NCL a "bargain cruise line"??

[che5904]

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)

 

Thanks for the reason as it just seemed odd that you would ask people who never said it in the first place. That does make sense now.

 

I totally agree with your 2nd paragraph. I've never been in a suite, so I can't say whether or not I get service of lesser attentiveness. But I can say I get terrific service that meets my requirements and then some. So if the suites do get better I wouldn't notice it.

[Starry Eyes]

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

 

I am glad you grabbed that rate when you did. For departures Nov 16-18, I see balcony base prices Dawn $849, Jewel and Pearl $889, Star $899, Epic $979.

 

meanwhile Carnival includes Valor $654, Pride $649, Legend $699, Victory $689, Splendor $759, Liberty $769, Glory $794, Dream $839, Conquest $879, Magic $979 as lead prices for balconies.

 

royal caribbean's prices are a bit higher for balconies that week, I see $1019 and up. But Royal plays a bit of a pricing game with balconies, offering very nice balcony discounts to their mid to upper level loyalty members:D, so many people get a better rate on every balcony they book, shifting the supply and demand a bit for all.

 

I have at various times found fabulous prices on different lines, different weeks. Are those all now bargain lines? Maybe on some level all mainstream cruises are, indeed, bargain lines, as they offer a lot for the money, IMHO:D.

[graphicguy]

I think it's more dependent on when you book whether any cruise line/ship could be considered "budget". I know I've booked some (relatively) inexpensive cruises on different lines/ships because I either booked really early, or during a particularly slow period for cruising (like hurricane season).

 

That's true of all the main cruise lines, though.

 

So, in short, every cruise line/ship could be considered budget, if you book at the right time.

[cruizecrazygramma]

1. LynneL. i had already booked the epic. I'm thrilled with my choice as i was in need of a change after sailing only princess before. I love the idea of freestyle and dressing up or not, it suits me perfectly. I take all reviews for what they are and that is someones opinion to which they are entitled. We were quite dissapointed with our last princess cruise. It doesnt mean we had a bad time, quite the contrary, we had a fabulous time but still there were things that we expected based on our previous princess sailings that just were not there. I'll definately sail princess again but for this trip we felt it time to see what else was out there.
   

[jonbgd]

. But Royal plays a bit of a pricing game with balconies, offering very nice balcony discounts to their mid to upper level loyalty members:D, so many people get a better rate on every balcony they book, shifting the supply and demand a bit for all.

 

.

We get $100 off of our balcony others get $300

Thats what most people dont know about Royal

Our upcoming Alaska cruise was $799 pp with our balcony discount

We also get free gratuities from our online TA another $83pp savings

 

 

So all cruiselines have dynamic pricing its just researching enough to find the best price:D

[palmyrafan]

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 color of the cards depends on if you are Haven (Courtyard) level suite or higher. We cruise in the Haven level because we like the privacy and perks it affords us. We cruise once every year or two instead of many times a year like others do, so we save up for the Haven level. I do know that the Haven level key cards (in past years at least) are different then other levels. Not sure if mini-suites, balconies, etc. have their own color coded key cards or not.

[SuiteCruiser]

I think the color of the cards depends on if you are Haven (Courtyard) level suite or higher. We cruise in the Haven level because we like the privacy and perks it affords us. We cruise once every year or two instead of many times a year like others do, so we save up for the Haven level. I do know that the Haven level key cards (in past years at least) are different then other levels. Not sure if mini-suites, balconies, etc. have their own color coded key cards or not.

 

This is correct. One of the "amenities" listed for the OS was a metalic coloured key card. Not really an amenity, to me, but that is what we got. Normally in any other cabin, the keycards are all various colours that don't mean anything. Your Latitudes level is printed on the card though.

 

I was in the OS January 1st on Gem and I was 3 to a balcony on the Sky and was spoiled equally well on both.

 

Cruizecrazygramma, the Epic is an amazing ship with so much to offer. Hope your trip is fantastic :)

Edited January 30, 2012 by SuiteCruiser

[halos]

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?

 

I don't feel this is true.

I have sailed in an interior cabin on NCL and balcony cabins. I have never been in a suite and on all of my NCL cruises, I felt like I was treated royally....the crew and how awesome they are are why they are my favorite line.

[shelly11]

I have only sailed with NCL and I felt like I was treated like everyone else. I also don't think it's a 'bargain'. When I picked our first cruise Carnival was cheaper but I chose NCL because of the freestyle dining, less people on the boat (according to capacity listing) and their website showing more amenities on the ship. I am very happy that I picked NCL!

[Cweber584]

That's exactly our reason for choosing NCL - because of the freestyle dining, less people on the boat (according to capacity listing) and their website showing more amenities on the ship. Everybody has their own personal reasons for choosing one line over another. Negative reviews can be found on any cruiseline/ship.

