Poll: Do you bring food to your cabin

[Travelcat2]

Do you really feel that children do not spill anything while walking around the ship with food? That would be quite amazing. It appears that posters have had different experiences with food/plates in the hallways. I doubt if anyone is not telling the truth about their experiences. There is no reason to lie. Or, perhaps it is just my preference to believe what people post about what they have witnessed on board. I learned a long time ago that two people can be on the exact same cruise and have wildly different experiences.

 

swedish weave: Can I assume that you return the plates to the restaurant rather than leave them in the cabin or outside on the floor? It sounds like the problem (in addition to some food spillage) is what is done with the remains of the food once it removed from the restaurant.

[NLH Arizona]

Do you really feel that children do not spill anything while walking around the ship with food? That would be quite amazing. It appears that posters have had different experiences with food/plates in the hallways. I doubt if anyone is not telling the truth about their experiences. There is no reason to lie. Or, perhaps it is just my preference to believe what people post about what they have witnessed on board. I learned a long time ago that two people can be on the exact same cruise and have wildly different experiences.

 

You are right, everyone has different experiences on the ships. I've seen plates in the hallways on each and everyone one of my cruises. I'm surprised at those that have said they haven't, but that is their experience and I have no reason not to believe what they say, not to mention I would not be so rude as to say they were not telling the truth or trying to make it sound like it doesn't happen. Just because one person doesn't see plates in the hallways, it doesn't mean that they are not there.

 

I've seen a few spills, some might have seen more and some might have seen less and some might have never seen any. Accidents do happen, it is a fact of life, especially when some folks fill their plates so full at the buffet that food spills on their way back to their tables....this happens at buffets on the sea and on land.

[Travelcat2]

Do you even sail NCL?? I mean ... what is your purpose here? It's the same posts over and over and over again. Why?

 

Sorry, let me explain again why I'm here. Firstly, NCL, Regent and Oceania are now sister companies. When Regent was purchased there were some NCL passengers asking questions on the Regent board. This is to be expected and hopefully we are supportive of each other.

 

Being familiar with changes that passengers are in an uproar about is not new to us. Having Frank Del Rio as CEO is also not new. One reason I started posting here was to learn more about NCL. I did the same thing when Oceania became a sister cruise line to Regent (and we have since sailed on Oceania). What I found was startling. A lot of unhappy passengers ranting and threatening to leave NCL. I thought that I could add some food for thought to the mix.

 

Yes - I have posted similar things over and over as are most of the posters on these related threads have. The threads are getting so long that people do not have the time to read through them so the same questions are coming up daily (if not more often). For this reason, lots of us are doing repetitive similar posts.

 

I still feel quite strongly that suggestions on how to make these policies work better is far better than simply discounting them and writing negative things about them. Some posters have come up with some good ideas -- ideas that are hopefully being discussed by NCL.

 

As a long time Regent cruiser, I would like nothing more than to see NCL at the top of the list for main stream cruise lines just as Oceania is and Regent usually is. Success for the company, IMO, will make for better experiences for their passengers. Unfortunately, it does take a bit of riding rough roads to get there.

 

Hope this explanation helps:)

[swedish weave]

Do you really feel that children do not spill anything while walking around the ship with food? That would be quite amazing. It appears that posters have had different experiences with food/plates in the hallways. I doubt if anyone is not telling the truth about their experiences. There is no reason to lie. Or, perhaps it is just my preference to believe what people post about what they have witnessed on board. I learned a long time ago that two people can be on the exact same cruise and have wildly different experiences.

 

swedish weave: Can I assume that you return the plates to the restaurant rather than leave them in the cabin or outside on the floor? It sounds like the problem (in addition to some food spillage) is what is done with the remains of the food once it removed from the restaurant.

 

I handle the food containers according to the room steward's suggestions. This procedure has been the same for many years, and it makes no difference if the food is brought to the cabin by me or by room service. The steward knows which is better for him/her. I do not return the dishes to the restaurant or buffet and have NEVER had a steward suggest that I do that.

 

I have seen suggestions that if you use room service, you should call to have the leftovers and dishes picked up by them. That is a foolish idea because when some finish eating, they shower and go to bed or do something besides wait for room service to show up. Room service personnel are not always there to handle this at a convenient time. Same as when room service is ordered. They are not always there at the desired time.

 

All of this counters the reasons given by NCL management for the restrictive policies they have in place.

