missintuitive

Disclosure: I do not work for Nationwide. I'm just a cruiser that went looking for trip insurance.

Nationwide insurance has a "cruise" trip insurance product. As part of the product, you receive money back when a cruise line announces an itinerary change BEFORE the ship has sailed for your inconvenience. The insurance had three levels and I believe you get between $250-$750 depending on which level you buy. The mid-level plan seems like the best bang for your buck (and offers more than then more expensive cruise line offered insurance). When I first read that the itinerary had to be changed before the trip I thought this was an unlikely scenario. I hadn't been on the NCL board in months and when I came back there has been a lot of talk about cancelled itineraries. This usually happens while in the ship for weather or other reasons. If you're looking to insure your trip either way this cruise insurance may be a very good option. I found it on insure my trip dot com.

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A huge contribution to Disney's per dime being hgh is the fact that (1) Disney does not have a casino so that revenue has to be made up in the fare and (2)Disney doesn't rely heavily on the sale of alcohol. It is the only major cruise line that allows you to bring alcohol onboard (the only limit is the size of your carry on...no coolers). I highly doubt that NCL will lower the price of the Gw or BE to reflect the elimination of the fire works. It will go to the bottom line on the cruise which is why I don't understand why the ppl who don't like fireworks are so vocal. You will not get any additional benefit from the cruise line cutting them. If I were to make a list of all the things that changed since I reserved my H4 in March is would be at least 10 items long. To me it's not the individual cuts but the cumulative effect of me overall not getting what I paid for.

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I think most of us know Carnival allows 1 bottle, in fact if you read the postings here,this has been mentioned several times, but the difference is 1 bottle versius as many as you want to bring on. That is why some are saying every line has their way of getting a little of the action. The only line that we have cruised with no restrictions on the number of bottles is Princess. In fact that may have changed; we cruised them about 2 years ago. And yes, the cabin steward does provide glasses. As for bringing your own wine on, no corkage, pouring a glass in your cabin and taking it into the public area, well I will save my comments on that for another time. But, could that have something to do with the reason cruise lines limit the number of bottles allowed or why NCL charges the corkage fee up front?

Fwiw, Disney has absolutely no corkage charges or restrictions on bringing alcohol on the ship. You can bring as much as you like. Sure, it's a niche type cruise but they also have awesome all adult areas and very awesome service. The cons are no casino onboard and the food could be a little better but everything tastes better with wine:) And yes, Disney can run expensive but when you factor in the costs of the udp (you rotate restaurants every night, free room service, free pizza, etc) and ubp plus other misc charges, it really comes out very similar for a inside or OV. Plus the rooms are huge with free Disney movies.

However, I do have to admit that the Getaway caught my eye when we were parked next to her on the Disney Dream while in the Bahamas.

The water slides, climbing walls, and rope courses Looked so fun even though the balconies looked tiny. I can't wait to try her out in Dec.

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So you canceled a cruise that is at least 8 months away because of some garbage you read on a message board. You probably made NCL very happy because now they will sell that cabin at a higher price to someone who understands the value.

 

The problem with the many many responses on CC thought is that the vast majority of those negative responses are by the same 15 - 20 people. NCL, and all cruise lines closely monitor CC. They are aware of the comments and who posts them and they disregard the vocal but very small minority of posters who constantly complain about any and everything.

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You missed the OP's point entirely. He, personally, does not agree with NCLs recent practices. Had it not been for cc, we as customers, would not have known about the changes bc of NCLs lack of communication. He has every right to withdraw his business from ncl. They asked him why and he told the truth.

Also, everyone knows that the upsell fairy exists bc ncl does not sell all of its suites on every cruise and offers them at a discounted rate to others who have already booked. This could ultimately cost ncl money. If it didn't I'm sure he wouldn't have received the call back.

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Thanks for your responses! The info is very helpful!

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I know that many variations of this post have came up. My family and I are taking a multigenerational cruise in Dec (yes, this is so far away... But so close!)

We have the opportunity to cruise on the Gem for 10 days in a 2bdrm suite (non-haven) or 7 days in a Haven 2 bedroom suite. The cruises are the same price. I must admit that I put $$ on both of them since I wasn't 100% sure which cruise to take(one with a reduced deposit). Since I can't do

these cruises b2b I have to make a decision. We have a 70 yo, forty something, thirty something, twenty something, and will be 3yo in the group...a large range. All but one of us have been on a cruise...even the 3 yo has been on 2 cruises.

