Have you/ are you going to cancel your NCL bookings

[newmexicoNita]

You live near us in Tampa. The Rhapsody has a very good rate for a 7 day out of Tampa. :)

 

Remember there is a huge difference between a new ship like the Escape and the Rhapsody. Rhapsody was a nice ship in her day, but she is now, like many of us: old, or getting that way. I wouldn't expect to pay the same thing on say, the Sun for a 7 day cruise as I would pay on the newest RCI ship.

 

Emmak8: I am glad you found a line that suits you better. We have sailed Princess 3 times and probably would never return. There are too many little things that NCL does better, including, in our opinion the food and the specialty restaurants, plus the entertainment and the people are much friendlier. Just our opinion; this is why we have so many choices.

Edited July 21, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[Oppalopa]

Calculate how much your tips would be if you had to dine out three meals a day and you'll see how the service charge is a good deal. We had to dine out twice in one day not too long ago and our tips came to $9.50 per person, and we aren't talking high end establishments either.

That is a good point, Thanks :)

[nbsjcruiser]

Lots of changes on all the lines lately. Prices are up, service is down, food quality is down. Its not the same product on any line that is was 15 years ago when we first started cruising. Living in Canada we see many people taking all inclusives every year but when you boil it down, its always been cheaper to cruise and I think the cruise product is much much better too. Lately though, I have to admit that even I am starting to wonder out loud if this story is still true.

[karoo]

What activities were not offered that had been in the past? Our last cruise, less than 2 months ago we didn't have that experience at all. We had plenty of trivia, cooking demos in the atrium, dance classes, and all the usual activities including movies, bar enertainment in the late afternoon and evening, etc. The only problem we saw and it did upset up somewhat, we never knew when a movie would be on the cabin TV. We don't sit around on cruises watching TV but we would like to see a movie from the beginning if we are going to watch one at all.

 

 

 

I totally agree with your decision to try another line, I think everyone needs to shop around some and I think, after 22 cruises, regardless of the line, the awe factor wears off, but I do think when someone makes a claim like, not as many choices as before or any negative remark, they need to back in up with examples. This gives others a chance to understand if it is something that would affect them.

 

 

There were only a few dance classes rostered. I did turn up to one, at the pool deck, but the guy who was supposed to take it was late, then he said it was nearly muster time for some passengers, so it wasn't worth taking it. On the same sailing last year we had deck parties/ dancing every night. Last cruise only three deck parties. I usually dance a lot, do Zumba classes, line dance classes etc. the only real opportunity was Bliss and I don't really like what I call tzn tzn music. My last two cruises, springbreak on the Star and July on the Epic and there was just less to do. January I did B2B on the Spirit and there were heaps of great activities to do. Wonderful entertainment team.

[SteveOdore]

:cool: My wife and I Just paid off our October cruise yesterday. We opted to prepay our Service Charges to get a lower price. We got a "short notice" e-mail before the final payment deadline, raising the Service Charge fee. This is Our 5th cruise on NCL. The amount of changes that have crept in are beginning to drive us away. Since 2008 on every cruise NCL has nickeled and dimed us, (and everyone else for that matter.) We, if anything over tip. Good service is worth a little extra than the going rate. How are we assured that the extra money when you pre pay your gratuities NCL has collected, are going to the people who deserve it? A lot of thing's have disappeared over the years. Whatever happened to the chocolate buffet, Lobster, ect. We don't like the way NCL sneaks these changes in, just be up front. When you put money down on a cruise for a certain price in March at a travel show, that price that you agreed to should not change. Yeah someone will say read the fine print, I understand the fuel surcharge if the market changes. NCL should find a better way to pay for Their Mega Ships. It maybe time to give Royal Caribbean, or Holland a shot.

[jennmaybe]

No way would i cancel. Cruising really is still the most affordable way to travel. As I have said many times before it seems like the people that are most upset are the veteran cruisers. Us newbies are still in awe of of everything.

 

Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise.

 

I'm sure cruising is the cheapest vacation out there for many people, but not us. We don't stay in suites on ships, we don't get much alcohol on the ship, we don't gamble, we don't book ship excursions, etc.

