Norwegian nickel and diming claim?

[mugtech]

On the Spirit I was charged $10 per transaction to buy Euros. I chose to do this once rather than travel with 500 Euros in my pocket. Did not feel nickeled and dimed, looked at the $10 as insurance.

[duchesslt]

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.

 

 

You are comparing apples and oranges. In the gambling business, casinos look to profit on the gambler and have odds in their favor to do so. I have had many a marker in a casino for the duration of my stay with no fee.

[Moby0215]

You are comparing apples and oranges. In the gambling business, casinos look to profit on the gambler and have odds in their favor to do so. I have had many a marker in a casino for the duration of my stay with no fee.

 

 

A marker is totally different than Withdrawing money from your credit card. Almost always a fee for such a service. I saw almost because they do waive it for certain tier players.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NLH Arizona]

You are comparing apples and oranges. In the gambling business, casinos look to profit on the gambler and have odds in their favor to do so. I have had many a marker in a casino for the duration of my stay with no fee.

You might want to check out getting a line of credit at NCL. I know you can on some other lines, not sure about NCL.

 

Also, with regard to the 3% for getting money from your onboard account for the casino (which is charged at the time you withdraw the money), on Celebrity it is 5%, it is not just NCL that does this.

[pieshops]

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?

 

totally agree, the funny thing is that if they made it a "all inclusive" pay one price cruise the prices would probably more then triple and then everyone would be complaining what do I have to pay for the specialty restaurants, we never eat there, what do I have to pay for pictures, I don't want them, I don't Bowl, on and on and on and on

[Mr and Mrs C]

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:).

 

 

Yes that may be true, however when I price a Royal cruise it is always more. Are more things included for that cruise? If so I'd rather pick and choose what I want to pay extra for.

[duchesslt]

Yes that may be true, however when I price a Royal cruise it is always more. Are more things included for that cruise? If so I'd rather pick and choose what I want to pay extra for.

 

 

But I bet we can all agree that the "Freestyle Cruising" slogan should change to "Pay-style Cruising". :D

[duchesslt]

You might want to check out getting a line of credit at NCL. I know you can on some other lines, not sure about NCL.

 

Also, with regard to the 3% for getting money from your onboard account for the casino (which is charged at the time you withdraw the money), on Celebrity it is 5%, it is not just NCL that does this.

 

Carnival didn't. They had a cashless model - if I recall, you transfer gambling credits and use your room key (kinda dangerous).

 

And as far as "just like a credit card" - I am purchasing a casino product from Norwegian (a service) - I don't get charged a cash advance to pay for their drinks, not sure you can use that credit card analogy to purchase gambling credits. It is their casino. A credit card company is a 3rd party in the transaction that needs to make their cut.

[NLH Arizona]

Carnival didn't. They had a cashless model - if I recall, you transfer gambling credits and use your room key (kinda dangerous).

 

And as far as "just like a credit card" - I am purchasing a casino product from Norwegian (a service) - I don't get charged a cash advance to pay for their drinks, not sure you can use that credit card analogy to purchase gambling credits. It is their casino. A credit card company is a 3rd party in the transaction that needs to make their cut.

I just checked and you can set up a line of credit with NCL.

 

I didn't use any "just like a credit card" analogy. I just suggested a line of credit, where you wouldn't have to pay the 3% and answered your question as to when they charge you the 3% and just wanted you to know that other cruise lines also charge you a fee if you take money against your onboard account for the casino (Celebrity cruises charges 5%, which is 2% more than NCL). Not sure about Carnival, as I've never cruised with them and won't in the future.

[maywell]

But I bet we can all agree that the "Freestyle Cruising" slogan should change to "Pay-style Cruising". :D

 

When you want everything that ship /line has to offered - better have the money for it and/or go to line that has it more inclusive as part of its fare. *shrug* NCL is not that inclusive line, it was exclusive even before Del Rio/ Stuart took it over - its just the natural evolution of things that was in place while ago under Sheehan.

 

Personally to me, NCL has better basics than Carnival but its not as inclusive as that line. I'm not lobster / steak / prime rib eater, so I can do with out it nor do I use room service like that - I actually like dining setup on the Breakaway, where its al fresco even in the complimentary places like the buffet and grill. I also like it has more dining variety than Carnival and I don't mind paying extra for it since I'm not a big eater and don't spend much on myself anyway. With the a la carte in some of the restaurants, it just comes out more cheaper for me since I only eat 1 or 2 courses. Most of the entertainment is included anyway in the fare; it only the shows that have a meal attached to it that one has to pay - have a choice of going or not at all.

