VIP Priority Plus

[david_sobe]

I agree.

 

Even though NCL has indicated that only a limited number of VIP packages will be sold, if the program is successful, I can see them increasing the number of VIP packages they sell.

 

I am disappointed that NCL is doing this and offering nothing in return to those who are paying a PREMIUM for those perks. I plan on writing a letter to NCL regarding this.

I agree with you

But realistic to know cruising is a business and NCL is going to make money on this deal. Until the Haven suites no longer sell out they will sell these VIP passes. As much as I would like to see that happen, I know it wont. I was just reading an article in the Herald today how cruise bookings are way up. NCL knows there is a big market for these perks and will sell them. The smaller ships will suffer the most with crowded breakfasts at Cagneys and that will make the service suffer. But NCL will make a bigger profit.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

oh, i certainly don't mind eating with the rest of the herd. Am simply pointing out the value proposition. Why would one even bother consider booking a suite unless they enjoy throwing away money?

 

You get pretyt much the same perks + room service + priority tender/disembarking, an extra show/dinner and the same cheap bottle of sparkling for 50% off the price of booking a suite.

 

as with your november sailing, i'd think the value alone makes this 99$ package worth buying.

it's a no brainer

30$ for cirque + 30$ (cheap sparkler on their wine list) + breakfast/lunch at cagneys i'm going to say 40$ (but it's clearly alot more) + room service for breakfast $?? + priority embarking/disembarking - this is pretty priceless to me. but regardless,, your bang for the buck is tremendous.

 

 

It doesn't effect my haven dining on the getaway there is no Cagneys for suite guests so that's a null point.

[hunterjackson]

I have 2 suites booked out of my next 3 cruises.

 

For our Alaska, i would save nothing going from a 2 bedroom suite down to 2 balconies or Mini suites. I would save maybe $100 on the next cruise. But these are due to good TA pricing and also kids sail free promos.

 

IF a kids sail free promo comes up, I might think about it, but I feel like I need some help from the butler, so will probably stay in a suite.

 

Now...if just the wife and I go, I would DEFINATELY buy this if it was just the 2 of us. No way would I book a suite now with that out there in the wild!

[funat55]

The perks that are being offered for $99 don't come anywhere near what you receive as an actual suite guest. There is no access to the Haven, hors d' oeuvres twice a week not everyday, no butler, no concierge. It appears that since you can only purchase it once on board, there would be no priority embarkation. Why is everyone getting so upset? This deal isn't that wonderful.

 

I get a suite because I enjoy the extra room, not because of all the extra pampering. How many passengers does a typical cruise ship hold anyway..2,000, 3000. Do you really think that having an extra (just speculating now) 75 people with a few little perks is going to pee on your Cherrios or make you feel that you overpaid for your suite.

[LuvBNatC]

I think I've read most of the posts in this thread but haven't seen this question asked: Has anyone Platinum figured out whether these perks are worth purchasing, or does being Platinum cover it fairly well (aside, I think, from the free photo -- I haven't memorized the list)?

 

I haven't sailed NCL in a long time, so I'm rusty. :o

 

I understand why suite guests paying a premium for privileges would be miffed that others could get all this stuff for $99.

 

I'm not in a suite, but I feel like I've put in plenty of time (and bucks) with NCL to earn Platinum status, and now they seem to be selling it for a song to all comers. It negates the value of loyalty.

 

Yeah, yeah, I know. NCL's a business. They're in it to make money, blah, blah. Save that. I get it. :D

 

Just sayin'. They're dissing customers who pay the most or sail the most to get $99 out of anybody who will shell out. Seems a bit crass.

[BuffetPantsPls]

It doesn't effect my haven dining on the getaway there is no Cagneys for suite guests so that's a null point.

 

if you're happy to pay substantially more for similar/same amenities, then by all means, don't let me stop you.

[mydreamvacation]

I think I've read most of the posts in this thread but haven't seen this question asked: Has anyone Platinum figured out whether these perks are worth purchasing, or does being Platinum cover it fairly well (aside, I think, from the free photo -- I haven't memorized the list)?

