Is it true that the bubbly welcome is not offered now on cruises?

[Sam The Cat]

Since it appears that there is no more Bubbly, maybe NCl will drop the price of the $79 Romance Package from $135 to 79. It least a thought. My DS and her DH are crusing on the Gem in February and instead of getting them the Romance Package I purhcase them a gift certificate

[newmexicoNita]

Since it appears that there is no more Bubbly, maybe NCl will drop the price of the $79 Romance Package from $135 to 79. It least a thought. My DS and her DH are crusing on the Gem in February and instead of getting them the Romance Package I purhcase them a gift certificate

 

I was surprised to find out the price had gone up, but it is still lower than most lines and was $79 for many years. Maybe they could reach a happy conpromise, say $98.00.

 

Nita

[mmceachn]

If that in fact is the new practice, it is beyond lame. Thumbs down if it's true.

 

I can assure you that it was true on the Spirit last May.

[Ocean Spirit]

Several years ago in a management training program and example was given of how cutting the "little" things can be a "Big" money maker. I can't remember the details but to sum it up, there was a airline that simply changed the salads to eliminate the olive. (You can tell it was a old story because you can't even get peanuts on a plane now for free LOL) The company saved over a thousands of dollars by simply cutting out the olive.

 

I like all those little things that make you feel you are getting something for free.... But there will be and continue to be changes in services.

Lots has changed since I started cruising in 1989. Anyone remember midnight buffets every night?

 

Do I like the new changes.... NO but I still love cruising. I guess I'm lucky that I've experienced lots of the activities over the years and no longer have to play bingo or go to the spa. For us, it still cost it less than our last trip to Florida.

[sjbdtz]

Several years ago in a management training program and example was given of how cutting the "little" things can be a "Big" money maker. I can't remember the details but to sum it up, there was a airline that simply changed the salads to eliminate the olive. (You can tell it was a old story because you can't even get peanuts on a plane now for free LOL) The company saved over a thousands of dollars by simply cutting out the olive.

 

 

That's a very well-known business-school story, and certainly the math holds up here, too.

 

I would guess, actually, that the OJ they serve as an alternative to the sparkling wine probably costs more than the wine.

 

If we assign a value of $0.10 to each glass or either (average cost), plus $0.02 in labour inefficiencies (people holding trays, washing 'flutes', pouring,etc.) for a total cost of $0.12 per glass and then extrapolate that across the cruiseline:

 

10 ships x 2200 passengers x 52 weeks x 0.12 per glass = $137,280 per year in cost to offer that free glass of whatever.

 

Is that a significant amount of money in the grand scheme of things, with $500M ships and all? No....but it's still enough money to buy a new house every year with no mortgage, in some areas of North America.

 

Do I really care if it's gone? Not really.....on ONE CONDITION. That they do NOT substitute the free drink with the reinstatement of the 'for charge' drinks.

 

What they might do is repurpose those greeters to escort people to luggage drop-off, or to their cabins, or to the MDR or buffet.

 

In other words...you lose a free drink, but you gain a personal introduction to the ship....which carries an element of cachet in and of itself.

[newmexicoNita]

Several years ago in a management training program and example was given of how cutting the "little" things can be a "Big" money maker. I can't remember the details but to sum it up, there was a airline that simply changed the salads to eliminate the olive. (You can tell it was a old story because you can't even get peanuts on a plane now for free LOL) The company saved over a thousands of dollars by simply cutting out the olive.

 

I like all those little things that make you feel you are getting something for free.... But there will be and continue to be changes in services.

Lots has changed since I started cruising in 1989. Anyone remember midnight buffets every night?

 

Do I like the new changes.... NO but I still love cruising. I guess I'm lucky that I've experienced lots of the activities over the years and no longer have to play bingo or go to the spa. For us, it still cost it less than our last trip to Florida.

 

Boy do I remember those buffets and the cruising days of the 80s. Yes, things have changed, cruising is a different game today. I don't think it is bad, just different. Our first cruise was on a truely budget line (Commodore) and we couldn't believe anything could be so perfect. The service was unbelievable, food to die for and wonderful crew and staff. We had the midnight buffets (which we rarely attended) we had late night bab b ques by the pool and the port talks were filled with all kinds of give aways..Bingo was about $5.00 and a fun way to spend an hour or so, late in the afternoon. There were other on board games like the horse races (I really miss the horse races)

 

What we didn't have: dining choices: buffets on the deck or in buffet area, large casinos, cabins with balconies, lots of ports, frequent cruiser parties and perks, casual dress and smooth embarkation and debarkation.. There were not 5 or 6 bars (or more) to choose from and the spas were nothing compared to what we have today. You didn't see families cruising like today. It was strictly an adult activity and pretty much for those past 50. We were a little younger, our kids were even younger than that and you would see people in their 20s on ships, but not like today.

 

I am not talking only lines like Commordore, we soon started cruising other, larger and more mid level lines.

 

Like everything in life, things change and that is how I see cruising. It is attracting totally different types of vacationers than it did decades ago: still a great bargain in my book.

