Questions about the Unlimited Dining Plan on the Getaway

[KeithJenner]

Just an observation after reading through this thread.

 

With regard to asking for a second entree and saying that you would just go out and then come back in again if they said no, or the idea of trying somewhere and then just nipping down to Cagneys or somewhere else if you don't like it, that is reliant on there being space for you. I'd have thought that, especially if you are on a sailing where the UDP is being given away free, this is very likely not to be possible.

[deeleecox]

Also remember that the specialty restaurants are a dining experience and can take easily over an hour from start to finish. If your looking to see shows in the evenings then going in and leaving and coming back for a second meal will kill a good part of your evening. I would rather eat a great meal at Cagney's go see a show and then hit the buffet or the noodle bar or The Pub a bit later then finish it off with chocolate filled crepes :)

 

 

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[roquejo]

 

My PCC insists that because we have the UDP my wife and I can order multiple main entrees from a specialty restaurant (I could get two or three ribeyes from Cagney's in one sitting).

 

He also said I would not have to pay for some a la carte items from say Shanghai's or the Cake Boss place.

 

 

I suggest you ditch your PCC for giving false information. It is part of his job as a consultant to be knowledgeable in NCL's terms and conditions. But he gave opposite answers.

 

Funny thing is, some regular guests who is not even a consultant but well informed knows better than the consultant.

 

Here is the terms and conditions directly from NCL that your consultant missed:

 

http://www.ncl.com/terms/shorex-dining-entertainment-spa#dining

 

Ultimate Dining Package

The Ultimate Dining Package is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings, the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Carlo’s Bakery items, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, 24/7 Pizza Chef’s Table is not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The UDP does not include beverages. No Kids pricing, package available for guest 13 and older. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. The package does not apply to Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the Ultimate Dining Package (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). Additional main courses in Cagney’s and Le Bistro will be charged at $10.00.

 

So if you order 3 Ribeye steaks at Cagney's you will be charged $20 even if with the UDP.

 

Aren't you glad this forum gives more reliable info than having a PCC?

Edited March 25, 2014 by roquejo

[graphicguy]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I have no problem leaving and then coming right back in. Saves everyone time if they bring a second steak right away. The only real place I would probably want an extra entree is at Cagney's. I can get italian anywhere. How much french style food can one person really eat (not exactly my thing but I'll go there for the wife). Moderno's is unlimited anyway.

 

 

Graphicguy: That's the deal I got. Balcony got the UDP. That special ended March 11th. What's UBP?

 

Access.....UBP is the Ultimate Beverage Package! Somewhere around here there's a list of drinks and alcohol available in the package. I know I drink bourbon and the GF drinks wine. So, we feel we're covered.

 

Seems there was a short period of time when both the UBP and UDP was offered at the same time. I can't remember when I booked (will have to look it up)...maybe a month ago?

[johnql]

On my 3/8/14 Getaway sailing, at the CC M&G, I specifically asked the Restaurant Manager (Deepak Gonsalves) about going to more than one specialty restaurant per day/night while on the UDP. He said that it's definitely allowed, adding that it's not actually addressed in the official terms of the UDP and that they have no way of tracking whether anyone with the UDP has gone to more than one specialty restaurant in the same day. He concluded by saying that NCL doesn't expect this scenario to come up very often but hinted that if it ever became a significant problem, that NCL might consider changing the rules to cover it but, for the time being, it's totally allowed.

Edited March 25, 2014 by johnql

[roquejo]

On my 3/8/14 Getaway sailing, at the CC M&G, I specifically asked the Restaurant Manager (Deepak Gonsalves) about going to more than one specialty restaurant per day/night while on the UDP. He said that it's definitely allowed, adding that it's not actually addressed in the official terms of the UDP and that they have no way of tracking whether anyone with the UDP has gone to more than one specialty restaurant in the same day. He concluded by saying that NCL doesn't expect this scenario to come up very often but hinted that if it ever became a significant problem, that NCL might consider changing the rules to cover it but, for the time being, it's totally allowed.

 

Yes, it's allowed. I did quite a research on the UDP since will decide whether I will avail it or not on my June sailing...

