Interview Article - Del Rio's Shake Up Plans for NCL

[buckirj1]

Interesting. I see his point but he sounds like he has a major chip on his shoulder and like he doesn't quite understand his customer base. He's stuck in luxury like mentality, but we'll see. Yes, I'll give him an extra $50 for an extra $50 OBC.

 

This. Exactly. He could still change my mind if he says things I want to hear regarding solo cruisers. Otherwise, I'm in wait and see mode. From my standpoint, there isn't so much wrong with NCL that needs fixing.

[Emperor Norton]

This. Exactly. He could still change my mind if he says things I want to hear regarding solo cruisers. Otherwise, I'm in wait and see mode. From my standpoint, there isn't so much wrong with NCL that needs fixing.

 

On Regent he raised the single supplement to 200%. Further even after paying that a single doesn't get double the OBC or double the airfare bonus. I'm not sure he'd do the same on NCL but his actions don't come across as friendly to solos.

[NLH Arizona]

This. Exactly. He could still change my mind if he says things I want to hear regarding solo cruisers. Otherwise, I'm in wait and see mode. From my standpoint, there isn't so much wrong with NCL that needs fixing.

Can't see what damage he could do to the solo cruiser. I would love, however, for them to do what Celebrity just did; they are offering double Captain's Club points to solos.

[hpecorari]

In a conversation with NCL last week, I asked the reciprocal question and was told they will be two different entities. I certainly hope that some day, I'll be able to use my Platinum or CAS benefits on either Oceania or Regent.

 

I asked about this as well. Both NCL and CAS stated that they are totally three separate lines and will be treated that way without any 'crossover'. NCL will have it's own perks, latitudes, CAS, etc. as will Oceania and Regent. Basically, they will all be 'on their own'.

 

Harriet

[hpecorari]

I was in a non-Haven suite in November and I did not have a purple card.

 

I was in a mini on the Sun in February and had a purple card!

 

Harriet

[Travelcat2]

Yes, I certainly do believe that some need to learn more about luxury cruising. You are totally incorrect, most luxury lines have either areas restricted to some passengers or priority embarkation and disembarkation based on their cabin type, loyalty status, etc. On Oceania, for example, suite passengers can embark at 11:00am, while veranda stateroom passengers watch them until 12:00. Cunard has different restaurants, depending on what type of accommodation you have. If I had more time, I'd point out the other suite/loyalty benefits the other luxury lines have. So it is not only Celebrity, NCL, Princess, RCCL, etc., it is the luxury lines that do it as well, but I'm sure being a seasoned luxury cruises you already knew it.

 

.

 

With all due respect, Oceania is not a "luxury cruise line" (not even Mr. Del Rio considers it luxury, although, IMO, it is darn close). I stand by my statement that "luxury" cruise lines do not have areas restricted to only some passengers. Cunard is not a luxury cruise line. Again, it has a portion of the ship that is luxury (as does NCL). IMO, Cunard is the most class-oriented cruise line at sea. The "luxury" cruise lines I refer to is Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal.

 

I have already acknowledged the suite/loyalty benefits afforded to guests on luxury cruise lines. The easiest say to describe these benefits is that they take place either inside of the suites or prior to boarding. In other words, there are priority excursion and dining reservations based on category of suite and/or loyalty level. This is invisible to other passengers. In Europe, "included" airfare is Business Class for some categories (as is the included pre-cruise hotel night). Again, when the passengers arrive at the ship, there is no priority boarding, disembarkation or tendering. And there certainly is not an area of the ship reserved for "special" passengers.

 

Emperor Norton is not a fan of Regent but brings up a point that should be addressed. Yes -- there is a 200% single supplement on most (but not all) cruises. The reason is simple. Regent runs full ships and would lose money to sell a suite to one person for half the price. Remember, there are only 350 suites on 2 Regent ships and 245 suites on the 3rd ship. They cannot afford to discount their suites. Single travelers that are looking for a good deal for single supplements should look at Silversea. Some of their offers are very good. Side note to NLH Arizona: If Celebrity is offering double points of some kind to singles, they are desperate to fill some cabins.

[NLH Arizona]

With all due respect, Oceania is not a "luxury cruise line" (not even Mr. Del Rio considers it luxury, although, IMO, it is darn close). I stand by my statement that "luxury" cruise lines do not have areas restricted to only some passengers. Cunard is not a luxury cruise line. Again, it has a portion of the ship that is luxury (as does NCL). IMO, Cunard is the most class-oriented cruise line at sea. The "luxury" cruise lines I refer to is Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal.

