Canada At Par Cruises

[ilovetotravel1977]

Do you think there is any chance they bring back the at-par cruises to the Caribbean now that winter cruising season is just around the corner?

[insighttoronto]

I just called NCL and they have added Canadian at Par as a choice in the Free at Sea promotion.

 

Unfortunately, the math doesn't add up when booking a cruise.

 

I'm interested in a studio cabin on the Epic on May 28th 2017.

 

The US price as of today is $899 + 108.97 port fees and taxes for a total of $1,007.97 USD.

 

This promotion means that I should be able to book this cruise at $1,007.97 CDN, but NCL wants $1,359.45 CDN when selecting the "Canadian at Par" option.

 

The NCL agent told me she is supposed to enter a "special phone number" for this promotion, but there was no effect on the pricing.

 

If I booked this cruise for $1,007.97 USD on my Canadian credit card, the cost would be $1,359.45 CDN.

 

There is no benefit to this promotion for Canadians. :mad:

 

I spoke to a supervisor and eventually gave up after 10 minutes of trying to explain what "at par" means. :confused:

 

If anyone has luck with this promotion, please let me know the name and extension of your NCL booking agent.

 

P.S. Does anyone know how to view US pricing when viewing the NCL website from Canada?

[DirtyDawg]

I spoke to a supervisor and eventually gave up after 10 minutes of trying to explain what "at par" means. :confused:

 

It looks like NCL's definition of par is the same as mine on the golf course. Par might be 72 for regular folks but for me it's 98.:)

Edited November 7, 2016 by DirtyDawg

[DirtyDawg]

P.S. Does anyone know how to view US pricing when viewing the NCL website from Canada?

 

If you have a VPN switch the server to a U.S. based one.

[insighttoronto]

I've called NCL again to speak to a different supervisor regarding the Epic sailing on May 28th 2017, which I mentioned in my previous post.

 

The Canadian at Par promotion only applies to the base fare and not the port fees and taxes. I understand and accept their policy.

 

I asked to book a studio cabin at par for $899 CDN plus the port fees and taxes of $108.97 USD (about $148 CDN) for a total of $1,047 CDN.

 

NCL will not book the cruise at that price.

 

The supervisor told me NCL has two fares called "travel to fare" and "easy fare". The "easy fare" is what you see on the NCL website.

 

In my case, the "travel to fare" is $1,199 USD, however, this price is not listed on either the US website or Canadian website.

 

I tried a different approach and asked to book the cruise at the "travel to fare" of $1,199 USD, but was told that I can't pay more than the "easy to fare".

 

I can only book the cruise using the "easy to fare" rate of $899 USD plus port fees, at an exchange rate of 1.35, which is equal to $1,360 CDN.

 

If I book the cruise on the Canadian website without any promotion selected, the price is $1,360 CDN. :confused:

 

In my opinion, there is no benefit whatsoever to the Canadian at Par promotion. I'm unsatisfied with this response from NCL.

 

I respectfully asked to escalate this matter and was told to expect a reply within 3 days.

 

I will post an update later this week accordingly.

[ilovetotravel1977]

Good luck to you on your quest! I will be following along :)

Edited November 8, 2016 by ilovetotravel1977

[CruiserGuyWPB]

I've called NCL again to speak to a different supervisor regarding the Epic sailing on May 28th 2017, which I mentioned in my previous post.

 

The Canadian at Par promotion only applies to the base fare and not the port fees and taxes. I understand and accept their policy.

 

I asked to book a studio cabin at par for $899 CDN plus the port fees and taxes of $108.97 USD (about $148 CDN) for a total of $1,047 CDN.

 

NCL will not book the cruise at that price.

 

The supervisor told me NCL has two fares called "travel to fare" and "easy fare". The "easy fare" is what you see on the NCL website.

 

In my case, the "travel to fare" is $1,199 USD, however, this price is not listed on either the US website or Canadian website.

 

I tried a different approach and asked to book the cruise at the "travel to fare" of $1,199 USD, but was told that I can't pay more than the "easy to fare".

 

I can only book the cruise using the "easy to fare" rate of $899 USD plus port fees, at an exchange rate of 1.35, which is equal to $1,360 CDN.

 

If I book the cruise on the Canadian website without any promotion selected, the price is $1,360 CDN. :confused:

 

In my opinion, there is no benefit whatsoever to the Canadian at Par promotion. I'm unsatisfied with this response from NCL.

 

I respectfully asked to escalate this matter and was told to expect a reply within 3 days.

 

I will post an update later this week accordingly.

 

 

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

[herdingdogmom]

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

 

I was wondering the same thing. However, if the US Presidential election goes the way of Brexit tomorrow, the USD will plummet and you will be able to get a bargain in CDN.

