Norwegian Cruise Line Traps People Are Still Falling For

Today we share our Norwegian Cruise Line traps people are still falling for. There are lots of changes on NCL and we are here to share some with you that you may not be aware that they are a trap.

[@dagagablokhus3489]

For a 14 night cruise I paid 149 euros for the “free at sea” package. This includes: - Premium beverage package for all restaurants, specialty restaurants, bars: selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands and cocktails, draught and bottled beer, spirits and wine of up to 15 $ per glass. Gratuities and taxes are included - Specialty restaurant package: 3 meals - Internet package per person: 300 minutes - Shore excursion credit Per stateroom: 50 $ per tour Gratuities and taxes are included, a very good deal in my opinion. No trap.

[@Amdamguy]

I agree. Free at sea package is actually a good deal. We don’t pay extra taxes for this.

[@stephendoroff7949]

A little trick to reduce the cost of the Wi-Fi on NCL is to take the free minutes and then a day or two later purchase what's left of the trip and you can reduce the cost to something between $50 and a $75 depending on how many days are left.

[@jenniferjordan9066]

Thanks for this!

[@petek5523]

The extra tipping line isn’t really a scam, it’s the cruise lines not wanting to pay a fair wage and trying to pass it on and guilt the passengers into supplementing the crappy wages.

[@danielueblacker9118]

The ship's crew are hard working I agree with you on the cruise line does not want to pay them more. I still carry around singles and five dollar bills and tip. Never really came across anyone with a bad attitude. I leave the room steward more money.

[@donwooden6358]

If you go on a NCL cruise just be prepared for the 'nickel and diming' that they try pulling. If you are prepared and understand the upcharges then you can still fully enjoy your holiday. Those that come on that are completely caught off guard are those that struggle. Your video points out all of those small details where the upcharges are most noticeable....well done. I still consider NCL my cruise line of choice...but I go with my eyes wide open and no rose colored glasses

[@danielueblacker9118]

Agree yet them liking Disney can't even see the Mouse being better for your dollar.....

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Have you done the bottom line math? I don't care if I have to pay $15 for gokarts if I'm saving $500-1000 in the end by not going on RCL or Disney

[@andrewy4761]

Image if everything is included and not extra which mean you're paying for them whether you use it or not. Also image the line time you spend in line if they are "free".

[@mistermedic8963]

I use the wifi minutes by writing emails and texts offline. Then I hop on, check mail and texts, send my prewritten items out, synch our Fitbits and hop offline. Used this way the "included" minutes are sufficient.

[@barbiegal7227]

Sorry to disagree but the Free At Sea options can be a great benefit…. For my upcoming cruise the drink package costs $152.60. This charge is for the estimated gratuities for my drinks. Is it actually free? No, but it’s not a rip off either. To break even ( or better) on this I just need to consume 2 drinks a day on my cruise…which is really not that much for some people. I always recommend people do the math, if it doesn’t work out for you don’t get it. I agree the internet is not always great but 150 free minutes is not bad for those that just need a quick check in while cruising.

[@colleens7641]

Absolutely

[@monikaliebold4225]

Totally agree - I have same costs. Alaska in October. 😊😊

[@danielueblacker9118]

I don't drink but love you have it figured out enjoy for sure.

[@zoomiekabilangbuhay6000]

I agree! I removed my Unli bev package and would buy drinks whenever I feel like it. Ncl is cheaper than Royal but has the best quality of service! I’m officially a Norwegian now lol

[@sisposh7064]

I completely agree. I think this channel has it completely wrong on these tips. I did the math long ago and the free at sea is the best deal for what you get.

[@kellyc1578]

As experienced cruisers, I’m surprised at some of this “advice”. ALL mainstream cruise lines have drink packages that are only a good value if you run the numbers and decide if it works in your favor. As someone who does imbibe on vacation, the free at sea pkg doesn’t take much (perhaps 2-3 drinks per day if you aren’t just drinking cheap beers or well drinks) to come out in your favor…I do wish it included speciality coffees and sparkling water though. And everyone should know that “giveaways”, be they at the spa or the stores onboard, or act auctions are a waste of your time unless you are truly into such things. I’m just saying, I’m not sure why you are singling out NCL here, they all do these things

[@lauragwillim1055]

💯

[@lauragwillim1055]

FAS Bev package does include specialty coffee, Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, energy drinks and up to $15 alcoholic drinks.

[@Beth11271]

@@lauragwillim1055 That is the upgrade drink package. The standard FAS does not include spec coffee, bottle water or energy drinks. I just got off Joy two weeks ago.

[@kjean86]

@@Beth11271 You are 100% correct!

