What are the extras that you pay for on NCL

[NLH Arizona]

If I pick the beverage package. Value $79 per day. I'm taking a 5 night cruise.

 

$79 X 5 would be free? But then I pay 18% on the $79 X 5? And how about gratuities?

 

Thanks

If you pick the beverage package as a perk, you would be responsible for the 18% gratuities - $14.22 a day x 5 days = $71.10.

[Trellaine]

Thanks! Sorry for all the questions lol. I've been talking to an agent and doing lots of reading. But as a newbie and paying customer need to find out all the extra costs. Up and above the cabin.

 

I just want to relax and get away.

[don't-use-real-name]

"The NCL beverage plan only includes alcoholic drinks"

 

 

The NCL beverage package also includes virgin frozen drinks. I get virgin strawberry and/or banana daiquiris every day.....

 

terry

 

Doesn't the UBP (Ultimate Beverage Package) INCLUDE the lesser packages ?

The Corks and Caps and Soda Package being in the lesser category.

The Viva Vino is NOT included but with the UBP one can have a solo pouring

of any house wine one right after another.

One is not limited to a physical number (15) like Carnival.

[NLH Arizona]

Doesn't the UBP (Ultimate Beverage Package) INCLUDE the lesser packages ?

The Corks and Caps and Soda Package being in the lesser category.

The Viva Vino is NOT included but with the UBP one can have a solo pouring

of any house wine one right after another.

One is not limited to a physical number (15) like Carnival.

Norwegian's Ultimate Beverage Package includes a variety of spirits' date=' cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and the Great Stirrup Cay. A 20% discount will be applied to all bottles of wine purchased on board.[/i']

[AdoraBelle]

Dumb question, since they changed the name of the perk to Open Bar, do the rules using the "UDP" wording even apply?

[ColinIllinois]

Dumb question, since they changed the name of the perk to Open Bar, do the rules using the "UDP" wording even apply?

 

 

You mean UBP, not UDP. Yes, they still apply. It's clearly spelled out in the terms of the promo.

[Nola26]

I will answer the question with what have I spent money on while onboard:

 

Casino play - CAS promotions for my cruises and it is fun

Excursions - wasn't every port, but will be this time because of perk

Photos - individual and photobook

Shopping - gift shop, $10 sale, gold by inch

Bakery - Mom snagged a Carlos cheese cake during an Atrium activity

Minibar - nephew grabbed a soda before he understood they weren't comp

Spa services - bought a sea day pkg on my Sky cruise

Drinks - we have Casino drink card, but Mom bought one drink last cruise

Artwork - Mom bought a print for under $50

Cruise Next certificates

 

Pre purchased online

Treats - dipped strawberries as welcome treat for the family

Spa pass - gift for my mother and will be gift to me for Christmas cruise

Transportation - have used NCL motor coach round trip FLL/POM

 

New this trip - OBC gifts for family rather than show/spa/treats

OBC - nephew will have a small amount for game room, treats, etc.

OBC - Mom may encourage her to do Wine Lovers with a buddy she made last trip (my mother is always making friends), casino, shopping

 

Food: personally I'm cheap when it comes to spending extra on food there is so much good complimentary food I just haven't been willing to spend extra. I may pay the room service fee if we just wanted something while in the room (I had the comp breakfast once last cruise).

[Flamencacha]

 

 

 

The one disadvantage sailing solo on NCL might be that it will be hard to find a table to share if you like traditional dining. You can ask to share, and they will seat you at a larger table, but you don't have the same table mates throughout the cruise due to Freestyle Dining. There is no traditional dining on NCL at all. Maybe some other solo cruisers will chime in on this point. You can easily get a table for two in the main dining room if you prefer to eat in solitude.

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

SOLO piping in. My second cruise on NCL is in 8 days. I thought I would give them another try. I love traditional dining. The lack of it, is the one thing I dislike of NCL.

 

On my next cruise, I started the Roll Call and did a shout out for companions on embarkation Dinner. We have a party of 12 now, mostly SOLOS. Something you might try on your next cruise.

