Cruises are not "all inclusive" vacations

[newmexicoNita]

Sorry if anyone is offended by this but after reading through the CC boards as a new user, I just had to put my thoughts into words.

 

A little background on me:

 

Cruising w/ NCL for about 5 years now.

15 years in the hospitality industry, both hotels and restaurants.

 

In the hospitality industry, we recognize that the primary goal of all travelers is to feel like they are getting a good value for their money. This is especially true in the cruise industry as there is a massive amount of competition for guests that will be essentially a "captive audience" for an extended period of time (Average cruise length is 5 days, average hotel stay is just over 2 days).

 

The job of any cruise line (not just NCL) is to accomplish 2 things with every leisure passenger they have on their ship:

 

1) Get the guest to spend money.

2) Make sure the guest has a good time.

 

Now if you are a cruiser like me, you recognize that #2 typically is not possible unless you are doing #1. It is amazing to me that amount of people that have the misconception that a cruise is an "all-inclusive" vacation. Sorry folks, this is not the case. I just have to laugh when I see things like this:

 

"The food wasn't good and we weren't going to pay extra for specialty restaurants"

 

Specialty restaurants are just that, a specialty. If you opt for the regular dining options on the ship do not complain that you are not getting lobster tails, oysters, escargot, and other "finer" ingredients in your dishes. The MDRs and buffets have plenty of options, some better than others. If you don't like the food in included dining areas, spring for the specialty dining. You're on vacation after all. Live a little. I have always found that the specialty restaurants are always well worth the money.

 

It's not fair that I'm getting nickel and dimed having to pay extra for things like Soda.

 

What's not fair is that travelers post reviews accusing a NCL of "nickel and diming" when they are in the business to make money. If you have a problem spending $6 a day for unlimited soda you shouldn't be travelling. Period. Soda is an optional item at any restaurant you go to in the world it's the same here, folks. If you have a problem with this, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

How much free champagne can you get at the art auctions?

This is the funniest one to me. If you go to shipboard activities just to get a glass of cheap champagne, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

Why did security confiscate the bottle of booze I had in my bag?

Now, I am one that always carries booze in my bag when I go cruising. Usually a small bottle of Bourbon to have a drink or 2 each night before dinner (about 375ml). I always put the bottle in with my toiletries and have never had a problem. With that being said, that bottle stays in my cabin and I drink freely at the bars on the ship. If you're trying to carry a magnum of Grey Goose in and don't understand why they're not going to let you carry it on board, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

Hope I didn't ruffle any feathers with this and if I did, I apologize. Just had to share some of the things I've gotten a chuckle out of and see if there was anyone out there who shares these feelings with me.

 

outstanding post, now let's hope people read it and take note. I would question one thing however: I am a retired from the hospitality business; hotel background, then a TA and I would like to know where you got the figures: the average cruise in 5 days, I believe it is 7, but could be wrong. I am just curious.

[Lupush]

outstanding post, now let's hope people read it and take note. I would question one thing however: I am a retired from the hospitality business; hotel background, then a TA and I would like to know where you got the figures: the average cruise in 5 days, I believe it is 7, but could be wrong. I am just curious.

 

My apologies, you are correct. I was looking at old data. It is actually 7.2 days. From the American Association of Port Authorities, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and via statisticsbrain.com

 

http://www.statisticbrain.com/cruise-ship-industry-statistics/

[MiniJeffrey]

I think it all depends on what you expect on your cruise. If you book a cruise expecting that everything will be free and included, you might be surprised in a bad way. This is exactly what happened to a family we've known for years that came with us on a cruise. They were staggered about having a bill of $1.000 at the end of the cruise.

 

We on the otherhand are completely the opposite of this. After a cruise we always have a big bill. We love to dine at specialties, book excursions, pay for internet, have a drink (or 5 :) ), play a little in the casino or even buy some art. We are on vacation and want to have the feeling of being on vacation. I would hate to be on my cruise thinking all the time about all the things I couldn't do because they cost money. We know what the cruise is gonna cost us, so we just go and enjoy the ride.

 

And no, I'm not a rich spoiled boy. I save a lot to be able to make these great vacations. This year I'm saving $350 per month for my TA-cruise in October. I work a lot and hard so when I do go on vacation I enjoy it to the max.

