Is it worth paying for dining package on escape?

[Spornny]

I actually rang to ask them about it as currently there are only 10 restaurants showing for us to book, they include the complementary ones and the A la Carte.

They explained that as its a new ship all the restaurants are not showing at the moment and to wait 20 days. She said the A la Carte restaurants we would have to pay but not the full price I'm not sure if we get 25% off or if we pay 25%. I would suggest you wait a couple of weeks and then all the restaurants will be there for you to book.

[Minoushka]

Im not sure I understand the dining package .I got one for which I paid the tips for 5 nights of dining .

I really like Cagneys will i need to pay extra ?

What about Modernos ?

Im very confused with these 25% addons or discount

Could someone explain .i have chosen to wait to book not knowing the weather or how my tummy will be ..north Atlantic can be rough

[KeithJenner]

You won't have to pay anything extra for Cagneys or Moderno (unless you go for multiple entrees in Cagneys, it which case it is possible they will charge you).

[punkincc]

Im not sure I understand the dining package .I got one for which I paid the tips for 5 nights of dining .

I really like Cagneys will i need to pay extra ?

What about Modernos ?

Im very confused with these 25% addons or discount

Could someone explain .i have chosen to wait to book not knowing the weather or how my tummy will be ..north Atlantic can be rough

 

You have the SDP, and under the Terms, Cagneys, Moderno, Teppanyaki, Le Bistro, and La Cucina are covered at no additional charge. You can also use it at the Supper Club dinner show, Ocean Blue ( Escape does not have this ), and Bayamo for a $15 up charge. Sushi, Raw Bar and Pincho Tapas are a $7 up charge. Anything with an up charge also counts toward one of your 5 dinners. Food Republic is not covered at all. The SDP has no 25% discounts. Those apply to the UDP packages. So, other than the up charges, you should not have to pay additional unless you order a second main entree in Cagneys or Le Bistro.

 

There is currently a grey area surrounding the new "Premium items" which are being added to the menus on some ships. They have an up charge of from $10 to $20 for items like whole lobster and larger steaks. These "Premium" items are not addressed in the Terms. The terms of both the UDP or SDP predate these menu changes. But, the terms of the UDP does include this statement in the FAQS: "Are any Menu items excluded from the UDP? No, all items listed on the menus are included in the package." Despite this, there are reports of inconsistent handling of these, with some venues/ships insisting the UDP does not cover them, and other reports of no additional charges being made.

 

It appears that either the staff are very confused by these packages and the new menus, OR, NCL is not honoring the Terms of the packages on the date they were sold. Hopefully this will get sorted out before you sail.

[KeithJenner]

The premium items shouldn't be a problem on the Escape (although, as its NCL we never know), as Le Bistro and Cagneys will be a la carte so there shouldn't be upcharge items, just more expensive ones.

 

There is always the possibility that when we see the menu, it will have some more expensive items identified as having an additional charge for those on the plans, but given the language used in the press release I doubt it (with the usual caveats about NCLs terrible wording in their releases).

[punkincc]

The premium items shouldn't be a problem on the Escape (although, as its NCL we never know), as Le Bistro and Cagneys will be a la carte so there shouldn't be upcharge items, just more expensive ones.

 

There is always the possibility that when we see the menu, it will have some more expensive items identified as having an additional charge for those on the plans, but given the language used in the press release I doubt it (with the usual caveats about NCLs terrible wording in their releases).

 

The pertinent thing is the language in the Terms of the package you purchased. I doubt you are going to get any ship to honor a sentence in a press release. NCL may very well plan to have menu items which include a "Premium" charge. They are already adding them to the menus on some ships. But, when they have sold or given away packages with Terms which state EVERYTHING on the Menu is included in the package they sold you, then that presents a problem and this is what NCL needs to address to those of us who hold those packages for future cruises.

 

If they want to alter the terms for those who buy those packages in the future, to state that some menu items will be available for upcharge, they can do that. But, I did not sign up for 25% discounts at Cagneys and Le Bistro, nor for Premium up charge items.

