Goodbye Escape Haven, Hello Divina Yacht Club!

[JuneauWhatIMean]

These increased fees that NCL/FDR have incorporated have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I actually lost sleep over this last night, which is ridiculous considering the fact that I'm supposed to be planning a wonderful vacation for my husband and myself.

 

We got a great price for our Escape Haven Penthouse Suite by booking early, but only got the $300 OBC that is now part of the Freestyle Promotion and not the UDP, UBP, or prepaid DSC.

 

We wouldn't have been hurt too much by NCL's increased fees, but it's the way they were just shoved upon us with no warning and how it's really going to impact family cruisers that upsets me the most.

 

In the Yacht Club on Divina we'll pay $170.32 more and get a larger cabin and balcony and everything that the Haven offers, as well as unlimited beverages and free access to our mini bar contents that have COCA COLA (!) products and snacks inside. Plus, we'll get $200 OBC. Oh yeah, and free room service.

 

So I'm just curious.....is anyone else jumping ship from NCL?

[shapatack0]

These increased fees that NCL/FDR have incorporated have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I actually lost sleep over this last night, which is ridiculous considering the fact that I'm supposed to be planning a wonderful vacation for my husband and myself.

 

We got a great price for our Escape Haven Penthouse Suite by booking early, but only got the $300 OBC that is now part of the Freestyle Promotion and not the UDP, UBP, or prepaid DSC.

 

We wouldn't have been hurt too much by NCL's increased fees, but it's the way they were just shoved upon us with no warning and how it's really going to impact family cruisers that upsets me the most.

 

In the Yacht Club on Divina we'll pay $170.32 more and get a larger cabin and balcony and everything that the Haven offers, as well as unlimited beverages and free access to our mini bar contents that have COCA COLA (!) products and snacks inside. Plus, we'll get $200 OBC. Oh yeah, and free room service.

 

So I'm just curious.....is anyone else jumping ship from NCL?

 

We're locked into a cruise in two weeks, but if NCL doesn't reverse this latest policy that will be our last.

[scopewest]

I'm interested in the difference between Haven and Yacht Club, if you'd care to post after your cruise.

[monkeybone]

That sounds wonderful! and I wouldn't have to lug cokes onboard.

 

I have had a very stressful day today with NCL They flat out lied to me and are trying to rip me off.......Carnival and RCCL is next on my list I can wait to try other lines now.

[shapatack0]

That sounds wonderful! and I wouldn't have to lug cokes onboard.

 

I have had a very stressful day today with NCL They flat out lied to me and are trying to rip me off.......Carnival and RCCL is next on my list I can wait to try other lines now.

 

My wife and I have cruised RCCL, X, and NCL. Our first cruise (our honeymoon) was on RCL on an older ship (Legend of the Seas), and we absolutely loved it. We're probably biased because it was our honeymoon and it was in Europe, but I think we're going to go back to them.

[monkeybone]

My wife and I have cruised RCCL, X, and NCL. Our first cruise (our honeymoon) was on RCL on an older ship (Legend of the Seas), and we absolutely loved it. We're probably biased because it was our honeymoon and it was in Europe, but I think we're going to go back to them.

 

Thats great I heard the casino is fantastic on RCCL my friend won 7k last year.

[shapatack0]

Thats great I heard the casino is fantastic on RCCL my friend won 7k last year.

 

We loved the dealers at the casino in Legend of the Seas. We were net losers, but they were extremely friendly, got to know us on a first name basis, and gave us tips and advice for what to do in the ports the night before when we would play.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Our first cruise was on Princess back in 1986. We've also sailed with Celebrity, RCCL, and Carnival, (once!). Of those, Celebrity was the nicest. But I've been a big fan of NCL since sailing on POA twice and then the Breakaway.

 

MSC definitely has a European flavor but the Yacht Club looks amazing.

 

We don't sail until December but I'll come back and post my comments, if anyone cares by then. :cool:

 

Ali

[triptolemus]

Not jumping ship just yet, but I do have a Princess cruise booked which leaves from San Francisco -- about 30 minutes drive away from me. Princess is offering some compelling itineraries and I can't wait to try the Princess product in a little over a month.

 

Any loyalty I have for NCl is dwindling..fast. I realized a few weeks ago that some people have an emotional attachment or response to cruising, and consequently, their cruise line. The emotional attachment to a single cruise line itself, though, I believe is misplaced...at least for me.

 

We shall see... If I like what Princess offers and I can leave from my hometown? Very compelling, indeed.

[Son of a son of a ...]

