Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Food Outside of Dining Areas

[Pia1913]

Has anyone actually been stopped from taking a plate of food to their room?

 

This is exactly what I'm waiting to hear. We board the Getaway on May 23rd. If no response here, I guess I'll find out for myself.

[sparks1093]

Has anyone actually been stopped from taking a plate of food to their room?

 

In my mind that is irrelevent- having the policy in place is enough of a turn-off. I would play by the rules which in turn would be a dissatisfier for our trip (I wouldn't let it ruin the trip by a long shot).

[NLH Arizona]

Has anyone actually been stopped from taking a plate of food to their room?

The only reports I've seen is that folks tried to order a to go order from O'Sheehan's and was told no. Some said they were told no about taking leftovers from MDR or restaurant, but others have said they were able to. No one has said, that they were stopped from taking food from the buffet. Edited May 12, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[old sole]

I have not responded to all the posts lately and have been trying to digest some of the changes. It will be a bit before this all shakes out and we have some firm answers. Our next cruise is in October and we will go despite the changes. I had not wanted to share any of this with my spouse as he laughs at my CC obsession. Last night I mentioned the no food from the buffet and he got upset and said " this is very important to our trip." Ordering room service is not the same as quick stop in the buffet to look at a much larger selection of items. And, we can get them quickly. Too often when you order room serivce something is forgotten, late, cold etc.

 

I started to think about the domino effect IF this is strictly enforced. We are in suites 50% of the time but still do this for ourselves. No need to bother the butler for a cookie.

 

 

1) We would not need a balcony any longer as we would lose our time out there having a snack an enjoying the view.

 

2) We have to all get up earlier and fight the larger crowds at the buffet for breakfast. Often there are not enough seats now so what is to happen in the future.

 

3) If we left NCL we would take a steady group of followers with us. We always end up with other cabins of friends or family when we cruise. As well as always talking about NCL has encouraged others to try the line. If I choose another vacation venue may will follow.

 

4) We would probably not cruise anymore or rarely as I am the instigator of vacations and have felt loyal to the NCL product. Don't know if I am ready to start a new relationship with a cruise line. We just love the staff on NCL and hate to think they are going to be constantly abused by upset guests.

 

5) I am still wondering why the suite gratuity is different. It still does not cover the butler and concierge tips. We pay more in the initial rate so why pay a larger DSC? We will pay and continue to tip extra but how is it rationalized?

 

I will study this forum and listen to all sides. Will decide in October for ourselves how our vacation experience is effected.

 

I completely understand. The recent changes put a bad taste in my mouth as well. Like you, we book suites sometimes, mini-suites other times. Our only NCL cruise currently booked is in a suite and is a long ways out so we will wait a bit before deciding whether or not to cancel. If it was not a suite we would cancel for sure, and as things stand now if we don't actually cancel it will likely be our last NCL cruise.

 

I urge you to re-think giving up cruising though. Whole lotta choices out there. We've enjoyed our NCL cruises but we have sailed multiple times on three other lines besides NCL and have enjoyed them all too. That's one reason I'm not at all reluctant to just move on from NCL. They've dramatically changed things that matter to us and did it in a way that people had no choice but to sail anyway or lose their cruise fare. I will not be put in that position. I'm not going to rely on non-enforcement or spotty enforcement of a policy. Having an objectionable policy in place is not something I'm willing to live with. Too easy to just move on.

Edited May 12, 2015 by old sole

[sparks1093]

The only reports I've seen is that folks tried to order a to go order from O'Sheehan's and was told no. Some said they were told no about taking leftovers from MDR or restaurant, but others have said they were able to. No one has said, that they were stopped from taking food from the buffet.

 

If they had a sign at the buffet that said food could not be removed that would stop me from taking food from the buffet. I would not refrain from taking the food from the buffet only because of what I've read on CC.

[NLH Arizona]

If they had a sign at the buffet that said food could not be removed that would stop me from taking food from the buffet. I would not refrain from taking the food from the buffet only because of what I've read on CC.

Me too. If there was a sign and if there was a policy that has been announced and on their website. I'm a rule abider.

[Love.NCL]

I just wanted to comment on having "food/left over" delivered to the room.

 

On our cruise last month we had food brought back to our cabin twice from the main dining room

1. After placing our order our 14 month old had a fit so our waiter said he would have room service deliver our meal. app/main/dessert

2. We didn't get to have our dessert bc again our 14 month old was getting fussy. We asked if we can take it to go and the food manager in the MDR said he'll get one of the waiter to carry the food for us.

 

We brought food from the buffet/outdoor grill to our cabin all week and noone said anything.

[maywell]

I just wanted to comment on having "food/left over" delivered to the room.

