VIP Priority Plus

[sjnyc323]

Cagney is safe once again for suite guests to use in the morning and afternoon without any of the riff raff of balcony and minisuite guests!! Hallelujah, its a beautiful day indeed! (Being sarcastic of course, [emoji57] )

 

 

And when I posted it was discontinued yesterday no one believed me

[kiyoko]

Dear Cruise Critic Members,

As always, we appreciate your feedback and have listened to your concerns.

 

The VIP Priority Package is being discontinued and will be re-evaluated at a later time.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

Thanks for the update. Despite the risk of being accused of hijacking this thread, since the subject of this thread is somewhat related to certain CAS benefits, I'm requesting if you could please provide some clarification as to the status of the CAS tier benefit changes as discussed in the thread started by hpecorari on Sept. 12, 2014. There appears to be lot of mystery and confusion and it would be greatly appreciated if those issues could be cleared up.

Edited September 26, 2014 by kiyoko

[jmele999]

Also I wonder if this decision was motivated by the fact that they are now changing breakfast and lunch from Cagney's to moderno. Moderno is a smaller venue that Cagneys, and there have been some complaints from recent cruises on the Jewel that breakfast and lunch is not the same anymore.

[sjnyc323]

The irony of that statement is hilarious.

 

 

See I told you it was discontinued

[jmele999]

What??!!! Whiners on Cruise Critic get a policy changed in a couple of days by spouting vitriolic what-if's and maybe's with absolutely no observable facts ? Let's see, have there been any other policy changes recently that generated heated posts on Cruise Critic? Why so quick to react to this one without at least getting some data on how it works in practice?

 

For the record, please add me to the list of people who think this short-lived proposal was a very good idea, but sadly didn't realize that we had to be as vociferous in support as the whiners were in opposition.

 

I have to assume that some thought went into the development of the policy, including a review of underutilization of Cagney's. While I only have a snapshot view and not the multi-year, multi-ship data set that NCL would have, I never saw Cagney's crowded for breakfast or lunch, and in fact often saw it half full or less. Why not get a little extra income for this underutilized resource and at the same time do something nice for people who 1) could be persuaded to book Suites in the future or 2) missed the opportunity to book a suite on a particular cruise because they were sold out?

 

We were disappointed because on our current booking we were too late to grab a suite and had to settle for a mini. We got our hopes raised that we might at least be able to enjoy the calm of Cagney's B&L. Now disappointed twice.

 

After going through the trouble of putting this together, why not observe how it works for a period of time before pulling it? What a shame.

 

I don't think that NCL would have changed this program because people complained about it. It is probably a combination of reasons.

[mydreamvacation]

Well for me this is excellent news. I do understand the disappointment of the people who were hoping to take advantage of the promotion it was similar to how I felt with my perks being diluted.

 

In theory it seems like a good idea and I still say they should consider opening up one of the other specialty restaurants for people that want the VIPP package. I don't see anything wrong with bundling things and giving cruisers additional options. It just doesn't need to be at the expense of the sweet experience. I book the moment cruises open up so that had certain to get my suite and the particular cabin I want. I am anxiously waiting for Europe 2016 to open up

[puli]

Maybe NCL is considering reinstating the CAS perks and if so Cagney's might not have enough room for 40 extra patrons!

[pathubia]

I don't think that NCL would have changed this program because people complained about it. It is probably a combination of reasons.

 

I think you are probably right!!

[ma_t_gus]

Dear Cruise Critic Members,

As always, we appreciate your feedback and have listened to your concerns.

 

The VIP Priority Package is being discontinued and will be re-evaluated at a later time.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

 

I'm still waiting for the camera crew to come out of the bushes to tell me this is a joke. :rolleyes: Cruel, I tell ya, CRUEL !!!!!!

[skeeter195]

Once again I believe that money is talking here. I actually had an executive in the CAS program call me after I had called to cancel an upcoming cruise. I am not the player that I used to be, but maybe NCL thinks that I am. I earn about 2000 points a day on the tables. On 1 cruise a few years back I wagered over $900,000(which with todays system would have been over 100,000 points) in bets throughout the week, ending up almost 5% up. Anyway I was asked why I had cancelled, I was honest and said I was upset with the perks being taken away or not. He explained that there have been way to many negative inquiries with the new program and that the old program or one better would be brought back. He expressed real concern though that he knows that the damage has already been done. CAS is realizing that the money that they may be losing from the gamblers is a really bad decision. NCL is still on the inexpensive side of cruising. NCL does have the best casino program, it has good comps which in turn draws bigger players. The money being made off of the gamblers has a direct effect on the bottom line. This in turn helps reduce the costs of the rooms and suites for everyone on the ship, gamblers or not.

 

When I go to Cagneys for breakfast or lunch, I expect to allowed entry. If I was told that I was not on the "list" it would not sit well with me. Not that I go all the time, I go to the buffet about half of the time.

Edited September 26, 2014 by skeeter195

[kiyoko]

Once again I believe that money is talking here. I actually had an executive in the CAS program call me after I had called to cancel an upcoming cruise. I am not the player that I used to be, but maybe NCL thinks that I am. I earn about 2000 points a day on the tables. On 1 cruise a few years back I wagered over $900,000(which with todays system would have been over 100,000 points) in bets throughout the week, ending up almost 5% up. Anyway I was asked why I had cancelled, I was honest and said I was upset with the perks being taken away or not. He explained that there have been way to many negative inquiries with the new program and that the old program or one better would be brought back. He expressed real concern though that he knows that the damage has already been done.

 

When I go to Cagneys for breakfast or lunch, I expect to allowed entry. If I was told that I was not on the "list" it would not sit well with me. Not that I go all the time, I go to the buffet about half of the time.

 

Thanks for your interesting post regarding your call from the CAS executive. If he's so concerned about the damage already having been done to the program, I wonder why they don't address the confusion and mystery surrounding it. Maybe because they haven't thought it through and are now backpedaling and trying to figure out what to do next? If that's the case, they should still acknowledge it, rather than keep us guessing or hearing differing details depending on who answers the phone at CAS.

[hunterjackson]

Once again I believe that money is talking here. I actually had an executive in the CAS program call me after I had called to cancel an upcoming cruise. I am not the player that I used to be, but maybe NCL thinks that I am. I earn about 2000 points a day on the tables. On 1 cruise a few years back I wagered over $900,000(which with todays system would have been over 100,000 points) in bets throughout the week, ending up almost 5% up. Anyway I was asked why I had cancelled, I was honest and said I was upset with the perks being taken away or not. He explained that there have been way to many negative inquiries with the new program and that the old program or one better would be brought back. He expressed real concern though that he knows that the damage has already been done. CAS is realizing that the money that they may be losing from the gamblers is a really bad decision. NCL is still on the inexpensive side of cruising. NCL does have the best casino program, it has good comps which in turn draws bigger players. The money being made off of the gamblers has a direct effect on the bottom line. This in turn helps reduce the costs of the rooms and suites for everyone on the ship, gamblers or not.

 

When I go to Cagneys for breakfast or lunch, I expect to allowed entry. If I was told that I was not on the "list" it would not sit well with me. Not that I go all the time, I go to the buffet about half of the time.

 

After wagering a million dollars, I would expect the captain to allow you breakfast in his stateroom.

[mpk218]

Ahh hahaha Take that steerage ....:p

 

 

Just kidding ;)

 

 

Looks like CAS will be taken care of , which is a good thing .. ;)

 

 

Ok whats next ?

[mpk218]

After wagering a million dollars, I would expect the captain to allow you breakfast in his stateroom.

 

Right ?/ :p Or at least drive the ship around a few Islands ...

[skeeter195]

Like alot of calls with CAS, this one was a little vague. There seems to be concern with what has happened recently. Like I said in my other post, they are worried that the damage is already done. This tells me that there must of been some high rollers cancel or threaten to cancel. Not only do these guys gamble alot, they spend alot of money onboard. Perks mean alot to gamblers. We expect to be taken care of, and appreciate everything we get. B&L at Cagneys is big. 2 or 3 specialty dinners with bottles of wine during the week, an excursion, the concierge stopping by my aft balcony room, etc are all appreciated. All these things added up together would be less than 3 or 4 hundred dollars, but its the idea that NCL is showing appreciation back. My gut is that the $99 vip package will be given back to the Golden and VIP CAS players without anyone ever knowing.

