nsitt

Yes, and I said it several times that this does not bother me. What I don't like is the fact that sometimes NCL offers some compensation and sometimes not, and if you complain more, like in my case, they offer you a compensation.

I stated that the new price for the cruise I booked has gone down significantly and when both, my TA and me, asked NCL if they can offer a form of compensation, like I heard others were getting, they said "no!" We are not talking about an inside cabin but about their premium product: Haven suite. I complained about the lack of consistency in handling these situations. To me it matters whether a company has policies in place they would follow and that a situation like this shouldn't end up like a price negotiation at an oriental bazaar. Whether it is before or after final payment is not important. Important is how NCL is treating a customer who is ready to pay for their most expensive product. Here, from my point of view, they failed. They did not want to compensate, and now, after days of back and forth, they are willing to issue a FCC. Btw, it is not the full amount of the reduction in price. My personal opinion, not that it matters to anyone else, is that if companies do something that has the potential of annoying valued customers they should have a good plan how to handle it. Some customers may not be coming back if they are gone.

From this thread it should be obvious that they are not consistent. What do you mean it is my story? They told me there is nothing they would do. Others are saying they would compensate in different ways. I escalated trough other channels at NCL and now they offered me a FCC. Yes, they are very consistent. I even learned from this discussion that the gratuities are not paid out to the crew, I am guessing this information is alternative facts as it is called in your country

Fairness that's what I am suggesting, too.How can it be fair if people are getting different answers for the same question?

I think you are not getting it. People cancel gratuities for many reason: Mattress to stiff, noisy room, food poisoning, don't like the coffee, etc. It is a way to protest. Nothing to do with the crew. Where I live people get salaries and don't have to beg for tips. NCL are not consistent in how they are handling these situations and cutting the gratuities would make me feel a little bit better. What would you do in my situation? Have you been in this situation before?

That's what you think? You think I should be more empathetic for the crew? What about NCL being more empathetic towards me? You think I don't work hard for my money? I know they are not obliged to do something about the price drop, but they do it for some people and it makes me feel bad. I am going to book another cruise with them? Not sure about that.

Thank you all, for the answers and tips. Like I pointed out, NCL is not consistent with the way they are handling these situations which is confirmed from reading the answers. Knowing that the prices can be way lower just before the cruise date, I would probably wait to have the best deal or avoid NCL

That's what I said. I am ok about the drop in price, I accepted the T&Cs at booking time. I am annoyed because NCL is not firm in their handling of such situations. Either you go with "no, nothing we can do!" or give OBC, FCC... There could be lots of reasons why people are removing gratuities. I have never done this but paid in advance.

Well, If their employer, the cruise line can cut the cruise fair by so much why can't they pay the staff enough that they do not need mandatory gratuities?

Of course, I understand this. But this is not what I am talking about. I am talking about bookings in the same country where NCL reacts differently. That's my point here.

I am affected by a remarkable price drop in the price of my cruise booked 4 weeks ago.Talking about 1400 Euros in a Haven suite. The internet is full of reports from folks who, in similar situations, got an upgrade, OBC or FCC and from some who were told "Sorry, there is nothing we can do". Same was told to my TA and by NCL directly to me. I am not particular mad about the fact that I accepted a price and would pay for it but more of the way NCL handles these situations. Why is NCL making these exceptions? What can one do, other than ask to remove gratuities at the end of the cruise? This may sound unfair but hey, NCL is playing stupid games why can't I do the same?