Crazy pricing

[Sailing12Away]

1 hour ago, Tyler414 said:

Been on 2 NCL cruises…tried Celebrity in March.  Wow, what a wake up between them.  NCL nickel and dimes you for everything.  Not sure I’ll go back to NCL.  Already have 2 more cruises booked on Celebrity. Tried looking at a comparable 2024 cruise on NCL’s new ships and went straight to book another Celebrity cruise. NCL was a lot more plus the on board nickel and dime BS.  Unless I can get on NCL’s new ships at a lower price than a luxury cruise line like Celebrity, I’m likely done with NCL. 

It all depends on what is important to you. If you're talking about extra charges for fancy coffee or bottles of water, ok, you got NCL there. For those of us who bring our own refillable water bottle and are fine with whatever regular coffee is free... it's no upcharge for us at all. Every time I've priced out a cruise on Celebrity and a comparable cruise with NCL, Celebrity always comes higher in price when we add in what is important to us. If I cared about unlimited wifi or fancy coffee, maybe it would swing the other way around but for us we haven't found a reason to try Celebrity yet.

 

Is Celebrity really luxury? I honestly don't view them like that at all. Maybe "mainstream plus" if I had to put a label on it, but I think it's still a far cry from the Oceana, Reagent and such. Those true luxury lines are much smaller passenger counts, every room is the equivalent of a suite, true formal nights, truly free excursions, etc. 

 

As for the crepes... the ones in Cocoa's are not the same as the ones from the buffet. Cocoa's is an overpriced fancy ice cream shop which has never been included on NCL. The ones from the buffet were way more simpler and not the monstrosities that is being served at Cocoa's, so hard to say they're equivalent and one was free and the other no longer.

 

That's like saying ice cream is no longer free because now you can only get it at Cocoa's which charges, meanwhile before you could get your own self-serve at the buffet for free. Again, the milkshakes at Cocoa's are enormous and stuffed to the gills with things that would take at least 2-4 people to eat. Not even close to the same thing as the simple cone you made at the buffet.

[julig22]

1 hour ago, RumRunner2021 said:

I have sailed NCL many times, and never encountered any "on board nickel and dime BS."  What are you talking about?

Same here.  I don't like the concept of paying for things I'm not using so I would much rather pay for the things I want, not what appeals to others as part of a package.  So if that's what you are calling "nickel and dime BS" then bring it on!

[Red-Sol]

I think the term of "Nickel and Diming" on NCL is simply some kind of weird tradition. It's been around for many years and I believe that most people who use it aren't even aware of what it actually means. Bottom line is it wasn't true years ago when it first started and it isn't true today.

[complawyer]

FYI, ive never even been in the coco's. any other examples you care to share ie: nickel and diming.  

we dont do go karting, lazer tagging,  ive read that the art auction is one of the biggest rip-offs in cruising, the things i want on a cruise have usually been included in the over-all price, so my friend after 19 ncl cruises since 2010, i have never felt nickel and dimed.  

[The Shrike]

22 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

Alas, guess who's heading on a nine day Haven cruise for less than $8k total? Deals are out there. Just have to look for them. So yea, I'll take my experience which includes everything that I want...well some 90s and 2000s music would be nice too. I guess I can't get it all, eh?

 

We took advantage of the 3rd/4th guest deal and booked a seven-day Caribbean in a two-bedroom Haven villa for next December for $2200/person, including FAS (except 3rd/4th don't get the dining package...no biggie, as we'll eat in the Haven).  I can't imaging anyone thinking that that's over-priced.
 

[dcipjr]

NCL pricing has been weird recently, which I’m chalking up to the pandemic.

 

Yeah, sure, FDR said his infamous bit about milking every last dime out of people onboard, but he said that years ago, and the prices didn’t go all crazy until after the pandemic restart.

 

Example: NYC-Bermuda cruises over the summer, which in the past have usually been around $799 per person for an inside or $1299 for a balcony) were sky-high this year. Every sailing, without fail! At one point, a balcony cabin was around $1999!

 

So we opted for a 9-day cruise in September, initially booked at $999/pp, and wound up in a 2BR H6 for $2059/pp total.