 

As I have stated previously. All of this may become moot depending on how these restrictions are enforced on my next NCL cruise.

Edited May 15, 2015 by swedish weave

[maywell]

Sorry, let me explain again why I'm here. Firstly, NCL, Regent and Oceania are now sister companies. When Regent was purchased there were some NCL passengers asking questions on the Regent board. This is to be expected and hopefully we are supportive of each other.

 

Being familiar with changes that passengers are in an uproar about is not new to us. Having Frank Del Rio as CEO is also not new. One reason I started posting here was to learn more about NCL. I did the same thing when Oceania became a sister cruise line to Regent (and we have since sailed on Oceania). What I found was startling. A lot of unhappy passengers ranting and threatening to leave NCL. I thought that I could add some food for thought to the mix.

 

Yes - I have posted similar things over and over as are most of the posters on these related threads have. The threads are getting so long that people do not have the time to read through them so the same questions are coming up daily (if not more often). For this reason, lots of us are doing repetitive similar posts.

 

I still feel quite strongly that suggestions on how to make these policies work better is far better than simply discounting them and writing negative things about them. Some posters have come up with some good ideas -- ideas that are hopefully being discussed by NCL.

 

As a long time Regent cruiser, I would like nothing more than to see NCL at the top of the list for main stream cruise lines just as Oceania is and Regent usually is. Success for the company, IMO, will make for better experiences for their passengers. Unfortunately, it does take a bit of riding rough roads to get there.

 

Hope this explanation helps:)

You don't have to explain yourself - people here will moan and groan even if NCL reverses the decisions, so no worries there.

 

I can't speak for others regarding why they would still sail with NCL despite the changes, so if they want to chime in, that fine. Me personally - I don't just look at just the recent changes but the overall package of NCL and their ships along with how it personal affects me. It still has free shows; still has a ship sailing from NYC this year in the winter time, still sails from Miami all year around; still has multiple venues to sit down and eat from which is my prefer way of dining (free and paid), food /drink is still part of fare (free) at the buffet and the MDR; a place to snack and drink from from at 3am; still has a casino to gamble from; still has bars to buy from whenever I want a drink, still lets one take as much free water /soda as they want in checked luggage / cases; still heads into other ports so I can eat there for lunch instead of the ship, still offer up some nice fares /upgrades for my preferred time of year travel (winter time aka week of my birthday). As long as NCL still has a majority of what I like, I don't mind the changes that much - most of the changes are aimed primarily at things that are just easily avoidable like specialty dining, room service and drinking alot. As long as NCL doesn't start charging extra for using the free sundeck, swimming pool and most of the shows /activities - NOW that I can see causing a nasty uproar.

[swedish weave]

Sorry, let me explain again why I'm here. Firstly, NCL, Regent and Oceania are now sister companies. When Regent was purchased there were some NCL passengers asking questions on the Regent board. This is to be expected and hopefully we are supportive of each other.

 

Being familiar with changes that passengers are in an uproar about is not new to us. Having Frank Del Rio as CEO is also not new. One reason I started posting here was to learn more about NCL. I did the same thing when Oceania became a sister cruise line to Regent (and we have since sailed on Oceania). What I found was startling. A lot of unhappy passengers ranting and threatening to leave NCL. I thought that I could add some food for thought to the mix.

 

Yes - I have posted similar things over and over as are most of the posters on these related threads have. The threads are getting so long that people do not have the time to read through them so the same questions are coming up daily (if not more often). For this reason, lots of us are doing repetitive similar posts.

 

I still feel quite strongly that suggestions on how to make these policies work better is far better than simply discounting them and writing negative things about them. Some posters have come up with some good ideas -- ideas that are hopefully being discussed by NCL.

 

As a long time Regent cruiser, I would like nothing more than to see NCL at the top of the list for main stream cruise lines just as Oceania is and Regent usually is. Success for the company, IMO, will make for better experiences for their passengers. Unfortunately, it does take a bit of riding rough roads to get there.

 

Hope this explanation helps:)

 

Since you like to compare and ask questions, I will challenge you to place yourself outside the realm of guest or passenger and ask these questions.

 

Why was Regent sold to Oceania ?

 

Why were Regent and Oceania sold to NCLH ?

 

Why was NCLH willing to accept the deal and assume over two and a half billion in debt ?

 

Maybe some light will shine and let you see why many NCL loyalists are concerned about the future. History notes that luxury cruise lines that are losing money will eventually need the support of a larger company to stay in business.

