Well, I have sailed with NCL many times and greatly dislike the whole ship within a ship concept. We sailed with friends who opted for the Haven experience and I stopped liking them when they declared they were no longer sailing with the great unwashed. They are no longer my friends. Now, back to the riveting subject at hand. Clean towels or no?
Nobody but Holland America can tell you what to do on their sailings. If you want to relax and smell the roses, just do your thing. They'll let you know if your shorts are unacceptable in the MDR. Lol.
I know some must be very unhappy about this turn of events. Total drag with no fresh clothing and feeling as though your knickers are in a twist. This is temporary,however. I am presently observing a true disaster here in Florida. It's all perspective. Hoping it's sorted soon for the travelers
I've never been on a cruise where there wasn't constant varnishing and painting going on. I think after a dry dock, things are pretty spiffy. Stuff like new rugs and curtains.
Once I booked with an online agency for a transantlatic and got $750.00 OBC. Well, that went along way toward our wine bill on the ship. I don't book with them anymore because it was hard dealing with the personnel concerning any changes, but I did like the substantial savings. I use my PCC now because it is so easy, generally speaking.
I can usually find vegetarian in the Lido in the asian section. I've no interest in meat in the middle of the day and the MDR isn't something I want to do in the middle of the day, either. It's usually pretty good.
You make a good point but the cutbacks that you list have been going on for years. Nothing new. However, we took 3 cruises last year and enjoyed every one. Things have changed, some dramatically, all over the world really.
It really depends on how much time you plan on being off the ship. It's not worth it for us when we are in Europe or someplace where we expect to do some touring. Off the ship for all day and not back on until dinner time. We find the wine prices in Europe to be alot more reasonable than on the ship, and for the ship, we buy the wine package instead of the Have It All. I suppose this doesn't work if you like bourbon or scotch or something like that. Probably my suggestion is meaningless to most people.
There's always some sort of promotion going on. Some better than others. When I add it all up, it's never usually that much of a good deal. Bottom line, we like to travel and that's why we go.
I'm happy enough to skip it. We are always seated with people who ask inane questions. I don't think the food is that great either. I'd rather have a bite to eat elsewhere. I don't find much to complain about when I'm cruising but that's one thing I can do without.
It's a shame that the NS has zero books onboard to borrow. Oh, I forgot. The HAL bosses were afraid passengers were stealing the books and bringing them home. You know, petty theft.