We've been reading the posts. After talking to the better half, we are shifting from the B of A/NCL credit card back to the Carnival MasterCard to start building points with Carnival. It is not much of a statement, but we are going back ... the nickels and dimes add up. I'm not sure who is making money in this economy, but I have been on a wage freeze for four years now. We like to cruise, but the budget gets tight when prices go up but our income stays the same. Oh well, we are all in the same boat ... so to speak.

Edited March 31, 2015 by Son of a son of a ...

[hypercafe]

Yes, I think we will stick with X. We are going to Bermuda in May on X in a Aqua room. It is all inclusive with a 300$ obc, dinning in Blue and we are Elite so we get free internet, laundry, ect. Same price as a mini suite on Breakaway and ixcludes free room service with a advanced menu. I know NCL was going to hell when we took our first and last trip on the Breakaway. One night the carving station in the buffet had MEATLOAF, give me a break.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

[JuneauWhatIMean]

triptolemus- I thought of you when I was thinking about carrying a protest sign at the port to let everyone know the surprises they were in for. :eek: But I'm near, (35 mins), to the port of L.A., not S.F.

 

Where's lmb when we need her/him? :cool:

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Yes, I think we will stick with X. We are going to Bermuda in May on X in a Aqua room. It is all inclusive with a 300$ obc, dinning in Blue and we are Elite so we get free internet, laundry, ect. Same price as a mini suite on Breakaway and ixcludes free room service with a advanced menu. I know NCL was going to hell when we took our first and last trip on the Breakaway. One night the carving station in the buffet had MEATLOAF, give me a break.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

 

I told my DH about this when you first posted it and his response, not unexpected, was "Cool! I'd love that!"

[gatime]

These increased fees that NCL/FDR have incorporated have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I actually lost sleep over this last night, which is ridiculous considering the fact that I'm supposed to be planning a wonderful vacation for my husband and myself.

 

We got a great price for our Escape Haven Penthouse Suite by booking early, but only got the $300 OBC that is now part of the Freestyle Promotion and not the UDP, UBP, or prepaid DSC.

 

We wouldn't have been hurt too much by NCL's increased fees, but it's the way they were just shoved upon us with no warning and how it's really going to impact family cruisers that upsets me the most.

 

In the Yacht Club on Divina we'll pay $170.32 more and get a larger cabin and balcony and everything that the Haven offers, as well as unlimited beverages and free access to our mini bar contents that have COCA COLA (!) products and snacks inside. Plus, we'll get $200 OBC. Oh yeah, and free room service.

 

So I'm just curious.....is anyone else jumping ship from NCL?

 

When I booked our 9 day Alaska cruise We had to pay in full, we didn't really plan this cruise so we only had a couple months before we set sail. I would have cancelled if given that option, after hearing about all the new changes. Not because of the extra money being charged, but because I REALLY don't like how these new changes have been implemented. I will have to look into the Yacht Club, I've seen this come up a lot in the past couple days. Me and my husband really enjoyed the 2BR suites on NCL because when we take my mom with us she has her own bedroom and bathroom, but we also book this cabin when it's just the two of us because we like the setup and the Haven is a plus. Do they offer anything like 2 bedroom 2 bath cabins on Divina?

[TaylorJNJ]

I am going on Haven for Easter week and Yacht club for xmas week. Since I haven't been on either yet, I don't know which I like better. However, my MSC cruise will cost me about 2/3 of the NCL cruise. So far, I far prefer MSC YC, based on price alone! Haven will need to be way better to justify the higher price.

[russianmom]

After being priced out of suites this year and the recent changes over the past 2 weeks we're moving on as well. I just cancelled our 2 family cruises for Feb '16 and Feb '17. Still shopping around as to what line we'll try next.

I have BA booked for Sept with a friend, I'd love to try something else but it's not up to me....

Part of me is sad but this was the push I needed to move forward from NCL's stale itineraries...

[Imasima752]

These increased fees that NCL/FDR have incorporated have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I actually lost sleep over this last night, which is ridiculous considering the fact that I'm supposed to be planning a wonderful vacation for my husband and myself.

 

We got a great price for our Escape Haven Penthouse Suite by booking early, but only got the $300 OBC that is now part of the Freestyle Promotion and not the UDP, UBP, or prepaid DSC.

 

We wouldn't have been hurt too much by NCL's increased fees, but it's the way they were just shoved upon us with no warning and how it's really going to impact family cruisers that upsets me the most.

 

In the Yacht Club on Divina we'll pay $170.32 more and get a larger cabin and balcony and everything that the Haven offers, as well as unlimited beverages and free access to our mini bar contents that have COCA COLA (!) products and snacks inside. Plus, we'll get $200 OBC. Oh yeah, and free room service.

 

So I'm just curious.....is anyone else jumping ship from NCL?

