Is it just me or what?

First of all let me say that our previous cruise to the Med on the Jade was very good. My concern with the cruiseline is all the nickle and diming that this cruiseline does. I kinow that some things has to be done to keep the prices reasonable but some of the things that I observed was a little to much even for a cruise line. I am not one to complain but this time I think I should and was wondering if anyone else have notices.

First was when we first boarded and I purchased a soda sticker only to find out that It cost me $88.00 for 12 days which comes up to $6.50 per day. I would have to drink 2 six packs of soda per day in order to get my moneys worth and that would include port days. I did however upn looking at what they charged me had them remove the charge, went down to the duty free and purchased 2 eight packs for $8.00. What a savings.

Next was in the dining rooms. Now this being my 3rd NCL cruise I was dissapointed to find how they has changed with the food, service,etc.

The type of food that we used to get in the dining rooms was just average at the most. What they used to serve I found out you have to pay extra for in the specialty resturaunts. What I found to be really absurd was when I asked for some salt and pepper which wasn't on the table and they bought me over the little packs that you would find at McDonalds or some place like that. If you did not ask for them you did not get any. Another is that they don't leave the baskets of rolls on your table anymore but come by once to see if you want any. Thats all. That food was mostly bland at that. The buffet was better.

Speaking of the buffet, I went up there one night around 9:30 pm one night for some cookies and milk only to find it closed. It used to be open till at least midnight.

If we needed anything from our room steward such as ice or coffee packs we always had to leave notes and sometimes that did not work. To get ice I would have to go to the buffet with the bucket to fill myself.

Last but not least was the fact that they took everyones passports and would not give them back till we got to Egypt. We needed to cash some Euro travelers checks and they would not cash them for us at first. After argueing with them that we need our passports to cash them in a bank at the next port but they still would not relinquish our passports they did finally cash some for us but we had to pay a $10 fee to have them cashed which I found really upsetting and they did not care. Here you are over in Europe using the euro and they would only deal with US currency.

Like I stated I did enjoy our cruise and would probably cruise with them again but little things like this do add up and does put a damper on a cruise. I am wondering if anyone else have noticed this or is it just us. I also know that most of our cruises are with Princess and without these little problems and maybe someday they will. I would like to hear other opinions whether you ahve noticed these incidentals and maybe some others that I have not noticed.

Last but not least was the fact that they took everyones passports and would not give them back till we got to Egypt.

What's that all about?

I am curious as to why they take your passports? I never cruise anywhere but USA and Carribean.

Usually there is some sort of food available at 9:30. I know I have has some late dinners in the Buffet area. Possibly the Blue Lagoon could have accomadted you?

Yes, the soda cards seem exspensive but how much soda do you drink? $6.50 a day is really about 3-4 sodas a day. What do the go for (not a soda drinker) $.1.50 -$2.00 each if you buy them from a machne or in a resturant? I didn't know they sold soda at the duty free shop.

Anyway, I am not the sure the last time you cruised NCL and things have changed. It is so important to do reseach for any vacation you take so you have limited suprises. Sorry you had some problems. At least it didn't ruin your cruise. Sound like you had some fun anyway.

Sandy

As I understand it, they take your passports (and this has happened on cruises I've taken on other lines as well as NCL) because one or more of the countries the ship will be calling on requires it. I remember that we were offered to the option to be given a copy of our passports to use as ID, and we took advantage of same.

Since soda is about $2 per can at the bars onboard, I don't understand your math about the pass costing the equivalent of 2 six packs a day.

On our most recent sailing on the Gem, earlier this month, the dining room had individual salt and pepper mills at each table. No need to ask for anything and no need for the waiter to ask if you wanted fresh pepper on your food. I have no idea why you had to ask for it on your ship, unless they had some type of temporary shortage...which I have seen on cruise ships in Europe at times. For whatever reason they aren't able to get an item from their suppliers in Europe and it has to be shipped over from the US. We also had the usual basket of bread and rolls on our table...but I have been on other cruise lines...Cunard and Carnival... where you are only served one roll and must ask for another.