 

Nita

[mafig]

Maybe for a shot of nostalgia we can watch the Travel Channel shows that feature NCL ships. They always showed guests having their welcome aboard glass of champagne. Hope the newbee cruisers don't expect that now.

[welove2cruise*]

These two things were on my list of the top ten reasons that I continued to choose NCL over other lines now that my compass points rewards have all been used. Our next cruise on the Jewel will be our 24th cruise, and we are also diamond members with RCL (so I do have some extras with that line to consider as well), but even though it sounds silly, these little "perks" really helped to sway my decision.

 

I agree with the person who said to add $5 to my fare and reinstate these things. I would much rather pay a little extra upfront and retain that feeling that NCL offers something "special" to get your cruise off to a wonderful start and continues to spoil you just a little bit by offering something the other lines do not.

 

I am going to write a letter myself in hopes that they may realize that this may be one of those pound foolish and penny wise ideas.

 

I will also be sure to make it a point to mention this on my post-cruise survey. :(

 

I know it won't ruin my cruise, but it does make me a bit sad to lose these things that I truly looked forward to.

[lambs2]

These two things were on my list of the top ten reasons that I continued to choose NCL over other lines now that my compass points rewards have all been used. Our next cruise on the Jewel will be our 24th cruise, and we are also diamond members with RCL (so I do have some extras with that line to consider as well), but even though it sounds silly, these little "perks" really helped to sway my decision.

 

I agree with the person who said to add $5 to my fare and reinstate these things. I would much rather pay a little extra upfront and retain that feeling that NCL offers something "special" to get your cruise off to a wonderful start and continues to spoil you just a little bit by offering something the other lines do not.

 

I am going to write a letter myself in hopes that they may realize that this may be one of those pound foolish and penny wise ideas.

 

I will also be sure to make it a point to mention this on my post-cruise survey. :(

 

I know it won't ruin my cruise, but it does make me a bit sad to lose these things that I truly looked forward to.

 

I agree. Having just had a wonderful Panama Canal transit on the Star in December where these little perks were still offered, I am saddened to think we won't have these on our upcoming Transatlantic cruise on the Sun that we booked immediately upon our return home from the Star. I was SO pleased when NCL added the welcome aboard drink as I love this perk on our Celebrity cruises and it truly brought NCL up to that level in my mind...

[newmexicoNita]

Maybe one thing we are all overlooking: Celebrity and HAL for instance attract different types of cruisers than NCL. Though I was really happy when NCL decided to add a few perks, putting them in a little different catagory for some, I am not sure it was or is necessary. When I cruise NCL I am looking for a certain type of cruise, when I cruise HAL I am looking for a different experience. Maybe it is ok for NCL to go back to what they were and not try to be something they are not.

 

Nita

[pmd98052]

Maybe one thing we are all overlooking: Celebrity and HAL for instance attract different types of cruisers than NCL. Though I was really happy when NCL decided to add a few perks, putting them in a little different catagory for some, I am not sure it was or is necessary. When I cruise NCL I am looking for a certain type of cruise, when I cruise HAL I am looking for a different experience. Maybe it is ok for NCL to go back to what they were and not try to be something they are not.

 

Nita

 

True - They need to look at pricing though. HAL, Celebrity and Princess are significantly cheaper for the May 2010 Alaska cruises that I'm currently booked on NCL for...

[halos]

I know one reason that likely added to why they thought it might be nice to stop the welcome champagne...I have seen on numerous occasions, the glasses from the champagne/OJ left all over the place. One time I saw 6 of them by the elevators and someone banged into them during the mad rush to the cabins at 2:00 and knocked them all over...broken glass all over the place.

 

Besides the fact that NOT having it saves NCL money, I think people being absolute SLOBS also had some impact on this decision. The crew is working frantically at embark to get everything in order. They don't need to be picking up glassware that is left all over the place, not to mention busted glass all over the floors.

 

I really believe that sometimes people lose perks because they ruin things for themselves by inconsiderate acts.

 

(If this has already been stated, forgive me but I just couldn't read through all 12 pages)

[mbisson]

True - They need to look at pricing though. HAL, Celebrity and Princess are significantly cheaper for the May 2010 Alaska cruises that I'm currently booked on NCL for...

 

So many variables for prices though, it can really be difficult to judge. But did you notice the only other sailing from Seattle on May 9 (which I believe is when you sail) is a HAL sailing which is a little more than the Pearl

 

May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Holland America / Oosterdam starting at $649

May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Norwegian / Norwegian Pearl starting at $619

[McDebbie]

I second the above poster, the waste I saw was unbelievable. If you don't like champagne, why take a glass? Seems people felt they "had" to take one and then of course didn't want it so they put it down wherever.

[pmd98052]

So many variables for prices though, it can really be difficult to judge. But did you notice the only other sailing from Seattle on May 9 (which I believe is when you sail) is a HAL sailing which is a little more than the Pearl

 

May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Holland America / Oosterdam starting at $649

May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Norwegian / Norwegian Pearl starting at $619

 

 

Yup but HAL is offering the 3rd and 4th in the cabin for no fee (just the taxes) which makes the cruise about $500 cheaper for us (NCL was $249 for the 3rd and 4th). If NCL continues to strip away features they advertised they do need to start looking at their price points again.

