missintuitive
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Posts posted by missintuitive
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Ok. Good luck! Please update the thread with the outcome. I track on cruise fish as well and I haven't seen dramatic drops for oct and nov cruises.
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Even though you know you were not supposed to get that room you expect to get it anyway because its not your fault they made a mistake. HMMMM. I do not agree with this way of thinking. It reminds me of a childs game called finders keepers. So your also saying if the bank gave you $1000 for a check you cashed for $500 you would expect to keep it? Good luck with that one something similar happened to me and I went into the bank and gave them the money that was not mine. Even if I did take the money they would have know at the end of the day the money went to me and I would have to pay it back.
Cash is different because no contract is involved. If I buy a car under contract and go and find it cheaper the next day I can't cancel the contract bc I've signed a binding document. OP signed a contract and in good faith provided a payment. Good customer service would dictate that he would get what he paid for, even if most of it was comped. He may not have signed up if the mini-suite was initially offered. A vacation is booked based on individual preferences.
A similar situation happened to me at a poor customer service furniture store. They sold me the furniture I wanted and kept pushing out the promised delivery date. After 2-3 months over the summer passed, the store finally told me my furniture was indefinitely backordered and I would have to take what they had available at the time. They did not want to give me my money back. I disputed through my credit card company bc I paid for specific pieces which fit in my decor not what they had excess inventory of. In the end, I received my money back bc they didn't deliver what I signed up for under contract. This scenario is more similar... It's a veritable bait and switch. Who knows if the salesman quoted me the correct delivery date. It could have been an error (unintentionally or purposely) and the store wanted me to eat that error instead of making me whole.
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^Did you read the link I shared? I wouldn't risk it.NCL has changed their approach. The last minute deep discount days are over. It came directly from the CEO. They rather attract an "affluent" crowd who would pay money upfront (and on board too). It's right in the trnascripts.
The cruise I booked for Early December prices were at a low about nine months out (in Feb) and has risen every month since. I booked in March and it was about $250 more than March. The cruise is now showing as 30% more than the Feb price. Only time will tell if they will stick to this method but it has worked for Disney and NCL.
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The PCC is paid to get you to purchase an NCL cruise. Period. If you want a travel professional, contact a good travel agent. Unless you know exactly what you want, a travel agent is your only option. If you are depending on your PCC to give you any advise, other than cabin locations and NCL rules, you're missing the boat.
So basically you're saying they add no value. I found this to be true with my arrogant PCC. I had my booking transferred to a big box store and they are great (and $500 less at the time).
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The earlier you book the better. If there is a decrease, which will be rare now, you can ask for an obc or cancel and rebook.
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^this was FDR's point. Ppl who are willing to spend more upfront are the target audience for NCL. I wouldn't expect 2014 prices anytime soon. Thus far, NCL is looking towards record breaking profits this year (or in 2016). Only time will tell if this new approach will work over the long haul.
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Amen.
Scrap the promos.
Give us your best offer.
Read here why that's not likely to happen:
It's part of Frank Del Rio's (FDR) New Deal. This is actually the nickname for it under NCL corporate mentioned in his May 2015 stakeholder call. Bottom line: NCL' new deal has left the "discount to sale" model and moved to a "market to sale" model. The promos are not going anywhere. It's part of the marketing model and is used to attract new sales. And I must admit that for me it worked. I was so concerned that the promos were going away earlier this year that I booked my cruise very early on. Matter of fact I booked two. $500-$600 is what I've found to be the difference between inside and OV (perk eligible) on many sailings for the newer ships. The market to sale strategy has worked for NCL's bottom line (that and the 6.7% increase in the cost of alcohol and the new room service fees which is directly quoted in the transcript). According to the transcript, NCL will, in almost most instances, not discount cruises after final payment time. Disney was the forerunner in this approach. The best discounts are found early on, the cruise get more expensive the closer to sail date (regardless of capacity), and unless the ship is really underselling their will not be any discounts to fares.
Actually, I feel better after reading this. At least I know where NCL is coming from now. The lack of communications to the actual customer left me feeling uncertain as to if there would be additional changes that I felt impacted my wallet. Now I know that it's not an "if" thing but a "when" thing in terms of NCL working to make more money off of customers than the past throughout the cruise process, from booking to during the cruise. NCL is a company so I get it but only the test of time will show whether this approach will improve the product while improving the bottom line. I can use my upcoming cruise as my data point as to whether I will keep my next cruise. At the end of the day, if my experience is enhanced I will be less inclined to be agitated by the "out of the blue" changes after booking (or more precisely entering into a contract) with NCL.
