What I Wish I'd Known Before I Sailed Norwegian Cruise Line
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- When it comes to the major cruise lines, there's what I consider the big three -- Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. There are a lot of similarities between those three, but if I'm being honest, NCL stands out as an outlier from the other two.
The cruise line has a lot of things going on that I didn't realize until I sailed multiple times across different ships.
I'm talking about things like how the atmosphere on the ship is different than other rivals... how your day in port isn't a guarantee... and how one of the most popular sales in cruising has some fine print to know.
#ncl #norwegian #cruise
We cruised the Norwegian Jewel down Alaska's inner passage last week. The refurbished ship was in fine shape. The customer service was UNBELIEVABLE! I've never been more pampered by the nicest staff I've ever had the pleasure to meet! Go with Norwegian. You will be glad you did!
😮
I like how NCL didn't have defined dinner times to sit down meal and we could just go down and see what was available.
The outdoor dining is what sets them above other cruise lines. It’s a small perk but I’m from Canada so I want to be outside in the sun as much as possible!!
Agree 100%. Love the outdoor dining.
NCL is my favorite cruise line. I only eat at specialty restaurants and particularly love Cagney ‘s
I've cruised with NCL several times as well as a couple other ships. I have to say NCL is and (so far) will always be my favorite Cruise Line. I've always had the BEST times on these ships ☺️❤️
Good info...thanks! We are booked for a Mediterranean Cruise on the Norwegian Epic end of April, beginning of May...SO excited!
I love the solo cabins on NCL sailed in them twice and was perfect
Hello great video!! My husband and I love NCL overall, well other than Disney...not sure if any of this has been mentioned by others but as a cruise agent, one thing you may have mentioned in regards to not being able to bring water/soda on board is that NCL, most of the time, has the Free at Sea sale. That includes the beverage package. Yes, you do pay the gratuities upfront for the package, however, compared to buying a case of water, lugging it in plus whatever alcoholic beverages you are going to buy (which lets be real for most is at minimum 2+ drinks a day that is purchased), it off sets the price of the prepaid gratuities and then some. Also in regards to water, ALL water is filtered on board on ALL ships including the water that comes out of your faucet in your stateroom bathroom. It's easier to bring a refillable water bottle. You can have your cabin steward bring you ice daily and voila! Food for thought!
I have cruised with NCL twice. Last year I went to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Both cruises I enjoyed. Planning one for this summer
Thanks for this video I can’t wait to go. My family and I are going on a 7 day cruise on NCL Bliss going to Honduras 🇭🇳, Belize 🇧🇿, costa maya and Cozumel 🇲🇽. It’s our first time crushing with NCL
Booked an NCL cruise for end of March. Anxious but excited. I’m going in with a good mindset.
Good luck. Bring lots of sleeping pills and a few games to help kill the time. I was excruciatingly bored unless I was off the ship which unfortunately did not come often enough. I could list my gripes for an hour, but just know it is not for everyone. There is no shame in liking privacy and the freedom you get when you stay at a hotel. I felt like I was always being followed around by a timekeeper trying to keep me on schedule. The constant announcement blaring in my ears were horribly annoying. I can still hear the Bingo bingo bingo in the bingo room announcements and some stupid art auction. They seem to have gotten internet so that might be something good I cant do at home..........
I enjoy the Jade, I like the fact the staff has time to remember you and makes your experience more personal.
Hi Matt we are cruising this
MAY. on NCL Jade
This is my first time on NCL Jade. What did you most like about the ship and least like about it. Thanks Traci
Unless you are a non drinker, the free at sea is drink package is awesome! You pay about $150 pp for a 7 Day Cruise for gratuities, a great deal if you know even a can of Beer is around $10. If you bring a insulated bottle, you can fill it on the buffet line. We would never consider doing the sail away rate. That's where they get you. It's Vacation, why worry about penny pinching on Drinks, get the package. I do agree the Stateroom gratuities are high. I used to tip our room steward extra separately, but no longer do that.
Thank you! I'm sailing on the Prima March 19th in a solo stufio cabin. It's my first cruise on NCL and I get off the refurbished Carnival Elation on the 16th so I'll be able to compare the two, and be better prepared. It will have been my 6th time on Elation since July and we love it.
I'll update this after my cruise.
Just came back from it. Go karts are fun but u can’t pass. If u wanna do smt deck 17 has it all. Vr is fucm but most games are boring. Observatory best place to chill
Always so excited when you post 😂😊🎉
Wow!!! Thank you for this video! We had been trying to decide between NCL and Royal Caribbean for our next cruise. This video definitely helped us choose!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video and the helpful information! I am finally going to cruise this april with the NCL Joy after years of contemplating about taking a cruise. I am so looking forward to this trip. And yes, NCL may cost more, and I hope the crew will be superb in their job. Choose wisely the packages they offer, and you might end up NOT overpaying for things!
While my cruise on the Joy was my least favorite, the customer service amazing and the price is well worth it. NCL may seem expensive, but add in drinks, specialty food, internet etc, free at sea is the better deal. The Gem Class Ships are our favorite, but it's a matter of preference. We had a great time. We just prefer the smaller ships. You will have a great time!
Going on NCL Joy in the Owners Suite in the Haven in April. I can’t wait.
We just finished a cruise on the NCL Encore in Alaska (May 14 to May 21, 2023). It was our 5th cruise, but first NCL. We had a haven spa suite. It was all amazing. Completely perfect, with zero complaints. The ship was amazing, and Haven passengers are ridiculously spoiled. 🎉 We are going to use NCL next year on trans-Atlantic cruise.
We sailed with NCL on Encore to Alaska last October in the Haven experience and couldn't agree with you more. It's such a different and wonderful experience, and the level of spoiling is extreme and addictive. It's so addictive that we're doing another Haven cruise (on the Escape) this October!
@@ricobhi It changes your outlook. I'm not too sure I can cruise any other way now.
Never never never sail with NCL.
They suck
This was very helpful - I am thinking if cruising with them soon.