My question is which boat would you pick and why?On either cruise we will have the UBP(for two the rest soda), UDP, obc, and gratuities for 2passengers.

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NCL stock is up. They have 4 new builds coming out. They're working on a new private island. Capturing a bigger market share and gaining more brand recognition year by year with a low promotion budget. Boy that sounds like a slide into malaise, poor government and weak ineffective leadership!

 

I doubt that NCL pays much attention to the CC boards. They probably pay more attention to their booking numbers and on board income numbers. If you all think you can do a better job maybe you should apply for a job at NCL corporate!

The increase in stock was under the previous leadership that didn't feel the need to advertise that he wants to squeeze $50 more additional out of every guest. I'll give it to the new guy for transparency but the execution has left a lot to be desired.

Only time will tell whether the stock will continue to rise. Didn't I read that the stock dropped the day it was announced that Sheenan was leaving?

Those cruisers that are not on cc and are not forewarned that there are gratuity and/or service fees for every service provided by the ship may not remain with ncl. I'm the type that plans everything and would hate to be surprised.

Carnival would be extremely smart to offer more perks for their suites at this time..especially since some cost half of what ncl is charging on certain itineraries (compare pride to gem) so ccl has wiggle room in terms of pricing.

The big ncl myth is that carnival cruisers are Walmart-types when in all actuality rcl, carnival, ncl, and even Disney attracts the same crowds...those with disposable income for a cruise.

I don't get the logic in the previous post. Prior to the change, the $5 RS fee was included in your cruise fee.

Also, is pizza now $5 plus the 4.95 fee? = 10 bucks??? I always felt as if the $5 pizza was a "test" of the market to see if ppl would pay additional for RS. I guess ncl is trying to implement the results of their pilot study...smh...

I'm trying to remain a trooper. I was turned off when I read review from guest on the gem in Nov 2014. ncl decided to close areas and upgrade the shop while cruising and without prior notification of passengers. This is more of the same!

Disney prints a real booklet. It had a pocket and I find it useful to organize travel papers.

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The NCL board never ceases to amaze me. I'm new here and its definitely different than what I know of cc. Any little complaint or non-positive observation about NCL is met by 5 or more complaints about the poster and his/her observations. People's identities are questioned based on the # of comments since said person joined. I have not experienced this with the Carnival or Disney boards. It's weird. I, myself, question some of the motives of people who criticize others for sharing their experiences.

I'm booked for the haven. Since I'm paying 2-3 times more than a non-haven room I want, at a minimum, good service. That includes all the extras promoted that I care to take advantage of. I know things happen but if this is a pattern, it should be addressed. It is the list of extras that boosts NCL's customer acquisition for the haven. Meaning, the more perks NCL promotes as available, the more the company sales. It's not happenstance. Its business. And if I'm supporting a business, no matter which cruise line (I've taken 7 cruises in total), I want good service. It is not going above and beyond duty to supply rude service. It would have been over and beyond for the pre-concierge to admit his/her limitations and spare the OP's time while being friendly. I am glad I read the boards because I will temper my expectations. However, it makes no sense to tell people to have no expectations when NCL's website and promotional items are vehicles by which those expectations are set.

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I can attest to this! I was taken aback by the very short walk from the port of Orlando to the Disney Dream. Little did I know that it is the Baltimore pier that is the outlier with its long walk. I've sailed out of Miami and LA as well but I don't recall the walks being as long as Baltimore or as short as Orlando.

If you double book, will you have to pay double DSC. While it may be worth double booking bc the taxes are equivalent in price to the udp(...or cheaper now that they are adding taxes) and you'll receive udps and soda cards based on the current promotion, the DSC may be a deal breaker for double booking.

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Wow! This corroborates with a yelp review I read stating cases of bedbugs on the gem. The person who posted on Yelp was upset about hearing about the infestation while on the ship and personally had an infestation in their home after returning from the ship (and upset about that too). MY opinion is where there is smoke, there is fire! I use Trip advisor, yelp, and cc for travellinsights. I have traveled extensively and have found other people's reviews and experiences helpful, both the good and the bad. A bedbug infestation on a boat that leaves out of Manhattan is NOT surprising nor unbelievable. My favorite movie theater on 42nd street once had a major bedbug outbreak. It's a public health risk the same as norovirus and the flu.

I really was having a hard time choosing between the gem and getaway. I know something like this could happen on either ship but I think it's more likely on a ship that leaves NYC. This is definitely going to be a major datapoint in my determination of the ship I cruise.

