laudergayle

NCL is a brand within NCLH and is led by Harry Sommer. It was probably Harry who felt is was smart to increase fees and reduce services. I suspect the BOD likes the “revenue/profit stream” that Harry is generating—especially now as the company tries to climb out of the Covid abyss. We don’t necessarily know if FDR was in favor of the cuts/increases. In fact this could be one reason for his retirement (voluntarily or not…who knows). I believe Harry Sommers and his sidekick Herrera became associated with NCL brand in 2020-2021. The cuts/increases were planned in 2021 for 2022 implementation. Today’s NCL is a product of Sommers/Herrera.

Oh my! Time to shut this thread down. Rest assured you will have another opportunity to debate the tipping topic.

I concur. Thank you for sharing my opinion in different words so others may better understand what I was hoping to communicate.

I’ve had the same experience with app not allowing Club Balcony to book at 125 days. For my upcoming cruise I am going to call NCL at day 125 to try that way,

Specifically addressing “demise of NCHL brands: A “brand” and a “company” are two different things. Here is one definition of a brand: A brand is a product, service or concept that is publicly distinguished from other products, services or concepts so that it can be easily communicated and usually marketed. Branding is the process of creating and disseminating the brand name, its qualities and personality. A company can be defined as: In simple terms, the purpose of a company is to have a meaningful vision and then to be profitable in achieving it. NCL brand perception is declining and it is no longer differentiating itself from other cruise lines. Yes, COVID was the lynchpin for the need to reduce costs and increase revenue for all cruise companies. My point is that I believe FDR did a good job building the NCHL brands and he understands their importance in driving company profits and shareholder returns. My other point is that neither Sommers or Herrera have any branding experience…mostly revenue experience. For now, they may be exactly what the doctor ordered to right side the company…but the customer experience will suffer as a result. As you said, customer satisfaction typically translates into financial success. just a different perspective.

Previously I was thinking FDR was driving the demise of the NCLH brands. After reading the release, combined with my career insights of corporate management, I actually believe it is Sommer and Herrera who have been driving down the brands. And, the NCHL Board are loving the revenue that those two are generating. I feel as though the Board are forcing the FDR “retirement”. Go back and read the release with a new perspective. FDR is applauded for: “He has delivered superior financial results, expanded our fleet with luxurious and innovative ships, strengthened our global footprint and delivered unparalleled experiences for our guests.” Then read the About Sommers and Herrera. Their experience is revenue, sales and operations—which clearly the Board is loving.

Well, there you have it. Don’t expect the NCL brand to return to better entertainment, higher quality food items, normal portion sizes, or increased staffing for better service. Those are the things that deliver the customer experience…thus differentiating NCL from their competitors. Neither Soomers nor Herrera have any branding experience…both of them are heavy revenue generation. While these two guys may deliver the return to keep NCL afloat (which is great if they do)…it will be done at the cruiser’s expense. JMO.

Glad to hear. Have you done the water slides yet?

As @graphicguysaid…pool bars are crowded. Sometimes they’ll have an ice cart with beer and wine adjacent to the bar…moves quickly. Also the bar inside the buffet is often less crowded. But if you want frozen drinks…flag down the server and tip upon his return.

So, I once worked for a gentleman from the UK. One day, he yelled from his office…”Gracie…do you have a rubber?” Evidently…in the UK, a “rubber” is an eraser…who knew🤷‍♀️

The Getaway sticks look homemade…yum; unlike the “straight from the freezer made by a machine”. ☹️

Welcome back!

Where ya been lately?

Did I miss that this was your birthday cruise???

Oh…don’t forget the innocent smile from the quiet person in the background. BTW…doesn’t work in an organized line like at the pool deck. There…just tip the servers well. They will be around quicker than your finish your cocktail.

Yes…Carnival for us in the early 90’s. Our take away from that cruise. We traveled with our three teenage (barely) boys. Since this was before text, email and messaging, I was smart enough to give each boy a pre-paid phone card (remember those) to use once we were in The Bahamas. Sounds like a good plan…until our middle son appears before dinner (on a sea day) to proudly proclaim he had used his 10 minutes!! Oh no…he called from the ship phone,,,and $250 later. A moment marked in time for all of us…lol. I wish I could post the picture with the look on his face…but that was way before digital photos. Oh yeah…we also shared an ocean view cabin with 5. So glad we’ve progressed.

A little “tongue in cheek” there. Bon voyage…those 650 reviews will be waiting for you after your JOYful vacay😎

Now here is a difference from being in mostly Haven venues to being in “The ship outside the ship”. We have to compete with A LOT of other cruisers to get service. DH generally sends me to get drinks…mainly because most bartenders are male and I’m cuter than he is😇 , therefore I tend to get noticed more quickly. 8 out of 10 times I tip $1-2 per visit. You would be amazed how often, in a crowd, the bartender just points to the quiet girl with the smile…who quickly says a Coors Light and a Prosecco (we’re simple…lol). A smile, a tip and a thank you. Works like a charm.

Now that should make you giddy!! So glad all the documentation worked out for you guys. That’s unusual in today’s workforce.

We sailed Epic and personally we liked the bed by the balcony. This is generally our choice because when you do room service breakfast the delivery person doesn’t have to squeeze by the bed to bring in the tray. We always make as many MDR reservations in advance. We just walk up at our time and are seated, bypassing those without reservations—which often times is long. You may have to call NCL to book more than two MDRs due to how the app works. We had a FWD cabin — balcony with large balcony. 12017. We liked the easy access to the Garden Cafe and pool deck. And deck 12 made it easy to walk down /up bypassing elevators. Enjoy your cruise!

🤷‍♀️. Zilch…I hope. I’m in at $12.90…first 100 shares were at $16 and have been dollar-cost-averaging to get down to $12.90.

Looks like the PERFECT request of the of the Haven Butler😁

Have them muddle a couple maraschino cherries in your vodka soda drinks…still less sugar than grenadine. Bottoms up!

We had Posh passes on Epic in Caribbean in February. It was windy…but we thought it was windy everywhere..on land, pool deck, and in Posh. My question is what are you seeking with Posh passes. We felt that the bar and drink access and quality was really the only thing that made Posh special. In port, the wind precluded the umbrellas going up…so there was very little shade. And, the seating in the shade was uncomfortable…the seats were way too deep—as tho they were made to curl up with a good book. IMO we didn’t find the value.

Oh no…good news is we don’t really use the balcony too much. I just think I need it for access to outside…a little claustrophobic lol. Thanks for your insight.