Is This A Good Decision By Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Norwegian cruise Lines have made , in my opinion, the sensible decision to go All Inclusive for all new bookings from 6th April 2017. The move is across the whole fleet, all ships, destinations and itineraries.

Over the last couple of years the cruise line have had various promotions whereby clients could choose one or two of the Ultimate Drinks Package, Speciality Dining Package, On Board Credit and a Wi-Fi package to add to their chosen cruise.

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The new pricing structure will include the cruise fare and all taxes, the beverage package, gratuities and service charges. Their speciality dining venues are not included in the fare and these can still be added either in the Cruise Personaliser or on board the ship.

Now I think we all know that these extra items are not really ” free” and the Norwegian`s prices have increased on 6th April to include them but I think this has to be a good idea, especially with regard to the gratuities. Tipping is one of the most controversial subjects on a cruise. When you can see an amount added to your on board account, and sometimes we are talking about large amounts, it can really wind people up. American clients tip no matter what, its what they do but its not very British ! We tip if we have good service and how can you know that before you`ve been on the cruise?

Cafe or restaurant team - chef, cook, waiter and manager, cartoon vector illustration isolated on white background. Full length portraits of restaurant workers, chef, hostess, cook, waiter, manager

Having said that I`m sure the staff are really pleased as,hopefully, this will mean they will get paid a proper wage and clients will still give a bit extra for good service on top. Once we all get used to this new pricing structure I am sure people will forget all about how it was before! It will aslo be interesting to see how many other cruise lines will follow suit and become All Inclusive too. Of course Thomson always have been, as are the 6 star lines like Regent, Silver Sea, Crystal and Seabourn.

2018 will see Norwegian Jade sailing out of Southampton again, so now is the time to book your all inclusive cruise for next year.

 


About Me

I have been working in travel since 1991 when I realised there was more to life than the Banking Industry. I started as an Overseas Representative with Thomson Holidays moving to the beautiful Island of Rhodes, where I spent 3 very happy summer season. This was interspersed with winters in Spain -…

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