Buffets have been closing earlier. Often snacks are served in the casino at night instead. There is also the 24 hour restaurant (Blue Lagoon or perhaps another name on your ship).

I also had a problem with our cabin stewards often forgetting to leave ice at night. We did the same thing...run up to the buffet to fill our ice bucket. I definitely thought the quality of cabin service had declined.

Ww just got off the Star and they left bread baskets on the table. We also had salt and pepper shakers on the table. As far as the ice and coffee in the room our steward was horrid about leaving them. We had to call down and have them brought up. You would think since he or she (never saw them) cleaned the pot every morning that they would have left more coffee.

I know thye didn't have any soda for sale in the gift shops.

My first NCL cruise was in 2006 and the buffet wasn't open until midnight back then.

I like the food in the main dining room. The Prime Rib was great. We missed the rack of lamb because we were eating in Le Bistro.

On the Jewel in December, I believe the rolls were left on the table. I don't recall packets of salt and pepper. This generally happens when the ship is Code Red, though.

I bring my own soft drinks since I know I'm not going to drink a soda card worth.

I agree ice can be an issue. We just had room service bring some if we ran out too soon.

As I understand it, your passports were collected because you visited Egypt. The Egyptian customs officials come on board and stamp all of the passports with a special Visa allowing you to enter that country. After they are done, NCL distributes them back to the passengers. Every cruise line does this. It's a convenience, actually. That's why you don't need to purchase any special Visas before you leave the United States.

Regarding the salt and pepper thing - again, I think that's because you visited Egypt. I've read reviews from others who traveled there who stated that after the stop in Egypt everything goes into sanitary overload. No salt and pepper on the tables, no self-service at the buffets - you probably saw the crew handing out plates, dishing out the food, etc. It's not that NCL is cheap, they were just trying to protect you from the dreaded "mummy tummy" that tends to occur when you visit Egypt.

Happy cruising!

I am sorry your cruise was such a disappointment to you. I do have to ask, since you mentioned how they nickel and dimed you what they charged you for that Princess does not charge you for?

The buffet must have started closing earlier than midnight after your 05 cruise because since we have sailed with them in 06, their buffet was never opened late hours.

I have read before that if there is an outbreak of any kind on a cruise ship and it is spreading quickly, they will remove the salt and pepper containers from the tables and hand out the disposiable ones so that nothing is spread by multiple people touching the same salt and pepper containers. I would think wiping them down with some kind of cleaner between each party of guest at the table would work just as well, but, I don't run the cruiseline.

Hope your next cruise is better for you.

First was when we first boarded and I purchased a soda sticker only to find out that It cost me $88.00 for 12 days which comes up to $6.50 per day. I would have to drink 2 six packs of soda per day in order to get my moneys worth and that would include port days. I did however upn looking at what they charged me had them remove the charge, went down to the duty free and purchased 2 eight packs for $8.00. What a savings.

 

Glad they removed the charges for you. NCL charges $6.50 per day on all their ships for the soda sticker. They sell individual cans of soda for $2.00 each so if you don't bring your own, and you drink in excess of 3 cans per day, it's a good deal. I had no idea you could buy soda in the duty free shop...good info to know.

 

What I found to be really absurd was when I asked for some salt and pepper which wasn't on the table and they bought me over the little packs that you would find at McDonalds or some place like that. If you did not ask for them you did not get any.

 

I've never heard of this. Was there an outbreak of Noro on your ship? Or some other type of health risk?That's the only explanation I can come up with.

 

 

Last but not least was the fact that they took everyones passports and would not give them back till we got to Egypt. We needed to cash some Euro travelers checks and they would not cash them for us at first. After argueing with them that we need our passports to cash them in a bank at the next port but they still would not relinquish our passports they did finally cash some for us but we had to pay a $10 fee to have them cashed which I found really upsetting and they did not care. Here you are over in Europe using the euro and they would only deal with US currency.

