Norwegian to offer "All Inclusive"

[CasinoCruzGirl]

This is a dumb offer, and unlikely to appeal to many, because it requires you to need usage of several major add-ons (shore excursions, UDP, UBP, internet) for every person in your party to be worth doing.

 

However, I am not understanding the hate on NCL for offering it (it doesn't affect you if you aren't interested), and I especially don't understand the comments like, "Maybe worth it if you're a suite passenger, but not an inside cabin passenger!"

 

Now, I can fully understand the argument that the typical inside passenger won't WANT it (because they are presumably cruising on a budget), but the value of this package is the same no matter where you are staying on the ship.

 

I think NCL would be best offering do-it-yourself inclusive packages, where you select beforehand which features you want, and it automatically prices it for you. This, in turn, will give the cruiser a bit of a discount on these items, while benefiting NCL because it forces them to pay in advance for things they otherwise decide against later. You know, kind of a prepay discount.

 

I would actually go for that, because I am 100% certain that I need certain things (UDP, internet) while 100% certain that I don't want/need certain other things (shore excursions, UBP).

 

I think "sun~" was correct in that they are going for the segment of the cruising population (maybe Europeans) who aren't carefully itemizing, but rather just want to feel like they are having an all-inclusive experience and don't need to think about individual costs.

 

People are saying it's a better deal for haven and suite passengers because of the 10% discount on stateroom

 

Example

 

Inside cabin $1000 discount $100

Suite $5000 discount $500

[pokerpro5]

People are saying it's a better deal for haven and suite passengers because of the 10% discount on stateroom

 

Example

 

Inside cabin $1000 discount $100

Suite $5000 discount $500

 

 

Oh, somehow I missed the 10% stateroom discount. That's actually kind of obnoxious. They really are overcharging the lower-budget cruisers for the exact same benefits.

 

Now I kind of understand the hate.

Edited July 31, 2014 by pokerpro5

[SissasMomE]

People are saying it's a better deal for haven and suite passengers because of the 10% discount on stateroom

 

Example

 

Inside cabin $1000 discount $100

Suite $5000 discount $500

 

It's not much of a discount when you have to spend $899 to get it. I did price it out with our suite. It's doesn't save us anything - I guess because we had booked so early. We would have to rebook at today's prices, and that's just crazy. Regardless, there's a lot of fluff in there. Assuming you are traveling with more than 1 person, who needs all of those pictures?? Even the excursions - cruise ship excursions are overcrowded to begin with. We rarely book with them. With this, can you imagine how much worse it would be?! Then again, if you are already going to purchase the UDP and the UBP, then maybe it's worth it, even with the fluff. I would still like to see a "build your own" ... and who knows, maybe they will offer something like that as well.

[SissasMomE]

They really are overcharging the lower-budget cruisers for the exact same benefits.

 

Now I kind of understand the hate.

 

Someone that books an inside cabin is not a "lower budget cruiser". That is extremely insulting and pretentious. Perhaps they do not see the value in booking a higher category cabin. Most wealthy people do not flaunt it; however, those trying to pretend often do.

[david_sobe]

All those perks including ONE bingo session

Sign me up :eek:

[Susie51]

I probably won't use it, but I think it is a nice marketing strategy.

[bambilin]

$1798.00

 

 

Oops, really scary that I help my sons with Math homework! I usually really can add! For some reason I cannot even edit my post!

 

;0)

 

 

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[CasinoCruzGirl]

It's not much of a discount when you have to spend $899 to get it. I did price it out with our suite. It's doesn't save us anything - I guess because we had booked so early. We would have to rebook at today's prices, and that's just crazy. Regardless, there's a lot of fluff in there. Assuming you are traveling with more than 1 person, who needs all of those pictures?? Even the excursions - cruise ship excursions are overcrowded to begin with. We rarely book with them. With this, can you imagine how much worse it would be?! Then again, if you are already going to purchase the UDP and the UBP, then maybe it's worth it, even with the fluff. I would still like to see a "build your own" ... and who knows, maybe they will offer something like that as well.

 

 

Yep it would definitely not be beneficial for you to rebook with today's prices. As for me my balcony cabin is only costing me and DH $639 for both of us well it wouldn't even pertain to this cruise anyway cause it's in 2014. But like you why would we need 40 pictures? And strawberries (I'll get them from room service) lwine? Naaa rather have DH pick out something he likes rather than pot luck wine. I don't really drink and have a casino drink card so don't need UBP and I'm perfectly fine with the MDR and eating maybe 2 nights at specialty restaurants. So like you this deal is not for me. (Yayyyy we agree on something again lol)

[DrNora]

Wondering what this would set me back for me, DH and the 3 kids, which room we would wallpaper with the 100 photos and what excursions we would blow a grand on...NOT!!!

The 1,000 bucks we save ( if we travel peak no specials) on a family villa could cover part of our airfare to miami. We get the wine anyway and strawberries and a meals because of our latitudes status.