 

On our cruise last month we had food brought back to our cabin twice from the main dining room

1. After placing our order our 14 month old had a fit so our waiter said he would have room service deliver our meal. app/main/dessert

2. We didn't get to have our dessert bc again our 14 month old was getting fussy. We asked if we can take it to go and the food manager in the MDR said he'll get one of the waiter to carry the food for us.

 

We brought food from the buffet/outdoor grill to our cabin all week and noone said anything.

Thanks for relaying this back, much appreciated. Question - did they charge you for the deliveries?

[Sizzlechest]

These little incremental changes are not huge increases or discomforts individually. Put together, they provide a significant new stream of revenue for NCL. Similarly, the sum total of these changes also may have indirect negative effects. Booking the trip looks like a great deal since the prices are still the same. Paying the credit card bills the next month is when the reality hits. I wouldn't surprise me if there's a short term gain thanks to this strategy. It also wouldn't surprise me if there's a drop off next year and nobody at NCL management can put their finger on why.

 

I understand the marketing reasons why NCL is essentially giving away specialty dining. Most people bristle at the idea of a dining surcharge. I LIKED the surcharge because it kept people OUT of the limited space of the specialty dining. If it's free, everyone wants to do it and people get turned away. The surcharge is simply supply and demand economics. I like to plan ahead, so I made reservations on my Breakaway cruise last year. People who went "freestyle" got turned away when it came to specialty dining and shows. I'm holding off booking right now and I'm hoping demand won't seriously outstrip supply considering all the "free" UDP passengers.

 

And no, a surcharge for room service is not the same unless theres evidence that the demand for room service is outstripping staff. (Most room service is done during "off-peak" dining times.) Coupling that with this "no takeout food" mixed message pretty much confirms that this is a cash grab with nothing given back to the customer.

[Love.NCL]

Thanks for relaying this back, much appreciated. Question - did they charge you for the deliveries?

 

I didn't notice any room service charge on the account.

[hpecorari]

I just wanted to comment on having "food/left over" delivered to the room.

 

On our cruise last month we had food brought back to our cabin twice from the main dining room

1. After placing our order our 14 month old had a fit so our waiter said he would have room service deliver our meal. app/main/dessert

2. We didn't get to have our dessert bc again our 14 month old was getting fussy. We asked if we can take it to go and the food manager in the MDR said he'll get one of the waiter to carry the food for us.

 

We brought food from the buffet/outdoor grill to our cabin all week and noone said anything.

 

There was never a problem last month. I believe it rolled out after May 1st....depending on what ship one was on.

 

Harriet

[NLH Arizona]

These little incremental changes are not huge increases or discomforts individually. Put together, they provide a significant new stream of revenue for NCL. Similarly, the sum total of these changes also may have indirect negative effects. Booking the trip looks like a great deal since the prices are still the same. Paying the credit card bills the next month is when the reality hits. I wouldn't surprise me if there's a short term gain thanks to this strategy. It also wouldn't surprise me if there's a drop off next year and nobody at NCL management can put their finger on why.

 

With just a little research on NCL's website and one would know all of the charges and then they could choose if they wanted to use and pay for them.

[monkeybone]

I with you. We are high "players" in the casino and they recently took away the Cagney's breakfast and lunch perk. We swallowed that.

 

We also like to take some food to the cabin from the buffet. Even if room service was free, it would not meet our needs.

 

Sadly, we will just move along. Not a threat or bitch. Just the way it is.

 

Now I know why I haven't seen you on the NCL boards lately.

 

I just booked my first Royal Caribbean cruise through the Casino :)

Edited May 12, 2015 by monkeybone

[Loucat]

I have not responded to all the posts lately and have been trying to digest some of the changes. It will be a bit before this all shakes out and we have some firm answers. Our next cruise is in October and we will go despite the changes. I had not wanted to share any of this with my spouse as he laughs at my CC obsession. Last night I mentioned the no food from the buffet and he got upset and said " this is very important to our trip." Ordering room service is not the same as quick stop in the buffet to look at a much larger selection of items. And, we can get them quickly. Too often when you order room serivce something is forgotten, late, cold etc.

 

I started to think about the domino effect IF this is strictly enforced. We are in suites 50% of the time but still do this for ourselves. No need to bother the butler for a cookie.

 

 

1) We would not need a balcony any longer as we would lose our time out there having a snack an enjoying the view.

 

2) We have to all get up earlier and fight the larger crowds at the buffet for breakfast. Often there are not enough seats now so what is to happen in the future.

 

3) If we left NCL we would take a steady group of followers with us. We always end up with other cabins of friends or family when we cruise. As well as always talking about NCL has encouraged others to try the line. If I choose another vacation venue may will follow.

