Room service and to go food

[punkincc]

Our last cruise we saw our room steward working in the buffet at breakfast time, and another day he was working in the MDR at lunch. Same guy...even stopped to say hi to us. We kidded that we knew he didn't make up the room yet that morning (the day we saw him at breakfast)

 

Heaven help us if they are stretching the crew that far! Great! Now we'll be returning to rooms still not made up well into the day, if this is the case. Maybe this guy had a trainee who was back on the job making up the cabins, or they were really short staffed that day in the MDR for some reason. Hope this is not new policy to further erode the NCL experience.

[Cruise4Real]

I would agree with you that the "grandfathering" in this situation would be hard to accomplish.

 

What would be so hard about setting a date out beyond the penalty phase and COMMUNICATING (emails to those already booked, prominent notices on website, etc.) that from that date forth, such-and-such a policy will be enacted.

 

It doesn't seem hard at all, to me. There's really no good excuse for NCL refusing to give any kind of proper notice. To date, and to my knowledge, the ONE change NCL has announced to those booked (via email) has been the increase in DSC.

 

Which is ironic given that it's a completely discretionary charge subject to adjustment by the passenger -- so they can change it back to what it was when they booked if they so choose. Not so the other policies, which passengers have no ability to modify.

[SAILPRO]

Heaven help us if they are stretching the crew that far! Great! Now we'll be returning to rooms still not made up well into the day, if this is the case. Maybe this guy had a trainee who was back on the job making up the cabins, or they were really short staffed that day in the MDR for some reason. Hope this is not new policy to further erode the NCL experience.

 

Short staffed, seriously? Did they called in sick and missed the sailing?

BTW, (unless they jumped ship, otherwise, don't think they can go anywhere.)

[SAILPRO]

What would be so hard about setting a date out beyond the penalty phase and COMMUNICATING (emails to those already booked, prominent notices on website, etc.) that from that date forth, such-and-such a policy will be enacted.

 

It doesn't seem hard at all, to me. There's really no good excuse for NCL refusing to give any kind of proper notice. To date, and to my knowledge, the ONE change NCL has announced to those booked (via email) has been the increase in DSC.

 

Which is ironic given that it's a completely discretionary charge subject to adjustment by the passenger -- so they can change it back to what it was when they booked if they so choose. Not so the other policies, which passengers have no ability to modify.

 

Cruise4Real, that would be too easy!

it's all about 'for your convenience' FEE(S). :D

[sparks1093]

Or Andy is listening to passengers, just not the ones CC complainers think he should be listening to - themselves. Did that not cross some people minds? Most of the CC posters that post more are suite /Haven guests but the actual NCL cruising population is made up of interiors, oceanviews, Balcony and mini-suites - the food policies and room service fees that truly affects. And guess what? They seem to content or neutral about it because there should had been more complaints on the Facebook page since it 1st wave of passengers under it are now back. Instead, nothing but speculation on CC forum side from people who are not onboard and few people that did go on cruises during that timeframe are being dismissed as liars and/or not being listen to.

 

Yes, NCL changing and in some people eyes for the better. On the CC forum with some of posters - its the end of world for them.

 

Passengers complained about free room service so NCL listened? Um, I don't think so;). Del Rio saw an opportunity to charge for something without a corresponding increase in expense and took it. Everything that followed was NCL's attempt to spin the facts to justify what was done. I said on a different thread (well, I think it was a different thread) that the best indicator of how passengers feel about these changes is the sales of Freestyle Cruise Rewards, which of course is data we aren't privy to. I know that my plans to buy one or two on our CTN have changed. A lot of loyal NCL cruisers have left or will leave because of the changes as will many more as NCL continues to evolve. Not the end of the world, just the end of cruising with NCL. As I said, it saddens many (including myself).