 

Getting to the port is a whole extra expense! Hotel night before....I could keep going.....but you get the picture. :D:)

[Presbycruiser]

Regarding the per passenger gratuity, I am not really bothered by the increase (the latest one is 55 cents per day for my category of stateroom). In fact, I plan to set my rate higher than that when I set up my onboard account, for three reasons:

 

First, cruise workers do not have a pleasant existence. They work 70 hours per week and often live in unpleasant conditions. I doubt they are paid a decent wage;

 

Second, as I am a solo cruiser in a double occupancy cabin, that means less money for my cabin steward than if there were two of us there;

 

Third, setting a higher gratuity at the beginning of the voyage may result in more attentive service.

[SissasMomE]

Regarding the per passenger gratuity, I am not really bothered by the increase (the latest one is 55 cents per day for my category of stateroom). In fact, I plan to set my rate higher than that when I set up my onboard account, for three reasons:

 

First, cruise workers do not have a pleasant existence. They work 70 hours per week and often live in unpleasant conditions. I doubt they are paid a decent wage;

 

Second, as I am a solo cruiser in a double occupancy cabin, that means less money for my cabin steward than if there were two of us there;

 

Third, setting a higher gratuity at the beginning of the voyage may result in more attentive service.

 

The gratuities do not bother me either. I'm annoyed with the port time changes. Probably most people wouldn't be as annoyed but for ALL of the changes NCL is throwing at people at one time. They had a good product. I can't understand why they'd mess with it.

[Anet01]

We are strongly considering cancelling the Haven suite we have reserved next year. The fees are one thing, but the port changes on cruises within weeks with little or no notice is not acceptable at all! For the money we pay for a suite, we can travel by rail or plane to see other areas and stay in very nice hotels and dine in nice restaurants. Will be closely watching how future port changes and communication (which seems to be lacking) is handeled!

[BamaVol]

Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise.

 

I'm sure cruising is the cheapest vacation out there for many people, but not us. We don't stay in suites on ships, we don't get much alcohol on the ship, we don't gamble, we don't book ship excursions, etc.

 

Getting to the port is a whole extra expense! Hotel night before....I could keep going.....but you get the picture. :D:)

 

Speaking of the whole picture: The cost to operate the average sedan, according to the AAA, is around $0.59 per mile. Gas is only $0.13 of that. Figure your trip cost you an additional $0.46/mile. The distance between say, Charlotte and Spearfish, SD is 1,700 miles so that's approximately another $800.

 

Plus, you drove across flyover country and ended up in a place I wouldn't go if they paid me (this is partly tongue in cheek). Granted, I'm a little sick of Nassau, but Black Hills vs. an island in the Caribbean? No contest.

[kcwiak]

Calculate how much your tips would be if you had to dine out three meals a day and you'll see how the service charge is a good deal. We had to dine out twice in one day not too long ago and our tips came to $9.50 per person, and we aren't talking high end establishments either.

Don't get me wrong...I have no issue with the gratuties as is. We have never changed what was charged because the service was worth it. I was just offering people, who are cancelling for this reason, another option.

 

Our next cruise, not until 11/16 unfortunately, has the gratuties already paid with a promo. We will still give out gratuties regardless.

 

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[Merriem]

Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise.

 

I'm sure cruising is the cheapest vacation out there for many people, but not us. We don't stay in suites on ships, we don't get much alcohol on the ship, we don't gamble, we don't book ship excursions, etc.

 

Getting to the port is a whole extra expense! Hotel night before....I could keep going.....but you get the picture. :D:)

 

Yes, but look how far you had to drive. I like getting on a ship and that's it!

[Merriem]

We are strongly considering cancelling the Haven suite we have reserved next year. The fees are one thing, but the port changes on cruises within weeks with little or no notice is not acceptable at all! For the money we pay for a suite, we can travel by rail or plane to see other areas and stay in very nice hotels and dine in nice restaurants. Will be closely watching how future port changes and communication (which seems to be lacking) is handeled!

 

I will not disagree about the communications, but for the Breakaway to Bermuda, in the Haven, with leaving 2 hours early doesn't bother me at all. At that point I would be back on the ship relaxing. I checked our South America trip and one did change that I didn't like..Ushuaia, Argentima. Early arrival and earlier departure. We have been there twice, so no biggie. Frankly just put me on a ship, feed me, and sail away. I am happy.

[jennmaybe]

Plus, you drove across flyover country and ended up in a place I wouldn't go if they paid me (this is partly tongue in cheek). Granted, I'm a little sick of Nassau, but Black Hills vs. an island in the Caribbean? No contest.