 

$60/pp more than they were charging for 7 days in a balcony in August gets you 9 days in a 2 bedroom suite in the Haven in September, mere weeks later.

 

I’m thinking that a lot of this has to do with capacity controls and recovering revenue post-pandemic. I’m curious to see what the Bermuda runs look like next year, since that’s one of our go-to summer vacations.

 

In the meantime, yeah—there are deals to be found for sure. You just have to be very flexible about when you go.

 

Right now, the pricing is crazy. It’s either crazy expensive or crazy cheap, with very little in-between.

Edited August 28, 2022 by dcipjr

[nferr]

6 hours ago, dcipjr said:

NCL pricing has been weird recently, which I’m chalking up to the pandemic.

 

Yeah, sure, FDR said his infamous bit about milking every last dime out of people onboard, but he said that years ago, and the prices didn’t go all crazy until after the pandemic restart.

 

Example: NYC-Bermuda cruises over the summer, which in the past have usually been around $799 per person for an inside or $1299 for a balcony) were sky-high this year. Every sailing, without fail! At one point, a balcony cabin was around $1999!

 

So we opted for a 9-day cruise in September, initially booked at $999/pp, and wound up in a 2BR H6 for $2059/pp total.

 

$60/pp more than they were charging for 7 days in a balcony in August gets you 9 days in a 2 bedroom suite in the Haven in September, mere weeks later.

 

I’m thinking that a lot of this has to do with capacity controls and recovering revenue post-pandemic. I’m curious to see what the Bermuda runs look like next year, since that’s one of our go-to summer vacations.

 

In the meantime, yeah—there are deals to be found for sure. You just have to be very flexible about when you go.

 

Right now, the pricing is crazy. It’s either crazy expensive or crazy cheap, with very little in-between.

 Prices usually drop sharply in September because school is back in session.  Families cruise in July and August during summer vacation. Much less demand in September.

[Trimone]

Name a decent wine now for under the $15 ?  Over the last few years NCL have been tipping drinks over the drinks package limit, they have even put Baileys over, although they never give you the correct measure.

After talking to cruisers on different lines, they say we don’t bother with the package because prices are responsible like pub prices.

[PATRLR]

14 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

 If you're talking about extra charges for fancy coffee or bottles of water, ok, you got NCL there.

OK, so we can agree there is an example of NCL nickle and diming.

 

14 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

 For those of us who bring our own refillable water bottle and are fine with whatever regular coffee is free... it's no upcharge for us at all.

And that's good for you.  But just because it doesn't affect you, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. 

 

14 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

As for the crepes... the ones in Cocoa's are not the same as the ones from the buffet. Cocoa's is an overpriced fancy ice cream shop which has never been included on NCL. The ones from the buffet were way more simpler and not the monstrosities that is being served at Cocoa's, so hard to say they're equivalent and one was free and the other no longer.

 

That's like saying ice cream is no longer free because now you can only get it at Cocoa's which charges, meanwhile before you could get your own self-serve at the buffet for free. Again, the milkshakes at Cocoa's are enormous and stuffed to the gills with things that would take at least 2-4 people to eat. Not even close to the same thing as the simple cone you made at the buffet.

Just because the crepes may be bigger at Coco's doesn't change the fact that crepes used to be free and now they are not.   

Correct me if I am wrong, but, you can still get soft serve up at the buffet.  Is soft serve now gone too?  If soft serve is now gone from the buffet and the only place you can get it is Coco's where you have to pay for it, then that absolutely is another case of NCL nickel and diming.   

 

If something used to be free (crepes, ice cream) and now the only way to get it is you have to pay for it, why is it so hard for people to acknowledge that these are cases of NCL nickel and diming?

 

14 hours ago, Red-Sol said:

I think the term of "Nickel and Diming" on NCL is simply some kind of weird tradition. It's been around for many years and I believe that most people who use it aren't even aware of what it actually means. Bottom line is it wasn't true years ago when it first started and it isn't true today.

Well  there has already been a number of examples given right in this thread so there are at least some people who know what it means and can cite examples.  Just because you don't see it, doesn't make it not true.  Just because you may not like it, doesn't mean it's not happening.