Edited November 29, 2015 by maywell

[motleyfan]

totally agree, the funny thing is that if they made it a "all inclusive" pay one price cruise the prices would probably more then triple and then everyone would be complaining what do I have to pay for the specialty restaurants, we never eat there, what do I have to pay for pictures, I don't want them, I don't Bowl, on and on and on and on

 

Well put

[motleyfan]

But I bet we can all agree that the "Freestyle Cruising" slogan should change to "Pay-style Cruising". :D

 

No because you're FREE to pick and choose what you do and don't want to do.

[canadianeh934]

NCL is nickle and dimming cruisers....any attempt to say other wise is simply a lie.....

 

Troll threads such as this should be shut down asap....as they serve no useful purpose.

 

 

Charging for any food item in the MDR

Charging $7 for room service

Two increases in the DSC in a couple of months

Increasing the Gratuity 20% from 15% to 18%

Charging for a show on board the cruise

 

To say the consumer has a choice is wrong many are without a choice!

 

All of these since I have book my upcoming cruises.....with more to come.

 

T

[Dolphins]

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??

 

We can always count on you to defend the indefensible. Paying for a hamburger on a cruise ship is just another "welcome change" that gives us a choice?

[duchesslt]

We can always count on you to defend the indefensible. Paying for a hamburger on a cruise ship is just another "welcome change" that gives us a choice?

 

I keep saying it's very strange and interesting how some consumers think. What the hell does walking into a mall to buy a product have to do with NCL selling a cruise/service that advertised a certain price/inclusions in the price?

 

"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??"

 

Well, Seashark, if I had read a grocery ad saying come in, purchase turkey and get cranberry and stuffing free, and they then want to charge me for the cranberry/stuffing (even though that is an optional part of the meal I'm preparing) - I shouldn't complain or request the advertising be honored?

Edited November 29, 2015 by duchesslt

[SeaShark]

We can always count on you to defend the indefensible. Paying for a hamburger on a cruise ship is just another "welcome change" that gives us a choice?

And specifically where did I mention hamburgers or welcome changes in my post?

 

FWIW...is your imaginary hamburger something that you are required to purchase, or is it only something that you can choose to purchase?

[maywell]

We can always count on you to defend the indefensible. Paying for a hamburger on a cruise ship is just another "welcome change" that gives us a choice?

 

You mean paying for a hamburger in one location on the ship, while in 2 different locations its still free/complimentary -That's really is called options, not nickle & diming....

 

 

Personally? If one's whole highlight or reason for going on Escape is to just go to Margaretville - You're going to need more better reasons than that because that's not the only restaurant on the ship (specialty or complimentary), nor is it the only activity onboard either....

[NMLady]

NCL is nickle and dimming cruisers....any attempt to say other wise is simply a lie.....

 

Troll threads such as this should be shut down asap....as they serve no useful purpose.

 

 

Charging for any food item in the MDR

Charging $7 for room service

Two increases in the DSC in a couple of months

Increasing the Gratuity 20% from 15% to 18%

Charging for a show on board the cruise

 

To say the consumer has a choice is wrong many are without a choice!

 

All of these since I have book my upcoming cruises.....with more to come.

 

T

 

Even though I don't like the changes,

You DO have a choice for each item you've listed:

Only choose the free selections in MDR, not the lobster

Don't use room service except for complementary breakfast

Prepay gratuities to avoid the rise, or request the form and remove just the increase

Don't attend the show that has a charge.

[duchesslt]

Even though I don't like the changes,

You DO have a choice for each item you've listed:

Only choose the free selections in MDR, not the lobster

Don't use room service except for complementary breakfast

Prepay gratuities to avoid the rise, or request the form and remove just the increase

Don't attend the show that has a charge.

 

But he had those other price points/choices/services included before? That is what was bargained for when he put down his deposit and possibly his final payment. Why do you think it is ok to switch what he bargained/pay for?

 

I think I may want to start a business that attracts CC posters.

[mianmike]

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??

 

It’s as if they were promised a specific set of goods and services which enticed them to pay $3000 for admission into the grocery store and after entering the store they find price tags on everything including what they were told would be free! The nerve!

[SeaShark]

I keep saying it's very strange and interesting how some consumers think. What the hell does walking into a mall to buy a product have to do with NCL selling a cruise/service that advertised a certain price/inclusions in the price?

 

"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??"

 

Well, Seashark, if I had read a grocery ad saying come in, purchase turkey and get cranberry and stuffing free, and they then want to charge me for the cranberry/stuffing (even though that is an optional part of the meal I'm preparing) - I shouldn't complain or request the advertising be honored?