Travels with NCL and I definitely learned something new here, thanks!
Booked the Prima transatlantic 11 days Spain to NY. Haven.
We like NCL and this will be our 5th Haven since 2015.
It pays to do your research ahead of time and this vid helps with that. I will share a few of my own tips from what I've read specifically about the Getaway. Built 2014, old by Cruise ship standards.
First, you can't please everybody, right? I like to read as many negative reviews, so I know what to expect and try to avoid. I will add, my SO has been on a few cruises already; me, this will be my first. I was in the Navy, so I know what it is to sail the world.
Back to the NCL negatives. Overpromise...underdeliver. NCL is cutting back, cutting costs. All three are doing it. Global inflation is everywhere. But as far as base price, I don't see a significant increase. To save port dock fees, pull in late, anchor, go around in circles at low speed, skip the port altogether, saves NCL money. Many Caribbean cruise reviews have pointed this out.
Next, bogus charges. Especially with the alcohol drink package. Premium charges on the CC when you have the regular drink package. Also, discrepancies with what you paid for AHEAD of time with your booking and what the ship's customer service says you didn't pay for.
Next, complimentary dining options. The food options are not varied enough, food warm or cold, run out of some food choices. Hard sometimes to get a seat in the specialty restaurants even with a reservation. Or they run out of food choices as well. Use up the specialty dining early or you will be SOL, as NCL does not refund for that reason. Staff is NOT present on the complimentary dining floor to help cruisers with food related inquiries, the ketchup/mayo is empty for example.
Next staff can be overwhelmed. Part of the cutbacks includes lower pay and more work responsibilities for staff. This leads to newer staff not being trained as well and some not caring. Although, most cruisers will say most staff tries hard and is respectful.
Next, disembarking. Many say disembarking is chaotic, unorganized, and tough on the elderly.
I'm sure all three cruise line have their issues. If you pack 'em like sardines, there are going to be problems. Or you could go on Viking or Cunard and spend a fortune.
My favorite line of cruising. Classiest
This was an excellent video. I actually sailed NCL in the solo cabin. For the most part I hated this room. It felt very tight with an artificial window.. My room was also on a higher floor and I could feel the ship sway. I would rather pay the two room supplement for a balcony or a suite going forward for my next cruise.
That single cabin looks so cute!
Even with a dock for the Royal Caribbean island Coco Cay, due to high winds ,we too were unable to stop there as part of our itinerary on the Allure of the Seas in Feb 2020. It was a bummer; but would have been even more so if we had our teenage children with us.
Just to let everyone know as a tip, the free at sea $50 shore excursion cabin credit and the internet package which is a preset time based on length of the sailing i.e. 150 mins can be added to any room at no additional cost except for their "sail away" rooms. Free at sea cost increase comes from the service charges of the beverage and dining packages. But not for the other items and yes you can pick and choose the amenities you want from free at sea.
There is noting free at sea never has been never will b you have already paid for it in your cruise fare.
@@lenvella9541 lmao very true! Doesn't hurt that you get more use out of the money though
i got a promo for a “free” cruise on the Jade and am really excited! i know it’s an older ship but im very excited for my first NCL cruise. thanks for the info!
Jade was refurbished in 2022; my first cruise will be on the jade this summer.
I have sailed the NCL Gem twice in 2022/23. NCL had just refurbished the ship with all new carpet throughout. I found it to be a wonderful experience and the ship just perfect in size.
I'm on the Epic in two months, Now that ship will be a gamble especially after reading reviews on Cruise Critic. Like "Columbus" I'm going to take a chance. 😎
how was the epic?
First of all, I think you have the *best* voice ever. Second, as a solo cruiser, I found Norwegian (in spite of all their nickel and diming) to be a very very good value. For me, their solo cabins are absolutely the best. Yes, they're small - BUT they are very very modern, and the customizable lighting gives the tiny cabin an extremely nice feel. The lounge for solo cruisers is posh and fantastic, and we also get our own dedicated cruise director. Solo cabins lie within their own neighborhood. This neighborhood is 2 decks high, and is only accessible to solo guests, which makes it feel a little VIP, in my opinion. The solo lounge is always stocked with continental bites for breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee, tea, and juice. The Encore is such a large ship, and if a solo cruiser wants to be left alone, the solo neighborhood bodes well for that.
It was my first-ever sailing on a Norwegian ship, so I had no expectations. I was on the Encore for an Alaska voyage last October, and I was floored at how modern the interior looked, as well as how fantastically programmed it was. With the Encore, you have this perfect blend of modern interior and connection with the sea. The observation lounge was my favorite place to be, as it showcased the spectacular scenery. Princess ships don't do that. And while there are things I really like about Princess, I'm only using NCL for Alaska cruises from now on, just because I love their newest ships. The race car track was my favorite outdoor feature. Cagney's was wonderful, as was Ocean Blue. I'm not a fan of how expensive NCL is, but in terms of the experience they offer solo cruisers, I think they do the West Coast the best.
I will always be "loyal to Royal," because they offer the best overall onboard experience for passengers. There is just SO much to do. I'm addicted to the Oasis-class ships because they are like a floating resort home. For a Caribbean sailing, I will only do RCL. NCL is my choice for the West Coast though.
Thanks for the review, I'm planning a solo Alaska cruise next year.
I only travel solo, and yes, I agree. No other line has it cheap for solo travelers
interesting. my first time on ncl in a solo cabin. it's great to know it's pretty much worth it.
Noticed you took a cruise in October to Alaska I believe. Was it really too late and horrible? I might go last minute.
@@chicagomike I loved it. I think the weather was pretty drippy much of the time, but I didn’t care. Late in the season, that’s what you’re going to get.
The one thing I think you may have missed about NCL is its Latitudes Reward Program. I honestly believe that NCLs reward program is the best reward program of any cruise line. Just my opinion.