 

No way, good for you! I've been researching other lines and spoke with DH about the Yacht Club this weekend. Provided NCL doesn't take away any suite perks we'll keep our upcoming cruises, but I definitely see the Yacht Club in our future. I'm hoping MSC's Seaside will have dates we can work with when it starts sailing in 2017. Looks like it's going to be winner for us. Please let us know what you think of MSC when you get back!

[Linda the Book Lover]

Not jumping ship just yet, but I do have a Princess cruise booked which leaves from San Francisco -- about 30 minutes drive away from me. Princess is offering some compelling itineraries and I can't wait to try the Princess product in a little over a month.

 

Any loyalty I have for NCl is dwindling..fast. I realized a few weeks ago that some people have an emotional attachment or response to cruising, and consequently, their cruise line. The emotional attachment to a single cruise line itself, though, I believe is misplaced...at least for me.

 

We shall see... If I like what Princess offers and I can leave from my hometown? Very compelling, indeed.

 

Like you the DH and I have looked at a couple of Princess cruises for the same reason we live close to SF and we can also drive to LA in a few hours. We went with NCL again for our next cruise because of the promos and the suite treatment. (Also the emotion of some great old lady birthdays on NCL:D) My DD and I will be in a suite on Carnival but as you and I know Carnival's suites offer little in comparison. I am going to wait for the brouhaha to be over and see what shakes out.

[shapatack0]

Yes, I think we will stick with X. We are going to Bermuda in May on X in a Aqua room. It is all inclusive with a 300$ obc, dinning in Blue and we are Elite so we get free internet, laundry, ect. Same price as a mini suite on Breakaway and ixcludes free room service with a advanced menu. I know NCL was going to hell when we took our first and last trip on the Breakaway. One night the carving station in the buffet had MEATLOAF, give me a break.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

 

I've sailed on both the Breakaway (to FL/Bahamas) and the Celebrity Summit to Bermuda. Up until a few weeks ago I would have told you how much more I enjoyed the Breakaway then I enjoyed the summit and that you were making the wrong decision. Now, however, I think you're making the right choice. The hidden treasure on the summit is definitely the aft outdoor bar/eating area behind the buffet. They have live music there every night and it was never crowded, we would get our food (usually dessert/tea) from the buffet and then eat it outside on the back of the ship while listening to music and watching the sun set, it was a great time.

Edited March 31, 2015 by shapatack0

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Will do. I think their new ships look very interesting, too. :)

 

(Sorry posters, this was in reply to Imasima752, above.)

Edited March 31, 2015 by JuneauWhatIMean

[Imasima752]

I am going on Haven for Easter week and Yacht club for xmas week. Since I haven't been on either yet, I don't know which I like better. However, my MSC cruise will cost me about 2/3 of the NCL cruise. So far, I far prefer MSC YC, based on price alone! Haven will need to be way better to justify the higher price.

 

Please let us know what you think of the Yacht Club in comparison to the Haven.

[Imasima752]

Will do. I think their new ships look very interesting, too. :)

 

(Sorry posters, this was in reply to Imasima752, above.)

 

Thank you :). I can't wait for them to share more info about the ships. I wish they'd port in New Orleans.

[NYteacher]

No way, good for you! I've been researching other lines and spoke with DH about the Yacht Club this weekend. Provided NCL doesn't take away any suite perks we'll keep our upcoming cruises, but I definitely see the Yacht Club in our future. I'm hoping MSC's Seaside will have dates we can work with when it starts sailing in 2017. Looks like it's going to be winner for us. Please let us know what you think of MSC when you get back!

 

I am in a Breakaway suite in six days. The people aboard her and the Getaway this week had no notice NCL would remove free room service from five am to midnight as an "included in the fare" benefit, and have instead imposed a $7.95 per order charge. Although apparently, the suite passengers are not required to pay this charge, this week, the way NCL has done this shows me they will take away anything at anytime. I will not purchase a future cruise credit as I can not count on NCL to deliver the product for which I have already paid.

 

I am also very interested in MSC's Yacht Club experience.

Edited March 31, 2015 by NYteacher

[DebJ14]

We're giving the Yacht Club on MSC Divina a try on April 11 since we're fed up with several of the mainstream lines.

Edited March 31, 2015 by DebJ14

[princess di44]

Platinum on carnival. Sailing soon on my first Ncl . Not happy about the way they are handling notices and their customers.. When carnival has had an issue they did update people. We don't do room service a lot, and is not necessarily a deal breaker, but not giving notice could be.... Also noticed today that the norwegian excursions we signed up for are now increased from 4 to 20 buks extra per person.. Not sure if I will be choosing Ncl again..