newmexicoNita

23 hours ago, lisiamc said:

We have had 5 or 6 cruises disrupted by itinerary changes or cancellations due to charters.  Maybe because we love the repositioning cruises, and they are more likely to be affected by charters either side?  
 

I agree that any pretty much any ship and any line can be subject to a charter.  The huge ships rarely get a full charter, but I’m not sure this is an advantage.  I’d rather have to completely re-plan my cruise than be on a ship with half the passengers being a charter group and the other half being randoms like us.  Especially if this is a horrible surprise that we only discover on boarding.  Not to mention that the huge ships are just not my cup of tea anyway.  
 

Sometimes the itinerary changes have even worked in our favour.  But the times when I have had to completely re-plan our cruises, I have done a lot of muttering!

We too love repo cruises. Also agree with the not wanting to be on a ship that is 1/2 charted. 

3 minutes ago, Oakman58 said:

Yes, poor little NCLH.  They are just giving away cabins on their ships and we expect more service.  The reality is high prices and less service and it is reflected in their income statement.  Look at the net income from 2015 and forward.  All those things that have been cut from your cruise experience has certainly made a difference in their income.  The numbers below are in thousands.

 

and if so many are so disappointed in food and service why is the cruise line making money? If people are unhappy than the ships would not be going out full or close, stock would drop and there would have to be adjustments made. 

5 minutes ago, lisiamc said:

We have had 5 or 6 cruises disrupted by itinerary changes or cancellations due to charters.  Maybe because we love the repositioning cruises, and they are more likely to be affected by charters either side?  
 

I agree that any pretty much any ship and any line can be subject to a charter.  The huge ships rarely get a full charter, but I’m not sure this is an advantage.  I’d rather have to completely re-plan my cruise than be on a ship with half the passengers being a charter group and the other half being randoms like us.  Especially if this is a horrible surprise that we only discover on boarding.  Not to mention that the huge ships are just not my cup of tea anyway.  
 

Sometimes the itinerary changes have even worked in our favour.  But the times when I have had to completely re-plan our cruises, I have done a lot of muttering!

Mega ships are not our thing either. We have now tried 3 and we are still not sold on them. 

13 hours ago, Gershep said:

When I pay for something even if it's a good deal I still expect food and service to be good.

Food is very subjective, not to mention you are still going to get what you pay for. If I have gotten a good deal on anything, especially travel I know there is a chance the pluses we used to expect may ot be there. If I go to Burger King and get a whopper I don't expect it to be like going to our favorite sports bar where we pay $8 or more for a hamburger. 

For those who mention the prices keep going up and the quality going down: take into consideration the cost based on inflation. NO, overall costs have not gone up. I remember what we paid for our first cruise back in the mid 80s compared to now: I also remember the service and the food. All things change, cruising isn't what it used to be, but in some ways it is better. 

15 hours ago, iggyc said:

Cracks me up that there are posts about what a great deal a cruise was booked for and then there are posts about declining food and services.  Typical of us to want everything at the lowest price possible but at the highest level of quality. Let’s face it we can’t have it both ways. I have travelled the world and have learned that focusing on the positive and ignoring the few negatives is the best way to go. Enjoy the journey and be thankful that you are one of the few In This world that can afford to travel

Thank you so much: I have seen so many negatives, not just on the NCL board but others as well. Very few are truly issued that call for being negative about. Most are minor inconveniences or dealing with agents on the phone that are not well enough informed or are trying to help but the complainer is only telling us his/her side of the story. We have all had bad experiences in life. We have had a couple of bad experiences on ships and felt they were handled poorly. We have had food that has been disappointing. Our last cruise the specialty dining rooms were a mixed bag to be honest. Did this ruin our cruise? Of course not. Was it our very best cruise? Heck no, but we still got away from the hussle bussle of daily life and enjoyed ourselves. 

On 11/20/2019 at 12:47 PM, Host Jazzbeau said:

Even Celebrity's M-class ships get chartered.  

I think just about every ship on any line is subject to being chartered. We never book more than about 9 months out, thus we have been lucky. Over 40 cruises and never had this happen. 

On 11/21/2019 at 11:02 PM, MIT72 said:

We have been on many cruises on many lines all over the world. We have had a few skipped ports, but usually the cruise line makes good when the customer is unhappy. We have never had cruise ports cancelled due to mechanical issues - it was always something like wind and the cancellation was last minute.