[kismet618]

We have the UDP for our upcoming November Escape cruise. The only charge incurred was the 25% discount for the supper club, which came to $26.54 per person. I was able to book Cagney's, Teppanyaki, Le Bistro, Moderno, and La Cucina. Since we leave Tortola early(3pm), I booked La Cucina for 5:30pm. I then booked Cagney's for 9:30pm, figuring it would be a good time for dessert. We didn't book Bayamo, as I am the only one in my party that enjoys seafood, so I couldn't give you the price I would have been charged with the UDP. It was my understanding in reading the threads here, and also on the NCL website, that there may be an additional $10 for the larger steak at Cagney's, and also for the whole lobster at Le Bistro, in addition to a second entree at either restaurant:

 

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 (Not included in the Ultimate Dining Package). 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.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

Q. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. You may purchase it online under our "Dining" section by logging into ncl.com/myncl or through any Norwegian reservation agent. You may also purchase it onboard on the first or second day of your cruise. For three and four day cruises, this package may only be purchased on the first day of your cruise. Please call or visit the Reservations Desk or visit any restaurant reservations podium.

Q. IN WHICH VENUES WILL THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE BE HONORED?

A. The Ultimate Dining Package is honored in all specialty restaurants with the exception of Ocean Blue, a la carte priced restaurants, entertainment-based dining, mini bar and room service.

Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. With the Ultimate Dining Package, you can dine in any specialty restaurant every night of your cruise, including our exciting Italian, Asian, Brazilian, French and signature steakhouse restaurants. Plus, you can enjoy 25% off the cover charge for dinner at Ocean Blue and all a la carte priced restaurants (not included in Ultimate Dining Package).

Q. HOW CAN I MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. Once you have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package, you can make any dining reservation online under "Dining" by logging into ncl.com/myncl. Reservations for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium must by made under "Entertainment." You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visit any restaurant reservations podium or visit the box office for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium reservations.

Q. CAN I MAKE A DINING RESERVATION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT PARTICIPATING?

A. Yes. Simply make your reservation at ncl.com/myncl. You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visiting any restaurant reservations podium or visiting the box office for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium reservations. Applicable cover charges apply for those who have not purchased the Ultimate Dining Package.

Q. WHAT IF MY TRAVELING COMPANION DOESN’T WANT TO BUY THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE, DO THEY STILL HAVE TO PURCHASE IT?

A. No, guests staying in the same stateroom do not need to purchase the package. The Ultimate Dining Package may be purchased individually.

Q. CAN I BUY DINNER FOR MY FRIENDS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. The Ultimate Dining Package is for personal consumption. If you wish to pay for someone else’s dinner, you will incur in regular cover charges for their consumption.

Q. HOW WILL THE RESTAURANT STAFF KNOW I HAVE PURCHASED THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. Your room keycard will be coded as well as tagged with a sticker and used for identification. The restaurant staff will request to see your room keycard for verification prior to service. So keep it handy.

Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?

A. Yes. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to your package price.

Q. ARE ANY MENU ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. No, all items listed on the menus are included in the package. Additional entrée charges also apply for dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro.

 

Did I miss anything?

Edited September 21, 2015 by kismet618

[punkincc]

We have the UDP for our upcoming November Escape cruise. The only charge incurred was the 25% discount for the supper club, which came to $26.54 per person. I was able to book Cagney's, Teppanyaki, Le Bistro, Moderno, and La Cucina. Since we leave Tortola early(3pm), I booked La Cucina for 5:30pm. I then booked Cagney's for 9:30pm, figuring it would be a good time for dessert. We didn't book Bayamo, as I am the only one in my party that enjoys seafood, so I couldn't give you the price I would have been charged with the UDP. It was my understanding in reading the threads here, and also on the NCL website, that there may be an additional $10 for the larger steak at Cagney's, and also for the whole lobster at Le Bistro, in addition to a second entree at either restaurant:

 

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 (Not included in the Ultimate Dining Package). 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.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

Q. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. You may purchase it online under our "Dining" section by logging into ncl.com/myncl or through any Norwegian reservation agent. You may also purchase it onboard on the first or second day of your cruise. For three and four day cruises, this package may only be purchased on the first day of your cruise. Please call or visit the Reservations Desk or visit any restaurant reservations podium.

