NCL turnover

[Caroldoll]

A person does not have to be around the children. The Haven and the suite locked floors on some of the ships do not have children and water slides, etc. The suite passengers have their own diningroom for breakfast and lunch and with the mega dollars you save, you can eat in the specialty restaurants every night. The alcohol does not cost anywhere near what you pay for on Oceania. Don't get me wrong, I love Oceania, mostly because of the way the suite is situated, but there is a comparison if you split hairs. On NCL you do not feel like you are on a big ship. Like I have said repeatedly, I do hope that they find their way to at least blend some of the good things from NCL with Oceania. Considering the demographics of Oceania, I feel that it is really "something else" that the elderly have to walk so far to the cruise terminal when the ship immediately behind you (NCL) has shuttles. That is a big thing with me, even though I am quite able to walk long distances.

[Travelcat2]

A person does not have to be around the children. The Haven and the suite locked floors on some of the ships do not have children and water slides, etc. The suite passengers have their own diningroom for breakfast and lunch and with the mega dollars you save, you can eat in the specialty restaurants every night. The alcohol does not cost anywhere near what you pay for on Oceania. Don't get me wrong, I love Oceania, mostly because of the way the suite is situated, but there is a comparison if you split hairs. On NCL you do not feel like you are on a big ship. Like I have said repeatedly, I do hope that they find their way to at least blend some of the good things from NCL with Oceania. Considering the demographics of Oceania, I feel that it is really "something else" that the elderly have to walk so far to the cruise terminal when the ship immediately behind you (NCL) has shuttles. That is a big thing with me, even though I am quite able to walk long distances.

 

While we are friends and I respect you and the way you travel, I would abhor being on a "special" part of a ship with a special dining room, etc. The reason I am posting is because I hope with all of my heart that NCL has no influence whatsoever on Oceania. IMO, there is nothing that NCL has to offer that could make Oceania better than it is. If Oceania gets any more "class oriented", we will stop sailing with them. You know how I feel and I also know that we are not the only ones that feel the way that we do.

 

I have no problem with the class system that is rampant amongst main stream cruise lines. There are very few premium plus or luxury cruise lines. IMO, there is no reason that these few cruise lines need to adopt the practices of main stream. I have never before heard a post from someone who sails on Oceania, Azamara, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn or Crystal asking for what is offered on NCL, Celebrity, Carnival, RCCL, etc.

 

Luxury cruise lines are not asking mainstream cruise lines to be like them. By the same token, there is no reason to ask or expect Oceania or Regent to adopt NCL policies or their way of doing things.

 

Although I feel extremely strongly on this issue, I still adore you:D

[Jancruz]

It is always REALLY GOOD in a suite. I hope you have a suite, Jancruz. We did like 20 days in the Med and Turkey and around there.... wonderful. They treated my husband really well. He is too tall to talk about. Good seats on the bus...thank heavens. Also they had someone come on to clear what you bought and you wanted a VAT refund on. Soooo good. And...last year when we were in Barbados on Oceania we WALKED SIMPLY MILES up to the cruise terminal while NCL passengers had a shuttle. I know some people took the NCL shuttle back, but we don't do that...we walked, and walked, and walked. Maybe Oceania will take a lesson from this...or maybe NCL will help pay! After all is said, we paid a lot less on our NCL cruise than we did on Oceania...do on Oceania...5 cruises next year!

 

Yes, I have an aft suite and will also do all meals in specialty restaurants..

Jancruz1

[computerworks]

Can you tell me a little about your favorite things on Jade..I do like to be surprised when I cruise on a new line but always nice to know someone has really enjoyed it..

Jancruz1

 

The Jade is managed by NCL Europe, and I have always felt they do a better job that their stateside counterparts. I have sailed on her a few times... always sparkling and always a great crew.

 

Favorite Specialty restaurant is Le Bistro... favorite hangout is the Great Outdoors, a patio deck, stern on Deck 12.

 

Last time we sailed, we were fortunate to be in the top suite, the Garden Villa... a 5000 sq ft, 3 bedroom suite. :cool:... most of the time we sailed in minisuites or balconies.

 

I have pictures of the GV, if you like... and also a Trip Report...but that has a lot of port and personal stuff...but it does have some ship pictures.

 

But, I don't want to spoil your initial impressions. Let me know and I'll post the links,

[Toranut97]

As long as NCL doesn't tamper too much and trim the many touches that make O so enjoyable - fine.

 

I do not like the idea of holing up in some luxury ghetto in order to enjoy a cruise. How can you not realize you are on a bigger ship - surely it takes longer to disembark in ports? And then you have to mingle with the hoi polloi??? [emoji6]

 

Like I said, fine on NCL and fine on those who like it. I just hope they don't impose this style of cruising onto O.