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Very much agree Kelly

[@kene8895]

EXACTLY! Thanks again.

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Wish I could attach a screenshot here of my expenses on Feb cruise on Prima - I would! I'm not sure I follow how Free at Sea is a "trap" in any way. I think that's a bit disingenous. It only cost us $175 pp plus tax, mixed in with the port fees and taxes you pay anyway. You certainly get quite a bit of "Value" out of the package, and I don't think many people get hung up on "hey you said it was completely Free - unfair!" I never expected that. The value that you get out of a drink package (just paying tips and some tax) free Wifi 150 mintues (no charge), 2 free dinners (again paying tips and tax like any restaurant), $50 off 1 person excursion coupons, and half off air fare ... I just don't know what there is to complain about. Any cruise has these charges if those are things you want to do. Compare the total cost to RCL, carnival, disney or celebrity, and this is actually a deal. I don't care what they labeled it. We've done F.A.Sea everytime, no regrets. If you plan to not do the fun things on the ship, don't drink and count every penny on your cruise, more power to you if you drop F.A.Sea.

[@travelingfool9096]

if you are even a moderate drinker, the packing is a value. I am a light drinker, My fall cruise I will find out if not getting it was the wise decision. specialty dinning pushes the double tipping. As for the rest, if you go in informed, then not a trap.

[@Diehappppy]

I have loved my vacations with NCL but they do nickel and dime you. I've switched to Royal and Virgin for now.

[@mistermedic8963]

We liked a Moscato on an NCL cruise and I wrote the name down. A bottle was priced at $30. Once home I found it in a grocery store for less than $5. You know in the amounts NCL purchased the it was less than the grocery store paid. I don't mind a company making a reasonable profit but that was way out there!

[@Song-ii8vj]

Thanks for the information.

[@CC-TimesTwo]

This is helpful. Thank you.

[@ammie1216]

This is a great video!!! Thank you.

[@darcygraham2430]

Thanks for taking the time to make a video...we totally made use of our drink package, mimosas for breakfast...beers, wine, was a really good deal for us.

[@mikenevelus297]

Appreciate your video. We don't cruise as a lifestyle so the extra cost for the drink package is a good deal for us. The specialty dining is excellent on NCL. The room we booked the night before the cruise was $400.00 so after that, the drink package is looking pretty good! We just came back from an NCL cruise and I didn't encounter any issues with getting drinks. Sorry to hear others have had problems with service.

[@DraMatography978]

US TOO!

[@wzlee583]

Love the advise! Enjoy all your videos.

[@brucepobanz]

I booked a future NCL sailing. Thanks for your input

[@KayTee979]

If you didn't realize the go-karts, laser tag, etc weren't included, you didn't do enough research. I knew that well before getting on the ship and sailing. If you can't understand why private, independent shops on the ship that likely rent space to be there have a separate charge from your cruise fare, I don't know what to tell you. That is just basic common sense. Starbucks is a private business, you are going to have to pay for it, NCL isn't going to pay Starbucks for you. If you expect endless Starbucks (plus all things from the other specialty shops, like the ice cream and dessert shops) to be included for every passenger, you better expect at least a $500-$1000 increase in your vacation. You want a fancy dessert or ice cream from a private shop, you pay for it. These are privately owned shops that I can guarantee spend a butt load of money to rent a space on the ships. They aren't included in your ship fare, nor do we want them to be as it would make sailing significantly more expensive because then all passengers are having to cover all specialty shopping for everyone regardless of if they will frequent those shops or never use them at all. Could you imagine trying to cover the cost of thousands of people with a Starbucks addiction? The cost would be astronomical.

[@mattriebel1653]

I think they had a bad experience or something pissed them off and now they just bashing

[@thetripod7]

I think the specialty restaurants are a scam, too. Think about it, you already paid for your meals as part of the cruise package weather, it's in the dining room or the buffet, etc.. a lot of the times it's the same food anyway. Is that really worth an extra 50 to 75 dollars more each?? I don't think so. And that goes for ALL cruiselines.

[@planetsoverpeople]

Agreed. Unless its a special occasion, theres honestly no reason to book specialty dining with the amount of complimentary food offered on most ships. I'd even argue speciality restaurants should be apart of the cruise fare since 9/10 its the same menu found in other dining rooms.

