Norwegian to offer "All Inclusive"

[wichitastatecruiser]

Not according to LauraS in the sticky: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5931

 

Here is the e-mail response from my TA when I forwarded the CC article:

 

Mike,

 

That is definitely what the article says, but it is not correct. We asked the NCL Vice President of Sales and the answer was that the reservations would need to be cancelled and rebooked at the current rate. Now one of the agents asked if they were prepared for the load that would take on their reservations system with all of the cancelling and rebooking, and that did cause the NCL folks to say, “well, we hadn’t really thought of that.” So they may come out with some exceptions for current bookings, but as of right now there is none.

 

 

 

Wendy

[Aussie Jeep]

Just chatted with NCL. I am booked in a Mini Suite for the 16 night Panama in April. I paid the single supplement as I am traveling solo. The package will be released on the 4th August. It does not cover the 16 day cruise, only cruises out to 14 days. Also I would only need to pay for one package not two even though I have to pay basically the price of two people for the single supplement. If the 10% discount came off my total cost including the single supplement would be of interest to me.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Yeah, this is all pretty much what I think we, (or most of us), suspected. They will have a lot of wrinkles to iron out. And I'm guessing that the prices will go up during this event 'grand opening', (hopefully the 10% discount will cover this), and we might not see the UDP or UBP packages offered as stand-alone deals anymore. :confused: But overall, I find it to be an interesting development and not a bad deal for a lot of folks.

 

And I am guilty for calling CC "the horse's mouth." :o:o:o

 

Ali

[Okmyx]

Have they released details about this new program yet? What I've read is simple PR on a new program but devoid of specifics. Am I missing something, or is this what should be available on the 4th?

 

I doubt I'll be interested, but I think this is a very smart direction for NCL to take, assuming it's priced right.

 

ETA: just found the details on the $899 program. Hmm...

Edited July 30, 2014 by Okmyx

[tarheelmjfan]

This package is identical to the package I was sent a survey on. I replied that we wouldn't be interested in many of the inclusions, which made the package less attractive to us. Now I know how valuable my opinion is to NCL. :p Hopefully, the UDP & UBP (for those interested) will still be available to those who don't want internet minutes, so many pictures, etc.

 

As part of the All-Inclusive offer, Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining package provides complimentary access to one of the line’s specialty restaurants every night of the cruise, including Cagney’s, the popular steakhouse; French bistro, Italian restaurant, Moderno Churrascaria, Asian-Fusion restaurant and more.

 

Is the UDP worded this same way? Many people have reported eating all or part of a meal in more than one specialty restaurant the same day. If the wording is different & the policy is changing, we would only be affected, if a specialty restaurant was open for lunch. We wouldn't go to 2 different restaurants for dinner anyway. I'm just curious, since I've never seen the UDP terms. Until we book a cruise, I didn't see a need to look into it further.

 

Is it me or is it odd to offer a free bottle of wine when the UBP would be included?

 

To me a free bottle of wine when you have the UBP is sort of stupid and a waste and sort of just a fluff perk and thus shouldn't be considered in the value - it would be like adding in the 'value' of all the free iced-tea/tap water that is included in the cruise fair at that point.

 

Edit to add: I do understand bottles of wine are NOT included in the UBP however the free bottles the offer you can get by the glass at an unlimited amount with the UBP so thus the perk of it being in a bottle on your table is just baffling to me.

 

We like to have wine or champagne/sparkling wine with meals on our balcony. Having to go to a bar for each glass we drink would be inconvenient. Even if we booked a package with free UBP, we'd still carry on or buy bottles of wine for our cabin. For us, this package would be more attractive, if they included more than one bottle of wine.

[UPNYGuy]

Those of us that typically cruise in The Haven will go for this

 

 

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[JuneauWhatIMean]

Those of us that typically cruise in The Haven will go for this

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

Really? DH and I sailed in an Aft Haven Suite on the Breakaway in May and had the UDP, which we paid for. We NEVER ate in the Haven because it was so far away and we could never make it there during the dining times. (Not saying this is typical. :o). We typically ordered room service (upgraded) for breakfast and went to the specialty restaurants for dinner. OMG- Cagney's and Le Bistro were fabulous. :D I'm still disappointed that we didn't dine in the Haven, which we paid for.

 

 

We are sailing on the Escape in Dec., 2015 in a H5 and I really want to take advantage of the Haven Lounge and Restaurant. This new package really puts me in a quandary. I don't think it's worth it to us...Don't forget- you already get those chocolate covered strawberries and cheesy (sorry NCL) wine in your suite. And I love the Lavazza coffee maker and butler treats. I guess the only thing we would miss by not getting the new package would be the UBP if the Haven food is as good as everyone says.

 

 

Bottom line for me.....Different strokes for different folks. :cool:

[triptolemus]

It's so weird to me when the cruiselines come out with something and people get so nasty about it. They're not forcing it on anyone... it's a choice. What gives?

