NCL Breakaway - Hidden Costs?

[riclop]

Hi Everyone,

 

We are planning a 14 day trip on the NCL Breakaway in January 2017. This is our first NCL cruise and although the price seems reasonable (considering the falling Canadian Dollar), we heard the even though we are with the Free 3rd & 4th passengers and UBP, there are hidden costs once on board. Can anyone elaborate for us that has sailed this ship recently. What can we expect to pay for with the UBP and any other costs. I know the Specialty dining costs (maybe someone can elaborate on those prices as well) but I heard there is a charge for Room Service as well as the 18% gratuity is added to the bill even if using the UBP. Is it not included in the price?

 

Thanks all. Always appreciate the feedback and helpful advice.

 

Derek

Get ready there are lots of them.

[Smitty74]

I got off the BA a couple months ago. other than the UBP fees that I hadn't noticed when I accepted the "free UBP package", I don't think the issue is with hidden charges, I think the issue is more with so many things being an up charge.

 

Want to have easy access to deck chairs? (Vibe Pass)

 

Want to go see the Cirque Du Soleil show?

 

Want to go see the wine lovers show?

 

Want to go into the Ice bar and have a drink?

 

Want to eat food thats exceptional, and not just "OK"?

 

Want to go for a swim in the Therapy pool and get access to the Sauna?

 

Wanna stay in a special part of the ship, and get a special seating area at shows, a special restaurant that serve Lobster Every night, and a special pool and hot tub area that the unwashed masses don't get access to? (Haven)

 

All of these and more are up charge opportunities. NCL has gotten VERY good at creating situations where you will feel compelled to spend extra so that you will feel special, and not like just another cog in their money making machine.

[Two Wheels Only]

All of these and more are up charge opportunities. NCL has gotten VERY good at creating situations where you will feel compelled to spend extra so that you will feel special, and not like just another cog in their money making machine.

 

They are all still optional. Nothing is forced. Even the 18% on the UBP (for those who have to pay it) isn't forced since taking the UBP is optional.

[Smitty74]

They are all still optional. Nothing is forced. Even the 18% on the UBP (for those who have to pay it) isn't forced since taking the UBP is optional.

 

I never said they force you to do anything. I stand by my comments

[Two Wheels Only]

I never said they force you to do anything. I stand by my comments

I was agreeing with you. Your use of "compelled" was spot on. Some people (not you) complain as if they are forced to spend extra on things but those things (like the things that you listed) are optional and not "hidden costs".

Edited October 25, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[pieshops]

So when a ship sails the cruise line knows they have x amount of dollars already spent by everyone for their fare and whatever prepayments have been made for spa, restaurants, gifts etc. It is the cruise lines job from that point on to try and get as much money from you as possible ( this is not a bad thing, this is business) with things like the jewelry sales in the hallways, bingo, casino, gift shops, etc etc. These things need to exist, if they did not the base fare would be unaffordable for the majority of people, it is what people spend once onboard that makes the line money.

 

This is not nickel and diming. Nickel and dining is checking into a hotel and once checked in saying to you if you want to use the pool it is an extra 10 dollars, or if you want towels in your room it is an extra 15 dollars etc.

 

I for one like it as is, pay for what you want and don't pay for what you don't.

[NLH Arizona]

I got off the BA a couple months ago. other than the UBP fees that I hadn't noticed when I accepted the "free UBP package", I don't think the issue is with hidden charges, I think the issue is more with so many things being an up charge.

 

Want to have easy access to deck chairs? (Vibe Pass)

 

Want to go see the Cirque Du Soleil show?

 

Want to go see the wine lovers show?

 

Want to go into the Ice bar and have a drink?

 

Want to eat food thats exceptional, and not just "OK"?

 

Want to go for a swim in the Therapy pool and get access to the Sauna?

 

Wanna stay in a special part of the ship, and get a special seating area at shows, a special restaurant that serve Lobster Every night, and a special pool and hot tub area that the unwashed masses don't get access to? (Haven)

 

All of these and more are up charge opportunities. NCL has gotten VERY good at creating situations where you will feel compelled to spend extra so that you will feel special, and not like just another cog in their money making machine.

You say that NCL creates situations where you feel compelled to spend extra. I am not forced or do I feel obliged to spend extra on things I don't want and I see it as there is a choice to spend my money on different things or not. I would rather NCL charge extra for these items, then include them in my fare, but I guess we all see things differently.

 

BTW, if someone is so inclined, they can walk off the ship owing nothing, as it is up to each individual what they want to spend..

Edited October 25, 2016 by NLH Arizona