Norwegian Cruise Line Traps People Are Still Falling For

[@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.

[@OllyCon]

That's correct. When booking your Norwegian Cruise in UK/Europe the 'Free at Sea' INCLUDES gratuities and taxes, you won't have to pay an additional 20% on each drink or specialty meal . Not the case when booking in the US and outside UK/Europe though who do have to pay the 20% I believe it comes down which country you booked your cruise in and is not down to the cruise route i.e. if you're cruising the US you pay the 20% and if you're cruising in Europe you don't.

[@lightwarrior432]

@@OllyCon Thanks for this info 👍🏽

[@midship162]

@@dagagablokhus3489 If you paid for it then what was free? You call it “The free at sea package”. If you paid then it wasn’t free. Wake up.

[@dagagablokhus3489]

@@midship162 Did you ask me? Ask NCL.

[@marty1159]

I cruise on Norwegian often since 2001. I feel it’s the best bang for your buck. Traveling is a luxury not a necessity. Im going on a 21 day to Central America leaving Seattle soon. Total price with taxes is $2900 for a studio. Tiny space but enough to shower and sleep. I don’t know anywhere else in the world where you can vacation for 21 days, visit 14 ports, eat and drink for free and pay less than $3,000. Send back the flat soda, make sure you aren’t double or triple tipping and enjoy it. If it’s a trap don’t do it. But I honestly feel it is worth it!

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Love this perspective. $3K for 14 ports, incredible. Enjoy! Send back a review

[@homandbackyard008]

Agreed. To be fair, never expect more than what you pay for. You just get what you paid for. They need to make money to survive too!

[@TimC0007]

Yes, agreed. But NCL is the walmart of cruises. Wear your sweat pants, you will fit in.

[@MarieKotasek]

Been on NCL 9 times. Love this cruise line. I have had nothing but great service, wonderful cruise line.

[@anthonyr7208]

Completely Agree Love NCL… the breakaway/plus fleet are my favorite ships

[@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.

[@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!

[@ausencia63]

Thank you, I will remember this for my next NCL trip. 😮

[@TomWright-p8r]

Another tip, is to compose your messages, or emails while not on the wifi. then when done. turn the wifi on, and those messages and/or emials will be sent. then turn wifi off. you end up using very few minutes doing it that way.

[@homandbackyard008]

Shouldn't buying an esim at the airport better?

[@LightChaser2021]

Thanks! Your tip too!! Bon Voyage⚓️🚢

[@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.

[@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!

[@sharonsmalls6846]

Restaurants do the same. I found out in either the 1970s or 1980s. The bottle was reasonable in a wine and spirits store.

[@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.

[@lizarichards2243]

Every cruise line has added gratuities... always has been, always will be.

[@juleed8644]

@@lizarichards2243 That's what I was thinking as I watched this; I've been on NCL many times, but have also been on Carnival and every "trap" in this video was the same on Carnival.

[@dreux57]

I totally disagree! When you are paying GRATUITIES or service charges or WTF NCL wants to call it of minimum $20/day, I call it a scam when NCL tries to get passengers to tip on top of that which doesn't even go directly to that service provider, it all goes into a general pot. If I have had outstanding service from a cabin steward or bar/wait staff I always tip those people in cash neat the end of the cruise but adding a extra SCAM tip every time I order a drink is NOT HAPPENING!

[@lizarichards2243]

@juleed8644 yep. Been cruising for over 20 years..on 4 different lines. It used to be that they gave you envelopes at the end of the cruise for different people. Too many did not tip them. So they started adding to our on board accounts instead.

[@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

[@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 😅

[@Diehappppy]

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

[@haydeeholliday8866]

Thanks for the heads up. I have been watching several videos from NCL customers. Many of you talk about the up-sale and marketing being the big traps. Really, thanks for taking the time to give us these tips.

[@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.

[@ErikDrucker]

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.

[@TomWright-p8r]

I totally agree with you and feel these two are way off base and for some reason prejudicially negative with NCL.

[@scottulbrich5376]

​@@TomWright-p8ragreed, they full of BS, ive taken over 30 NCL cruises

[@adjustableWench]

carnival has their own coffee place - never seen a starbucks on there

[@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.

[@ErikDrucker]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@KatherineHoward-i2j]

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

[@Daffy-mg8ls]

@@marilynwortham4226 No doubt all cruise lines have similar schemes..perhaps Royal Caribbean is charging more for the rooms or spa services or whatever to make up for "free" activities.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 disagree. 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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Wkmor]

We looked at a Norwegian cruise with free at sea. Three of us, all teetotallers. Luckily my husband thought to ask about tips as they would have charged us EACH 20$/DAY to get NO drinks at all. Even if you drink four pop a day, you are paying 5$ plus the wait, every time. Just bring a few on board with you.

