NCL Vs. other lines drastic changes

They removed the wait staff from DSC? I never heard that. That would mean we would have to tip all the different wait staff we use.

They removed the specialty restaurant wait staff from the DSC, when they added the 18 percent gratuity.

They removed the specialty restaurant wait staff from the DSC, when they added the 18 percent gratuity.

Which doesn't go to the staff, so hopefully that will change. The staff have a minimum salary that they are paid and a quota. If they don't reach their quota, they just get the minimum. If they exceed their quota by a set amount, they get a percentage of the excess, but not the full amount.

Can you give an example of the CEO actually disrespecting you?

Going to jump in the discussion:

Yes, On July 19th was met at check-in with a notice that our port time was shortened, no explanation. If it was for weather or mechanical I would gladly roll with it, cause those things just happen. To receive no notice in advance just really sucked and was downright disrespectful to customers who had things planned. In my opinion, the CEO had to be aware of the port time changes, so yes, I do feel disrespected.

I will (as well as my money) wait it out and see what happens.

omg, you can take any cruise line and find as many changes as you want over a period of months; 99% of what you have listed mean nothing and the CAS, that has nothing to do with NCL may I add. I am surprised you didn't list something like, they changed the night of Prime rib in the MDR or they moved Modernos from one room to another. Let's stop the nit picking for heavens sake.

Omg...I'm glad that my list wasn't a list of things that mean something to you or Abe's for that matter. I'm sure you'll get your star for being a NCL super fan (and your dividends at the end of the year since you MUST be an investor/shareholder). If not, send some of screenshots of your responses to ppl who don't blindly welcome NCL's changes to NCL's PR and try to get an onboard credit bc you deserve it.

What the changes really mean to me, and obviously NCL, is $$$. For example, including the illusionarium in the price of the fare I booked (aka giving it to me "free") on the first night made a difference of about $150 for MY family of 5. Needless to say we're no longer going to the show on principle but I was looking forward to it. Add in the additional DSC per person per day and increases in gratuities and it gets quite expensive.

I know things happen but other companies handle them better. I cruised Disney last year and not one change was made after I purchased my cruise.We actually did two DCL cruises back to back and I didn't need a UDP bc I could carry on board all the alcohol I wanted to. We ate twice at a $30 specialty restaurant but that's comparable to Cagneys. I knew what my gratuities would be and I didn't find out they were changing from a social media. DCL may have a $75-$85 restaurant but nothing on NCL compares...it's a 7 course gourmet meal.

I actually took a CCL cruise after a $5 raise to the price of the steakhouse was instituted. We were made aware of the change and told that there would be no additional charge to those who had already booked. This is the difference with NCL. They give no warning and don't respect the price that was in the contract you booked under.

Also, I couldn't care less if NCL pays attention to cc. It's a really valuable tool for the travelers. I get the most up to date information here. I get to read about REAL experiences on cc. I get to laugh, joke, and shake my head at some commenters on here. The tips save me time and money and allows me to interact with other cruise junkies:).

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Omg...I'm glad that my list wasn't a list of things that mean something to you or Abe's for that matter. I'm sure you'll get your star for being a NCL super fan (and your dividends at the end of the year since you MUST be an investor/shareholder). If not, send some of screenshots of your responses to ppl who don't blindly welcome NCL's changes to NCL's PR and try to get an onboard credit bc you deserve it.

 

What the changes really mean to me, and obviously NCL, is $$$. For example, including the illusionarium in the price of the fare I booked (aka giving it to me "free") on the first night made a difference of about $150 for MY family of 5. Needless to say we're no longer going to the show on principle but I was looking forward to it. Add in the additional DSC per person per day and increases in gratuities and it gets quite expensive.

 

I know things happen but other companies handle them better. I cruised Disney last year and not one change was made after I purchased my cruise.We actually did two DCL cruises back to back and I didn't need a UDP bc I could carry on board all the alcohol I wanted to. We ate twice at a $30 specialty restaurant but that's comparable to Cagneys. I knew what my gratuities would be and I didn't find out they were changing from a social media. DCL may have a $75-$85 restaurant but nothing on NCL compares...it's a 7 course gourmet meal.

 

I actually took a CCL cruise after a $5 raise to the price of the steakhouse was instituted. We were made aware of the change and told that there would be no additional charge to those who had already booked. This is the difference with NCL. They give no warning and don't respect the price that was in the contract you booked under.

 

Also, I couldn't care less if NCL pays attention to cc. It's a really valuable tool for the travelers. I get the most up to date information here. I get to read about REAL experiences on cc. I get to laugh, joke, and shake my head at some commenters on here. The tips save me time and money and allows me to interact with other cruise junkies:).