 

I haven't sailed NCL in a long time, so I'm rusty. :o

 

I understand why suite guests paying a premium for privileges would be miffed that others could get all this stuff for $99.

 

I'm not in a suite, but I feel like I've put in plenty of time (and bucks) with NCL to earn Platinum status, and now they seem to be selling it for a song to all comers. It negates the value of loyalty.

 

Yeah, yeah, I know. NCL's a business. They're in it to make money, blah, blah. Save that. I get it. :D

 

Just sayin'. They're dissing customers who pay the most or sail the most to get $99 out of anybody who will shell out. Seems a bit crass.

That is perfectly stated we are platinum and it cost me a lot of money and a lot of my loyalty to get there. We also only sale is suites which cost a substantial amount of money compared to balcony or other cabins but do so because we felt the return on our investment was rewarded.

[Rileyz]

The perks that are being offered for $99 don't come anywhere near what you receive as an actual suite guest. There is no access to the Haven, hors d' oeuvres twice a week not everyday, no butler, no concierge. It appears that since you can only purchase it once on board, there would be no priority embarkation. Why is everyone getting so upset? This deal isn't that wonderful.

 

I get a suite because I enjoy the extra room, not because of all the extra pampering. How many passengers does a typical cruise ship hold anyway..2,000, 3000. Do you really think that having an extra (just speculating now) 75 people with a few little perks is going to pee on your Cherrios or make you feel that you overpaid for your suite.

 

For those on a ship without a Haven (Dawn, Star, etc.) the exclusivity of Cagney's has even more meaning IMO. Also, some people might book the suites for the space AND the pampering, who knows. I am sure everyone has their own reasons. Regardless, perks that a week ago came to those only in suites (and few others at the HD's discretion) can now be bought. Whether you agree with it, love it or hate it still diminishes the "exclusivity" of the suite experience to some extent. And yes, platinum status as well.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

The perks that are being offered for $99 don't come anywhere near what you receive as an actual suite guest. There is no access to the Haven, hors d' oeuvres twice a week not everyday, no butler, no concierge. It appears that since you can only purchase it once on board, there would be no priority embarkation. Why is everyone getting so upset? This deal isn't that wonderful.

 

I get a suite because I enjoy the extra room, not because of all the extra pampering. How many passengers does a typical cruise ship hold anyway..2,000, 3000. Do you really think that having an extra (just speculating now) 75 people with a few little perks is going to pee on your Cherrios or make you feel that you overpaid for your suite.

 

 

Finally someone with reason. I thought I was the only one who didn't see the big deal. Thank you.

[knitlady037]

For those on a ship without a Haven (Dawn, Star, etc.) the exclusivity of Cagney's has even more meaning IMO. Also, some people might book the suites for the space AND the pampering, who knows. I am sure everyone has their own reasons. Regardless, perks that a week ago came to those only in suites (and few others at the HD's discretion) can now be bought. Whether you agree with it, love it or hate it still diminishes the "exclusivity" of the suite experience to some extent. And yes, platinum status as well.

 

I agree. We usually sail in suites. While the extra room and pampering is nice, we sail in the suites mostly to avoid the mad dash in the buffets. I love having a leisurely breakfast in Cagney's. I have doen the haven on Breakaway and do not like the ship and the crowds so this will affect my experience the most. Took alot of money to get to platinum and we were excited when we achieved that status. If I had been able to buy this package it would have taken much longer because I would not have been booking suites. Also the savings on the larger tips we give the concierge and butler will be a savings. I amy now cruise more often in cheaper cabins which is a plus but will have to see how this goes. I hope it just fades away. It really may be time to start checking out other lines as loyalty does not seem to be an advantage any longer

[mpk218]

I too just did the math on our March suite booking (4 of us ).. If I went with 2 adjoining balconies ( 2 bathrooms , 2 balconies , 2 separate rooms )+ the perks package Id save $4700 .... :eek:

 

 

Hmmmmm ,,,, Does anyone hear that ringing in their ears ;)

 

I gotts some cieferin to do ....

[CasinoCruzGirl]

if you're happy to pay substantially more for similar/same amenities, then by all means, don't let me stop you.