[@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.

[@TomWright-p8r]

One. the food is not the same in the specialty restaurants as in the main dining rooms or buffet. Two. The cost is not $50 to $75 but, for the FAS specialty dining, it is just under $10/person for the gratuity. Three, If you do go to a Specialty restaurant and pay full price, not FAS, then it is expensive, but most people do not do that, therefore, it is not a scam, as people opt to do this knowing full well what the cost is.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AnnThrockmorton]

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. 😂

[@adaywithaleks6556]

Well I'm glad to know I booked my very first NCL and cruise in general like an experienced cruiser. I made sure to opt out of all of that besides one specialty dining package becauee we're celebrating a bday going to Alaska. I noticed NCL nickle and dimes folks for everything!it helps keep my cost down that i don't drink alcohol and i tey not to indulge in soda and I noticed according to reviews allot of the apecialty dining dishes are tge quality of the buffett and im Russian Ukrainian aint nobody going to pressure me into doing or tipping anything more that i don't ewnt to do. Im not the one! 👏🏼

[@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".

[@brucepobanz]

I booked a future NCL sailing. Thanks for your input

[@Song-ii8vj]

Thanks for the information.

[@megfeeley2559]

I don't mind paying a tip for a drink served to me in a bar. I also was served great ice cream without charge on NCL Star in the Topsider Grill. But for some reason, the buffet closes down beverage stations (coffee/tea/water/juices) when the food areas are closed, which is frustrating. The buffet charges for fresh juices. The best tip about the thermal lounge is to go in the evening and fill your water bottle with lemon or cucumber water. At times, to get free water, I had to duck into the all-night bar "OSheehans." order a (free) french fries, ask for two waters and pour that water into my bottle.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@felipesuarez616]

Drink package is definitely worth it, just if you get a wine during dinner time it will be more expensive if you don't have the drinks package + specialty coffees bottles of water so I think you guys are work about that one, I being in both sides and I did the math and is absolutely worth it

[@denisebrown3936]

Great info

[@bitterbeauty711]

Very interesting and informative video

[@LarryRussell-x4y]

We hate having to make a reservation for the theatre! I can remember when NCL was "Freestyle".

[@agneslamer1128]

You easily spent $20/day if you buy every single drink separately. You are nuts if you think the drink package is not worth the $152pp for 7-days. A soda alone is $4 bucks. A glass of wine is minimum of $9. Specialty dining is a fraction of the price of the dinner. You aren't even paying a 20% gratuity. Agreed that WIFI is not a benefit BUT all ships are, not just NCL.

[@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

[@frankpicillo9527]

Hi!! How did you just pay 150$ for 2?? I am looking right now...a 9days Mediterranean cruise comes up to about 680$ for 2 ....plus 500$ for gratuities !!!

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

@@frankpicillo9527 He's talking about the cost of the Free at Sea package that you add on compared to Sail-Away basic price. $150 to 180 pp is the standard cost for Free At Sea - and that is mostly cost of bartender tips. Was that not your experience on NCL or was it just confusion on the terms?

[@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.

[@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 🌴🏖😎🇵🇫🇫🇷🇪🇺

[@jded3766]

I look it at this way - cruise life is a luxury but these days the price of a cruise is so reasonable to get on the ship from cabin category/ammenties/extras. That you are able to choose the vacation lifestyle at your expense! So if it cost extra then so be it at least you know before getting on the ship from their website/bloggers/Cruise critics,etc.

[@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.

[@ilanapeled209]

If you're looking for a cruise line that most definitely DOESN'T nickel and dime you, try Queen Mary 2. However, it's an entirely different vibe than other cruise lines. Some things are great, others - not so much.

[@angelasofia7726]

I hear you... thank you! I'm going in January, good tips...

[@vjonas397]

I’ve been on several cruise lines and have ZERO complaints about Norwegian. Best ships in the business. You just need to be more careful. The first time I paid for a drink package was on holland. Realized immediately it wasn’t for me because I don’t drink much. So I don’t do it anymore. Live and learn!

[@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.

[@Kylee1984]

You’re charged for the gratuities, not taxes. And if you do the math and you don’t drink enough for it to be worth it, then take it off. Doesn’t seem like a trap. I left our recent cruise having not paid for anything extra than was paid at final payment, aside from a photo we bought.