[Lupush]

We on the otherhand are completely the opposite of this. After a cruise we always have a big bill. We love to dine at specialties, book excursions, pay for internet, have a drink (or 5 :) ), play a little in the casino or even buy some art. We are on vacation and want to have the feeling of being on vacation. I would hate to be on my cruise thinking all the time about all the things I couldn't do because they cost money. We know what the cruise is gonna cost us, so we just go and enjoy the ride.

 

And no, I'm not a rich spoiled boy. I save a lot to be able to make these great vacations. This year I'm saving $350 per month for my TA-cruise in October. I work a lot and hard so when I do go on vacation I enjoy it to the max.

 

My wife and I are the same exact way. I guess what prompted me to write the original post was the staggering amount of frugality that I see on CC. A vacation is just that, a vacation. My feeling is that if you want to pinch pennies don't bother cruising. Instead just load up the family car and stay in a Motel 6.

[MiniJeffrey]

Well, I'm not saying all cruisers should act like us, but isn't it a bit sad to be on a cruise and having to watch every dollar you spend or could spend? I'd rather stay home then...

[coyboy1971]

I agree with a range of opinions here... Compared to a land-based vacation in a motel/hotel, a cruise can be a great bargain of a vacation.

 

As others have said, you can get fare-included food, basic beverages, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment without paying extra. You can walk around most ports, and spend as little as you want in port. It's probably about as big a bang for your buck as you can get on vacation.

 

I for one usually enjoy a lot of extras at a cost on an NCL cruise and have a big bill. However, it's the a la carte pricing of specialty dining, alcohol, shore excursions, etc that allow those looking for a low cost vacation to not bear the burden of "all" or "semi" -inclusive fares and pay for things in the fare that they may not want or be able to afford in their budget.

 

I tend to bounce back and forth between NCL and Azamara, and find that in comparable accommodations on a "mass market" vs "deluxe semi inclusive" cruise line the total cost at the end if the day favors NCL and it's pricing scheme.

[thatjoeguy]

The one place I disagree is regarding the nickel-and-diming. The cruise line obviously has a right to charge for whatever it wants, but nickel-and-diming does irritate customers and makes them unhappy. In most studies, it has been concluded that the small gain in profit from nickel-and-diming is NOT worth the loss of revenue from customers not returning due to feeling irritated by it. A good example is the $5 pizza charge. No other line does this. In fact, other lines have pizzerias where you don't even have to wait around for delivery. How much does NCL make from this $5 charge? Very little, and yet a lot of people walk off the ship irritated by it. Thus, in my opinion, it's a horrible policy. It's their right to have such a policy, but I think it's stupid and is worth complaining about on boards like these.

 

Really? I liked the $5 bring pizza to the bar charge. We just got off Princess, who had really good pizza, but if I didn't feel like walking up to the pizzeria at the pool, I'd be happy to have someone bring it to me wherever I was hanging out with friends.

[PhotoPete]

I've been on a couple of cruises where the wife and I have not spent a dime other than the tips and cruise fare. We have also been on a few cruises where we have spent several hundred dollars on fun. Me, I can find something to do that don't cost a lot of money. I was raised by some thrifty parents, so I learned to find things to do without spending a load of money. I have never had a problem with the food on any of the ships I've been on.

[SeagoingMom]

It seems to me that anyone who thinks a mass-market cruise is "all inclusive" has not done any research at all on cruising. Is there anyone cruising who thinks alcohol, for example, is included in the price of a non-luxury cruise? Or excursions?

 

The issue of folks complaining about the quality of what they get for their cruise fare, or the price they have to pay for non-included goods and services, is another matter.

 

But what bugs me is when posters take it upon themselves to say that if someone chooses to complain about something or is not as well informed about their cruise vacation as one thinks they should be, that these folks should not be cruising! Who are any of us to say that someone else should not cruise because they don't know something we know? No one has to pass a test, or be "qualified" or "approved," to choose a cruise vacation. JMO

[Powriv]

I go on vacation to have a good time but do watch my money as I want to cruise more than once a year. So far it is working out well, 3 cruises this year and 3 next year with having to pay airfare

[JRnPJ]

To the OP...... not sure who left you in charge of deciding who should cruise and who shouldn't.

 

For those of us who don't drink and don't gamble and enjoy eating in one of the many "included" dining choices. For those of us who bring their own soda and water. Those who enjoy playing trivia and sitting by the pool. Those of us who love to people watch and smell the ocean. Who are happy just wandering around in a port to see what you can see. People who are completely satisfied with an inside room. People like us....... Cruising is ABSOLUTELY all inclusive!

 

I don't have to cook or clean or make my bed. I have people all around me asking if they can get me something. I can meet new people or not.

 

People like us shouldn't have to worry that people like you are judging our vacation. It's not a competition to see who can spend the most money. If it were then we would surely loose because to us a good vacation is our "all inclusive" cruise! We buy our cabin and pay our gratuities and not one penny more. Is it because we don't "know" all the other ways to spend our money? Because we haven't done any research on cruising? No. Is it because we can't afford to do anything? No! It's because it's OUR vacation and we can do, or not do, whatever we want!

[perkydebrajean]

My husband is one of those people that could cruise without any added extra costs. He actually prefers a buffet (more for him to choose from), he hasn't had a drink in 15 years and prefers coffee or iced tea, and when we vacation I'm the one that buys stuff (mostly t-shirts of Christmas ornaments), though he actually bought a magnet for the fridge when we went on vacation recently!

[CrossBluePerchance]

Count us among the 'all inclusive' contingent. Thus far, (perhaps being of the "Eat to live, not live to eat" brigade), we have been perfectly satisfied with buffet fare, (we also prefer to go and get our own meals, selection/quantity wise, when we want it as opposed to being waited on....rather than feeling 'pampered' we find having someone hovering over us to be somewhat irritating).

 

We are also highly resistant to sales pitches and feel no obligation/compulsion to purchase/participate in all the 'specials' offered, or in fact any of them.

 

That said, we are highly appreciative of those who do spend like the proverbial sailors on shore leave, since they are, in essence, subsidizing our voyage.

 

Here's to them!

[Lupush]

To the OP...... not sure who left you in charge of deciding who should cruise and who shouldn't.

 

Not saying who should cruise and who shouldn't. What I'm saying is don't complain if you're not going to spend the necessary money to get the full experience

 

For those of us who don't drink and don't gamble and enjoy eating in one of the many "included" dining choices. For those of us who bring their own soda and water. Those who enjoy playing trivia and sitting by the pool. Those of us who love to people watch and smell the ocean. Who are happy just wandering around in a port to see what you can see. People who are completely satisfied with an inside room. People like us....... Cruising is ABSOLUTELY all inclusive!

 

I don't have to cook or clean or make my bed. I have people all around me asking if they can get me something. I can meet new people or not.

 

People like us shouldn't have to worry that people like you are judging our vacation. It's not a competition to see who can spend the most money. If it were then we would surely loose because to us a good vacation is our "all inclusive" cruise! We buy our cabin and pay our gratuities and not one penny more. Is it because we don't "know" all the other ways to spend our money? Because we haven't done any research on cruising? No. Is it because we can't afford to do anything? No! It's because it's OUR vacation and we can do, or not do, whatever we want!

 

Believe me, I don't care what you or anyone else does on a cruise. Some people choose to try to enjoy life being frugal, others choose not to. I'm going to think that the latter tend to get to experience a bit more.

[victoriasmommy]

it is pretty inclusive to me.

and thats the way I like it.

 

If I wanted to have spa/massages/free alcohol/shows/extra dining I would go to Breezes or Sandals and I know I would pay more!

 

Also if I had unlimited massages Id be way too busy try to go to the spa, go on excursions, drink and eat way too much to "get my moneys worth"

 

this way Im cheap I wont order a soda with my meal bc I dont at home and its extra. But DH will. BUT most of it is included - all the things I need/want for the most part. if i want extra I will choose to pay for it!

[MiniJeffrey]

To the OP...... not sure who left you in charge of deciding who should cruise and who shouldn't.

 

For those of us who don't drink and don't gamble and enjoy eating in one of the many "included" dining choices. For those of us who bring their own soda and water. Those who enjoy playing trivia and sitting by the pool. Those of us who love to people watch and smell the ocean. Who are happy just wandering around in a port to see what you can see. People who are completely satisfied with an inside room. People like us....... Cruising is ABSOLUTELY all inclusive!

 

I don't have to cook or clean or make my bed. I have people all around me asking if they can get me something. I can meet new people or not.

 

People like us shouldn't have to worry that people like you are judging our vacation. It's not a competition to see who can spend the most money. If it were then we would surely loose because to us a good vacation is our "all inclusive" cruise! We buy our cabin and pay our gratuities and not one penny more. Is it because we don't "know" all the other ways to spend our money? Because we haven't done any research on cruising? No. Is it because we can't afford to do anything? No! It's because it's OUR vacation and we can do, or not do, whatever we want!