 

I'm doing it because I want more room I want a butler I want a king size bed I want my choice of pillows I want snaks every day I want to have breakfast and lunch in the haven I want to enjoy the haven pool and outside area, I want a nice bathtub, A person buying the priority plus does not get all that.

Edited September 23, 2014 by FootballParent

[knitlady037]

I'm doing it because I want more room I want a butler I want a king size bed I want my choice of pillows I want snaks every day I want to have breakfast and lunch in the haven I want to enjoy the haven pool and outside area. A person buying the priority plus does not get all that.

 

only 3 ships have the haven lounge which is not affected by this package. This is geared to the saller ships that have Cagney's for B&L.

[mydreamvacation]

I too just did the math on our March suite booking (4 of us ).. If I went with 2 adjoining balconies ( 2 bathrooms , 2 balconies , 2 separate rooms )+ the perks package Id save $4700 .... :eek:

 

 

Hmmmmm ,,,, Does anyone hear that ringing in their ears ;)

 

I gotts some cieferin to do ....

I am not happy that this all comes out nine days after my final payment. Granted the Getaway is a different situation as we have the Haven but our Star cruise is $8400 for just the two of us. There is no Haven. Going to see how this plays out but very well may decide to treat my son and his gf to a trip to Europe in connecting balconies and come out ahead even after paying for their air.

[mydreamvacation]

only 3 ships have the haven lounge which is not affected by this package. This is geared to the saller ships that have Cagney's for B&L.

EXACTLY my point. I was leery of the Star in the first place but figured with the huge AFT suite Balcony and the great itinerary it was still worth the money. Now I keep doing the math and it does not make a lot of sense to keep my suite when I could just get the same perks for $99

[mpk218]

only 3 ships have the haven lounge which is not affected by this package. This is geared to the saller ships that have Cagney's for B&L.

 

Its going to affect all the ships in some form.. Getting walked off the ship on that last day was a biggy for me . Relax with a late breakfast , meet the concierge and off you go . No waiting in that line that appears to wrap around the stern ... how this new Plan will affect that ? We shall see ..

 

;)

[SissasMomE]

Now you're talking!

I always thought those should have always been included.

 

For the prices of the suites, I agree.

[rhinomike]

Funny how people just assume they can get the $99 VIP upgrade. I'm thinking there is going to be a mad dash. With limited space how do you know you can get the upgrade? With a suite you know for sure.

 

If it could be ordered on the website in advance that would be a different story.

[BuffetPantsPls]

I'm doing it because I want more room I want a butler I want a king size bed I want my choice of pillows I want snaks every day I want to have breakfast and lunch in the haven I want to enjoy the haven pool and outside area, I want a nice bathtub, A person buying the priority plus does not get all that.

 

you do realize you could buy 2 mini suites w large balconies (combined 1000 total sq feet) and 4 vip priority passes and 2 vibe passes with a cabana and you get

 

king size bed/choice of pillows/ snacks for 4 days/ breakfast for 4 days / 4 dinners to cirque dreams, 4 bottles of sparkling wine, a nice bath tub, a private sitting area with an adults only section, extra 100$ back credit for food

 

and STILL save 2500$ right?

 

and you get to eat in cagneys away from all those snobbish haven people and apart from the chattel

[brookie848]

I've read this thread with a lot of interest today. My husband and I are new to cruising. We were on a suite on the Epic earlier this year and enjoyed the extra room, the concierge, breakfast in the Haven restaurant and Posh. Besides the daily delivery of snacks, we never asked our butler for anything.

 

While we would not consider moving to a smaller cabin and purchasing this package, I can definitely see that as as valid option for many people. The cost difference is significant. It all depends in why you are booking a suite.

 

This package will not affect us since we are sailing on a larger ship. I will, however, be curious to see what feedback we receive from people sailing on smaller ships. If there are reports of Cagney's being overcrowded for breakfast, that might come into play when we book our next cruise. We would either stick with one of the newer ships or even consider booking with another line.

 

And I would be happy to see some added benefits for suite passengers. I think the option of the UBP would be my preference -- or even a certain amount of drinks for the week. I only have 1-2 drinks per day on a cruise, but this would be a great added perk.