 

You know what's another weird tradition?  People who feel NCL can do no wrong and seem to defend them even when it goes beyond the obvious.  There's a name that was traditionally used but that is not allowed here on CC anymore.  Doesn't change reality though.

 

14 hours ago, complawyer said:

FYI, ive never even been in the coco's. any other examples you care to share ie: nickel and diming.  

 

Why so you can dismiss them simply because they aren't something you'd buy?  I'm not going to waste my time with you.  Read this thread closer, already cited:  Water, specialty coffees, crepes, decent wines.  

14 hours ago, complawyer said:

we dont do go karting, lazer tagging,  ive read that the art auction is one of the biggest rip-offs in cruising, the things i want on a cruise have usually been included in the over-all price, so my friend after 19 ncl cruises since 2010, i have never felt nickel and dimed.  

And that's wonderful to hear, I am happy for you. But that doesn't mean nickel and diming isn't NCL's business model.

 

Edited August 29, 2022 by PATRLR

[AnitaVacation]

We used to prefer NCL over Carnival.  NCL always had way better entertainment, but Carnival had larger cabins (on the older ships, about 10-15 years ago)...but now, they are pretty much the same...I think NCL has lowered it's standards slightly and Carnival has raised theirs...so they are more alike than not. Everyone has their own list of what is important to them on a cruise.... some people cruise for the ports, some people cruise for the cabin, etc.... Our list is basic, we do not require extra attention from staff... Our preference is a clean and comfortable balcony cabin (or above), someone to make my bed and make my meals, a quiet place to relax in the sun ... our evening activities usually include a show or a band a few drinks, the casino.... and to be with each other... 

[Sailing12Away]

16 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

It all depends on what is important to you.

 

5 hours ago, Trimone said:

Name a decent wine now for under the $15 ?  

We're not wine snobs, but we rarely have a hard time finding something we enjoy. I don't mind paying $2 for a glass of ice wine after dinner. If that's nickel and diming... so be it. On RCC last year they didn't even list any ice wines or moscato at all. It was only when we asked they said 'oh yes, we have other things we don't put on the menu'. So to me, that's worse, where you have a product but don't even advertise it with the hopes someone will simply settle for the higher priced one.

 

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

Just because the crepes may be bigger at Coco's doesn't change the fact that crepes used to be free and now they are not.   Yes, it 100% does. If a hamburger kids meal used to cost $1.99 and now that I'm older I want a full size big mac and it costs $6.99 - the price difference 100% has to do with the size and what else is included.

Correct me if I am wrong, but, you can still get soft serve up at the buffet.  Is soft serve now gone too?  If soft serve is now gone from the buffet and the only place you can get it is Coco's where you have to pay for it, then that absolutely is another case of NCL nickel and diming.   Calm down... simple ice cream cones/cups from the buffet is still free. Again, you're missing the point. There's a difference between that simple soft serve vanilla ice cream cone, and the monstrously sized and overstuffed sundaes that come out of Cocoas. If you expect them to both be free and are ignoring the fact that they're 100% not the same thing, I can't help you.

 

If something used to be free (crepes, ice cream) and now the only way to get it is you have to pay for it, why is it so hard for people to acknowledge that these are cases of NCL nickel and diming? Because it's not the same product. The product has changed, therefore the price has changed.

I requoted myself first since selective reading is a big problem here on CC. It all depends on what is important to you - which was literally the very first thing I said. If fancy crepes are important to you and you don't want to pay extra for them, then yes, you're better with a line that doesn't charge for them. If special coffee is important to you, then yes, you're better with a line that doesn't charge for them. If fresh pressed juices are important to you (in 7+ sailings I have never even found a place to get those magical upcharge fresh pressed juices... where the heck do they even exist??), then yes, you're better with a line that doesn't charge for them.

 

Someone else said it earlier in the thread, but just like there are some folks that feel 'nickel & dimed' over these small upcharges, there are others of us that don't want to pay extra to sail on other lines like Celebrity that include those charges for 'free' but our overall trip price goes up for things we will not utilize. 

 

FWIW... these 2 items are NOT the same thing.

 

 

[The Shrike]

1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

 

 

FWIW... these 2 items are NOT the same thing.

