Room service and to go food

[Cauzneffct]

You're absolutely right. I was referring to room service. It's actually MORE work to go to the buffet and bring food back to the room.. Which makes me wonder why bother doing extra work when on vacation. I should not have used the term "lazy". I did not mean to be unkind. I was only pointing out that almost every passenger on the ship is physically able to eat in the designated eating areas. It's just that some don't want to.

 

 

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LOL. To clarify, in one breath you lament those who use room service and in the next wonder why anyone would bother to do extra work on vacation. So you think people who order room service are lazy, and people who bring food back to their rooms aren't lazy enough.

Edited May 20, 2015 by Cauzneffct

[CavalierX]

I was only pointing out that almost every passenger on the ship is physically able to eat in the designated eating areas. It's just that some don't want to.

 

And shouldn't they be able to enjoy their vacation in the manner they prefer instead of being dictated to by NCL's hall monitor? I guess I don't understand the burning need some people have to tell others that they're vacationing wrong. I can already "hear" your smug reply that those who want to eat in their cabins can just pay the $7.95 extra fee per meal to do so. My point is that they already paid for meals, and paid to have it brought to them (if they ate in the MDR, anyway). Are they going to get a refund for each meal they don't eat there? Of course not. It's unfair of NCL to charge them a second time for a meal, especially if they're willing to go get it themselves and save a waiter the effort. Your issue, as I understand it, is with the people who should be cleaning the passageways more often, or more efficiently -- not with guests who choose to take their meals in their cabins. Those who order room service will still be putting those trays outside their doors for pickup when they're done. Furthermore (knowing human nature as well as I do), I can predict with some confidence that many people will order extra food, more then they can eat at the moment, since they'll be paying an extra fee -- the end result of which will be even more dishes with uneaten food sitting around in the passageways waiting for someone to come along and collect them.

Edited May 20, 2015 by CavalierX

[NLH Arizona]

Those who order room service will still be putting those trays outside their doors for pickup when they're done.

 

Thank you for admitting that there are, in fact, trays in the hallways.

[Cruise4Real]

Thank you for admitting that there are, in fact, trays in the hallways.

 

And nothing about the two policies -- expanded RS menu for $$$ and no food taken from buffet/restaurants -- will do a thing about "trays in the hallways."

 

The hoops you're willing to jump through in order to defend these numbskull policies is impressive. Congratulations on this, your 61st post (of the 993 made so far) -- by far the #1 poster representing over 6 percent of ALL posts on this thread!

[42CruiseCrazy]

LOL. To clarify, in one breath you lament those who use room service and in the next wonder why anyone would bother to do extra work on vacation. So you think people who order room service are lazy, and people who bring food back to their rooms aren't lazy enough.

 

 

Yes. I suppose that's true. I am happy to be in the middle. Not lazy enough to order room service but too lazy to go and get my own food. That's why so many people at both ends of the laziness spectrum disagree with me. LOL

 

 

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[MisterFidgetpants]

Yes. I suppose that's true. I am happy to be in the middle. Not lazy enough to order room service but too lazy to go and get my own food. That's why so many people at both ends of the laziness spectrum disagree with me. LOL

 

 

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Like I said, stop for a moment and consider the impact to you and your wife if everyone did things the same way you do them! Traffic Jam!

[sjbdtz]

Interesting claim. Can you point to me to anywhere FDR or any other C-suite level exec for NCL has stated their vision is for better service?

 

 

Yes. It was in the oft-quoted article where he said he wanted to increase passenger revenue by $50/week.

 

His theory to do that was to provide higher value for dollar, and decrease discounting in lock-step.

 

 

 

He suggests as much here: "Any idiot can cut costs to the point where it's obvious to the customer, but that would amount to total failure on our part," the CEO explains" http://www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com/features/featurethe-big-interview-frank-del-rio-4536927/

 

 

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[42CruiseCrazy]

Like I said, stop for a moment and consider the impact to you and your wife if everyone did things the same way you do them! Traffic Jam!

 

 

That's why we avoid the buffet whenever possible and have breakfast and dinner in the MDR.

