Escape Fees for Room Service/ Heard the Casino was super tight

[lattegirl10]

My family will be cruising on the Escape in March, so of course I am trolling cruise critic for all things Escape. I also spoke to one of my co-workers who just got off the Escape and she was seriously annoyed that NCL is charging for room service. One of the reasons I cruise is the enjoyment of waking up in the morning (room service is usually my wake up call) and sitting on the balcony with my cup of coffee and cup of yogurt and listen to the music of the seagulls and ocean.

 

So my question is, why has NCL instituted so many new fees for everything? It seems that whenever someone complains about a service or amenity the solution is to "charge for it". Is it new management? Are they trying to recoup a loss?

 

 

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

[ColinIllinois]

It's really pretty simple. It's a business like any other accountable to shareholders and trying to make money. New ships are expensive, the money has to come from somewhere.

 

You can still get your morning coffee without a room service charge.

 

https://www.ncl.com/faq#norwegian-cruise-line-now-charging-room-service

[LrgPizza]

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

To whom would they complain? That's funny.

 

I love to gamble, pretty much playing slots. I visit casinos in my home state regularly, and hit Vegas at least once a year. I generally don't play slots on any ship because I find the machines are always way too tight, so if people feel this is the case on Escape, it wouldn't surprise me.

 

That said, there was a machine on Escape that my husband and I jokingly called "the cash machine" on the TA cruise. It appeared no one except us ever played it. We would walk past, slip a $20 in, cash out a couple minutes later after only 5 - 10 spins for between $50 and $150 bucks, then go on our merry way. We did this over and over again the entire cruise. We turned that single $20 into several hundred dollars in just this one machine, over the course of 10 days, while only playing slots a total of about 45 minutes. It was very funny. Any time we were going to O'Sheehan's, the theater, etc. we always said, "Hang on a sec while I hit the cash machine first."

[hpecorari]

To whom would they complain? That's funny.

 

I love to gamble, pretty much playing slots. I visit casinos in my home state regularly, and hit Vegas at least once a year. I generally don't play slots on any ship because I find the machines are always way too tight, so if people feel this is the case on Escape, it wouldn't surprise me.

 

That said, there was a machine on Escape that my husband and I jokingly called "the cash machine" on the TA cruise. It appeared no one except us ever played it. We would walk past, slip a $20 in, cash out a couple minutes later after only 5 - 10 spins for between $50 and $150 bucks, then go on our merry way. We did this over and over again the entire cruise. We turned that single $20 into several hundred dollars in just this one machine, over the course of 10 days, while only playing slots a total of about 45 minutes. It was very funny. Any time we were going to O'Sheehan's, the theater, etc. we always said, "Hang on a sec while I hit the cash machine first."

 

I agree. Land casinos are looser because they know you can go somewhere else. On a ship, you have no where to go. You play in their casino or you don't. Simple.

 

But, I have to ask.....which machine and where can I find it! :)

 

Harriet

[calgaryhhr]

To whom would they complain? That's funny.

 

I love to gamble, pretty much playing slots. I visit casinos in my home state regularly, and hit Vegas at least once a year. I generally don't play slots on any ship because I find the machines are always way too tight, so if people feel this is the case on Escape, it wouldn't surprise me.

 

That said, there was a machine on Escape that my husband and I jokingly called "the cash machine" on the TA cruise. It appeared no one except us ever played it. We would walk past, slip a $20 in, cash out a couple minutes later after only 5 - 10 spins for between $50 and $150 bucks, then go on our merry way. We did this over and over again the entire cruise. We turned that single $20 into several hundred dollars in just this one machine, over the course of 10 days, while only playing slots a total of about 45 minutes. It was very funny. Any time we were going to O'Sheehan's, the theater, etc. we always said, "Hang on a sec while I hit the cash machine first."

 

Which machine was this? I'll give it a try next week when we board.

[RuthlessBoss]

My family will be cruising on the Escape in March, so of course I am trolling cruise critic for all things Escape. I also spoke to one of my co-workers who just got off the Escape and she was seriously annoyed that NCL is charging for room service. One of the reasons I cruise is the enjoyment of waking up in the morning (room service is usually my wake up call) and sitting on the balcony with my cup of coffee and cup of yogurt and listen to the music of the seagulls and ocean.

 

So my question is, why has NCL instituted so many new fees for everything? It seems that whenever someone complains about a service or amenity the solution is to "charge for it". Is it new management? Are they trying to recoup a loss?

 

 

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

Apparently your friend did not fill you in completely about room service. Not everything has a fee attached.

[TheDougOut]

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

 

You know what they say... "Loose slots sink ships". Or something like that. I could be wrong.

