Norwegian nickel and diming claim?

[motleyfan]

Even though my most recent Cruise was my third with Norwegian all the nickel and diming claims still worry me occasionally. So I went on this cruise being mindful of everything. I can now say with full confidence that Norwegian does not nickel and dime anyone. They simply offer extra services at a charge, don't want to pay extra guess what you don't have to. Your cruise will be as cheap or expensive on board as you choose it to be. In full disclosure yes I had $150 onboard credit and sends the snow room wasn't working they gave me an extra hundred onboard credit but I also didn't go hog wild in fact I still had onboard credit when I left the ship so I didn't even spend it all. Anyone have any stories they view as nickel and diming? Anyone have any other opinions?

[LrgPizza]

[SeaShark]

Even though my most recent Cruise was my third with Norwegian all the nickel and diming claims still worry me occasionally. So I went on this cruise being mindful of everything. I can now say with full confidence that Norwegian does not nickel and dime anyone. They simply offer extra services at a charge, don't want to pay extra guess what you don't have to. Your cruise will be as cheap or expensive on board as you choose it to be. In full disclosure yes I had $150 onboard credit and sends the snow room wasn't working they gave me an extra hundred onboard credit but I also didn't go hog wild in fact I still had onboard credit when I left the ship so I didn't even spend it all. Anyone have any stories they view as nickel and diming? Anyone have any other opinions?

 

You are right, MF. Options and choices are not nickel and diming. Nickel and diming is small unnecessary charges that are mandatory.

 

As an example, if NCL told you on the pier that there was a $5pp charge to get your room card, THAT would be nickel and diming...you can't sail without your room card.

 

The big example of NCL nickel and diming is the 3% fee they started charging for people to get money in the casino. You HAVE to accept the fee to get any money...the fee is not optional (even though gambling, like the entire cruise, is).

 

 

The one thing I always wonder about people who think NCL nickels and dimes them is how they feel when they walk through the mall or the grocery store where EVERYTHING has a price tag??

[motleyfan]

You are right, MF. Options and choices are not nickel and diming. Nickel and diming is small unnecessary charges that are mandatory.

 

As an example, if NCL told you on the pier that there was a $5pp charge to get your room card, THAT would be nickel and diming...you can't sail without your room card.

 

The big example of NCL nickel and diming is the 3% fee they started charging for people to get money in the casino. You HAVE to accept the fee to get any money...the fee is not optional (even though gambling, like the entire cruise, is).

 

 

The one thing I always wonder about people who think NCL nickels and dimes them is how they feel when they walk through the mall or the grocery store where EVERYTHING has a price tag??

 

That last line was awesome about the price tag. I don't know if its true but I've heard the reason I started charging the 3% is people were taking advantage and getting it out of the casino for non Casino reasons.

[NLH Arizona]

That last line was awesome about the price tag. I don't know if its true but I've heard the reason I started charging the 3% is people were taking advantage and getting it out of the casino for non Casino reasons.

Apparently this happened on a lot of cruise lines. Celebrity charges 5%, because people were getting money out saying it was for the casino and it was either just spending money or, and this surprised me, they would take money out and then pay their onboard account with their credit card and then when they got home, they would pay off the credit card with the cash...all in order to get a few points on their credit card....seems like too much work for a few points.

 

Agree with you on nickel and diming. There really isn't much on NCL or any other cruise line, they are just charging for optional services.

[duchesslt]

You are right, MF. Options and choices are not nickel and diming. Nickel and diming is small unnecessary charges that are mandatory.

 

As an example, if NCL told you on the pier that there was a $5pp charge to get your room card, THAT would be nickel and diming...you can't sail without your room card.

 

The big example of NCL nickel and diming is the 3% fee they started charging for people to get money in the casino. You HAVE to accept the fee to get any money...the fee is not optional (even though gambling, like the entire cruise, is).

 

 

The one thing I always wonder about people who think NCL nickels and dimes them is how they feel when they walk through the mall or the grocery store where EVERYTHING has a price tag??

 

Argh! Another unexpected fee to budget for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now most confused cruiser customer to sail Norwegian. I love gambling - I am a 3 card poker, craps, and blackjack junkie - so the line gets its spread AND an additional 3%? When does the 3% get charged - is it for using the ATM or is it for using a room card to charge to your account?