Q. IN WHICH VENUES WILL THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE BE HONORED?

A. The Ultimate Dining Package is honored in all specialty restaurants with the exception of Ocean Blue, a la carte priced restaurants, entertainment-based dining, mini bar and room service.

Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. With the Ultimate Dining Package, you can dine in any specialty restaurant every night of your cruise, including our exciting Italian, Asian, Brazilian, French and signature steakhouse restaurants. Plus, you can enjoy 25% off the cover charge for dinner at Ocean Blue and all a la carte priced restaurants (not included in Ultimate Dining Package).

Q. HOW CAN I MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. Once you have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package, you can make any dining reservation online under "Dining" by logging into ncl.com/myncl. Reservations for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium must by made under "Entertainment." You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visit any restaurant reservations podium or visit the box office for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium reservations.

Q. CAN I MAKE A DINING RESERVATION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT PARTICIPATING?

A. Yes. Simply make your reservation at ncl.com/myncl. You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visiting any restaurant reservations podium or visiting the box office for Spiegel Tent/Illusionarium reservations. Applicable cover charges apply for those who have not purchased the Ultimate Dining Package.

Q. WHAT IF MY TRAVELING COMPANION DOESN’T WANT TO BUY THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE, DO THEY STILL HAVE TO PURCHASE IT?

A. No, guests staying in the same stateroom do not need to purchase the package. The Ultimate Dining Package may be purchased individually.

Q. CAN I BUY DINNER FOR MY FRIENDS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. The Ultimate Dining Package is for personal consumption. If you wish to pay for someone else’s dinner, you will incur in regular cover charges for their consumption.

Q. HOW WILL THE RESTAURANT STAFF KNOW I HAVE PURCHASED THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. Your room keycard will be coded as well as tagged with a sticker and used for identification. The restaurant staff will request to see your room keycard for verification prior to service. So keep it handy.

Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?

A. Yes. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to your package price.

Q. ARE ANY MENU ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?

A. No, all items listed on the menus are included in the package. Additional entrée charges also apply for dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro.

 

Did I miss anything?

 

You did not miss a thing, and when I cruise with my UDP in January, I will expect the last line of the FAQs you posted above to be honored, "all items listed on the menus are included in the package".

 

There is no wording about "premium" items which will incur an additional charge, so if I choose to order that "larger steak", I expect it to be given at no extra charge as per the Terms.

[CruisinHarvey]

No you don't. As I said, Cagneys, Le Bistro and La Cucina are covered by the package.

 

That's not what it says. I cut this out of the Escape site for SDP on my upcoming cruise.

 

Specialty Dining Packages include Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki and our French and Italian restaurants. You may choose to dine in entertainment-based and à la carte priced restaurants for an additional charge. Dining options vary by ship.

 

It's a little vague. Since Cagney's, Le Bistro and La Cucina are al a carte now, they could go either way. Is there or isn't there additional charges? I think I'll wait until I see exactly how they implement these changes before I select anything. I can't get straight answer out of anyone there yet. At least not the same answer. I've got until December. So the poor souls who are getting these changes first will be able to help some of us decide.

 

Also in response to the OPs FAQs, that was from the July 3rd changes, not the Oct 3rd changes. I wish I didn't have to say that. NCL is changing plans a restaurants quicker than you change a seasonal menu. It's impossible to keep up.

Edited September 23, 2015 by CruisinHarvey

[punkincc]

That's not what it says. I cut this out of the Escape site for SDP on my upcoming cruise.