[graphicguy]

So all cruiselines have dynamic pricing its just researching enough to find the best price:D

 

Agreed! You shop around a bit, keep your eyes open, and all cruise lines will have "budget cruises".

 

The GF and I found a "budget" price on a main line cruise we're taking in May. It was less expensive (at the time) than either Carnival or NCL cruises in the same category.

 

Sometimes CCL cruises are less expensive....sometimes NCL cruises are less expensive.

 

Point being, budget cruise prices are there. You just have to be diligent in finding them (and a bit flexible on when you can cruise).

Edited January 30, 2012 by graphicguy

[youngestof9]

I think what bothered me most about the thread was there were a few responses that were 100% heresay. "I heard NCL's food is awful". What??

 

If you went on a cruise and hated it (for whatever reason - they didn't have purple towels so it ruined your cruise)...that's fine. Your opinion is valid because it's yours.

 

But to hate a particular cruiseline because you "heard" it wasn't good is absurd.

 

I've never sailed Carnival and "heard" it wasn't good - too much partying - crappy food. BUT....I would never go on a thread and say "Carnival is horrible" because I have ZERO basis to do so. Even if my husband was the one telling me, I still have no basis. I didn't experience it.

 

I also don't find NCL to be much cheaper than the other mass market lines. I was fortunate to stay in suites both times I sailed NCL (upsold to both BTW), so although my experience may be different as someone in a non-suite, I don't think it was. When hanging by the pool, nobody knows what room I'm in. The service was great all around (both sailings). The food was good - I didn't expect gourmet - I expected a nice meal. I got it.

 

I don't understand the NCL bashing - I really don't. I don't understand the "class" distinction. As if people who sail on NCL are "lesser" people. Last I checked my money is green like everyone else's and if I'm going to save money sailing on NCL while enjoying the product they offer, why the heck would anyone else care?

 

I like the product I've received on NCL thusfar. I also liked the product I received the 2 times I sailed RC. Will I sail RC again? Sure, if the itinerary/price is right. But for me, I check NCL first because I'm happy with their product.

[shark with a laser]

I believe all suites (not mini-suites) have the metallic colored key card, not just the Haven. That said, you usually don't present your card to pay for something until after you've been served, so the service should be the same either way. I've travelled in suites and I've travelled in a balcony room on NCL, and I wasn't treated any differently in general. Of course, we had the butler and concierge while in a suite, but we were paying more for that perk. When staying in a suite on the Jade, we did get a bit better treatment at dinner at Cagney's, but this was because we had the same waitress at breakfast at Cagney's and had built a relationship, not because we were in a suite, per se. We also got the same great service last year staying in a balcony on Epic because the waitress from Cagney's had transferred and worked the breakfast shift in the MDR.

[Nalagh]

I also believe all suites have the metallic colored key card. We have been treated a bit better at times at resturants and got a better window table or had less of a wait than others ahead of us. It was not because of the key card, as much as the room number( as they always ask for it). Now, I in no way think that this is standered, but it has happened.

[4774Papa]

I tend to agree with Fishbait. NCL offers a wide range of choices in cabin selections, suites, restaurants, etc.

I am not a person that feels like I have to be pampered (what do I need a butler for?), so we generally book a balcony. I have never felt like steerage. Perhaps some of the suite passengers feel like they are treated special. My Son and his roomate got a call from the upsell fairy on one cruise that we did with them. They had an aft suite with butler, etc. We had a balcony. The aft suite was nice, but I would not have paid the extra, even at the upsell price.

 

My research indicates that the main cruise lines, Carnival, NCL, Celebrity, RCL, etc. have prices that are generally close. However, I think NCL's prices are marginally lower than Celebrity and a fair amount lower than Princess.

 

We have only done Celebrity and NCL. Celebrity is more traditional and Formal (they have Formal Nights on some of their nights where you wear a tux or suit). NCL had freestyle with a lot of choice. I do think NCL's MDR food is sometime inconsistent, unlike Celebrity.

NCL has better entertainment.

[Homecomforts]

I have cruise NCL twice. Once in a mini suite (on Star), and once in The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite (on Pearl).

 

The mini suite really doesn't come with perks, other than a hint bigger of a cabin. The DOS, has the perks.

 

I was NEVER TREATED any different by ANY of the staff. While we stayed in the DOS we did have PERKS. People often tend to mistake Perks for "treatment".

 

When we stayed in the DOS, we PAID DEARLY for them "Perks". It was a once in a lifetime experience, so we did it.

 

I will re-instate though.....As far as service, friendliness, politeness, and courtesy, we were treated the SAME regardless of what room we slept in.