 

 

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[fridaythe13th]

Just off the Dawn last week and although I saw nobody carrying food out of the specialty restaurants (I never have in the past), I saw many people coming from the buffet bringing food outside and walking down the halls with food, presumably going back to their cabin. I never saw any trays in the hallways either. I believe they prefer you leave the tray in your cabin and they will remove it when they make up the cabin.

[punkincc]

Yes. It was in the oft-quoted article where he said he wanted to increase passenger revenue by $50/week.

 

His theory to do that was to provide higher value for dollar, and decrease discounting in lock-step.

 

 

 

He suggests as much here: "Any idiot can cut costs to the point where it's obvious to the customer, but that would amount to total failure on our part," the CEO explains" http://www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com/features/featurethe-big-interview-frank-del-rio-4536927/

 

 

.

 

 

Where is the higher value in the 18% added to the cover charges at specialties? Same menu, same so so service.

 

Where is the higher value in the $7.95 convenience fee for Room Service? Items that used to be ordered and delivered free are now charged for. Of course the food is still "free", as some like to point out. There are now some hot items on the menu, I will give you that, but having to give up free room service is a pretty big price to pay for that little perk, IMO. Adding hot items with an a la carte price while keeping the rest of the menu complimentary with no delivery fee would have been a perk, but they had to be greedy.

 

Where is the higher value is a rule which says food I have just paid a cover charge for cannot be removed from the premises. Where is the higher value in a unenforceable rule that food cannot be carried out of the buffet and consumed on my own balcony?

 

There is not one single change that FDR has brought about that has enhanced or added value to my cruise. In fact, he has done quite the opposite.

[Cruise4Real]

There is not one single change that FDR has brought about that has enhanced or added value to my cruise. In fact, he has done quite the opposite.

 

We got a nickel back on specialty dining.

[mekongsailor]

Heard a person who has been in travel industry for 30 plus years (and still involved) speak this AM.

 

Asked him about the future of charges for food, etc aboard ship. His response was that the cruise industry will eventually look like the hotel industry. For your fee you get a room, and maybe some entertainment. Everything else will be ala-carte. Get in the buffet line, and swipe your room card. Get some soft ice cream, swipe your room card. Want a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, swipe your room card.

 

He said his conversations with cruise line executives indicate they would be doing that right now if they knew how not to agitate their clientele. So, this NCL room service charge is just a step in the gradual plan to move to the hotel model. And, it appears that bandoning ship lines for these changes as they occur will be a short term proposition at best.

[janpo]

You would just think if this were common, widespread, happening a lot in both frequency and volume, you'd read more about it on this site, in the reviews, in posts, for a number of years. I have a hard time accepting at face value that this is really a problem at all.

 

This is tail wag the dog stuff.

 

I've been on 3 NHL cruises. Only place I've seen dishes lying around was on the deck with the bbq and those were being bussed by employees. I see more dishes lining the halls in hotels in Vegas.

[NLH Arizona]

Heard a person who has been in travel industry for 30 plus years (and still involved) speak this AM.

 

Asked him about the future of charges for food, etc aboard ship. His response was that the cruise industry will eventually look like the hotel industry. For your fee you get a room, and maybe some entertainment. Everything else will be ala-carte. Get in the buffet line, and swipe your room card. Get some soft ice cream, swipe your room card. Want a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, swipe your room card.

 

He said his conversations with cruise line executives indicate they would be doing that right now if they knew how not to agitate their clientele. So, this NCL room service charge is just a step in the gradual plan to move to the hotel model. And, it appears that bandoning ship lines for these changes as they occur will be a short term proposition at best.

I totally agree. I think the cruise lines are moving in a new direction. Just look at the new RCCL ships, some of them have over 14 restaurants, with their new Dynamic Dining (some are for fee and other complementary), but their passengers have a wide choice of restaurants to choose from. I don't ever think it will get to where one will have to pay for the MDR, buffet or ice cream, but I certainly could see a lot more things going a la carte, so that customers have a choice. I don't particularly think that is a bad thing, if the entertainment is top notch I wouldn't have a problem paying for it or if the food is sensational, but the cruise lines are going to have to price their product in a manner where they won't make it so exclusive that most people will not be able to cruise, taking into consideration the fares and the cost for the "choice" items. Will a lot of folks not like it, sure, but I would bet a lot would also embrace it, because some like to have choices.