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PCCs are not travel professionals. They are call center workers. To think they know anything about travel is absurd. They can look up NCL cruises and have access to a little bit more information than the general public, but not a lot. To think that they know anything special is ludicrous.
Your opinion is that it's absurd to think PCCs know [anything] about travel? Wait what? Huh? It would be one thing to state that they are trained in the area by NCL but another to say that it's absurd to think that the person who is arranging air travel, ground transportation, and cruise knows nothing about travel. My expectation would be that they would know much more than me to help me maximize my experience. If not, then what is the value?
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[quote name='maywell']Fedex Kinkos? Staples? Walmart? Really, no place where you use a desktop computer for just 2 minutes?
I think a situation like this is a reminder why one should never truely get rid of a home laptop or a desktop....
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I would highly suggest that the OP steers clear of the using public computers to enter your most important personal information. You're disclosing your full legal name, address, phone, passport/govt issued ID #'s, credit card information all in one area.
Maybe the OP can use a work computer. Or at a family member or close friend's house.
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I know the changes, I just have no problem with them. I like to show the new cruisers that everything isn't gloom and doom on board the ship lol. You're starting that whole thing that if you don't like what's being said on here you should leave, I say the same thing in reverse. If people on here have so much to complain about Ncl then they should find a new cruise line where they won't complain as much
It's not all gloom and doom but's darn sure isn't what I signed up for. At least this way I can express myself before the cruise instead of being mad about it after boarding.
Just because you declare that YOU are okay with the changes doesn't mean that you're an ambassador for "new cruisers." The facts strand on their own and there is more than one cruiseline. At this point, I'm speaking on a cruiseline that I've invested my money into via a deposit. Even if I cancel, I've contributed what I could consider as a "no interest" loan to NCL. As such, I will share MY FACTS as I deem fit.
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Nicely stated, all people are entitled to an opinion.
However, it is the same handful of people that pop up to say 'This doesn't matter to me'; okay, fine. Then they just keep responding over and over and over to tell people that something doesn't matter (to them). Maybe they are just trying to drown out the valid criticisms by acting as if they are not valid? I can certainly see why some of the changes have little to no impact to people who are sailing solo; the changes in overall costs to them are minor compared to a couple or a family.
I mean once you say something has no impact to you personally, why keep beating the drum? If others want to continue to discuss the ramifications of rapid fire changes to their wallets and vacation experience they should continue without being interrupted by a chorus of dismissive responses.
I'm disappointed that my Tortola port time was reduced. It's going to prevent us from doing an excursion that we wanted to do. I came to this board seeking advice for alternatives, after explaining why the original plans would not work, and there were some helpful people with helpful suggestions, and then there was the same handful of people telling me it doesn't matter and to get over it. It doesn't matter to them. It matters to me. But they don't care. It's all about them and their blind allegiances. And Cruise Critic is still a resource to get helpful ideas and information from others. Belittling others with valid concerns is neither constructive nor friendly.
This! You are echoing my experiences. If it doesn't affect them, why keep beating the drum and piling on?
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Would you rather the topic only be one sided, since you want those that have no issues to just keep scrolling? You have an issue with the changes and I certainly understand that, but shouldn't folks that don't have an issue be able to post their opinion as well. Just as your issues are valid points to you, those that have no issues feel that their opinions are valid as well. No opinion is right or wrong, just different.
It doesn't have to be one-sided. You have stated over and over again and in different ways that you don't care about the changes. I said keep strolling bc it seems that some have to respond to EVERY post that implies that NCL could have handled things better. If you feel differently you have already stated that 20 times before I even posted. So why jump on every random post to counter the poster. I'm giving real specifics only to have them arrogantly waved away in a rude manner. Why? If it was just one tread then okay but I have observed that this happens daily across multiple treads.
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That is horrible customer service!! Sigh...