[@feverishpinkmama]

Yes it sounds like it

[@alwaysright5901]

I totally agree. I didn't buy a specialty package on my last NCL cruise a year ago. I had an inside cabin (don't care to pay more for a window or balcony as I'm hardly in the room). The cabin came with one night at a specialty restaurant. My other family members had two nights because they had a balcony. My favorite place to eat was the inclusive buffet restaurant!! I ate there more than anywhere. I would eat there before I met up family at the specialty restaurant so I didn't have to pay extra for a meal as I already ate! We also had 3 other dining rooms included with our fare but we still ended up eating at the buffet - breakfast, lunch and dinner! It was on the NCL Encore and the buffet was called Garden Cafe. Loved it!

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Can't say I agree with this. The food isn't the same, we've eaten at 6 of NCL's specialty restaurants and they've all been far above the quality of MDR or buffet. Especially Food Republic, Onda and Los Lobos Mexican. You aren't seeing a menu like that anywhere else. I'm not sure how it's a scam if all I paid was $17.80 pp for tips for the waiters ... when I got a $200 meal for free. If you don't like fine dining, you can remove it, but there's definitely no scam here, just good value for almost nothing.

[@juliep5392]

The Free at Sea is $21.80 per day. I feel you are kind of misleading people, saying this is a trap, two wines at dinner ($15 x 2) easily pays the gratuities on the package. For a 9-night cruise the beverage service charge is $196.20, the dining service charge $11.80 (1 speciality dinner). I don’t see this as a trap and personally feel it’s a good value for me.

[@colleens7641]

Exactly

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Agree!!

[@juanitajordan6674]

WINES ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH FREE AT SEA. You have to upgrade.

[@juliep5392]

Any drink $15 and under is included in Free at Sea.

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

@@juanitajordan6674 glasses under $15 are, I enjoyed many of them. And if I spied one for $25 I wanted to try, was just $10 to room bill, I did not mind 😅

[@Jayhuckster]

If most Americans in the service industry were paid a living wage, then 20% and higher tips wouldn't be necessary. I'd rather pay more for a meal and drinks if it meant that lot of service industry people were just paid a decent wage/salary. Most are not

[@petek5523]

Exactly 💯

[@FkCCPspiesinYT]

You get paid the minimum wage at least

[@petek5523]

@@FkCCPspiesinYT what’s the minimum wage for cruise ships?

[@suave-rider]

This is why tipping does not exist in Australia. High basic wages.

[@aynrandfan7454]

recently did the 21 day NCL cruise from cape town to barcelona...didnt buy any drink packages cuz i dont drink. also took off the tips not gonna pay $800 extra lmao

[@OurMidlifeVan]

Lots of great tips. Was looking at booking a NCL cruise and the taxes on the FREE drinks were more than what we would spend on drinks for the cruise. Definitely not free.

[@monikaliebold4225]

You don't see taxes on drink package /specialty dining when booking. You see gratuities, which are charged with your booking. With drink package you just order your drinks, there is no additional gratuity onboard to pay. If you don't have a package, you have to pay for each single drink (doesn't matter with or without alcohol) + 20% gratuity each drink.

[@denisebrown3936]

Great info

[@desire2travel]

Everything you've described is present on most mainstream American cruise lines. Royal has the same spa tour and raffle at sailaway and the "prizes" cover half of an inflated spa service cost, but you are charged the gratuity based on the full price, not your discounted cost. Carnival charges to ride their roller coaster. Royal and Carnival have Starbucks for a fee; Princess and Celebrity have their own specialty coffees for a fee. Royal had Ben and Jerry's for a fee; now they have a no-name ice cream parlor. Princess and Celebrity have gelato for a fee. All mainstream American cruise lines have a line for additional tips, should you wish to provide it. Royal and Disney still leave envelopes in your cabin even though you've paid the auto gratuities in advance. ALL cruise lines add automatic gratuities to drinks and specialty dining; the difference is NCL doesn't make you pay for the drink itself or the meal itself if you select their "free at sea" promotion. I'm surprised you guys don't know all this! Or if you do, I'm surprised your title suggests that these practices are specific to this one single cruise line.

[@user-gc3ui4km1b]

I have the same questions as you. You are 100% correct - at least the drinks are free which is more than you can say for Royal who these two continue to say is amazing. I enjoy Royal but NCL is a better more inexpensive deal.

[@sidneysfamily8760]

Thank you for sharing.

[@user-dn7oo3sb1p]

I've heard of tips being written in later (by gremlins?) on those tip lines on the receipt, so I tip an extra $1-$2 CASH then write on the tip line, "PAID CASH." Naturally, I keep my copies of my receipts. I'm old lady enough to where dirty looks don't bother me in the least. 😂

[@bitterbeauty711]

Very interesting and informative video

[@user-zv5xv9gf7w]

This is not limited to Norwegian. Every cruise line does this. Royal Caribbean has tons of extra charges for food and activities. All cruise lines have made cruising an a la carte experience rather than all inclusive. Dont blame one cruise line- they are ALL doing it.

