Yesterday, I posted a few details on the new all-inclusive packages being offered by NCL. The packages are available on 2015 cruises from 3 to 14 nights and include:
- Ultimate Dining Package
- Ultimate Beverage Package
- Bottles of water for your vacation
- Gratuities associated with package and Service Charges
- Shore excursion credit of $200 per person on 6+ day cruises (or $100 per person on 3-5 day cruises)
- 250 Minute internet package
- 10% off cruise fare
- 1 Bottle of wine
- Bingo session (3 games)
- 20 Photos, any size
- Chocolate covered strawberries
That’s pretty good, and I quite like the option of having this available. Whether I would buy it or not depends on my plans for the cruise, and that’s an individual decision. All of those things (minus bingo and pictures) are things that I am very likely to buy during a cruise vacation. But let’s take a look at the cost. The cruise I selected to test was a 7-night Caribbean itinerary departing Miami aboard Norwegian Getaway, the line’s newest vessel. I selected an aft balcony stateroom and added the “ALLIN” promo code when selecting stateroom options.
NCL’s website then gave me the price comparison, $1239 for the normal fare, or $2011 for the all inclusive rate.
There are some taxes and port charges to work in here too, but the price difference works out to roughly $800 per person, or $114.29 per person, per day. For many cruisers, that is a price point worth considering. For this cruiser in particular, who tends to frequent the specialty restaurants and up charge offerings as well as the bar, this could work out in my favor. At the very least, I’d be breaking even, and I’d go into the cruise knowing what what my final cost would be.
Like most things cruising, this is an individual decision. It can work out if you are one who takes advantage of the things offered in the package. If not, you’re probably better off without it.
-MJ, August 10, 2014
Wow Dan, that is annoying. An activation fee?
I know this is an old post but I justed booked a 3 night “booze cruise” on NCL Sky for October 2015. We booked an Ocean View room and you get one of the “Freestyle” choices. I was surprised that the service fees on this are so high. Seems like a bit of bait and switch or nickel and dime Here was are offer after we booked: Your Freestyle Choice option includes one of the follow. Please respond to me with your selection. The Ultimate Dining package with a onetime activation fee of $10.62. This is a per person charge… Read more »
I figure if I’m adding it up for myself, I’d tell others. All depends on what you’d really do if it is worth it. For my husband and I, it is. The $899 is pp and the savings and figures are pp as well. I know NCL puts something like $2,400 savings, but that is per cabin (assuming 2). I wish I could get paid to travel and do reviews, but alas, I teach and go back in two days. BOOOOOOO!
I really do appreciate… sorry, I don’t know why my last comment reflected someone else’s name…a tech glitch I suppose. That was awesome analysis and very useful. Good luck this school year!
Wise2u…I’ve been adding this up to see if it is worth it. I’ve also included a basic review of Norweigian’s newest ship, the Getaway from this perspective. My husband and I just returned last month from the Getaway on a 7 day cruise. We didn’t drink very much at all and had the dining package somehow thrown in with our balcony room (We cruised with NCL one before…I think that helped), the dining package also included one dinner show ($29.99 value/per person) on the FIRST NIGHT ONLY of the cruise. We did not gamble, play bingo, or buy pictures. We… Read more »
Stacy,
You’re awesome!
show the full value…how much is the ultimate drink package? $20 upcharge for specialty dine? tips and service charges? bottle of wine sounds a little vague, how much $$$ of a bottle? how much is a 250 internet package worth?….if you tell them its your anniversary, sometimes you get strawberries for free, but how much are they valued at? I bet if you add them all up, even the 10% discount on the cruise price, you still are overpaying by a few hundred bucks….unless you get 20 8″X10″ photos that you put a VERY high value on you won’t get… Read more »