 

Here are my list of confusing fees:

 

1. DSC is paid at 12 before, 13.50 onboard. This tips MDR and Cabin staff.

 

2. UDP January 2015 included in fare supposedly included 18% gratuity, but for any specialty restaurant where I paid a fee to reserve not included on the upcharge amount.

 

3. So based on above, I should budget to give Cabin steward and Bartenders cash for service above and beyond but not dining staff. I also tip Splash Academy staff for keeping my high maintenance DS happy.

 

4. Some specialty restaurants I paid flat SDP upcharge, except Brat Pack which I paid 25% off in line with UDP terms.

 

5. SDP does not include food republic, but since I have UDP I can request 25% off Food republic.

 

6. UDP and Margaritaville - I might pay a la carte, I might not.

 

7. Casino - 3% fee on cash? room charging?

 

8. Soda Package - 18% will be tacked on when I purchase for mom and DS. I can't buy Unlimited Drink Package because both adults in the room have to buy it.

 

Anything else?????????? Thanks for confirming above. Based on above I am thinking I need to bring an extra 1k for the 3 of us plus cash for gambling to avoid a 3% fee?

[SeaShark]

Argh! Another unexpected fee to budget for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now most confused cruiser customer to sail Norwegian. I love gambling - I am a 3 card poker, craps, and blackjack junkie - so the line gets its spread AND an additional 3%? When does the 3% get charged - is it for using the ATM or is it for using a room card to charge to your account?

 

Here are my list of confusing fees:

 

1. DSC is paid at 12 before, 13.50 onboard. This tips MDR and Cabin staff.

 

2. UDP January 2015 included in fare supposedly included 18% gratuity, but for any specialty restaurant where I paid a fee to reserve not included on the upcharge amount.

 

3. So based on above, I should budget to give Cabin steward and Bartenders cash for service above and beyond but not dining staff. I also tip Splash Academy staff for keeping my high maintenance DS happy.

 

4. Some specialty restaurants I paid flat SDP upcharge, except Brat Pack which I paid 25% off in line with UDP terms.

 

5. SDP does not include food republic, but since I have UDP I can request 25% off Food republic.

 

6. UDP and Margaritaville - I might pay a la carte, I might not.

 

7. Casino - 3% fee on cash? room charging?

 

8. Soda Package - 18% will be tacked on when I purchase for mom and DS. I can't buy Unlimited Drink Package because both adults in the room have to buy it.

 

Anything else?????????? Thanks for confirming above. Based on above I am thinking I need to bring an extra 1k for the 3 of us plus cash for gambling to avoid a 3% fee?

 

There is a fee for the ATM, but that is not the fee I mentioned.

 

The casino has a 3% fee for any cash or chips which are charged to your room account.

 

Not that is matters, but the 3% casino fee is NOT one of new fees added in the last year. NCL has been charging that additional fee for about 5 years now.

[Moby0215]

You are right, MF. Options and choices are not nickel and diming. Nickel and diming is small unnecessary charges that are mandatory.

 

 

 

As an example, if NCL told you on the pier that there was a $5pp charge to get your room card, THAT would be nickel and diming...you can't sail without your room card.

 

 

 

The big example of NCL nickel and diming is the 3% fee they started charging for people to get money in the casino. You HAVE to accept the fee to get any money...the fee is not optional (even though gambling, like the entire cruise, is).

 

 

 

 

 

The one thing I always wonder about people who think NCL nickels and dimes them is how they feel when they walk through the mall or the grocery store where EVERYTHING has a price tag??

 

 

I don't think The 3% fee to get cash in the casino can be considered nickel and dining. 1) because the person has a choice to get money other ways. 2) you can use the ATM but that would have a fee as well. 3) most people use credit cards as form of onboard payment and there are credit card fees that NCL are offsetting when taking out money in the casino.

 

Other than the sheer convenience of getting money this way, I would suggest just bringing cash.

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

3. So based on above, I should budget to give Cabin steward and Bartenders cash for service above and beyond but not dining staff.

 

You don't have to tip anyone additional, if you are not so inclined; nothing is required nor is it expected by the crew. Some do and some don't.

[david_sobe]

Some of you guys crack me up.

More options is not nickel and diming. We agree. However to charge for things that were once included in the cruise fare is nickel and diming IMHO. There would be a long list but I don't want to wake the trolls :eek:

 

Dictionary: To accumulate in small amounts

 

Why do some get so angry at this phrase? I see people freak out on this board. The entire vacation industry is full of nickel and diming. But some think NCL should be immune from commenting about it.