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It's childish to counter post to my factual post that the changes "mean nothing." The changes mean more $$ for my family. Fact. The word cheerleader was not in my post but no matter where I post on the cc NCL boards if ppl are allegedly "complaining" there are others that very vocally "complain about he complainers." If you don't like a post, keep strolling. Stop the posts that imply that there is something wrong with folks who have issues with changes to the vacation that person paid for. I hope those folks who always say "all lines do it, it doesn't matter, no one cares,etc" just keep scrolling instead of jumping in with an arrogant tone of "not me" when others make their valid points. Respect goes both ways.
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DCL has capacity based billing and I hated it. My email automatically downloaded on my cell phone and that counted against my usage. I had to disable all of the "automatic" download app and it's hard to keep up with the settings I have for each app. It was a pain in the you know what.
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Thank you for the post Geezer. I totally understand your point. You basically have to start over cost comparing your cruise bc the price protection is for NCL and not the customer.
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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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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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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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I'll start the list of changes since I booked in March 2015. This could be a group project:
1. Increase in DSC
2. No free illusionarium on 1st night w/UDP
3. Room service upcharge
4. Shanghai free but no lunch menu
5. Gratuity on UBP
6. Gratuity on UDP
7. 2nd increase in DSC
8. No fireworks
9. New drink menu (which is more basic)
10. Change in CAS
Others have had cancellations and/or changes of itineraries or ports with limited alternatives offered.
Please feel free to add.
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Pet peeve: Why do ppl refer to "free" food on a cruise? Nothing is free! It's either paid for with your base fare or it's an additional fee or "up charge." I track fares closely and believe me the fares are not decreasing with all the cuts. There are " specials" but many received large OBCs, UDP, and UBP in 2014.
A close runner up to this is "you can't get a good steak for $30 "at home." Well the meal is not $30. It's $30 plus some undisclosed amount that you already paid towards a meal for the night. I can get a good $50 or $60 steak meal (I don't need multiple courses or prefix at Ruth's Chris or a T-bone and one side at Ruth's Chris). I can also go to Fogo De Chao for Brazilian steakhouse for $50 and Pay $35 for a Japanese steakhouse. The gratuity is the same at this point (18%) and technically beverages are not included either way.
Don't get me wrong, I like cruising. But I do know there are alternatives. I like going to different islands but sometimes I like staying in one place. My family took a trip to Jamaica(one of the ports on my upcoming cruise) and we paid $800 pp ($0 for my at the time 1 yo) all inclusive for 5 days for a suite. It was a nice hotel (major name brand). All food (including speciality restaurants at the resort), alcohol (even had a loaded alcohol dispenser in our room), beverages, and non motorized water sports were included. It was on the beach, had beautiful pools, a kids club (son was too young to go), live entertainment at night, entertainment during the day, and a swim-up bar. No DSC and taxes were less than port taxes. It was an awesome vaykay! I'm saying all this to say the options are vast in the world of travel. You will either pay upfront or you will add on but trust me nothing in the vacation world is "free."
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What I dislike very much about NCL is that they don't mind changing things retroactively for guests who signed up for cruises early. I've been away from the NCL board for a while and just found out that (1) the first night is no longer free for the dinner magic show on GA (2) the gratuities have been raised...again (3) no fireworks (I've cruised Disney and loved them!!) (4) gratuities on ubp and udp (I'm in a suite so I think I'm excluded). I'm sure the more I read the longer the list will get. These things are not even communicated by NCL. It's usually someone on cruise critic who reports it durning their cruise and are met with skepticism and criticism by "loyal" NCLers only to find out later that it's the truth ( I remember this happened with the fee for room service and drink menus). I really don't know what I'm going to get when I cruise but hopefully a fun trip will make these trying times distant memories. One can only hope!
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I read carefully. This is a special product for cruises that goes beyond standard coverages of regular trip insurance. Port of call changes are included. Thanks Pam. The coverages must be $500, $750, and $1250 depending on the coverage purchased. Weather (hurricanes) are covered if you purchase the insurance before the storm is named. If you miss the boat they also pay a certain amount to get you to the next port. The certificate is available on insure my trip dot com for review and you get a ten to fourteen day review period to cancel.
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Cabin change -- Same Category
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
????i don't get the sarcasm here. It has been my experience that the Internet is the best place to get answers first in these types of things. It's good to have an idea of if certain requests are possible and how to phrase the requests vs throwing it out there and hoping for the best.
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