Fain on NCL Epic

[Captain Jake]

Right, RCI really needs an NCL style "ship within a ship" where suite passengers can spend the entire cruise without ever coming into any contact with us second class passengers who didn't splurge for the private access areas. :rolleyes:

 

but isn't RCCL is already starting that with private areas on Labadee.Private Breakfast,Private Lounge and reserved seating?

:cj

[negc]

but isn't RCCL is already starting that with private areas on Labadee.Private Breakfast,Private Lounge and reserved seating?

:cj

 

That, unfortunately, does seem to be a trend but nowhere has it been as blatant as in NCL's advertising of its private access suite areas on EPIC. It is not something that I favor but apparently there is a certain segment of the population that is interested in exclusivity and the cruiselines seem to be catering to and attempting to attract those folks.:(

[dirtgirl]

Cunard is another line that does that. ;) Only they have separate dining rooms, too.

[negc]

Cunard is another line that does that. ;) Only they have separate dining rooms, too.

One of the reasons I'm not a fan of Cunard, but at least they justify it by claiming to be a upscale line and not a mass-market line like NCL, Princess or RCI.:)

[Loyal2RCCL]

Interesting he must be testing the competition.

 

Trust me.. NCL is NO competition against RCCL. More than likely he's walking around Epic lauging his a$$ off.

[madforcruising]

Cunard is another line that does that. ;) Only they have separate dining rooms, too.

 

One of the reasons I'm not a fan of Cunard, but at least they justify it by claiming to be a upscale line and not a mass-market line like NCL, Princess or RCI.:)

 

 

Before my Cunard cruise I was worried about a "class" system onboard as well. To be honest, comparing to the mass market lines I thought it was way less into your face and not even noticeable unless you were looking for it.

Yes they have the seperate dining rooms, but when dining in the MDR (Britannia) I don´t notice if there´s some people onboard dining in another room, they cold be on the other level, just like on any other ship as well. The food in Britannia was outstanding good, it can´t be that much better in the grill classes. Other than the dining room, there is one lounge that would be like the CL on RCI. Again this lounge is not even behind closed / locked doors like the CL. I don´t know if there´s some kind of check during open bar hours, during the day I just walked in to have a look around when nobody else was in there.

 

I do think mass market lines like RCI with roped off areas etc. are much more in your face with seperation of passengers than Cunard is. JMHO.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

Trust me.. NCL is NO competition against RCCL. More than likely he's walking around Epic lauging his a$$ off.

 

As a past cruiser on the Epic I don't think Fain is laughing is a$$ off.

 

There is NOTHING innovative on the Epic that RCCL hasn't done...oh wait yes there is, the Ice Bar.

 

RCCL is the leader in ship design and innovation. However, NCL, with their suites and courtyard is more "profitable". The problem is when a company focuses too much on a minority segment of their customers and forgets about the majority.

 

Well let's just hope Fain doesn't stoop to the cost cutting measures of NCL in the future.

[ChipLondon]

I wonder how many others actually looked, at least you guys were brave enough to admit being hooked. Hope you did not waste to much time looking, and smiled when you realised that I just might have been pulling your leg :D

 

 

I wonder if Chip was just pulling our chains;)

[negc]

Before my Cunard cruise I was worried about a "class" system onboard as well. To be honest, comparing to the mass market lines I thought it was way less into your face and not even noticeable unless you were looking for it.

Yes they have the seperate dining rooms, but when dining in the MDR (Britannia) I don´t notice if there´s some people onboard dining in another room, they cold be on the other level, just like on any other ship as well. The food in Britannia was outstanding good, it can´t be that much better in the grill classes. Other than the dining room, there is one lounge that would be like the CL on RCI. Again this lounge is not even behind closed / locked doors like the CL. I don´t know if there´s some kind of check during open bar hours, during the day I just walked in to have a look around when nobody else was in there.

 

I do think mass market lines like RCI with roped off areas etc. are much more in your face with seperation of passengers than Cunard is. JMHO.

Thanks for your perspective, Gunnar. You make some good points about what I consider unfortunate trends by RCI and others.

[Ocean Boy]

Could not find it either.

 

Maybe he wasn't nice and the moderators pulled the thread.:eek::D

[Ocean Boy]

Right, RCI really needs an NCL style "ship within a ship" where suite passengers can spend the entire cruise without ever coming into any contact with us second class passengers who didn't splurge for the private access areas. :rolleyes:

 

I can't quite figure out why people who want that type of experience don't just book the Luxury lines where the entire ship is rather exclusive. Are these "villas" that much better than what those ships offer or do these folks like the thought of being in an exclusive part of the ship knowing that there is "that other" part of the ship out there where the masses are?

[Texas Teen]

Go over to the NLC forum and check out Richard Fains thoughts on The Epic, his screen name is RoyalCEO, It is amazing how much he loved it.

 

Don't you think if Richard Fain became a member of Cruise Critic, his first post would be on the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity forums? Yes, I fell for it, too. :o I kept thinking why would his first post be on the Norwegian forum! Then I thought maybe someone would be impersonating him... Next time I should read the posts that follow a post that sounds as surprising as yours!

[negc]

I can't quite figure out why people who want that type of experience don't just book the Luxury lines where the entire ship is rather exclusive. Are these "villas" that much better than what those ships offer or do these folks like the thought of being in an exclusive part of the ship knowing that there is "that other" part of the ship out there where the masses are?

 

I think that you hit on it. I have a vague recollection of Adam Goldstein mentioning a desire for "exclusivity" on the part of some of their passengers and indicating that RCI was looking for ways to cater to that type of guest who doesn't want to mix with "those other people". I agree that it would seem that those people would be better satisfied with a luxury line but clearly the advertising that NCL is doing for its private suites is directed at just such an audience. Frankly I think that the concept is a bit like placing a million dollar mansion in a blue-collar neighborhood.:rolleyes:

[GMoney]

Before my Cunard cruise I was worried about a "class" system onboard as well. To be honest, comparing to the mass market lines I thought it was way less into your face and not even noticeable unless you were looking for it.

Yes they have the seperate dining rooms, but when dining in the MDR (Britannia) I don´t notice if there´s some people onboard dining in another room, they cold be on the other level, just like on any other ship as well. The food in Britannia was outstanding good, it can´t be that much better in the grill classes. Other than the dining room, there is one lounge that would be like the CL on RCI. Again this lounge is not even behind closed / locked doors like the CL. I don´t know if there´s some kind of check during open bar hours, during the day I just walked in to have a look around when nobody else was in there.

 

I do think mass market lines like RCI with roped off areas etc. are much more in your face with seperation of passengers than Cunard is. JMHO.

 

Very well said; I totally agree. IMO, the Cunard product is in the same group with RCI, Princess, HAL, and people who haven't sailed Cunard stereotype them into something they're not.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I can't quite figure out why people who want that type of experience don't just book the Luxury lines where the entire ship is rather exclusive. Are these "villas" that much better than what those ships offer or do these folks like the thought of being in an exclusive part of the ship knowing that there is "that other" part of the ship out there where the masses are?

 

Well I've found that the NCL people who choose those "villas" and "penthouses" are really "different" from most people I've encountered during my cruises. It's the exclusitivity factor that appeals to them.

 

On the Epic, for example, those in the suites can look down upon the rest of the passengers on deck 15.

 

What bothered me was that NCL seemed to bend over backward for those passengers who were 10% of less of the ship and treated the remainder of the passengers less so...

 

Now I know that "you get what you pay for" but I was shocked at how skewed it was on the Epic.

 

While I could afford to do a villa once or possibly twice a year my wife and I choose to instead cruise in lower cabins four times a year and spend the additional money for excursions or in the casino.

 

If RCCL goes the way of NCL in promoting the suites and villas then I guess I'll wind up cruising Celebrity & Princess a lot more.

[madforcruising]

I think that you hit on it. I have a vague recollection of Adam Goldstein mentioning a desire for "exclusivity" on the part of some of their passengers and indicating that RCI was looking for ways to cater to that type of guest who doesn't want to mix with "those other people". I agree that it would seem that those people would be better satisfied with a luxury line but clearly the advertising that NCL is doing for its private suites is directed at just such an audience. Frankly I think that the concept is a bit like placing a million dollar mansion in a blue-collar neighborhood.:rolleyes:

 

 

But you know on the luxury cruiselines, those people wouldn´t be special anymore;).

[SingBill]

I was on the 2 day Norwegian Epic inaugural out of Miami. At a meeting I attended, Keven Sheehan announced that he invited Fain to view the Epic on it's first revenue cruise. He also stated that Fain had invited him to view the Oasis and he accepted. I got the impression that this is not an uncommon for executives.

[mafig]

I have a cruise booked on a NCL ship and in a suite.

 

I wouldn't go on a more upscale line because I'd be bored. I'd miss the varied restaurants and the entertainment that the large ships offer. Not to mention a larger casino.

[Cruising89143]

I have a cruise booked on a NCL ship and in a suite.

 

I wouldn't go on a more upscale line because I'd be bored. I'd miss the varied restaurants and the entertainment that the large ships offer. Not to mention a larger casino.

 

I agree with you. We book suites for the space. On RCI, the perks offered really are not the factor as they are lacking compared to some of the other lines. Have booked suites on NCL too. It's a personal choice. The smaller more upscale lines would bore me. Have no interest in them at this time.

[stretch44]

Why is it everytime suite ammenties and perks are mentioned, "class war" arguments begin? What's even more strange is many times these arguments begin from someone who is a Diamond or Diamond Plus member who themselves have exclusive perks and ammenities. Aren't they separated from us lowly Gold and Platinum members every night? Don't they get to seat in a special area every morning away from the unwashed masses? Try to take those away and watch this message board light up with all kind of posts about how unfair RCCL is!

 

It is not a matter of suite guests thinking their better than anyone else. It is a matter of wanting increased space, amenities and perks that we are willing to pay for. We choose RCCL because of what's available onboard. Right now it's the perfect choice for our family, just as Disney was when our kids were younger. We like the fact that RCCL is trying to offer something more luxurious for us while still having all the entertainment/activities for our kids. NCL is doing a better job in the suite area but doesn't even come close to RCCL every place else. I mentioned in another thread I wish I could pull the courtyard area off the Epic and put it on an RCCL ship. Then we would have the perfect cruiseline.

[negc]

Why is it everytime suite ammenties and perks are mentioned, "class war" arguments begin? What's even more strange is many times these arguments begin from someone who is a Diamond or Diamond Plus member who themselves have exclusive perks and ammenities. Aren't they separated from us lowly Gold and Platinum members every night? Don't they get to seat in a special area every morning away from the unwashed masses? Try to take those away and watch this message board light up with all kind of posts about how unfair RCCL is!

 

The class war arguments usually begin when lines like NCL, in advertising their "private suite area", stress the fact that guests in those areas are separated from those "unwashed masses" and can spend their entire cruise without fear of being exposed to contact with "them". Moving the suites area from the EPIC to an RCI ship would only serve to increase the number of ugly ships on the ocean. :)

[Ocean Boy]

The class war arguments usually begin when lines like NCL, in advertising their "private suite area", stress the fact that guests in those areas are separated from those "unwashed masses" and can spend their entire cruise without fear of being exposed to contact with "them". Moving the suites area from the EPIC to an RCI ship would only serve to increase the number of ugly ships on the ocean. :)

 

That made me chuckle!:D

[Mr. Luckytoo]

It is not a matter of suite guests thinking their better than anyone else. It is a matter of wanting increased space, amenities and perks that we are willing to pay for. We choose RCCL because of what's available onboard. Right now it's the perfect choice for our family, just as Disney was when our kids were younger. We like the fact that RCCL is trying to offer something more luxurious for us while still having all the entertainment/activities for our kids. NCL is doing a better job in the suite area but doesn't even come close to RCCL every place else. I mentioned in another thread I wish I could pull the courtyard area off the Epic and put it on an RCCL ship. Then we would have the perfect cruiseline.

 

In your example that may be the case. However on the NCL thread I have detected a level of "elite"ness that bothers me. I'll use my last cruise on the Epic as an example. When I board a cruise ship I want to be greeted by the crew and have a glass of champagne offered, even if I don't take it (wife doesn't drink alcohol). Then I want a crew member to be there and offer either a ship map, directions, advice - even if I don't need it. It's a courtesy that I've encountered on all ships I've sailed...

 

Except on the Epic. Once they took my picture for the seapass we walked into the atrium and there was no one to greet the passengers. However all the suite/villa/penthouse guests were personally escourted to their cabins. Now if you're paying higher fees that's fine but don't take away from the 90% of paying passengers for those suite guests.

 

Another example on the Epic is that their suites are located in the forward part of the ship that prohibits non-suite passengers from going to the open forward part of the ship on sail away or entering a port. Plus NCL lists all their eating locations for the Epic, such as Posh and Epic Club, when marketing but in reality Posh and the Epic Club are suite guests only.

[stretch44]

The class war arguments usually begin when lines like NCL, in advertising their "private suite area", stress the fact that guests in those areas are separated from those "unwashed masses" and can spend their entire cruise without fear of being exposed to contact with "them". Moving the suites area from the EPIC to an RCI ship would only serve to increase the number of ugly ships on the ocean. :)

 

 

I think all of today's ships are somewhat ugly. They all look less like ships and more like floating hotels. When I cruised NCL (non suite) I could care less that there was a separate section for them or what amenities they had since I wasn't going to get them! I guess for some, jealousy will always be there whether it's a roped off area or a completely separated area. Some go on a cruise because it's a great value. Others cruise for a more luxurious experience. Some think it's crazy to pay what it costs for a suite. Some wouldn't cruise any other way. It doesn't make one better than anyone else. It's just priorities. There's nothing wrong for RCCL trying to satisfy both groups. Their ships are certanly large enough!

[stretch44]

In your example that may be the case. However on the NCL thread I have detected a level of "elite"ness that bothers me. I'll use my last cruise on the Epic as an example. When I board a cruise ship I want to be greeted by the crew and have a glass of champagne offered, even if I don't take it (wife doesn't drink alcohol). Then I want a crew member to be there and offer either a ship map, directions, advice - even if I don't need it. It's a courtesy that I've encountered on all ships I've sailed...

 

Except on the Epic. Once they took my picture for the seapass we walked into the atrium and there was no one to greet the passengers. However all the suite/villa/penthouse guests were personally escourted to their cabins. Now if you're paying higher fees that's fine but don't take away from the 90% of paying passengers for those suite guests.

 

Another example on the Epic is that their suites are located in the forward part of the ship that prohibits non-suite passengers from going to the open forward part of the ship on sail away or entering a port. Plus NCL lists all their eating locations for the Epic, such as Posh and Epic Club, when marketing but in reality Posh and the Epic Club are suite guests only.

 

I was not greeted by the crew or have a glass of champagne offered when I cruised on RCCL.

 

I understand your concerns but cruising has changed through the years. It's less expensive with service and quality suffering. I don't know what cruise lines you've sailed, but from my experience, cruising on an upscale line or cruising in a suite on a mass market cruise line is about the only way you're going to get what you posted consistantly.