 

Please dont act so offended. He is onlt refering to those people that arrive and start complaining about all the things you have to pay for. If you inform yourself it clearly says (even on NCL website) that some (a lot) of things come at a cost.

 

Then it is really annoying having those kind of people that wan't everything, but don't want to spend any extra dollar. I can imagine what a horrible vacation those people have.

 

Those people should inform theirselves better and maybe even stay at home.

[TheManitoban]

Isnt the $5 pizza charge just for room service? ie. isnt the pizza "free" whenever you want it if you go get it yourself?

[declansdad]

Sorry if anyone is offended by this but after reading through the CC boards as a new user, I just had to put my thoughts into words.

 

A little background on me:

 

Cruising w/ NCL for about 5 years now.

15 years in the hospitality industry, both hotels and restaurants.

 

In the hospitality industry, we recognize that the primary goal of all travelers is to feel like they are getting a good value for their money. This is especially true in the cruise industry as there is a massive amount of competition for guests that will be essentially a "captive audience" for an extended period of time (Average cruise length is 5 days, average hotel stay is just over 2 days).

 

The job of any cruise line (not just NCL) is to accomplish 2 things with every leisure passenger they have on their ship:

 

1) Get the guest to spend money.

2) Make sure the guest has a good time.

 

Now if you are a cruiser like me, you recognize that #2 typically is not possible unless you are doing #1. It is amazing to me that amount of people that have the misconception that a cruise is an "all-inclusive" vacation. Sorry folks, this is not the case. I just have to laugh when I see things like this:

 

"The food wasn't good and we weren't going to pay extra for specialty restaurants"

 

Specialty restaurants are just that, a specialty. If you opt for the regular dining options on the ship do not complain that you are not getting lobster tails, oysters, escargot, and other "finer" ingredients in your dishes. The MDRs and buffets have plenty of options, some better than others. If you don't like the food in included dining areas, spring for the specialty dining. You're on vacation after all. Live a little. I have always found that the specialty restaurants are always well worth the money.

 

It's not fair that I'm getting nickel and dimed having to pay extra for things like Soda.

 

What's not fair is that travelers post reviews accusing a NCL of "nickel and diming" when they are in the business to make money. If you have a problem spending $6 a day for unlimited soda you shouldn't be travelling. Period. Soda is an optional item at any restaurant you go to in the world it's the same here, folks. If you have a problem with this, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

How much free champagne can you get at the art auctions?

This is the funniest one to me. If you go to shipboard activities just to get a glass of cheap champagne, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

Why did security confiscate the bottle of booze I had in my bag?

Now, I am one that always carries booze in my bag when I go cruising. Usually a small bottle of Bourbon to have a drink or 2 each night before dinner (about 375ml). I always put the bottle in with my toiletries and have never had a problem. With that being said, that bottle stays in my cabin and I drink freely at the bars on the ship. If you're trying to carry a magnum of Grey Goose in and don't understand why they're not going to let you carry it on board, you shouldn't be travelling.

 

Hope I didn't ruffle any feathers with this and if I did, I apologize. Just had to share some of the things I've gotten a chuckle out of and see if there was anyone out there who shares these feelings with me.

 

Pretty rude post but that is just my opinion.

[LrgPizza]

Isnt the $5 pizza charge just for room service? ie. isnt the pizza "free" whenever you want it if you go get it yourself?

I guess if the buffet is open you can get free slices from there. Otherwise there is no free pizza available on the ship. The buffet pizza is different than the delivery anyway. It's much better.

Edited August 1, 2014 by LrgPizza

[declansdad]

You can't compare cruising now to the '90s or before. Fuel is a lot more expensive, and they've had to cut some things to stay competitive. Even with the price of fuel being higher, it's cheaper to cruise now than in the '90s when you adjust for inflation.

 

If you aren't happy with the food, go to the specialties. It's reasonably priced, so you really can't take the free food and then complain about the quality.

 

 

It's not free food, you paid for it.

[CruzLover80]

A cruise is as inclusive as you make it. I don't think I've ever walked off the ship spending more than $200 after OBC. I don't feel neglected because I didn't go to the spa and pay the overpriced massage. No I get it on the beach in Mexico for $40. I'd rather be able to cruise several times a year on a budget then not going at all. A person should vacation within their budget not maxing out credit cards to have experienced the bells and whistles. I have never walked away from a cruise saying I wish I had the money for this or that... because if it was that important then I would've budgeted for it.