Jim The Lizard

13 minutes ago, disneydave said:

Cruise fare is not much different than airfare...... it changes frequently; your comparison is spot on for only that moment in time and doesn't take into account for many situations.  

That’s fine.  But then my argument carries over to YouTube sites and vloggers stating NCL has increased prices while other lines haven’t?  Is that comparison spot on for only that moment in time also?   I’m still left unsure what is the basis for such comments.  I agree my one mock booking can be impacted by so many different factors.   And if your screen name indicates a loyalty to Disney, I get that.   Disney has a product unlike any other; it carries a price that many understand going in is going to be elevated for the Disney experience.  When I took my family to Disney when my daughter was young, I knew I was paying more for that Disney experience, unique to theme parks anywhere else.   I don’t compare Disney to NCL cruises; different type of passengers most of the time.  

53 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Pricing is a moving target….and literally can change from one day to the other, regardless of cruise line.

 

So, a cruise that looks expensive compared to the competition one day or week, can look like a bargain on another day/week.

 

Lots of moving parts, too.

 

I’m Diamond on Royal.  That means I get 4 “free” drinks every day.  That puts a big dent on my dollar spend for alcohol.  Yes, I drink more per day, but I only pay for any drinks above the 4 free drinks.

 

Plus,  I find the concierge in the Diamond Lounges to be extremely helpful.

 

NCL, I’m Sapphire.  So, I get the drinks (add in the 20% tip charges), 4 Specialty Dining choices (2 for “free at sea” and 2 for being Sapphire), some internet and some free laundry.  Pretty nice perks.

 

So, you have to look at the entire value picture….not just the fares.  It’s the out of pocket, apples to apples charges that need to be compared.

 

Sometimes NCL wins.  Sometimes RCCL wins.

Good perspective.  And I always enjoy your reviews!!

1 minute ago, Oakman58 said:

 

I think the complaints about the DSC are more about “general principle,” at least it is for me.  NCL reduced cabin service from twice a day to once a day and then increased the DSC from $16 pp/pd to $20 pp/pd for balcony cabins.  This wouldn’t keep me from booking with NCL but reducing service and increasing the DSC price by 25% kinda sticks in my craw.  On top of that you now have to ask for an ice bucket, ask for a coffee maker, and ask for towel animals.  I take if for granted you can still get a coffee maker on request.

Fair comments.  But I struggle to find goods and services that match pre pandemic levels, even at higher costs.  I’d love to point to increased wages provide better service but it simply isn’t valid.  And finding workers, despite increased wages, is often an exercise in futility.  But I am still mystified by the comments and argument  that NCL has raised pricing while the other lines have not.  

26 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

 

A few things to keep in mind . . .

 

#1 - For many people, blaming the retailer for "higher pricing" or "nickel and diming" is an easier pill to swallow than the idea that they want something that is beyond their financial means. In these situations, pride will blind logic.

 

#2 - Most cruise lines use a "price to fill" strategy. NCL does not. Waaaay back in 2015, NCL announced that they were switching to a "market to fill" strategy. Most people do not understand the difference and are quick to criticize NCL's pricing because of this. If their real point is that other cruise lines have dropped their pricing and NCL has not, then why are they not simply enjoying the other cruise lines at a low price? Is there perhaps something that NCL is offering that they really want instead?

 

#3 - What these folks are arguing for is everything offered for one price. What they fail to understand is that this all-inclusive price will be higher in the end. So....if they think prices are "too high" now, what will the pricing be if they get their way?

💯.   Spot on.  And a lot more concise and eloquent than I’m capable of!   

I thought about that but wasn’t invested enough to be more thorough!  I obviously like the NCL line and product more than the others.  So I’m biased.  But I don’t understand the negativity regarding NCL pricing.  Carnival and RCCL have adult only areas and a lot of the NCL Breakaway class ships have Spice H2O.  Encore and Prima have a paid adults only section.  I get that: NCL is making some dough and telling us buy Vibe or you could be next to a 7 year old who is driving you nuts.  But you have options to not sail a ship with or without Spice H2O.  Don’t want to pay for go carts?  Don’t!   Sail another ship that doesn’t have a racetrack.  Find your itinerary and ship that match what you want.  

5 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Yikes!!  That makes NCL the clear winner! 😎

I don’t know if it’s “clear”.  Some people don’t drink enough for the drink package and are happy with every style I’d complementary dining.  And NCL does charge for Vibe, laser tag, go carts, etc.  But I simply don’t get the whole NCL has raised prices while other lines have supposedly reduced theirs.  Value of NCL “perks” are expensive on other lines. 

Getting ready to sail on Prima, and had a debate on a Facebook page this week with a disgruntled NCL Prima guest.  Claimed he was going back to RCCL because of the nickel and diming on NCL and that NCL keeps raising their pricing.  In addition, Don from YouTube and Jay from the Shiplife on YouTube have stated that the other lines have dropped their pricing since the pandemic and NCL has not.   Ok, so I’m booked on Escape for a February 2024 cruise, so I did a mock booking on Wonder of the Seas for the same weekend sailing with similar itinerary.  RCCL is $109 cheaper for a balcony; but does not include drink package or 2 nights specialty dining.  I understand that is not important to all, but the overwhelming popularity of the drink package and specialty dining seem to be more of the norm.  Not sure I can make that math work in my head.  