 

On my first cruise, I was lucky a young couple allowed people to join their table. Met my next door cabin neighbor and from there we met three great guys at the singles get together. We ended up eating together every evening.

 

Still prefer traditional.

 

For the OP, get the best that you can afford, 50 years is really quite unusual.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ToplessPony]

We plan to book our first NCL cruise soon and have a question about extra charges. Thanks to CC I think I have a pretty good handle on what's an extra cost. At least I thought I did until I read the latest Breakaway review here.

 

From the review...

 

"Most activities on board are either things you must pay extra for (mini golf, rock climbing wall, any group fitness classes, etc) or "activities" that are really a prolonged sales pitch for something NCL really wants you to impulse buy on board."

 

Used to seeing charges for group fitness classes but not for things like mini golf and rock climbing. I was under the impression those as well as the Sky Trail, the water slides, etc were included in the cruise fare. Is this reviewer wrong or are the top deck activities now an extra charge?

[NLH Arizona]

We plan to book our first NCL cruise soon and have a question about extra charges. Thanks to CC I think I have a pretty good handle on what's an extra cost. At least I thought I did until I read the latest Breakaway review here.

 

From the review...

 

"Most activities on board are either things you must pay extra for (mini golf, rock climbing wall, any group fitness classes, etc) or "activities" that are really a prolonged sales pitch for something NCL really wants you to impulse buy on board."

 

Used to seeing charges for group fitness classes but not for things like mini golf and rock climbing. I was under the impression those as well as the Sky Trail, the water slides, etc were included in the cruise fare. Is this reviewer wrong or are the top deck activities now an extra charge?

I'm not sure that the reviewer is correct. I haven't read that you pay for the rock wall, slides, etc.

[fshagan]

Used to seeing charges for group fitness classes but not for things like mini golf and rock climbing. I was under the impression those as well as the Sky Trail' date=' the water slides, etc were included in the cruise fare. Is this reviewer wrong or are the top deck activities now an extra charge?[/quote']

 

We haven't been on the Breakaway, but have never had to pay for the rock climbing wall or water slides on NCL. I understand the ropes course is free also (we haven't been on a ship with it yet).

 

I'm trying to think of the things you pay extra for. The bowling alleys do have a charge similar to when you go to a bowling alley on shore. Bingo has a very high price now with smaller purses.

[suesings]

 

On my next cruise, I started the Roll Call and did a shout out for companions on embarkation Dinner. We have a party of 12 now, mostly SOLOS. Something you might try on your next cruise.

 

 

That is a fantastic idea!!

[atomax]

Answered inline, to the best of my knowledge

 

We plan to book our first NCL cruise soon and have a question about extra charges. Thanks to CC I think I have a pretty good handle on what's an extra cost. At least I thought I did until I read the latest Breakaway review here.

 

From the review...

 

"Most activities on board are either things you must pay extra for (mini golf Not True, rock climbing wall Not True, any group fitness classes True, etc) or "activities" that are really a prolonged sales pitch for something NCL really wants you to impulse buy on board Not True (art auctions, jewelry "seminars," "How to lose 15 pounds in 3 days!") / True (whiskey/wine/martini tastings, Bingo, usually denoted in the Dailies with a "$") ."

 

Used to seeing charges for group fitness classes but not for things like mini golf and rock climbing. I was under the impression those as well as the Sky Trail, the water slides, etc were included in the cruise fare. Is this reviewer wrong or are the top deck activities now an extra charge?

Edited September 9, 2016 by atomax

[biker@sea]

Bone in rib-eye and MAINE lobster, IN Dawn's Aqua MDR for an UP-charge:eek:

Edited September 9, 2016 by biker@sea

[jetta8300]

I'm not sure if anyone has said this yet, but There are charges for going into certain areas of the ship that you will not see with other lines. Honestly this is one thing that really irked me about Norwegian and prevented me from booking a cruise with them for a long time... We'll see how this one goes and if we sail again, or if we feel like we are being nickel and dimed.

 

Namely the adult only "Vibe" Beach club, you would compare this to the FREE Serenity adult only area with Carnival, and the adult only FREE Solarium on Royal. On Norwegian, you actually have to purchase a pass to enter into this Vibe area with padded chairs. There are also entrance fees to certain bars, like the Ice Bar, and the Haven is a whole other no access area for suite guests with their own private pool, lounging, and main dining room.

Edited September 9, 2016 by jetta8300

[Two Wheels Only]

Namely the adult only "Vibe" Beach club, you would compare this to the FREE Serenity adult only area with Carnival, and the adult only FREE Solarium on Royal. On Norwegian, you actually have to purchase a pass to enter into this Vibe area with padded chairs. There are also entrance fees to certain bars, like the Ice Bar, and the Haven is a whole other no access area for suite guests with their own private pool, lounging, and main dining room.

 

On your Breakaway cruise, you will also have the option of going to the FREE Spice H20 adult-only section (deck 16 aft).

[Quilting_Cruiser]

 

The one disadvantage sailing solo on NCL might be that it will be hard to find a table to share if you like traditional dining. You can ask to share, and they will seat you at a larger table, but you don't have the same table mates throughout the cruise due to Freestyle Dining. There is no traditional dining on NCL at all. Maybe some other solo cruisers will chime in on this point. You can easily get a table for two in the main dining room if you prefer to eat in solitude.

 

 

Another solo cruiser here. This is actually something I consider an advantage of cruising NCL. If I want to share a table, I'll arrive at the MDR with those I'm going to share with. Most evenings I prefer to eat solo and I appreciate not being asked to share. The only place I've been asked if I wanted to share was at O'Sheehan's.

 

I'm not sure if anyone has said this yet, but There are charges for going into certain areas of the ship that you will not see with other lines. Honestly this is one thing that really irked me about Norwegian and prevented me from booking a cruise with them for a long time... We'll see how this one goes and if we sail again, or if we feel like we are being nickel and dimed.

 

Namely the adult only "Vibe" Beach club, you would compare this to the FREE Serenity adult only area with Carnival, and the adult only FREE Solarium on Royal. On Norwegian, you actually have to purchase a pass to enter into this Vibe area with padded chairs. There are also entrance fees to certain bars, like the Ice Bar, and the Haven is a whole other no access area for suite guests with their own private pool, lounging, and main dining room.

 

I've never felt like I've been nickled and dimed on NCL. I make choices of what I pay for. If I Vibe appealed to me, I wouldn't have a problem paying the small fee to be one of the limited number of people who has access. I enjoy the spa so I purchase a spa pass. I'm glad it isn't open for everyone on the ship to utilize the spa--it would be so crowded.

 

The only bar I know of that you pay to enter is the Ice Bar--what are the other bars you pay for? To me that's not big deal. I went with friends on the Epic. Probably won't do it again, but I didn't mind paying for the experience. Every other bar on the ship I could go into without paying extra except, of course, the Haven.

 

As far as the Haven, you either choose to pay the price or you don't. I haven't even been aware of the Haven while on the ship so it doesn't impact my enjoyment of my vacation. I did dine in the Haven restaurant on my last cruise as a guest of someone staying in the Haven. It was nice (though I found the wait service a bit cloying) but I wouldn't pay the Haven prices for it.

[jetta8300]

On your Breakaway cruise, you will also have the option of going to the FREE Spice H20 adult-only section (deck 16 aft).

 

I am aware. I'm just saying that the free of charge areas on Carnival and RCI are themed more like The Vibe. Padded chairs, clamshell loungers, more serene, quiet atmosphere. H2O looks more like the party place, with a screen, stage, etc. We spent the majority of our cruises in the adult areas on RCI and Carnival. I am cruising to Bermuda in October and don't want to pay for something extra if the weather is not good or very warm, something we may not use. We did end up booking a large extended balcony cabin on this cruise to have somewhere quiet to be, so yes, I am willing to pay also. But it's also annoying you cannot book the Vibe ahead of the cruise. I have to board and then apparently wait in line for something (some people say you need to run there). Sorry, I just find the whole process annoying, to each his own.

Edited September 10, 2016 by jetta8300

[jetta8300]

Another solo cruiser here. This is actually something I consider an advantage of cruising NCL. If I want to share a table, I'll arrive at the MDR with those I'm going to share with. Most evenings I prefer to eat solo and I appreciate not being asked to share. The only place I've been asked if I wanted to share was at O'Sheehan's.