[qldtraveller]

Hi everyone

I read all this NCL related to Oceania & RSSC. I find it most interesting to see the various views. In presenting my thoughts(suspect some will get upset) I will preface them with the following

Have sailed on Princess & HAL, Paul Gauguin and RSSC

We do not have a suite but always a balcony cabin( on Oceania level 7)

Every person who cruises selects their cruise company/boats based on many factors that suit their needs

Ours are we do not like large boats, large crowds( even 2000 passenger boats we are not keen on), children(especially. Uncontrolled ones) , cabaret shows, extra charges for speciality restaurants, pay for basically everything else o/s main meals, visit the ports where the large vessels can get into, set dining times etc.

 

Our cruise choices incl. nearly fully inclusive, most passengers are of a similar ilk(retired and well travelled), have an interest in going to different places and experiencing the local needs, a lot of independent travellers(in 6 Oceania cruises we have only done 2 of their tours the rest we book ourlseves), no children or teenagers(been there and done that), grey crew(many the same on each cruise we do), great food, provide shuttle buses( found previous comments interesting re : Oceania and no shuttles in a port - never seen that issue before, prefer 21 - 40 day cruises, no major cabaret shows etc.

Based on this being our needs Oceania provide that with their 600 passenger vessels or 1200 boats(have been on Marina and enjoyed the trip but a different crowd).

We have visited some 70 countries and in excess of 200 cities and lot of that comes down to previous travel and now with Oceania.

In fact due to credits etc. we have left our last 3 cruises with no monies owing at the end and we do have drinks. There are also some nice little things Oceania allows which many others don't and part of that is related to the passengers being a fairly responsible lot.

As such with any takeover there are always going to be changes and consolidation but we are both hoping that NCL realises what is has in Oceania & Regent and the loyal base it has and what it provides to the serious traveller.

Here's hoping we do not lose the Oceania feeling.

I conclude by repeating we have our reasons for choosing Oceania & Regent and these may not suit a lot of other people and one will always argue in a biased manner.

By the way the reason we stopped using Regent as we did not want to do the all inclusive tours part as we are independent travellers.

Thank you And here's hoping there are no substantial differences in 6 - 12 months.

[smilin jack]

I would think the people that had O would not have sold if bad things were to happen. I at least would hope not.

Our favorite cruise line is Seabourn, and Carnival owns them.

I would think that NCL won't screw with what works, and even make it better.

[bitob]

According to our "source" -- who is pretty good (others may have better sources)-- O is operating "independently" and the few changes in personnel will not affect operations at all. The same revenue folks are still in place. Passengers/travel agents will not notice any differences -- at least for now.

 

We are not going to worry. We have learned a lesson in life -- if you worry about stuff that may never happen you waste a lot of energy for nothing.

[fairbourne]

I do understand that people have different requirements when they cruise. Some people love the atmosphere on NCL with children, families, etc. They also enjoy what a large ship has to offer. For us, we want a small(ish) ship, all-inclusive, everyone treated the same, excellent service and food. This is not offered on NCL and is offered on Oceania when you pay for it in advance (meaning paying for the premium alcohol package, internet, etc). While we stay in top suites, it bothers us that we are treated differently than other passengers. We are used to luxury cruise lines which is similar (in a way) to an all business class airline. No one cares how much you paid, you are treated as equals (as we all are as human beings).

 

NCL does not appeal to us but it is possible that they are smart enough to leave two very successful cruise lines alone. If they try to make changes -- particularly in the first couple of years, they will lose valuable customers. In that case, the investors would not be happy and they may be looking for a new CEO (I nominate FDR):)

 

I have to play "Devils advocate" here ..... If it bothers you so much, and it quite clearly does, that you "are treated differently than other passengers" when you stay in top suites, then why on earth do you book them? Wouldn't you be happier elsewhere?

 

If I felt so strongly about it, I'm sure I wouldn't!

 

We recently stayed in a "top suite" and we were very happy to receive and enjoy all the wonderful pleasures that came with that suite. I think you "pays your money, you make your choice" .... That is not being elitist, snobbish or whatever you I'm sure will wish to call it, it's about choosing what to spend our hard earned cash on! And if we book a top suite, it will be for a treat!

 

Anyway, some would consider in your writing that you prefer being "treated as everyone else is on a Luxury cruise line" or in "business class" on an airline, is laughable, as by using these very words and choosing these ways of travel, you are placing yourself amongst those few who choose to book and pay for accordingly - everything that it would appear you so abhor as not everyone can or wishes to travel this way!

 

Just saying! :)

[PaulMCO]

A lot of the changes are in the Seatrade-insider article..

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/how-the-norwegian-prestige-organization-shakes-out-as-told-by-kevin-sheehan.html

[computerworks]

News hasnt broken yet and if I tell I am dead...as soon as I get permission I will post..its a guy and a dear friend

Jancruz1

 

OK... does this guy know the job won't be replaced? :p

 

Sheehan said. As for svp sales Camille Olivere's exit, Sheehan said 'She's done a great job,' and her position is not going to be filled since Stuart will cover it.

 

If your friend is Andy... he just needs a bigger plate. :o

[cbb]

We've placed a deposit on RTW16 and I am a little apprehensive reading some of the replies on this thread.