5 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Any idea what happened to the anchor? Did they loose one?

I’m only speculating, but I wonder if NCL is happy with Finatieri compared to Meyer Werft?  New ships always have maintenance challenges, especially new designs.  But it seems excessive. I also think with even more increased social media presence, we all become more aware of issuers faster and more often!  

13 minutes ago, Acruzaholic said:

Will be on the Prima March 5th-Trying to plan times for specialty dining around evening entertainment-Could you post the dailies during your cruise.  Thank You😁 

I’m on same sailing.  I called and booked entertainment. So am going to move one specialty dinner time once I get on board!  

14 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

It's bad enough that every single person in line is taking a couple of minutes to describe whatever drink they want from Starbucks, but I almost had an incident down there just now. I was finally the second in line to order, when some guy who knew the guy in front of me strolls up. At this point he would've been about 15th in line. Well, the guy in front of me knew the guy, and he says "just tell me whatever you want, and I'll get it so you don't have to wait in line"... Of course each one of these concoctions is going to take several minutes each to make, and now everyone behind him is made to wait even longer... I wanted to cause a scene, but I'm trying to have a nice vacation day today.

Freaking rude.  

Just now, BirdTravels said:

Smoke. Sold out is sold out. 

Correct.   

1 hour ago, sid_9169 said:

I just checked my account and they still ended up charging me for the additional app at Le Bistro. Looks like I'll be drinking my coffee in line at Guest Services. There's also another twenty dollar "service charge" with no explanation.

Wow!  I was wayyy wrong.  Didn’t expect that!   

6 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Waiting to see what happens when the bill comes... Normally when you have the dining package they just zero out anything you decide to order... I don't eat dessert, so they should at least trade that out for my additional app. If not, it'll come out of their tip...

I got $100 that says there is no charge for the extra app.  No way.  

Dear God Sid, I thought I missed your review!  Kept looking for it, and now it's here....kind of!  Have fun on Prima, I know you'll show everyone sailing with you what a good time looks like on NCL!  

31 minutes ago, JM0115 said:

Did you have to pay in full first for the ability to buy Vibe passes to appear?

I paid for Vibe immediately.  Called NCL and received an invoice for all three cruises showing Vibe as paid.   Not risking it. 

I bought my Prima March Vibe passes the day they became available for purchase at NCL on 7/1/22.  I purchased Vibe passes for my NCL Joy and NCL Escape cruises in 2024 already. 

We are arriving in Orlando two days early for our March Prima cruise.  Thinking about saving cost of Uber and any other transportation and just renting a vehicle at Orlando airport and then dropping it off at the cruise terminal day of cruise.  Any experiences here with this?  Cost is not the issue, convenience and flexibility are our priority here.   

1 hour ago, JandC_Cruising said:

Earlier this month, the Vibe staff had to double as "door police" to keep non-paying cruisers out for the first couple of day.

During sail-away this was the biggest problem as dozens would try to sneak in behind others who had access when they opened the door.  It's a great place to be for Sail-away btw.  Sure, some were just trying to "see what's behind the curtain" to assess if it worth buying, but there were many that were just treating it like a game (can I sneak in and call down to my buddies on the main pool deck to brag)

 

After a couple of days however, repeat offenders were quickly recognized and asked to leave rather quickly.

Even if you confidently get in and get settled in place, once you "try" to get a cocktail the server will see you have not paid for access when they "swipe" your card.

Good to hear.  I've been in several Vibes and have watched the bartenders and security even have to occasionally get involved.  From some people who have sailed Prima, it's been an issue due to the proximity of the buffet and Soeedway bar.  I would imagine most people are just unaware.  But there's those that like to push the envelope, especially with a few drinks in 'em!

Remember, it's 18 and over.  Many times, you will see your Vibe bartenders working another bar on the ship in the evenings - long days for those crew members!

19 hours ago, sailorusvi said:

We have never sailed on NCL.  I have sailed before but it was 1997 on Princess. My husband is a first time sailor.   We booked a Haven suite.   It certainly wasn't a "deal"

 

We happen to be in the restaurant industry and understand the struggle.  All businesses have to adjust their business models over time.  The hospitality industry is going through a huge shift right now.  Price of ingredients are at an all time high.  Labor shortages and costs are also at a all time high. So is gas, water and other expenses.  Supply chain issues are a real, even if sometimes it appears as an easy excuse.  

 

Are we cruise lifers?  Time will tell, but even if we aren't doesn't mean the current or old model is  sustainable.  

 I am the multi unit Manager for a 16 unit casual theme Tavern in the Northeast and a 30 year restaurant veteran.  I try not to be cynical, but I struggle reading so many reviews of people complaining about product shortages ("they ran out of Captain Morgan!, they ran out of french fries!, they ran out of Diet Coke!").  Most of these cruise lines utilize automated inventory and ordering systems.  Established pars are set and they usually involve a buffer so that there is a beginning inventory on hand when a ship returns to port.  But when something is out, it's often because the truck driver who was supposed to drop product off at a warehouse quit or called off that day.   Or there weren't enough dock workers to fully unload a shipment onto a ship that day of the week before the ship left port again.  Or even getting something repaired on a ship, it is difficult to find a plumber, electrician, general laborer.   The simple truth is because we spend good hard earned money on our vacations, our expectation is that the normal challenges we face daily at home should be not be part of our vacation experience also.  The fact is, it doesn't disappear or magically improve.   So be patient, and hope for improved times ahead.  

15 minutes ago, GreenFamily said:

My cruise for a family of four will cost us $1000 per day. We have been saving for this and I’m willing to pay if it’s worth it. My concern is that the reviews for this ship are worse than the Epic. The complaints are legitimate, such as 2-3 hour waits to eat an an MDR, no  openings for speciality restaurants that they paid for in the price of the cruise, no seating in the food hall/buffet, limited hours at the buffet and long lines at the 24 hour pub,, up charges for room service, no water bottle filling stations. Seriously, I hope nobody is diabetic! 

 

The other complaints include falls at the swimming pool area and activities that aren’t operational. 
 

I love the itinerary enough to overlook a lot, but I think complaints about basic needs like food, seating, drinking water and safety should be addressed. 

 

 

It is a big expense for a family of four.  And I am seeing the same complaints.  My question is: what do you think NCL can do to correct these issues? 

"2-3 hours waits in dining rooms" seem to be a subjective complaint (I have seen other reviews that compliment speed of service also). 

"No seating in the food hall or buffet" is being addressed with additional seating in Palomar and Food Republic (but the buffet is too small - no argument).  Only option I see is to eliminate a paid food restaurant and make it part of the buffet.  Not sure if that is going to happen.

"Limited hours at the buffet and pub" - simply put, not enough staff.  Just like many businesses, there just isn't enough bodies to work. 

"Up charges for room service" - seems to be a cruise line trend.

 "No water filling bottle stations" - I haven't seen this.  Hopefully there are refilling stations - or I will be taking my reusable Yeti to a bar and fill up.

"Falls on the swim deck" - it is obvious that something needs to be addressed here -  unsure what the solution is but this is a big one.  

"Activities that aren't operational" = it appears that the desire for substance over quality may have bit NCL in the butt here - beautiful furniture, shiny objects, cutting edge VR - lots of complaints and reporting about sustainability and quality.  

I think the thing I see is that there are a lot of complaints and lots of buyer remorse for many passengers - and there are other reports of passengers loving this new product from NCL.   Most of us booked this ship because of our loyalty to NCL and appreciation of the brand.  Seems like Prima is testing a lot of us!   Hope you enjoy your cruise  

So true on both ships being great - truly two of my favorite NCL ships.  I like Escape Vibe more simply because it's smaller.  My Vibe experience on Encore was great, but when it's more passengers, it loses it's intimate atmosphere.  On the other hand, we were on Escape Vibe in 2017 with a large group who connived their way to the front of the boarding process (they faked an injury - not kidding, they bragged about it in Vibe during the week), and then were generally miserable in Vibe all week because they couldn't smoke or bring in others in their group who didn't purchase Vibe.  Rude and inconsiderate, security and the bartenders had a long week that sailing.  

One thing I love on Encore is the much bigger Sugar Cane Mojito bar, and the live music offered their nightly.  We had a great night each night ending with a couple of mojitos and listening to some great Latin music.  

3 hours ago, Robkat said:

Like I mentioned, the staff and bartenders were terrific ... very attentive.  Can't say that we remember specific names ... there are quite a few shift changes during each day, and from day to day.  But everyone recognizes and remembers each other very quickly.

 

Jim the Lizard: We have no issues sitting out there in some pretty howling winds!  And as much as we enjoy sitting out in the sunshine, there are just certain times of the year where the sun is blistering and the temps are off the chart, so paying for an area where some reprieve from the sun is NOT available ... well, that didn't seem to make sense to us.

Makes sense!  Enjoy your cruise!   

18 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Have you run across Clarense the Chocolate Coyboy at any of the bars yet?... I wonder if Rommel and Michael are bartending in Vibe Beach Club?

Rommel and Michael all onboard, along with Vinny.  Cold weather is keeping them hopping to different bars due to low amount of guests in Vibe.  By your sailing they will be locked in. 

26 minutes ago, kessdarln said:

Did you cancel or not?  I wish I had waited before booking other trips, prices are so low now. Remind to self: plan NOTHING for next fall until prices drop LOL 

Prices dropped? My Prima March cruise is up over $300 per person what I booked!   Surprised!