I’m boarding tomorrow ( 25 Feb) on the NCL Dawn out of Port Louis to Cape Town. This will be my second NCL cruise. I liked the NCL Jewel out of Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok in December last year 2023
Thanks Tanner! I will stay with Holland America…..I’ve always thought NCL is not value added….who needs that especially at this time in the economy. Happy Cruising! 😊
Jewel of the Seas has a really nice dinning area outside behind the buffet.
I've sailed NCL more than the other lines.
I've been on multiple class ships from the Gem to the Getaway and Prima.
I've actually found that the older, smaller ships ( Jewel, Dawn and Sun class) seem to have a better quality staff with a better focus on the experience of the cruisers. As opposed to the oversized Breakaway and Breakaway+ classes where it appears most of the newer employees end up and the focus on the passanger isn't as great.
Also, I love how NCL allows the ability to book the free at sea and have the drink package and speciality dining factored into the cabin price. So you only have ONE payment to make instead of paying for the cabin and almost as much as the cabin for the drink package.
Thanks for the useful info.
Born in Miami and cruised plenty, starting as a kid in the roaring '60s until the pandemic. Haven't been aboard a cruise ship since the coronavirus shut down everything fun. The largest ship I'd been aboard was Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, once upon a time the biggest cruise ship in the world. Been aboard (and loved) the smallest ships the mainstream cruise lines operate including NCL's Sky, Carnival's Elation and MSC's Armonia. At this point, now that I'm 70 years old and my interest in water slides and racing go-karts have faded, I have no reason to go aboard Carnival's, MSC's, Royal Caribbbean's and NCL's behemoths. I'm not a rich guy who can (maybe I can but refuse to overspend) afford Viking, Oceania, Regents, Cunard and the big-ticket luxury lines. I like to relax, smoke a cigar after dinner, lounge around a bar, maybe sink my toes into sand. I like listening to music, dance a little bit, go to a performance of some kind and have another drink. I really liked my cruises on NCL the most, particularly on the Pearl. Now, I'm considering flying to a destination and renting a boat there in order to go to sea. I love being on the sea, and I fear that the time for me to quit cruising has come. In the days before the pandemic I could find deals on cabins that worked out for $100. per night PPDO paying that 100 per cent single supplement to go solo. That was my limit and loved it! No more deals. Everything has jumped in price with frustrating nickle-and-diming. I've shot a bunch of cruise videos covering every aspect of cruising on the cheap on my TH-cam channel. Thanks for pointing out the things that DO make a difference to THIS elderly cruise fan.
Thank You. Sailing on NCL in July 2023 out of Greece.
I did that cruise last year on the Gem was a great trip enjoy!
We've sailed with NCL six times (Breakaway, Getaway, Joy, Bliss, Encore) and are very pleased with them overall. BUT -- to add onto Cruzely's (non)experience with Great Stirrup Cay -- tendering into GSC even with perfect weather is a *NIGHTMARE*. You sign up ahead of time for a departure NUMBER, without being able to get any information as to that departure's TIME. So you spend the morning wondering, "How soon to I need to be ready to leave the ship?" and "Do I have time to get breakfast from the buffet before it closes?" "Why is there such a variable time between the numbers they're calling?" The whole process of tendering the ship's passengers to the island takes over two-and-a-half hours. *ADVICE*: Get your tender "number" as early as they're made available (a couple days prior to the stop, maybe?). And, even if you get a low number, be prepared to wait around that morning -- and don't go anywhere that you can't clearly hear the overhead speakers.
NCL is my favorite cruiseline. We were upgraded to the Haven on our last trip and may never go back to the buffet.
I’m Australian and have done a number of cruises both with Norwegian and other cruise lines. When booking I’ve noticed that all prices on similar lines are the same but with a Norwegian’s “Free at Sea” offers included, it makes for much better value. Also, gratuities are all included in the price of the fare.
There is no such thing as free at sea you pay for it in your cruise fare do you really think any cruise line would give you anything for free?
I am taking my first ever NCL cruise, to Alaska (late October) and travelling in a solo cabin. I have the Free At Sea Package.
NCL embarkation depends on the external local contractor and this was effortless and swift in Lisbon when compared to other ports like Venice, Barcelona , Athens ,Rome.
Agreed!, just came back from NCL BLISS one more drawback I would add particularly Alaska route on NCL is the dock far away then all other crushes, than they haul to the main port in shuttle when can consume your time when there is only 4 hours stop. IMO.
Enjoyed your video. I am cruising out of New Orleans on NCL during Mardi Gras week. The in-person Muster will be a pain in the neck as it always has been. And the New Orleans port is a pain in the neck too, unless you are sailing on Carnival.
It’s horrible for carnival as well. The whole port is a sh!{ show and the one way in and out (a shared two lane street) makes it a giant traffic jam. Especially if there are two ships in one day. My one and only cruise experience with Carnival had me wondering what on earth were they thinking with this horrible set up. It felt like we were being processed into federal prison and there was no organization.
At least Carnival has a garage where they meet you and take your luggage. With NCL you have to fight the two way nightmare and park a block away and hoof it. And then there's the TSA back up. If Orlando weren't a 10 hour drive....
Muster takes twenty minutes. You will live. What is this recent obsession with the twenty minute safety meeting? Endless whining all over the place about it.
That parking in NOLA is a freaking nightmare!!!
We sailed NCL from Rome two weeks ago and because I have limited mobility, we were taken on board immediately and our room was ready. I admit, I was surprised but very happy. We did have a problem at the end. We stayed in Rome for two extra days, and my hubby left all of his medicine in the cabin. I reached out to NCL via phone and asked the csr to have them courier the medications to our hotel before the ship left port. It was not tended to at all and one week later, I still haven’t heard a word about the medications. I’m very disappointed with this issue. To be fair, the cruise was wonderful and we enjoyed ourselves very much. I just wish there was better communication between land and the ship.
I’m sure ur meds were thrown out or stolen
@@joannah.185 probably stolen.
I've never understood the attraction to NCL, at least here in Australia. They're prices are way above the rest, and their usual sailings are one-way meaning, if you leave Sydney on NCL, and do a itinerary to New Zealand, you would need to fly back adding even more cost to an NCL sailing. And all this nickel and diming makes P&O Australia look generous with their meagre inclusions
Helpful for sure! No carry-on soda or water and the extra gratuities good to know.