 

 

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Well written and bang on :) Well, except for the CC piece. I wish they'd go to the top cruise message forum and actually listen, but aside from that, your post was perfect.

 

I cruised Disney last year and not one change was made after I purchased my cruise.

We could say this about many many NCL cruises.

Sucks but changes do happen.

Yes i ment accents lol sorry i voice text and I'm a bit of a mush mouth lol. Is it true that the poa crew is American only?

The workers have to have residency or a work visa. They still have Phillipinos, residents from Goa, Caribbean Islands and Indians as long as they have residency, a US passport or a work visa. Generalising I know, but they tend to be very hard working, polite and positive. I encounter accents whenever I travel, as long as it's the English language I adjust. Maybe you need to overcome your fear, get on a plane and travel more. It will definitely broaden your knowledge and outlook on things! Travel builds knowledge and cultural understandings!

I've done the Hawaiian twice. In 2009 and 2014. Excellent way to see the four islands. Although with all the changes you'd have to do the Math to see if it's still as cost effective.

Maywell thinks NCL won't figure out a way to squeeze her off a 3 week B2B2B as a solo for the low prices she brags about?

They've got over a year to come up with changes to squeeze you out and resell for much more money. What makes you think you are immune, especially given that you think, and perpetuate, the mind boggling position that the company's public facing stance is to give people the middle finger and fire customers?

Forest; trees.

Maywell thinks NCL won't figure out a way to squeeze her off a 3 week B2B2B as a solo for the low prices she brags about?

 

They've got over a year to come up with changes to squeeze you out and resell for much more money. What makes you think you are immune, especially given that you think, and perpetuate, the mind boggling position that the company's public facing stance is to give people the middle finger and fire customers?

 

Forest; trees.

Maybe she knows something we don't. Reading a lot of her posts since the new regime, I'm suspecting she actually words for FDR.

Omg...I'm glad that my list wasn't a list of things that mean something to you or Abe's for that matter. I'm sure you'll get your star for being a NCL super fan (and your dividends at the end of the year since you MUST be an investor/shareholder). If not, send some of screenshots of your responses to ppl who don't blindly welcome NCL's changes to NCL's PR and try to get an onboard credit bc you deserve it.

 

What the changes really mean to me, and obviously NCL, is $$$. For example, including the illusionarium in the price of the fare I booked (aka giving it to me "free") on the first night made a difference of about $150 for MY family of 5. Needless to say we're no longer going to the show on principle but I was looking forward to it. Add in the additional DSC per person per day and increases in gratuities and it gets quite expensive.

 

I know things happen but other companies handle them better. I cruised Disney last year and not one change was made after I purchased my cruise.We actually did two DCL cruises back to back and I didn't need a UDP bc I could carry on board all the alcohol I wanted to. We ate twice at a $30 specialty restaurant but that's comparable to Cagneys. I knew what my gratuities would be and I didn't find out they were changing from a social media. DCL may have a $75-$85 restaurant but nothing on NCL compares...it's a 7 course gourmet meal.

 

I actually took a CCL cruise after a $5 raise to the price of the steakhouse was instituted. We were made aware of the change and told that there would be no additional charge to those who had already booked. This is the difference with NCL. They give no warning and don't respect the price that was in the contract you booked under.

 

Also, I couldn't care less if NCL pays attention to cc. It's a really valuable tool for the travelers. I get the most up to date information here. I get to read about REAL experiences on cc. I get to laugh, joke, and shake my head at some commenters on here. The tips save me time and money and allows me to interact with other cruise junkies:).

 

 

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I like how you bring up my name and my opinion. I am not a shareholder for NCL for one, and I don't consider myself a heerleader, but you can call me that if you want since it is your opinion. I and I only spend my money how I like. If I feel NCL gives me a value that I like that is for me to decided and I could care less about your biased opinion and name calling which will not influence my opinion one bit.

I believe which I have stated this many times NCL has given me a great experience every time I cruise with them. Never been dissatisfied with any of my cruises except one, but that was due to weather and not the fault of the cruise line. My service with NCL from the beginning of the booking process with a wonderful PCC employee with NCL I have been using for the last few years has made my experience even better. I can call him anytime to get the answers I need. He has always been fair and professional to me and never once been upset with him. On the cruises itself with NCL If I have had any issues, which rarely I do, since I am not a very picky or snobbish person, they are resolved and I am highly satisfied with the results.

