NCL a "bargain cruise line"??

[cruizecrazygramma]

I read a thread recently which referred to NCL as a bargain line which offers better treatment of the "wealthy" suite passengers than the rest of us "lower middle class" passengers. (this is not me speaking btw). Once you are outside of your cabin, the staff does not know what cabin you are staying in, so how can they determine how to treat you?

 

I researched fares on different lines before choosing ncl as my next vacation. I did not find that ncl has significantly lower fares than any other comparable cruise so why is it being called a bargain cruise line?

[Fishbait17]

I prefer to think of NCL as an "ala carte" cruise line. Basic, low bottom-line pricing, add whatever luxuries you wish (liquor, specialty restaurants, spa services, bingo, casino, suite service). Sure, suite passengers get somewhat better treatment than non-suite guests, almost all inside the suite itself, but it's one's choice whether to pay for it or not. Same with specialty restaurants, etc. But everyone eats basically the same food, sees the same shows, goes to the same ports, and (as far as I can see) gets treated basically the same outside of their cabin. The bartender doesn't give better service to a suite guest, but might give it to the guest who tips best ;) or even the guest who is simply friendliest!

 

Robin

[Starry Eyes]

Interesting, isn't it?

Over the years, I have gotten terrific prices on various cruise lines and various itineraries. supply and demand accounted for the prices. some of those well priced cruises were fabulous trips...true bargains. Others trips were fine, not special.

When I sort by price per night into one of the cruise search engines, Carnival appears most frequently at the lower end of the price spectrum. NCL often makes appearances toward the lower end. Other cruise lines pop up at lower price per night, too. Generally older ships are lower per night than newer ones. some itineraries, like transatlantics, tend to cheaper per night than other itineraries. If a cruise has sold well, any or all of those lines may appear at the highest end of the cost per night spectrum.

For the person you likes NCL's style, they offer a good value. for those who do not like freestyle, NCL is a poor fit regardless of price. I dislike the assumption that people choose NCL because they are lower or middle income.

[mpk218]

I read a thread recently which referred to NCL as a bargain line which offers better treatment of the "wealthy" suite passengers than the rest of us "lower middle class" passengers. (this is not me speaking btw). Once you are outside of your cabin, the staff does not know what cabin you are staying in, so how can they determine how to treat you?

 

I researched fares on different lines before choosing ncl as my next vacation. I did not find that ncl has significantly lower fares than any other comparable cruise so why is it being called a bargain cruise line?

 

 

Thats right , it makes no sense does it .;)

[Warm Breezes]

You get what you pay for....

 

If you get an inside/ocean view/balcony room you will get a room similar (or smaller) as other bargain lines and pay close to the same amount (more for newer ships/less for older ships). If you get a suite you will probably pay more than those same lines but NCL gives suite guests more in terms of room sizes and services offered. It's up to the cruiser how he wants to vacation. NCL just gives you the options on what to purchase.

 

It's equal opportunity for everyone to purchase whatever rooms or services they want. We got 2 inside rooms for 4 on our last Epic cruise. We got what we paid for in terms of room size and service, which was more than my Carnival Cruise (1 inside room for 4) of similar length and a little less than my Disney Cruise (1 oceanview room for 4) 7 years ago. If I wanted more I would have paid for it. I certainly wasn't jealous of those who did pay for it.

 

I really don't understand those who through class into it. If you want more then save up and buy more. I personally, don't want or need the extra room or services offered for the higher price charged. But I do like that I have a choice when I am deciding what I want to purchase.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Warm Breezes

[bakerintn]

I believe that the passengers ships card is a different color on NCL, depending on cabin category.

[puddles99]

I read that same thread and was going to ask about this, too but managed to sit on my hands. But now that you started it :p . . .

 

I don't understand what class has to do with anything and like others, I've seen comparable pricing on a variety of lines. My biggest question is why "NCL bashing" seems to be so rampant on the non-NCL sections of these forums? Of course, I also know there is no real answer to that, either! :rolleyes:

[mpk218]

I believe that the passengers ships card is a different color on NCL, depending on cabin category.

 

 

That helps us to distinguish the steerage from the first class.. Eeeeewwwa :p

 

Show us your cards please .... My God I hope we dont have to share a life boat....

 

( One leg at a time, right )

Edited January 30, 2012 by mpk218

[mpk218]

I read that same thread and was going to ask about this, too but managed to sit on my hands. But now that you started it :p . . .

