NCL approach -second thoughts

[chisoxfan]

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week)

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

[swedish weave]

OP -- You will be inundated with posts from those who accept the changes and think NCL is doing great with their "new approach" to managing the cruise line.

 

I am one who believes in getting the cruise I booked and I don't accept the rapid fire changes NCL management is making in their attempts to wrest extra dollars from their guests.

 

We all are capable of making our own decisions about what is acceptable to us, so I have diverted most of my cruising budget to other lines.

 

The stock market seems to be showing how well NCL's new approach is working.

[Casino Comp Chick]

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week)

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

 

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP - Yes

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge - Yes

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board - Yes

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day - Yes all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge. - Looks that way

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience - Yes

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week) - Yes but I think its $199

Edited September 11, 2016 by Casino Comp Chick

[NLH Arizona]

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP - Your choice, you don't have to take this as a perk.

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge - Your choice, you don't have to take this as a perk.

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board - No, you can not bring water onboard the ship. Ship's water is drinkable, so it is your choice if you want to purchase water on the ship.

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day - Continental breakfast is free of charge, other wise it would be your choice to pay the $7.95 charge, as there are many other options open for breakfast at no charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience - Yes, it is a la carte, but it is your choice if you want to pay for it, no one is forcing you to eat there, as there are a number of venues for you to eat for free.

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week) - Yes there is a charge to Vibe, but it is your choice if you wish to spend the money, no one is forcing you.

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

It is all about choices. You will only be nickeled and dimed if you take that money out of your wallet, as everything you mentioned would be a choice if you want to spend money on those items or not. You could go on a cruise and not spend one dollar, if that is what you choose to do or you could spend $1,000, but it is your choice as no one is forcing you to spend anything on something you don't want to spend money on. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

[chisoxfan]

It is all about choices. You will only be nickeled and dimed if you take that money out of your wallet, as everything you mentioned would be a choice if you want to spend money on those items or not. You could go on a cruise and not spend one dollar, if that is what you choose to do or you could spend $1,000, but it is your choice as no one is forcing you to spend anything on something you don't want to spend money on. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

Yes, as indicated in my post I understand this clearly. NCL is free to charge for towels and pillows if they like and 'for the most part' these charges are identified up front. That does not mean I have to be comfortable with the NCL approach. Water for one is a concern. When I have had drink packages on X, HAL, Princess it was included. I was surprised to learn this when I booked but after research was told it was not a big deal to check in with a case or two of water. Now that is not an option. So yes I could forgo water (not going to happen) or pay 3 bucks+? a bottle x 8 day for 2 x7days so between the UBP grats there is probably 350 bucks addtl. . My point (besides the cost which can be quantified) is that it is just a hassle to have to 'decide' if you want to pay for another bottle of water or room service when traditionally these have been part of the beverage package or cruise experience. With the advent of 'bonus' beverage packages we have really enjoyed the 'carefree' nature of sailing and not concerned ourselves with the end of cruise bill. JMHO

[spanishguy1970]

It is all about choices. You will only be nickeled and dimed if you take that money out of your wallet, as everything you mentioned would be a choice if you want to spend money on those items or not. You could go on a cruise and not spend one dollar, if that is what you choose to do or you could spend $1,000, but it is your choice as no one is forcing you to spend anything on something you don't want to spend money on. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

 

I agree completely, We don't spend extra unless we want to. Our extras may be an excursion here or there, we never take the drink package we are ok with the water we get on board and unsweetened ice tea, we don't drink a whole lot of alcohol except maybe a cocktail or two here and there, We don't take the dining package because we like the MDR. Every now and then we may go to a specialty restaurant but as Platinum we use our certificate. We never feel we are nickel and dimed is all about CHOICE. We pay for our cruise and i think NCL probably gets annoyed with us for not spending a whole lot LOL.....They only big expenditure is the spa pass and that is about it. :D...

[dam64]

Harvest Caye all the food is free and the booze as well if you have the UBP I asked this when I called and booked my cruise.

[NLH Arizona]

Yes, as indicated in my post I understand this clearly. NCL is free to charge for towels and pillows if they like and 'for the most part' these charges are identified up front. That does not mean I have to be comfortable with the NCL approach. Water for one is a concern. When I have had drink packages on X, HAL, Princess it was included. I was surprised to learn this when I booked but after research was told it was not a big deal to check in with a case or two of water. Now that is not an option. So yes I could forgo water (not going to happen) or pay 3 bucks+? a bottle x 8 day for 2 x7days so between the UBP grats there is probably 350 bucks addtl. . My point (besides the cost which can be quantified) is that it is just a hassle to have to 'decide' if you want to pay for another bottle of water or room service when traditionally these have been part of the beverage package or cruise experience. With the advent of 'bonus' beverage packages we have really enjoyed the 'carefree' nature of sailing and not concerned ourselves with the end of cruise bill. JMHO

I understand that water is a concern, but you are not on X, HAL or Princess where it is included, you are on NCL and it is your choice to purchase water or drink their water which is free.

 

Don't take the UBP, call NCL and tell them you don't want it and you can save that money, no one is forcing you to take that as a perk, but keep in mind, if you don't take it, you will still be paying 18% gratuity on each and every alcoholic drink, soda or water you purchase...the choice is yours. On my last cruise, I choose the UBP and since I had to pay the 18% upfront (before they gave the perk of paying them to you when you upgrade to a suite), I simply figured out if it would be cost effective based on how many drinks I would drink or not versus the cost of the 18% gratuity and it was so I took the perk. If it wasn't cost effective, I would have chosen another perk which more suited my budget.

 

If enjoying the 'carefree' nature to you means that water is included in your beverage package, you have the choice there as well and that is to cruise on one of those lines that includes it in their beverage package. I cruise on three different lines (Crystal, Celebrity and NCL) and I have never thought that just because one offers something for free or within a package, the other have to automatically offer it as well; I look at each one based on what I feel their overall value is to me and if one or all's values becomes less appealing to me, they or all will be off my list.

[SuiteCruiser]

Harvest Caye all the food is free and the booze as well if you have the UBP I asked this when I called and booked my cruise.

 

This is a perfect add to this thread. I appears that the drinks are NOT including on the UBP in Harvest Cay like they are on Great Stirrup Cay. The reps on land don't seem to know a whole lot about the product they are selling.

 

I will be there in December and will know first hand then, but from what I've read, any drinks will need to be paid for and not covered by the UBP.

[Gregor4500]

Harvest Caye all the food is free and the booze as well if you have the UBP I asked this when I called and booked my cruise.

 

Sure hope this is correct. That's the beauty of GSC.

Edited September 11, 2016 by Gregor4500

[NLH Arizona]

Sure hope this is correct. That's the beauty of GSC.

Not sure how true it is, but someone posted that the bars are owned by local independent owners, thus that is the reason they weren't included in UBP. Again, not sure how accurate the information is from that poster.

 

If the UBP is not able to be used (which I hope it is), I would hope that NCL would at least make an agreement with the bars where they subsidized some of the cost, so that the cost of drinks are really low priced for the passengers with the UBP, but they really should be free for anyone with the drink package.

[dam64]

This is a perfect add to this thread. I appears that the drinks are NOT including on the UBP in Harvest Cay like they are on Great Stirrup Cay. The reps on land don't seem to know a whole lot about the product they are selling.

 

I will be there in December and will know first hand then, but from what I've read, any drinks will need to be paid for and not covered by the UBP.

 

 

You are mistaken don't know where you got your info from but I was told by numerous people from NCL that the drinks are included with the UBP

[chisoxfan]

If enjoying the 'carefree' nature to you means that water is included in your beverage package, you have the choice there as well and that is to cruise on one of those lines that includes it in their beverage package. I cruise on three different lines (Crystal, Celebrity and NCL) and I have never thought that just because one offers something for free or within a package, the other have to automatically offer it as well; I look at each one based on what I feel their overall value is to me and if one or all's values becomes less appealing to me, they or all will be off my list.

 

Yes, I completely agree. NCL can do whatever they like and find success or failure in the market. I was just expressing my personal thoughts as relates to my general cruising expectations if that is allowed. Being away from NCL for several years I was surprised to see some of these changes.

[WeBeCruisers?]

It is all about choices. You will only be nickeled and dimed if you take that money out of your wallet, as everything you mentioned would be a choice if you want to spend money on those items or not. You could go on a cruise and not spend one dollar, if that is what you choose to do or you could spend $1,000, but it is your choice as no one is forcing you to spend anything on something you don't want to spend money on. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

Excellent response.

[chisoxfan]

Harvest Caye all the food is free and the booze as well if you have the UBP I asked this when I called and booked my cruise.

 

Thanks and I hope this is true. That would be great. I read quite a few posts on this board which contradicted this (although some were older). NCL like all the cruiselines (not picking on them) seem to be masters at giving incorrect info to their guests.

Not sure we will know for sure until some cruisers post after their visit?