 

Also, we had to use our "room card" to even access our floor via the elevator. (In DOS it was floor 15, but the elevator only went to 14)....But our once in a lifetime opportunity was often diminished by comments from people on the elevator when we put our card in to get to our room (i.e. "Oh, your one of those people). We had MANY comments like that. Totally uncalled for IMO. I'm sorry I saved for a damn long time to have "perks" lol.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Homecomforts
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[Minoushka]

I have been on many many cruises 35 in all so far ...NCL is a GREAT line .Staff and Crew esp EPIC were THE nicest ever

Other lines cruisers will tell you they prefer this or that line IMO they ALL have good and not so good ...I will not say bad

NCL is no more bargain then Carnival Rci Celebrity or Princess ..I have been on all

I loved my EPIC cruise It was FABULOUS Do not listen to NEGATIVE people Go find out for yourself I will definitely go back on NCL as soon as I find a cruise I like

 

Bon Voyage

[coffeebean]

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

All mass market cruise lines must be "ala carte" if what you have listed is considered as such. I don't know of any mass market cruise line that includes any of the goods and services that you listed in their base cruise fare. I don't consider NCL an "ala carte" cruise line...I consider cruising on any mass market cruise line not all inclusive.

[Bars7816]

You got to shovel coal? They put us to work in the laundry! :D

[Meriflower]

I agree!!

 

I have at various times found fabulous prices on different lines, different weeks. Are those all now bargain lines? Maybe on some level all mainstream cruises are, indeed, bargain lines, as they offer a lot for the money, IMHO:D.

[JP4GA]

I am looking forward to my 1st NCL cruise. When we told friends we had booked NCL they called us cheap. My thoughts were I want to try "free style" especailly since I am traveling with a toddler this time and don't want to eat Buffet morning noon and night, and I can't control how a toddler will behave or react to assigned dinning each night.

 

Maybe NCL will become our cruise line of choice. Who knows.

[emcelh]

I believe all suites (not mini-suites) have the metallic colored key card, not just the Haven. That said, you usually don't present your card to pay for something until after you've been served, so the service should be the same either way. I've travelled in suites and I've travelled in a balcony room on NCL, and I wasn't treated any differently in general. Of course, we had the butler and concierge while in a suite, but we were paying more for that perk. When staying in a suite on the Jade, we did get a bit better treatment at dinner at Cagney's, but this was because we had the same waitress at breakfast at Cagney's and had built a relationship, not because we were in a suite, per se. We also got the same great service last year staying in a balcony on Epic because the waitress from Cagney's had transferred and worked the breakfast shift in the MDR.

 

We were in a suite on the Jewel in September (not Haven or Owners suite) and our key cards were purple. AS the concierge was handing them out at check in, it looked like only those who had access to the Haven got the silver key cards. I agree though, no difference in service elsewhere on the ship from when we stayed in other cabin types.

[my_crib_too]

I am looking forward to my 1st NCL cruise. When we told friends we had booked NCL they called us cheap. My thoughts were I want to try "free style" especailly since I am traveling with a toddler this time and don't want to eat Buffet morning noon and night, and I can't control how a toddler will behave or react to assigned dinning each night.

 

Maybe NCL will become our cruise line of choice. Who knows.

 

Welcome to NCL, the STAR is a great ship.

[johnsak123]

I have traveled in a suite and also in a "regular" balcony cabin. The crew was just wonderful on both occasions. I will say that in a suite I dealt with alot of the same crew during the trip and they were overly friendly, very accomodating and remembered my name.

My experiences with NCL crew has always been a positive no matter what cabin I sailed in.

[denas]

I have traveled in a suite and also in a "regular" balcony cabin. The crew was just wonderful on both occasions. I will say that in a suite I dealt with alot of the same crew during the trip and they were overly friendly, very accomodating and remembered my name.

My experiences with NCL crew has always been a positive no matter what cabin I sailed in.

 

We sailed on the Pearl in November 2011. Two of the waiters addressed us by name at the pool by the second day and we had a waiter that remembered our names and our regular drink order in the theater in the evening. I was really surprised how service oriented they were. We were not in a suite but in a balcony room.

 

 

There were a lot of little extras that we got on NCL that we didn't get on more expensivle lines (Princess and Disney). Robes in the balcony room was nice. As well as the fridge (Disney had this but they don't work very well). I also reallly liked the hairdryer and the bathroom set up. Much more than Disney (a lot of people on Disney boards rave about the bathrooms on Disney but I don't care for the design at all). While I certainly paid significantly less than my Disney cruise I took in January 2011, I mostly felt that I didn't get what I paid for on Disney and was really surprised by the little extras included in the "budget-oriented" NCL.