 

I don't understand what class has to do with anything and like others, I've seen comparable pricing on a variety of lines. My biggest question is why "NCL bashing" seems to be so rampant on the non-NCL sections of these forums? Of course, I also know there is no real answer to that, either! :rolleyes:

 

 

I know its bizarre . Having sailed many of the other lines I can safely say it has no merit.. ( The bashing) ;)

[che5904]

I read a thread recently which referred to NCL as a bargain line which offers better treatment of the "wealthy" suite passengers than the rest of us "lower middle class" passengers. (this is not me speaking btw). Once you are outside of your cabin, the staff does not know what cabin you are staying in, so how can they determine how to treat you?

 

I researched fares on different lines before choosing ncl as my next vacation. I did not find that ncl has significantly lower fares than any other comparable cruise so why is it being called a bargain cruise line?

 

If you read this on a recent thread and you question "why is it being called a bargain cruise line?" I'm curious why you just wouldn't ask whoever actually made the statement.

 

I don't think NCL offers better treatment to their suite passengers in the sense of the whole ship crew. I think they get extra above service in their suites because that is the service they are paying for. They pay for things like butler, concierge, possibly reserved seating at a show, bottle of wine, treats in their stateroom, priority embarkation and tenders to be included. Some may think that is better treatment, some may think it's included in the large price tag they pay. If I'm paying $1000 to cruise for a week and someone else is paying $5000, I would hope the one paying $5000 is getting more.

[titanguru]

I believe that the passengers ships card is a different color on NCL, depending on cabin category.

 

Not sure if that is correct, We usually book a balcony with an interior room for the kids across the hole way from us and we got the same color keys one cruise and different colors for the same cabin last year.

[jdvmd]

The different colored key cards indicate what deck you are on, nothing else. Was told this by a NCL hotel director.

[emcelh]

Not sure if that is correct, We usually book a balcony with an interior room for the kids across the hole way from us and we got the same color keys one cruise and different colors for the same cabin last year.

 

I think the key cards for the Haven suites are the only ones that are unique to the category. We've sailed in everything from inside cabins to an aft penthouse suite on our last NCL cruise and, with the exception of having services of the butler and concierge available, there was no difference in the service we experienced anywhere on the ship.

[quercus alba]

I was told they were coded to help us non-suite types to remember which day of the cruise we were supposed to report to shovel coal...;)

[spirit8]

Hi

You sound just like me with my original thoughts. These thoughts have lasted over the years. There is a saying that goes something like this. Judging something without investigation does not work and there are plenty of ways to do research today.

 

I have read these boards for years and have always thought that NCL was an

'inferior' line. Just about traveled on every line and on "my favorite" line got

a suite as they began to add more to the 'new' ships in the day when they just about paid you to cruise in a suite $1600 for a single, which today is $16,000. This is not an exaggerated price.

 

Started reading the boards as I wanted to line up a few cruises. What I looked for now was reviews with both the pros and cons which allows me to choose what I want.

 

NCL experience so far has been professional experiences that I have received so far which I like. Have booked a cruise in a Studio and one in a Haven

suite. My treatment was the same for each. It was the old feeling, that I remember, of the cruise line wanting to please the customer and help them enjoy their cruise. If I save my pennies I can go to a hotel from The Four Seasons to Motel 6, as it is my choice. Would I say that is a class thing, no. It is a choice as to what I do with my money.

 

Enjoy your research.

[mpk218]

The different colored key cards indicate what deck you are on, nothing else. Was told this by a NCL hotel director.

 

 

Thats not entirely correct. The "suite" key cards are a metallic color and the non suite are various other colors.;)

[dasmonkey]

The different colored key cards indicate what deck you are on, nothing else. Was told this by a NCL hotel director.

 

I have been on the Spirit several times this year with four people in two cabins with like rooms across the hall from each other on the same floor and had four different colors.

[RichNY]

I read a thread recently which referred to NCL as a bargain line which offers better treatment of the "wealthy" suite passengers than the rest of us "lower middle class" passengers. (this is not me speaking btw). Once you are outside of your cabin, the staff does not know what cabin you are staying in, so how can they determine how to treat you?

 

I researched fares on different lines before choosing ncl as my next vacation. I did not find that NCL has significantly lower fares than any other comparable cruise so why is it being called a bargain cruise line?

 

It only goes to prove you can't believe everything you read on Cruise Critic. ;) .At least you did your own research..

[jonbgd]

I dont know if is the only bargain cruiseline but $704pp for a balcony 7day cruise during Thanksgivng is cheaper than any other cruiseline

[Starry Eyes]

For over a decade NCL seems to have intentionally done things differently than other lines. Freestyle was developed to reach out to those who didn't want an assigned dining time, assigned table mates, assigned show time, etc. back when it started it was quite different than the other lines. NCL changed their dress code, not longer requiring formal wear certain nights. NCL added many extra restaurants choices back when other lines might have had one specialty restaurant. NCL adjusted the prices of those venues to spread people choices among venues and adjusted show times to help the flow through the venues. It is not perfect every night on every cruise, but I really think NCL has tried.