[SuiteCruiser]

You are mistaken don't know where you got your info from but I was told by numerous people from NCL that the drinks are included with the UBP

 

I sure hope you're right, but that's not what's been released to the press:

 

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/cruises/article66539687.html

[WeBeCruisers?]

I agree completely, We don't spend extra unless we want to. Our extras may be an excursion here or there, we never take the drink package we are ok with the water we get on board and unsweetened ice tea, we don't drink a whole lot of alcohol except maybe a cocktail or two here and there, We don't take the dining package because we like the MDR. Every now and then we may go to a specialty restaurant but as Platinum we use our certificate. We never feel we are nickel and dimed is all about CHOICE. We pay for our cruise and i think NCL probably gets annoyed with us for not spending a whole lot LOL.....They only big expenditure is the spa pass and that is about it. :D...

Also, an excellent response.

[roger001]

I sure hope you're right, but that's not what's been released to the press:

 

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/cruises/article66539687.html

 

I don't believe any of it is free at Harvest Cay. However, since our next cruise stops there, I have emailed NCL those specific questions asking for specific answers.

[SuiteCruiser]

I don't believe any of it is free at Harvest Cay. However, since our next cruise stops there, I have emailed NCL those specific questions asking for specific answers.

 

I'll be there the beginning of December and hope someone from a November cruise reports back first.

 

I am expecting it to be like a paid beach day, if you want free booze and food, you go back to the ship. Hopefully the prices aren't crazy high, the place looks like a nice place to spend the day.

[dam64]

I sure hope you're right, but that's not what's been released to the press:

 

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/cruises/article66539687.html

 

 

So you are correct I apologize I called them and they told me its LIKE a private island experience however we will have to pay for our food and drinks! Disappointed big time! I asked if its a tender and he couldn't answer he said he doesn't know! So since we paid for the UBP and cruise I will be going back to the ship to eat and drink!!! So disappointed :-(

[roger001]

So you are correct I apologize I called them and they told me its LIKE a private island experience however we will have to pay for our food and drinks! Disappointed big time! I asked if its a tender and he couldn't answer he said he doesn't know! So since we paid for the UBP and cruise I will be going back to the ship to eat and drink!!! So disappointed :-(

 

I agree! I would rather just continued tendering into Belize then.

[NLH Arizona]

So you are correct I apologize I called them and they told me its LIKE a private island experience however we will have to pay for our food and drinks! Disappointed big time! I asked if its a tender and he couldn't answer he said he doesn't know! So since we paid for the UBP and cruise I will be going back to the ship to eat and drink!!! So disappointed :-(

I don't do private island, but this one sounded good to me, but now not so sure. I would have purchased a cabana, but now if the drinks and food aren't included in that purchase, I'll probably just stay on the ship.

[Budget Queen]

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week)

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

 

As many statements above- choices. :) These are bothering YOU, and with that, maybe consider canceling this cruise and booking another line? Clearly- you already have a negative idea about the running of this company so why subject yourself, when every time you drink water, order room service, eat in the specialty restaurant, that resentment is going to be there.

 

 

I'd suggest you look at OVERALL costs. Are other cruise lines offering the same prices? Are the inclusions more to your liking and acceptance? Do you FEEL better about your vacation with a another line?

 

Everyone is different. I highly value NCL's pricing. I get the rock bottom prices I want with guarantee cabins- I get 2 free cocktail parties a cruise, which is enough drinking for me. :) I get a free LeBistro meal- many times only one I'm eating outside of the buffet.

This suits my travel style.

 

I suggest you determine- the bottom line with what YOU are looking for and want from your vacation. Then go with that "choice".

[ABC Cruisers]

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week)

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

 

We, like you, have been away from NCL for a while, we tried X a few years ago and have loved it. That being said, we had a fcc that was set to expire in November, so we are sailing on the Escape just before it does. Not having water included in the UBP seems so silly, but that is their policy. Price wise our cruise on NCL is about $500 less per person than an X cruise, so with the price difference that will certainly pay for any water not included in the UBP. We keep seeing wonderful reviews for the Escape and are excited to try them again :)

[SuiteCruiser]

So you are correct I apologize I called them and they told me its LIKE a private island experience however we will have to pay for our food and drinks! Disappointed big time! I asked if its a tender and he couldn't answer he said he doesn't know! So since we paid for the UBP and cruise I will be going back to the ship to eat and drink!!! So disappointed :-(

 

They are building a dock there, so it will be easier, not sure when it will be finished. I hope they have at least decent prices, as it does look awesome!