Was considering NCL. This video changed my mind.
NCL is still worth considering. A good travel agent and cruise blog websites can help you pick the cruise which gets you the best value and experience based on your personal preferences.
We've only sailed on NCL. We're happy with that.
We love sailing with NCL! the ships are clean, staff friendly and the food is great
I’ve found the Carnival-owned cruise lines no longer allow sodas to be brought onboard. Also they used to allow one bottle of wine per person brought onboard free, and now every bottle has a corking fee.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you for the tips! How was your overall experience on the Sky?
Got back 3 weeks ago from a 12 day Carribean cruise on the Getaway , I'm a Platinum member and have been on close to 50 cruises ,all I can say is that this was one of the worst experiences , It started out bad at the ship terminal in Manhattan NY , Total confusion ended up waiting on line over 2 hrs. ,finally after we got inside the terminal we were directed to the priority embarkation. Line . we've been of the sister ships the breakaway twice, well the Getaway is a similar sized ship, but they seem to have wedged many more cabins into this ship.The balcony was just about useless barley enough room for 2 small chairs and a tiny and I mean Tiny table Lines, crowds everywhere, food in the Barffay was either cold or over cooked. we get 2 premium restaurants as Platinum members and purchased another 3 meal deal , I can only describe the premium restaurants as fair. The smell in the casino was overpowering to the point you couldn't stay there very long.
If you're not in the Haven or an owner's suite, your basically treated like cattle, herded from one location to another .I would never set foot on this ship again, and already cancelled a future cruise we had booked for Christmas and new years . not all NCL ships are run the same way. Everything on this ship was designed to separate you from your cash . this sounds more like a review than a comment but I'm sure Cruise Critic wouldn't publish a review like this
We were not impressed by the Joy. We will still cruise NCL but sticking with the Gem Class Ships. I have no desire to go down a waterslide, do the race cars, or play laser tag. Like you said, it was like a cattle call. There were kids screaming and playing in the casino bar at 100 AM. We went to Bermuda and it was too hot in July. Never again. But we are happy we are booked on Jade in February for the Southern Carribean. We are not platinum yet, but we are getting close.
By the way I forgot to mention ,Thanks NCL tested positive for covid 19 Two days after getting off the Getaway ,Thanks NCL
I'll be on the Escape 18FEB23 and it will be my 4th try getting into GSC!
I'll be on your cruise. I hope we get to go to GSC also! First time booking a villa and looking forward to it!
I'm sailing the NCL Sky to the Canaries in March 2023. I have switched alliances from RCL to NCL as I can cruise while getting without getting the clot shot.
Beware: NCL will nickel & dime you to death. If you want to bring soda onboard, buy it in the port city and hide/conceal it in your luggage I.e. in shoes, in toiletries bag etc. works for me every time. Also, if you don’t want to pay the room gratuity at the end of the trip, go down to the front desk the the night before the cruise ends and tell them to take it off your bill. I haven’t paid a room service charge in 12 years.
I've always sailed NCL. I've been on the Epoch, Breakaway, and others and have enjoyed them thoroughly. My issue is always safety and cleanliness. I've always appreciated the captain and crews commitment to safety. I love the staff on all the ships, never met one shoddy person, but I haven't sailed since Covid! I'm really looking forward to a European cruise this fall! I hope it's just as wonderful as last time.
covid is boring
We recently cruised NCL. The boat was beautiful and the food was great. Customer service was very rude as was the internet manager. Will go back to better lines we have been on.
Definitely up their cost. We’ve sailed their larger newer ships and their older smaller and I have to say I prefer the smaller. Less busy, nicer outdoor space and larger pool than the larger. The newer ones cram in more cabins and restaurants/bars at the expense of the experience. With the cost increase we decided to go back to celebrity for our next cruise and it’s $2500 cheaper for an extra day and same ports🤷♀️. Rooms are larger too even for a basic inside than the balcony ones on the larger NCL. Would love to sail on NCL Gem again though if the cost makes sense
I think Celebrity is a great brand too.
I love NCL. Still do!
We cruised on the Jewel (to Alaska) in July of 22. The ship was one of the best I have been on EXCEPT for the food. The food was sub par at best. We had two GOOD meals in seven days. Those were at the asian resturant and the hibachi grill. The food at the dining room was blase and there were limited items edible items at the buffet. I hope it was an isolated thing but my sig other has told me to cross NCL off our list !
I’m looking at my second cruise this coming October. I sailed with my husband on Princess last year but will be sailing solo this year as he’s done with cruising. lol
I have been planning on booking a solo cabin with Norwegian. I figured that I’d break even if I added the Free at Sea package with the higher gratuity versus paying for a regular cabin on Princess.
Thank you for the insight
I think its time NCL built a dock at Great Stirrup Cay this is a common problem with this port. I do love NCL and the vibe of there ships.
I agrée with the informational letter and I’m happy that there are cruise personnel trained to diffuse the tension. I think this has been the case in the past and has since become passée allowing civil behavior to become passée as well, allowing current disrespect for propriety to bubble to the surface.
I don't totally get all this talk of "nickel and diming". I think part of the issue is gratuities that all lines should just include as a part of the fair. Some people get them taken off because they tip their cabin steward and bartenders but they don't tip the people leaning the handrails, public toilets, the behind the scenes people in the laundry and kitchens etc. It should be part of the price. They should also call their program "Freedom At Sea". People get put off by the name. Yes, it's not free, just like Princess Plus isn't free and Celebrity All inclusive is not free. They all have a no frills price and then add-ons. I'm a long time Norwegian cruiser and just got off the Breakaway. I agree, I did notice cutbacks in staff and the food was not quite as good as it was...but only slightly. I don't need my cabin cleaned twice or a towel animal (up to 4000 towels a day that need to be laundered). Never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the MDR, Taste or Savor. The "free at sea" deal right now has been great. It used to be with an inside cabin that you could choose only 1 offer, now you get all five. Other than shore excursions (we don't do many) and an extra tip in the specialty dining restaurants we don't have any "nickel and dime" charges. Back to the gratuities.... I've heard people say that "the cruise lines should just pay their staff better" well, we know they don't and we still choose to cruise. We know how the system works. They want to be able to post lower prices and then add the extras later. I do think that Norwegian does need to listen to their guests and get their "ship" together to keep loyal customers coming back. I think they (all the lines really) are trying to make up for 2.5 virtually no existent years of business. Prices have gone up for everything all over the world. Cruising should be no different. Internet on ships has never been better and more affordable than it is right now and continues to improve with newer ships.
You must be from the US don't you realise the rest of the world pays honest salaries to workers so they do not have to practically beg for tips. Gratuities are for services provided meaning after you have had the service not before and now this is thrust upon the rest of us because Americans tip no matter what. Take a line through P&O Australia no gratuities and no they are not included in the cruise fare at all.
@@lenvella9541 Not from the USA. Wages are good in Canada but I know that they are not paid well on cruise ships....Since I still choose to cruise, I also pay the gratuities because I know that's how most cruise lines top up the salaries of crew. I too wish they paid better and the cost added to the fare. I know that cruise lines that don't specifically cater to the North American Market do not add these extra gratuities.
No not [art of the fare at all. If you look up what gratuities means you will find same as time for services rendered meaning after you have had those serves not before. You would not go into a restaurant on shore and pay tops or gratuities before a meal would you? The problem iso course we all this of the Asian crew not getting a proper salary or wage bu rthen the problem is the crew do not get the gratuities the cruise lines hold onto them Talk to crew3 they will tell you they do not get passed on. Think of a cruise ship holding 4,000 people such as NCL and charging US 20 per day for gratuities. That is USD 80,000 each and every day they are getting off passengers. In a year 365 days that is USD 29.2 million dollars they are getting from gratuities. That works out at USD 2.43 million every month in gratuities alone besides what they add for every sale of 18%. Can you see a cruise line giving their Asian crew USD 29.2 dollars every year or USD 2.43 every month. Like hell they will that's why they pocket it. No I give generously myself would not trust any cruise line to give the crew the gratuities and P&O Australia do not charge gratuities at all and perfor you ask no it is NOT added in the cruise fare they leave the passengers to pay any garatuiies as it should be. This has been brought upon us all because Americans in various industries get ripped off by their employers not giving a decent salary structure. In most countries there are laws protecting the vulnerable from being ripped of but unfortunately USA has not rec lived the message yet.
@@lenvella9541 I wish the cruise lines would be transparent about where the gratuities go.
@@lenvella9541 By "added to the fare" I mean that the crew should be paid properly and the fares adjusted to reflect this.
This happened to come on my feed. I was calling 2companies , november and December to find last minute cruises. I still got $3,300 for a not so great room, every time I called. On the NCL gem leaving January 4 going to Bermuda , their island. I thought it was way expensive , leaving half hour from my home ……. Everything was added on. Packages ??? Went to Cancun instead. Spent $1,000 less …..
I recently saw 2 other videos on NCL. Both addressed the horrible experience they had during Embarkation. One couple said they had to wait hours to get onboard. The other video by a TH-cam Cruise influencer in Alaska said that getting back on the ship was a NIGHTMARE. That literally the line was so backed up that it looked like every passenger was off the ship and in this line to reboard. I personally have sailed 5 NCL ships. 1. They charge you to get into the "Adult only area" in the front of the ship and they are limited so if you don't purchase immediately when boarding they're gone. 2. The Haven Suites and the Go-Carts take up so much room on the Lido Deck that the space left is "Claustrophobic." Everyone trying to enjoy the Lido Deck is cramped into this horrible little space! 3. NCL nickel and dimes you on everything .... Cabin Gratuities are higher than the other lines; Gratuities on alcohol are higher than other Lines etc.
never been charged to go to the adults only area...I don't understand what your doing wrong..
I sailed last week on Encore and what I learned is that everyone tries to early board between 10am to 12pm (huge lines). I boarded at 1:15pm and minimal line. Embarked through full process in 28 mins.
@@user-cd4ml5fl9p They are talking about the Vibe. Many of the newer ships have Spice H2O that are adult only areas, but some don't. I simply sail on the ships with the Spice H2O section.
As far as their other complaints there are a few ships with small pool areas for sure. Breakaway and Getaway I think have quite small pool areas. The other ships are very spacious though. I always get the "free at sea" and prepay my gratuities for the room, so I'm just paying it all up front unlike clarencemarquez8134. No nickel and dime to me.
The embarkation is also a bit odd if you do show up early, but if you plan for like noon or later you really do get through quite quickly.
@@user-cd4ml5fl9p The Spice H2O Adult area which is on most ships is free but some of the newer ships (Breakaway & Prima class) have a "Vibe Beach Club" in addition to, or instead of Spice H20 and the Vibe requires you to purchase passes to enjoy its facilities.
Pretty sure when people decide to include the "free drink package", we understand that it actually costs more money. If someone is surprised that the free drink package isn't free, then that's their problem. I think $150 to add on a drink package is pretty cheap. At $15 a drink, I use up that $150 by noon on the first day at sea.
NCL's change in CEO really changed its customer service focus. And as you stated the "King of Costs". Nickel and diming seems more important to NCL exes than other lines. Debating cancelling my 2024 NCL Breakaway and swapping to a RCL Adventure of the Seas around the same time with a nearly identical itinerary outside of Coco Cay.
Have a group of 4. 2 adults in room 1 and child and adult in room 2. Both with Free at Sea.
Room 1 is $3500 total or $1750 per person
Room 2 is $3400 total or $1700 per person
Similar RCL sailings (shave 2 days or same length) save anywhere from $500-$2050 off the total and cut 2 1/2 to 3 hours off our drive time. Breakaway sails from Miami and AotS will be sailing from Port Canaveral. I get I may technically pay a bit more for RCL once drink packages, specialty dining, etc is purchased.
However, seems like a lot of bad changes by NCL recently.
- Paying crew less to do more work. That translates to tired workers who can be grumpy. Not all, but enough
Also means certain people are doing work they hadn't been doing. And venues, bars, MDR, etc is under staffed leading to wait times.
- In-person muster drill isn't the worst change, but it's definitely very similar to nickle and dime. Also it's cramming a lot of people right after a pandemic. E-muster just is better.
- Restaurant quality and size changes (ex. swapping filet at hibachi to a cheaper cut), smaller portions (RCL and others are doing too).
Not an end all, but noticeable
Just a few changes, but it has me leaning on cancelling (free cancellation is awesome at least) and booking with anyone, but NCL.
Agreed 100%
Really great detailed explanation thanks for sharing new cruiser here whom really appreciates it.
I really advise against the DRINK PACKAGE, free drinks and you will be charged a ridiculous amount of gratuities no matter how much you do or do not drink. Those fees will apply to everyone in you party. We had it removed and just kept the other 3 (nothing is FREE) and they deducted well over $200 from our cruise. Check all of these things out. Enjoy your cruise
I just got back from my first cruise with NCL and the thing that bothered me most was the reservation for everything. Having to make reservations for dining and shows way ahead of time seems to be totally against the "free" at sea concept, because you're always worried about your reservations. I was told that Cagney's has the best steak dinner so I tried booking on the second day to find out it was fully booked the whole cruise. So I went and stood in line each day and couldn't get in, till the last day, a couple added me to their party so that got me in. The NCL free at sea dining concept is completely flawed, as far as I'm concerned. They advertise that you can eat when you want but everyone runs on the first day and books up all the reservations. That's for shows too. Everything else I enjoyed and I have to agree the food is probably not as high end as it was before covid. I think that is to be expected on all the cruise lines.
Cruised 5/21-5/28 the joy to NYC-Bermuda the cruise was a terrible experience completely disorganized and pourly run. Its been 5 months and they still owe us 3,500$ in refunds from group deposites and booking credits. From the very start the boarding experience was chaos. Just mobs of people being told the wrong information over and over. People being yelled at by staff for doing things other staff members told them to do. No organized line systems or anything. The food was not good at all. One of the main reasons we book Norwegian. The food at the buffet was mostly over cooked or mushy, a few people even got sick from the buffet. The main restaurants were not much better and only open form 12-1:30 for lunch. The specialty dinning was never available due to the fact people were making multiple reservations for the same day and then canceling the ones they don't want last minute. No regulation at all. We were never able to book things as a group. The one dinner we were able to book ahead of time, when we showed up they didn't know anything about our reservation. They told us we could only sit in tables of 8 and there were clearly other groups with tables of 12. All the tables were suppose to be together but they were separated by massive pillars and walls completely isolating 3 of the tables all together. The laser tag was only open for 2 hours per day and weather permitting. When I tried to book the group they said they needed the room number and the fact that I booked as a group didnt mean anything. I explained I was the group leader and asked for a list of the rooms in my group and they told me thats private information. They said they couldn't accommodate us at the go karts either. But doesn't seem like we missed out sine an electric shopping cart moves faster. The entertainment was really bad. Footloose felt like a high-school production. Most people were falling asleep or walking out after 20 minutes. They messed up several people's reservations in my group and kept sending them to talk to different people but no one ended up helping them. Several people told me I was gonna have a butler and when I went to set it up I was basically laughed at and told I only get a concierge. The "Concierge" that I was assigned was barley available and when they were they would direct me to talk to someone else. I talked to so many long time Norwegian cruisers and they said it was hands down the worst cruise they have ever been on. Some of them have been on more than 30 cruises. Even the staff was apologizing for how crappy it was. This was our wedding cruise. I am so embarrassed. I told all my people how great and fun it was going to be. I told the how great the food was going to be. I told them how great the entertainment was going to be. I told them all the stuff I was told and it was a lie. The ship was not intended to be a family cruise ship. Nor was is designed for that level of open water. The ride was so turbulent. It was designed to be a gambling boat. It is nothing more than a slightly refurbished casino boat with a few pourly thought out and designed "family fun features". We really feel scamed, cheated and lied to about this cruise it was definitely not as advertised. And we are not the only ones there are thousands of people on social media with similar or worse complaints.
Free at Sea is exactly what it sounds like even though some customers think it's shady advertising. You are getting the drink package and specialty dining for free and then guests complain that it's not free that they get stuck having to pay the gratuities. I am sorry but do you expect to drink as much as you want and eat a meal or two and not take care of the servers or bar tenders??? If you decide to pass on the free at sea offers and pay out of pocket you will have to end up paying for the gratuities either way!
The gratuities are not the big issue, although the percentage in our society has increased tremendously. The issue is - they call it free, but if you select those options, your room charge is higher per person. So not free, you can opt not to take those, and pay less. Calling them free is definitely deceptive.
Free at Sea is not "free" if you have to pay... period.
@@Avaren619 excellent argument. You win. Then don’t take the “free” package and pay the $110/day plus gratuities to drink.
I agree and If you don't have the free at sea you are paying per drink which will add up quickly if you have a few at the pool, some at dinner and some after dinner drinks. It's called free at sea because you pay a little more but once at Sea you are not paying. I've done both and I can tell you all those room charges add up quickly if you drink say 5-7 a day and I can tell you drinking 5-7 is easy lol.. So if you like to drink get the package and pay a few bucks more. Servers should be tipped and 20 bucks a day is each I tip on top of that usually a 20 to who ever is working the pool that day so they know me and get me taken care of asap. I do agree they have increase fees but everything else in the world has gone up to! I'll continue to cruise NCL, good luck to those to choose them or any other cruise line.
@@Avaren619 they are free. You're not paying for them. The fee you are paying is gratuities for the staff. If you received a free meal at a restaurant, wouldn't you still expect to pay a tip to the staff? Or would you argue that the meal is free so all the staff get screwed out of the tip as well? Think about it.
My last NCL cruise was a disaster It took 3 days to know who is my housekeeper I had over 15 hours of starvation on the first day The entertainment was not easy to book and the food are almost the same daily. I couldn’t put in the future cruise.
Wife and I just got back from a 7 day on the Breakaway. Was not impressed. The staff was incredibly friendly, except for guest services, which were completely useless every time we needed them. The ship was completely packed, claustrophobic and disorganized. Everything seemed to require a reservation, and the lines were ridiculous to get into the eateries. And don't even get me started on that private island they try to pass off as Belize. Don't see ourselves doing NCL again. In fact, just booked our next cruise for Christmas this year today with Carnival
I'm sailing on NCL in June. Sailing out of Barcelona.
You didn’t even sugarcoat that last part 😂😂
Good points.
I’ve cruised Carnival many many times, but we decided to try NCL last year. What a mistake! I thought their embarkation and debarkation was a nightmare- both took hours of standing in long long lines. The dining room food was unpalatable to the point that I sent it back multiple times-and I eat!!! The buffet food was decent though which was mind blowing to me. Customer service on the ship was nice, but off the ship was horrific when we encountered difficulties. The entertainment was not family oriented or good either-luckily we were not traveling with young children. If it’s labeled family friendly then it should be! The beds were terribly uncomfortable as well! I did like the bathroom design and the thermal spa design as well as the crew, but overall, I’ll stick with Carnival. Couldn’t have been more disappointed.
Love NCL but I prefer the Gem Class Ships. We did not have a great time on the Joy lol. We prefer the mid sized!
Our first four cruises were with Norwegian. We started going down the loyalty points road and not looking at any other cruise lines however, the last of those four cruises was a bad experience so we ventured out and have enjoyed other cruise lines such as Royal and MSC and we are doing Princess this month to Alaska. You hit the nail on the head with Great Stirrup Cay as we have had 2 separate itineraries that were “stopping” here and neither one did due to wind and rough seas. To me it’s absurd that this company making that much money cannot build a dock when they see Royal Caribbean docking their ships right next-door on their Island day after day and keeping their guests happy. Also, when we were able to bring water onto our Royal cruise I thought that was great. One thing you will experience is a nickel and diming selling approach on NCL, haven’t had that with the other lines we have tried. We will sail with NCL again at some point, mainly because we purchased cruise next deposits that must be used in the next 3 years or we lose our money but tbh haven’t missed them all that much.
@branttho
NCL CruiseNext vouchers now expire in 2099.
We are also Platnium and are currently booked on 3 celebrity, 1 NCL, one princess and 1 Carnival. We are starting to phase out NCL because we don’t like the two tier system with the Haven and the “pay for” special area to sit by the pool, not a fan.
Dang, Ralph Macchio is doing cruise reviews! Lol
Seriously, I don't want or like the megaships and look ti chill and relax on the "smaller" 90,000 - 70,000 ton ships like the sky and Jade.
Nice video!
$300 total for the free drink package is still a hell of a deal in regards to the drink package/service fees. Considering drinks on average at any bar in your home town cost between $8.00 to $12.00, you can easily consume closer to $1000 in a 7 day period. If you don't think you can surpass a $300 total in 7 days then just don't get the package.
I liked my first cruise with ncl but don't like their shady sale fares. Percentage off doesn't mean anything. Also I think their excursion management could be better organized. Other than those 2 things I found it a good experience.
Same here. The "CursieNext" (?) program appears to be a scam. I signed into it and then cancelled when I could not get the bill paid. Can't believe NCL will give traverlers "free air fair". Best regards. DRS / RVN Vet.
I love NCL.
I don't like having to make a reservation for the small theatre! NCL used to be "Freestyle".
Jade is part of my favorite class of ship
I chose NCL for my cruise next November just because it was the only line doing an itinerary that I am really looking forward to.. otherwise i would have chosen a European cruise line whose "customs" ( like tipping and gratuities) are much more understandable to me ( i am Italian)
Yes, I learned something from your video; I won't be going on any cruise under those T&Cs!
I was seriously considering a cruise, but after watching several videos, it's not for me.
Too crowded, too many queues and too many charges.
I don't like hidden or unclear charging.
Bringing soda on board is hit miss/ twice successful in NYC port, but failed in Maine.
I did NCL once and never again. NCL is more like Walmart of cruise industry but who knows may be they improve down the road.
NCL is the best. Have been on 4 cruises, been all the big 3 and only once on Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Getting ready to sail on my 3rd Norwegian cruise in March. Have been on the Sky, Encore and this one will be on the Dawn. I liked the Encore but it was crazy busy at full capacity right after covid. Was supposed to sail on the Escape but was scheduled about 3 weeks after it ran aground in Puerta Plata. But ended up switching us to the Encore at the last minute AND gave us cruise credit which almost paid for the upcoming cruise.
Agree and I'm Sapphire NCL. Love NCL! Try the Epic when you get a chance. It's my favorite ship!
@@catsrus2890 yeah, the Epic is amazing, I've been twice!
@@juliaanderson6155 Me too! Twice.☺️
@CatsRUs Thanks, certainly will try the Epic! I have to admit that the onboard go cart racing was really, really fun!
@@brendajo8589 Yeah, they don't have that on the Epic.😂 It's an older ship, but what it does have is wide open spaces... On the older ships, they don't have as many cabins as the newer ships, which is really nice. It has a deck that goes completely around the ship that you can walk without restaurants and things being in the way, a great solo lounge for the solo travelers where the bartender comes in everyday for happy hour for the solo meet-up, a huge gym for those interested and great shows. I'm a Solo traveler. The last time I was on, there was a solo traveler in our solo group, a woman from England, who had been on the Epic alone 20 times she loved it so much. It has the Beatles lounge and show too. Oh, and in the thermal spa, it's in the back of the ship, which is opposite from the newer ships, it has an outside porch on the back. Just a great ship!
I prefer NCL over other lines but the recent changes are eye opening and not the direction that I think they should take. Enough people will complain and reverse some of these newer and in my opinion idiotic changes, especially going back to the group muster. I'm OK with the increase in gratuities, that's $28 more for a week. That's what, 4 Starbuck coffees? I also tip directly as well for my peace of mind that the people who are directly serving me are getting a tip.
However, I'm not ok with with the decrease in service. Even though I'm very neat in my cabin and can survive the 1x daily cleaning, what am I paying extra for? When I go onto my next cruise, I'll be sure to express my dismay in the survey.
They should cut expensive and unused casino machines and tables, worthless mass produced art, and the overpriced effy jewelry. Scaling back on that would save money, time, and effort. I've never seen a full casino ever.
Was on NCL Joy in Sept 2023. The cons (negative observations) you noted in video are honestly no biggie. It is their business model. Extra costs like drink packages, go cart and extra curricular activities can add up, but only if you use it. Know in advance and prepare for it. Only pay for things you feel is a deal and something you use. Part of any vacation trip, anywhere.
Just got off the NCL Escape February 11, 2023. Everything he has said is true. A totally different type of cruising experience. Even after our final payment NCL came back and charged us over 200 more dollars. Nickle and dime us to death. Wasn't worth the Hassell.
Hiw did they charge you after you already paid? And for what?
@@guitarn00bie25 Our statement had paid in full. My wife even call NCL x3 and they said it was for gratuities. First two times they didn't know how to explain the charge. We didn't add anything after our full payment. So either we pay or don't cruise.
My last 8 cruises have been on NCL
Getting tired of the recent changes. Increased daily charges, the changes with the $50 shore excursions and not getting the full amount, now only 1 a day cabin service. Entertainment cuts. I have noticed that the crew is not very happy- probably overworked. I probably will sail on NCL again. Will be trying MSC in April
Did you just come on to brag about how many cruises you have been on? You could not go anywhere on the ship without a conversation about past cruises. Ever stay at a Hilton and actually enjoy a vacation instead of prancing around letting everyone know you are a tenth-tier member of the latitudes club?
Once a day room cleaning has been standard for on land hotels for decades; you can still get extra service, mostly at no extra charge just by calling house keeping and asking your stateroom steward politely. Only in room extra you really pay for is room service, you will be charged a service fee for ordering bottled water and other food or beverages to your room.
I heard MSC is very disorganized...so take caution and do your research.
My wife & I stopped using NCL, for years, because they "nickel & dimed" passengers, for every
little thing? My biggest complaints are that NCL refuses to have 'covered' pools, for inclement
weather, even on their newer ships! They also have the smallest, most drab, inside cabins of any
cruise line! They don't have enough "stage shows" & they cancel ports, way too often!
I totally agree!!! There is so much l can say. I am just going to write a letter regarding the cruise. l just took to Hawaii 😮
NCL nickel and dimes a cruiser as much as they can!!! $40 for six one liter cartons of water PLUS a 20% delivery charge. You can’t buy the water and carry it to your room . You buy it at a bar and they deliver it. That’s about $4.00 a liter. We did however manage to buy water at our first port and was able to carry it on board.
A disappointing matter we discovered wait talking to staff members in different departments was they practically pay NCL to work for them !!! Not all of the crew work directly for NCL. They are a third party hire. They pay for their own flights to the port of call. They pay NCL $50 a day for room and board. The have to buy their uniforms. They have to pay for internet and calls same as regular passengers. They have to buy their water like you and I . One crew member we spoke to said they do have washer and dryer’s they can use however there 900 other crew members trying to use the same machines and have to wait until 2:00 or 3::00 in the morning to do their laundry !!!!!
If you make friends with a crew member you can request that that crew member dine with you. A nice perk for them. At the end of the cruise PLEASE fill out a card at Guest Services praising a crew member that made your cruise more enjoyable. Because of the language barrier we didn’t get to talk to the guy that took great care of our room. I found the supervisor and made sure he knew how happy we were with the care we received and filled out the comment card. They can get some nice perks if they receive praises. We filled several cards on the crew members that made our first cruise an enjoyable experience.
We've cruised dozens of times on Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian. The bottom line is that Norwegian stands as a class by itself, well beyond her competitors. Carnival is quite literally turning into the ghetto cruise line. The lower prices of Carnival, although seemingly a bargain, attract a less sophisticated crowd. After seeing brawls, arrests, and just generally trashy behavior by guests, and low-end food service, we will not be sailing with them again. Carnival's drinks package, although cheaper, limits you to 15 per day. Probably a good thing or the whole ship would be a drunken donnybrook. Royal is alright, but they nickel and dime you to death. Everything seems to be an extra charge, and the food is nowhere close to what NCL offers. Royal does offer the largest cruise ships in the world, and they are worth trying out for the novelty of it, but they still have some work to do to reach NCL's level of cruising. Yes, you do pay a higher price for NCL, but you get what you pay for. The food is incredible, the service is impeccable, and the experience is unforgettable. By all means, try the other cruise lines, but you'll come back to NCL.
Was on NCL last week, we ended up being charged $800 more than when we signed up originally because we prepaid gratuities, paying tax for the drink package, and extra tax on specialty dining. This was not counting any excursions and extra things we decided to buy. It was not as affordable in the long run as I thought. I'd like to try a different cruise line that maybe has more included so I know what I'm getting into
They charged you 800 more 'after' you prepaid gratuities? Or that 'was' thr cost of your gratuities
Understand your frustration. NCL is not alone in advertising a lower sticker price in order to attract customers, especially those new to cruising. Once you start a booking and add in gratuities, drink packages, Wi-Fi, the actual fare is much higher. For those of us who don’t need alcohol or Wi-Fi, the Ala carte option is better. No cruise line can really include more without charging a higher price. Totally agree that the gratuity should be in the upfront cost of the cruise as well as drink packages and specialty dining, it’s not a tax, but also agree it’s really a service charge rather than a tip. Some of the European lines, Marella, do include gratuities and sometimes a basic drink package. Good Luck!