Frick_&_Frack

I have to be honest, it really should not be my problem to have to contact supervisors. Whether it was his boss was giving him problems or not, my family and I should not have been made to feel uncomfortable. IF the supervisor was responsible then he or she is wrong and they should have wanted to accommodate a guest's wishes. Whether it was the supervisor or the room steward, they should deal with it and not make the guest feel bad or uncomfortable about their trip.

Over the years when DH cruised, we would have times when we did not want morning service since it was not doable with how he felt. I know our butler "dropped by" with something and very "casually" mentioned/asked (in a way that was fine) about our room and, when we explained Bob wasn't up to moving around that day, nothing more (other than being super-attentive to us until they got used to "the drill").

I think your Steward should have gone to the Butler/Concierge and they could have verified and then your suite comes off the "cleaned" list - and it's noted it's a passenger preference - so no issues come of it to the Steward if there is a surprise inspection of his station.

I'm sorry that he made you uncomfortable - that's truly not acceptable at all.

Though, over the years, if I wanted a pashmina to match a new dress, it was a cheap way to get one (or a "formal" evening bag - when I forgot mine once :eek:).

This was the policy before. I used the way back machine to April:

 

Can I bring my own water or soda onboard?

Guests are allowed to bring water and soda on board in their original sealed containers. There is no set limit to this amount. We strongly recommend that you carry on the beverages. No coolers of any kind are allowed onboard the ships.

Thanks for posting this. :D LOL I knew we weren't dreaming this existed at some point.

Now, there's an understatement. :)

We've all known it for years now. However, I always knew at one point, I would have had enough of their "communication malfunctions" :D

People who know me well are surprised it took this long. :eek:

You are absolutely correct. The contract spells out what it covers:

 

"The fare paid by the Guest for this ticket includes transportation on the vessel named herein, full board, and ordinary vessel food..."

 

Doesn't say anything in there about granting you the ability to bring beverages aboard their ships.

 

 

Actually, the contract doesn't even take effect until it is paid for (as opposed to when the deposit is made) and you agree to the policies in place at the time of BOARDING (not at the time of BOOKING).

 

I can see why NCL would notify those who had a paid contract. Those who do not yet have a paid contract are simply notified by the change in the FAQ. There is nothing in the agreement where NCL promises to personally notify each guest of every change between the time of booking and the time of boarding.

Though, then it's quite odd that NCL had notified me during past changes to the DSC for just those cruises I had under deposit at the time (yet, not for this change).

They need to work on their communication.

(And, yes, I'm a shareholder. And, as a shareholder, corporate communications, or lack thereof, is concerning..)

Here is what I don't understand. Many of those having an issue with the way NCL notified or hasn't notified customers prior to the final payment are the same posters (not referring to you Frick & Frack, because I don't remember if you were one of them or not) who had an issue when NCL made the last changes with regard to them not notifying folks before final payment so they could cancel. We all know that NCL sucks as far as their communication, it was bad before Mr. Del Rio and it is bad now, so why did folks think it was going to be any different with this change or any upcoming changes. It is obviously NCL's MO, but many still went ahead and booked cruises and then continue to have an issue with how NCL notifies their customers. If NCL were to make a policy change that is the straw that breaks my camel's back after my final payment, it is my fault that I would be put in the position, because NCL is doing the same thing over and over again, so not sure why I would expect different results.

My greatest concerns about their changes has always included their notification. At this point, however, I've just personally decided that the changes are becoming far too frequent in addition to, at least to me, way worse communications about the changes (for example, the gratuities - which I GLADLY pay - you could "grandfather" you current level by paying at the time of the change announced; however, this change - it was NCL giving zero option other than "suck it up buttercup").

I will always defend NCL's right to make changes and for them to communicate those changes as they wish. It's their company - their rules. However, that doesn't mean that I will remain a customer.

(And, with this change, what really got to me was that while NCL could notify me only for the specific reservation that was past final payment, and, then, only AFTER they called in response to my e-mail, they didn't e-mail for the other deposited, cruises I had. I felt that was just in poor form.)

You show them. I am sure they won't be hurt by you not sailing with them. They will fill the boat no problem at all.

