We've loved NCLJean Ryan Troupe and on the NCL Sea noticed they were not there...NCL has lead the cruise field in many areas, but this is one that I'm not happy about at all. Read the article, but don't remember who was the "star", but I do remember if my memory serves me right that I wouldn't pay the extra charge to see him..BUT there are always people who will pay extra..a snob thing.. We spent two weeks on the NCL Sky with their version of Cirque de Soleil, Hey, Mr, Producer and Jane L. Powell and I can't remember a more wonderful way to spend cruise evenings. The Jean Ryan Troupe has always put on great entertainment... and let's face it.. I love and thorougly enjoy Las Vegas type shows on cruises...I make no bones about it. But this new "trial" will bring my wrath on them..lol After cruising RCI two years ago I appreciated so much more NCL..
I think that is a huge mistake unless they get great (name brand) entertainment. If it's the same old juggling comics on ladders and wannabe Judy Garlands, it won't work and it won't get my $10.
I wonder when there will be an extra charge for bathroom tissue and Kleenex. NCL is walking slippery slope I.M.H.O.
what are they thinking???????? if they have some real name people --then maybe--but why not just increase the charge by $20-25 and stop the nickel diming
I do remember a few months ago they did this for one show only, but haven't read anywhere that it is a trend by any means. Where did this information come from? I have been reading every review almost and haven't seen any reference to any show charges except as I said that one. As for nickel and diming us, yes, this has become the trend on many lines. The prices of cruising is reasonable enough so almost any family can afford a cruise vacation. By adding the extra charges we have options which I personally like. If we want to spend $10 or $15 a person once or twice to eat in a specialty restaurant we can; if we choose not too, that's our choice. Same with entertainment. Would we pay extra, no, not unless it was someone we really wanted to see, but some entertainers will appeal to certain groups and be worth the price I guess. We just got off Celebrity about a month ago. The specialty restaurant was $25 per person and very similar to Le Bistro. The entertainment, though no charge was pretty iffy on some nights. It will be interesting to see if the extra charges really do happen.
There is a difference between food and shows. You have the choice of venues for your meals, not so for a show. The alternative tis to enjoy your (small on NCL) cabine!
As for cabin sizes, NCL ships for the most part have cabins very similar in size to Celebrity and larger than RCL; as for meals versus shows, my understanding is there will always be free nightly entertainment someplace on the ship. It's like Vegas, you can go to a lounge show in Vegas for little or nothing, you can find some other entertainment, you can frequent the casinos or you can pay $50 or more, much more for a top entertainer. Some are charging over $100 and really aren't that great.
Am sailing out of Houston on the Sea on Jan. 24 (our first cruise) and have been checking these and other boards and websites. Thanx to everyone who has posted stuff. Many good observations and advice.
It strikes me that people who rant and complain about stuff are 1) experienced cruisers who have spent too much time on the very pricey ships or 2) really have other issues.
Based on what we paid for our cruise (about $700 Cdn), I'm not expecting Queen Mary II cabins, amenities, food, entertainment, etc. If I want absolutely perfect service, food and entertainment, then I'll bite the bullet and pay the going rate for that perfection. But I'm paying bargain rates and so am not going into this expecting to get more than what I paid for. Ditto for the extra charges for drinks, alternate dining rooms, etc. If I want an "all-inclusive" holiday, then I'll choose a cruise line that offers such and pay the prices they charge.
I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!! I am going on my first cruise 03-06-04, we will be sailing on the wind. It seems that I hear lots of people talk about the ice cravings are not fancy or that they didn't have the best 5 star food ever, it seems that people want this hand and foot service 24 hrs a day for $500.00 per person. I am not asking for the best food ever prepared and even someone to hold my hand when I use the restroom. I want a nice relaxing time in the sun, middle of the road food is fine and shows that are fairly entertaining. If I wanted to get 5 star service, I'd expect to pay 5 star prices. I went to maui ans the plan tickets were $1200.00 each and the hotel was $250.00 a night. Just to fly and stay it cost about $4200.00, that doesn't include food and fun. I am going with 2 couples that have been and several ships and several lines and they wanted to go on the NCL wind again, because they enjoyed the whole experience. This is just my opinion.
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New NCL Entertainment Charges
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