[newmexicoNita]

My family will be cruising on the Escape in March, so of course I am trolling cruise critic for all things Escape. I also spoke to one of my co-workers who just got off the Escape and she was seriously annoyed that NCL is charging for room service. One of the reasons I cruise is the enjoyment of waking up in the morning (room service is usually my wake up call) and sitting on the balcony with my cup of coffee and cup of yogurt and listen to the music of the seagulls and ocean.

 

So my question is, why has NCL instituted so many new fees for everything? It seems that whenever someone complains about a service or amenity the solution is to "charge for it". Is it new management? Are they trying to recoup a loss?

 

 

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

 

Well I find it hard to believe one of the reasons anyone would cruise is to wake up to coffee and yogurt, but we all have different ideas. Now, truth be told, the basic continental breakfast is still no charge or at least that is what we have all been led to believe. Did your friend actually she ordered coffee and yogurt for breakfast and was charged?

 

As for the tight casino, I don't know of many ships with lose casinos. We were on the Jewel a couple of months ago and found out pretty quickly how tight they can be. So, what did we do? We found other fun activities. When we have had good luck on ship casinos we play a little more, bad luck, we just walk away.

[newmexicoNita]

I agree. Land casinos are looser because they know you can go somewhere else. On a ship, you have no where to go. You play in their casino or you don't. Simple.

 

But, I have to ask.....which machine and where can I find it! :)

 

Harriet

 

Land casinos are also controlled by the state gambling commission, depending on what state they are in.

[LrgPizza]

I agree. Land casinos are looser because they know you can go somewhere else. On a ship, you have no where to go. You play in their casino or you don't. Simple.

 

But, I have to ask.....which machine and where can I find it! :)

 

Harriet

 

Which machine was this? I'll give it a try next week when we board.

 

Not sure what it was called, and I'd never seen it anywhere before. There is a central sport where they have the big fancy shmancy games near the chandelier. There are 2 very noisy annoying Flintstones games there that were always packed. This game is the very first game just to the left of those, all by itself in the main hallway. I'd definitely know it again if I saw it again. I was betting $.68 per spin. If we spun 3 times and hit $0, we'd cash out and try again a different time. It has 4 levels of progressives. I never saw another person play it the entire cruise, and when we returned, it almost always was the way we had left it.

[TheDougOut]

I never saw another person play it the entire cruise, and when we returned, it almost always was the way we had left it.

 

I suspect the activity is about to pick up on this cash cow... :D

[sparks1093]

Well I find it hard to believe one of the reasons anyone would cruise is to wake up to coffee and yogurt, but we all have different ideas. Now, truth be told, the basic continental breakfast is still no charge or at least that is what we have all been led to believe. Did your friend actually she ordered coffee and yogurt for breakfast and was charged?

 

As for the tight casino, I don't know of many ships with lose casinos. We were on the Jewel a couple of months ago and found out pretty quickly how tight they can be. So, what did we do? We found other fun activities. When we have had good luck on ship casinos we play a little more, bad luck, we just walk away.

 

Is it really so hard to believe that someone likes to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee and yogurt on their balcony and that is one reason they like to cruise?

 

OP, continental breakfast is still supposed to be free, so you should be able to enjoy your balcony as you wish.

[rdmadm12]

Regarding the casino, the machines loosened up by the end of our week. We played Friday evening and it seemed like everyone was winning something at that point!

[LrgPizza]

I suspect the activity is about to pick up on this cash cow... :D

Probably one of those folks that plants themselves down and spins and spins and spins. This one hit fast, then we left. We could have maybe continued to sit, but I always felt like that would ruin it. If someone sits there longer than a handful of spins, they are doing it wrong. :p

[TheDougOut]

if someone sits there longer than a handful of spins, they are doing it wrong. :p

 

But it's due!! :D

Edited December 3, 2015 by TheDougOut
Cruise critic didn't allow me to scream, darn it.

[dijid]

Is it really so hard to believe that someone likes to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee and yogurt on their balcony and that is one reason they like to cruise?

 

OP, continental breakfast is still supposed to be free, so you should be able to enjoy your balcony as you wish.

 

Maybe it's different on the Escape, but on other ships, yogurt is not in the free continental breakfast and would incur the room service "convenience" fee.

[hpecorari]

Not sure what it was called, and I'd never seen it anywhere before. There is a central sport where they have the big fancy shmancy games near the chandelier. There are 2 very noisy annoying Flintstones games there that were always packed. This game is the very first game just to the left of those, all by itself in the main hallway. I'd definitely know it again if I saw it again. I was betting $.68 per spin. If we spun 3 times and hit $0, we'd cash out and try again a different time. It has 4 levels of progressives. I never saw another person play it the entire cruise, and when we returned, it almost always was the way we had left it.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out in January and let you know if it's still 'giving' LOL

 

Harriet

[NMLady]

Well I find it hard to believe one of the reasons anyone would cruise is to wake up to coffee and yogurt, but we all have different ideas. Now, truth be told, the basic continental breakfast is still no charge or at least that is what we have all been led to believe. Did your friend actually she ordered coffee and yogurt for breakfast and was charged? ...

