Can't bring soda on board anymore

[ano]

When I received a call from NCL regarding my email the rep said I could purchase 20oz bottles of water for $2.50. Does anyone know if these are only available to purchase once onboard and where do you get them.

 

You should ask them that. In this USAToday article published today here:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/07/06/norwegian-cruise-line-beverage-ban/86742538/

It says a bottle of water on NCL is $6.49

[Warm Breezes]

Ditto. I like to drink bottled water. I do not mind paying for it, but not for a 10X mark-up. I have many, many vacation options. I do not want to have to bring my own drinkware when I go on vacation-too much of a hassle.

 

So it's not a hassle to bring a case of water on-board but it is a hassle to bring a filtered cup:confused:

[ano]

So it's not a hassle to bring a case of water on-board but it is a hassle to bring a filtered cup:confused:

 

Hassle, just like money is not the point for many people. Other cruiselines don't restrict it, NCL now does. If you don't believe people want the "hassle" of bringing bottle water aboard, you haven't taken many cruises, at least not on lower-cost cruiselines because my observation is MANY people pack water and soda.

Edited July 15, 2016 by ano

[Warm Breezes]

Hassle, just like money is not the point for many people. Other cruiselines don't restrict it, NCL now does. If you don't believe people want the "hassle" of bringing bottle water aboard, you haven't taken many cruises, at least not on lower-cost cruiselines because my observation is MANY people pack water and soda.

 

Guess you didn't read my cruise history then because you are wrong. The person I was quoting said it was it a hassle to bring their own drinkware....please tell me how packing a refillable cup or to is more hassle than carrying on a case of water??? I've carried on my own drinkware more than once in our 14 cruises (mostly on Carnival and NCL). I have never carried on a case of water....IMHO that is a hassle. To each his own but I sure don't understand that type of thinking.

[SuiteCruiser]

So it's not a hassle to bring a case of water on-board but it is a hassle to bring a filtered cup:confused:

 

Lots of people having rolling coolers and have water and soft drinks in them. It's no anymore of a hassle than bringing a carryon.

 

I do not bring either on board, but understand the frustration of those who do.

[Warm Breezes]

Lots of people having rolling coolers and have water and soft drinks in them. It's no anymore of a hassle than bringing a carryon.

 

I do not bring either on board, but understand the frustration of those who do.

 

To each his own. I would find that a hassle...which is why I have never done it. The most we have carried on is some bottles of wine and a couple 1-liter soft drinks squeezed into our carry on and that has only been on a couple cruises. With the UBP promo (which many now have) we found that even that would be a hassle and decided before the new rules came out that we weren't going to carry anything on. I personally don't understand the extreme frustration of some over this change, when there are so many other options available. Life is too short to get so upset over such trivial things.

[BruceMuzz]

I was managing ships for NCL when they were purchased by Star Cruises and then introduced Freestyle Cruising.

 

No other cruise line had done something quite like this before."

 

NCL's loyal "value cruisers" were furious. Most vowed never to cruise with NCL again. They - and many of the "experts" - predicted a quick demise for the company. NCL was intentionally chasing away their long-term, loyal, and (unfortunately) low-spending "value" passengers.

 

During that period, the NCL Head Office received 10's of thousands of complaints about the "New NCL".

Andy Stuart was the VP of Sales and Marketing at that time.

His response to those complaints?

 

He politely thanked those long term NCL loyal passengers for their loyalty over the years.

He then pointed out that the old NCL was no longer.

There was a new NCL, with different ideas, different values, and different ships.

He expressed hope that the old passengers would be willing to try - and enjoy - the new NCL.

He then pointed out that if those old NCL passengers didn't like the new NCL, there were plenty of other cruise lines out there that might be more satisfactory to them.

 

The result?

Many of those old NCL "value cruisers" left. (By the way, we had a different name for them)

For every one of those "value cruisers" who left, 2 more new cruisers - with more money to spend - took their place.

Over the past 17 years, despite a few wrong turns, NCL has succeeded like no other cruise line in the history of cruising. Their financial position is the envy of the entire industry.

 

Despite all the moaning here about no longer being able to carry on all that cheap artificially colored, artificially sweetened, artificially flavored, artificially carbonated, artificially preserved tap water from Atlanta; and all the enlightened business advice from the cruise "Experts" posting on Cruise Critic, it is very likely that this decision by NCL will result in even higher long-term profits for the company, and higher dividends for stock holders.

 

Would I recommend or buy a cruise on an NCL ship?

Not a chance.

But I do admire their courage in business.

 

If you don't like what a business is doing, you have many options:

 

1. Moan, cry, and feel sorry for yourself.

2. Stop spending your money with a company you do not like.

3. Start spending your money with a company you do like.

[swedish weave]

I was managing ships for NCL when they were purchased by Star Cruises and then introduced Freestyle Cruising.

 

No other cruise line had done something quite like this before."

 

NCL's loyal "value cruisers" were furious. Most vowed never to cruise with NCL again. They - and many of the "experts" - predicted a quick demise for the company. NCL was intentionally chasing away their long-term, loyal, and (unfortunately) low-spending "value" passengers.

 

During that period, the NCL Head Office received 10's of thousands of complaints about the "New NCL".

Andy Stuart was the VP of Sales and Marketing at that time.

His response to those complaints?

 

He politely thanked those long term NCL loyal passengers for their loyalty over the years.

He then pointed out that the old NCL was no longer.

There was a new NCL, with different ideas, different values, and different ships.

He expressed hope that the old passengers would be willing to try - and enjoy - the new NCL.

He then pointed out that if those old NCL passengers didn't like the new NCL, there were plenty of other cruise lines out there that might be more satisfactory to them.

 

The result?

Many of those old NCL "value cruisers" left. (By the way, we had a different name for them)

For every one of those "value cruisers" who left, 2 more new cruisers - with more money to spend - took their place.

Over the past 17 years, despite a few wrong turns, NCL has succeeded like no other cruise line in the history of cruising. Their financial position is the envy of the entire industry.

 

Despite all the moaning here about no longer being able to carry on all that cheap artificially colored, artificially sweetened, artificially flavored, artificially carbonated, artificially preserved tap water from Atlanta; and all the enlightened business advice from the cruise "Experts" posting on Cruise Critic, it is very likely that this decision by NCL will result in even higher long-term profits for the company, and higher dividends for stock holders.

 

Would I recommend or buy a cruise on an NCL ship?

Not a chance.

But I do admire their courage in business.

 

If you don't like what a business is doing, you have many options:

 

1. Moan, cry, and feel sorry for yourself.

2. Stop spending your money with a company you do not like.

3. Start spending your money with a company you do like.

 

Bruce =--- I will comment on a couple of your statements.

 

NCL being the envy of the industry doesn't ring true when the company has a debt equity ratio that is nearly double the market value.

 

Higher dividends is a real joke because they don't pay ANY DIVIDENDS. And haven't since they went public.

 

Maybe this info will help you get back to reality.

[fshagan]

The "bucket deal" is buy 5 beers get 1 "free". The total cost charged to your account includes 18% gratuity and is around $45.

 

So, $45 for six beers I can get at Walmart for $4.50? That is 10x the price. I can't imagine why anyone drinks beer on the ship at that price.

 

Water at 2.5x the price on shore is looking like a bargain!

[fshagan]

When I received a call from NCL regarding my email the rep said I could purchase 20oz bottles of water for $2.50. Does anyone know if these are only available to purchase once onboard and where do you get them.

 

The 1 liter bottles are $2.77 if pre-purchased in the 18 pack. That's .08 an ounce versus .13 an ounce in the 20oz bottle.

[julie3fan]

It will be interesting if a price reduction on bottled water is introduced on the same day the new carry on ban goes into effect. The timing of that would be ideal.....

Edited July 15, 2016 by julie3fan

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

(I do not bring on a case of water, or Soda; maybe just a couple of sealed bottles of water to keep for meds. In the am and a Brita filtered water bottle to screen out the chlorine from the ships water system. ) That being said; although I paid in full last month; Tuesday was final payment for my cruise; and wouldn't you guess; today, my TA received notification from NCL about the new beverage policy, which they forwarded to me. I spoke to my TA to find out if they could as a large group voice concerns over how notifications are coming out (after final payment). I also informed my TA that MSC is matching the loyalty status of other cruise lines & will have a ship similar to NCL by Dec. 2017. They said that was really good to know as an NCL alternative. I will ether try out MSC or another cruise line; or maybe just go back to land based vacations; since for me as a platinum member with NCL ; it is just not worth the aggravation to cruise with them any longer.

[GeezerCouple]

(I do not bring on a case of water, or Soda; maybe just a couple of sealed bottles of water to keep for meds. In the am and a Brita filtered water bottle to screen out the chlorine from the ships water system. ) That being said; although I paid in full last month; Tuesday was final payment for my cruise; and wouldn't you guess; today, my TA received notification from NCL about the new beverage policy, which they forwarded to me. I spoke to my TA to find out if they could as a large group voice concerns over how notifications are coming out (after final payment). I also informed my TA that MSC is matching the loyalty status of other cruise lines & will have a ship similar to NCL by Dec. 2017. They said that was really good to know as an NCL alternative. I will ether try out MSC or another cruise line; or maybe just go back to land based vacations; since for me as a platinum member with NCL ; it is just not worth the aggravation to cruise with them any longer.

 

Yup, THIS is the very serious problem underlying ALL of this.

 

Thanks for letting us know.

 

Quite a 'coincidence', eh? :mad:

[arock24]

So, $45 for six beers I can get at Walmart for $4.50? That is 10x the price. I can't imagine why anyone drinks beer on the ship at that price.

 

Water at 2.5x the price on shore is looking like a bargain!

 

Can you give me an example?

Are you saying a $4.50 case of Aquafina bought on shore is only $11.25 on board?