[perkydebrajean]

I started lurking over on the Oceania board when the merger was done and I didn't see a lot of NCL people asking about the Oceania product, but I did see a lot of the Oceania people hoping that NCL didn't "dumb down" Oceania and Regent.

[Aquahound]

Anybody complaining that plans on staying with Ncl has a right to complain, but anyone who's threatening to leave Ncl and Cruise other lines I have a question for you why are you still on and Ncl thread? You are leaving goodbye have a great day lol.

 

Because did it ever occur to you if people leave NCL, there might be a reason for it, and they'd like to voice it? Anyone planning to stop cruising NCL has just as much right as anyone else to post here.

 

I haven't been happy with NCL for a few years now, but I'll be darned if I'm going to let you for anyone else push me away from posting what I want where I want. Live with it.

[Movieguy214]

I believe this forum is open to all who choose to post. Why do you think it should be restricted ????

 

Exactly. I'm partial to RCI, but I enjoyed my Breakaway cruise. And this is a scary policy for all cruisers as it can easily spread to other major lines.

 

And for my two cents, I don't recall seeing plates all over the ships I've been on. Maybe some around the pool deck and buffet but never in the hallways. Maybe some room service plates, but never have I seen the plate disaster that some are referring to. Most of my cruises have been on RCI so I don't know if they go out of their way to keep the ships cleaner? Still, I don't remember the Breakaway being dirty at all.

[motleyfan]

Because did it ever occur to you if people leave NCL, there might be a reason for it, and they'd like to voice it? Anyone planning to stop cruising NCL has just as much right as anyone else to post here.

 

I haven't been happy with NCL for a few years now, but I'll be darned if I'm going to let you for anyone else push me away from posting what I want where I want. Live with it.

 

But if you are no longer cruisin Ncl why would you want to waste your time posting on Ncl boards? why not post with the cruise lines you travel with?

[motleyfan]

Because did it ever occur to you if people leave NCL, there might be a reason for it, and they'd like to voice it? Anyone planning to stop cruising NCL has just as much right as anyone else to post here.

 

I haven't been happy with NCL for a few years now, but I'll be darned if I'm going to let you for anyone else push me away from posting what I want where I want. Live with it.

 

Most likely things aren't going to change. complaining is like rocking in a rocking chair it gives you something to do but it does not take you anywhere. either live with the changes or move on. I know nobody would do it, but I would love to find out the ages of the people who post here on cruise critic. no offense but most people complain like they're in their eighties and nineties lol. I'm 31 and it seems like I'm the youngest person on here lol.

[swedish weave]

Most likely things aren't going to change. complaining is like rocking in a rocking chair it gives you something to do but it does not take you anywhere. either live with the changes or move on. I know nobody would do it, but I would love to find out the ages of the people who post here on cruise critic. no offense but most people complain like they're in their eighties and nineties lol. I'm 31 and it seems like I'm the youngest person on here lol.

 

You have a lot to learn and a long time to learn it !! Good luck !!!

[MicheleRos]

Answer to original question. No never take food to my cabin.

[motleyfan]

You have a lot to learn and a long time to learn it !! Good luck !!!

 

I just simply don't understand, if I didn't like the policies of certain Cruise Line I wouldn't want to talk about it I would want to avoid it altogether. I just don't understand why people are so happy complaining? If you think about it it makes sense, if you don't like something why would you want to talk about it? Why would you want anything to do with it?

[maywell]

Most likely things aren't going to change. complaining is like rocking in a rocking chair it gives you something to do but it does not take you anywhere. either live with the changes or move on. I know nobody would do it, but I would love to find out the ages of the people who post here on cruise critic. no offense but most people complain like they're in their eighties and nineties lol. I'm 31 and it seems like I'm the youngest person on here lol.

 

I don't think the ages matter more, I think the room categories do - I notice the biggest complainers regard the food policy are in the balcony, mini-suites, and suites / Haven (kinda humorous about that room category when one thinks about it) while does not complaining alot are mostly in the interiors and oceanviews with a few in the other room categories as well. Another personal observation I noticed is most of the people who don't care about the policies much as, are solo travelers while it even mixed among couples with or without kids who care about the policy or not; with large groups (such multiple couples / families, etc) not liking the changes at all.

[funat55]

But if you are no longer cruisin Ncl why would you want to waste your time posting on Ncl boards? why not post with the cruise lines you travel with?

 

I surf a lot of boards, mostly cruise lines that I have sailed on in the past and sometimes cruise lines that I am interested in or curious about. I like to keep up with the news and latest information on what is happening. Just because I haven't sailed on a particular line doesn't mean that I can't have an opinion.

Just sayin.

[swedish weave]

I just simply don't understand, if I didn't like the policies of certain Cruise Line I wouldn't want to talk about it I would want to avoid it altogether. I just don't understand why people are so happy complaining? If you think about it it makes sense, if you don't like something why would you want to talk about it? Why would you want anything to do with it?

 

Two reasons --- NCL reads these boards and possibly may learn something from the posts.

 

Also -- I have made many friends on the ships over the years and do not want to cut off contact with them unless the silly changes made by NCL new management team force me to cruise with other lines. I will not allow them to make my cruises uncomfortable for me without voicing my opinions and reasons.

 

This forum is not the only place to do that, so if you are not comfortable with the information some of us post, use the ignore function so it doesn't bother you.

[foundmyMcGyver]

Sending an email shortly to NCL. Excellent suggestion!

I sent an email as well. I hope someone is actually reading them and the reconsider this new change.

[maywell]

I just simply don't understand, if I didn't like the policies of certain Cruise Line I wouldn't want to talk about it I would want to avoid it altogether. I just don't understand why people are so happy complaining? If you think about it it makes sense, if you don't like something why would you want to talk about it? Why would you want anything to do with it?

 

 

Because sadly, some people just love being miserable even when there's nothing wrong. And some people love paying to a cruise line (or a hotel, airline, bank, etc) that makes them irritable and cruise line loves taking their money for it - it is what it is. I just sail a different time period from the majority of grouches like to vacation which is summer time and school holidays - for some reason those time periods just bring out the worst in people...

[perditax]

I just simply don't understand, if I didn't like the policies of certain Cruise Line I wouldn't want to talk about it I would want to avoid it altogether. I just don't understand why people are so happy complaining? If you think about it it makes sense, if you don't like something why would you want to talk about it? Why would you want anything to do with it?

 

 

Because there is always the hope that with enough discussion (and yes, complaining), policies or future products may change for the better.

 

I could flip the question and ask why someone who only wants to read positive posts comes to threads with controversial topics.

[Travelcat2]

Since you like to compare and ask questions, I will challenge you to place yourself outside the realm of guest or passenger and ask these questions.

 

Why was Regent sold to Oceania ?

 

Why were Regent and Oceania sold to NCLH ?

 

Why was NCLH willing to accept the deal and assume over two and a half billion in debt ?

 

Maybe some light will shine and let you see why many NCL loyalists are concerned about the future. History notes that luxury cruise lines that are losing money will eventually need the support of a larger company to stay in business.

 

Really good questions - wish I had all of the answers but I can certainly give my opinions.

 

Regent was privately owned when Oceania (actually Prestige Cruise Holdings) - aka PCH purchased it. It was a separate company from Oceania but reported to PCH and PCH reported to Apollo. The ships were not being taken care of in terms of refurbishments. Passengers loved Regent at that time because they gave away a lot of things - especially to world cruisers. Service was amazing because the ships were running half-full. However, some of the towels were thread-bare and one of their ships was in dire need of help (mechanically). PCH purchased Regent and spent multi-millions of dollars to refurbish the ships. According to some reports, the ship that had mechanical problems as well as stability problems cost around $1M to fix.

 

Agree with you that it is difficult for luxury cruise lines to make money because they put so much into the upkeep. Even though passengers spend thousands of dollars for each cruise, it costs thousands to provide the type of food and service that is required.

 

In terms of why Oceania and Regent were purchased -- that is a good question and I can only speculate. Silversea, Regent, Seabourn and Crystal are the major luxury cruise lines. Crystal was recently sold to a Malaysian company with ties to China. The fear for Crystal customers is that the ships will be relocated to China. IMO, Silversea is in the position that Regent was when it was privately owned. Their ships are in need of work yet the owners keep purchasing "used" ships and refurbishing them. Rumor has it that Silversea has been for sale for a long time.

 

Seabourn is owned by Carnival and is doing well. There is something to be said for a large company to own main stream, premium and luxury cruise lines. Main stream cruise lines are great for families. However, eventually, when your children are grown, you do not necessarily want to be around other people's kids because you've "been there - done that". So, Carnival customers move up to Princess, Holland America, etc. When passengers retire is typically when they move up to the luxury lines. Seabourn more than meets their requirements.