Aw....thanks for being snarky. :)

I never said they won't fill the "boat". :rolleyes: Though, lately, a heck of a lot of Haven upsells are happening at really reduced prices, so they aren't filling up at the price-points they would prefer (given I book when the manifest opens and pay full-price). ;)

I don't care if they do, or do not, sail full. I'm just doing what I feel is what every consumer does. If you don't like a product for whatever reason, you just don't purchase it. It's pretty simple. Granted, blind loyalists wouldn't understand when it comes to NCL; however, everyone does it. Whether it's a vacation option, or something as simple as a food item, or toilet paper, or anything. :)

Yes they are...but they are not entitled to think every company needs to cater to their specific wants. The companies can't please everyone and every change they make is sure to make someone unhappy with them. In this case there are plenty of other included options. If you can't live without your specific preference for a few days then really that is your problem not the cruise lines. Find an alternative (even if it costs you more) or move on to another cruise line that now fits your needs better. You are the consumer and it is your responsibility to cater to your own specific wants, not the cruise lines.

If you will read my prior posts, I have never once said it is NCL's responsibility to "cater to your own specific wants". Not once.

My specific issue was the notice **after** my final payment without a way to get out of the cruise (vis-a-vis being able to bring a reasonable amount of Coke aboard). I'm not even saying I would have cancelled - I wanted the option to cancel. And, also, the lack of notice for 2 future cruises that I had booked.

Therefore, the 2 future cruises have been cancelled and I will go on the Escape, have a good time, but my usual onboard spending (which, even scares me sometimes when I see the bill :eek:) will be completely curtailed and I'll just spend more in the ports of call. :D

It's a notice issue. NCL could have handled the notice situation much more professionally. And, I'll be watching them. If they change the way they notice for changes (that I totally agree they are allowed to make), then I will consider cruising with them again.

The only thing I'd love to see NCL post is that policy is being modified to allow a reasonable amount of canned soda to be brought aboard (and, for those on the water side of the issue, reasonably priced water). ;)

Otherwise, I'm used to them being silent on CC. :rolleyes:

Yes but if it is truly for that purpose, think of this:

 

Would a coffee drinker not drink their morning cup of coffee if it was not Maxwell House.

Or Chock Full O' Nuts

Or Folgers

etc.

 

See how ridiculous that sounds.

Actually, there are some who won't drink anything but their preferred brand. My DH only drank Kona coffee and, yes, we brought it with us and made it on the ship (the butler used to bring us the small, 4 cup pot). So, it's not ridiculous at all.

I think, since you don't have those strong preferences, that it sounds that way to you.

Everyone is entitled to like what they want.

This is absolutely beyond comprehension.

It is simply amazing that bottle of pop can have this much effect upon a person, much less an entire family.

It's also a little weird that getting a Coke while in port couldn't stave off the withdrawal thus eliminating the 'going an entire week without having a Coke' deal breaker issue.

 

Amazing.

Some people drink Coke (or Diet Coke) in the mornings since they don't drink coffee or tea. It's their way of getting caffeine. So, not that far-fetched to understand.

The value cruiser is the target but there is always collateral damage.

Very true. Maybe they should do something about the "fire sales" (upsells) into the Haven if they want to have a decent revenue stream from it. ;) :rolleyes:

There's a lot of talk that this was done to get rid of the "value cruiser".

Maybe I'm in the minority on that; however, I book only the Haven, and even then, when the bookings open. So, I'm locked in. I don't wait for upsells, etc., nor have I been offered any. I see so many upsells into the Haven that, honestly, some days it's sort of depressing since, for years, you had to book early and fast to even get into the Haven.

Even with my DH's passing, I still only book the Haven, yes, paying the 200% gladly for the service.

On board, I have racked up many a nice bill (including very generous "donations" to the casino :eek: ).

I'm lucky to be able to do that for vacation. Never do much of anything the rest of the year, so, for me, it's those few weeks to just have fun.

I am tired, though, of all the changes with limited warning. Almost *none* impacted me with either being in the Haven, or not having children, etc. However, I've always understood the outrage of cruisers. While NCL has every right to run how they wish, adequate notice to the consumer is always just a good business practice.

This particular change impacted me (on top of the "yet another quick change"). So, it was time to review options (and, luckily, I found replacements that fit my schedule exactly as I had locked those weeks in).

I get it that many don't understand the water/soda "thing". For me, those rum and cokes in the suite meant a lot (and, yes, I ordered a bottle to the room at a high cost). Stupid to a lot of people (apparently); but I won't apologize for the little thing that makes me happy.

So, maybe NCL will also chase away at least some cruisers who aren't in that "value" profile that they seem to abhor.

Just sayin.....

then stop cruising. Honestly, if this makes you upset.... don't come on the cruise.

Well, in the future, I'll be on RCCL; however, NCL didn't give us the option to cancel if we were within final payment. ;)

We understand all too well.

 

But the problem here is the BS about "for security" IF THEY STILL ALLOW WINE BOTTLES.

