Cirque Dreams Not Included with UDP

[rochelle_s]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear that some of you are having so much trouble with getting the reservations you were supposed to with the UDP. To me, this is like buying a car and then going the next day to pick it up, only to find that the dealership removed the tires and steering wheel. It's just so very underhanded and unethical!

 

Some of you mentioned switching promos, which I have a question about. In order to change a promo code, does the customer service person need to cancel and rebook, or is it just a switch of the code for the inclusion? Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

My PCC was able to just switch the promo code choice. There was no re-booking. If I had to go under the current promo I would have had less OBC and I think maybe even would not have qualified as I am not sure they are still giving two choices for Europe cruises.

 

 

Rochelle

[Vellamint]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear that some of you are having so much trouble with getting the reservations you were supposed to with the UDP. To me, this is like buying a car and then going the next day to pick it up, only to find that the dealership removed the tires and steering wheel. It's just so very underhanded and unethical!

 

Some of you mentioned switching promos, which I have a question about. In order to change a promo code, does the customer service person need to cancel and rebook, or is it just a switch of the code for the inclusion? Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

They might need to do this....I called yesterday for a price drop and was told there is a tiny percent change I could lose my room but that she has quick fingers.... and I had to agree to it.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Make sure u call them at 9 am Jenn

[Dorhead1230]

My PCC was able to just switch the promo code choice. There was no re-booking. If I had to go under the current promo I would have had less OBC and I think maybe even would not have qualified as I am not sure they are still giving two choices for Europe cruises.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Thanks! Since it isn't a price change, I was hoping this is the case, in case we decide to switch. We booked when it was $200 OBC for a balcony, which we took because we booked through CAS with my BF's TR Diamond discount so we will get drink cards. However, I am still thinking of just changing to the UBP. I know CAS is a somewhat separate entity, but with all of the recent changes, I have developed a paranoia that they won't give us drink cards or something :o.

[rochelle_s]

Thanks! Since it isn't a price change, I was hoping this is the case, in case we decide to switch. We booked when it was $200 OBC for a balcony, which we took because we booked through CAS with my BF's TR Diamond discount so we will get drink cards. However, I am still thinking of just changing to the UBP. I know CAS is a somewhat separate entity, but with all of the recent changes, I have developed a paranoia that they won't give us drink cards or something :o.

 

I changed from the UDP because I had heard they were no longer going to honour their included first night dinner/show entertainment. We will be very happy with the UBP & OBC.

 

I would not worry about the casino drink cards. I have never heard of them not giving them to someone. Even though we would get the cards we still opted for the UBP as one of our choices. No running up bar bills with wine with meals and cocktails at a show etc.

 

If you are seriously thinking of changing I would let your contact know as soon as possible. The promo is supposed to end the first week of April and I am not sure how they will be about changes at that point.

 

Whatever you choose I am sure you will enjoy your time. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

 

Rochelle

[Dorhead1230]

I changed from the UDP because I had heard they were no longer going to honour their included first night dinner/show entertainment. We will be very happy with the UBP & OBC.

 

I would not worry about the casino drink cards. I have never heard of them not giving them to someone. Even though we would get the cards we still opted for the UBP as one of our choices. No running up bar bills with wine with meals and cocktails at a show etc.

 

If you are seriously thinking of changing I would let your contact know as soon as possible. The promo is supposed to end the first week of April and I am not sure how they will be about changes at that point.

 

Whatever you choose I am sure you will enjoy your time. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Thanks again! I think that it completely makes sense that you switched. I hope that other people for whom the added value of the Cirque show was a major factor in their decision will still have the opportunity to switch while the promo is on! I am sure that many couples with children probably chose the UDP at least partially for that reason, and what a disappointment it will be for them :(. I am sure that you will enjoy your UBP and OBC very much!