 

 

Holy crap, I think I got diabetes just looking at that first photo!

[spanishguy1970]

19 hours ago, complawyer said:

just remember about nickel and dime. this concept comes after you get onboard the ship. at that time, i can only assume you have paid whatever was due, except for shore excusions. simple solution for nickel and dime. dont buy it, dont use it, dont pay for it.

 

i have to agree with rumrunner 2021. what specifically do you feel you are being nickel and dimed.

I agree, we have never experience nickel and dime on board unless  people mean all the sales presentations they do, the 10 dollar day items, the jewelry sales etc. We see, we walk buy, we move on, we don't purchase anything extra. We don't take the drinking package or the restaurant package and only thing we buy into is one drink here and there or want to eat at a particular restaurant.

[PATRLR]

 

 

3 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

I requoted myself first since selective reading is a big problem here on CC.

 

You betcha Selective Reading is a problem. And you are just as much an offender as others.

 

Let's start at the beginning.  RumRunner2021 said "I have sailed NCL many times, and never encountered any "on board nickel and dime BS."  What are you talking about?".  A reasonable question to which I replied:

 

20 hours ago, PATRLR said:

A good example is crepes.   For all the NCL ships I've been on they are available in the buffet for free.  But on the Bliss (and I assume all the newer ships), they are only available for an extra charge in some storefront with the ice cream and other goodies (CoCos maybe?).  Something that used to be free but now needs to be paid for.

It may seem minor and just a couple bucks but that's not the point.  It used to be free, and now its not.  

 

To which you replied, dismissing my crepe's example:

 

20 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

As for the crepes... the ones in Cocoa's are not the same as the ones from the buffet. Cocoa's is an overpriced fancy ice cream shop which has never been included on NCL. The ones from the buffet were way more simpler and not the monstrosities that is being served at Cocoa's, so hard to say they're equivalent and one was free and the other no longer.

 

First, you are wrong when you write "the ones in Cocoa's are not the same as the ones from the buffet"  The fact of the matter is, every crepe and add-on I could get in the buffet, I can get at Coco's. And they are the exact same size, they are the exact same crepe griddles being used.   Crepe with chocolate sauce in it and whip creme on top?  Used to be free at the buffet, now I need to pay at Coco's.  EXACT SAME crepe.  The fact that I can get fancier crepes at Coco's doesn't matter.  The EXACT SAME crepes I got at the buffet, for free, if I want to get them today, I have to pay.  That's a real and valid example of nickel and diming. 

As for your ice cream strawman, I am pretty sure it's a moot point because the soft serve machines are still up in the buffet area.  But, if they weren't and the only way to get soft serve was to buy it from Coco's, then that would be nickel and diming.  The fact that Coco's also has that obnoxious concoction you posted a picture of is irrelevant and not an example of nickel and diming.  

 

It also doesn't matter that you prefaced everything with "depends on what is important to you".  I was answering a question with an example.  Importance to me or anyone else is irrelevant.  It was an example of NCL getting cash from people on board (which they have been clear is their business model) and it was a direct response to Rumrunner2021's  specific question.  Important to you, me, or anyone else is irrelevant to the direct answer I provided to the question.  "Important" might be relevant to whether you or I or anyone let's it affect our decision making process, but, it is irrelevant to citing an example.

[complawyer]

PATRLR, ok, I understand your position, (dont agree, but do understand) My question to you specifically, is why are you trying so hard to make your point, and why the underlying hostility.

up front, please do try and convince me there is no hostility in your posts.

 

since a major selling point for cruises, is the food, do you feel nickel and dimed now that there is specialty dining. if you dont want to spend extra money, there are a great number of choices, buffet, a few mdr's. nice menu's.  

 

sorry that most things now costs more, it's called "INFLATION"  I dont mean to provoke you any further, but if having to pay for a crepe in coco's is your best shining example of being "nickel and dimed" you should apply for poster boy for "first world problem". The very simple solution, is dont buy the product if  you dont like the price.  I am truly sorry for you in the inability to get free chocolate crepe, or soft swirl ice cream would ruin your cruise. 