Edited November 28, 2015 by david_sobe

[SeaShark]

I don't think The 3% fee to get cash in the casino can be considered nickel and dining. 1) because the person has a choice to get money other ways. 2) you can use the ATM but that would have a fee as well. 3) most people use credit cards as form of onboard payment and there are credit card fees that NCL are offsetting when taking out money in the casino.

 

Other than the sheer convenience of getting money this way, I would suggest just bringing cash.

 

 

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By that "logic" then NOTHING can be considered nickel and diming since all fees can be avoided by not cruising in the first place. However that "logic" only exists to support being disagreeable...it really doesn't have any bearing in the real world.

[Moby0215]

By that "logic" then NOTHING can be considered nickel and diming since all fees can be avoided by not cruising in the first place. However that "logic" only exists to support being disagreeable...it really doesn't have any bearing in the real world.

 

 

So the 3% fee is nickel and dining but the ATM fee isn't? Those were my opinions and you can disagree. No worries. One can always just bring cash for gambling. Also, I don't know any casino that will let you take money off of a credit card without charging a fee.

 

 

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[insidecabin]

That last line was awesome about the price tag. I don't know if its true but I've heard the reason I started charging the 3% is people were taking advantage and getting it out of the casino for non Casino reasons.

 

Ncl won't give you refundable OBC that you have paid for in cash if you want it you can wait for a refund when you get home or get it at the casino.

[13seth]

There are charges on the NCL cruise that were free on the other cruise lines I have sailed. My last cruise was earlier this year on Royal. The charges that I will incur only on this NCL cruise include,

 

We have had lobster and prime rib served free of charge in the main dinning.

 

I have always had a locker room and sauna available without paying extra

 

We have always been able to get room service without paying extra, and this is something my wife truly enjoyed every cruise

 

I don't remember ever paying for onboard shows. This one really isn't a big deal because I can do without, the first 3 will definitely impact either the quality of our cruise or the amount we have to spend above and beyond the 7k it cost to book.

[Sauer-kraut]

There are charges on the NCL cruise that were free on the other cruise lines I have sailed. My last cruise was earlier this year on Royal. The charges that I will incur only on this NCL cruise include,

 

We have had lobster and prime rib served free of charge in the main dinning.

 

I have always had a locker room and sauna available without paying extra

 

We have always been able to get room service without paying extra, and this is something my wife truly enjoyed every cruise

 

I don't remember ever paying for onboard shows. This one really isn't a big deal because I can do without, the first 3 will definitely impact either the quality of our cruise or the amount we have to spend above and beyond the 7k it cost to book.

 

The only shows on NCL that incurs a charge is the DINNER/LUNCH shows and those aren't available on every ship.

[SeaShark]

So the 3% fee is nickel and dining but the ATM fee isn't? Those were my opinions and you can disagree. No worries. One can always just bring cash for gambling. Also, I don't know any casino that will let you take money off of a credit card without charging a fee.

 

 

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Yes...the ATM fee comes from the bank, not from NCL. As for casinos not charging the fee, try any NCL casino on a European cruise.

[Moby0215]

Yes...the ATM fee comes from the bank, not from NCL. As for casinos not charging the fee, try any NCL casino on a European cruise.

 

 

I think you are partially misinformed about the ATM fee. Usually at least a percentage of the fee goes to the location hosting the ATM, then most if not all the rest goes to the owner of the ATM (I guess it is possible that the owner could be the bank but that's not most likely). The bank fees would be in addition to the ATM fee. I actually have a store which hosts an ATM.

 

 

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[motleyfan]

There are charges on the NCL cruise that were free on the other cruise lines I have sailed. My last cruise was earlier this year on Royal. The charges that I will incur only on this NCL cruise include,

 

We have had lobster and prime rib served free of charge in the main dinning.

 

I have always had a locker room and sauna available without paying extra

 

We have always been able to get room service without paying extra, and this is something my wife truly enjoyed every cruise

 

I don't remember ever paying for onboard shows. This one really isn't a big deal because I can do without, the first 3 will definitely impact either the quality of our cruise or the amount we have to spend above and beyond the 7k it cost to book.