 

There is evidence that NCL's concepts have succeeded...nearly every line has added an open dining option. Most lines now have more specialty restaurants on their newer ships. Several lines have adjusted their dress codes over the years.

 

Not all cruisers like any of the above. There is a set of very traditional cruisers really dislike these concepts. NCL is not for them; some of them say NCL "cheapens" the cruise experience...whether the NCL's cost is more or less, they dislike it and it cheapens their experience. If people at other tables in the dining room are not dressed, the elegance of their evening is shattered. If other people are not assigned to dine and converse with them, the cruise experience is cheapened. Had NCL's freestyle concepts failed, some might have felt vindicated. Had NCL's concepts stayed confined to NCL ships, they could have written it off as a new cruisers line. But NCL's concepts have crept over onto other lines and even proven popular with many established cruisers, so imagine the frustration and vitriol of those who hate said changes in the industry. Well, you don't have to imaging, just come to cruise critic or have yourself seated at their dining table in traditional dining...you can get an earful. Or not, some very traditional cruisers are also Delightful, nonjudgemental and/or restrained. OK, perhaps my rant may also seem judgmental. I do not mind traditional dining. Depending upon table mates, I have had some lovely experiences and learned much from some cruise mates. But I also enjoy mixing in freestyle cruises. I try not to judge the dress of fellow cruisers and I do not they to guess their incomes.. I'd likely be wrong if I tried.

[Aries 65]

DW and I just returned from the Jewel. Shared a mini. Both Platinum. Different colored keys, although they both said Platinum.

[chrispb]

Some cruisers on other mass cruiselines like to think their cruiseline of choice is superior. They point to better staff (they're not), better food (it isn't). Some are so devoted to "their" cruiseline that they knock the others without even trying them.:cool:

 

Me? I'm a cruise tart - I like trying new lines:)

[LynneL]

. . .

I don't understand what class has to do with anything and like others, I've seen comparable pricing on a variety of lines. My biggest question is why "NCL bashing" seems to be so rampant on the non-NCL sections of these forums? Of course, I also know there is no real answer to that, either! :rolleyes:

 

Agree, but it's not limited to NCL. I'm sure you've seen what is written about Carnival. My thought to this is was I such a classy person when I sailed Cunard, but "Wal-mart crowd" when I sailed Carnival (I must say if Walmart is selling me the same product as the store which is charging more, I'm going to Wal-mart if it works for me! Don't see where there should be pride in overpaying.). Who knows what type of passenger I supposedly was on my NCL cruises.

 

OP - If after reading various posts & reviews NCL sounds like it could be for you, give it a try. You'll never know for sure until you do.

Edited January 30, 2012 by LynneL

[cruizecrazygramma]

I read that same thread and was going to ask about this, too but managed to sit on my hands. But now that you started it :p . . .

 

I don't understand what class has to do with anything and like others, I've seen comparable pricing on a variety of lines. My biggest question is why "NCL bashing" seems to be so rampant on the non-NCL sections of these forums? Of course, I also know there is no real answer to that, either! :rolleyes:

 

my thoughts exactly. some people who sail in a suite may not be wealthy at all but have saved in order to take a luxurious trip while other who may have lots of discretionary income, choose to sail insides or balconies based on their personal preference.

[cruizecrazygramma]

If you read this on a recent thread and you question "why is it being called a bargain cruise line?" I'm curious why you just wouldn't ask whoever actually made the statement.

 

I don't think NCL offers better treatment to their suite passengers in the sense of the whole ship crew. I think they get extra above service in their suites because that is the service they are paying for. They pay for things like butler, concierge, possibly reserved seating at a show, bottle of wine, treats in their stateroom, priority embarkation and tenders to be included. Some may think that is better treatment, some may think it's included in the large price tag they pay. If I'm paying $1000 to cruise for a week and someone else is paying $5000, I would hope the one paying $5000 is getting more.

 

 

the post i refer to is under "ask a cruise question". I think it was an older post i don't really recall. it's just something that stuck with me and then upon reading a few cruise reviews which implied the same thing it got me thinking. I felt that this board was abetter place to hear some feedback.

 

I do agree with you that if i am paying 4 or 5 times as much as someone else, i have ahigher expectation of service but by no means should the service be lower for those in lower cabin categories (by service i mean attentiveness of staff, food quality etc., not perks)