 

I have already acknowledged the suite/loyalty benefits afforded to guests on luxury cruise lines. The easiest say to describe these benefits is that they take place either inside of the suites or prior to boarding. In other words, there are priority excursion and dining reservations based on category of suite and/or loyalty level. This is invisible to other passengers. In Europe, "included" airfare is Business Class for some categories (as is the included pre-cruise hotel night). Again, when the passengers arrive at the ship, there is no priority boarding, disembarkation or tendering. And there certainly is not an area of the ship reserved for "special" passengers.

 

Emperor Norton is not a fan of Regent but brings up a point that should be addressed. Yes -- there is a 200% single supplement on most (but not all) cruises. The reason is simple. Regent runs full ships and would lose money to sell a suite to one person for half the price. Remember, there are only 350 suites on 2 Regent ships and 245 suites on the 3rd ship. They cannot afford to discount their suites. Single travelers that are looking for a good deal for single supplements should look at Silversea. Some of their offers are very good. Side note to NLH Arizona: If Celebrity is offering double points of some kind to singles, they are desperate to fill some cabins.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree; you see things one way and I see things another way.

 

Celebrity is not desperate at all, just giving those that spend 200 percent a little perk. I guess you would say that Crystal is desperate because they only charge a 125, 135 and 150 percent single supplement or Silverseas whose single supplement can be as low as 110 and 125 percent or Seabourn at 150 percent single supplement, because if they weren't desperate they would be charging 200 percent. There are always two ways to see everything.

Edited March 3, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[Linda the Book Lover]

That's how I read it as well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we see some innovative and exciting new itineraries. :)

 

I have fingers and toes crossed for this one!

[xenagurl]

This. Exactly. He could still change my mind if he says things I want to hear regarding solo cruisers. Otherwise, I'm in wait and see mode. From my standpoint, there isn't so much wrong with NCL that needs fixing.

 

Good question about solo cruisers. I often cruise solo and I do wonder what this will mean in those cases. --- They've a wider customer base, are more of a household name in America and Europe, have new ships, & have gone public in the few short years Kevin Sheehan was CEO. I know I'm not on the inside, but that's not the sign of a company that needs to be shaken from the ground up, but each CEO likes to put their "stamp" on things. Hopefully his won't "sink the ship".

[barnacle_boy]

I agree that Cunard is far from a luxury brand. About on par with premium brands like Celebrity. I've stayed in both Cunard Princess and Queen's Grill, but I think NCL's Haven offers a better product.

 

Also, I think NCL is far more class oriented than Cunard. The Grills only get you a different restaurant, lounge, and a minuscule area of private deck with maybe one whirlpool tub. No private pool or fitness area. No private seating in the theater. Unless you're sailing in the very top suites, you're not even escorted aboard (that perk died with QE2).

Edited March 3, 2015 by barnacle_boy

[asubaru]

you win the forum today. Well done.

 

lol....agree!

[Travelcat2]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree; you see things one way and I see things another way.

 

Celebrity is not desperate at all, just giving those that spend 200 percent a little perk. I guess you would say that Crystal is desperate because they only charge a 125, 135 and 150 percent single supplement or Silverseas whose single supplement can be as low as 110 and 125 percent or Seabourn at 150 percent single supplement, because if they weren't desperate they would be charging 200 percent. There are always two ways to see everything.

 

Yes -- we can agree to disagree, however, I challenge to find any place on Regent, Crystal, Seabourn or Silversea that only passengers in certain suites can visit.

 

Guess I did throw out the "desperate" line rather quickly as I know nothing about Celebrity. While not desperate, the luxury lines that you mention probably use single supplement discounts to fill their ships. While Regent does as well (you should check out the single supplement section of their website), they seem to prefer filling empty suites by making offers to existing passengers to extend their cruises rather than selling suites at a discount. On cruises that do not sell well, I wish that Regent did offer better single supplement rates.

 

In any event, this has little to do with NCL -- think we have gotten off track a bit. As I tell people who ask to compare Regent with any non-luxury cruise line, it is comparing apples to oranges. What happens on Regent does not necessarily happen on Oceania and probably won't on NCL. After all, NCL has a heck of a lot more cabins to fill (Regent only has 1,790 total suites -- at least until their new ship debuts).

Edited March 3, 2015 by Travelcat2

[eroller]

 

One person I feel left out in all the NCL/Prestige reorganization is Andy Stuart. I've always liked him and always felt he has been an asset to NCL, its growth and success. He is probably the longest standing senior executive at the company. I wish he would have been made President over the guy from Darden, who I have very little confidence in but hope I'm proven wrong.

 

 

 

I'm glad someone at NCLH agreed with me, most likely Del Rio. So fantastic to read the announcement today about Andy Stuart taking over the NCL President role from Drew Madsen. Great news for NCL, and a well deserved promotion for Andy Stuart!

[xenagurl]

I'm glad someone at NCLH agreed with me, most likely Del Rio. So fantastic to read the announcement today about Andy Stuart taking over the NCL President role from Drew Madsen. Great news for NCL, and a well deserved promotion for Andy Stuart!

 

I agree, well deserved.

[swedish weave]

With all due respect, Oceania is not a "luxury cruise line" (not even Mr. Del Rio considers it luxury, although, IMO, it is darn close). I stand by my statement that "luxury" cruise lines do not have areas restricted to only some passengers. Cunard is not a luxury cruise line. Again, it has a portion of the ship that is luxury (as does NCL). IMO, Cunard is the most class-oriented cruise line at sea. The "luxury" cruise lines I refer to is Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal.

 

I have already acknowledged the suite/loyalty benefits afforded to guests on luxury cruise lines. The easiest say to describe these benefits is that they take place either inside of the suites or prior to boarding. In other words, there are priority excursion and dining reservations based on category of suite and/or loyalty level. This is invisible to other passengers. In Europe, "included" airfare is Business Class for some categories (as is the included pre-cruise hotel night). Again, when the passengers arrive at the ship, there is no priority boarding, disembarkation or tendering. And there certainly is not an area of the ship reserved for "special" passengers.

 

Emperor Norton is not a fan of Regent but brings up a point that should be addressed. Yes -- there is a 200% single supplement on most (but not all) cruises. The reason is simple. Regent runs full ships and would lose money to sell a suite to one person for half the price. Remember, there are only 350 suites on 2 Regent ships and 245 suites on the 3rd ship. They cannot afford to discount their suites. Single travelers that are looking for a good deal for single supplements should look at Silversea. Some of their offers are very good. Side note to NLH Arizona: If Celebrity is offering double points of some kind to singles, they are desperate to fill some cabins.

 

Your statement that says Regent cannot afford to discount their suites needs some explanation. If that is true, why do I see the following when I do a search on Google ???

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises - The Most Inclusive Luxury Cruise‎http://www.rssc.com/‎

Book Today & Enjoy 2 for 1 Fares.‎

Find a Cruise‎

Destinations‎

Request a Call‎ Special Offers‎

Order a Brochure‎

Why Choose? Promotion‎

 

Regent Cruises 75% Off - Up to 75% off Regent Seven Seas‎regent.cruiselines.com/‎

Best price & service guarantee.‎

Alaska Cruises‎

Baltic Cruises‎

Greek Islands Cruises‎ Asia Cruises‎

Caribbean Cruises‎

Mediterranean Cruises‎

[Jancruz]

Your statement that says Regent cannot afford to discount their suites needs some explanation. If that is true, why do I see the following when I do a search on Google ???

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises - The Most Inclusive Luxury Cruise‎http://www.rssc.com/‎

Book Today & Enjoy 2 for 1 Fares.‎

Find a Cruise‎

Destinations‎

Request a Call‎ Special Offers‎

Order a Brochure‎

Why Choose? Promotion‎

 

Regent Cruises 75% Off - Up to 75% off Regent Seven Seas‎regent.cruiselines.com/‎

Best price & service guarantee.‎

Alaska Cruises‎

Baltic Cruises‎

Greek Islands Cruises‎ Asia Cruises‎

Caribbean Cruises‎

Mediterranean Cruises‎

 

Its marketing gobbley-gook..try and get it..never happen!!

Jancruz1

[Jancruz]

I'm glad someone at NCLH agreed with me, most likely Del Rio. So fantastic to read the announcement today about Andy Stuart taking over the NCL President role from Drew Madsen. Great news for NCL, and a well deserved promotion for Andy Stuart!

 

 

As I said from the beginning dont underestimate FDR..he is GREAT he knew just where Andy belonged

Jancruz1

[swedish weave]

Its marketing gobbley-gook..try and get it..never happen!!

Jancruz1

 

Are you saying Del Rio is guilty of violating the truth in advertising laws ?? That could lead to some serious consequences for Regent. I believe you should re-think your comments and support them if you can.