 

That's what's so great about living in America! We all get to choose where we want to vacation. :)

[jennmaybe]

Yes, but look how far you had to drive. I like getting on a ship and that's it!

 

Had to drive? Absolutely not. We could flown, BUT, we road trip every year and we make stops in other places. Our family loves road trips and we don't mind the driving at all.

 

Besides, I want to make sure you guys did not misunderstand what I was saying. We take multiple vacations every year---a cruise is only 1 of them.

 

I was simply commenting on Motley's opinion about cruising being the cheapest vacation. We were not discussing whether a cruise or land-based vacation is better.

[Number34]

In answer to the original question I will not be cancelling. Whilst it is annoying to see charges increasing I take a different view with regards to the DSC and tips, probably because I am from the UK.

Reasons, in no particular order are:

Do not understand US tipping conventions

There are so many staff who make my cruise enjoyable who I do not meet

I pre-pay DSC and will not remove

If I stay in suite will tip butler and steward

I may tip concierge if make use of services

Hope to use casino winnings to pay tips!

Will tip extra to wait staff in speciality restaurants if like service, same for bar staff

On NCL I like to buy extra credit, $100+ or so each month so that I am hedging currency moves and, hopefully will get a small refund to my credit card at the end of the cruise

It is a holiday, I want to enjoy it without worrying about the cost. I factor in the extras in my calculations to decide whether I can afford it. It is my choice.

 

 

 

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[LrgPizza]

Yes, but look how far you had to drive. I like getting on a ship and that's it!

 

 

Keep in mind that you can only see such a tiny bit of our big wide world via cruise vacation. Don't knock road trips and land vacations.

[my_crib_too]

They closed @ 59.08 today. The stock price has doubled in one year. I have to say a loud NAY,NAY to your statement and just be glad your NOT a financial advisor.

 

Well, if the stock price has doubled, there is no reason for guests to be upset. :rolleyes:

[coldflame]

Well, if the stock price has doubled, there is no reason for guests to be upset. :rolleyes:

 

No, but it's "peace of mind" that NCL isn't going anywhere and is financially viable. Many people have suggested the changes are a desperate cash grab. The y/y stock performance contradicts that.

[motleyfan]

Had to drive? Absolutely not. We could flown, BUT, we road trip every year and we make stops in other places. Our family loves road trips and we don't mind the driving at all.

 

Besides, I want to make sure you guys did not misunderstand what I was saying. We take multiple vacations every year---a cruise is only 1 of them.

 

I was simply commenting on Motley's opinion about cruising being the cheapest vacation. We were not discussing whether a cruise or land-based vacation is better.

 

Cruise definitely better, wait you didn't factor food into your equation. Remember American land-based vacations cost a lot when it comes to eating and if you are road tripping you didn't figure gas into that

[xz3k3x]

Can you tell specifically what the changes are that you are talking about? I am coming over from being a long time Carnival cruiser am interested in the details.

[xz3k3x]

What is DSC?

[NLH Arizona]

What is DSC?

Daily Service Charge.

[Lazy Sea Days]

do it. At this point you're so peeved at ncl, there's no way you would have a good time. We sailed several times with celebrity, but after our cruise on the solstice, we left. Same with hal. But we did so quietly and deliberately. No "goodbye cruel world" posts for us. No "i'm gonna do it...i swear i'm gonna do it..really...i'm gonna do it" there are several cruise lines you can run to. Sometimes a change of scenery is needed.

 

But if you're so firm in your convictions, why tell us? You don't need our permission. If you're unhappy with a restaurant at home, do you walk up to other tables and ask "are you happy here" do you stand outside and tell other customers "i'm never coming in here again". Just go already.

 

thank you thank you thank you! I'm so sick of the complaining!

[sunnywithachance]

Lots of changes on all the lines lately. Prices are up, service is down, food quality is down. Its not the same product on any line that is was 15 years ago when we first started cruising. Living in Canada we see many people taking all inclusives every year but when you boil it down, its always been cheaper to cruise and I think the cruise product is much much better too. Lately though, I have to admit that even I am starting to wonder out loud if this story is still true.

 

Living in Canada we found the opposite. We have visited all-inclusives in many different locales and they all cost less by the time we include flights, pre-cruise hotels, drinks, etc. We will still do Alaska and one day Greece on a cruise but will stick to all-inclusives in the Carribean.