[@DaveM-FFB]

The upper premium cruise lines like Viking and Oceania are not nickel and diming their customers. However, I would agree with you that all of the mega ship cruise lines are nickel and diming their customers.

[@marilynwortham4226]

I have been on Royal Caribbean and never paid for activities that should all be included

[@karengatz3022]

I always uncheck the beverage package but I do keep the specialty dinning because it is only a few dollars for the dinning. :)

[@pinkorganichorse]

Dining

[@danielueblacker9118]

been on NCL for years and i do the same thing. before Covid they had a three specialty dining package for $83 that was the best. now I just take the 1 do it on the first sailing day so not as crowded. Happy cruising.

[@salliestewart4713]

I love Ncl as a solo. My free drink at sea came out to 2.75/ drink. Some of my excursions were free because of the free at sea deal. My drink package on carnival is more per drink w tax and tip. Your price is room and most food and for iteneries.

[@samhuntley344]

The spa is definitely a trap. Having to fend off upsells after a massage undid all of the relaxation from my massage 😤

[@paulreid7697]

never been on a cruise but the only person I let do a massage has her RMT..... don't know them... no blankety black way!!!

[@suave-rider]

so no happy ending...

[@monikaliebold4225]

​@@paulreid7697At Mandara Spa they have highly educated therapists. Mandara Spa is an exclusive spa chain having spas all over the world and on NCL ships.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Tip: Just say at beginning at reception as well to therapist, you just want your massage and no offer for purchase. Then there will be no upsells - my own experience.

[@jeanettachurchill4203]

I just got off NCL. I told them sternly that I am not doing any upsales. They just said, "oh okay". And then I had my wonderful massage.

[@TC-re2du]

Taking my first NCL cruise this summer. Cruised with Carnival last summer and after having taken about 7 or so years away from cruising, I decided that I need to try other lines. I was always a cruiser, but not sure if that will continue given how much things have changed.

[@HICARO]

I’ve never cruised on NCL but hearing your experience with trying to get a soda reminded me of my experience on the Oasis of the Seas. I brought the drink package but I kept getting charged for my soda. It was so irritating having to get those charges removed.

[@caroljordan4316]

Yes on royal Caribbean I was shocked the drinks package only included fountain soft drink not cans of soft drink

[@erikh9991]

Thanks for the tips! I am going on NCL for the first time next year. I wish they didn't have that extra tip line. My son got mad at me on one cruise and I got a $1,000 bill because he double tipped.

[@phyllisward8682]

I agree nothing is free in regards to NCL free at sea. I opted in for the drinks on a sailing with my husband because he is a drinker. One of the other cruise lines drink package is more expensive.

[@MrOklacat]

I haven’t cruised NCL but have cruised have Carnival and Royal. The drink receipts I have gotten have always had an additional tip line. Your credibility on this makes me question some of your other comments about NCL.

[@colleens7641]

Absolutely

[@micdud3248]

We always take the drinks on Free at Sea. Yes you pay gratuities, but it’s still a great deal compared to the other lines. For a week cruise, my wife and I paid around $150. That’s like 12 drinks. We’d drank that within the first two days. You pay the gratuities on the dining package as well. Still a great deal. The Free at Sea offers is usually what causes us to book NCL over Royal. If we bought all that on Royal it costs way more.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Completely agree. 👍👍

[@DraMatography978]

YUP!

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Facts! Great bang for the buck on NCL

[@bobhepburn2307]

Americans have been pushed into a tipping culture because companies would rather have their customers pay their workers. Unfortunately, some restaurants have tried a "no tipping" policy, and raised prices to pay increased wages, and people won't eat there because the only look at the menu price. Servers at expensive restaurants like getting 20% or more of a large bill, but 20% at a coffee shop doesn't amount to much. Now, it has spread to fast food places.

[@robbroere1384]

The statement that Americans are the biggest tippers might be true as unfortunately the expect things to he cheap and as result the staff gets paid nothing or peanuts as base salary and has to survive on tips. The biggests rip-off and yes that applies to Free at Sea as well is Gratuities both on the base cruise fare as well on everything you consume. That should be stopped across the industry. It is already good practise in many countries NOT to charge those, America not being one of them. I recently took an MSC cruise from Barcelona that I booked through a UK agency and Gratuity, Port taxes all are part of the fare. So much better. At least Virgin, our next Cruise, which we booked through a US agency, does include Gratuities globally. The US consumers should demand inclusivity and across the service industry, Cruise, Restaurant etc, and with that accept higher prices (still the same after the tip) and tip ONLY for outstanding service.

[@lobstahchowdah8920]

Thanks for your honest, unvarnished opinion on these upsells. This is something you rarely hear from many travel vloggers and bloggers, who I suspect are only presenting the sunny side of a cruise line, resort, etc, because they are travelling as invited guests of the cruise lines. When you pay your own way and you’re a customer just like everyone else, you tend to be a little more careful about where your dollars go.

[@user-gc3ui4km1b]

I wouldn’t call it honest. They are not totally transparent.

[@escritora84]

I'm trying NCL solo next year and opted into the free at sea, only because I have a 12 day sailing and figured it would be more advantageous over the long term. I'm still a little sticker shocked and feel like I'm paying more than I would with the more modular payment model cruising I normally do, so thanks for sharing this info. Funny enough, Royal Caribbean does similar things but in different ways, like the sales pitch at the end of your massage or premium food/drinks like starbucks and cupcakes. Each cruise line has their pros and cons and people who would prefer a more all-inclusive experience like Virgin would be a better fit than NCL.

[@danielueblacker9118]

Solo traveling or Solo Cabin? I love the solo cabins especially they have the solo lounge where I can get free lattes. Enjoy and have a wonderful time. Post Script I love Cagney's Steakhouse.

[@anthonywilliammitchell509]

50 dollar shore excurision credit (in my case it was included in a solo deal) however the excursions were and still are so overpriced it's not worth it.

[@michellenetherton6279]

We have never used all the wifi minutes on NCL. We check on things back home a couple times and then phone is off.

[@katcalico9142]

As a soda drinker, I do love that Disney and Virgin include it. So nice - agree with the convenience + I much prefer fountain soda. I know I can bring it onboard but I don’t want to lug it around on embarkation day. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@danielueblacker9118]

I am just guessing they are more money overall than NCL.....

[@gacmasterful]

When I clicked on your video, KZbin launched an ad for NCL. I sailed on the NCL Prima recently, and I did not get the Free at Sea package for the same reasons you mentioned in the video. I am happy to say I avoided the traps you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@delprioredevelopments648]

If you do t have two drinks a day … decline the package… but if you do keep it…we’ll worth the small gratuity you pay.

[@caroljordan4316]

Walking the plank on our recent NCL cruise was included

[@SuperVidtech]

I never take the drink package since I am not a big drinker, I keep the specialty dining, however.. Actually have a Transatlantic scheduled in April with NCL..

[@list-and-sell]

I always do the math on the Free at Sea packages, sometimes it makes sense, other times not. About the specialty restaurants, we are Sapphire level with NCL so we get 2 specialties each on every cruise. We've seen what the restaurant "values" the meals at when we sign off on the bill and it is around $180 for a table of two. We have the Latitudes perk so we don't pay it but we wonder do people really pay that for dinner? I love the thermal spa too but the price on that has gone up exponentially, I'll still do it but have to grit my teeth.

[@poonpoonsmith399]

I've taken NCL twice and I agree that they are not the best cruise line out there. I much prefer Royal Caribbean or Carnival. My last cruise was on Wonders of the Sea and I loved it.

[@AngelaKHarrell]

Hi guys, love the channel (and have started watching your other channels as well)! QUESTION: Can you go over any of the hotels you may have stayed at when sailing from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port? I'm trying to decide if I should get a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale OR fly into Miami and get an Uber or Lyft to the cruise port in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm sailing on Princess next year. What is your opinion, and do you have any hotels you recommend at each port? Thanks in advance for any info!!

[@danielueblacker9118]

I don't agree with them on this video but have watched their Train Channel which I LOVE.

[@wunderwriter1]

I checked into one of their cruises and couldn’t understand the double speak regarding their packages. We are very happy with Princess and Carnival and opted to stick with them.

[@sissimpson]

my 7 day free at see drink package is about 300 for two of us. thats about 20/day to drink what I want. 2 glassess of wine with dinner every night will do it. Plus soda.

[@edc4642]

We knew about most of these issues before, thanks for telling us there is more nickel and diming then expected. That's why we sold our shares of NCLH back when the changes on grats got instituted and cancelled 2 sailings. There is better value elsewhere.

[@thebraz21]

You have to get the beverage package I’m not taking a vacation paying per drink and the specialty restaurants unfortunately are usually ten times better

[@allthingseclectic3962]

We went on a NCL cruise to Mexico this last summer. The worst and most expensive cruise we’ve been on ! Customer service was also very poor. We’ll stick with Princess! Never again.

[@mamajudesays6912]

They're more gratuities, not just taxes. And they didn't trap me with the drink thing, they trapped me with their bloody Marys. Also, when I'm not drinking the alcohol, which I very much am, I'm drinking the soft drinks, also included. I think it was 2 or 3 per day to break even. Not a lot imo.

[@lindarobinson2104]

My husband and I were recently on a carnival ship where we pre-paid for a couple's massage. We didn't think about the obvious. Tip 18% at the time of service. But, we got hit with an 18% tip TIMES 2!! Now, ok it made sense because we had 2 people providing services. But DAMN!! The discounted massages cost $287.20. Won't be doing that again.

[@user-hi4dq6gb1j]

Looking to go on cruise NCL I never take packages. I did thermal spa but got sick half way through cruise because I’d go into air conditioning after the pool

[@Drod8899]

Good to know, you folks are great!

[@mattriebel1653]

Wheres your other videos about the traps people are falling for

[@sensei1x]

Just about to take my first transatlantic cruise in January on NCL. Thanks for the heads up

[@danacasey8543]

I only cruise on NCL, and I don't use the specialty dining, so I remove it. If you don't drink much, don't check that box. I do use the $50 off shore excursions, but don't care about the wifi - I unplug! I drink lots of Diet Coke and beer, so the drink package is worth it. You don't have to tip if you don't want to (over and above the fees for the cruise). I tip my room steward, an especially good server or bartender, and anyone else that I think deserves it. I budget for extra things. One of the worst things about NCL, or any other cruiseline, is hearing people gripe (frankly, bitching) about anything they think they are entitled to, and not getting, aside from 50% off or 2nd guest free airfare, etc.). I think NCL might not be for you.

[@danielueblacker9118]

I am guessing the price for the other two cruise lines mentioned were way more money than NCL....

[@pixie1602]

Concerning the tipping in Europe.....we tend to round up to the next Euro or give roughly 2 Euro tips depending on the service.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Just round up to next Euro is - sorry for that - impolite. You should round up with amounts below 10 Euro at least 50 cents up to 1 Euro. Above 10 to 20 Euro, up to 2 Euro are fine. In general with higher amounts, if service is okay 10% are fine. If service is more than okay, it's up to you.

[@CathyEM]

NCL isn't charging you extra TAXES on the drink and speciality dining packages (beyond what you already paid when you bought the packages) - those are the GRATUITIES. You just have to remember that they are prepaid when you get the receipt to sign, so you don't double-tip (unless you really want to). And you absolutely don't need to do it!! I occasionally do the spa tour/raffle depending upon what time it is. I've seen them give away certificates for $150 - 200 per treatment, so it might be a nice discount. Also, you have to complete an entry form to enter the raffle, so you absolutely do "SIGN UP" for that. And once you attend your first, you do realize that the drawing does take some time (though I've never attended one that was one hour long). I'm not one to pay for the roller coasters, slides, ropes courses, and go-karts, but Carnival and Royal also charge extra for experiences like this. NCL isn't the only mainstream cruise line that is not all-inclusive.

[@pw-sz6ds]

Let’s see…5 drinks a day at $10 per drink for 7 nights. That’s $350. If the free at sea cost me $400 then that’s only a $50 loss. And that’s only if my drinks were $10 each. Doesn’t really sound too bad unless the taxes/gratuity is more than the $400 you stated. 🤷‍♀️

[@user-gc3ui4km1b]

It is not. Your math is correct. These two are full of it.

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Free at sea is usually just $175 pp or less! Just 2 drinks a day & you've got your value

[@Ryan-zv6yl]

Firstly i do love this video. I do think we have different ideas of the terms alot whem drinking though lol. My 7 day scruise tax comes to $21 pwr person per day. So if you drink more than 2 drinks in 24 hour day every day then you come out even. Probably the best drink package deal in the industry. Id recommend everyone get this unless you absolutely dont drink at all

[@dorisfaulkner7344]

They try to get you while you are the most excited and that’s when is sail away time😂😂😂

[@stephenwilliams4406]

I'm with you about the Tips. The 'Additional Tip' line is overbearing. And yes, never tip around the world more than 10%, and usually less.

[@sylvial3815]

Just came back TODAY on NCL Joy. If you skip the go cart, Starbuck etc. I feel the prices are fair. We had a bottle of 19 Crimes Red wine and its $25 per bottle. Its a decent wine. The crew no matter what position they work at are very hard working. They work in multiple restaurants in one day. Room Stewards work non stop. In my opinion if i am going on a cruise once every one or two years, I dont mind tipping a little extra. The crew members dont get to go home like we do, they are on the ship 3 to 6 months for a contract at a time. I just feel that if I can afford to go on a cruise, then plan to have extra budget to tip because thats their living. I also understand people cruise with kids then there mag not be much choice but to spend the money for extra entertainment because you cant hang out at the pool 10 hours a day. Their thermal spa is good.