[garnet115]

Just checked and the webiste has updated the terms and conditions for UDP :mad::

 

For Sailings on or after July 3rd, 2015

The Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1 and 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 UDP is nontransferable. Reservations are not required for UDP guests, however, tables reserved onboard will be subject to availability for reservations made 24 hours in advance. We encourage you to log in to My NCL to make dining reservations in advance for specific night(s) of your cruise. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. A 25% discount applies to all a la carte and entertainment based dining and select Specialty Restaurants. These venues include: Sushi, Raw Bar, Food Republic, Hot Rock, Tapas Bar, Noodle Bar, Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, The Cellars, The District, Murder Mystery, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Illusionarium, Supper Club, Wine Lovers, Pajama Jam, Bayamo and Pincho by Jose Garces. The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity. No kids pricing available for UDP. Excludes all 1 and 2 day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. Does not apply to special occasion/holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the UDP (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). $10 per each additional main course will be charged in Le Bistro & Cagney’s. Chef’s Table, Jazz Brunch, Carlo’s Bake Shop items, Ice Cream Bar, Pizza 24/7 and Gelato are not part of the package.

[monkeybone]

Just checked and the webiste has updated the terms and conditions for UDP :mad::

 

For Sailings on or after July 3rd, 2015

The Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1 and 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 UDP is nontransferable. Reservations are not required for UDP guests, however, tables reserved onboard will be subject to availability for reservations made 24 hours in advance. We encourage you to log in to My NCL to make dining reservations in advance for specific night(s) of your cruise. An 18% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price. A 25% discount applies to all a la carte and entertainment based dining and select Specialty Restaurants. These venues include: Sushi, Raw Bar, Food Republic, Hot Rock, Tapas Bar, Noodle Bar, Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, The Cellars, The District, Murder Mystery, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Illusionarium, Supper Club, Wine Lovers, Pajama Jam, Bayamo and Pincho by Jose Garces. The UDP does not include beverages or corresponding gratuity. No kids pricing available for UDP. Excludes all 1 and 2 day sailings. Includes add-ons in Le Bistro such as Fruit de Mer, Lobster and Cote De Boeuf. Does not apply to special occasion/holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.). Latitudes Platinum Guests will receive a $20 discount on the UDP (as they receive 1 complimentary dinner in Le Bistro). $10 per each additional main course will be charged in Le Bistro & Cagney’s. Chef’s Table, Jazz Brunch, Carlo’s Bake Shop items, Ice Cream Bar, Pizza 24/7 and Gelato are not part of the package.

 

Of course they did LOL but it doesn't change the fact they others booked the show for free.......even after my call with NCL

[monkeybone]

Make sure u call them at 9 am Jenn

 

Of course Elizabeth never called me no surprise there!

 

No email from NCL and an auto reply on FB say sorry I'm having problems onboard lol really?

 

I had a busy day....I will call the Entertainment department.

 

Keep you posted

[[g]cruiserke]

I hope that other people for whom the added value of the Cirque show was a major factor in their decision will still have the opportunity to switch while the promo is on!

 

That is an option for people who have the UDP promo, but I purchased mine, after calculating whether it made sense financially, and that calculation was partly based on having the free Illusionarium on the Getaway, so I'm not happy.

 

I wonder if it's even legal to do this: changing what is covered by the package after it is bought. That is bait and switch, pure and simple! I understand changing what is covered by the UDP for people buying it (or being given it as a promotion) as of a certain date, but they should not be changing what is covered for people sailing as of a certain date, if they bought prior to this change.

 

My window for dinner bookings is not open yet, but if they don't honor their commitment of first night free Illusionarium, I fully intend to escalate it up the corporate ladder :mad:

[rochelle_s]

cruiserke;46114140']That is an option for people who have the UDP promo' date=' but I [i']purchased [/i]mine, after calculating whether it made sense financially, and that calculation was partly based on having the free Illusionarium on the Getaway, so I'm not happy.

 

I wonder if it's even legal to do this: changing what is covered by the package after it is bought. That is bait and switch, pure and simple! I understand changing what is covered by the UDP for people buying it (or being given it as a promotion) as of a certain date, but they should not be changing what is covered for people sailing as of a certain date, if they bought prior to this change.

 

My window for dinner bookings is not open yet, but if they don't honor their commitment of first night free Illusionarium, I fully intend to escalate it up the corporate ladder :mad:

 

 

And so you should!! I agree with you 100%. I canceled my UDP because of this but not sure I had as strong of a leg to stand on seeing as I received it as part of a promotion. Good luck to you and please keep us posted to the outcome.