 

First, you can complain all you want. No skin off of my back, right?

 

Second, when you book a cruise you are contracting for transportation on the vessel, full board, and ordinary vessel food. (Read the Guest Ticket Contract) Nothing else is promised or guaranteed. Prices and selection of items offered on the ship can vary as the sole discretion of the carrier.

 

If you don't like it, don't buy it...nobody is forcing you, right?

[NMLady]

But he had those other price points/choices/services included before? That is what was bargained for when he put down his deposit and possibly his final payment. Why do you think it is ok to switch what he bargained/pay for?

 

I think I may want to start a business that attracts CC posters.

 

I didnot say it was okay for NCL to make those changes, even though according to the cruise contract they have the right to do so. I don't like the way the changes were made, and they affect me as well, since I booked my cruise last May long before any of these changes, and my cruise isn't until April when the a la carte change will also have kicked in. And my Platinum dinner perk is also now less.

 

What I did respond to was the person saying we have no choice but we do have the choice of not spending that additional money.

 

Cruisers also have the choice of cancelling and not cruising with NCL.

We always have choices, even if we think they aren't fair.

Edited November 29, 2015 by NMLady

[duchesslt]

First, you can complain all you want. No skin off of my back, right?

 

Second, when you book a cruise you are contracting for transportation on the vessel, full board, and ordinary vessel food. (Read the Guest Ticket Contract) Nothing else is promised or guaranteed. Prices and selection of items offered on the ship can vary as the sole discretion of the carrier.

 

If you don't like it, don't buy it...nobody is forcing you, right?

 

But the contract says

 

"fare paid by the Guest for this ticket includes transportation on the vessel named herein, full board, and ordinary vessel food, but does not include beer, wine, spirits, sodas or mineral waters, nor expenses incurred for other incidental or personal services/purchases"

 

And, for example, Margaritaville, was advertised as "ordinary vessel food" in the sense that it was included, and gratuity was advertised at 15%, etc.

 

What about the contract lets them change those terms they advertised and for which I made my final payment already?

[maywell]

But he had those other price points/choices/services included before? That is what was bargained for when he put down his deposit and possibly his final payment. Why do you think it is ok to switch what he bargained/pay for?

 

I think I may want to start a business that attracts CC posters.

 

Lobster has been out of the MDR for at least year or 2, and was in specialty restaurants before Del Rio took over this year. Plus it was tails, not whole lobster too. So putting it back in the MDR as 1lb whole lobster is kind of achievement, unto itself in hindsight.... (for NCL anyway)

 

The menu for the original room service before the all day charge was crappy and not much on it. Literally, the only hot food on it was coffee, tea, chicken soup that didn't have much taste, hamburger and a hot dog. So getting steak, pasta, chicken and fish plus hot breakfast like eggs and sausage is major upgrade for NCL.

 

The only charge entertainment is the lunch wine show and evening dinner show. Both can be avoid by not even making reservations or stepping into the place....And this too was before Del Rio took over.

 

 

If you're going to use the bait & switch outcry - at least know the timeline of when things was actually removed or put back. Because alot of stuff was removed during Sheehan's time and was put back under Del Rio / Stuart as either an upcharge like surf&turf or snuck in without announcement as complimentary, like free escargot and salmon in the MDR. (I did a double-take when I saw those 2 particular items in the MDR menu from Escape)

Edited November 29, 2015 by maywell

[SeaShark]

But the contract says

 

"fare paid by the Guest for this ticket includes transportation on the vessel named herein, full board, and ordinary vessel food, but does not include beer, wine, spirits, sodas or mineral waters, nor expenses incurred for other incidental or personal services/purchases"

 

And, for example, Margaritaville, was advertised as "ordinary vessel food" in the sense that it was included, and gratuity was advertised at 15%, etc.

 

What about the contract lets them change those terms they advertised and for which I made my final payment already?

 

I doubt you could argue Margaritaville as being "ordinary vessel food" given that a) if it is only available on one ship in the fleet, it really can't be "ordinary", and b) if it was "ordinary" then why would you care either way? Just go get a free hamburger at the MDR, the Buffet, or O'Sheehans..."ordinary" is "ordinary", right?

 

Tell you what, sport...If you really feel like you're making a legitimate case and not just trying to argue on the Internet, then why don't you just take your case to a contract attorney and make yourself rich suing the cruise lines for all of the illegal things you seem to think they are doing? :rolleyes: