One more question

[MoCruiseFan]

10 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

"When we took our first NCL cruise I knew exactly what was included and what was extra...." I could have written that statement as I knew as well (except for taxes on drink in port, but I don't really care about that as it's a few cents) I had to do a lot of research (as I've discussed) to figure it all out pre-cruise. Thankfully some enlightened cruisers on Cruise Critic helped me understand. I've now been conditioned to read all of NCL's Terms and Conditions to know the truth. 

 

 

 

And that's why I was so ticked when I found out the large print is far from the truth. Those that claim  NCL "nickels and dimes" them don't read the fine print. They don't educate themselves as they should. Now, I know and I try to help everyone else understand the lies that are spouted by NCL's marketing department. Yes, the disclaimer to read the terms and conditions is there....in fine print that somewhat blends in with the image. Did NCL do anything wrong? Nope. Do I still hate them for lying to gullible customers (as I once was)? Yep...do I still cruise NCL? Yep...I sure do. So, sorry (not sorry), but I don't buy that calling them liars "is a bit much."

 

Please post where the info NCL provides is "far from the truth" as well as these so called "lies".

[MoCruiseFan]

13 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Oh I did read the fine print. I read the terms and conditions. I read Cruise Critic and probably asked annoying questions. The more I read, the more pi$$ed I got at how much NCL lies in their marketing. I do understand the other mass market cruise lines do the same which is why I haven't tried another experience. It'll just be slightly different lies on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and their subsidiaries. At least I knew before I boarded. Then my husband and I had a most wonderful onboard experience...so we are loyal to NCL (just doesn't sound as good as loyal to Royal). I'll still complain, whine, moan, and anything else about NCLH's corporate practices. 

 

Please post an example where NCL lies.

[MoCruiseFan]

11 hours ago, kylenyc said:

I'm middle of the road between NCL fanboy and nickle and dimer but this definitely pushes me to the latter if true.

 

Just read one of the RCL CC threads that corroborates this. IMO NCL should not be charging port taxes on drinks from people who have pre-paid UBPs but they do. 😡

They legally have to abide by the laws/regulations of each locality.  BTW NCL does not get the taxes, they go to the local jurisdiction.  Any cruise line that does not explicitly charge the taxes, does so in some other manner.

[MoCruiseFan]

9 hours ago, trivimp said:

There are reports that some other cruise lines hang on to all the charges incurred in port & then ring them up all at once after they get out to sea.  That is, they serve you a drink at 3pm while you're still in port, but the charge doesn't appear on your account until 9pm, long after sailaway.  Presto, tax avoided.  Not legal, but to my knowledge, no municipality has gone after these cruise lines to try to enforce tax payment.  It would be an interesting lawsuit.  

"There are reports", in other words someone once said it and then people such as yourself repeated it enough that those gullible start assuming it is factual.  Unless someone works in the accounting department of the cruise line in question, they do not KNOW a darn thing and what they "report" means absolutely nothing.  I laugh at posts like this.  Tin foil hat time me thinks. 🙂

[MoCruiseFan]

9 hours ago, LadyZolt said:

We were on the Bliss out of Seattle for an Alaska cruise in September and at every bar, there was a sign posted about the taxes added while we were in port.  The sign was taken down once it no longer applied.  

Edited to add:  I just want to post this as it may be something new NCL is doing if they had feedback about people not realizing when they would incur these extra charges.  

I've seen those signs and listened to announcements about this on every cruise I have sail starting back in 2011 when I took my first cruise.

[pudd1educky]

Hello there! I am new to cruising and have just booked my first cruise, solo on Bliss

Trying to absorb as much info as I can from these boards and they are all very helpful. From reading the posts above, am I right in thinking that if I decide to stay on board while in port, although I have the drinks package I will need to pay taxes on the "inclusive" drinks?

Sorry if I am being dense ...

[KeithJenner]

19 minutes ago, pudd1educky said:

Hello there! I am new to cruising and have just booked my first cruise, solo on Bliss

Trying to absorb as much info as I can from these boards and they are all very helpful. From reading the posts above, am I right in thinking that if I decide to stay on board while in port, although I have the drinks package I will need to pay taxes on the "inclusive" drinks?

Sorry if I am being dense ...

Depending on the port, yes you may have to pay the tax.

Edited October 28, 2022 by KeithJenner

[PATRLR]

18 minutes ago, pudd1educky said:

Hello there! I am new to cruising and have just booked my first cruise, solo on Bliss

Trying to absorb as much info as I can from these boards and they are all very helpful. From reading the posts above, am I right in thinking that if I decide to stay on board while in port, although I have the drinks package I will need to pay taxes on the "inclusive" drinks?

Sorry if I am being dense ...

Yes, if the local municipality (state, county, city, etc) charges taxes on those drinks.  You pay tax on the cruise lines retail value of the drink.  If you have a piña colada that has a $12 price on the price list, and the local municipality has a 5% drink tax, you will have to pay $0.60 tax

[Travel Queen 1]

24 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

Yes, if the local municipality (state, county, city, etc) charges taxes on those drinks.  You pay tax on the cruise lines retail value of the drink.  If you have a piña colada that has a $12 price on the price list, and the local municipality has a 5% drink tax, you will have to pay $0.60 tax

Thanks 🙏 This breakdown explains it well!

[GeriatricNurse]

5 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

 

 It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'. Absolutely not. no different than any other cruise line. 

 

What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?  Absolutely not. Only if you are so drunk that you buy a diamond ring. 

 

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid) This is normal on most cruise lines. And you can always tip the crew with additional cash for jobs well done (concierge, butler, kid's club staff, waiters, hosts, cabin stewards, waiters, bartenders, performers)

 

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining? Of course not. 

 

If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?) The gratuity for the package is included when you sign up for it. No additional gratuity at time of dining unless you order something with an additional charge. 

 

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?  The state of departure may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price. 

 

Is this just US ports or all ports? The state may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price.

 

If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?) If  you stay on the ship, the state may charge you sales tax on purchases while made in their state, not the cruise line. A few percent of the drink price.

 

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV? If you purchase a pay per view movie, you pay to view it,,, just like a hotel. Unless you are in a suite. The movies are free, but you need to tip your butler to iron and hang your undies. 

 

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?) Yes, anything you purchase like bingo cards (which have been around since the start of time), professional photos, Starbucks, specialty coffees, bottled water, energy drinks, sports drinks, money invested in the casino, the diamond ring you may buy when inebriated, video arcade, virtual reality rides, go kart rides, laser tag, vibe private sundeck, additional-fee dinner shows, drinks that exceed $15 (difference in cost and tip on that difference), wine tasting, whiskey tasting, sparkling wine tasting, specialty dining items with an upcharge (upcharge + tip on the upcharge), spa treatments (waxing, massage, facial, pedicure, manicure), personal trainer at the gym, some gym classes and spin classes, thermal suite, teeth whitening, weight loss treatments, beauty salon (cut, style, blow, color, highlights), barber shop (including shaving), shore excursions, bowling, darts, pool games, and much much more. 

No for Starbucks if you have a (PRE-LOADED) Starbucks Card, with which you can use to pay for your purchases at Starbucks!

[PATRLR]

5 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

 

Please post an example where NCL lies.

First, what @cruiseny4lifewrote was "NCL lies in their marketing."  So I will answer in that context despite the fact that I know people on CC hate keeping things in context 😉 

 

I know people like to make their own definition of words.  So let's start with a definition of "lie".  This one from Merriam Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie )

the important point in that definition is that a lie doesn't have to be a binary statement (e.g. black or white).
 

Now for just one example of the lies.  On www.ncl.com right now, it says:  "FREE UNLIMITED OPEN BAR".  I think it's reasonable to think that means I can have as many drinks as I want with no exceptions or limitations (other than limits for health and safety, e.g. no over serving). 

 

Are you really going to try to say NCL is not intending to deceive or mislead the public with that statement?  I'd bet you one of those free drinks that if we could ask someone in NCL's marketing department they would agree that their intent is to make people think they can drink as much as they want with no exceptions.  (in other words a false and misleading impression)

 

Whether you like it or not, those words on NCL's main page meet the Merriam Webster definition of "lie".  

Edited October 28, 2022 by PATRLR

[pudd1educky]

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

Yes, if the local municipality (state, county, city, etc) charges taxes on those drinks.  You pay tax on the cruise lines retail value of the drink.  If you have a piña colada that has a $12 price on the price list, and the local municipality has a 5% drink tax, you will have to pay $0.60 tax

thank you that's very helpful 🙂

[KeithJenner]

1 hour ago, GeriatricNurse said:

No for Starbucks if you have a (PRE-LOADED) Starbucks Card, with which you can use to pay for your purchases at Starbucks!

Reports of success with this seem to vary, so I would be cautious about relying on this.

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

Please post where the info NCL provides is "far from the truth" as well as these so called "lies".

I don't have to. You quoted the lie in your post. See the big photo with lots of ocean blue in it. 

[2 Fun Guys]

Isn't it amazing how many consumers continue to give companies that they know are lying to them thousands of dollars anyway? How do these consumers sleep at night?

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, 2 Fun Guys said:

Isn't it amazing how many consumers continue to give companies that they know are lying to them thousands of dollars anyway? How do these consumers sleep at night?

If I want to cruise, I have to do it. My husband wants (and expects) the Haven....besides, the onboard experience is quality. 

 

Also, the other mainstream lines do the same thing. It's not just NCL. I care about NCL, because I cruise NCL. 

 

If I had my druthers, I'd wander my fat self over to Windstar, Star Clipper, or Uncruise. 

 

And so, that's why I put up with the devil. 

[dandelpino]

8 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

 

I've never seen it 'contradict' the main information.  It clarifies it quite well and address a LOT of ASSUMPTIONS people tend to make.

 

I take issues with NCL's use of the term "free" when additional charges are incurred in order to receive the "free" items. According to google, free is defined as "without cost or payment". With NCL the large print says "free" but the fine print says there's a payment due to get the supposedly "free" amenity. 

 

"FREE UNLIMITED OPEN BAR" - you must pay $20/person/day to get it

 

"FREE SPECIALTY DINING" - must pay $10/person/restaurant to get it

 

"FREE 3RD & 4TH GUESTS" - must pay port taxes and fees

 

Are these costs for these amenities a bad deal? No. But they certainly are not "free" either. To me, free means free. If you have to pay extra to get something for "free" then that thing wasn't actually free. Thus, I consider it a contradiction.

[jbcallender]

On 10/27/2022 at 6:30 AM, 54Carol said:

First time on NCL line.   It appears that NCL nickle and dimes you and has 'hidden fees/charges'.   What are the 'surprise' charges I will find on my bill at the end of the cruise?   I know I will see the following, is there anything else?

Crew appreciation (if not pre-paid)

20% gratuity on food/drink (Does this include complimentary dining?  If specialty dining is included in your package, do you still pay the 20%?)

Some kind of taxes on drinks while in ports?   Is this just US ports or all ports?  If I stay on the boat in port, all my drinks will be taxed?)

Do you pay extra for movies on demand on the TV?

Are there any other charges I can expect (other than purchases I make on the ship?)

 

 

I don't think there are "hidden" fees.  I agree with the "nickel and dime" aspect, though - I call it "NCL and dime" - tongue in cheek.  Things are disclosed in the cruise documentation and website, but might also be a little obscure and finely printed.  There are several good youtube videos covering the NCL fine points and what to expect.  "Tips for Travelers" and "Life Well Cruised" are the channels that come to mind.

[dandelpino]

52 minutes ago, 2 Fun Guys said:

Isn't it amazing how many consumers continue to give companies that they know are lying to them thousands of dollars anyway? How do these consumers sleep at night?

 

It's a question of being right vs being pragmatic. If you want a vacation you will have to give your money to multiple companies. They'll all be about the same on the whole. They may be more or less bad in certain areas when compared to their peers but overall about the same. Would you rather give your money to United or Hilton? Are they better?

 

I'm annoyed with certain things NCL does but at the end of the day they offer value to me. They cruise from my home port so no need to fly, they offer a better suite product than Royal, and they run newer and larger ships than Celebrity. A comparable resort in the Caribbean won't be cheaper plus I need to fly. A vacation on our own would require a flight, hote/airbnb, rental car, meals, etc. and the cost would be no less than a cruise and a lot less relaxing. We went to the Black Hills and Badlands National Park earlier this year. That 7 day trip cost more than my 7 day cruise next month in a Haven suite and was way more hassle.  

 

If you only want to do the 'right' thing then absolutely don't give money to NCL. If you are a pragmatist and want a trip that maximizes comfort and relaxation then it's hard to ignore that NCL provides that despite the BS you have to put up with.

Edited October 28, 2022 by dandelpino

[dolfan1980]

Not sure where this misconception about NCL nickel and diming comes from.  Perhaps it was this way at one point when Royal was more all inclusive, but IMO NCL is the most all inclusive of the mainstream lines right now.  With meals, internet and drinks included in my fare, I'm able to sail for a week and only have the gratuities on my bill, that's great IMO.

[PATRLR]

1 hour ago, 2 Fun Guys said:

Isn't it amazing how many consumers continue to give companies that they know are lying to them thousands of dollars anyway? How do these consumers sleep at night?

What's amazing about it?  At least in the US, you'd have a difficult time finding a company that doesn't lie.

[Liljo22]

5 hours ago, pudd1educky said:

Hello there! I am new to cruising and have just booked my first cruise, solo on Bliss

Trying to absorb as much info as I can from these boards and they are all very helpful. From reading the posts above, am I right in thinking that if I decide to stay on board while in port, although I have the drinks package I will need to pay taxes on the "inclusive" drinks?

Sorry if I am being dense ...

Is this a Europe cruise of US?  In the US, it will just be while in a US port.  So while in Miami waters its 7%.  

 

The one to watch out for is New Orleans.  You get into US waters around dinner time when you are coming into NO.  We were charged taxes on our Moderno meal because of it.  

[Liljo22]

12 minutes ago, dolfan1980 said:

Not sure where this misconception about NCL nickel and diming comes from.  Perhaps it was this way at one point when Royal was more all inclusive, but IMO NCL is the most all inclusive of the mainstream lines right now.  With meals, internet and drinks included in my fare, I'm able to sail for a week and only have the gratuities on my bill, that's great IMO.

I think its because NCL started the trend of charging extra for activities on board.  They got the reputation and it has stuck.  The other cruise lines jumped on board and started charging so it became the norm but everyone still complains about NCL doing it.   

[herbanrenewal]

This thread is the all-American version of other threads usually by CC members from overseas where taxes and service charges (tips) are included in the purchase price.

 

Bottom line, you should know what you are buying, and buy what you like. If you're happy with the product, continue to patronize the company. If not, your failure to purchase again is all you need to do.

[jbcallender]

At the end of the day, the purchaser has the responsibility to do their due diligence and if you sign up for a cruise, you own it and all that goes with it.  Companies have different business models and ways of doing business.  The wonderful part of life is that if you don't like the way somebody does business, don't do business with them.  I'm looking forward to a great cruise in 17 days and intend to enjoy myself immensely.  You pay for it all somehow.  There is no "Free at Sea" because it's all built-in to the pricing at some point.  I'm in the hotel business and we are the worst next to the airlines.  Late Checkout? - $25 - early check in? - $25.  Resort Fees, Destination Fees, fast internet, exclusive club privileges?  Aisle Seat? - $35. Oh you brought bags - $50?  It goes on and on.   All because the pricing comparisons for the plain vanilla rate is so transparent and intense that you have to have all the addon pricing to be profitable.