[tarheelmjfan]

I came here hoping this policy had been retracted. For the record, we don't mind paying the RS fee, but we don't want to be stuck with only one hot breakfast choice. There needs to be much more variety in the hot items, if they're going to prevent hot meals from being taken out of the buffet. We like to eat breakfast on our balcony every morning & I don't want to eat the same thing daily. We usually go with a mix of RS & carrying out from the buffet. We've decided this policy change will most likely prevent us from booking Getaway, or any other NCL ship, as we'd planned. I keep coming back to this board, because it's like watching a train wreck :p, but I'm now researching cruises on the other boards. That said, I'll keep checking in here hoping they change the RS, breakfast menu or allow take out from the buffet, so we can again consider booking Getaway.

 

As a side note, I'm surprised to see NCL has such a problem with trays left in the hall. My only NCL cruise was with my sisters & they'll only book OV cabins. I don't remember that being an issue, but that's not surprising. The majority of people who order RS are most likely in a balcony cabin or higher. My other cruises have been in balcony cabins on Celebrity & Princess. I never noticed trays in the hallways on those ships. I've also never seen food consumed in some of the other bizarre places posted here, but I can't help but think many of those claims are a gross exaggeration. I have seen drinks in all those places, but I don't think that will change. They actually sell alcohol in or near most of the listed places.

 

Side note 2.0: I'm not at all surprised that most of the people supporting this policy either book suites & aren't affected or have admitted they don't order RS. :rolleyes: Most people aren't concerned with things that don't affect them.

[maywell]

Passengers complained about free room service so NCL listened? Um, I don't think so;). Del Rio saw an opportunity to charge for something without a corresponding increase in expense and took it. Everything that followed was NCL's attempt to spin the facts to justify what was done. I said on a different thread (well, I think it was a different thread) that the best indicator of how passengers feel about these changes is the sales of Freestyle Cruise Rewards, which of course is data we aren't privy to. I know that my plans to buy one or two on our CTN have changed. A lot of loyal NCL cruisers have left or will leave because of the changes as will many more as NCL continues to evolve. Not the end of the world, just the end of cruising with NCL. As I said, it saddens many (including myself).

 

Again, listen to the passengers just not CC posters like they think (Sorry, CC forum but NCL doesn't think you're the only cruising voice out there). It wouldn't shock me one bit if they heard from other passengers regarding why are they paying for a service they don't use and NCL saw a golden opportunity to make money of that. The implementation was all different types of wrong (let's be honest, worst setup /communication ever) but the opportunity to make money for however little /much demand is there. Only NCL truly knows how many people use the room service before and after the changes - one thing is certain, after it was charge on those 2 ships, the fares went down especially for next year.

 

No offense - the only NCL passengers leaving are those that don't want to pay for room service, pay auto 18% for their drink/meal packages and/or pay the $1-3 increase per day service charges. Let me rephrase that - its CC posters that are 'leaving' NCL due to those reasons - verdict still out on other passengers that don't post here. That will be found out in next year's financial debriefing if the policies did damage to bookings (remember, these changes just happen in this quarter and last month of the 1st one). And if the CC complainers ate still sailing with NCL 2016 for whatever reason like low fares, that's best free advertisement to a cruise company ever - 'People like to sail us despite hating us.'.

[sparks1093]

Again, listen to the passengers just not CC posters like they think (Sorry, CC forum but NCL doesn't think you're the only cruising voice out there). It wouldn't shock me one bit if they heard from other passengers regarding why are they paying for a service they don't use and NCL saw a golden opportunity to make money of that. The implementation was all different types of wrong (let's be honest, worst setup /communication ever) but the opportunity to make money for however little /much demand is there. Only NCL truly knows how many people use the room service before and after the changes - one thing is certain, after it was charge on those 2 ships, the fares went down especially for next year.

 

No offense - the only NCL passengers leaving are those that don't want to pay for room service, pay auto 18% for their drink/meal packages and/or pay the $1-3 increase per day service charges. Let me rephrase that - its CC posters that are 'leaving' NCL due to those reasons - verdict still out on other passengers that don't post here. That will be found out in next year's financial debriefing if the policies did damage to bookings (remember, these changes just happen in this quarter and last month of the 1st one). And if the CC complainers ate still sailing with NCL 2016 for whatever reason like low fares, that's best free advertisement to a cruise company ever - 'People like to sail us despite hating us.'.