[@pauletteyoung112]

Watch out for the “buy one get one free” air promotion. We had used it in the past with no issues BUT then we decided to do a Mediterranean cruise round trip Barcelona. We were quoted a price of $988 for the air and decided to let NCL handle it. We were booked on connecting flights on TAP Air Portugal only to discover the base fare did not include a checked bag - unheard of on an international flight - and I’ve flown a lot. We had to pay almost $400 extra to check one bag each, If I had know the “real” fare would be $1400 for two I would have made my own air arrangements. NCL passed the cost of baggage to us by booking with TAP at their lowest rate rung. NCL is not being responsive to my complaint about their bait and switch.

[@homandbackyard008]

Most airline fare does not include a check-in luggage. Only carry-on is free. Now they want to charge carry-on too.

[@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"

[@annash4147]

i neve pre pay gratuities . i opt out and pay cash at end of cruise to those that attend to our needs..

[@64harrykiwi]

Harry and Sharlene are currently in Belgrade Serbia! Hey guys! Love what ya do

[@jerkypat8296]

What you get on a Disney cruise vs NCL isn’t a fair comparison. My 7 day NCL western Caribbean in a balcony stateroom is $2200 a comparable 7 day Disney cruise is $3800. If you don’t drink or really limit what you drink, a package might not be the best fit for you but it works for me in fact I like the premium plus package at NCL. I was able to go through the high end liquors and was able to sample some spirits that I may never have been able to. Found that I like buffalo trace over blantons… The free ice cream and sodas on a Disney cruise are factored into the ticket price.

[@endashproductions]

FAS is not a trap. Within the first 90 seconds I encountered more mistakes than correct information. First, it's not "taxes" that you're paying on the FAS options - it's the gratuities! Second, you don't have to drink "a ton" to make up the cost, which is $21.80/day/pp. If you have two alcoholic drinks, you're in the black. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! Not a trap.

[@kene8895]

EXACTLY! Thanks again.

[@trevorcrowe7571]

Costco Norwegian cruises are way cheaper. Texting was working on our cruise the whole time. We got tips taken off our bill by asking at the front desk.

[@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.

[@sasharabasca3357]

So we are cruising on Norwegian this July and didn't ask for anything but they offered the "free drink package" and said we only have to pay for tips per drink. Is this something we are being deceived about and should talk to our cruise rep at Norwegian before we leave to board??

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

No you've got it right. Free at Sea only adds $150 or so to your total...and that is predominantly pre paid tips to the bartenders & restaurant servers. You should be able to see it on the ncl details booking page. Its paid for, no extra tips required on board

[@sasharabasca3357]

@@harrisonjonesRVA thank you for responding to this. 😊

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

Not to be confused with your post cruise gratuities, that are obligatory. You can pre pay those too if you wish. Thats for your room steward, hospitality staff, & the other fun teams around the ship. Free at sea tips are specific to food & beverage.

[@wzlee583]

Love the advise! Enjoy all your videos.

[@petek5523]

What’s the price difference between Virgin and Norwegian?

[@danielueblacker9118]

Guessing V is more..... just guessing though..

[@harrisonjonesRVA]

For sure V is more. Best guess is $750 - $1k more for similar cabin

[@LightChaser2021]

Im a huge tipper. I dont even know where pre-tip money is going? I plan on handing tips to my people directly. And since I have an over-tipping issue, it will be way more than package. Ty guys for info to 🤔 think on🎉

[@RobertaCores-Malcom]

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.

[@paulinetan781]

Hi. May i check if free plain water is provided during the buffet at NCL Jade? If so, can i bring an empty water bottle to fill up? TQ

[@julieduke1317]

Yes, there are water dispensers available at the buffet. They do request that you fill a clean glass and use that to add water to your reusable bottle so there isn’t cross contamination. You can also ask for water at the restaurants and bars, and the tap water is purified so is perfectly safe to drink as well.

[@paulinetan781]

@@julieduke1317 Hi TQ v much for yr advice!

[@homandbackyard008]

yes. from a dispenser but no bottle water.

[@mrsdee4800]

Yeah I’m on a 14 day cruise and the free at sea works for me math wise

[@lydiawilson2723]

I just got back from Alaska on NCL Encore. I didnt witness the nickle and diming you guys are talking about. We did the normal drink package and it worked great for us. We each drank about 2 drinks a day. So 4 a day total at around $12 per drink if we are on the low end. Some drinks were higher. So $336 for a week if paying out of pocket. Drink package was cheaper. We didn't hear a lot of "selling" over the intercoms. We also had two specialty dining options included with our room. Neither one was worth writing home about, but they were included. We didnt do the "extras" like go carts or laser tag. Which, i will say, are things that other cruise ships would charge for. So, i dont understand the complaint. You are entitled to your opinion, and that's ok! You guys do what makes you happy.