[@kkelly9424]

They are not charging for "taxes". They are charging for "tips/gratuities". I don't drink, except for an occasional soda. I did not realize that the tips were going to be charged in advance., before I ever had a drink I paid more than $300 for tips on the "free" drinks, So a $300 tip for at most 10 sodas. Its outrageous.

[@The_Real_RJ]

I’m going on a 11 day cruise and the drink pass gratuity is $325 per person. With drunks at $15 that’s 22 drinks to make it worth it, or 2 drinks per day. Prettttty worth it

[@patsycathcart1]

That free spa deal sounds like a timeshare scam!

[@miked7745]

im doing my 1st cruise, i did chose the pre paid gratuity...Can i just write that under the line that asks for Extra Tip? "prepaid"

[@Jrprez22]

It's actually tips you pay, not taxes. But compare it to another cruise line with a drink package and it's still cheaper. PS. If you don't want the drink package, you can decline it.

[@user-kk3vu4lu6b]

Have a question, we just did our first cruise this year. We booked the Haven and we loved. We paid gratuities before we left. Yet, we tipped the buttler and the steward, and they made it clear they wanted the tip at the beginning of the trip. Which we did. Whatbis customary and how much to each of them? Thank you. I am sure some seasoned cruisers can help me since we are going again in November 😊

[@monikaliebold4225]

Tipping should be at own discretion, but you can check online information - tipping when staying in Haven suite.

[@comfixit]

I think the biggest trap is the phone roaming. Make sure your phone is in airplane mode while sailing. Next biggest trap is partially mentioned by you guys which is the attempts to trick you into tipping more than once. This happens a lot with packages where you cover tips for specialty dinning meals while still keeping the gratuities allocated for that same meal under general dinning. People can pay tips out sometimes 2 or 3 times over for specific services without realizing it.

[@Dillingham-]

Sometimes we can’t afford ‘free’ 🥴

[@keishalane1412]

These things are not just NCL

[@crankybastid2197]

All cruise lines are out there to make money. They all have their quirks, head shakers, and buyer's beware.

[@AlexBrandon.]

Great video... very informative for a new cruiser like me

[@user-gc3ui4km1b]

Please do your own research their information is very misleading and inaccurate. If you have 3-4 drinks per day the drink package pays for itself.

[@AlexBrandon.]

good thing I don't drink liquor@@user-gc3ui4km1b

[@debbieserwe2242]

Other than the Amerian Dinner, where else would you find a milk shake? Got's lots of free icecream on NCL. Last cruise however, NO cookies on the Buffett. That was quite disappointing.

[@danielueblacker9118]

should have been a solo cabin traveler in the lounge they had cookies and the specialty coffee machine, I had free lattes all day...

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

The Local had milkshakes on the Prima

[@joethecomputerguy1]

I never double tip or add additional. I never take the drink package but I do, like you, take the specialty dining with "free" at sea. Usually the internet minutes are good enough for me but you can't opt out of that one. I usually don't do excursions but they "give" me $50 off one I might buy a cheaper excursion. It is so sad how greedy the cruise lines are now. CCl made, what, a billion US dollars in three months last year. Demand is through the roof so earnings will continue. Greed will be their downfall at some point. The pandemic give aways from the government is dwindling. Consumer credit is skyrocketing. IMO it will not continue forever.

[@paulstar2616]

If you don't like NCL pay more and go on Halland cruise Lines

[@sololife1968]

I'm heading.out in 2 weeks on my first Cruise, NCL Epic. I keep hearing so many bad things. I hope this Cruise doesn't leave me with bad thoughts on Cruising.

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Being well informed and deciding to enjoy yourself are key elements to have a good time.

[@thereddirtpioneers8183]

How was it?

[@patrickranaudo8626]

I was on the Epic from June 18 to the 28th. Excellent service, better food than other lines. Ship a bit dated, but that didn't take away from my experience. Doing the NCL Breakaway next April.

[@sololife1968]

@@patrickranaudo8626 I'm trying the Bliss in January

[@SebbyAbbate]

Royal charges for the their speciality ice cream. It used to be Ben and Jerry’s, now it’s not. They also have a candy shop. $16 a pound. As for Starbucks, most all lines have them now and they all charge. So…, maybe not best NCL up over it.