 

As long as they are able to attract passengers to replace the ones they lose their financials will be fine and I have no doubt that they will be able to do that. I have not seen the lower fares you refer to and as long as I don't then it's likely that I'll be sailing with someone else (even, gasp, CCL).

[marazad16]

[quote name=maywell

No offense - the only NCL passengers leaving are those that don't want to pay for room service' date=' pay auto 18% for their drink/meal packages and/or pay the $1-3 increase per day service charges. Let me rephrase that - its CC posters that are 'leaving' NCL due to those reasons - verdict still out on other passengers that don't post here. That will be found out in next year's financial debriefing if the policies did damage to bookings (remember, these changes just happen in this quarter and last month of the 1st one). And if the CC complainers ate still sailing with NCL 2016 for whatever reason like low fares, that's best free advertisement to a cruise company ever - 'People like to sail us despite hating us.'.[/quote]

 

Those are not the 'only' reasons people are changing brands. Communication of changes is a huge reason I am displeased. Changes made and implemented immediately instead of giving those that are already in cancellation a choice is another reason. Also, after emailing and speaking to NCL directly I feel they are not honest. They certainly have a right to make changes but at least be honest instead of insulting peoples intelligence with ridiculous excuses for the changes.

[Travelcat2]

After reading as many posts regarding the new policies on NCL as I could, I am trying to understand what the passengers want. Let me know if I am correct.

 

1. Looking for lower prices - no fare increases

 

2. Unlimited room service calls 24/7

 

3. Have the ability to take food from any dining venue, eat them in the cabin, the balcony, by the pool or anywhere else they find a place to sit.

 

4. Leave remains of the food for someone else to pick up. If you eat in your cabin, you should be able to put the food/plates outside so you don't have to look at it.

 

5. Better communication from NCL about upcoming changes.

 

I agree with #5.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Travelcat2

[triptolemus]

After reading as many posts regarding the new policies on NCL as I could, I am trying to understand what the passengers want. Let me know if I am correct.

 

1. Looking for lower prices - no fare increases

 

2. Unlimited room service calls 24/7

 

3. Have the ability to take food from any dining venue, eat them in the cabin, the balcony, by the pool or anywhere else they find a place to sit.

 

4. Leave remains of the food for someone else to pick up. If you eat in your cabin, you should be able to put the food/plates outside so you don't have to look at it.

 

5. Better communication from NCL about upcoming changes.

 

I agree with #5.

 

I see what you did there... but remember, #5 fixes the expectations for 1 through 4.

[Travelcat2]

I see what you did there... but remember, #5 fixes the expectations for 1 through 4.

 

Well, sort of. Love your avatar:)

[maywell]

I see what you did there... but remember, #5 fixes the expectations for 1 through 4.

But people will still complain even when told weeks / months in advance, Exhibit A - DSC increase. Ironically eclisped by the food policies and room service fee - which fixes the DSC reduce/removal loophole too.

[sparks1093]

After reading as many posts regarding the new policies on NCL as I could, I am trying to understand what the passengers want. Let me know if I am correct.

 

1. Looking for lower prices - no fare increases

 

2. Unlimited room service calls 24/7

 

3. Have the ability to take food from any dining venue, eat them in the cabin, the balcony, by the pool or anywhere else they find a place to sit.

 

4. Leave remains of the food for someone else to pick up. If you eat in your cabin, you should be able to put the food/plates outside so you don't have to look at it.

 

5. Better communication from NCL about upcoming changes.

 

I agree with #5.

 

NCL passengers had 1 thru 4 before Del Rio. Number 5 should be a given in this day and age for any international company.

[SissasMomE]

But people will still complain even when told weeks / months in advance, Exhibit A - DSC increase. Ironically eclisped by the food policies and room service fee - which fixes the DSC reduce/removal loophole too.

 

The people that complained about the DSC increase are few and far between. Most have no problem with a $12.95 daily gratuity (per NCL).

Edited May 13, 2015 by SissasMomE

[Cruise4Real]

Ironically eclisped by the food policies and room service fee - which fixes the DSC reduce/removal loophole too.