Hey Robert! I sure hope they plan on changing those windows in the Family Suites! :eek: Speaking of family suites....waiting on your review while on the Dawn in your SD. :)

What's wrong with the windows in the family suites? I'm cruising in one in the star in Nov.

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I hope everyone who called the person on the Gem who reported this last week a Troll goes and apologises! :)

 

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Exactly! I concur, lol! What was funny to me was that he was labeled for being a troll bc he was reporting what no one wanted to hear and it was supposedly substantiated bc he was on the boards for about 5 years with a limited amount of posts.

I only come here when I have a cruise with a deposit paid plus I also sail DCL whose passengers typically use a whole different board. I may be away for a while but I may be on another board or planning a land vaykay. Believe it or not there is more than cruising out there, lol!

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This looks like a simple business decision on behalf of ncl. They are offering a lot of free drinks (or drinks included in the fare)via the ubp specials. Using a streamlined menu will allow them to maximize the profit margin because certain liquor and beverages can be planned for in bulk and/or special pre-negotiated price for ncl (and possibly discounted ) I wouldn't be surprised if all drinks are available but it makes sense for ncl to steer ppl towards the alcohol they are getting a deal on or can plan for.

I prefer ncl to do this vice watering down the drinks, lol!

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My sister had the same problem so we decided that we would go the week of November 1 because New Jersey has three days off that week it's kind a called Jersey week so we decided to fly down to Tampa and jump on the star for this cruise because it is such a great deal

This was the amount of details! Lol! Thanks! I'm looking into that ship asap (we have a dec 2015 cruise, more days, but 2x's as much).

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Since we are sharing pricing....SJ for 5 of us for november 1, 2015 CAS price.....$2,260. Deal of the century lol

More details please!

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Share your tips on such a great OS deal

I got all my tips from the cc boards. Best deal 7 night out of NO in Jan 2017 on Dawn.

OS: $4K for 6 ppl...I booked 6 for flexibility since 3-6 are free with the special but may change. And yes, its the is w\o a balcony.

Family suite no balcony $3200 for 6 ppl.

Suites include: UDP, UBP, $300 credit, DSC for 1st two guests plus I used AARP DISCOUNT.

Some Jan dates had already sold out of the suites based on the great deals.

Share your tips on such a great OS deal

I got all my tips from the board. Best deal 7 night out of NO in Jan 2017 on Dawn.

OS: $4K for 6 ppl...I booked 6 for flexibility since 3-6 are free with the special but may change.

Family suite no balcony $3200 for 6 ppl.

Suites include: UDP, UBP, $300 credit, DSC for 1st two guests plus I used AARP DISCOUNT.

Some Jan dates had already sold out of the suites based on the great deals.

My family decided to get a family suite instead of two balconies. It's a win-win. Just a little more expensive than two balconies (esp mini-suites, Udp for all, ubp for the ppl who actually drink, soda packages for the soda lovers, a slightly higher obc, gratuities for two, a butler, concierge, and priority boarding to name a few. I booked two separate suited, 1 yr a part, with the current special. Thanks to cc I was able to get to get a heads up on the addition of dsc and called on 3/1 and got it added. I also found info on suited that we're going for $423 pp in 2017. We ended up booking a OS with the four offers for $588 pp!!

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The obc is spilt between passenger #1 and passenger #2. Also, it can be spilt by days. My obc is spilt into 2 days on my ncl

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Smile for every camera you see and then select a few nice photos to remember the cruise[emoji41] You can easily spend $100 or $200 just on pictures if you have a good selection to choose from.

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But at this point it is impossible to know whether NCL is at fault. Too many unknowns still.

 

Do you know why it was cancelled?

Do you know who the trip was booked through...a travel agent or directly with NCL?

 

But regardless, it's NCL's fault and their customer service treatment of a customer they never had?

I only know what she shared on this board. That's all that any of us know. The rest is speculation... whether its speculation to believe her or speculation to doubt her. Clearly this person wanted to be a customer because she attempted to book a cruise (by providing payment information that went from "pending" to "charged" to her account the day AFTER the boat sailed). This the case whether she went through a TA or not. She took time to pursue a cruise with the ncl vs. attempting to cruise with another company. She also showed up at that terminal to take that cruise (and the way things are these days, she wouldn't have been let into the terminal without some type of proof of booking...i.e. the email she had). If the OP's story is true, one thing you can bet on, she will likely remain "a customer they never had" while their competition will likely gain a customer.

And with that, I'm done with this convo...I'm off to research my upcoming cruise...