[skeeter195]

The best part about me wagering the $900,000 is that I started the first night with $500. I started out playing $50 a hand at blackjack and at the end of the night I was playing 2 hands a $1000 each, winning a littel over 20K. I kept up the betting all week, winning and losing, and when it was all said and done, I was up a little over 40K. The casino also took $1700 off of my final bill, a nice perk.

[ma_t_gus]

Right ?/ :p Or at least drive the ship around a few Islands ...

 

 

What??? I would buy my own ship and have the captain sit with me:D

Edited September 26, 2014 by ma_t_gus

[callmehalia]

Dear Cruise Critic Members,

 

As always, we appreciate your feedback and have listened to your concerns.

 

 

 

The VIP Priority Package is being discontinued and will be re-evaluated at a later time.

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

 

 

Best,

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

 

Well boo. We were looking forward to trying it out in December. I may get my breakfast from the buffet and eat it at the entry of Cagneys.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pathubia]

Well boo. We were looking forward to trying it out in December. I may get my breakfast from the buffet and eat it at the entry of Cagneys.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Good idea!! :D

[dexddd]

What??!!! Whiners on Cruise Critic get a policy changed in a couple of days by spouting vitriolic what-if's and maybe's with absolutely no observable facts ? Let's see, have there been any other policy changes recently that generated heated posts on Cruise Critic? Why so quick to react to this one without at least getting some data on how it works in practice?

 

For the record, please add me to the list of people who think this short-lived proposal was a very good idea, but sadly didn't realize that we had to be as vociferous in support as the whiners were in opposition.

 

I have to assume that some thought went into the development of the policy, including a review of underutilization of Cagney's. While I only have a snapshot view and not the multi-year, multi-ship data set that NCL would have, I never saw Cagney's crowded for breakfast or lunch, and in fact often saw it half full or less. Why not get a little extra income for this underutilized resource and at the same time do something nice for people who 1) could be persuaded to book Suites in the future or 2) missed the opportunity to book a suite on a particular cruise because they were sold out?

 

We were disappointed because on our current booking we were too late to grab a suite and had to settle for a mini. We got our hopes raised that we might at least be able to enjoy the calm of Cagney's B&L. Now disappointed twice.

 

After going through the trouble of putting this together, why not observe how it works for a period of time before pulling it? What a shame.

 

Looks like there is at least one SC - 11030 and maybe a cat SE open on your sailing.

[ColinIllinois]

Dear Cruise Critic Members,

As always, we appreciate your feedback and have listened to your concerns.

 

The VIP Priority Package is being discontinued and will be re-evaluated at a later time.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

 

 

Well crap. Way to go NCL. Ruin a perfectly good CC drama thread.

 

 

 

QUICK.........someone start an NCL smoking thread!

[jmele999]

It appears to me that NCL is making a lot of changes to their program and that they are quickly discontinued. I wonder if these chances are made by individuals and if so, they should discuss changes with other members of the NCL executive board to see how they are going to affect other cruises. For example, it appears to me that removing the VIP benefits from CAS members is directly related to the release of the new $99 VIP program. Did NCL really think that nobody was going to figure that out?

 

Are NCL cutbacks and need to make more money motivated by NCL's need to pay for their recent builds (Breakaway, Getaway) and the upcoming ships (Escape and Bliss). If so, they need to be careful not to mess too much with their product.

 

I love NCL and will not cruise another line because I like the freestyle concept. However, soon RCI is going to have something similar (please note that I said similar in terms of dinning).

[njhorseman]

Dear Cruise Critic Members,

As always, we appreciate your feedback and have listened to your concerns.

 

The VIP Priority Package is being discontinued and will be re-evaluated at a later time.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Best,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

Good job, NCL !

 

PS: I hope the Casinos at Sea VIPs get to keep their Cagney's perks too.

Edited September 26, 2014 by njhorseman

[jmele999]

Well crap. Way to go NCL. Ruin a perfectly good CC drama thread.

 

 

 

QUICK.........someone start an NCL smoking thread!

 

Very funny. I agree that this thread is very entertaining

[abe3]

Fantastic job NCL. Good move by discontinuing this!