 

As somebody who went to both of the main shows on the escape let me tell you the dinner show was much better and that seems to be a trend. When I was on the Epic and paid for Cirque it was also the best show on the ship. Both times I walked out realizing I got what I paid for. Don't get me wrong Million Dollar Quartet and the Blue Man Group were great shows but I imho the extra charge shows were simply better.

[SteveH2508]

Yes...the ATM fee comes from the bank, not from NCL. As for casinos not charging the fee, try any NCL casino on a European cruise.

 

NCL now charges the 3% in Europe as well.

[harz99]

The only shows on NCL that incurs a charge is the DINNER/LUNCH shows and those aren't available on every ship.

 

At the moment, yes.

 

The Escape theatre on deck7 has all its seats lettered by row and individually numbered. An easy charge to apply I guess.

[hpecorari]

You are right, MF.

 

 

For some reason.....

This made me laugh so hard I spit hot tea out through my mouth and nose!

 

No offense Motley, I'd have said the same thing no matter who's initials they were.

 

Harriet

Edited November 28, 2015 by hpecorari

[maywell]

Personally, NCL is one of the those lines where you better:

 

1) buy a package or get the promo for dining and/or drinking if you know you're going do both or either one heavily

 

2) bring a budget of at least $200-500 per person for dining / drinking if not buying the package/promo if you're not heavy eater / drinker but still want to go to the bar / specialty restaurant at least few times during the trip

 

~and/or ~

 

3) have some extremely good self-control / curb your cravings because NCL even limits amount of how much you can eat/drink even at the buffet. (For example - Better come in with your own travel mug / tumblers because the cups on the ships are teeny tiny, that you have to get up or ordered more a couple of times to quench your thirst - and this was before Del Rio / Stuart took over)

 

 

All lines you have to budget for but on NCL you can't be greedy glutton at all times and expect all the food, even specialty and lunch to be included in the fare - it's not happening. Either cough up the money for the specialty dining if you're planning to eat there more than 3 times during the trip ~OR~ learn to make due with complimentary dining by learning the layout / time schedule of the places especially the buffet. Because, let's be honest - still have 3-4 complimentary places to dine at that's still included in the fare and if you're not liking those choices, then pay up. And if you don't want to pay up - then reconsider ever sailing on NCL again, because those really are the only 2 options on that cruise line (complimentary or pay extra). Same exact thing with the non-alcoholic drinks and wine - either bring your own, drink the ship's limited free options, or buy/pay extra from the ship.

 

 

Really, I will never understand people that claim they are nickel & dimed on extras like specialty dining / soda/ wine, that's not included in the fare but is completely separate cost anyway. I know what nickel & dime ploys with no free/complimentary/low-cost options looks like and some of these people; honestly just want extra costs options/services of a luxury line without paying a single cent of it on a budget / mass market line, which is what NCL is. Pretty much wanting an all-inclusive experience on a cruise line that pretty much exclusive .....

[sjbdtz]

Argh! Another unexpected fee to budget for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now most confused cruiser customer to sail Norwegian. I love gambling - I am a 3 card poker, craps, and blackjack junkie - so the line gets its spread AND an additional 3%? When does the 3% get charged - is it for using the ATM or is it for using a room card to charge to your account?

 

 

7. Casino - 3% fee on cash? room charging?

 

 

 

If you are Golden or VIP level with Casino, the 3% is waived. If you're VIP, the Soda Packages (2 of them) are included.

 

The 3% is charged when you use your room card for a charge. It's charged for everybody, and then charged-off on the last day, if you have Golden or VIP.

 

 

 

.

[NMLady]

Argh! Another unexpected fee to budget for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now most confused cruiser customer to sail Norwegian. I love gambling - I am a 3 card poker, craps, and blackjack junkie - so the line gets its spread AND an additional 3%? When does the 3% get charged - is it for using the ATM or is it for using a room card to charge to your account. ...

Anything else?????????? Thanks for confirming above. Based on above I am thinking I need to bring an extra 1k for the 3 of us plus cash for gambling to avoid a 3% fee?

 

The ATM machine has a flat rate per transaction and sometimes that is cheaper, depending on the amount you are getting.

 

If you were to go to a bank and get cash, charging it to a credit card you would pay a 3-5% cash ad advance fee. The ship casino cashier is no different.

[sparks1093]

You can call it whatever you want to- NCL has more opportunities for passengers to spend money onboard than any other line. Great if you are an investor:).