 

Specialty Dining Packages include Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki and our French and Italian restaurants. You may choose to dine in entertainment-based and à la carte priced restaurants for an additional charge. Dining options vary by ship.

 

It's a little vague. Since Cagney's, Le Bistro and La Cucina are al a carte now, they could go either way. Is there or isn't there additional charges? I think I'll wait until I see exactly how they implement these changes before I select anything. I can't get straight answer out of anyone there yet. At least not the same answer. I've got until December. So the poor souls who are getting these changes first will be able to help some of us decide.

 

Also in response to the OPs FAQs, that was from the July 3rd changes, not the Oct 3rd changes. I wish I didn't have to say that. NCL is changing plans a restaurants quicker than you change a seasonal menu. It's impossible to keep up.

.

I guess there is always the possibility that NCL could swing the "new" a la carte venues over to the up charge side for SDP package holders come October, but they really should honor the package that people bought up to the October date, which included those venues at no additional charge.

 

I think there is a pretty good possibility that a new set of T&Cs will come out as of the changes in October for those who purchase after that date. Who knows if they will be more favorable than the SDP you could buy today.

 

The "new" SDP packages after the date in October could list Cagneys, Le Bistro and La Cucina for up charge rather than included as they are currently under the Terms, who knows. Personally, I think that I would just buy the SDP NOW, rather than wait for the changes to come in October. Some of our group did just that this week.

[LrgPizza]

At the time they announced a la carte pricing, they also announced that La Cucina, Cagney's, and Le Bistro would still be covered by the dining plans. A la carte pricing for those restaurants doesn't even start until after the Escape sails, so I'm not sure why people think it isn't going to happen. Why would they have even announced it? They could have said nothing and let us all sit and speculate, but they chose to communicate... Yet of course, people still sit and speculate.

 

Yeah, there have been tons of changes, and this could change as well. However, I've yet to hear of one single change that happened before the original announcement had even been implemented. Give it a chance.

[marciemi]

I'm in the category of people trying to decide if I should buy the SDP now for our Jan Getaway cruise or wait and see what it includes after the October changes. Once you book it can you cancel if still well before the cruise?

[sixesandeights]

I think someone at NCL was a little confused re the $15 up charge for Bayamo under the UDP. The $15 upcharge for Bayamo applies to the SDP, not the UDP. 25% discount applies to the UDP. My concern is that several venues will go a la carte beginning in October, including Cagneys and Le Bistro. Of course, they were not a la carte, and would have been included in the UDP when the package was purchased. But the terms do say that a la carte is excluded and 25% applies.

 

Guess I will just call NCL and inquire how they will handle the packages sold prior to the change to a la carte. But changing from "included" to 25% off a la carte venues really does devalue the package, IMO unless they will honor it for the venues it would have covered on the day it was purchased.

 

When they introduced the new SDP plans they replaced the UDP. After October 3rd the SDP terms apply to the UDP. You get the reduced cover changes not the 25% off.

 

6&8

[sixesandeights]

I'm in the category of people trying to decide if I should buy the SDP now for our Jan Getaway cruise or wait and see what it includes after the October changes. Once you book it can you cancel if still well before the cruise?

 

Yes you can cancel the SDP purchase.

 

6&8

[kismet618]

When they introduced the new SDP plans they replaced the UDP. After October 3rd the SDP terms apply to the UDP. You get the reduced cover changes not the 25% off.

 

6&8

So are you saying that after October 3rd, I will be credited with the difference between the 25% discount for the supper club having the UDP, and the $15 upcharge as listed for the SDP for my November 21st Escape cruise? Since I prepaid $26.54 pp, I should get a $11.54 credit pp. Sounds great.

[oreilln]

I have just bought the new five night package for our Escape TA in October. And I have booked restaurants for 5 nights, Cagneys twice, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki and Bayamo. It recognised I had the package and I was not charge anything for Cagneys, Le Bistro or Tepannyaki. I was charged the extra $15 pp (+ gratuity!) for Bayamo which makes sense.