 

You can't have more than 1 entry at Cagneys, but having to visit more than 1 specialties and having the upcharge items at Le Bistro included kinna made up for it.

 

Imagine just having the salad bar at Moderno and skipping the meats, then going to Cagney's afterwards for the main course, then going to Le Bistro just to order dessert.. so much variety, very helpful during long 14 day or more cruises.

 

My only issue that there is one report from NCL Pearl that the price offered online is different from the price onboard.

 

But many replied that the price should have been the same.

[KeithJenner]

Imagine just having the salad bar at Moderno and skipping the meats, then going to Cagney's afterwards for the main course, then going to Le Bistro just to order dessert.

 

I'm still not convinced how practical this is though.

 

Would you get reservations for each of the restaurants? If so, can you have them overlapping? I know you can't if you book online as it blanks out your ability to book anything else for a couple of hours. Maybe you can do it onboard though.

 

If you are hoping to just be able to wander between restaurants then I think you will come up with problems due to restaurants being full.

[roquejo]

I'm still not convinced how practical this is though.

 

Would you get reservations for each of the restaurants? If so, can you have them overlapping? I know you can't if you book online as it blanks out your ability to book anything else for a couple of hours. Maybe you can do it onboard though.

 

If you are hoping to just be able to wander between restaurants then I think you will come up with problems due to restaurants being full.

 

Based on the actual experiences that I've read in this forums, you will only be able to reserve one per day, the rest are walk ins. Reserve during the peak time then just walk on either very early or very late at night on the others.. some have actually done that based on what has been posted in related threads.

 

It will work for me since I'm cruising B2B, all the shows will be redundant already on the 2nd second week.. so I have all the time to leisurely walk from one resto to another and pick those who have seat availability...

 

From what I've read, it's tappanyaki that is always full.. so you have less chance of walking ins without a reservation.

[willise]

We are also doing a B2B on the Getaway, so I think the UDP will work out great for us. We aren't very adventurous eaters, so we are looking forward to trying each of the restaurants.

[Accessbowtie]

I suggest you ditch your PCC for giving false information. It is part of his job as a consultant to be knowledgeable in NCL's terms and conditions. But he gave opposite answers.

 

Funny thing is, some regular guests who is not even a consultant but well informed knows better than the consultant.

 

Here is the terms and conditions directly from NCL that your consultant missed:

 

http://www.ncl.com/terms/shorex-dining-entertainment-spa#dining

 

Ultimate Dining Package

The Ultimate Dining Package is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 of the voyage only. On 3-day sailings, the package is only for sale on day 1. No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited. The Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Carlo’s Bakery items, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, 24/7 Pizza Chef’s Table is not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The UDP does not include beverages. No Kids pricing, package available for guest 13 and older. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. The package does not apply to Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the Ultimate Dining Package (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). Additional main courses in Cagney’s and Le Bistro will be charged at $10.00.

 

So if you order 3 Ribeye steaks at Cagney's you will be charged $20 even if with the UDP.

 

Aren't you glad this forum gives more reliable info than having a PCC?

 

 

Yes, I am glad you forum people are well informed. I appreciate the info!

[Accessbowtie]

I'm still not convinced how practical this is though.

 

Would you get reservations for each of the restaurants? If so, can you have them overlapping? I know you can't if you book online as it blanks out your ability to book anything else for a couple of hours. Maybe you can do it onboard though.

 

If you are hoping to just be able to wander between restaurants then I think you will come up with problems due to restaurants being full.

 

 

My cruise consultant said he and I will reserve restaurants about 45 days out via him. I asked if I could reserve two restaurants in the same night for the same time frame. He said he did not know. Guess I'll find that answer out in two months when we book the restaurant times via him. I only asked because how do I know if I am going to feel like steak on Tuesday or Italian? I do plan on reserving restaurant space for every night but am going to be trying the buffet or main dining room on at least two nights. I know it's kind of a dick move to reserve specialty restaurant space and not show up but I want to give ourselves at least some options regarding dining. I'm not going to book every restaurant every night but I am going to try and book an extra restaurant at least two nights just for some options in case we find out we prefer Cagney's over La Cuchina, etc.