I have crushed many time with NCL and I chose so since I believe they have a great product, even with the little changes that have come about, it is very insignificant to me in my opinion to effect me in any way when I cruise. Some beg to differ on this and that is their choice and their money to do with how the please. I got a great deal for my next cruise for a great rate through NCL with many of the add ins which made it a no-brainier with my decision to cruise again with NCL. I have also looked at future cruises with NC and since I will purchase another cruise while on board to take advantage of their new program to book cruises on board. The prices of those cruises I have looked at are very reasonable priced and I will once again get a great rate and know like always I am getting a great vacation value for my money I spent.

Call me a cheerleader all you want, not going to hurt my feelings one bit. If that's what you call someone that feels that they get a great value for their money then a cheerleader I must be..

We could say this about many many NCL cruises.

 

 

 

 

 

Sucks but changes do happen.

Not true. I'm speaking to MY specific experience but at this point no one can say that NCL hasn't made any changes to their cruises that were booked 9 months out. It's impossible and inaccurate. NCL made fleet wide changes to pricing of "add-on" expenses that affects everyone.

Changes do happen but NCL has yet to notify me about any of the changes. I found out about the changes from cc. Their communications should improve. I guess their communication model is update the NCL website to reflect the changes...often with vague language and/or let the passenger know when they board the ship (like the room service changes).

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On some of the first cruises with room service charge being implemented even the crew hadnt noticed all the changes...some of them were puzzled by this...so communication seems to be a huge problem with ncl

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"I think the changes that are listed in my opinion are insignificant and hardly effect me and my family when I sail on NCL. All companies and cruise lines make changes and It still does not effect my feelings that I like the direction NCL is going." -Quote from Abe.

 

I bought up your name because this was the response you made to the list I posted about changes to MY vacation. It's a factual list and you were quick to jump in and call it insignificant.

 

Plus, count yourself lucky bc my PCC was horrible. He was rude and condescending which is why I transferred my ressie to a popular club and saved $500...yes $500. What I did learn from him is that NCL raises the prices towards the end of their specials. For example, if a May promotion is being ran, it's best to purchase on May 1st versus waiting to the last five days of the month. I learned this the hard way.

 

In my research, NCL cost is comparable to other cruise lines. It's not always the least expensive option and it's not the most expensive option. For example, DCL is more expensive but when you factor in that you can bring your own Liquor that about $800 savings for 2 adults. You also will not spend your money in a casino so for some that can be significant.

 

It's really hard to cost compare bc there are many ever evolving options and charges. I plan to have a great vacation but it's not fun to step away from the cc forum for a few months and come back to even more changes that were not communicated to me by the line.

 

 

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"I think the changes that are listed in my opinion are insignificant and hardly effect me and my family when I sail on NCL. All companies and cruise lines make changes and It still does not effect my feelings that I like the direction NCL is going." -Quote from Abe.

 

I bought up your name because this was the response you made to the list I posted about changes to MY vacation. It's a factual list and you were quick to jump in and call it insignificant.

 

Plus, count yourself lucky bc my PCC was horrible. He was rude and condescending which is why I transferred my ressie to a popular club and saved $500...yes $500. What I did learn from him is that NCL raises the prices towards the end of their specials. For example, if a May promotion is being ran, it's best to purchase on May 1st versus waiting to the last five days of the month. I learned this the hard way.

 

In my research, NCL cost is comparable to other cruise lines. It's not always the least expensive option and it's not the most expensive option. For example, DCL is more expensive but when you factor in that you can bring your own Liquor that about $800 savings for 2 adults. You also will not spend your money in a casino so for some that can be significant.

 

It's really hard to cost compare bc there are many ever evolving options and charges. I plan to have a great vacation but it's not fun to step away from the cc forum for a few months and come back to even more changes that were not communicated to me by the line.

 

 

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Good post and I respect your opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience with a PCC, but glad you found an alternative. I know some changes do effect others that cruise, but to me it was insignificant for me crusing and my choice of how I choose and spend my money on a cruise line. That was the intention of my point, not to say they were not significant to you or others.

 

The changes could be significant to others and that's their own opinion and if they choose to stay with NCL or go another direction that decision only rests with how you and you only to decide if it's worth it or not.

 

I can only go with my experience and based on my experience and research with NCL and to me it is still a great value and makes for a wonderful cruise and experience for me and my family. Your experience can be different and your opinions can be different, but at the end of the day it's your money your choice to do what you feel is best.

Never mind

 

Good post and I respect your opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience with a PCC, but glad you found an alternative. I know some changes do effect others that cruise, but to me it was insignificant for me crusing and my choice of how I choose and spend my money on a cruise line. That was the intention of my point, not to say they were not significant to you or others.

