deladela

I don't know how many times I have to repeat this: they normally don't engage people in the forums or social media. Much less when there are threats of cancelling, which, as I have explained, are well known in the industry for being largely empty. Same with email or phone calls. Everyone in the Internet pretends to think the ruckus and pitchforks will somehow change a thing. It simply doesn't. If you truly want to have an impact the very least you can do is get on the phone (as emails can be and are usually ignored). They can't ignore you on the phone and if you truly feel as outraged as you claim to be in this case, you get on the phone. But alas, it's easier to sit down and endlessly complain in an anonymous forum than it is to actually call and talk and cancel your trip and mention your reason for cancellation.

There's no reason you can't do both. I did.

Exactly. Done and done. I just called and cancelled my upcoming sailing and re-booked on RCCL. It was a better price with much less nickle-and-diming. I love LOVE NCL but I'm not afraid to take my money elsewhere if I feel like unfair policies are being put in place.

 

It's not a matter of being a "complainer." It's a matter of comfort level of what I feel I can deal with versus not. It's also a "vote" in a certain direction.

Absolutely! I canceled my Oct. cruise with NCL and plan to rebook with another line. The only way they hear us is through their bottom line.

The poster you are referring to is quite vocal in her displeasure at no longer being allowed to smoke. But, the fact is, the ships weren't sailing empty after the smoking ban. On the contrary, there were more bookings. I can understand how a smoker would want to believe NCL had lost revenue because of them, but I just don't believe that is the case at all. I do agree with you. Nothing will change - ever - unless it hurts their bottom dollar. I'm not entirely sure what direction FDR is trying to take NCL. People sail NCL because they enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. I imagine if they wanted to sail Oceania, they would. We definitely do not need another Oceania. For me personally, the "no food in the cabin" is not an issue. If we want it, we'll order room service. We really aren't cabin eaters, but it doesn't make it right for all of the people who do enjoy eating in their cabin, or on their balcony. To say you can only do it if you pay extra for it is just ... absurd, IMO.

I sent an email to NCL yesterday letting them know I was disappointed in their new food policy. I also called today to cancel 2-14 day reservations. I will move on to another cruise line, but I want them to know why. I am a platinum latitudes member and have sailed exclusively with NCL since 2009. Maybe it won't make a difference, but when NCL called me this morning in regards to my email they said that the policy may change if they continue to get the negative feedback they've gotten so far.

Unfortunately, it seems that the new management wants to take NCL in a different direction. He stated on the 1st quarter report conference call that comments on social media "don't mean much" and that he wants to bring in a "more affluent" cruiser. He also stated that there hadn't been any negative feedback on the new RS charge. I order RS often and would continue to do so if they hadn't decided to also extort those who prefer eating in solitude by only making it possible to eat in your cab9in if you pay for it. It's also ludicrous to me that food from the specialty restaurants can't be sent back to the room.

The biggest problem I see is that the new rules may or may not be enforced on any given ship. There's no consistency from ship to ship so until the food new policy is reversed, I will spend my cruise dollars on another cruiseline.

Sorry...not everything pertains to your post, but wanted to let you know about the "more affluent" comment.

My opinion and beleive it or not, I do have a right to one: simply, it is beyound me with the exception of sick people and a very few other situations why anyone would be so concerned about bringing food to their cabins. Do you go to a buffet and bring food back to your hotel room or your home? I think the cruise lines have every right to control where you eat what. But again, it is my opinion and I will continue to feel this way. I do think, not being able to bring your dessert back to your cabin is a little over the top.

My husband and I eat in our cabin quite often when we cruise. We spend little time on the pool deck or in any of the public areas. That is our preference. We also often take food back to our hotel rooms when traveling because we prefer the solitude and quiet. When I pay for a meal at a land based restaurant and I have leftovers I take the leftover food to go. Sometimes I order dessert to go because I want it later. My hubby also brings breakfast back to the cabin for me many times during a cruise. Just because you don't cruise that way doesn't mean others don't and your satisfaction with your vacation is not any more important than mine. NCL's motto is "eat where you, when you want, with whom you want" so I guess they better start looking for a new motto because this new policy is far from "freestyle"!

We always bring food back to cabin not from Main dining rooms, but from the buffet, especially at breakfast for those who need prodding out of bed on Port days. LOL. (the grown kids)

 

I am not going to let this stuff upset me as I do have awhile before I cruise.

 

But.........I have to laugh to see how they are going to stop you. I don't think they would if everyone just ignores them and you make a fuss.;)

 

Agree that FDR is ridiculous and we should just keep the message boards going with our displeasure.

The best way to get them to take our displeasure seriously is to send a quick email@ publicrelations@ncl.com

I am at NCL's "Financial Press Releases" page, but cannot find the webcast. Can you link it please?? Thanks in advance.

 

**NEVERMIND** Its under the "Events & Presentations" tab....thanks anyway.....

In case anyone else wants the link

http://www.nclhltdinvestor.com/events.cfm

To whom, and to what address, should we send these emails to have the most impact?

publicrelations@ncl.com

I am a platinum level NCL cruiser who has booked my most recent cruises on Royal just to try the line. I was planning to switch back to NCL until this new policy. Sorry NCL but you just lost another loyal customer.

I am also platinum, but called this morning to cancel my October cruise and tell them that I won't even be using my FCC from my last cruise because I'd rather lose the $150 than not be able to enjoy my vacation the way I want to. Freestyle...yeah, right

I guess we can start emailing and faxing the person in this poster's email....??

 

But I wonder if it will do any good. Looks like NCL has made up their mind on this policy change... smh

PLEASE send an email to let them know how you feel. I did yesterday and got a phone call this morning asking me to be patient because they think it will be changed due to the negative feedback, but we have to continue to let them know that it's a problem or they will just assume we're okay with it.

Those companies cared and Del Rio doesn't- he has his vision of what NCL should be and that is that.

If anyone thinks Del Rio cares, listen to the webcast of the first quarter financial conference call. It's available online. He basically said that social media is not important to their business and said he wants a "more affluent" clientele for NCL. I guess those of us that have been loyal to NCL are no longer good enough. :mad:

If enough people complain do you think they will revoke this? The stewards could just be instructed to remove any safety or health issue food from the cabin or fridge. Also what does this mean as far as minibar in cabins...no more food?

I wrote an email yesterday to let NCL know I was disappointed with the new policy. I also called today and canceled my cruise for October of this year because the new policy takes away from my experience and I would rather rebook on another line that lets me do "whatever". I received a call shortly after I called to cancel. I was told that they had tons of feedback on the new policy and that they were taking it seriously. I was told that it wouldn't be changed right away, but if they continued to get negative feedback that they would likely change it back. So if you don't like the new policy PLEASE send an email to let them know! They won't listen to one person, but they can't ignore all of us if they want to stay in business!

I like the idea of the drink packages, but it wouldn't be cost effective for my hubby and I if we both have to buy it. He would drink enough to make it worth the cost, but I wouldn't. So if they require all adults in the same cabin to purchase one then we wouldn't purchase anyway.:(

It's a wet, dreary, chilly October day...no vibrant autumn colors showing off in the sunshine...the perfect day to start the Outfits Selection Process.

I have 22 occasions to wear Cruise Clothes and with DH gone most of today, it's a good time to begin.

Even though the tropical attire is laid out/hanging in the Cruise Room closet - the first 2 and last 2 days I need clothes that are suitable to northeast US weather. So that's what my focus will be on today.

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of The Beginning. All jewelry is visible; on the bed I have tops laid out by color and sleeve length. Shorts are all on display.

DH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

Funny how my winter wardrobe is no where NEAR the size of my fun cruise wardrobe.

 

BTW - on the chest of drawers, you can see the jewelry holder DS made for me last Christmas. It had been a science project I made in 7th grade (actually my dad made!) and sat in a box in our attic all those years...

 

 

And here's photo #2 - where most of those shoes are visible...

 

Thanks for sharing your process! I love your taste in shoes!:)

I have started my packing process for my cruise, but am WAY behind since we leave in 5 days.:eek: I started out with 29 pairs of shoes. I am currently down to 12. I still have to eliminate a few outfits...I have a hard time deciding which ones I want to bring on any given cruise! Thanks for all your tips. Reading this thread has made me a better packer!:cool:

Any idea where I can find and inexpensive pair of silver sandals with little heel. If the heel is higher it needs to be broader as I NEVER wear heels and fall off of them! LOL

Thanks!

I found these at Payless by googling silver sandals. Not sure if these would work for you, but they usually have good prices. Most of the department stores have sandals on clearance right now, too. Good luck!

We're cruising to the Bahamas in January and I have no idea what the weather will be like. Consequently, I have no idea what clothes to pack. Please, can anyone help?

When I cruised to the Bahamas in December 2009 it was sunny and in the 80s. I would think it would be similar in January.

I really like this one too but it isn't on sale yet!

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-top-sleeveless-cowl-neck-lace?ID=750687&CategoryID=255&RVI=Browse_2

That's really cute!!!

I like it. It never hurts to have multiple looks for the same skirt so if you happen to find a silver top then you will have two different looks!

I went to the Intimacy store in Boston this summer for a fitting. Very professional and no measuring tape in sight! Your fitter asks what your are looking for (ie. everyday bra, "sexy" bra, sports bra etc.) and brings you in a selection to try on. I left very happy with my purchases (who knew I was more of a 40-42 DDD vs the 44C I had been wearing. Many of their bras are from the UK and Europe - I had already been wearing Prima Donna brands - the Europeans just manufacture lovely, well made bras.

 

Not cheap - I brought a selection of 5 bras, but I am happy, and so are the "girls" and I have cleavage I didn't know I had ;-)

Thanks for sharing your intimacy experience! I will have to try to make time to go for a fitting when I'm in NYC. I'm SURE I'm wearing the wrong size, but most stores don't carry anything larger than a 38DD around here...and even those are hard to find in cute styles. According to an online "bra size estimator" I should wear a 36H, but I've never even SEEN one that size...and I kind of have a hard time believing I'm wearing a bra that is that far off what I should be wearing, but maybe. I guess we'll see! Thanks again!

Went to the cleaners to pick up the rest of the CruiseWear...and it wasn't ready:( - guess it won't be too heartbreaking to wait a little while longer. My calendar was cleared to concentrate on Outfits this weekend...but there's always some household chore that can be done. In the next couple weeks, I can surely find time!

QUESTION: What's the latest you ever packed for a cruise? Days before? Hours???

 

The Upside to Packing Closer to SailAway Date:

I won't forget about any of the items on the Packing List/Outfit Spreadsheet.

There's all that fun organizing to look forward to.

 

There are 56 days till the Next Cruise - it's not like I'm leaving next week!!!

I usually try to pack at LEAST 2-3 weeks before we leave, but I have packed as late as a couple of days before when I just didn't have time. The later I pack, the more I pack so earlier is better and much more organized! I leave at 6am on Oct 18th for my next cruise and I am WAY behind! I have barely started on my outfits!:eek: I am planning on spending all day tomorrow trying on and organizing outfits. I also have to finish getting my halloween costume ready...so much to do!!!

The problem is that the manufacturers make bras that all run a little different! Ive found a bra that fit and then went to order another brand and it didnt grrr. Id love to get a fitting too. I think Nordstrom also does it? Where is the place that they use on WNTW???

Intimacy in NYC is the one they use on WNTW, but they have locations in several cities...just not one close to me. :( If I find a bra that works for me then I can order another of the same brand and size from their website. I have done a fitting at a department store and it was pretty much worthless.

deladela: "What Not to Wear" is one of my favorite shows. I've always wondered if they sent their make-overs to only one shop for under garments. Stacie emphasizes the importance.

 

If/when you go, please let us know all about it. The issue with spending $$$ is that, for a bra, you probably want more than one...

I figure one is a good start. Then once I know my size, I can order more at a later date. I am traveling with my hubby, my sister and her hubby so I don't know how that will go over with the group, but I will let you know if they let me go!

I have never gone to Intimacy myself but have friends who have. They raved about the service but the bras cost well above $100 if I remember correctly. Just wanted to be sure that you were aware of that before you went to NYC.

Thanks for the heads up...I figured they would be pretty expensive, but figured it would be worth it for a good bra that fits correctly.

Hi..if you're thinking of going to Intimacy, you will have a bra fitting unlike any other! They have a rather unorthodox fitting method. You might want to look into it before making your appointment to see if you'll be comfortable. Also, the bras are very expensive. Having said that, I'm sure it would be an interesting way to spend some time!

Thanks...I think I lost whatever modesty I had when I had a room full of people in the room for the births of my children!:eek: :oSo I figure it can't be worse than that!

I didn't see the entire segment, but Good Morning America did a story on bra fittings, stating that women often wear the wrong size and should see a professional to find the correct size and style...just reiterating what we CCFs have been saying!

 

BTW - have you seen the TV ads for Genie Bra? "For 3 payments of $19.95 you can get.....". Well, WalMart has a "As Seen on TV" section, and there were Genie Bras (2 in a box, black & beige)...so I bought a box ($19.95 Total). They're better fitting than I expected, Size Medium. If you buy them, pay attention to the sizing info on the back of the box. Where normally my instinct would be to pick the Small (I'm a 34B) - not this time. A Small would fit my 9-year old granddaughter:confused:!

Anyway, these low-cost bras are okay for every day wear - comfortable, pullover style and straps stay in place, but IMHO, not the kind of fit or look preferred for going out OR cruising.

Thanks for sharing the good morning america info! I have always heard that women usually wear the wrong size. I have tried doing a fitting at a department store and it didn't really help. Intimacy in NYC is where "what not to wear" sends their people for fittings. That's why I was thinking of going there.

I was going to try the genie bras, but I read a lot of reviews and they were not good if you have a larger chest because they don't have enough structure to support.

I was wondering if anyone has done a bra fitting at Intimacy? There isn't one close to us, but I was thinking of doing one when we are in NY in 3 weeks. We are only there for 3 days and it will be our first time there. I don't want to waste any of that time with a bra fitting unless it's really worth it!

I went shopping after I got my hair cut today and found a gorgeous purple Ralph Lauren dress on clearance for $15!!! It fit like a glove and made my curves rock and my hair pop. :D It's this dress in a beautiful jewel tone purple http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-faux-wrap-jersey-dress-plus/3332034?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=4235

 

Lisa

That's the best feeling...to find something you absolutely love for such a great price! It's gorgeous!