Who is being greedy? NCL starts charges for second entres at meal times. “This is ridiculous,” say cruisers.

• Norwegian Cruise Line is now charging USD$5 for additional entrees.
• This means that in the main dining room, guests can only order one entree before incurring the additional fee.
• Cruisers are torn on whether this is nickel and diming from the cruise line, or a sensible way to reduce waste.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new USD$5 (AUD$7.50) fee for second entrees has the cruise world divided. 

Many see it as another move in a long line of cruise lines itemising the cruise experience, and nickel and dining to take away from what was once the all-inclusive nature of cruising. Others see it as a logical decision to reduce food waste and that the extra fee isn’t particularly significant anyway. 

It’s not uncommon to see cruisers order far too many entrees, barely taking a bit from some as they experiment with different options. This definitely calls for a change in the way entrees are administered.

However, is NCL’s idea really the best solution? Guests are now upset that if they order something and they don’t like it or its not to their expectations, they’ll have to pay just to order something else that they enjoy.

Other cruise lines, such as Carnival already seem to have solutions for these problems that NCL maybe should have adopted instead of this policy.

For example, Carnival starts charging after two entrees, offering a slight buffer but still preventing food waste. Furthermore, Carnival allows guests to order half-size entrees, so they can sample more items.

Given that this new policy follows a recent USD$10 charge that NCL implemented for those who don’t show up for their reserved theatre seats, it’s definitely raising some eyebrows.

Check out below what cruisers have to say.

What are cruisers saying?

Redditors had plenty to say on the issue, one writing: “This is ridiculous. Part of the fun of ordering a second entree is to try something you normally wouldn’t. Just raise the cruise fair 5 bucks. It would look better than the nickel and diming.”

Others also felt it’s unfair because entrees can be quite small onboard: “We rode NCL Gem recently and the portions were so small and skimpy. Minimal meat and vegetable.

“Order the shrimp pasta? They take 4 of the tiniest shrimp, dice them up, and toss them into a handful of pasta.

“Order chicken breast that states a side of broccoli? You get one floret of broccoli on the plate and the smallest, thinnest breast.

“We were very disappointed.”

Another Reddit user wrote: “Not happy about this. We all pay for food already. On a 10- day cruise, most of us hardly have time for breakfast and lunch on the ship. Why go on a cruise?”

Others made the point that this could just lead to more new charges.

“Sometimes 2 different entrées look good and I ask for a half portion of each. I’m not sure if they bring half or full portions, but still, don’t turn into Carnival, I beg of you. What’s next, limit of one drink every 5 minutes?”

However, other cruises felt differently and feel the new charge is fair.

“I think the amount of waste is extreme and this might help. Or at least make people think twice rather than “it’s free, I’ll order everything”. I’m sure if we could see what goes in the trash on an hourly basis we would all be disgusted.”

Another user added: “I’m sure it’s to reduce waste and cost. I didn’t know the carnival’s policy but if two entrees are included, I hope they match that. I often order two entrees and would hate to pay extra but $5 isn’t that much either. I’m somewhat indifferent but prefer not to pay for the second entree.”

Some felt the charge simply isn’t enough to be up in arms: “I wanna say that’s ridiculous but, honestly, $5 for a second entree is fair.”

For more go to Norwegian Cruise Lines.