 

I have observed that some people believe these offerings will detract from their "experience". For example, I have seem people who appear upset about the UDP and the MDR reservations concepts, thinking that all the seats in the speciality restaurants will be allocated to these programs. Somehow, these programs will dramatically interfere with their ability to enjoy the Fresstyle concept -- because a table may not be available at their desired time.

 

As I said in another thread, folks would be a happier bunch if they stopped counting other people's money and stopped worrying about what other people are doing with their money.

[SissasMomE]

Really? DH and I sailed in an Aft Haven Suite on the Breakaway in May and had the UDP, which we paid for. We NEVER ate in the Haven because it was so far away and we could never make it there during the dining times. (Not saying this is typical. :o). We typically ordered room service (upgraded) for breakfast and went to the specialty restaurants for dinner. OMG- Cagney's and Le Bistro were fabulous. :D I'm still disappointed that we didn't dine in the Haven, which we paid for.

 

 

We are sailing on the Escape in Dec., 2015 in a H5 and I really want to take advantage of the Haven Lounge and Restaurant. This new package really puts me in a quandary. I don't think it's worth it to us...Don't forget- you already get those chocolate covered strawberries and cheesy (sorry NCL) wine in your suite. And I love the Lavazza coffee maker and butler treats. I guess the only thing we would miss by not getting the new package would be the UBP if the Haven food is as good as everyone says.

 

 

Bottom line for me.....Different strokes for different folks. :cool:

 

I agree. I can't see using this either for our suite on the Escape. Edited - we are also in an H5. I chose this because it's right in the Haven itself. I bet you will use the restaurant and facilities this time, since you will be right there.

Edited July 30, 2014 by SissasMomE

[coaster]

Sounds like Apollo Management is making the first step to transition NCL from a mainstream cruise line to going all inclusive like their upscale Oceania Cruise Line that they hold a majority interest in. Very interesting announcement in what could be the future gameplan for NCL in the years to come.

Edited July 31, 2014 by coaster

[LrgPizza]

$899 per person regardless of cabin. The price is in addition to the price of whatever cabin you choose, but you'll get 10% off the cabin at time of booking if you buy this.

Thanks but for me adding 899 per person to my cruise fare per person is making cruise not affordable for me

Suzanne

It is an interesting concept, but not quite "there" for us as we have no interest in many of the included benefits (bingo, pictures, etc).

 

In quoting me you guys lost the context of my reply. I wasn't saying anything one way or another about whether or not it was a good deal. I was pointing out to another poster who said that price was for an inside cabin that it was actually the price for ANY cabin.

 

[kcwingwalker]

Been watching this thread all day with interest and yes I'm still cranky.

 

From my observations it seems like most are OK with all inclusive for those who wish to purchase it. Who knows it might be terrific after a few tweaks. Vermonters often say "let's see how it sugars out".

[JuneauWhatIMean]

I agree. I can't see using this either for our suite on the Escape. Edited - we are also in an H5. I chose this because it's right in the Haven itself. I bet you will use the restaurant and facilities this time, since you will be right there.

 

I totally agree with you. That's the dream and the plan! :D I booked us on Deck 18 and plan to annoy the heck out of the bartenders every day and night. I can't even imagine rolling out of bed to go to the restaurant. Oh wait....yes I can....that's why I booked us there! I hope you got a great price and some OBC 'cause we sure did. Can't wait.

 

Cheers,

 

Ali

[SissasMomE]

I totally agree with you. That's the dream and the plan! :D I booked us on Deck 18 and plan to annoy the heck out of the bartenders every day and night. I can't even imagine rolling out of bed to go to the restaurant. Oh wait....yes I can....that's why I booked us there! I hope you got a great price and some OBC 'cause we sure did. Can't wait.

 

Cheers,

 

Ali

 

Yeah, I did. A benefit of booking early! I checked today, and the price already went up.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Been watching this thread all day with interest and yes I'm still cranky.

 

From my observations it seems like most are OK with all inclusive for those who wish to purchase it. Who knows it might be terrific after a few tweaks. Vermonters often say "let's see how it sugars out".

 

Please don't be cranky. If it doesn't appeal to you, don't buy it. Hopefully it won't affect pricing for the rest of us. :)

[computerworks]

Sounds like Apollo Management is making the first step to transition NCL from a mainstream cruise line to going all inclusive like their upscale Oceania Cruise Line that they hold a majority interest in. Very interesting announcement in what could be the future gameplan for NCL in the years to come.

 

Not going to happen...not with 6 megaships to fill in the future.

 

This is simply a way to offer an optional bundle of individual extras at a discount.

Value-based cruising for the mainstream market is Norwegian's strong point...and that won't be tampered with.

 

This new option simply increases choices.

[Annmeat]

I totally agree with you. That's the dream and the plan! :D I booked us on Deck 18 and plan to annoy the heck out of the bartenders every day and night. I can't even imagine rolling out of bed to go to the restaurant. Oh wait....yes I can....that's why I booked us there! I hope you got a great price and some OBC 'cause we sure did. Can't wait.

 

Cheers,

 

Ali

I LOVED watching the price go UP up UP ! Booked early...price was up over 2K for my family by the time we left.

Enjoy!

And we DID roll out of bed in to the restaurant..what a feeling...

[kcwingwalker]

Please don't be cranky. If it doesn't appeal to you, don't buy it. Hopefully it won't affect pricing for the rest of us. :)

 

LOL I'm not cranky about the new program:) Just having one of those cranky days.:)

[UPNYGuy]

If you book H1 at 10,000 per person, the discount covers the cost of the package. That was where I was going. And if you book in the H3 or H2 and are paying 4,500 per person (minimum) for 2 people, the package is basically half price.

 

Norwegian is aiming this at the top level Haven guests.

 

 

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[bambilin]

.....here is what I found as the breakdown (7 day cruise):

 

1. Dining Package for 2 = 238

2. Beverage Package for 2 = 869.40

3. Shore Excursions for 2 = 400

4. DSC for 2 = 168

5. (2) 250 MB internet packages = 200

6. 20 photos = 400

7. Chocolate Covered Strawberries = 12

8. Bottle of wine = 25

9. 1 Bingo session = 20

10. 6 bottles of water = 25

11. 10% off the cruise fare = ???.00

 

Grand Total = $2357.40 + 10% off the cruise fare.

 

So IMHO, $899 seems like a fair price for all of the above.

 

Did I miscalculate anything or leave anything out?

 

:confused:

 

wasiii

 

 

But it is $899 per person not per cabin so $1898 per couple. You would pretty much have to enjoy all of the offerings to make it worthwhile.

 

 

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[bambilin]

If you book H1 at 10,000 per person, the discount covers the cost of the package. That was where I was going. And if you book in the H3 or H2 and are paying 4,500 per person (minimum) for 2 people, the package is basically half price.

 

Norwegian is aiming this at the top level Haven guests.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

Yes now that makes sense. My family of 4 is not in that target population though. ;0(. Hope those that take advantage enjoy!

 

 

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[tel2]

I actually think the package would be much more attractive if it didn't lock you into what NCL decided was all-inclusive and instead let the customer choose. That is, if you paid the $899. or whatever price they set it at, and could, for example, select from a menu of things those that you wanted included in your package. So, instead of being forced to take UDP and UBP and 20 photos and 200 excursion credit, etc, if you wanted the package, you instead could choose from a list of pre-set menu options with assigned values up to a certain assigned value. I've seen menu options like this set up so that items of equivalent value are grouped together in columns and then you are told, for example, you can choose 1 thing in column A, 2 things in column B, and 3 things in Column C, etc. For example, the menu might include things like:

 

1) UDP ($120)

2) UBP (however much it costs)

3) UDP Enhancement Credit that can be used elsewhere (i.e., Ocean Blue, paid dinner shows, Noodle Bar)( 200?)

4) 200 shore excursion credit;

5) 250 internet minutes;

6) 20 photos (?);

7) Slot cash credit for casino (100);

8) Coffee and juice package (???)

9) some number of bingo games (?)

10 Vibe or Posh Pass (?)

11) Vibe or Posh Cabana (299)

12) Corks and Caps (?)

13) Spa Pass (?)

 

 

You get the idea. And then people could choose a combination that appealed to them that added up to a total pre-determined value. That would be sooooo worth it. But this is unsaleable to people who do not drink much, or have no interest in specialty dining, or do not do excursions, or do not drink soda etc....

 

Terry

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Not going to happen...not with 6 megaships to fill in the future.

 

This is simply a way to offer an optional bundle of individual extras at a discount.

Value-based cruising for the mainstream market is Norwegian's strong point...and that won't be tampered with.

 

This new option simply increases choices.

 

 

Very succinctly put. :cool:

 

Terry, I think you have a great idea but it sounds like it would be too complicated for most people. The whole idea behind All Inclusive is "I don't have to think about it", as someone else noted.

 

And I don't think Haven guests are the target audience as dining in the Haven for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is similar to the quality/experience of dining at Cagney's. And that's at $30 pp, per meal. That and a cocktail and I'm good...:rolleyes:

 

Thank you for your comments, Annmeat. The cost for the H5 still makes me nervous, even though we got a remarkable price, as SissasMomE stated. Go girlfriend planners!!! ~:D~

 

kcwingwalker- I totally understand that changes like this can make us nervous and upset. I'm sending you a big hug. {{{^^}}} Somehow I know you'll be okay. :o;)

[Cubechick]

In quoting me you guys lost the context of my reply. I wasn't saying anything one way or another about whether or not it was a good deal. I was pointing out to another poster who said that price was for an inside cabin that it was actually the price for ANY cabin.

 

 

I quoted your post only because you stated the cost pp and the 10%. How is that losing the context of your post? I didn't imply you had an opinion one way or another. :confused:

[GrabMyWrist]

but it is $899 per person not per cabin so $1898 per couple. You would pretty much have to enjoy all of the offerings to make it worthwhile.

 

 

Sent using the cruise critic forums app

 

$1798.00