comparable suite option to any of the other popular lines.

 

As to the way NCL implemented the changes- sorry, but they have plenty of notice about smoking changes and still the boards were obsessed for weeks . Same on the RCL boards

 

All the talk about evil capitalism,the comments by the forensic accounts who know exactly where the $$ are going... And on and on..

Has taken some joy out of cruise critic. I don't even read the threads re: changes ( but I knew this one's title was in jest)

But the whining oozes in to many other threads as well.

 

Thanks for this thread!

[HowardK]

Hi, I enjoyed reading every post on this thread so far, well written everyone.

 

For me, I don't use room service so am not as phased by it, but understand that many people enjoy it of course. I am just in the habit as a solo of not spending much time in the room whether it is a studio or balcony.

 

The company does have to be profitable to succeed, and although I was being very cynical for several months I am encouraged because I have seen some last minute runs with lower single supplements and other discounts.

 

I feel as though NCL is realizing on that end you can't always take that away.

 

I haven't read much about Cagney's but ate there last time and felt it was one of the best meals I ever had and was worth the $30 + tip I left.

Is it still a flat fee or will it be per item? I realize it is not part of UDP anymore as well.

 

I was almost laughing a little bit at the $20 pool charge- a few months ago I was posting something similar but at $2.95 for a daily pool tag lol.

 

RMS- I am big on loyalty myself-I feel as though they should allow you a refund on the UDP or a different promotion as Cagney's is one of the better (if not best) speciality restaurant.

 

Had I not been encouraged by any of the recent discounts I see, I would have booked Anthem, but it is a lot more and does not offer some of the options I like on NCL.

 

It does at some point economically converge to being a hotel.

I thought one of the perks of Cagney's was being less crowded, quicker service, and better attention. and less time into my evening as well.

 

Although as a solo, often dinner was more about socailizing than the food.

[Travelcat2]

Agree that the OP's post was great and hopefully eye opening to some passengers. For those of you that are going to try another cruise line, I hope it works for you. I do wonder, however, if people find that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side and may return to NCL?

[zqvol]

People are upset because of the way NCL has gone about the increases. They did not give prior notices and the fees were implemented/increased on people while they were on their cruise. :mad:

 

I respectfully do not agree with the comment about cruising being the cheapest vacation. We have done many road trips (including a 2 week road trip from NC to the Grand Canyon) & other land-based trips and did not spend as much money for 3 of us as my hubby and I do for 1 cruise. We do not spend a lot of extra money on the ship & we stay in a regular balcony cabin. :)

 

The fees don't bother us too much. We just avoid anything that will consist of an added fee. My hubby is most upset over the new food policy about not being able to take food to your cabin. :mad:

 

People are upset solely because they have nothing else to complain about.

[punkincc]

People are upset solely because they have nothing else to complain about.

 

And some have nothing better to do than to complain about the complainers.

 

At least the threads here on various topics such as room service, carryout bans, Cagney's going ala carte, etc. offer some information to cruisers who are interested in the info, especially since NCL provides NONE. Their website still indicates that room service is free and included in the cruise fare.

[Warm-Water Diver]

And some have nothing better to do than to complain about the complainers.

 

At least the threads here on various topics such as room service, carryout bans, Cagney's going ala carte, etc. offer some information to cruisers who are interested in the info, especially since NCL provides NONE. Their website still indicates that room service is free and included in the cruise fare.

 

BIG +1

 

These boards are a way to provide feedback be it positive OR negative. But CC is one of the few boards I frequent where posters are heavily criticized for posting comments that are not seen as "cheerleading" the cruise line

[punkincc]

Hi, I enjoyed reading every post on this thread so far, well written everyone.

 

I haven't read much about Cagney's but ate there last time and felt it was one of the best meals I ever had and was worth the $30 + tip I left.

Is it still a flat fee or will it be per item? I realize it is not part of UDP anymore as well.

 

RMS- I am big on loyalty myself-I feel as though they should allow you a refund on the UDP or a different promotion as Cagney's is one of the better (if not best) speciality restaurant..

 

Most folks agree with you about Cagney's. It is our favorite NCL restaurant. It is currently still listed on the UDP and still has a $30 cover fee. But, there is another thread where you can read about the supposed change coming for Cagney's from a long time poster here on these boards and one who has an "inside track" with certain NCL Senior Staff. The info "leaked" is that Cagney's will be ala carte and no longer part of the UDP prior to the sailing of the Escape and then rolled at to the rest of the fleet. The definition of ala carte is in question, as is how all those people who bought the UDP or booked to get it as a free promo ( with Cagney's included ) will be handled. Of course, we will probably have to wait for the first sailing to get our info from passengers on the ship.

[tvguy72]

And, as far as I remember Le Bistro always had an up charge as much as $30 in addition to the cover charge for a few premium dishes.

 

People tend to have limited recall when it applies to proving there point. Without factual evidence to back up their testimony.

 

So, let them have fun elsewhere good riddance.

[NLH Arizona]

And some have nothing better to do than to complain about the complainers.

 

At least the threads here on various topics such as room service, carryout bans, Cagney's going ala carte, etc. offer some information to cruisers who are interested in the info, especially since NCL provides NONE. Their website still indicates that room service is free and included in the cruise fare.

Room service is free, it is a service charge that you are paying and if you look on the NCL website under "What does my cruise fare include?", you will notice that they do mention the room service convenience fee.

 

What does my cruise fare include?

 

Accommodations

Transportation to some of the most beautiful places on earth via cruise ship

Dedicated Kids & Teen (ages 3-17) programming & spaces during at sea days until 10:30 pm and from departure until 10:30 pm during port days

Meals in the complimentary dining venues, i.e.

• Two main dining rooms on every ship except Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway which have three
  
• Buffet
  
• 24-hour Dining venue (on select ships)
  
• Room service menu items (convenience charge may apply)
  
• Outdoor Buffet (on select ships)
  
• Pool Bar and Grill (on select ships)
  
• Coffee Bar (regular coffee and pastries included, specialty coffees at nominal extra charge)
  

Iced Tea, some juices in the buffet (for breakfast), regular coffee, tea and ice water

All entertainment onboard (with the exception of dinner theater entertainment & character breakfast)

Art Auctions

Poolside activities

Access to fitness facilities

Select onboard presentations

Sports Court activities

Use of outdoor pools and hot tubs

In-stateroom TV programming (except for on-demand movies)

Phone calls onboard the ship (stateroom to stateroom)

Use of private Studio Lounge if staying in Studio accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Pride of America, Norwegian Getaway and coming soon, Norwegian Escape

Suite Guests receive additional amenities, based on the category of accommodation.

[maywell]

And, as far as I remember Le Bistro always had an up charge as much as $30 in addition to the cover charge for a few premium dishes.

 

People tend to have limited recall when it applies to proving there point. Without factual evidence to back up their testimony.

 

So, let them have fun elsewhere good riddance.

 

They also forget that lobster tails and escargot are only found in Le Bistro while other cruise lines have them in their MDR on certain days. They also forgot that NCL has a couple of a la carte places like the sushi, coffee shop, cake shop and fomerly the Asian noodle bar that gives a discount percent with UDP or not. And now Cagney's is going la carte - I wish people will hold off the speculating til the official news along with pricing and menu items comes out because right now it just rumors....

 

Regarding limited recall - they also forget that other cruise lines aren't so better with some of their stuff either like more limited selections in the buffet than even NCL at night or not alot of dining choices anytime of day. So yea, maybe they need to go have fun elsewhere so they can gain some perspective or like you say 'Good riddance'....

[canadianeh934]

I am a solo cruiser and pay double fare.....understood.

I also believe the cruise lines have dug a hole for them selves.....ridiculously low fares to get people on board...then get the money back via onboard charges. I think this worked to a point until the bargain hunters took advantage of the cheap rates and then did not spend on board.

I prioritize my money to cover my passion....cruising. I have no issue with the cruise lines trying to improve their profitability margin and would be willing to pay more for my cabin. But the industry is becoming too much like the airlines....cram more people onboard and offer less and finally charge for what was once included.

Again, I can weather additional costs, what I cannot handle is a take it or leave it business attitude.

Granted, corporates job is to increase profits; loyalty to the stock holders.....I get it.

I even understood the idea behind generating additional income via room service charges....but communicating the changes was not to be found for those of us already under deposit. Was this policy change prohibiting carrying food out of the buffet a deal breaker.....no.

Now ethics and loyalty is a big thing with me, maybe too many years in the Marine Corps....but

Friday I learned of the latest change...Cagney's going a la carte. The explanation given was to be able to increase the number of offerings and improve customer satisfaction. To me its another way to increase profits...understood. BUT....I asked how this change affected the UDP I already paid for that at the time of purchase included Cagney's. Answer...Cagney's is no longer part of the UDP and I would have to pay to dine.

Well that is just plain wrong. Don't sell me something and then take it away under the guise of improving customer satisfaction. NCL said that's the way it is which to me is take it or leave it.

As a cruiser with 36 years of cruising under my belt I have seen the industry continually change.....change is a part of life. But I draw the line when you sell me something and then change it. I cant imagine how I would have reacted while dining on the Escape in Cagney's and then gotten a bill.

I am a brand loyal type person, but loyalty and trust goes both ways. NCL has now lost my loyalty. Again, its not about the money, its ethics. So come Monday I will contact NCL and cancel all bookings (5 in all) and look to another cruise line.

Many might think I am stupid, but we all have guidelines by which we live....NCL corporate and I are at different ends of the spectrum.

I think NCL crew are great, the entertainment wonderful, but it is time for me to leave NCL...I wish the rest of you bon voyage.

 

Could not agree more....they sold you a product and then changed it.

 

They should have grandfather in the changes as that shows that they are ethical as well as standing behind their product.

 

I have already paid for my cruise(s) in full as well as the airfare. I got great deals on both and it would cost us $300 to change.

 

I will not likely try NCL again. RCCL raised their on board Gratuities and I got an e mail saying I can prepaid then by the end of May at the current amount. This is the way to do business.

 

I have not been notify of any of the changes that NCL as implement since I have booked which shows just how much they care.

[maywell]

Room service is free, it is a service charge that you are paying and if you look on the NCL website under "What does my cruise fare include?", you will notice that they do mention the room service convenience fee.

 

What does my cruise fare include?

 

Accommodations

Transportation to some of the most beautiful places on earth via cruise ship

Dedicated Kids & Teen (ages 3-17) programming & spaces during at sea days until 10:30 pm and from departure until 10:30 pm during port days

Meals in the complimentary dining venues, i.e.

• Two main dining rooms on every ship except Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway which have three
  
• Buffet
  
• 24-hour Dining venue (on select ships)
  
• Room service menu items (convenience charge may apply)
  
• Outdoor Buffet (on select ships)
  
• Pool Bar and Grill (on select ships)
  
• Coffee Bar (regular coffee and pastries included, specialty coffees at nominal extra charge)
  

Iced Tea, some juices in the buffet (for breakfast), regular coffee, tea and ice water

All entertainment onboard (with the exception of dinner theater entertainment & character breakfast)

Art Auctions

Poolside activities

Access to fitness facilities

Select onboard presentations

Sports Court activities

Use of outdoor pools and hot tubs

In-stateroom TV programming (except for on-demand movies)

Phone calls onboard the ship (stateroom to stateroom)

Use of private Studio Lounge if staying in Studio accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Pride of America, Norwegian Getaway and coming soon, Norwegian Escape

Suite Guests receive additional amenities, based on the category of accommodation.

 

Sometimes the bare minimum is all one needs to enjoy their vacation and maybe a glass of wine or nice Nutcracker martini a day. :D That and it really hard to disappoint some with the basics (Yes, I know its possible but at least NCL hasn't remove the other stuff that part of the fare, yet)