 

I have no idea about this. There must have been a reason, and hopefully someone can tell us why. Collecting everyone's passports must be a HUGE headache for them, so they wouldn't do it unless required I'm sure.

 

Like I stated I did enjoy our cruise and would probably cruise with them again but little things like this do add up and does put a damper on a cruise. I am wondering if anyone else have noticed this or is it just us. I also know that most of our cruises are with Princess and without these little problems and maybe someday they will. I would like to hear other opinions whether you ahve noticed these incidentals and maybe some others that I have not noticed.

I've only cruised NCL 3 times and have had none of the issues you experienced. Then again, I'm a new cruiser to NCL...in the last year, so I can't compare it to how it used to be.

Glad you were able to enjoy your cruise in spite of the problems.

CG

Hello,

I started cruising in 2001, and have definately noticed a decline in service in the cabins etc.

I just sailed the crown princess and enjoyed our cruise and thought the ship was beautiful. I especially enjoy the Piazza area, but again there are some things there that you have to pay for. I can understand the specialty coffees, but if you want a cup of american brew it was a $1.15 :o.. Ok, I know its not much, but if I went to the buffet area it was free. It made me wonder...

In 2007 I was on NCL Dawn, and getting ice in the cabin was a real challenge .:confused:..not sure why.

I have noticed in the past few years, there seem to be a lot of focus on the specialty dining...and you almost feel like you are missing out on something if you dont go...at least i felt that on NCL.

I have not taken a bad cruise yet, but when you have been on various lines you do notice pros and cons, and its nice to have a place to vent and have people share.

Thanks to everyone that posts, and gives there time to share their knowledge and opinons.;)

 

I also had a problem with our cabin stewards often forgetting to leave ice at night. We did the same thing...run up to the buffet to fill our ice bucket. I definitely thought the quality of cabin service had declined.

Our steward always left a big ol' cooler of ice, with a scoop, in the hall, so ice was always 2 doors away if we ran out. We seldom did, as he refilled it often. He was great. Often he'd appear out of nowhere to take the bucket the minute I peeked out my door with it, and fill it up.

Our steward always left a big ol' cooler of ice, with a scoop, in the hall, so ice was always 2 doors away if we ran out. We seldom did, as he refilled it often. He was great. Often he'd appear out of nowhere to take the bucket the minute I peeked out my door with it, and fill it up.

We've been very lucky with our stewards too. We always bring a small cooler on board because were are Coca Cola addicts. On day one of the cruise, DH always gives the steward a $20 and asks him to keep ice in the ice bucket and the cooler filled with ice at all times.

On all 3 of our NCL cruises, once the steward saw what we were doing (using the cooler for soda) he/she would drain out the melted ice water, restock the cooler with our soda and ice it down for us. Never once were we disappointed.

Maybe it's the $20? :D

CG

It seems ice can be an issue sometimes, even with a butler! but we found ways around it, we talk to our room stewards, they are always visible in the hallways morning and evening and put in our request for extra ice!

On any cruise travelling to Turkey or Egypt passports have to be cleared by immigration and visa issued. By collecting the passports the cruiseline can get this done all at once rather than everyone lining up to pass immigration at some ungodly hour when you would rather be doing something else.

Egypt is a popular destination in winter for us UK folks. Gastrointestinal illnesses are prevalent over there and very easily picked up even when being extra cautious to avoid them. I doubt if the cruiseline was being cheap with the salt and pepper etc more a case of being cautious in case anyone was incubating an infection picked up in Egypt that would run through the ship like a wildfire.

Both of these things were done for the convenience and happiness of the passengers. Sorry you got upset by it.