 

4) We would probably not cruise anymore or rarely as I am the instigator of vacations and have felt loyal to the NCL product. Don't know if I am ready to start a new relationship with a cruise line. We just love the staff on NCL and hate to think they are going to be constantly abused by upset guests.

 

5) I am still wondering why the suite gratuity is different. It still does not cover the butler and concierge tips. We pay more in the initial rate so why pay a larger DSC? We will pay and continue to tip extra but how is it rationalized?

 

I will study this forum and listen to all sides. Will decide in October for ourselves how our vacation experience is effected.

 

At one time we strictly sailed RCC. I became so fed up with the decline in food we tried Princess and Holland. Liked Princess alot and also Celebrity. Also Azamara.

There is alot out there that is very good!

Do not let the turkeys making these decisions impact your crusing!!

[[g]cruiserke]

With just a little research on NCL's website and one would know all of the charges and then they could choose if they wanted to use and pay for them.

 

I do my due diligence when I book my cruise, or my UDP, or my UBP, and that does include reading the terms and conditions. Problem is, NCL keeps changing those rules, without notifying or grandfathering people.

 

Set aside whether that doesn't constitute a "bait and switch" breach of contract, but changing the rules mid-game without notification doesn't allow me to make an informed decision on whether I should cancel purchased items, like the UDP which made financial sense to buy because it included a free night at the Getaway Illusionarium - and now apparently doesn't include that anymore.

 

What do they expect us to do, re-read the terms and conditions each and every day until the day we board the ship, in case they've changed? Admittedly these are small changes, and small annoyances, but they do leave a sour taste in my mouth and don't make me feel like a valued guest.

Edited May 12, 2015 by [g]cruiserke

[slc22]

There was never a problem last month. I believe it rolled out after May 1st....depending on what ship one was on.

 

Harriet

 

I agree. I'd posted this on the poll about my experience on the Getaway (May 1).

 

"I'd read in cruise critic that folks could order items from O'Sheehans to go. I tried to order a sandwich and chips to go on my last sea day (May 1), and was told by the hostess and the supervisor this was no longer allowed. No food could be taken away per policy.

 

I had been reading and listening to the sea in the nice wicker chairs on the waterfront area on deck 8 - and wanted to bring the sandwich there, rather than tie up a table for 4 (all that were left) in the restaurant.

 

Instead I sat at a table for 4 in O'Sheehan's by myself, with my kindle, and had a leisurely meal. I Felt the use of the 4-person table for one person wasn't the best use of their resources, but really didn't have any choice. I politely complied with their policy, even though I would have preferred to eat outdoors in a quiet spot where I could see and hear the ocean.I was not going to take it back to my room but was going to take it to a quiet, empty part of the ship where tables and chairs existed."

 

I didn't try earlier in the week, but at least on May 1, the no take-out policy was being enforced on the Getaway.

Edited May 12, 2015 by slc22

[Eriksgarden]

We absolutely love Royal Caribbean. I have not cruised with anyone else. Our upcoming cruise is with NCL (because of the itinerary), and the changes made leave a bad taste in my mouth. First, the web site does not allow one to link reservations, so we had to call to book excursions. Then they removed Cagney's from pre-booking, so we cannot do that until we are on the ship. Then they added a charge for room service. And now this? Sure, each is minor, but given what we are paying for this cruise, I expect more. We fully expect our cruise to be wonderful, and I'm sure it will be. But we will go right back to Royal Caribbean after this trip.

[jesskuhmarie]

Has anyone actually been stopped from taking a plate of food to their room?

 

I was on the NCL Sky May 4-8 and took food back to our room multiple times without anyone saying anything to me. I'm not sure when they implemented the policy supposedly though as I didn't read anything on here about it until we returned this weekend.

[jjikids]

We emailed our concerns to corporate and received a phone call today. Contrary to what some have written NCL does follow what we are posting on Cruise Critic. We mentioned that that for every post there will be ten who just read and each of those ten will tell ten friends. Talk about the domino effect. We mentioned we don't want NCL to lose their loyal passengers. We felt there were too many changes and increases all at once. New information was not found on the NCL website but by reading posts here. That is so wrong. Many people have written and called and corporate is taking it all in. Hopefully in the long run things will be better. We don't cruise until January so we will wait and hope for the best. There are so many positives cruising Norwegian.

[Isabella Benjamin]

I personally feel like so much of this just falls on deaf ears.