 

The changes could be significant to others and that's their own opinion and if they choose to stay with NCL or go another direction that decision only rests with how you and you only to decide if it's worth it or not.

 

I can only go with my experience and based on my experience and research with NCL and to me it is still a great value and makes for a wonderful cruise and experience for me and my family. Your experience can be different and your opinions can be different, but at the end of the day it's your money your choice to do what you feel is best.

 

It's also important to point out that in most cases with the changes there is a very significant difference in how this affects guest who are booked in a suite and the majority of others who make up the passengers on any given sailing.

 

Most changes were set up to have very little impact on suite guests.

 

 

Rochelle

 

 

 

It's also important to point out that in most cases with the changes there is a very significant difference in how this affects guest who are booked in a suite and the majority of others who make up the passengers on any given sailing.

 

 

 

Most changes were set up to have very little impact on suite guests.

 

 

 

 

 

Rochelle

 

 

I have family staying in inside cabins in an upcoming cruse with us. They are not effected significantly at all with the changes.

 

Suite or no suite it all depends what you want for your cruise and what you value more. To me staying in suite and my other family members staying in an inside we will not hardly feel any of the changes that have occurred.

I agree OP -and it's not just cruise lines.

Over the years, no matter where you wish to go, things do change sometimes between booking & arriving.

For me, the changes on NCL are nothing to get excited about. I'm looking forward to my cruise in October & will likely book another for 2016.

Going to jump in the discussion:

 

Yes, On July 19th was met at check-in with a notice that our port time was shortened, no explanation. If it was for weather or mechanical I would gladly roll with it, cause those things just happen. To receive no notice in advance just really sucked and was downright disrespectful to customers who had things planned. In my opinion, the CEO had to be aware of the port time changes, so yes, I do feel disrespected.

 

I will (as well as my money) wait it out and see what happens.

That's not personally disrespecting you, that's a change they chose to make.

 

Good post and I respect your opinion. Sorry you had a bad experience with a PCC, but glad you found an alternative. I know some changes do effect others that cruise, but to me it was insignificant for me crusing and my choice of how I choose and spend my money on a cruise line. That was the intention of my point, not to say they were not significant to you or others.

 

The changes could be significant to others and that's their own opinion and if they choose to stay with NCL or go another direction that decision only rests with how you and you only to decide if it's worth it or not.

 

I can only go with my experience and based on my experience and research with NCL and to me it is still a great value and makes for a wonderful cruise and experience for me and my family. Your experience can be different and your opinions can be different, but at the end of the day it's your money your choice to do what you feel is best.

 

I agree and its insignificant to a lot of people. In reality some people really do just like to complain. Ncl could announce they were giving everybody a million dollars onboard credit and people would complain about the tax on it lol

 

I agree and its insignificant to a lot of people. In reality some people really do just like to complain. Ncl could announce they were giving everybody a million dollars onboard credit and people would complain about the tax on it lol

 

 

And they would complain that they couldn't use that million dollars on the DSC charge.

 

 

And they would complain that they couldn't use that million dollars on the DSC charge.

 

Lmaoooo yup

 

 

I have family staying in inside cabins in an upcoming cruse with us. They are not effected significantly at all with the changes.

 

Suite or no suite it all depends what you want for your cruise and what you value more. To me staying in suite and my other family members staying in an inside we will not hardly feel any of the changes that have occurred.

 

Please note that I said in "most" cases. I was not speaking for every case and obviously not yours. You have stated in numerous posts that nothing about the changes has affected you. That is wonderful for you and yours but its good to understand that others experiences may differ.

 

I have cruised with the new changes and I can say that yes I did indeed 'feel' a difference. That is not to say I did not enjoy the cruise, because I did. There was also nothing specific that would make me wish to stop cruising with NCL. But changes have been made and yes they can be felt. I don't understand why some folks are determined that those facts are not discussed in a civilized manner here within the NCL forum.

 

For those not affected by the changes we can all be really happy for you but please stop the childish name calling of those who are affected. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but it is downright rude to call others whiners, nit-pickers and complainers just because their experience is different from your own. To those folks...please show some respect.

 

 

Rochelle

 

 

And they would complain that they couldn't use that million dollars on the DSC charge.

 

Who do you consider "they". It may feel good to you to point fingers, but if you need to exaggerate, it is pointless.

 

For those not affected by the changes we can all be really happy for you but please stop the childish name calling of those who are affected. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but it is downright rude to call others whiners, nit-pickers and complainers just because their experience is different from your own. To those folks...please show some respect.

 

 

Rochelle