 

 

Rochelle

[monkeybone]

OK now I'm on hold with someone else now who is reading me the promo!

 

Telling me that its no longer available for me to book.......OMG

 

Now back to Elizabeth!

[rochelle_s]

OK now I'm on hold with someone else now who is reading me the promo!

 

Telling me that its no longer available for me to book.......OMG

 

Now back to Elizabeth!

 

 

You must be beyond fed up at this point! I hope you get it sorted soon, I would be furious if I had to spend two days on this.I am so glad I switched.

 

 

Rochelle

[monkeybone]

So according To Elizabeth there is no Entertainment department I can speak with thats internal only and she sent them an email yesterday with no response yet.

 

The show has been booked and anyone on Cruise Critic saying they booked it yesterday is not being truthful...Those were her words!

 

Twice she said she would pull up the conversation with the other two reps(Tim and NO NOTHING) I said do it!!!! Are you kidding me Ive been lied too for two days!

 

Double talk and Lies!

 

She said she will let me know what they say by the end of the day....:mad:

[monkeybone]

You must be beyond fed up at this point! I hope you get it sorted soon, I would be furious if I had to spend two days on this.I am so glad I switched.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Yes looks like I will have no choice but to switch! I actually feel dirty after talking to them. I will not allow anyone in my party to eat in any of the specialty restaurants I will not give NCL anymore of my money.

[monkeybone]

Thanks! Since it isn't a price change, I was hoping this is the case, in case we decide to switch. We booked when it was $200 OBC for a balcony, which we took because we booked through CAS with my BF's TR Diamond discount so we will get drink cards. However, I am still thinking of just changing to the UBP. I know CAS is a somewhat separate entity, but with all of the recent changes, I have developed a paranoia that they won't give us drink cards or something :o.

 

I never had a problem with CAS you should be fine.

[monkeybone]

cruiserke;46114140']That is an option for people who have the UDP promo' date=' but I [i']purchased [/i]mine, after calculating whether it made sense financially, and that calculation was partly based on having the free Illusionarium on the Getaway, so I'm not happy.

 

I wonder if it's even legal to do this: changing what is covered by the package after it is bought. That is bait and switch, pure and simple! I understand changing what is covered by the UDP for people buying it (or being given it as a promotion) as of a certain date, but they should not be changing what is covered for people sailing as of a certain date, if they bought prior to this change.

 

My window for dinner bookings is not open yet, but if they don't honor their commitment of first night free Illusionarium, I fully intend to escalate it up the corporate ladder :mad:

 

You better get started now because I can tell you from what I am going through they will not honor it.

[monkeybone]

I sent many emails yesterday and today along with all the calls and post. I also added this link so they can see others on my cruise did in fact get the show free of charge.

 

Here is what I just received:

 

​​Jennifer:

 

Sorry that this has been so frustrating for you. The issue is that you are not entitled to have Cirque Dreams free of charge with your UDP. If you read the Terms and Conditions for the Freestyle Choice Spectacular:

 

Guests who purchase the package may dine at any specialty restaurant throughout their voyage with the following exceptions:

· A la carte priced restaurants (i.e. Sushi, Raw Bar, The Food Republic, Hot Rock, Tapas Bar, Noodle Bar, The Cellars, The District, Ocean Blue Waterfront, Ocean Blue and Bayamo by Jose Garces.

· Chef’s Table, Jazz Brunch

· Carlo’s Bakery items, Ice Cream Bar and Gelato

· Entertainment based dining (Murder Mystery, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Illusionarium, Supper Club, Wine Lovers, Pajama Jam).

I have added it to your booking so that it is reserved but can remove it if you don’t want it.

Let me know what you would like me to do.