 

...through some loophole in logic that only you are privy to. :rolleyes:

[old sole]

After reading as many posts regarding the new policies on NCL as I could, I am trying to understand what the passengers want. Let me know if I am correct.

 

1. Looking for lower prices - no fare increases

 

2. Unlimited room service calls 24/7

 

3. Have the ability to take food from any dining venue, eat them in the cabin, the balcony, by the pool or anywhere else they find a place to sit.

 

4. Leave remains of the food for someone else to pick up. If you eat in your cabin, you should be able to put the food/plates outside so you don't have to look at it.

 

5. Better communication from NCL about upcoming changes.

 

I agree with #5.

 

I've read a lot of posts too. I sure wouldn't have come up with that list by distilling what I have read.. Could you be more condescending?

 

But to answer, for myself only -

 

1. No, not looking for that.

2. Don't use it that way, but yes, R/S should be available 24/7, and until announced with notice should be complimentary as it is described in NCL literature and on the website.

3. Would I take food to the atrium lobby, to the library, to the show lounge, to the internet cafe? No, and I have never seen anyone do that. I do expect to take what I want to the privacy of my cabin to enjoy when I want though.

4. No, I don't expect that. I either return cups, plates, silverware to the buffet to be bussed along with other dinnerware already there or I stack it neatly for the room steward to remove. As for plates etc. in the hallways, I do see that occasionaly. I'll admit that until a few years ago I put some out there myself, because that's what the room steward instructed us to do. Only after reading comments on Cruise Critic did I realize how it's not a good idea and that's why we stopped.

5. Better? how about some? As far as I can tell the only people who know anything about a ban on taking food to your cabin are people on Cruise Critic. No notice for people reviewing the website preparing to book, no notice to booked passengers, no notice even to people already onboard that they can't take anything to their cabin. They only find out by being confronted when they attempt it. It's apparent that even onboard staff don't know what the policy is, judging from the inconsistency we see reported. So do I agree with #5. Yes I do. I don't think anyone breathing has a different opinion on that one. The question is, in the month since Andy Stewart admitted as much, why hasn't the situation changed?

[ejincali]

NCL passengers had 1 thru 4 before Del Rio. Number 5 should be a given in this day and age for any international company.

 

Agreed, especially when you set yourself up for negative statements in the press. Note the statement (out of context here) "Don't book Norwegian Cruise Line"

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/05/13/norwegian-cruise-food-ban/27034385/

[SteveH2508]

But people will still complain even when told weeks / months in advance, Exhibit A - DSC increase. Ironically eclisped by the food policies and room service fee - which fixes the DSC reduce/removal loophole too.

 

And what loophole would that be?

 

I haven't a clue what you are referring to.:confused:

[maywell]

Agreed, especially when you set yourself up for negative statements in the press. Note the statement (out of context here) "Don't book Norwegian Cruise Line"

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/05/13/norwegian-cruise-food-ban/27034385/

That's not out of context, that's layman's terms......

[SteveH2508]

Agreed, especially when you set yourself up for negative statements in the press. Note the statement (out of context here) "Don't book Norwegian Cruise Line"

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/05/13/norwegian-cruise-food-ban/27034385/

 

This article should send huge alarm bells through NCL corporate. It is now out in the open that they have screwed up and are screwing their customers.

 

This is not good publicity - anyway you try to spin it.

[slowhand]

This article should send huge alarm bells through NCL corporate. It is now out in the open that they have screwed up and are screwing their customers.

 

This is not good publicity - anyway you try to spin it.

 

The article includes a helpful Facebook share button. Oh gosh, I just pushed it.

[SissasMomE]

The article includes a helpful Facebook share button. Oh gosh, I just pushed it.

 

I imagine a ton of people will :D

[janpo]

The article includes a helpful Facebook share button. Oh gosh, I just pushed it.

 

 

Hahahaha

[Kenlorz]

The article includes a helpful Facebook share button. Oh gosh, I just pushed it.

 

LOL!!!! I see not too many have pushed that button...YET... so 'push away, fellow pax, push away' :D

 

Negative press like this does not bode well for NCL. I guess FDR couldn't possibly state that there was no negative feedback on THIS new policy :rolleyes: