Norwegian Cruise Line Hidden Costs

Automatic Gratuities: The Gift That Keeps on Taking

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is all about making you feel relaxed until you see that bill. Automatic gratuities are added to your onboard account daily, at about $20 per person. This charge supposedly covers the service staff tips but adds up fast, especially for families. Want to adjust the gratuity? Prepare for an awkward chat at guest services.

Drink Packages: Liquid Gold with a Hefty Price Tag

Thirsty? NCL has that covered with drink packages that might quench your thirst for adventure but empty your wallet. The Premium Plus Beverage Package will run you about $138 per person per day. And let’s not forget the sneaky 20% service charge. You could opt for a la carte, but you’ll likely face similar costs. For more tips on navigating these costs, check our drink packages guide.

Specialty Dining: A Pricey Taste of Luxury

NCL offers specialty dining experiences that seem tempting until you realize the price. Dining at a steakhouse or French bistro onboard can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per person. While you’re indulging in lobster, your bank account might be screaming for mercy.

Excursion Pricing: Why Pay More?

Booking excursions through NCL is convenient but overpriced. A snorkeling trip through the cruise line could cost $100, while a quick online search might reveal third-party options for half the price. Do a little homework, save a lot of cash.

WiFi Packages: Surfing the Web at Yacht Prices

Connect to the internet for an eye-watering $30 a day. Need to check emails or stream that show everyone’s talking about? Pray for a port day with free hotspot access.

Spa Surcharges: Relaxation Tax

Who doesn’t love a good massage? NCL’s Mandara Spa offers luxurious treatments, but you’ll pay a premium. A 50-minute massage can easily cost $159, plus the obligatory 18% service charge. Relax, but not too much.

Port Fees: The Unavoidable Extras

Port fees are those little extras you can’t avoid. While prices vary, expect these fees to add an extra $100 to $200 per person to your cruise fare. It’s the fine print you didn’t read but really should have.

Resort and Service Fees: The Art of Tacking On

NCL loves to tack on resort and service fees, turning your cruise into a spend-a-thon. These fees, often disguised with vague descriptions, can add hundreds to your bill by the end of your trip.

Photography Packages: Snapshot Sticker Shock

Want to capture those cruise memories forever? Be ready to shell out big bucks. A single photo can cost $20, and packages can run upwards of $150. Bringing your own camera is starting to sound like a better idea, isn’t it?

Casino Costs: The House Always Wins

The casino might seem like a way to make back some of those expenses, but let’s be real—NCL’s casino isn’t where fortunes are made. It’s where they go to die. Expect to lose more than you win, with high minimum bets that eat away at your budget.

More Hidden Fees: Because We Haven’t Covered Enough

If you think we’re done, think again. Norwegian also sneaks in charges for room service, which can be $9.95 per order after midnight. And don’t even think about the laundry services unless you enjoy paying hotel prices at sea.