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

Yup, THIS is the very serious problem underlying ALL of this.

 

 

 

Thanks for letting us know.

 

 

 

Quite a 'coincidence', eh? :mad:

 

 

No problem; no coincidence at all....

NCL if you are monitoring this; as I suspect you are; your "plan" is backfiring; I had no problem spending extra on board until you, (FDR) declared "war" with your "extra $5". I have, since that comment, made it a point to try to spend as little directly with your cruise line as possible until I finished my last cruise reward/cruise next certificate I was foolish enough to buy. I no longer book directly and have gone with the lowest price/ most perks/ kickbacks TA I could find. Thank goodness I will be on my final NCL cruise shortly.

There are alternatives out there for those long time NCL consumers that have had enough of the lies and last minute sneaky changes.

[NLH Arizona]

That being said; although I paid in full last month; Tuesday was final payment for my cruise; and wouldn't you guess; today, my TA received notification from NCL about the new beverage policy, which they forwarded to me.

I guess some have received it prior to final payment:

 

I finally received an email from my TA today. My final payment is due in August.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2378433&page=2

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

I guess some have received it prior to final payment:

 

 

 

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2378433&page=2

 

 

Correct me if I'm wrong; but it only seems those that inquired directly, received notification prior to their final payment; and not those that deliberately waited until after final payment were notified. (Just curious to see if my theory is correct.)

[peg013]

Our final payment was July 9th and we still have not gotten the email from NCL regarding the new policy. :mad:

[hbboers]

I am concerned with passengers refilling water bottles in the buffet. Some of the bottles are old and dirty, and ,for health reasons , NONE are to be refilled here. Despite the signs, they were being refilled all the time on our last Epic cruise. No one enforces this rule and it leads to health issues. Ncl should put in a bottle filling station like most airports have. With the new restrictions, water safety needs to be addressed.

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

Our final payment was July 9th and we still have not gotten the email from NCL regarding the new policy. :mad:

 

 

Sadly; I may be correct in my assumptions then....[emoji20] NCL; (FDR) such a disappointment...... You were once the inspiration of many cruise lines......

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

I am concerned with passengers refilling water bottles in the buffet. Some of the bottles are old and dirty, and ,for health reasons , NONE are to be refilled here. Despite the signs, they were being refilled all the time on our last Epic cruise. No one enforces this rule and it leads to health issues. Ncl should put in a bottle filling station like most airports have. With the new restrictions, water safety needs to be addressed.

 

 

I agree; for someone who has had the dreaded norovirus on the NCL GEM; hygiene is an extreme top priority. It has turned me into a germaphobe. Carrying anti- bacterial hand gel and Clorox sanitizing wipes each subsequent cruise to wipe down everything from the cabin to the casino; that's no way to enjoy a vacation any longer.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I am concerned with passengers refilling water bottles in the buffet. Some of the bottles are old and dirty, and ,for health reasons , NONE are to be refilled here. Despite the signs, they were being refilled all the time on our last Epic cruise. No one enforces this rule and it leads to health issues. Ncl should put in a bottle filling station like most airports have. With the new restrictions, water safety needs to be addressed.

 

This is part of my issue. Bottled water is not something I need - it is a convenience. ALL other cruise lines include it in their beverage packages, NCL does not. By NCL not allowing me the choice to bring any on and charging VERY high prices to purchase it it means more people will be using water dispensers in the buffet to refill bottles, thus increasing the risk of the spread of viruses.

 

I don't want to constantly wait in line to beg for water at the bar and I don't want water from contaminated dispensers in the buffet. This means my only options for water are in the sit down dining venues or my cabin, or paying a very high price for bottled water (which other lines include in their beverage packages - yes I'm beating this poor dead horse again) none of which is ideal.

 

After my Epic cruise this fall I will be taking my business elsewhere.

Edited July 15, 2016 by AtlantaCruiser72

[don't-use-real-name]

Correct me if I'm wrong; but it only seems those that inquired directly, received notification prior to their final payment; and not those that deliberately waited until after final payment were notified. (Just curious to see if my theory is correct.)

 

I received my notice yesterday and it was from my Travel Agent wonder what

surprises NCL is planning to let us know by "Slow Boat from China" can't say

by Pony Express only sea horses in the ocean and can't say by smoke signals

can't have fire on a vessel at sea - but in any event CHEAP is what NCL does

even with the inexpensive internet which like this beverage deal NCL charges

a premium to use dial up speed !

 

So much for timely customer service if it is customer service at all !

Wonder how many folks are going to be disappointed at the changes going

into effect right now ***TODAY *** !

Edited July 15, 2016 by don't-use-real-name

[Feelin' Nauti']

If no one received info of the change, and pax packed water or soda, how can they stop you ?

[julie3fan]

If no one received info of the change' date=' and pax packed water or soda, how can they stop you ?[/quote']

 

I'm sure the security guards have training that will defuse most situations where the passengers will board without their beverages. Or watch the ship sail without them!