 

I know that no one can see into the future, but I am concerned that this cruise of a lifetime will not be with the Oceania that I have sailed on many times before.

 

Fortunately, we do have some time before we have to begin to make serious payments so, please, everyone write back your impressions of your O cruises after NCL changes have been made.

 

I'm curious if one can tell the difference from the "good ol' days" of O.

[Jancruz]

OK... does this guy know the job won't be replaced? :p

 

 

 

If your friend is Andy... he just needs a bigger plate. :o

 

I have spoken to Andy..but he is not my friend and I dont always believe what I read..that article is politically correct but not dependable as gospel..

Jancruz1

[computerworks]

I have spoken to Andy..but he is not my friend and I dont always believe what I read..that article is politically correct but not dependable as gospel..

 

Are you callin' MY friend Kevin a liar? :cool:

[Jancruz]

Are you callin' MY friend Kevin a liar? :cool:

 

Never call anyone a liar..he is just politically correct!!

Jancruz1

[Travelcat2]

I have to play "Devils advocate" here ..... If it bothers you so much, and it quite clearly does, that you "are treated differently than other passengers" when you stay in top suites, then why on earth do you book them? Wouldn't you be happier elsewhere?

 

If I felt so strongly about it, I'm sure I wouldn't!

 

 

Fair question. We like the amenities that you receive inside of the suites. When you on an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, once you walk out of the door, it doesn't matter if you are in the largest or smallest suite on the ship. You are all treated the same. When you board it is first come first served. Behind the scenes we have a large suite, 1 1/2 bathrooms, a butler, etc. When we walk into a lounge and order a drink, we do not present a card so we are just like everyone else. We are not better than anyone else -- we simply have a larger suite.

 

A bigger question would be why we book Oceania. The first time was curiosity and the second time is because my DH would like to be in a Vista Suite. After this, we will likely stay with Regent.

 

In terms of NCL, it sounds as if it is pretty obvious which passengers are a higher class and which are not. So, we will not be sailing NCL in the future.

[LHT28]

I'm curious if one can tell the difference from the "good ol' days" of O.

 

I have noticed changes some good some not so good

We started with O in 2004 last cruise was Jan 2014 ...yes I did notice some differences from the "good ol days"

[Merriem]

Having just gotten off the Insignia Nov 11, and in a Vista suite...which I booked because we like the space, and are not snobs.....but when did Oceania be considered a luxury cruise line. The food in the MDR was excellent, the speciality restaurants we only went once and cancelled our other booked nights, the dining room service was excellent. The butler was a joke. It was average, considering what I paid. Now has anyone noticed all the bent doors ...these are cabins on deck 6. It was very interesting because they were all bend at the bottom, and have never seen that before. Looked like a structural issue, and those should have been replaced.

[cbb]

LHT28-

 

Could you please elaborate on what good/not so good changes you have noticed?

 

Probably won't be able to perceive NCL changes for some time I'd think.

[RJB]

LHT28-

 

Could you please elaborate on what good/not so good changes you have noticed?

 

Probably won't be able to perceive NCL changes for some time I'd think.

Can't believe that any major changes would take place so quickly. Sure hope not not. :(:(:(

[AllPointsSouth]

NCL will next switch the 1000 thread count sheets to 900 - how will we survive?

[LHT28]

LHT28-

 

Could you please elaborate on what good/not so good changes you have noticed?

 

Nothing earth shattering ;)

 

In 2004 we were escorted onboard by a crew member then directed to the Terrace for lunch

later yrs you just find your own way onboard & to the Terrace

Most crew members are helpful & friendly ..it is like returning home when getting on the ship

 

last cruise some crew members argumentative with passengers.... which should never happen

rude staff members

Food not as good as previous times.... subjective of course

 

pros..more things included in the cruise eg sodas, bottled water

addition of Barristas, grill in Terrace, later breakfast hours in Waves

 

Just the little things ..they all add up

 

YMMV

[Toranut97]

NCL will next switch the 1000 thread count sheets to 900 - how will we survive?

 

 

Nice humor, Jimmy and Carlos. I don't give a fig about thread counts myself. But if O goes all mass-market (unless you pay extra for the Haven/gated community) --- forget it. Feel free to mock, but for some of us these concerns are legit, and worth discussing.

[bitob]

This should quell some of the anxiety.

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/del-rios-contract-goes-through-2018-with-$175m-base-salary.html

 

 

Just copy and paste the link into your browser.

Edited November 21, 2014 by bitob

[AllPointsSouth]

Jaguar is now owned by TATA motors and Rolls Royce is now owned by BMW/MINI! There will change - let's just hope it's all for the good- hopefully they take lessons from Regent/Oceania. I looked this week about a trip out of New Orleans on the Norwegian Dawn. I hope NCL understands there is a difference between "Modern Contemporary" and "Classic Modern". Some of the suites are just too garish- I really hope the look doesn't make it's way to Oceania! Time will tell- and where you spend your money and business will be noticed. And who knows- another FDR could be out there waiting to start up another Luxury line!!!