[scooter6139]

On 8/27/2022 at 2:02 PM, david_sobe said:

If you can, never book a cruise during Xmas or holidays.  Been there done that.  If you have options book in January/February when prices are at their lowest.

 

Wife is a teacher so we pretty much have to stick to her schedule.  Sucks but we make it work.

 

 

On 8/27/2022 at 3:09 PM, tallnthensome said:

I don't care what you do with your cruises and your money. If you want to pay double the cruise fare for "treatment" and to relax.... (because you cant get that elsewhere?) go ahead  if you want . NCL's CEO has you ...... I've sailed NCL enough and the treatment and relaxation is no different ...... they are are all similar but whatever ..... When a CEO says he's going to charge you as much as possible that doesn't sit well with most people and they don't embrace it. 

 

Done lots of comparison shopping between NCL, Princess, HAL and Celebrity (don't like Carnival or RCCL) and most are relatively similar in pricing and some are above or below.    Depends on what we are looking for.  Last few we cruised, Princess had the best deal on one and NCL had the best deal of 2 others.  

[PATRLR]

 

 

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

PATRLR, ok, I understand your position, (dont agree, but do understand) My question to you specifically, is why are you trying so hard to make your point, and why the underlying hostility.

up front, please do try and convince me there is no hostility in your posts.

 

I don't think hostility is quite accurate, though I understand if that's what you infer.  Perhaps annoyance is a more accurate description of my mindset.  I disagree with statements that NCL doesn't nickel and dime, but, I get annoyed with statements that dismiss my examples of nickel and diming as not real or not accurate.  Accusing me of selective reading as another poster did doesn't help.

 

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

since a major selling point for cruises, is the food, do you feel nickel and dimed now that there is specialty dining. if you dont want to spend extra money, there are a great number of choices, buffet, a few mdr's. nice menu's.  

No, Specialty Dining is not nickel and diming, IMO.  That's just an unfortunate side effect of the lowering of the food quality that has happened nearly industry wide. 

 

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

sorry that most things now costs more, it's called "INFLATION"  I dont mean to provoke you any further, but if having to pay for a crepe in coco's is your best shining example of being "nickel and dimed" you should apply for poster boy for "first world problem". The very simple solution, is dont buy the product if  you dont like the price.  I am truly sorry for you in the inability to get free chocolate crepe, or soft swirl ice cream would ruin your cruise. 

The crepes were a simple example.  And I think I said words to that effect when I wrote it.

I don't think I've said anything about "ruining" my cruise, so, I'd appreciate you not putting words in my mouth.  In fact, I haven't really said anything about the impact of nickel and diming on my cruise experience.  Guess what - it has no effect.  I know it's what NCL does, I know it's their business model, I expect it and plan for it and enjoy my cruise.  What I am not going to do is bury my head in the sand and deny that it exists.

[PATRLR]

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

since a major selling point for cruises, is the food,

On a different note: Do you really believe that a major selling point for cruises is the food?  Back in the 80s and earlier it may have been (although I'd argue it was the overall "being pampered" experience), but by the time we got to the 2000s and nearly every ship being a mega ship, cruising because of the great food was a thing of the past.  At least for me it was.

[cruiseny4life]

21 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

since a major selling point for cruises, is the food, do you feel nickel and dimed now that there is specialty dining. if you dont want to spend extra money, there are a great number of choices, buffet, a few mdr's. nice menu's.  

No, Specialty Dining is not nickel and diming, IMO.  That's just an unfortunate side effect of the lowering of the food quality that has happened nearly industry wide. 

You made my jaw drop to the basement...not the floor, but the basement!! My opinion (for what it's worth - zilch, btw), is that specialty dining is the number one nickel and dime practice that almost all cruise lines subscribe to. With the exception of the Free at Sea dining, I've been able to stay away from any specialty dining charges. Oh shoot! I did buy mozzarella sticks at the American Diner...ok, those two examples. 

 

I am in a constant struggle with my husband about purchasing more specialty dining upgrades. Ok, struggle is a strong word, but you get my drift. If I'm going on a ship, paying thousands of dollars, I absolutely do not want to pay extra for what used to be included. A few years ago when I believe items cost just a couple dollars, I was somewhat ok'ish with the concept of specialty dining. You know, go to the steakhouse and pay a fixed charge of $15 or $20. It wasn't nearly worth the value of the meal.

