How bad will the penny pinching get after Covid?

[DrSea]

Huge fan of NCL, as it is my favorite line. But I do have to admit that they penny pinch a lot, which benefits me bc of lowish cruise fares. 

 

But now I am speculating how bad the penny pinching will get now with the coronavirus cutting deep into their profit margins. Any speculations? 

 

My first guess would be that all free specialty restaurants, like ?Shanghai, will get a cover charge. 

[SeaShark]

We, as guests, penny pinch ALL THE TIME. I don't see anyone having a problem with that. I figure if we can do it, the cruise lines should be able to do it as well. 

 

Commerce is a two-way street.

[waterjock]

I think they will cut back on entertainment because of the six feet rule. No more comedy club or dueling pianos. The cavern club is to small for shows.I think they will go to 3 shows for each main event show this will allow them to space out the seating for those shows.

[BirdTravels]

To minimize the crowds at dinner, the will have prepackaged sandwiches that you have to eat in your room. (That is what Atlantic City is now). 

[Outerdog]

I'm sure the NCL branded face coverings will be a huge hit.

[lizwil10]

Next to fuel/maintenance I would think payroll would be their biggest expense. I'd imagine with passenger capacity being lower the crew will decrease significantly.

[boatseller]

Because 'keep up appearances', they will try to make the cruise experience as familiar and unchanged as possible.  Meaning the temporary 'new normal' will be the same thing everywhere else, face coverings and distancing.

 

A lot of the entertainment venues are unused most of the day so there could be afternoon comedy shows and such.  

[zqvol]

By the time cruise lines start sailing again in 2022, there is not going to be a need to social distance, or any of the other things mentioned above. The only change might be that all specialty restaurants require a surcharge, as they probably should have for years.

Edited July 14, 2020 by zqvol

[crewsweeper]

23 minutes ago, zqvol said:

By the time cruise lines start sailing again in 2022, there is not going to be a need to social distance, or any of the other things mentioned above. The only change might be that all specialty restaurants require a surcharge, as they probably should have for years.

Or stop the free bevie package.  Charge a daily rate.

[PelicanBill]

Perhaps we will see mandatory Art Auctions.  Just kidding.  I think we will see that cruise prices are less of a bargain, and fees for everything will creep up. DSC, upcharges for food, coffee, water, treats. Some entertainment, Games   Like Disney, we could see more premium offerings for those willing to pay.  

[GA Dave]

IMHO, based on the numbers coming out of the "entertainment" businesses already operating, I think they are going to have a really hard time gouging people.  Places such as Universal Orlando, that reopened last month, have seen attendance numbers 40-60% below their already reduced capacity numbers.  If this type of customer interest holds true for cruise lines, they could see 4,000 passenger capacity ships struggling to attract 1,000 people.  If their prices keep going up in the current economy, they could see even less.

[DrSea]

3 hours ago, lizwil10 said:

Next to fuel/maintenance I would think payroll would be their biggest expense. I'd imagine with passenger capacity being lower the crew will decrease significantly.

You bring up an interesting point that I have been thinking about for quite some time. IDK if it is possible to cut down on the number of staff working on the ship bc of servers at the buffet, more cleaning, and hopefully more medical staff.

[Davechipp74]

I,m sure there will be some sort of CONVID charge in the ticket price, I've been seeing them pop up at some restaurants. 

[chipmaster]

6 hours ago, zqvol said:

By the time cruise lines start sailing again in 2022, there is not going to be a need to social distance, or any of the other things mentioned above. The only change might be that all specialty restaurants require a surcharge, as they probably should have for years.

 

Optimistic that a vaccine will have high efficacy and everyone will take it, LOL.

 

Did travel become the same after 9/11, no we had never traveled more , but was NEVER the same.

 

Cruising will not become the same in 2022, if it even resumes at all by summer.   Maybe by 2024 will it have any look like what some of us remember from years ago.

[CruzRamirez]

I agree with chipmaster, cruising will not look like pre-COVID for numerous years, even with a COVID vaccine. Get used to a new Cruising Normal, when it is rolled out.

[NYcruzzer]

22 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

To minimize the crowds at dinner, the will have prepackaged sandwiches that you have to eat in your room. (That is what Atlantic City is now). 

 

That is why we opted to head North to Foxwoods instead...Indoor dining was open and food was Delish !

[Casino Comp Chick]

19 hours ago, boatseller said:

Because 'keep up appearances', they will try to make the cruise experience as familiar and unchanged as possible.  Meaning the temporary 'new normal' will be the same thing everywhere else, face coverings and distancing.

 

A lot of the entertainment venues are unused most of the day so there could be afternoon comedy shows and such.  

That will certainly beat their current demos they run all day, I do not cruise to learn how to fold a towel or to “learn” a $99 shoe insole will save my life.

Edited July 15, 2020 by Casino Comp Chick

[luv2kroooz]

I think you'll see a decline in routine cosmetic maintenance...new carpeting, chair coverings, mattress replacement, etc. Historically, I've always felt NCL has done a fabulous job of keeping the ship interiors fresh and new looking.

[ABoatNerd]

This is the point.

 

Until the cruise lines product is specifically clear and consistent in delivery, consumers should be wary of purchasing an unknown moving target.

[Comi.uy]

If they expand the "penny pinching" too much, the customers will know it and wont cruise. As it is they are struggling to get people, once it restarts I doubt we see any of that. Later on, then yes maybe they could try something, but hope not !!