 

There is a reason that TSA doesn't allow anything over 3 ounces, etc.

NO wine bottles.

THAT is "security".

 

The other biggie, as we've stated, is NOT NOTIFYING EVERYONE IN A TIMELY FASHION.

There is no excuse for that (other than greed... trying to prevent people cancelling before penalties).

Remember, Wine Bottles can't be a "security risk" since there is a corkage fee. :p:rolleyes: lol

I don't drink water on cruises with my UBP, but I think they give us a refillable bottle to use for soft drinks, which can be used for water, too!

I've never gotten a refillable bottle with the UBP (and I've had that for several cruises now). Maybe with the soda plan?

I did that math last week...

I know you did. :)

Apparently, some people absolutely *must* have the 1-liter bottles though and cannot bear the thought of the 1/2 liters.

I'm not exactly certain I understand that; however, since I feel strongly about a small amount of soda allowance, I totally get they would be just focusing on the liter bottle comparison across the various cruise lines.

In that case, NCL gives a super deal and I can understand their loyalty to NCL for providing the lower-cost access to the 1-liter bottles. :)

(For the record, water isn't my issue at all - 12 cans of soda would have kept me happy and a continued NCL cruiser. ;))

Thanks LOL

My dh will just have to deal with it and he said it stinks but nothing he can do now. My mom, who is traveling with us, also drinks ONLY Diet Coke and I haven't broken the news to her yet LOL

Personally, I'd be more afraid of Mom than DH! :eek: ;)

(If you take a look through this thread, and a few others like it, you'll see the reactions we've received from NCL, etc. :rolleyes:)

Happy Cruising! :)

Hi. Are you saying we are allowed to bring a 12 pack of Diet Coke onboard? My dh drinks Diet Coke in the morning as others drink coffee/tea. Right or wrong, healthy or not, that is what he does. If this is correct, that would be great since it is what we have done in the past. If not, it is what it is.

 

Thanks.

No, you cannot do that as of July 15th.

On July 1st NCL changed their policy - no water/soda/etc. to be brought onboard (which is why this thread was created).

Sorry (but I get it for your DH as I'm diehard Coke).

I just don't understand why the 1-liter size requirement is important (when you can just double the amount of the 1/2-liter size to reach equivalency)?

It's just as easy to do the math for a comparison by total liters.

Oh, right....it's only for 1-liter does it make NCL look generous with their pricing....;)

Just got this .

 

Dear , Mr. R.............

 

Thank you for your email. We value our guests’ feedback and we appreciate you taking the time to contact us regarding the change to our beverage policy.

 

We understand your disappointment, however, this revised policy brings the us in line with other best practices in travel security protocols. We offer competitively priced beverage and water packages that can be purchased both on board as well as pre-cruise for your convenience.

 

As a reminder, detailed information regarding information on our beverage policy is available on our website at https://www.ncl.com/faq#what-to-bring.

 

Again, we thank you for your feedback and hope you will continue to enjoy your cruise vacations with us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy .

Yes, a nice feeling knowing you're such a valued cruiser. :rolleyes: :p

Bet you're just feeling so loved....:D

Has anyone recently received a notification from NCL about his new policy I still have not.

Hi Lorey -

If you mean for a cruise *within* final payment, then, yes, I received it on 07/01 (funny, shortly after they called me from my e-mail to them on the policy change, I got an e-mail notification). :rolleyes:

If you mean for the ones I had for 2017, then no, they did not e-mail (so those were replaced on 07/08). ;)

Had an H6 on the Breakaway in March. Butler did a great job. Breakfast was on time and exactly as ordered each day (since I like have breakfast in the suite).

Otherwise, I didn't ask for anything. One "snack" on a late port day when I skipped meals....

Perhaps I used the wrong words. I wanted the price for a case (24) of 1-liter bottles...not merely an equivalent. Do they not allow the purchase of 24 1-Liter bottles?

Don't know much about the offerings other than that one. Haven't been on Carnival in years (and, overall, the water-thing wasn't an issue for me).

I'll see if I can find out if they offer any other size bottles (I could swear we had gotten 1 liter bottles aboard when we did sail with them...).

Edited - Apparently their program "Cheers" includes the 1 liter bottles that can be gotten in the restaurants. Don't know about it not in that package (and, yes, just checking because I'm curious overall).

Cool. What would I have to pay on Carnival for 24 1-Liter bottles of water (1 case)?

It's $2.99 per 12 pack of 1/2 liters; therefore, approximately $12.00 for 24 one-liter equivalent. ;)