Edited November 8, 2016 by herdingdogmom

[CindyLouWho2]

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

 

Because they have offered it as a promotion, if they offer an "at par" rate for Canadians then they need to honour it and have it actually at par...not the same price as it would be after exchange. If an American company doesn't want to discount it's fare to that level then don't offer it as a promotion at all. Canadians, and I'm sure no one, do not want to feel hoodwinked...

Edited November 8, 2016 by CindyLouWho2

[CruiserGuyWPB]

Because they have offered it as a promotion, if they offer an "at par" rate for Canadians then they need to honour it and have it actually at par...not the same price as it would be after exchange. If an American company doesn't want to discount it's fare to that level then don't offer it as a promotion at all. Canadians, and I'm sure no one, do not want to feel hoodwinked...

 

Then the 30% discount should be available to all the Americans, the UK, the EU, , the Asians, the Africans, the Australians, the New Zealanders, etc, open to all. Why are the Canadians the only ones that get the 30% discount because their government can not control and grow their economy?:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

[DipBrat]

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

 

 

If the Canadian market was large enough they probably would. All inclusive prices in Cuba, Mexico and Dominican prices have plunged in USD terms as operators are forced to keep prices fairly stable inCanadian dollar terms.

 

There are discounts on some lines for nationalities which have fallen against the USD. I travel a lot when I go online I see that for example Celebrity offers much lower prices to non-north Americans.

 

 

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[CruiserGuyWPB]

If the Canadian market was large enough they probably would. All inclusive prices in Cuba, Mexico and Dominican prices have plunged in USD terms as operators are forced to keep prices fairly stable inCanadian dollar terms.

 

There are discounts on some lines for nationalities which have fallen against the USD. I travel a lot when I go online I see that for example Celebrity offers much lower prices to non-north Americans.

 

 

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HMMM, so the whole problem is that Canada doesnt have a larger market? So that is the problem of the US and not Canada... Who is responsible for the Canadian Market? Why doesnt Canada improve their market and not depend on the US to give them special discounts on cruises due to the failure of the Canadian marketplace?

[DirtyDawg]

Then the 30% discount should be available to all the Americans, the UK, the EU, , the Asians, the Africans, the Australians, the New Zealanders, etc, open to all. Why are the Canadians the only ones that get the 30% discount because their government can not control and grow their economy?:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

OK two things. First, a corporation can give discounts to whomever they feel like. Americans only, Canadian only, etc. or Americans and Canadians only or whatever combination they deem as the most profitable for the corporation. Pricing, as with life, is not fair.

 

Second, the relative value of the Canadian currency is most highly correlated with the price of oil. So if you are really bothered by NCL offering a discount to Canadians go out at use more oil, that will help drive the currency up and the discounts will go away. Problem solved.

Edited November 8, 2016 by DirtyDawg

[ilovetotravel1977]

Because they have offered it as a promotion, if they offer an "at par" rate for Canadians then they need to honour it and have it actually at par...not the same price as it would be after exchange. If an American company doesn't want to discount it's fare to that level then don't offer it as a promotion at all. Canadians, and I'm sure no one, do not want to feel hoodwinked...

 

This.

 

It's almost like they are trying to lure Canadians in with the at-par promotion, when really, it isn't at-par. I do a lot of research before booking any vacation, including cross-referencing third-party sites to ensure I'm not missing any deals/bargains.

 

Don't have a promotion if you don't want to actually honour it. Customers won't feel like they are being duped.

[jtdlmc]

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

 

Maybe because this company is advertising at par pricing for Canadians??? What has that got to do with the Canadian economy in any way, shape or form? If Walmart has a 50% off sale sticker on a product do you expect to get 50% off or would you be satisfied if when you got to the checkout you were only given 10% off?

[AlanFromFL]

I was wondering the same thing. However, if the US Presidential election goes the way of Brexit tomorrow, the USD will plummet and you will be able to get a bargain in CDN.

And a lot of Americans will be fleeing North of the Border as well...[emoji14]

[DipBrat]

Deceptive marketing is pretty much par for the course in the cruise industry. 2 for 1. Free gratuities, but not applicable to the lowest fare. So called gratuities in general for that matter. It is what it is. If consumers didn't react to it they wouldn't do it.

 

 

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[poffles]

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US. If the Canadians want better values then isn’t it up to the Canadian Government to strengthen the economy to make the Canadian dollar stronger against the US and not up to an American company to discount its fair unfairly to satisfy the shortcomings of the Canadian economy?

 

How did NCL using an 'at par' marketing strategy to entice Canadians turn into this political Canadian statement about our economy and our stupidly expecting NCL to actually mean 'at par'. NCL advertises this so don't make this something else, this is on them and not on Canadians wrongly expecting 'at par' to mean 'at par'. I don't expect an American company to discount for me (but feel free) but I equally do not accept them hiding behind 'at par' marketing when it doesn't even come close.

[hamrag]

It's almost like they are trying to lure Canadians in with the at-par promotion, when really, it isn't at-par. I do a lot of research before booking any vacation, including cross-referencing third-party sites to ensure I'm not missing any deals/bargains.

 

Sounds like another bait & switch tactic from NCL....!!

[Maddysdaddy]

I too am righteously indignant about special fares being offered to Canadians!

 

Next thing you know, they'll be offering special fares to people in the military, people who live in Florida, or even worse, members of the AARP. It's almost like they're trying to retain a market segment that may choose to spend their vacation dollars elsewhere.

[Mechman1971]

The website makes no mention of Canadian at Par as part of the 5 options of the Free at Sea promotion. There are some Canadian at Par select sailings to non-Western Hemisphere destinations, listed as a separate promotion.

[poffles]

I too am righteously indignant about special fares being offered to Canadians!

 

Next thing you know, they'll be offering special fares to people in the military, people who live in Florida, or even worse, members of the AARP. It's almost like they're trying to retain a market segment that may choose to spend their vacation dollars elsewhere.

 

Exactly! How dare they :D:p

[insighttoronto]

I'm glad to see discussion on this thread. I'd like to respond to a couple comments.

 

Before I start this, I will say that I am a Canadian. I do not see why a Canadian would expect an American company to give a 30% +/- discount to a Canadian because the Canadian Government does not have the economy to compete with the US.

 

CruiserGuyWPB - I agree the Canadian government has a lot of work to strengthen the Canadian economy, however, I don't see a direct connection to the topic of NCL's decision to offer pricing at par without actually offering the advertised pricing. The value of the benefit of pricing at par is equivalent to offering the Ultimate Beverage Package. I'd rather use those funds to pay for various expenses on board like a weekly thermal spa pass. NCL will be making a profit from me regardless once I'm on the ship. I'd be happy paying the fare in USD and have an OBC credit for the exchange rate difference.

 

I too am righteously indignant about special fares being offered to Canadians! Next thing you know, they'll be offering special fares to people in the military, people who live in Florida, or even worse, members of the AARP. It's almost like they're trying to retain a market segment that may choose to spend their vacation dollars elsewhere.

 

Maddysdaddy - You hit the nail right on the head with your comment. NCL is trying to attract customers and it's up to NCL to determine what customer segments or geographical locations they wish to target. They just need to clearly communicate their offers and follow through when a customer says they want to book a cruise.

 

The website makes no mention of Canadian at Par as part of the 5 options of the Free at Sea promotion. There are some Canadian at Par select sailings to non-Western Hemisphere destinations, listed as a separate promotion.

 

Mechman1971 - This offer is appearing on select cruises when you go through the booking process. I think NCL could do a better job communicating this promotion. (Taxes and port fees don't apply). I recall seeing this offer will be discontinued at the end of November.

 

P.S. I haven't yet received a return call back from the NCL supervisor as promised today, so I will call her tomorrow.

[SMSACE6]

well our dollar is now trading at .74 to 1.00 us:(

 

I really wish they would have a CAD at par now!!!:p

[insighttoronto]

The website makes no mention of Canadian at Par as part of the 5 options of the Free at Sea promotion. There are some Canadian at Par select sailings to non-Western Hemisphere destinations, listed as a separate promotion.

 

Thanks Mechman1971 for clarifying that the Canadian at Par promotion is a separation promotion from the Free at Sea promotion. It’s still a mystery to me why the total cost of cruise using the Canadian at Par promotion exceeds the total cost when booking without any promotion. :confused:

 

The NCL supervisor called me back and offered no explanation other than to say the pricing on their website, despite being illogical, is what it is. NCL does not deserve my business after this episode. On the other hand, if I boycotted cruise lines for issues like this, then I wouldn’t be cruising much longer. :p

 

I have two NextCruise deposits, which can be used against one European 2017 sailing, so I've booked my cruise without the Canadian at Par promotion. I’ve always booked directly with NCL, but for the first time I’ve booked the through an independent TA. If NCL wants to waste my time by offering false promotions, they can now pay referral fees going forward. :rolleyes:

 

I'm happy to be booked on another cruise, but I’ve decided to minimize my onboard spending on this NCL cruise and future NCL cruises. I’ve sailed this itinerary twice before and my onboard account has ranged from $748.80 USD to $885.79 USD, usually plus a couple hundred in the casino. My goal will be to walk off the ship with less than $100 in total expenses. I’m going to enjoy my vacation, but I’m also going to make every effort to minimize my onboard charges on NCL ships. :cool:

 

I hope other Canadians have success with the Canadian at Par promotion, but be aware the math doesn’t always add up.