[mbisson]

[quote name='pmd98052']Yup but HAL is offering the 3rd and 4th in the cabin for no fee (just the taxes) which makes the cruise about $500 cheaper for us (NCL was $249 for the 3rd and 4th). If NCL continues to strip away features they advertised they do need to start looking at their price points again.[/QUOTE]

Do what ya gotta do. I doubt you'll find a line that is gonna be cheapest in all instances (I'm not bringing my kids to Alaska) :)

[newmexicoNita]

[quote name='pmd98052']True - They need to look at pricing though. HAL, Celebrity and Princess are significantly cheaper for the May 2010 Alaska cruises that I'm currently booked on NCL for...[/QUOTE]

well just a quick check, I didn't check Princess but did HAL and NCL: May 29th out of Seatte including port charges and taxes: min outside cabin: HAL 979 and NCL 909. I didn't find any Celebrity sailing out of Seattle for that date. Again I didn't take time to check everything. Where one sails out of and the itiinerary makes a huge difference. An example, sailing from say Vancouver to Anchorage will be much cheaper than from Vancouver to Vancourver and the port make a difference because of port charges, not to mention the age of the ship, size and class. I do not think any of them are significantly cheaper or pricier...

That being said, my point is simply, NCL and yes, Princess, are not the same as cruising HAL and Celebrity. This isn't saying they are better or worse, just different and attract different types of cruisers. What is offered by one line today will be offered by another line tomorrow. No way will we ever find totally lower prices on one line consistantly. This is the same as airlines or hotels..


Nita

[DMH15]

Both of these things are still available on the ship, albeit for a price. So if I want either I will get it. It's not the same as if NCL eliminated something altogether, like pretzel rolls. or creamy chilled fruit soups. That would hurt.

[newmexicoNita]

[quote name='mbisson']So many variables for prices though, it can really be difficult to judge. But did you notice the only other sailing from Seattle on May 9 (which I believe is when you sail) is a HAL sailing which is a little more than the Pearl

May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Holland America / Oosterdam starting at $649
May 9 Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Norwegian / Norwegian Pearl starting at $619[/QUOTE]

yep, that is pretty much what I am saying...

Nita

[pmd98052]

[quote name='newmexicoNita']yep, that is pretty much what I am saying...

Nita[/quote]

But as I mention - HAL is offering 3rd and 4th persons free which makes them around $500 cheaper for us for an Inside or Oceanview cabin.

$500 buys a lot of champagne - even on a cruise ship ;-)

[welove2cruise*]

If there was waste from all of the people who took the glasses and left them all over, then why not make this a Latitudes perk? Let your keycard showing your status be the voucher for the glass of champagne at any bar once you board, and provide the free cappucino's for the Gold and Platinum members? Seems to me any little way you can acknowlege your repeat and loyal guests you are doing yourself a favor. If the "newbies" never had it they won't miss it, but the repeaters get to feel like they were not forgotten.

[scchasgal]

[quote name='welove2cruise*']If there was waste from all of the people who took the glasses and left them all over, then why not make this a Latitudes perk? Let your keycard showing your status be the voucher for the glass of champagne at any bar once you board, and provide the free cappucino's for the Gold and Platinum members? Seems to me any little way you can acknowlege your repeat and loyal guests you are doing yourself a favor. If the "newbies" never had it they won't miss it, but the repeaters get to feel like they were not forgotten.[/quote]

Hey I like that idea

[mbisson]

[quote name='pmd98052']But as I mention - HAL is offering 3rd and 4th persons free which makes them around $500 cheaper for us for an Inside or Oceanview cabin.

$500 buys a lot of champagne - even on a cruise ship ;-)[/QUOTE]

Trust me, I'm not being a smart a--. If it were me, and I thought we'd be happy on the other ship, I'd seriously consider a switch for that amount of savings.

For me, the HAL sailing would not be cheaper (but I'm sailing the week before anyhow ;))

[jaja]

[quote name='halos']I know one reason that likely added to why they thought it might be nice to stop the welcome champagne...I have seen on numerous occasions, the glasses from the champagne/OJ left all over the place. One time I saw 6 of them by the elevators and someone banged into them during the mad rush to the cabins at 2:00 and knocked them all over...broken glass all over the place.

Besides the fact that NOT having it saves NCL money, I think people being absolute SLOBS also had some impact on this decision. The crew is working frantically at embark to get everything in order. They don't need to be picking up glassware that is left all over the place, not to mention busted glass all over the floors.

I really believe that sometimes people lose perks because they ruin things for themselves by inconsiderate acts.

(If this has already been stated, forgive me but I just couldn't read through all 12 pages)[/quote]

VERY good point...!...I saw that behavior too...:(
Thanks for reminding me.....

BUT--I still want the espresso and capuccino:D

[sjbdtz]

[quote name='halos']


(If this has already been stated, forgive me but I just couldn't read through all 12 pages)[/quote]


You guys know that in the User CP on CC (where you edit your signature), there is an option to change the number of posts per page?

I have mine set to 40.... more scrolling, less re-loading of next page.

in this thread, I'm on page 7...... :)