Best,

Vivian

Vivian Ewart| Vice President, Passenger Services

vewart@ncl.com

305-436-4011 | fax 305-436-4036

Norwegian Cruise Line ®

7665 Corporate Center Drive | Miami FL 33126

 

Freestyle Cruising ®

ncl.com

Edited March 31, 2015 by monkeybone

[asdjl]

I know this might totally be off topic, since you talked to people at NCL and were told you would be charged but,

 

I was on the first sailing on the GA last year where Illusionarium was included with UDP (that I had gotten for "free"), when I went online to book, it showed a price I would be charged until I went all the way through to booking it, when it zeroed out. Is it possible that is happening to you? I am hopeful! I think it is terrible to not give people notice and change after they have made decisions based on what is advertised

[monkeybone]

I know this might totally be off topic, since you talked to people at NCL and were told you would be charged but,

 

I was on the first sailing on the GA last year where Illusionarium was included with UDP (that I had gotten for "free"), when I went online to book, it showed a price I would be charged until I went all the way through to booking it, when it zeroed out. Is it possible that is happening to you? I am hopeful! I think it is terrible to not give people notice and change after they have made decisions based on what is advertised

 

Yes I tried to the bitter end... As you can see my post above I have been told I am not entitled to the show with the promo.

 

So some of my email response was:

 

Thank you Vivian for your prompt reply. Others on the same sailing as me did get the Cirque Dreams free of charge for the first night with the promo. My understanding is the new Terms go into effect on July 3rd.

 

I do want the reservation thank you for booking that for us but I want to make sure it is free of charge like others on my same sailing.

Here is the link on Cruise Critic others have this promo on my sailing: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2189558

 

Thank you,

Jennifer

 

I will let you know if I get a response back :)

Edited March 31, 2015 by monkeybone

[GadaboutGranny]

I also talked to an NCL supervisor yesterday when I was not able to book the Cirque show for free on the first night of my upcoming cruise in July. She informed me that the policy changed yesterday and is effective for cruises after July 3, 2015. She told me I would get a discounted charge with the UDP but when it came up on my computer there was no discount. We are taking our grandchildren on this cruise and they have been looking forward to the Cirque show as well as Blue Man. Now Blue Man is no longer offered and the Cirque show policy changed. I am getting a little disillusioned with NCL.

[monkeybone]

I also talked to an NCL supervisor yesterday when I was not able to book the Cirque show for free on the first night of my upcoming cruise in July. She informed me that the policy changed yesterday and is effective for cruises after July 3, 2015. She told me I would get a discounted charge with the UDP but when it came up on my computer there was no discount. We are taking our grandchildren on this cruise and they have been looking forward to the Cirque show as well as Blue Man. Now Blue Man is no longer offered and the Cirque show policy changed. I am getting a little disillusioned with NCL.

 

My cruise in June 28th so that is not after July 3rd. And other on my sailing booked it for free yesterday after I spoke to NCL!

 

I hope it works out better for you :)

[monkeybone]

Thanks for the info. I guess there is no hope for us then... I was hoping we can see the Dinner show for free with our Udp. :(

 

I hope you can get your Cirque show booked for free since you are sailing in June. They said that themselves... It doesn't make sense that you are excluded!

 

I have to say that this is just ridiculous! NCL is being really sneaky and implementing changes without any warning or proper communication!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

It has been such a bad experiance Its one thing for then to change the program with no notice it another to DISCRIMINATE against certain passengers on the same sailing in this case its me!

 

Lets hope they rectify it today.

[mraven]

Jennifer,

 

That email you posted doesn't make sense. I tried quoting it, but I just got a blank posting screen.

 

Anyway, they 'quoted' the Freestyle Choice Spectacular promo. Their quote starts with 'Those who purchase the package...'. What does purchasing the UDP have anything to do with the promo?

Edited March 31, 2015 by mraven

[monkeybone]

Jennifer,

 

That email you posted doesn't make sense. I tried quoting it, but I just got a blank posting screen.

 

Anyway, they 'quoted' the Freestyle Choice Spectacular promo. Their quote starts with 'Those who purchase the package...'. What does purchasing the UDP have anything to do with the promo?

 

Thank you mraven. I have no idea. But they changed the rules on me and not others on my sailing.

 

Still waiting for Vivian to email me back.

 

Oh and the supervisor Elizabeth never called me back.