We've just concluded a two week transatlantic on the NCL Jade, and this being our 25th or so cruise on NCL we've always been mystified at the "all over the board" ratings. We've also cruised with at least 8 or 9 other cruise lines as well but since we have status on NCL it's our primary choice. First of all, there is no such thing as a "free" drink package except the high end lines, in case which if you're not much of a drinker, you're heavily subsidizing those that are whether you like it or not. The drink packages on NCL and others require you to pay a 20% gratuity charge, making it a subjective value depending on now much you drink. It can be s great value or not and it's that simple.

Another thing we've observed over our extensive cruising history is that 99% of the time a ship's staff will treat you as well as you treat them. We base this on 29 years in retail and knowing first hand that the customer is NOT ALWAYS RIGHT. The manner in which some people talk to staff is deplorable and while it's true there are some surly bar tenders etc., we've found it rare.

As cruise lines become more and more competitive, so called "add on selling" has been the norm on some cruises. But we've found these are largely confined to Caribbean cruises marketed to infrequent customers and those with children. If you don't like sales pressure, than don't sail on a ship that resembles a shopping mall. Read more