Only four restaurants we care about anyway. Cagney's, La Cuchina, Moderno and Le Bistro. We aren't into the hibachi place.

 

Either way, I'd be confident in having dinner reservations at say 6 pm and then hitting up another restaurant at 9:50 pm. I'm sure they could make room just before closing.

 

 

Anyone know how much the Illisionarium show is per person?

We'll do that one night.

[graphicguy]

access....IIRC...they cancel your reservation if you're 15 mins late. I know they don't refund your charge if you don't show within 15 mins of the reservation. Not certain how that works with UDP.

[Accessbowtie]

access....IIRC...they cancel your reservation if you're 15 mins late. I know they don't refund your charge if you don't show within 15 mins of the reservation. Not certain how that works with UDP.

 

 

Good to know. Now I won't feel so bad if we don't show up.

 

Currently in the middle of the "NCL food porn" thread. Saw it for the first time today. What a great thread!

Edited March 25, 2014 by Accessbowtie

[mommiejaxx]

I know from direct personal experience that they have bypassed that requirement. My PCC got the UDP, KSF, and Free Upgrade (OV -> BD) for us on a booking for the Getaway!

 

 

Do you mind me asking when you booked your cruise and got the UDP? We recently booked and got free upgrade and KSF but not UDP? Just wondering if I should check into it. We are not cruising til October. Thanks!

[wasiii]

Do you mind me asking when you booked your cruise and got the UDP? We recently booked and got free upgrade and KSF but not UDP? Just wondering if I should check into it. We are not cruising til October. Thanks!

 

.....ended March 10, 2014.

 

wasiii

[hpecorari]

My cruise consultant said he and I will reserve restaurants about 45 days out via him. I asked if I could reserve two restaurants in the same night for the same time frame. He said he did not know. Guess I'll find that answer out in two months when we book the restaurant times via him. I only asked because how do I know if I am going to feel like steak on Tuesday or Italian? I do plan on reserving restaurant space for every night but am going to be trying the buffet or main dining room on at least two nights. I know it's kind of a dick move to reserve specialty restaurant space and not show up but I want to give ourselves at least some options regarding dining. I'm not going to book every restaurant every night but I am going to try and book an extra restaurant at least two nights just for some options in case we find out we prefer Cagney's over La Cuchina, etc.

 

Either way, I'd be confident in having dinner reservations at say 6 pm and then hitting up another restaurant at 9:50 pm. I'm sure they could make room just before closing. .

 

What about considering others who might like to make a reservation but can't because you have two restaurants reserved and are taking up a table/reservation that someone else might like to have?

 

And I'm just wondering if you're at home do you eat dinner at 6 p.m. and again at 9:50 p.m.?

 

Harriet

[LrgPizza]

What about considering others who might like to make a reservation but can't because you have two restaurants reserved and are taking up a table/reservation that someone else might like to have?

 

And I'm just wondering if you're at home do you eat dinner at 6 p.m. and again at 9:50 p.m.?

 

Harriet

Does everything you do on a cruise mirror what you do at home? I would highly doubt it.

 

I understand your first point, but that second part of your response seems like you are just trying to be contrary for no other reason than to be contrary.

[hpecorari]

Does everything you do on a cruise mirror what you do at home? I would highly doubt it.

 

I understand your first point, but that second part of your response seems like you are just trying to be contrary for no other reason than to be contrary.

 

Not at all. I just can't see eating a full dinner at 6 p.m. at a specialty restaurant and then going to another specialty restaurant at 9:50 p.m. But.....that's just me.

 

I've been on enough cruises to realize and see first hand that people do many things on a cruise that they don't do at home.

 

Some just because it's 'fun' to do something different and others because they want to get everything they can for their money no matter what.

 

I'm sorry if you took it as me being contrary. Wasn't meant to be.

 

Harriet

[Valen9]

Definitely give Moderno a try early on. All of the meats r delicious and no limit. Just don't fill up on salad bar. Lamb chops filet and chicken leg were my favorites. Just keep your card green and you will have plenty to eat. Oh and make sure you get plenty of pineapple

 

I second this. TONS of food there and you can ask for as much beef as you want.