Jean

NCL - on my bad days I refer to the acronym as New Charges Likely. My first cruise with NCL was in August of 2003 and at that time a beverage card was $28.00 for the week ( 7 days ) Le Bistro was $12.50 and they had half off price nights, now $15.00 pp + $10.00 pp if you order off the specialty. Surcharge on top of surcharge, and through the years it seems as if the free dining has suffered and my personal belief is why would you pay a surcharge if the free options were as good or recently edible? Amenities such as the sauna/steam room are now offered at an addition cost. The prices for bingo have become obscene. The general consensus to these surcharges is you get a cheaper cruise fair and choose where you would like to spend your money to enhance your cruise experience, this point of view although valid a few years ago, my most recent booking seems to challenge that old theory. My wife and I have become accustomed to the benefits of a suite, this upcoming cruise however the suite prices were an average of a $1000.00 more than we have ever paid with NCL. This upcoming cruise will be the 7th booking with NCL and we have until June 16th to change our minds and go with another line. Keeping in mind that it’s a business and they need to make money but with their track record of increasing prices or adding surcharges to previously included amenities it’s best to do your research before booking and continue to look for changes up to the deadline for final payment as I (My wife actually I do nothing she is the cruise guru in the family) intend to do. So you are not alone in the nickel and dime theory. IMO the old days when you paid a fair then went and enjoyed yourself was nice, you didn’t have to think or plan and that’s my idea of a vacation. Now however it seems your every decision with the exception of lounging around the pool (for now) comes with the necessity of deciding if it’s worth the charge. Like yourself I will cruise with NCL again and in all probability we will keep our current booking, you just have to add all the extras ahead of time to get a true estimate of the actual cost.

I just sailed the crown princess and enjoyed our cruise and thought the ship was beautiful. I especially enjoy the Piazza area, but again there are some things there that you have to pay for. I can understand the specialty coffees, but if you want a cup of american brew it was a $1.15 :o.. Ok, I know its not much, but if I went to the buffet area it was free. It made me wonder...

 

I don't know if this has changed since 2006, but back then the Princess coffee in the buffet was made from a syrup (didn't know there was such until I visited the Princess board) and the coffee in the specialty area is actually brewed. Many people thought the free coffee in the buffet was so bad that they gladly paid for what they refered to as "real" coffee. Not being a coffee drinker, it made no difference to me.

But most of the nickel and diming many refer to is completely optional. And as one of those passengers who doesn't drink soda, play bingo, etc, I'm happy to not subsidize others who do. I will gladly pay for the things I choose to participate in. I mentioned that I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do drink chai lattes that I make myself. I do need about 12oz of steamed milk though. So I always find the specialty coffee place the day we board. Sometimes they charge me for the steamed milk, sometimes not (because their reasoning is that milk is free on the buffet). When they do not charge me for it, I give a generous tip - enough for the week of steamed milk, to show my appreciation. One way or another, I'm going to pay for it. But it is my choice.

I also don't mind the extra charges. We drink very little, don't gamble, don't play bingo etc.

I would rather have the cheap fair and then choose where to spend my money. We have an 11 night cruise on the Jewel booked for April. In that 11 days we may spend $250 on the ship. When it comes to specialty restaurants I don't see the point. I know some people go for the different menu, but I guess I am just a cheapskate. If there is "free" food in 4 dining rooms I am not paying for a "specialty" restaurant. I am very glad some people do because it makes my cruise fare that much cheaper.

Cruise2much: We sailed the Dawn to Bermuda in '08 in an AD and found the pricing at the time of booking to be very aggressive (which is a good thing:)). Now, when I compare the same suite sailing on almost the same date, I sure don't see a $1000 difference between what we paid in '08 and what the same cabin is going for now.....

I don't think you've made your point about price increases when you used LeBistro as an example - 2003 price $12.50 and 6 years later 2009 price $15.00:eek:. Honestly, that's only a $2.50 increase - what am I missing here?

DH and I eat only in the specialty restaurants so cannot address food in the main dining room, buffet, etc. It has nothing to do with the quality of the food - but more to do with smaller venues, more personalized service and the overall peaceful/calm atmosphere that we enjoy so much.

We're blessed to be able to cruise NCL in suites and think they have the best suite perks of any line that we've sailed.

We don't drink, don't gamble per se (does $20 in the slots count:)) and don't play bingo so our discretionary dollars onboard go to the restaurants and spa.