 

I wonder if Apollo had a grand plan in place when they purchased Oceania, Regent and a percentage of NCL. Were they trying to be like Carnival? Actually, I think so. Apollo/PCH and Frank Del Rio had 7 years to make Regent and Oceania the best they could be. Whether they were profitable - I do not know as numbers are not my thing. I do know that Regent ships typically run full (our November, 2015 cruise was full a year ago). Oceania ships also tend to run full - at least in the top suite categories. However, Oceania built two new ships and Regent is in the process of building one new ship and these babies cost lots of $$$$$ which must affect their bottom line.

 

The shake-up of Regent and Oceania was difficult to go through (kind of akin to what NCL passengers are going through). When I read that NCL passengers do not want "Oceania Lite", I remember thinking that Regent passengers did not want to become like "Oceania". There are so many similarities.

 

So, IMO, NCHL wanted to own a luxury, premium plus and main stream cruise line. They accomplished this but at a huge cost. Someone on this page mentioned that Oceania and Regent passengers were concerned about the future of their cruise lines when NCHL purchased them last year. This is 100% true. However, when Frank Del Rio was named CEO, a lot of us breathed a sigh of relief (mainly because just about all of the changes that were going to take place had already taken place).

 

Not sure if I answered your questions but I did give my opinion. Someone on one of the related threads mentioned that if you shake hands with FDR, you had better count your fingers. Many Regent and Oceania passengers have done that (he cruises on the ships and meets passengers) and we have all of our fingers :D

[motleyfan]

Because there is always the hope that with enough discussion (and yes, complaining), policies or future products may change for the better.

 

I could flip the question and ask why someone who only wants to read positive posts comes to threads with controversial topics.

 

Like I said on the last two cruises I went on the hallways were a mess with plates, at least with this maybe the ship will be cleaner and more presentable. Wait I have a question on a different subject, isn't there some kind of curfew for minors on the ship? There were these little teenage brats running around the epic on my last cruise.

[Travelcat2]

You don't have to explain yourself - people here will moan and groan even if NCL reverses the decisions, so no worries there.

 

I can't speak for others regarding why they would still sail with NCL despite the changes, so if they want to chime in, that fine. Me personally - I don't just look at just the recent changes but the overall package of NCL and their ships along with how it personal affects me. It still has free shows; still has a ship sailing from NYC this year in the winter time, still sails from Miami all year around; still has multiple venues to sit down and eat from which is my prefer way of dining (free and paid), food /drink is still part of fare (free) at the buffet and the MDR; a place to snack and drink from from at 3am; still has a casino to gamble from; still has bars to buy from whenever I want a drink, still lets one take as much free water /soda as they want in checked luggage / cases; still heads into other ports so I can eat there for lunch instead of the ship, still offer up some nice fares /upgrades for my preferred time of year travel (winter time aka week of my birthday). As long as NCL still has a majority of what I like, I don't mind the changes that much - most of the changes are aimed primarily at things that are just easily avoidable like specialty dining, room service and drinking alot. As long as NCL doesn't start charging extra for using the free sundeck, swimming pool and most of the shows /activities - NOW that I can see causing a nasty uproar.

 

Thanks - I like the way you think:-)

[LMaxwell]

Like I said on the last two cruises I went on the hallways were a mess with plates, at least with this maybe the ship will be cleaner and more presentable. Wait I have a question on a different subject, isn't there some kind of curfew for minors on the ship? There were these little teenage brats running around the epic on my last cruise.

Yes

[bangzoom6877]

Like I said on the last two cruises I went on the hallways were a mess with plates, at least with this maybe the ship will be cleaner and more presentable. Wait I have a question on a different subject, isn't there some kind of curfew for minors on the ship? There were these little teenage brats running around the epic on my last cruise.

 

Yes, I believe there is a certain time of night when minors must be accompanied by adults. This is another one I don't see enforced, along with the dress code in the aft MDR. I'm sure there are others, I'm just not thinking of them right now.

 

I know they don't state anything about this in the dailies or anything, but I've noticed on many cruises, some with NCL and others not with NCL, that there are very young children (under 10 years old for sure) running around the ship unsupervised. I have an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old and I would never allow them to be unsupervised! I can't even believe my eyes when I see this.