     Last summer we spent two weeks on Holland America going around Japan and two Russian ports. Holland America had never done that route before and some of the logistics were subpar and some excursions were not good. Holland America provided partial refunds on the bad tours and was generally very responsive. 

     Announcing that the port changes are due to mechanical issues and then failing to divulge the issues is very worrisome. I've read too many horror stories about passengers stranded at sea under horrible conditions. If the engines on the ship are not in good shape, they should reveal that fact and allow passengers to rebook or do something else.

 

 

We haven't either but we also have never been given anything for cancelled ports other than our ort charges back. When ports have been cancelled on out sailings prior to the actual sailing we have been given nothing. We have sailed on 4 lines that have had to adjust the ports for various reasons. 

On 11/21/2019 at 6:49 PM, sfaaa said:

If I recall correctly, NCL Star has been having mechanical issues for a number of years now.

I think you are right and it would make me leary to even consider cruising on the Star. That being said, to the OP, disappointing of course. I would be as well, but this is not bait and switch. Isn't it better to be safe than sorry? What would you expect them to do? 

On 11/20/2019 at 12:49 PM, Greek Boss said:

Preferences on a certain cruise line is really subjective and simply comes down to the individual. I tried cruising on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and NCL before deciding which one I honestly liked the most. 

 

Between Carnival and NCL, here are notable "differences" between the two:

 

-Carnival has much more diverse itineraries and ports of call than NCL for 7 Day cruises out of the Northeast. While the majority of weeklong NCL cruises out of New York travel to Bahamas/Florida, Carnival often adds in Turks & Caicos and seems to alternate between their private island of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.

 

-I personally enjoyed the beach more at Carnivals private island at Half Moon Cay more so than NCLs (Great Stirrup Cay), however the Bacardi Rum Bar - which is free if you have a Drink Package - is a huge plus.

 

-NCL will not have singing waiters and wait staff in the main dining room like Carnival and RCCL have.

 

-Carnival seems to have more activities during the day on the Pool decks.

 

-NCL has better daily activities and nightly entertainment is far better than Carnival.

 

-While it is the most subjective of them all, the food on NCL is much better than on Carnival. While the food in the main dining room was good when I cruised with them, their daily buffet was horrendous and I found myself settling for Guy's Burger Joint on the Pool Deck almost every single day. 

 

-There are much more food options on NCL than on Carnival. In addition to their amazing Specialty Dining choices, NCL ships typically have 3 main dining rooms (Manhattan Room, Taste, and Savor), a complimentary Asian restaurant, Garden Café, and a 24 hour Pub (O'Sheehans or The Local) with a wide variety of pub food.

 

-NCL wins with late night cravings hands down. I was never a fan of Carnival only having a late night pizza option, and NCL really blows them away in this category. As stated above, all NCL ships have a 24 hour Pub-style restaurant serving wings, nachos, fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, etc. 

 

-Unless traditional cruising is something you prefer, NCL prides itself with "Freestyle cruising" where you go at your own pace and essentially go by your own schedule. It really is catered to dining reservations. Whereas Carnival and RCCL have set Dining times and in many cases seat you with other travelers, NCL has a much more laxed dress code with optional formal nights, and you can always show up to dinner whenever you desire.

 

-While Carnival is much more economical and tries to cater to families, the majority of people I have met and cruised with say that children's programs and entertainment for the youngsters is far better on NCL than Carnival.

 

-In terms of nightlife I have found both NCL and Carnival to be about the same. While I admit that my friends and I are drinkers and really love the nightlife, one thing I really am bummed about is the fact that newer NCL ships seem to be getting rid of their Clubs altogether. Not saying there isn't evening nightlife, but on the newer ships they are getting rid of Club Bliss and having the late night club parties in other venues such as the comedy clubs.

 

Overall while Carnival has its perks, I always preferred NCL and it is by far my favorite cruise line. If you are a drinker, I would recommend taking advantage of the Beverage Package under their Free at Sea promotion they always run. While you are still paying for gratuities, the overall cost of the package is much lower than ones on other ships. Have a great cruise!

 

You are completely right about your choices as being very subjective. What works for one may not for someone else. It has more to do with attitude, what you expect to get out of your cruise and why you are cruising. Oh and btw, RCI has now added gratuities to their drink package, but it isn't 20% only 15% this information comes from our travel agent. 

On 11/19/2019 at 5:27 AM, gwilli said:

Cadcruiser...we are on this cruise too but didn’t get that email. Thanks for sharing...I may not have brought my whites! 

We didn't get it either nor has our TA mentioned it to us. 

10 hours ago, hallux said:

I'm with you: we were on Breakaway just last month: I certainly do not remember any upcharge for either and we had both. We had Lobster, which btw wasn't very good and 2 of us had the Jumbo Shrimp cocktail. 

On 11/18/2019 at 7:57 AM, Oakman58 said:

I think the theater entertainment is better with NCL.  However, don't expect singing waiters, flaming Baked Alaska, or lobster tails in the MDR on NCL.

There was a time when the baked Alaska and singing wait staff was fun. For many, those days are gone as many like to dine in a slightly more subdued atmosphere. The MDRs can be hectic enough without singing waiters, but you are right that is one of the differences. 

We have found the service better on NCL. To us NCL is more like RCI than it is Carnival but all 3 lines have a lot of similarities. 

13 hours ago, Mom2kmo said:

That’s why they have Oceania for people like you who don’t want kids on a transatlantic.  Can’t wait till my girls are 14, they’ll be cruising Oceania and be getting a lot of dirty looks!  

I am not sure what you are talking about?  

16 hours ago, Sauer-kraut said:

So many naysayers on this thread!

There are few children, but they are well looked after by the kids club.  They do parades and circus acts etc.  Transatlantic cruises are very easy to do with children, you can keep them to their nap schedule.  Just bring a couple of folding umbrella strollers because wide strollers will not fit down hallways very well.   You can get your little ones ready for bed and take them to dinner where they can fall asleep if you have a late seating time.   Transatlantic cruises are very relaxing, and if you are up for being ready to take fussy children out of a venue instead of letting the crankiness escalate, your fellows passengers will be happy. 

There is no under 3 year old nursery or child care on most NCL ships so look carefully before you book as to if it is offered yoiur your baby.   You will also need to have passports for the entire family, no cruising on a Birth Certificate.

Not meaning to be negative but I think there are places for small children and a transatlantic cruise is not one of them.and yes you are right about the passports 

18 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I can't imagine.  

I agree with you. We have not as we no longer have small children,, but on our cruises over 9 days we have seen very few kids. I just can't imagine taking kids, especially small ones on a long cruise when there are going to be several sea days it just doesn't seem like a good time for anyone, including the kids. 

1 hour ago, mojomax said:

LOL, Well, I knew all of that, I did read the T&C’s,!  I was just having a rant! Doesn’t everyone at some point? 
if NCL can allow you to bring on a btl of wine when you embark then why can’t they allow soft drinks? 
 

I still think 15% corkage fee is extortionate to say the least, no matter how they dress it up. I understand they don’t want people taking a crate load of wine on, I’m not suggesting that for one minute,  but to allow 1 bottle then charge for it, for what? But I won’t be taking any on board, and I won’t be adding water to the tomato juice thank you, I just won’t drink it! I won’t be miserable all trip, it was all written tongue in cheek, but there you go.

 

Have a good Day 😊
 

BTW it is not 15% it is $15!!!! And yes, we all have rants from time to time, but some are sillier than others!!! 

11 hours ago, mojomax said:

I’ve read that you can’t take soft drinks or juice on board! I’m very disappointed as the last cruise we had on the POA the tomato juice was very salty, so at the first port I brought tomato juice on with me. Tomato juice is my choice drink over any other juice or soft drink so I don’t know what I’m going to do if NCL juice is salty! I mentioned how salty the tomato juice was to the bar tender and he said he would see to it that he got different juice that wasn’t so salty, but he didn’t. I’m going to be miserable if I can’t have my favourite drink on board for 2 weeks!

 

Another thing that Peas me off is the corkage they charge you for taking wine on board! What’s that all about! What do they charge that for. I’ve read it’s for opening the bottle in the restaurant, but what if it’s a screw top and not a cork? I can open a screw top myself! What if I don’t want to take the wine to the restaurants but take it to our cabin, how can they charge you a corkage fee when they won’t even see the bottle never mind take a screw top off! It’s ridiculous and extortionate.

l’m really not happy with them at the moment! Rant over!!

Well certainly glad you are over that rant!! The corkage fee has always been called just that regardless of whether it is a screw top or a true old fashion cork and I am sure, down deep you know this. As for the juice, do you really think the cruise line should make a special exception for you cause you do not care for their tomato juice. I sure hope you don't continue your rant when you get on the ship. 

13 hours ago, spanishguy1970 said:

well is no longer free anymore if you go above 35 dollar entree. We usually go to Le Bistro ( we don't like Cagneys) and they charge us 4 dollars because my friend ordered the sole which costs 39 dollars...So pick wisely.

It is still free if you stay under $35. This is made very clear. As for the extra $4 some waiters over look this, others don't but regardless, if one chooses to go over they may be charged. This doesn't mean it is free for most. 

13 hours ago, podgeandrodge said:

I see in my voucher that entrees up to $35 are covered. Have they upped it a lot since the $20 limit earlier this year or am I misunderstanding?

That's correct: it has been raised to $35. That is a positive move on the part of NCL.  

1 hour ago, chipperberg said:

Is this true even if the dining package was “free”?  My husband and I are traveling with our 5 and 9 year old boys.  They can eat in the specialty restaurants with us with no additional charge as long as they order from the kids menu?  Thanks!  

Yes, they can as long as they do order from the kids menu. I am not sure but I think the exception might be Teppanaki's.  At least years ago kids had to pay full price, but I am going way back. I may be wrong about this now. 

15 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

Children's menu or pay the a la carte price.

I think, if I understood  the OP correctly it is just her son and her traveling. If this is the case he too would be covered as there would be only 2 of them and have paid for 2 people in the cabin. 

On 11/12/2019 at 9:16 AM, disneylover89 said:

You usually cannot reserve the Manhattan room.  Also weird the other dining venue is called BBQ vs Q.  Must have been a computer glitch.

Interesting: we have always reserved the Manhattan room. 

I do think, like you there must be a glitch in the system and that is how I take the message.  

20 minutes ago, ronheg said:

Well we ended up booking our flights directly and cancelling ncl air premium.  We found it cheaper to drive to chicago and then take a non stop.  That airfare was $750 per person and we upgraded to premium class for $1365 per person.  Interesting that for $999 they would do direct economy class.

probably a good move for you if you had so many concerns. Enjoy your cruise and now you have plenty of time to plan all you will want to see and do while you are on the cruise, plus you will be more comfortable on an overnight flight. 

17 hours ago, rocklinmom said:

Ah yes I see that Delta is the only nonstop flight option to Heathrow out of MSP. Their prices aren't bad for direct (with the Main cabin fare, to include a checked bag and seat selection, and to allow any ticket changes or upgrades). The lowest I see is $1300 range pp, so wondering how NCL is offering only $600pp? Is that for both flights? 

All NCLs pricing is  special. It sounds like they have a contract or program with the airlines. We did us the reduced air just last month but not for a flight to London. It was just from here to MIA. We had no problems at all. We did not have a direct flight as there were none from XNA to MIA. Now there is one. The difference in price made it well worth any inconvenience we may have had. We paid, $99 a person round trip, compared to about $600 if we had done our own air. 

On 11/14/2019 at 11:21 AM, DrSea said:

Thanks. I plan to buy some stock from carnival and maybe ncl in the near future, as I speculate prices may go down across the board. 

 

The problem is that the shareholder OBC is less than the free at sea. I always use the 3/4 person being free. So it wouldn't make sense for me to get the shareholder OBC bc the free at sea is just a better deal, IF I am reading the terms and conditions correctly. That is a big if on my part

The terms and conditions are very unclear. We always do "free at sea" as well as usually have OBC from our TA. Even with that we get our OBC from NCL> So don't let that stop you. I think as it has been explained to me, the only time the OBC is not applied if you are a stock holder is if you are on a program like  a Travel Agent special rate, It has nothing to do with "free at Sea" 

You mention Carnival; We have been thinking the same, but his yer their stock, pretty much sucks, where NCL and RCI is doing exceptionally well. I have no idea why.