So it does seem to me that the new package is covering the full cost of Cagneys and Le Bistro even though they are going a la carte. You then pay an upcharge + one of your nights for Bayamo, Pinchos, supper club etc

[KeithJenner]

There is no charge showing for Cagneys, Le Bistro or La Cucina whether or not you have the package, as they don't know what the charge will be until they know what you order.

[electro]

At the time they announced a la carte pricing, they also announced that La Cucina, Cagney's, and Le Bistro would still be covered by the dining plans.

 

But they've already added new "premium" items that are not covered under the dining plans with the justification that they were not part of the menu when the T and C were written.

So what is stopping them from changing the names of half or more of the menu or adding the word Premium to most of the menus when they go a la carte and then saying they are new so not part of the dining plans.

Seems to me that they have set the stage to do this!

 

What is included when they go a la carte could be very limited!

 

Lois

Edited September 24, 2015 by electro

[LrgPizza]

But they've already added new "premium" items that are not covered under the dining plans with the justification that they were not part of the menu when the T and C were written.

So what is stopping them from changing the names of half or more of the menu or adding the word Premium to most of the menus when they go a la carte and then saying they are new so not part of the dining plans.

Seems to me that they have set the stage to do this!

 

What is included when they go a la carte could be very limited!

 

Lois

Every single item on the entire menus will be changed to individually pricing. Some will be more valuable than others. That's a given. We will just have to wait and see how it works out. Nothing is "stopping them", as you asked, but I guess I don't understand getting all worked up over something that hasn't happened. We can speculate about anything and everything, but for now, it makes no sense.

[electro]

Every single item on the entire menus will be changed to individually pricing. Some will be more valuable than others. That's a given. We will just have to wait and see how it works out. Nothing is "stopping them", as you asked, but I guess I don't understand getting all worked up over something that hasn't happened. We can speculate about anything and everything, but for now, it makes no sense.

 

Not getting worked up but I will wait and see what others report when it goes a la carte before I purchase a dining plan for my upcoming cruise at the end of Jan.

[LrgPizza]

Not getting worked up but I will wait and see what others report when it goes a la carte before I purchase a dining plan for my upcoming cruise at the end of Jan.

I have one purchased for my Escape TA cruise which will be the introduction of the a la carte menus at those restaurants we've mentioned. I'll let you know.

[electro]

I have one purchased for my Escape TA cruise which will be the introduction of the a la carte menus at those restaurants we've mentioned. I'll let you know.

 

thanks, I'll look for your report.

Have a great cruise!

 

Lois

[punkincc]

When they introduced the new SDP plans they replaced the UDP. After October 3rd the SDP terms apply to the UDP. You get the reduced cover changes not the 25% off.

 

6&8

 

Can you provide the link to where NCL has ever said in writing that this is the case?

 

While it is true that UDP plans are no longer SOLD, having been replaced by the new SDP plans, the fact is that there are still lots of unused UDP plans out there for people who bought them but have not yet cruised. Those UDP Terms and Conditions still stand, because that is the package we BOUGHT.

 

While an up charge might be preferable to a 25% discount, there are other elements of the UDP over the SDP which to me are more favorable, such as no limit on the number of visits making it possible with UDP to hit Cagney's after the show for that Oreo Cheesecake and not having to worry about using another "punch" like with SDP.;).

 

At the very least, if NCL intends to "change" the terms of the package I bought, they could at least present it and ask if I mind. And I don't know who would ever buy any kind of package with NCL again if they will not honor what they sell you.

[kajasmin]

We are on the 11/21 cruise and I didnt realize this was even a thing. We got UDP free when we booked a very long time ago... does this mean we now can't eat at the places it said we could when we booked?!

[LrgPizza]

We are on the 11/21 cruise and I didnt realize this was even a thing. We got UDP free when we booked a very long time ago... does this mean we now can't eat at the places it said we could when we booked?!

 

 

Nothing has changed for you.