You may want to revisit pricing on your Dawn cruise - great deals are out there!

First of all let me say that our previous cruise to the Med on the Jade was very good. My concern with the cruiseline is all the nickle and diming that this cruiseline does. I kinow that some things has to be done to keep the prices reasonable but some of the things that I observed was a little to much even for a cruise line. I am not one to complain but this time I think I should and was wondering if anyone else have notices.

 

First was when we first boarded and I purchased a soda sticker only to find out that It cost me $88.00 for 12 days which comes up to $6.50 per day. I would have to drink 2 six packs of soda per day in order to get my moneys worth and that would include port days. I did however upn looking at what they charged me had them remove the charge, went down to the duty free and purchased 2 eight packs for $8.00. What a savings.

 

Next was in the dining rooms. Now this being my 3rd NCL cruise I was dissapointed to find how they has changed with the food, service,etc.

The type of food that we used to get in the dining rooms was just average at the most. What they used to serve I found out you have to pay extra for in the specialty resturaunts. What I found to be really absurd was when I asked for some salt and pepper which wasn't on the table and they bought me over the little packs that you would find at McDonalds or some place like that. If you did not ask for them you did not get any. Another is that they don't leave the baskets of rolls on your table anymore but come by once to see if you want any. Thats all. That food was mostly bland at that. The buffet was better.

 

Speaking of the buffet, I went up there one night around 9:30 pm one night for some cookies and milk only to find it closed. It used to be open till at least midnight.

 

If we needed anything from our room steward such as ice or coffee packs we always had to leave notes and sometimes that did not work. To get ice I would have to go to the buffet with the bucket to fill myself.

 

Last but not least was the fact that they took everyones passports and would not give them back till we got to Egypt. We needed to cash some Euro travelers checks and they would not cash them for us at first. After argueing with them that we need our passports to cash them in a bank at the next port but they still would not relinquish our passports they did finally cash some for us but we had to pay a $10 fee to have them cashed which I found really upsetting and they did not care. Here you are over in Europe using the euro and they would only deal with US currency.

 

Like I stated I did enjoy our cruise and would probably cruise with them again but little things like this do add up and does put a damper on a cruise. I am wondering if anyone else have noticed this or is it just us. I also know that most of our cruises are with Princess and without these little problems and maybe someday they will. I would like to hear other opinions whether you ahve noticed these incidentals and maybe some others that I have not noticed.

The salt and pepper shaker thing has to do with the noro which has been on many ships lately. The Jade Had some problems both with their Feb 15th sailing and the following one. Not a huge problem but enough to cause things like removal of things like salt and pepper shakers. I know cause I had clients on both.. This is the reason for the roll situation as well.

I would be glad to put up with these little inconveniences knowing it was to try and control the virus..

As for the passport situation, I can't answer for sure, but I believe it has to do with Egypt requirements.

No cookies at the buffet? Did you try Blue Lagoon or the casino, both serve snacks late into the evening..?

Not caring for the food or being surprised at the additional cost for dining rooms that were free for many years is a common complaint. However, these price increases went into affect over 6 months ago so shouldn't have been a total surprise. Food being bland, well that I can't comment on as food is very subjective as we all know.

As for the soda cards, I agree, the price is totally off the wall. It works well for those who are heavy soda drinkers, for most it isn't a good deal..

I do not think NCL does anymore or any less nickel and diming than other lines, they are have. I do know you are not the only one compaining about the extra charges, not only on NCL, but more on other lines. I think if you check around you will find most of them have added additional charges or cut services...It is an attempt at keeping the prices down and I know the prices for the cruise you took were dirt cheap.....

Nita

i have been crusing with NCL since 1995 and have seen the changes across the years. some i like. some i didn't like. but you know what? it's still the best value on the seas to simply get on the ship.

i also would rather pay more for the extras i want. this type of thread comes up often.

often times things we take at face value really has a deeper meaning to it...case in point single serving salt and pepper. and the collection of passports. (believe me...there would be more complaining if people had to wait in line to get that egyptian visa before getting of the ship).

most of the time there is a good reason for things to happen. i worry about the cost of my vacation before i embark on one. once i'm on vacation...money is the last thing you should have to worry about...that is if you budget properly.