[Travelcat2]

Agree with previous poster stated but do want to add a comment about discounted cruises on Regent. Currently Baltic cruises are not selling well - not just Regent cruises but pretty much across the board. Rather than lowering the price of their cruises, they are offering included Business Class Air for all suite categories (all cabins on the Regent ships involved are "suites"). IMO, this is worth quite a bit of money. However, my point is that Regent did not discount the cruise in terms of the fare but is giving a great incentive.

 

P.S. This offer is per an email that I received this afternoon (March 4, 2015).

[Jancruz]

Are you saying Del Rio is guilty of violating the truth in advertising laws ?? That could lead to some serious consequences for Regent. I believe you should re-think your comments and support them if you can.

 

Number one Delrio had nothing to do with the advertising and number two please stop telling me to prove or support something..you read this info while I live it on a daily basis..nuff said

Jancruz1

[hpecorari]

Agree with previous poster stated but do want to add a comment about discounted cruises on Regent. Currently Baltic cruises are not selling well - not just Regent cruises but pretty much across the board. Rather than lowering the price of their cruises, they are offering included Business Class Air for all suite categories (all cabins on the Regent ships involved are "suites"). IMO, this is worth quite a bit of money. However, my point is that Regent did not discount the cruise in terms of the fare but is giving a great incentive.

 

P.S. This offer is per an email that I received this afternoon (March 4, 2015).

 

I've never really like an air perk simply because they choose the flights, times, etc. and I always choose to fly in the day before and as straight through a flight as possible. They seem to always choose the complete opposite! LOL Now....If I could choose my own flights and be reimbursed or

tell them what flights I want and have them book it.....THAT would be great!

 

Harriet

[swedish weave]

Number one Delrio had nothing to do with the advertising and number two please stop telling me to prove or support something..you read this info while I live it on a daily basis..nuff said

Jancruz1

 

Advertising 50% and 75% discounts are just that. You don't have to prove anything, but think it would be prudent to either support your statements or admit you have no support for them.

 

The CEO of a company does bear the responsibility of what the company does. If not, who do you think makes or approves these things.

Edited March 5, 2015 by swedish weave

[Travelcat2]

Advertising 50% and 75% discounts are just that. You don't have to prove anything, but think it would be prudent to either support your statements or admit you have no support for them.

 

The CEO of a company does bear the responsibility of what the company does. If not, who do you think makes or approves these things.

 

The truth is the truth and requires no substantiation. Instead, perhaps you might try proving that this is not true. I am seriously sorry to read how unhappy you are with the fact that there has been a change in management of NCL. It sounds like you are simply want to judge the change without giving it a chance to take hold. Most NCL passengers are very happy with the appointment of the new president. Even though we are not NCL customers, we were happy to learn that someone with many years of NCL experience will be leading NCL. He knows what NCL customers want and will no doubt do his best to meet their expectations.

 

As stated previously, Regent has been purchased twice since we have been customers (11 years). It is concerning and confusing at times. Some people have become so upset that they left Regent completely. Others, like myself, sat back and waited and are now just as happy as we were when we started with Regent 11 years ago. We are fortunate in one respect and that is because we know what Frank Del Rio can (and has done) for Regent, we are not concerned about the acquisition of Regent by NCL. This is something that NCL customers have yet to see.

Edited March 5, 2015 by Travelcat2

[Jancruz]

The truth is the truth and requires no substantiation. Instead, perhaps you might try proving that this is not true. I am seriously sorry to read how unhappy you are with the fact that there has been a change in management of NCL. It sounds like you are simply want to judge the change without giving it a chance to take hold. Most NCL passengers are very happy with the appointment of the new president. Even though we are not NCL customers, we were happy to learn that someone with many years of NCL experience will be leading NCL. He knows what NCL customers want and will no doubt do his best to meet their expectations.

 

As stated previously, Regent has been purchased twice since we have been customers (11 years). It is concerning and confusing at times. Some people have become so upset that they left Regent completely. Others, like myself, sat back and waited and are now just as happy as we were when we started with Regent 11 years ago. We are fortunate in one respect and that is because we know what Frank Del Rio can (and has done) for Regent, we are not concerned about the acquisition of Regent by NCL. This is something that NCL customers have yet to see.

 

plus 1

Jancruz1

[sparks1093]

If I were looking to book a cruise today and looking ahead to 10/2016 it's more likely than not that I wouldn't be booking with NCL. They have no cruises out of the northeast at that time that we are particularly interested in. Comes down to the Gem out of San Juan (7 day) or the Conquest (8 day) out of Ft Lauderdale and for comparable cabins Gem is almost $700 more. Of course this is just one little snapshot and in no way means we would never sail with NCL again, but it's hard to justify $700 more (even with the various freebies that can be included for a booking right now).