 

What I cannot do is pay what I would pay on land for a specialty restaurant. My Free at Sea meal at Cagney's was $100 per person. Moderno is $58 per person. Those are truly land-based prices. I'm sorry, but I paid a cruise fare that included food. If a cruise line is going to charge me extra, then it should be just a few bucks as I'm not eating in the Haven Restaurant, the buffet, the MDR that night. I'm eating in the specialty restaurant. 

 

To me, having land-based prices is absolutely nickel and diming. I suppose you and I will disagree on this, but I'll stick to this one forever! I'm actually a little agitated just writing this post...yea call me passionate on this one. Haha...and I'm a fairly easy going guy, but not when frankie boy del rio and co. decide to screw people over (and people just let themselves be screwed by paying these ridiculous prices). 

[gabbygal99]

22 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

You made my jaw drop to the basement...not the floor, but the basement!! My opinion (for what it's worth - zilch, btw), is that specialty dining is the number one nickel and dime practice that almost all cruise lines subscribe to. With the exception of the Free at Sea dining, I've been able to stay away from any specialty dining charges. Oh shoot! I did buy mozzarella sticks at the American Diner...ok, those two examples. 

 

I am in a constant struggle with my husband about purchasing more specialty dining upgrades. Ok, struggle is a strong word, but you get my drift. If I'm going on a ship, paying thousands of dollars, I absolutely do not want to pay extra for what used to be included. A few years ago when I believe items cost just a couple dollars, I was somewhat ok'ish with the concept of specialty dining. You know, go to the steakhouse and pay a fixed charge of $15 or $20. It wasn't nearly worth the value of the meal.

 

What I cannot do is pay what I would pay on land for a specialty restaurant. My Free at Sea meal at Cagney's was $100 per person. Moderno is $58 per person. Those are truly land-based prices. I'm sorry, but I paid a cruise fare that included food. If a cruise line is going to charge me extra, then it should be just a few bucks as I'm not eating in the Haven Restaurant, the buffet, the MDR that night. I'm eating in the specialty restaurant. 

 

To me, having land-based prices is absolutely nickel and diming. I suppose you and I will disagree on this, but I'll stick to this one forever! I'm actually a little agitated just writing this post...yea call me passionate on this one. Haha...and I'm a fairly easy going guy, but not when frankie boy del rio and co. decide to screw people over (and people just let themselves be screwed by paying these ridiculous prices). 

I 100% agree with you! Even the “upgrade” package to the FAS dining package is basically land-based pricing! $70/person for 2 additional meals? That’s the “discounted” price? So…$35/meal?! That’s what it would cost me to eat at Applebees (I think? I don’t actually eat there normally haha) But your cruise fare INCLUDED food and you aren’t eating in the MDR or buffet on the nights you are eating in specialty restaurants, so buying these packages actually makes them more money. So YES - they ARE nickel and diming you!

[complawyer]

ok, my good buddy cruiseny4life. in  a way, you proved my point. if you believe that eating in specialty restaurants is covered under the nickel and diming argument, then  you certainly have the option not to eat there.  if youre comparing the costs to land based prices, at least compare them to prices in a luxury 4-5 star hotel. 

 

i believe depending on the ship, cabin and amenities, this is a better comparison.

 

we walked out of gordon ramsey's steakhouse in the paris las vegas hotel because i refused to pay $90 for a 5oz fillet steak.  check dinner for 4 at beni-hana's, the retaurants land based are similar to those specialty restaurants on board a ship. so just like you have the option not to use the land based restaurants, you have the option not to use the specialty restaurants on board. at least the free at sea dining, although you pay a little extra up front,  allows you to try them without any extra costs.

 

absent  that option, there are a number of dining venues to choose from. the only thing i really miss is the midnight buffet, but that's gone the way of $1.00 per gallon gas.

 

my cruise would not be complete if i didnt have dinner at teppanyaki at least one night.

 

by the way, i do subscribe to the theory of "dont knock it unless youve tried it" but fried cheese sticks...ugh! no thanks.