Watchdiva: the note about 12.50 to 15 no big deal:) but as for the fairs the gem and spirit AD & AC we paid 1499 & 1599 pp respectively. However our recent booking for Bermuda on the Dawn an AD is 2499.00 pp and an AC is 2649.00. As I mentioned in my previous response the old argument of paying for additional services to keep the fairs low was the typical consensus and again I wasn’t disappointed. As a result I did a little looking around and here is what I found. Using the parameters of a 7 day cruise – balcony – Bahamas itinerary and mid level category sailing in November 09.

NCL $1224.00 - Carnival $1229.00 - Royal Caribbean $1289.00

To Bermuda: Same criteria NCL $1342.00 Carnival $1199.00 Royal Caribbean $1249.00

And remember NCL is Free$tyle so don’t forget to add the little extras. Don’t get me wrong. It is what it is and it costs what it costs and as for vacation value its still the best. I just went do Disney and I don’t even want to think about what we spent there. But as long as everyone continues to accept these surcharges without complaint it will continue. I can see the advertisement already (Make sure you always have a pool side deck chair now by reserving you chair for an extra $5.00 per day) Ha, Ha. :D

Hi Cruise2 - it sounds as though you booked directly through NCL, yes? When I say there are deals to be found I'm referring to booking through a TA....

We pay the extra charges gladly so that our cruise experience is exactly how we want it to be and from the very beginning restaurant charges and weekly spa passes are built into our budget. We've been sailing NCL for over 20 years now and still love the product and the value for our $$.

The Dawn is one of our favorite ships (2x with another 9 day in '10 again in an AD at a great price for 9 days:D) and was the first NCL ship that we experienced the suite life. We've never looked back since 2003 when DH said he would only cruise in a suite with butler service - you can bet I didn't complain.

Hi Cruise2 - it sounds as though you booked directly through NCL, yes?

No actually we went through Sams Club Travel as we always do and typically get good pricing but for some reason though this itinerary is expensive. And believe me I am not happy being demoted :mad:the suite life is sweet. We are hoping as the sail date gets closer we will see a drop in price. Fingers Crossed

On any cruise travelling to Turkey or Egypt passports have to be cleared by immigration and visa issued. By collecting the passports the cruiseline can get this done all at once rather than everyone lining up to pass immigration at some ungodly hour when you would rather be doing something else.

 

Egypt is a popular destination in winter for us UK folks. Gastrointestinal illnesses are prevalent over there and very easily picked up even when being extra cautious to avoid them. I doubt if the cruiseline was being cheap with the salt and pepper etc more a case of being cautious in case anyone was incubating an infection picked up in Egypt that would run through the ship like a wildfire.

 

Both of these things were done for the convenience and happiness of the passengers. Sorry you got upset by it.

 

Jean

The Captain explained that the Egyptian immigration men flew into Izmir and spent the whole of the next day stamping the visas ready for docking in Alexandria. The worst of the illness was the woman taken to hospital in Malta. A member of her party explained that she had several things wrong with her before she left, but her Dr said she was OK for Europe. Sadly, Egypt is not Europe, and the poor soul caught the mummy tummy.-jocap.

We were on the Jade in August and the service was fine. We were on again at Xmas and it was generally atrocious--super-slow and thoughtless--only in the Italian restaurant was the service excellent.

Passport collection is a PITA, but you should ask them to make you a photo-copy of the ID page. It's not a legal document but it can help. While Turkey is a lovely country, they are really, really difficult on the passport/visa issue, always have been which is why they insist on collecting them.

I'm surprised if you needed US dollars you didn't just use the ATMs on board. Then again, if you need Euros, you just use the public ATMs. I've gotten Euros in the main piazza in Florence, and in Spain as well, by ATM.