 

If the friend otdered coffee and yogurt, yes they would have been charged the $7.95 room service fee because yogurt is not part of the complementary continental breakfast. If you want free, you can only order what is on the card, no add ons.

 

For free can have coffee/tea/juice, pastries/muffin. That's it. No fruit or yogurt, no toast either.

It's a continental breakfast, similar to what is offered in some European hotels.

 

If you want something else added, there will be a service charge.

Edited December 3, 2015 by NMLady

[CUontheC]

My family will be cruising on the Escape in March, so of course I am trolling cruise critic for all things Escape. I also spoke to one of my co-workers who just got off the Escape and she was seriously annoyed that NCL is charging for room service. One of the reasons I cruise is the enjoyment of waking up in the morning (room service is usually my wake up call) and sitting on the balcony with my cup of coffee and cup of yogurt and listen to the music of the seagulls and ocean.

 

So my question is, why has NCL instituted so many new fees for everything? It seems that whenever someone complains about a service or amenity the solution is to "charge for it". Is it new management? Are they trying to recoup a loss?

 

 

Also, regarding the casino, I heard that people were complaining that the slots weren't paying out. Can anyone verify ( who likes to play slots)?:D

 

 

We just sailed on the Escape from the 21st through the 28th of November. We had a blast. I totally get what you are saying about enjoying breakfast in the room. On Celebrity in January my husband and I ordered a full breakfast 5 out of 7 days and enjoyed it on our balcony. On the Escape we ordered the continental breakfast 1 time. No service charge and it was ok.

 

For the Casino it is just like anywhere else. Some win some do not. I can tell you that I won $1000 on a 5 quarter machine in the smoking section. My husband put a $20 bill in the same machine in the non smoking section and on his 3rd spin he also won $1000. The machine had blazing sevens and blazing dollar signs and you can change the amount you want to play from 25 cents to $1.00. My husband also won $250 3 times on the blazing sevens 25cent machine in non smoking. I lost money playing on the 2cent quick hits and would not play those if I went back. On the Royal Princess last year I won 9 quick hits on a penney quick hit machine. Oh and on the very first night we were there two guys sitting right next to eachother on a $1.00 poker machine both hit a royal flush each winning $4000. They both hit within minutes of eachother. I did not witness this but my friends did (4 of them) and one was a professional poker player in Vegas. So like I said it is like any other casino. Don't spend more then you can afford to lose and have fun spending what you are able to. Hopefully you will come out ahead. It is a gamble for sure.

[Shawnino]

Probably one of those folks that plants themselves down and spins and spins and spins. This one hit fast, then we left. We could have maybe continued to sit, but I always felt like that would ruin it. If someone sits there longer than a handful of spins, they are doing it wrong. :p

 

I don't understand.

If you thought the payout ratio was > 100%, why didn't you well and truly hammer it?

[sparks1093]

Maybe it's different on the Escape, but on other ships, yogurt is not in the free continental breakfast and would incur the room service "convenience" fee.

 

If the friend otdered coffee and yogurt, yes they would have been charged the $7.95 room service fee because yogurt is not part of the complementary continental breakfast. If you want free, you can only order what is on the card, no add ons.

 

For free can have coffee/tea/juice, pastries/muffin. That's it. No fruit or yogurt, no toast either.

It's a continental breakfast, similar to what is offered in some European hotels.

 

If you want something else added, there will be a service charge.

 

I guess the OP will have to settle for coffee and a pastry on her balcony (or grab some extra yogurts from the buffet and store them in the fridge.

[LrgPizza]

I don't understand.

If you thought the payout ratio was > 100%, why didn't you well and truly hammer it?

 

Dunno. Maybe it's superstition, or maybe it's common sense since the games aren't programmed in our favor. I always leave a machine after it hits for me, and I always leave very fast if nothing happens after a few spins. If it's hovering right around even, I might sit a bit, but otherwise I don't.

[17cruisesnsl]

The complementary room service menu was posted by EKroller on flicker - yogurt is on the menu. Hope the link below works; if not he has posted a review with photo, menu and dailies links.

Enjoy your cruise

 

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Land casinos are also controlled by the state gambling commission, depending on what state they are in.

 

True but harriet has a good point. One casino you find nothing paying you walk to the one next door. On a ship where you walking to. We all know all states have gambling commission. Ships do not

 

Geri

[NMLady]

The complementary room service menu was posted by EKroller on flicker - yogurt is on the menu. Hope the link below works; if not he has posted a review with photo, menu and dailies links.

Enjoy your cruise

 

 

Is that an old breakfast room service menu card or maybe it is one for suites??

When the service charge went effect the complementary room service card for inside, ov, and balcony cabins has no fruit, no cereal, no yogurt.