[@marciasanguinetti3900]

Thanks for your always detailed and interesting reviews and advise ! I am not familiar with a systematic way of non-opting out of NCL's 'Free at Sea' program. Can you point me to this option on their website ? Thanks most kindly and happy early retirement filled with lots of travel and great fun ! marcia

[@monikaliebold4225]

If they have free at sea promo, you can opt out after selecting cabin with removing tick on drink package / specialty dining - then gratuity is removed and you can see then changed total price. 50$ shore excursion credit and WiFi minutes cannot be removed. They are not refundable. The only thing, which is otherwise possible, you choose just a sail away cabin, when selecting cabin. But then there are no excursion credit, no minutes for WiFi, no drink package, no specialty dining. It's your own choice whether opt out packages or sail away are worth for you or not. For me personally maths with just paying gratuity for drink package/specialty dining works perfectly.

[@marciasanguinetti3900]

@@monikaliebold4225 Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu !!! This is so super helpful and wonderfully detailed ! Cheers to you and happy healthy travels, m.

[@keeperzero]

I liked the cavier infused lobster tacos

[@tizzwas80]

We're UK and don't have to pay any 'taxes' I'm not sure what they are 🤔

[@sharronacker3331]

Do you ever go on a Paris excursion when you cruise on any cruise liner? Is this something I shouldn't fall for also?

[@monikaliebold4225]

Usually cruiselines dock at port Le Havre. Note: Distance from Le Havre to Paris is 200 km (124 miles) with at least a 2,5 hrs drive per route - depending on traffic. Normally all cruiselines offer excursions to Paris. You should check times in port with cruiseline, whether excursion times are okay for you. Some cruiselines even dock over night. Note: Paris is one of the most magnificant cities in the world. ❤🇫🇷 Greetings from French-Polynesia 🌴🏖😎🇵🇫🇫🇷🇪🇺

[@lauragwillim1055]

Don’t get me started on the spa giveaway!!! You don’t sit around you stand around for over an hour in the gym at 5:30 pm on embarkation day!! One and done for me. Same with the Park West scam. Free champagne!! 🥂Plus the artwork is so generic and you see the same stuff not only on every NCL ship but on every cruise line!!

[@travgal9903]

NCL is consistently cheaper for solo travel than other lines. I don't get the "free" drink package because I don't drink alcohol. I'm grateful for the shore excursion discount, the few minutes of internet, and the specialty restaurants. It doesn't feel like a trap because it's clear what you pay for. It's a choice, just like all of the other cruise lines.

[@monikaliebold4225]

Totally agree, I'm also solo traveller and shore excursion discount is absolutely great.

[@mrs.s2398]

Norwegian cruise have the worst reward program for customers returning to their cruise line. Yes I agree tipping in the US has gotten out of line. People use to work for their tips now they just feel Entitled to a tip!

[@DebBuker]

The nickel & diming is not exclusive to NCL. Royal Caribbean is very much the same.

[@mattriebel1653]

All the cruise lines do it. I wonder what really upset them and now every little thing is bad

[@paulstar2616]

We Love NCL, BY BY

[@danielueblacker9118]

I have traveled on the QM2 and the rest of the time on NCL love NCL food is outstanding and me being a solo traveler love the solo cabins. Have watched these two have a Train Channel and always loved them. Agree with you they have a bone to pick with NCL for some reason. Virgin has to charge twice as much overall just guessing.

[@toyac.7523]

What about the free airfare?

[@lauragwillim1055]

Drink package is not just booze. You get speciality coffee like Starbucks, Pellegrino or Acqua Panna at dinner or at some of the bars on ship, in addition to your cocktails. Also it’s not a tax it is a 20% gratuity charge on the price of the package. That goes for dining too. If you pay a la carte for any beverage on the ship they will add a 20% gratuity. The tax on drinks is when you are in certain ports.

[@monikaliebold4225]

A little bit of correction: Specialty coffee, Pellegrino or Aqua Panna comes only with Upgrade to Premium Plus Package. Upgrade can be easily done within booking details.

[@larrybrewer5118]

We are on the prima. Don’t get the soft drink package it’s a ripoff. The Bingo was lame not worth the money. They close down all the fun activities when the ship is in a port.. rip off. However the food is fabouos

[@danielueblacker9118]

Cruise Ship Crew workers are the hardest working people. Tipping is the least I can do. Really seems you have a problem with NCL. I have cruised with them for years am pleased with the cabins, crew, food and buck for the dollar. I love your Train Channel for the first time viewing the Cruise Video am Very Sad.

[@Juancarlo4342]

This is why I do carnival new ships only and msc none of those problems.