[@midship162]

Also what crazy about NCL cruises is if you do get the drink package it doesn’t include water. If you want water you have to pay additional money. It’s crazy. They know people need water and so it’s not included just to get you to pay for it.

[@julieduke1317]

You can get water in multiple places throughout the ship, just not bottled water.

[@smoothsketch]

You can ask the bar for a glass of ice water, or fizzy water.

[@ilanapeled209]

I cruise a lot, mostly on Norwegian (my hands down preference because of the entertainment). I never buy any additional services, so after I pay for the cruise - everything's included! I NEVER pay anything additional except for the mandatory gratuities. I NEVER buy alcoholic drinks (I am not much of a drinker), however, I do get my champagne by going to the Champagne Art Action (takes place at least once during a seven day cruise). Not only is it free to attend but it is also free. Also, every time I went on any Norwegian cruise all the things like water slides, climbing walls, etc. were free

[@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

[@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. 🤷‍♀️

[@ErikDrucker]

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

[@sidneysfamily8760]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Patti-xk7oi]

NCL is the Walmart of cruise lines. The nickel and dining to death is insane. I stopped cruising with NCL about 2 years ago when the food became mediocre with no daily changes to the menu, customer service almost none existent, the constant tipping & services charges (I never pay the daily room charge) on anything you buy. Not to mention the scarcity of elevators for 3-4 thousand people. The straw that broke the camels’ back was being stuck at the back of an elevator full of drunks who wouldn’t move to let me off.

[@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

[@JN-rd6gv]

Extra tip line is for servers specifically that do a good job. and they're not paid well. the automatic grats are split into pennies among them all.... the additional tip goes straight to your waiter or bartender

[@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

[@swise63]

We have our first ever cruise coming up (NCL) and I kind of wish that I had seen this video earlier. We just booked through our travel agent and she didn't let us know any of these things.

[@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.

[@miguelquezada3235]

I don't understand why premium coffee is not part of any drink package at any Cruise line

[@ThisWontFly]

If memory serves me right, the "classic" drinks package on celebrity gets you specialty coffee with Celebrity in their coffee shop.

[@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.

[@tinamariepanzera1330]

Does NCL let passengers bring 12 pack of soda? Or water?

[@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....

[@ammie1216]

This is a great video!!! Thank you.

[@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.

[@wrpeters1007]

You might want to try another cruise line.I think NCLis awesome

[@ErikDrucker]

Free at Sea is literally the best deal there is. What did NCL do to you that you continue to trash them. You continually site Royal as better but they are so much more costly. I used to really enjoy your videos until you started bashing NCL and trashing them and saying Royal is a better deal. Shame.

[@lauragwillim1055]

I booked Icon of the Seas for Feb 2025. I’m probably looking at $1400 for the drink package for 2. On my 7 day NCL Bliss cruise to Alaska in May 2023 I paid $159 pp for the Bev package on the entire cruise!!

[@kimberlyparker2704]

That price now has increased significantly. I just got off the Getaway 31 March 2024 I paid 400(that's with a military discount) Everything they have said in ALL of their videos about NCL is TRUE. That extra tip now has become expected.

[@crizzonet]

It’s just their own experience. Everyone has a different experience, quit taking it personal.

[@gabbadd5840]

Their point was it”sNOT free…based on facts….

[@jimde196969]

You gotta pay gratuities if you buy a drink without the package do you have to pay for the gratuities come to about $16 a day per person that’s two drinks and you don’t have to tip if you don’t want to

[@SuzanneBerard]

You aren't paying taxes on the drinks and specialty dining. You are paying the gratuities on them.

[@CC-TimesTwo]

This is helpful. Thank you.

[@r.s.5431]

I know some cruise lines allow you to bring a 12 pack of soft drinks on board with you. Does NCL not allow that?

[@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

[@KathyPagano-e9z]

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

[@demetriusordaz4904]

Do the “taxes” apply for both mates in the room.

[@MofromCanada]

Couldn't agree more with you both. Unless you are a big drinker then it's definitely not worth it. If you are traveling with someone in your cabin they also have to get the package. I'm not a big drinker so my taxes and tip money is basically a gift to them.

[@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.

[@michelevanhorn9782]

My real ice cream not soft serve was included. Many things you are saying are same on many cruise lines

[@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.