 

 

 

I've never felt like I've been nickled and dimed on NCL. I make choices of what I pay for. If I Vibe appealed to me, I wouldn't have a problem paying the small fee to be one of the limited number of people who has access. I enjoy the spa so I purchase a spa pass. I'm glad it isn't open for everyone on the ship to utilize the spa--it would be so crowded.

 

The only bar I know of that you pay to enter is the Ice Bar--what are the other bars you pay for? To me that's not big deal. I went with friends on the Epic. Probably won't do it again, but I didn't mind paying for the experience. Every other bar on the ship I could go into without paying extra except, of course, the Haven.

 

As far as the Haven, you either choose to pay the price or you don't. I haven't even been aware of the Haven while on the ship so it doesn't impact my enjoyment of my vacation. I did dine in the Haven restaurant on my last cruise as a guest of someone staying in the Haven. It was nice (though I found the wait service a bit cloying) but I wouldn't pay the Haven prices for it.

 

I just think it's important to point out that, in answering the OP's question, that There are no free of charge areas on some Norwegian ships that compare to a Carnival Serenity or Royal Caribbean Solarium area. Those areas would be more comparable to The Vibe or the Haven areas. Both of which you have to pay for with Norwegian. Not everyone is aware of that. If that is an area you spend a lot of time in with the other cruise lines, then be prepared to pay for a vibe pass.

Edited September 10, 2016 by jetta8300

[Two Wheels Only]

...But it's also annoying you cannot book the Vibe ahead of the cruise. I have to board and then apparently wait in line for something (some people say you need to run there). Sorry, I just find the whole process annoying, to each his own.

 

I understand the frustration. It seems that NCL wants to have the "free" option like Spice but also wants to have the "pay to play" option of VIBE. If they made Spice "better", VIBE would lose some appeal. There will always be a gap but NCL seems to want to widen that gap.

 

As for the process for getting VIBE passes, it will never be "fair". Suite guests can reserve things online before non-suite guests. Suite guests can get on-board before non-suite guests and (if they want them) suite guests can get VIBE passes before non-suite guests. I won't even mention using the concierge to secure a pass.....;)

 

People driving to the port can get there before those flying in. The earlier boarding groups have a better chance of getting a pass than those arriving later.

 

If people could reserve them online, they'd be gone in minutes. People on the west coast would say it's unfair if the time that they are made available favors those on EST.

 

The foot race, although dangerous, is the most entertaining to watch/read about. :p

[franncos]

I have been on several cruise with different cruise lines and all I can say they

all nickel and dime you and just get ready to dig deep. Having said that chances are this will be your only vacation for this year so you might as well splurge.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

...just get ready to dig deep. ...

 

Only if you want to. You don't have to buy anything extra unless you make that choice. :p

[Warm Breezes]

I have been on several cruise with different cruise lines and all I can say they

all nickel and dime you and just get ready to dig deep. Having said that chances are this will be your only vacation for this year so you might as well splurge.

 

If you are digging deep in your pocket for change on any cruise line it is from your choice to do so...

[Annmeat]

I just think it's important to point out that, in answering the OP's question, that There are no free of charge areas on some Norwegian ships that compare to a Carnival Serenity or Royal Caribbean Solarium area. Those areas would be more comparable to The Vibe or the Haven areas. Both of which you have to pay for with Norwegian. Not everyone is aware of that. If that is an area you spend a lot of time in with the other cruise lines, then be prepared to pay for a vibe pass.

 

Hi!

I have been on at least 12 RCCL cruises. The solarium is neither serene or private. The Vibe doesn't allow kids to run through whilst traversing the ship. The Solarium doesn't have a great bar and attendants passing out fruit skewers and cool cloths. Comparing the 2 doesn't really work. We have been in the Solarium when it is as raucous as the pool deck. Not a fan.

Changing the Vibe to allow booking online is a great idea.

 

A comparison might be the Spice H2O on the Away class (Epic as well?) which is free and doesn't allow kids.