[mpk218]

I am not happy that this all comes out nine days after my final payment. Granted the Getaway is a different situation as we have the Haven but our Star cruise is $8400 for just the two of us. There is no Haven. Going to see how this plays out but very well may decide to treat my son and his gf to a trip to Europe in connecting balconies and come out ahead even after paying for their air.

 

I hear ya .. The thing is "most" of the suites are nothing more than slightly larger balcony cabins with fancy soap .. The Owners suites are nice and the GV of course . But what a number of posters are not seeing is the cost breakdown..

With the New 99 package the price of a suite is not justified when you can build your own room combination for 1/2 the $$ with all the perks (except for the butler).. So the old rule applies , you get what you pay for. And now you can have it all for the Low Low price of $99.....

 

Im not complaining , I think.. I just dont see where NCL thought this would make them more $$..

 

If anyone thinks Im slighting NCL's suites, Im not, go take a look at what Royal offers , those are suites.. NCL used to have the best perks afloat , now what do they have ?? Dilution ;)

 

Peace

[dexddd]

just pricing out my sailing for 4

 

1x midship minisuite with balcony for 1 adult 1 child

$1,767.34

2x 207 sq ft., Balcony 32 sq ft.

$3,534.68

+ 4x 99$ vip pass

$3,950.68

 

1x 2br haven -

495 sq ft., Balcony 48-50 sq ft.

$7,398.35

+4 x cirque dinners ( $30 Adults | $15 Children ) - 90$

$7,488.35

 

 

so with a whopping 3537.67 total saved.

 

I could acutally even get a housekeeper/baby sitter for 1.5k$ for the 7 day sailing + pay for her as an extra person to one of the rooms and still

come out with 1000$ in savings.

then i dont even need to bother with dropping the kids off at the day care center.

 

Even before this offer by NCL as I look to what we may book in the future for the four of us, I'm really considering doing the two room arrangement despite the rates for 3rd and 4th are usually pretty good on NCL. We mostly like having the extra room but concierge and butler service have been spotty so that really isn't enticing us to book a suite again.

 

Getting two rooms with two full bathrooms and the extra space for quite a bit less money than a suite just makes sense and with platinum we get quite a few of the perks.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

you do realize you could buy 2 mini suites w large balconies (combined 1000 total sq feet) and 4 vip priority passes and 2 vibe passes with a cabana and you get

 

king size bed/choice of pillows/ snacks for 4 days/ breakfast for 4 days / 4 dinners to cirque dreams, 4 bottles of sparkling wine, a nice bath tub, a private sitting area with an adults only section, extra 100$ back credit for food

 

and STILL save 2500$ right?

 

and you get to eat in cagneys away from all those snobbish haven people and apart from the chattel

 

 

I'm booked on the getaway so it's really not affecting me at all

[njhorseman]

I think this really stinks...much worse than when NCL degraded the Latitudes program by making it so much easier to reach platinum status.

 

We just made final payment for our suite on our upcoming 12/1/14 cruise on the Gem. Had we known about this a few days earlier we would have cancelled the suite and rebooked into a mini-suite saving a couple of thousand dollars, and then added back the suite perk that means the most to us, breakfast and lunch in Cagney's, by booking this new package at a fraction of the savings in room rate. We rarely use the butler's services, so that wouldn't have been a great loss.

 

Bad job, NCL...

[emcelh]

I think this really stinks...much worse than when NCL degraded the Latitudes program by making it so much easier to reach platinum status.

 

We just made final payment for our suite on our upcoming 12/1/14 cruise on the Gem. Had we known about this a few days earlier we would have cancelled the suite and rebooked into a mini-suite saving a couple of thousand dollars, and then added back the suite perk that means the most to us, breakfast and lunch in Cagney's, by booking this new package at a fraction of the savings in room rate. We rarely use the butler's services, so that wouldn't have been a great loss.

 

Bad job, NCL...

 

I feel the same way. We could have saved a lot on our next cruise. I wonder how limited the availability will be though. If I booked the mini suite planning to buy the package but found it was sold out I wouldn't be happy.