[legion3]

My first free room service order in the morning will not be getting their tray back. They can have their plates. Probably put them in the hallway when done with them.

 

But the tray will be used to bring "almost" full plates from the buffet to my balcony.

 

Those plates too will be placed out in the hallway.

 

Then repeat as neccessary. :D

[cacj]

1: The 7.95 so-called convenience fee also has an 18% gratuity added to it, if I read the reviews correctly. Please correct me if this is not correct.

 

2: If NCL communication had been made to all cruise passengers who have booked the cruise (prior to the instituted fees and changes to dining..ala Cagney's)....wouldn't NCL have had to deal with even more backlash than what is happening here on CC?

 

Thus, it seems to us, that NCL CHOSE not to communicate these planned changes in any way, shape or form in advance because they did not want to risk cancelations and larger amounts of push back from its customers. To draw attention to their money grab would have angered booked passengers who do not even know that CC exists.

[3XX1XY]

How come no one on cruise critic ever mentioned a dirty ship until NCL threw it out there?

 

 

Actually I mentioned it before NCL released their official comments (or I guess atleast before I saw them or they were posted here). When they first announced the changes (re: room service fees and no removing stuff from the dining areas) But of course, I got torn to shreds for my opinion anyway. I'm starting to wonder if all the people who "never see plates in the hallway" are haven/suite guests? Because the last NCL cruise I took, in 2009 after which I went to other cruise lines and am now back to test the waters again, was so gross the plates everywhere were literally, quite literally, the only reason we tried other brands. BUT we were on an inside cabin no where near any of the nicer rooms. Could that possibly be making a difference? There was garbage and plates left for hours on deck too though so , i don't know. And no, no pictures. Why would I take pictures of that? I wasn't aware of CC back then so what would I really do with them? We complained on board a couple of times and then just decided to take a break from NCL when the staff was rude about it. Ok, our bathroom was a little gross too. But not a total deal breaker for us. On previous NCL cruises there was much less garbage around. Still the occasional plate here or there, but nothing like that 2009 cruise. I'm cruising in 10 days on the Gem though, if I see anything "bad" there I'll take pics although I'm really HOPING not to!!!

[42CruiseCrazy]

I was thinking the same thing but I came to the conclusion reason and sense left this thread a long time ago. I didn't even know how to respond to that particular conversation because it seems some people were really grasping with that one. Besides, the trays in the hallway thing is still going to occur. Room service does still exist.

 

Of course Room Service should continue to be offered. It is an extra service (like laundry) that used to be free and now there is a charge for that extra service (just like for laundry) That's what people who liked ordering room service are unhappy about (some are REALLY ANGRY) I can understand that. As for the issue of trays and dirty dishes in the hallways, that can be solved if NCL asked passengers to leave them in the room OR take them back up to the Lido Deck. (Besides the accessibility issue, it's not very pleasant to see dirty dishes in the hallways :eek:)

Edited May 20, 2015 by 42CruiseCrazy
correction

[Cruise4Real]

As for the issue of trays and dirty dishes in the hallways, that can be solved if NCL asked passengers to leave them in the room of take them back up to the Lido Deck. (Besides the accessibility issue, it's not very pleasant to see dirty dishes in the hallways :eek:)

 

And if NCL had ever done that, or chosen to do that prior to the recently announced policy of "no food to be taken from buffet/restaurants," that would have provided plenty of credence to their stated rationale that the "no food" policy was REALLY about dealing with a "problem" of trays and dishes in the halls. That would seem to be the first and most important step -- making sure that the dishes/trays don't make it to the hallways in the first place.

 

To my knowledge they never have. And that tells me all I really need to know about what is going on here, which has nothing to do with preserving health and safety or a pristine environment, but everything to do with squeezing more coin from passengers.

