Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ultimate Dining Package. Is this a good opportunity ?




Personally, I think it is.  Divide a 7 night by $ 119 is only $ 17 a day.

You ask WHY buy a meal plan when cruises offer complimentary dinner ?

1)      I’m not actually a Norwegian Cruise Line fan of their food.  This dining option gives me an opportunity to look forward to cruising with Norwegian.  Also would be exciting for me with pre-reserving and I would look forward to visiting my new venue each night !

2)      I truly feel the food in Norwegian’s special dining restaurants are “above” quality, than the foods offered in their complimentary dining rooms.

 
Actually, I don’t feel a 7 night cruise is long enough to enjoy the opportunity for this Ultimate Dining plan !  For the most part, you want to get around to every dining room, but then after you do, it leaves limited time to repeat one that you truly like !

Do I believe many people will take advantage of this opportunity ?  I do !   Often, the cruise price on NCL is fairly low.  Add this package to the price, does not usually cause the total cost to be out of reach !

Do I believe everyone will choose this plan for the same reasons as I do ?  I don’t !   I have many clients who love Norwegian and their available foods in their complimentary dining rooms !  It could be, that others choose different choices than I do !  Could be our pallet or expectation is different !

Just like there are folks that say they do not like Carnival’s food.  I do !  I think Carnival does a great job !  Though pizza is usually my last choice of food, I crave Carnival’s pizza almost every day on a cruise (late hours).  Other cruise line, I feel the pizza is awful !

Do I find that folks who enjoy the complimentary dining, also buy into these specialty restaurants, for at least one night ?  I do !

Do I normally buy into the specialty dining restaurants on cruise ships ?  No, I don’t !  I believe the foods in the complimentary dining should be sufficient.  However, since I know I’m not a fan of NCL food, then this is a plus for me !

Do I dislike all of NCL's complimentary foods ? No.

Is it the worst food I’ve had on cruises ? No.  MSC is not that good, though I love their ship, the MSC Divina, and their production shows !  Years ago, I was on Seawind Crown, which no longer exist … That was the worst !  That was when I turned to red meat, just to have something decent to have on this cruise !

Couple of years ago, they added some new choices, such as calamari.  I totally enjoyed this and found myself ordering, most days at lunch and dinner too.  However, they seemed to have cut down this opportunity, which is a disappointment.

I don’t care for their steaks.  The flavor is often very good.  It’s trying to chew it that gives me the problem.

I also do not like that the menu in the lunch room is the same every day !  If I only see one item that I want, then it causes me not to return to the dining room for lunch again !  There’s usually about 7-8 choices, but again, may not be choices I want !

Of course, I also don’t care much for Carnival’s new brunch menu either.  Though I “love” their mac-n-cheese”, more than 2 days is enough for me !  For whatever reason, I just don’t care for this brunch concept.  And the fact that breakfast/lunch in the dining room is only available on sea days !

So again, how do I feel about NCL’s new Ultimate Dining Option ?  Not only do I think it is great, I have often included the cost into my quoted price to callers ! 

You’ll want to check out these options too:  Includes our steakhouses, churrascarias, French, Asian, Japanese and Italian restaurants. A 20% discount will be honored at Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, The Raw Bar, Noodle Bar and Sushi.

 
Enjoy your Norwegian cruise !
 
 
Terms & Conditions below: 
The Ultimate Dining Package is available via pre-sell or onboard purchase on days 1-2 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 Ultimate Dining Package is non transferable. A la carte priced restaurants and Ocean Blue are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, but will be discounted 20% for those purchasing the package. Entertainment-based dining and Chef’s Table are not included in the Ultimate Dining Package. Reservations are not required however table availability will be guaranteed for Ultimate Dining Package guests with 24-hour advance reservation. The UDP does not include beverages. Child pricing remains as is for specialty dining. Excludes all 1- and 2-day sailings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:


Q. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. You may purchase it online under our "Dining" section by logging into ncl.com/myncl or through any Norwegian reservation agent. You may also purchase it onboard on the first or second day of your cruise. For three and four day cruises, this package may only be purchased on the first day of your cruise. Please call or visit the Reservations Desk or visit any restaurant reservations podium.


Q. IN WHICH VENUES WILL THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE BE HONORED?
A. The Ultimate Dining Package is honored in all specialty restaurants with the exception of Ocean Blue, a la carte priced restaurants, entertainment-based dining, mini bar and room service.


Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. With the Ultimate Dining Package, you can dine in any specialty restaurant every night of your cruise, including our exciting Italian, Asian, Brazilian, French and signature steakhouse restaurants. On Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic the Ultimate Dining Package will also include dining at Spiegeltent/Illusionarium on the first sailing day only. Plus, you can enjoy 20% off the cover charge for dinner at Ocean Blue and all a la carte priced restaurants (not included in Ultimate Dining Package).


Q. HOW CAN I MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. Once you have purchased the Ultimate Dining Package, you can make any dining reservation online under "Dining" by logging into ncl.com/myncl. Reservations for Spiegeltent/Illusionarium must by made under "Entertainment." You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visit any restaurant reservations podium or visit the box office for Spiegeltent/Illusionarium reservations.


Q. CAN I MAKE A DINING RESERVATION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT PARTICIPATING?
A. Yes. Simply make your reservation at ncl.com/myncl. You can also make a reservation onboard the ship by calling or visiting the Restaurant Reservations Desk, visiting any restaurant reservations podium or visiting the box office for Spiegeltent/Illusionarium reservations. Applicable cover charges apply for those who have not purchased the Ultimate Dining Package.


Q. WHAT IF MY TRAVELING COMPANION DOESN’T WANT TO BUY THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE, DO THEY STILL HAVE TO PURCHASE IT?
A. No, guests staying in the same stateroom do not need to purchase the package. The Ultimate Dining Package may be purchased individually.


Q. CAN I BUY DINNER FOR MY FRIENDS WITH THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. The Ultimate Dining Package is for personal consumption. If you wish to pay for someone else’s dinner, you will incur in regular cover charges for their consumption.


Q. HOW WILL THE RESTAURANT STAFF KNOW I HAVE PURCHASED THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. Your room keycard will be coded as well as tagged with a sticker and used for identification. The restaurant staff will request to see your room keycard for verification prior to service. So keep it handy.


Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?
A. No. If you wish to recognize the crew for their service, you may do so at time of service using the gratuity line on the check. Plus, a beverage gratuity of 15% will automatically be added to all beverage sales.


Q. ARE ANY MENU ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. No, all items listed on the menus are included in the package. Additional entrĂ©e charges also apply for dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro.


Q. ARE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE?
A. The Ultimate Dining Package does not include alcohol, but we offer a wide range of beverage packages, including the Ultimate Beverage Package, Cork & Caps and Viva Vino. For more information about our beverage packages, please check out ncl.com "Gifts & More" or visit any bar onboard the ship on the first day of your cruise.