 

I was never so sad to be allergic to pineapple as when I was there. Everyone else enjoyed it a lot.

[RLM77]

Yes, it's allowed. I did quite a research on the UDP since will decide whether I will avail it or not on my June sailing...

 

You can't have more than 1 entry at Cagneys, but having to visit more than 1 specialties and having the upcharge items at Le Bistro included kinna made up for it.

 

Imagine just having the salad bar at Moderno and skipping the meats, then going to Cagney's afterwards for the main course, then going to Le Bistro just to order dessert.. so much variety, very helpful during long 14 day or more cruises.

 

My only issue that there is one report from NCL Pearl that the price offered online is different from the price onboard.

 

But many replied that the price should have been the same.

 

Returned last Sunday from two weeks on Epic. I bought the UDP in advance for the first week and waited to see how it worked out for us before buying for the second week. We loved the food upgrade so I bought it onboard at the start of our second week. Same price -- $138.00 per person.

 

With several cruise lines racing to the bottom in their "free" food offerings. I've previously said that I would like the opportunity to buy a premium product for a reasonable extra charge. From our perspective, the extra $17.00 per person per day for the UDP hits the definition of "reasonable" dead on. Plus, we were very happy with the quality. NCL's specialty restaurants blow offerings from most other lines right out of the water. Only Carnival's supper clubs are better, IMO, but they cost more than double -- $35 per person. I'd recommend this package to anyone.

[roquejo]

Returned last Sunday from two weeks on Epic. I bought the UDP in advance for the first week and waited to see how it worked out for us before buying for the second week. We loved the food upgrade so I bought it onboard at the start of our second week. Same price -- $138.00 per person.

 

With several cruise lines racing to the bottom in their "free" food offerings. I've previously said that I would like the opportunity to buy a premium product for a reasonable extra charge. From our perspective, the extra $17.00 per person per day for the UDP hits the definition of "reasonable" dead on. Plus, we were very happy with the quality. NCL's specialty restaurants blow offerings from most other lines right out of the water. Only Carnival's supper clubs are better, IMO, but they cost more than double -- $35 per person. I'd recommend this package to anyone.

 

Glad it worked out well for the Epic.. hope it works well for me in the Sun as well in a B2B Alaska sailing..

 

Being an older ship Sun has less specialty restaurants than the Epic. It has only 5 covered by the UDP: East Meets Wests (or Cagney's), Moderno, Tappanyaki, Le Bistro, and Adiago. Ginza sushi is ala cart so not included, only 20% off.

Edited March 30, 2014 by roquejo

[Demonyte]

Returned last Sunday from two weeks on Epic. I bought the UDP in advance for the first week and waited to see how it worked out for us before buying for the second week. We loved the food upgrade so I bought it onboard at the start of our second week. Same price -- $138.00 per person.

 

With several cruise lines racing to the bottom in their "free" food offerings. I've previously said that I would like the opportunity to buy a premium product for a reasonable extra charge. From our perspective, the extra $17.00 per person per day for the UDP hits the definition of "reasonable" dead on.

 

So was the package $119 per person per week or $138 per person per week? You refer to both prices there. (I'm asking because on one cruise on Pearl somebody reported that the price onboard was higher than $119 per week.)

Edited March 30, 2014 by Demonyte

[B6ConMe]

Is a 15% Gratuity added... that would make it $136.85 but I hadn't heard of that? :confused:

[bobg529]

Glad it worked out well for the Epic.. hope it works well for me in the Sun as well in a B2B Alaska sailing..

 

Being an older ship Sun has less specialty restaurants than the Epic. It has only 5 covered by the UDP: East Meets Wests (or Cagney's), Moderno, Tappanyaki, Le Bistro, and Adiago. Ginza sushi is ala cart so not included, only 20% off.

 

 

 

That sounds fine to me, I've got two cruises coming up for me on the Sun. I don't mind doubling up on Cagney's and Le Bistro! :)

[KeithJenner]

Is a 15% Gratuity added... that would make it $136.85 but I hadn't heard of that? :confused:

 

 

All dining staff, including Specialities are included in the DSC, so you don't pay any extra on Speciality restaurant charges. That would apply the the UDP as well.

 

 

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