[NLH Arizona]

1: The 7.95 so-called convenience fee also has an 18% gratuity added to it, if I read the reviews correctly. Please correct me if this is not correct.

 

Is the gratuity added to the convenience fee or is it added if there is a "for fee" items? Edited May 20, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[Travelcat2]

There are a lot of children on NCL and I assume that most parents are watching their children and teaching them what they can and cannot do on a cruise ship. Can I also assume that those of you that plan on keeping trays to carry full plates of food to your cabin (or sneaking food) do not have children? The reason I ask is twofold: 1) Teaching children that it okay to break the rules - anywhere, may not be a good idea - no matter how much you like or dislike the rule; and, 2) If your children see you carrying food to your cabin, they assume they can do the same. What happens if your child gets stopped leaving the restaurant with food and maybe spilling some along the way (perhaps because they can't handle the movement of the ship while carrying food and/or drinks)?

 

If you do not like the new policies you can complain on CC, make suggestions on CC (or email/write/call NCL and do the same). You can also cancel future cruises (obviously that are not within the penalty phase) and not book NCL in the future. You can go to management on board and explain why you need to carry food to your room.

 

What I do not believe any adult should do is blatantly go against NCL's policy -- any policy. Right or wrong, NCL has the right to impose any restrictions they care to (with or without a good reason).

[abe3]

There are a lot of children on NCL and I assume that most parents are watching their children and teaching them what they can and cannot do on a cruise ship. Can I also assume that those of you that plan on keeping trays to carry full plates of food to your cabin (or sneaking food) do not have children? The reason I ask is twofold: 1) Teaching children that it okay to break the rules - anywhere, may not be a good idea - no matter how much you like or dislike the rule; and, 2) If your children see you carrying food to your cabin, they assume they can do the same. What happens if your child gets stopped leaving the restaurant with food and maybe spilling some along the way (perhaps because they can't handle the movement of the ship while carrying food and/or drinks)?

 

 

 

If you do not like the new policies you can complain on CC, make suggestions on CC (or email/write/call NCL and do the same). You can also cancel future cruises (obviously that are not within the penalty phase) and not book NCL in the future. You can go to management on board and explain why you need to carry food to your room.

 

 

 

What I do not believe any adult should do is blatantly go against NCL's policy -- any policy. Right or wrong, NCL has the right to impose any restrictions they care to (with or without a good reason).

 

 

Exactly right

[sparks1093]

There are a lot of children on NCL and I assume that most parents are watching their children and teaching them what they can and cannot do on a cruise ship. Can I also assume that those of you that plan on keeping trays to carry full plates of food to your cabin (or sneaking food) do not have children? The reason I ask is twofold: 1) Teaching children that it okay to break the rules - anywhere, may not be a good idea - no matter how much you like or dislike the rule; and, 2) If your children see you carrying food to your cabin, they assume they can do the same. What happens if your child gets stopped leaving the restaurant with food and maybe spilling some along the way (perhaps because they can't handle the movement of the ship while carrying food and/or drinks)?

 

If you do not like the new policies you can complain on CC, make suggestions on CC (or email/write/call NCL and do the same). You can also cancel future cruises (obviously that are not within the penalty phase) and not book NCL in the future. You can go to management on board and explain why you need to carry food to your room.

 

What I do not believe any adult should do is blatantly go against NCL's policy -- any policy. Right or wrong, NCL has the right to impose any restrictions they care to (with or without a good reason).

I agree, that's one of the reasons I am unlikely to sail with NCL after january.

[Aquahound]

They know you will do anything they say and pay everything with no complaints. the submissive customer.

 

Well-meaning pursuasion is educational. Manipulative pursuasion is mind-control. It never ceases to amaze me the level of mind control certain businesess, like cruise lines, have over some people. Heck, there's people on this very thread who think the $7.95 charge has nothing to do with money, and that this is all about a "cleaner ship."

[CruisingGs]

I emailed NCL about this. I just got a generic call saying sorry you are displeased, but there is nothing we can do put pass on my compliant. She said they have been getting many complaints, and maybe with enough complaints they may consider changing it back. It's irritating.