 

 

Hubby would benefit from the UBP -more than I- that leaves the UDP as the only benefit for the rest of the family

 

Perhaps if they tossed in some airfare???

 

I would like to see the under 21 pricing on this...maybe just subtract the difference between the UBP and the soda package.

 

We did play a game of bingo this cruise... There's a bonus!!

Nora

 

SissasmomE- off topic- thanks for the champagne snorkel recommendation- Awesome!!! We had a blast!!

You get mentioned in Annmeats review!! Everyone loved this snorkel adventure

 

 

 

 

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[newmexicoNita]

$899 per person? Probably won't be getting it but I'd have to do the math.

 

We were having dinner with our travel agent last night and discussing the plan. Doing the math, quickly it sounds like a fairly decent plan, if you do like to drink, like specialty dining and simplicity. If nothing else, it keeps everything in order. It certainly isn't for everyone. I will be anxious to see how it goes over. My fear is, for those who do not take it we will have trouble even getting into specialty dining rooms.

[newmexicoNita]

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.

 

though we still might consider the package, I too thought about it, plus being platinum we already get a couple of free dinners with wine. They will have to offer us something else. I do agree, most people do not get photos so that isn't really an incentive.

[SissasMomE]

SissasmomE- off topic- thanks for the champagne snorkel recommendation- Awesome!!! We had a blast!!

You get mentioned in Annmeats review!! Everyone loved this snorkel adventure

 

 

 

 

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Nora! I'm glad to see you back - I missed you! That excursion was awesome, and I'm glad you guys enjoyed it! :)

[newmexicoNita]

I think adding 899 per person to cruise fare is making it unaffordable for me to cruise

 

interesting, you posted the same remarks twice and you say it is making it unaffordable. It isn't as though you are being forced to take the IA. It is still a choice. I think for many of us, we would have to think closely to see if it is a good plan for us, but no one will be obligated to consider it. Plus, as already mentioned the higher the cabin category the more attractive the package might be. Think about a cabin that is $1200 a person; cabin savings would be 120.00 for starters.

[GrabMyWrist]

Just received this from my PCC... In addition to what's already been discussed. The below listed items are per person. The August window starts Monday and the all-inclusive offer is combinable with OBC.

 

The water bottles and chocolate covered strawberries and wine are all per person, so 6 bottles per person, 6 berries per person, and 1 bottle per person, as well as photos are 20per person as well that’s probably the best value out of everything else(the photos) and 3 rounds of Bingo per person! It is going to be a great deal!

[HeidiHo]

Lots of what ifs with this deal. What if you have two kids in the room? How much would they pay?

 

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Wondering what this would set me back for me, DH and the 3 kids, which room we would wallpaper with the 100 photos and what excursions we would blow a grand on...NOT!!!

The 1,000 bucks we save ( if we travel peak no specials) on a family villa could cover part of our airfare to miami. We get the wine anyway and strawberries and a meals because of our latitudes status.

 

 

 

 

 

I would like to see the under 21 pricing on this...maybe just subtract the difference between the UBP and the soda package.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The package will not be available to anyone under age 21 at all. There is no children's pricing. Also, during spring break (I don't know the exact dates) only persons age 25 and above will be able to purchase the package.

Edited August 1, 2014 by HeidiHo

[hpecorari]

This isn't worth it to me. I get my cabin via CAS. CAS gives me one free specialty restaurant for the week and usually will give me another one or two if I ask. CAS also gives me a drink card which I never use as I'm not a drinker. As a platinum latitudes member both myself and my roommate both get a free specialty restaurant as well. So, that's at least three nights in a specialty restaurant and maybe 5 nights. We already get the strawberries, wine etc. and also get goodies every afternoon (either due to platinum or due to CAS). I wouldn't be able to book shore excursions via MyNCL as I'd have to wait to do it on board. Many times we don't even use their excursions.

Photos? Heck, we don't even take them anymore or let them take them of us. The 10% discount wouldn't apply to use as it's a free cabin through CAS.

 

UDP - not worth it since we get 3 to five anyway

UBP - not worth it since we have CAS drinking card and don't drink anyway

Shore excursions - not worth it, can't pre-book and use NCL all the time

Photos - never purchase any

Strawberries/goodies/wine- already get that

Bottled water - get that free from CAS

Internet Pkg. - CAS always takes that off my bill anyway

Bingo session - I could use this but would probably be so busy wouldn't go

DSC - That's the only thing that works for us but not worth the pkg just for this.

 

So, for *me* it's not worth it.

 

*edit - And I told them all this when I took the survey

 

Harriet

Edited August 1, 2014 by hpecorari

[GrabMyWrist]

Also just received this little diddy from my PCC. The August window is for 2015 sailings. No 2014 cruises will be included. :(

[LAFFNVEGAS]

This offer is going to attract and be great for two different demographic passengers. Both or most will be first time or almost first time cruisers. It will also be a value to the fairly new to NCL cruiser that books a Haven. Once they get the 10% discount off the price then the cost is reasonable. I am Gold almost Platinum level usually book lower level suites category SF and my upcoming cruise is a bargain price for a MX Mini Suite but the next will be back to our SF.

After more than 30 cruises we definitely do not buy photos, Bingo is of no interest to me. I actually want to dine in the Main Dining room at least 2 nights during the cruise and definitely cannot have more than 2 or 3 drinks in a day.

There will however be lots of First Time Cruisers who do not read CC that will think this is a great deal especially if they are already booking a Suite. Those buying the lower end categories I doubt seriously many will spring for that kind of additional money.

 

I have to admit when I first heard this I thought OH No it will be impossible to get into the specialty restaurants now ( I did not see a difference after the UDP came out I feared that then too) But This should not make any major impact on what we already know and love about NCL :)

[newmexicoNita]

This is a dumb offer, and unlikely to appeal to many, because it requires you to need usage of several major add-ons (shore excursions, UDP, UBP, internet) for every person in your party to be worth doing.

 

However, I am not understanding the hate on NCL for offering it (it doesn't affect you if you aren't interested), and I especially don't understand the comments like, "Maybe worth it if you're a suite passenger, but not an inside cabin passenger!"

 

Now, I can fully understand the argument that the typical inside passenger won't WANT it (because they are presumably cruising on a budget), but the value of this package is the same no matter where you are staying on the ship.

 

I think NCL would be best offering do-it-yourself inclusive packages, where you select beforehand which features you want, and it automatically prices it for you. This, in turn, will give the cruiser a bit of a discount on these items, while benefiting NCL because it forces them to pay in advance for things they otherwise decide against later. You know, kind of a prepay discount.

 

I would actually go for that, because I am 100% certain that I need certain things (UDP, internet) while 100% certain that I don't want/need certain other things (shore excursions, UBP).

 

I think "sun~" was correct in that they are going for the segment of the cruising population (maybe Europeans) who aren't carefully itemizing, but rather just want to feel like they are having an all-inclusive experience and don't need to think about individual costs.

 

I am a bit surprised you would call it dumb? You may not agree with it or find it a good plan for you but for those who do want specialty dining and enjoy their booze plus like ship excursions it might be very appealing, especially when opting for more expensive cabins. It isn't for everyone but I don't think it is dumb.

[newmexicoNita]

"all inclusive" is misleading...it doesn't even include unlimited bottles of water. seriously? I don't get that alcohol is unlimited and water isn't.

 

The package seems worth it only if you're in the haven or a very expensive cabin and the 10% amounts to a significant savings. We're booked in the haven on the Escape inaugural transatlantic where the 10% amounts to $900...we'll see what the cost is for this package on that cruise.

 

Does anyone know how this will be priced for cruises over 7 days?

 

It is still tech an AI. Just like some say, Freestyle isn't really freestyle because you sometimes have to wait for a table in the MDR. It is still, basically freestyle.

 

I don't think the plan will appeal to everyone by any means, but AI resorts do not either and you can say they are not always AI, because golf is often not included, etc.

 

It isn't interesting about the water, but I am guessing NCL realizes more people are interested in unlimited booze than unlimited water.

 

As I have said before, I wonder if they are going to make any concessions for Platinum members?

 

Probably the plan needs some tweeking, then it might really catch on.

Edited August 1, 2014 by newmexicoNita

[emcelh]

We were having dinner with our travel agent last night and discussing the plan. Doing the math, quickly it sounds like a fairly decent plan, if you do like to drink, like specialty dining and simplicity. If nothing else, it keeps everything in order. It certainly isn't for everyone. I will be anxious to see how it goes over. My fear is, for those who do not take it we will have trouble even getting into specialty dining rooms.

 

I don't think it will make the specialty restaurants any more crowded. People who take this package would have been going to them anyway.

[cruiser2015]

10% discount off the cabin price - that could be a big savings.

But - discount of of what? The list price - that pretty much no one pays anyway? 10% off of whatever your booking price is?

As many have said, if you really were going to use most of the services provided, you have a shot at saving.

[Warm Breezes]

We were having dinner with our travel agent last night and discussing the plan. Doing the math, quickly it sounds like a fairly decent plan, if you do like to drink, like specialty dining and simplicity. If nothing else, it keeps everything in order. It certainly isn't for everyone. I will be anxious to see how it goes over. My fear is, for those who do not take it we will have trouble even getting into specialty dining rooms.

 

I really can't see enough people taking it for that to be an issue....plus they all probably won't eat in the same dining room on the same night to cause that type of issue.

[dna529]

Does anyone know how much the plan is for a 4 day cruise?

 

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[GrabMyWrist]

Details will be available Monday.