 

thank care good buddy, hope someday we're on a cruise together. the 1st drink or an order of mozzarella sticks are on me and hopefully, i'll be having breakfast in the haven restaurant with a glass of champagne!

 

lol

[cruiseny4life]

Just now, complawyer said:

ok, my good buddy cruiseny4life. in  a way, you proved my point. if you believe that eating in specialty restaurants is covered under the nickel and diming argument, then  you certainly have the option not to eat there.  if youre comparing the costs to land based prices, at least compare them to prices in a luxury 4-5 star hotel. 

 

i believe depending on the ship, cabin and amenities, this is a better comparison.

 

we walked out of gordon ramsey's steakhouse in the paris las vegas hotel because i refused to pay $90 for a 5oz fillet steak.  check dinner for 4 at beni-hana's, the retaurants land based are similar to those specialty restaurants on board a ship. so just like you have the option not to use the land based restaurants, you have the option not to use the specialty restaurants on board. at least the free at sea dining, although you pay a little extra up front,  allows you to try them without any extra costs.

 

absent  that option, there are a number of dining venues to choose from. the only thing i really miss is the midnight buffet, but that's gone the way of $1.00 per gallon gas.

 

my cruise would not be complete if i didnt have dinner at teppanyaki at least one night.

 

by the way, i do subscribe to the theory of "dont knock it unless youve tried it" but fried cheese sticks...ugh! no thanks.

 

thank care good buddy, hope someday we're on a cruise together. the 1st drink or an order of mozzarella sticks are on me and hopefully, i'll be having breakfast in the haven restaurant with a glass of champagne!

 

lol

Yes sir it will be breakfast in the Haven! I do look forward to regaling me with your timeless stories of being on many cruises, to so many places. 

 

And yes, NCL only nickels and dimes you if you want to be nickel and dimed. When it comes to specialty restaurants, I won't be...except I am going to get you loving fried cheese. Mmmm, unless of course it'll make the rest of our conversation smelly. 🙂

 

I do let them take my money when it comes to the internet and thermal suite! I think that's about it.  It's all about how one enjoys their vacation and I want both of those. If I ever sail on a ship with laser tag and go-karts, you can bet I'll be nickeled and dimed to give both of those a go! 

[RumRunner2021]

I've eaten at both benihana's and teppanyaki.  At one, the chef puts on an amazing show and the food is absolutely delicious.  At the other, the chef puts on a show and gives me food.  I'll always eat at teppanyaki's........as long as I have a freebie to use.

[PATRLR]

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

You made my jaw drop to the basement...not the floor, but the basement!! My opinion (for what it's worth - zilch, btw), is that specialty dining is the number one nickel and dime practice that almost all cruise lines subscribe to.

 

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

You made my jaw drop to the basement...not the floor, but the basement!! My opinion (for what it's worth - zilch, btw), is that specialty dining is the number one nickel and dime practice that almost all cruise lines subscribe to.

Yeah, I understand exactly what you are saying.  The reason I don't consider it NCL nickel and diming is because all the lines are doing it.  And that is what I was discussing in the previous reply.

But there is no way I can disagree that it's the number one nickel and dime practice across almost all cruise lines.  

2 hours ago, complawyer said:

if you believe that eating in specialty restaurants is covered under the nickel and diming argument, then  you certainly have the option not to eat there. 

Well, I'm still a bit nostalgic for the days when cruising meant good food.  If you want good food, you need to hit a specialty restaurant.  Good quality fine dining - something that used to be included but now you have to pay for.  That is why it qualifies as nickel and diming, IMO.  It's just not an NCL unique practice.

With the rollout of the single, static menu in the MDRs, soon you are going to need to hit the Specialty Restaurants not only for fine dining but for variety.  Again - variety, something I used to get for free, but now I'll have to pay for.  I believe NCL is leading the way with the static MDR menus, but, I expect all the other lines to follow suit soon.

 

[complawyer]

cruiseny4life.

 

while i would love to enjoy the pleasure of your company at breakfast in the haven, i would never, ever presume to bore any one with stories of prior cruises (unless it was reciprical)