 

We had a really bad experience with Hilton hotels once. Ruined our vacation. I wrote emails and I called and I barely got an apology. Hilton did not care how often we stayed at their hotels or how many future dollars we spent. My husband spent over $100,000 on hotels last year. He chooses his hotel as well as the hotel his staff of around 10 stays at. Let's say that's around a million dollars a year times 10 years. Marriott and the Radisson got all of that money, and Hilton is ok with that.

 

To me, this is the big picture of corporate America. If everyone that posts on the NCL board here switched to another cruise line I don't think it would a difference. Those cabins will be filled with other people, it's just the kind of turnover businesses expect.

 

But I'm not cynical at all.

[Theresa522]

Wow I have to say how sad I am to see all these policy changes. It really was my favorite cruise line and I always tell people that NCL is the BEST. However, now after hearing all the changes they have made I would NOT recommend NCL to family or friends.

 

Right now I have Haven suite booked for 2016 and if I didn't get such a fabulous price with awesome perks, I would've canceled. The thought of paying for room service :eek::eek::eek:

 

NCL what are you thinking????:rolleyes:

Edited May 12, 2015 by Theresa522

[jethrojam]

On the may 1 dawn we took back food from buffet and a dessert from teppenyaki. We were told no from blue lagoon.

[NLH Arizona]

cruiserke;46535184']I do my due diligence when I book my cruise' date=' or my UDP, or my UBP, and that does include reading the terms and conditions. Problem is, NCL keeps changing those rules, without notifying or grandfathering people.

 

Set aside whether that doesn't constitute a "bait and switch" breach of contract, but changing the rules mid-game without notification doesn't allow me to make an informed decision on whether I should cancel purchased items, like the UDP which made financial sense to buy because it included a free night at the Getaway Illusionarium - and now apparently doesn't include that anymore.

 

What do they expect us to do, re-read the terms and conditions each and every day until the day we board the ship, in case they've changed? Admittedly these are small changes, and small annoyances, but they do leave a sour taste in my mouth and don't make me feel like a valued guest.[/quote']

 

I don't think you will find one person on this site that thinks NCL did a good job in announcing these changes. It was horrible and it made these changes look worse than they are, IMHO.

 

I don't think NCL is guilty of either bait and switch or breach of contract, since their contract with us is only for transportation on the ship we booked and for ordinary vessel food....everything else is just icing on the cake as far as the contract is concerned, in my opinion.

 

I don't know what they expect, but I'm guessing that they are fully within their rights (not saying it is right), to just post the changes on their website and expect their customers to keep updated, but who knows.

 

If the Getaway Illusionarium was the main reason that I booked the UDP, I would definitely call NCL up and cancel it.

 

Hey, since they haven't had a press releases on some of the changes (even though they did on others), who knows maybe they will not go through with them, since there has been no formal announcement about taking food from the restaurants and buffet. We will just have to wait and see what returning passengers are saying (which many are saying they were able to take food from the buffet and some even saying they were able to take food from restaurants)or by calling NCL and asking for clarification of the policy. BTW, when I called late last week, I was told they had not formalized the policy with regard to taking food from restaurants and the buffet, but others were told something different.

 

I certainly understand how some could have a sour taste and might not feel valued as a customer and respect that, but I also feel that if someone doesn't agree and has no issue with the changes, their feelings should be respected as well.

 

I hope that if you go on your cruise with NCL, you have an outstanding time and if you choose to go with another, my wishes are the same.

Edited May 12, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[SteveH2508]

<snip>

To me, this is the big picture of corporate America. If everyone that posts on the NCL board here switched to another cruise line I don't think it would a difference. Those cabins will be filled with other people, it's just the kind of turnover businesses expect.

 

But I'm not cynical at all.

 

Despite what the cruise lines would have us believe, they are pitching to a finite market. They are suffering from chronic over-capacity (hence the need for the deep discounts and offers) - simply put - supply currently exceeds demand.

 

It costs more to get a new customer than to keep an existing one - so losing a new customer after one cruise from excessive nickel and diming and bait and switch seems short-sighted at best.

 

Pissing off your loyal customer base seems to me to be short-sighted; arrogant and rather stupid.

 

Many successful businesses rely on recommendation and word of mouth - NCL seem to have forgotten/chosen to ignore that one as well.

[hpecorari]

I agree. I'd posted this on the poll about my experience on the Getaway (May 1).

 

"I'd read in cruise critic that folks could order items from O'Sheehans to go. I tried to order a sandwich and chips to go on my last sea day (May 1), and was told by the hostess and the supervisor this was no longer allowed. No food could be taken away per policy.

 

I had been reading and listening to the sea in the nice wicker chairs on the waterfront area on deck 8 - and wanted to bring the sandwich there, rather than tie up a table for 4 (all that were left) in the restaurant.

 

Instead I sat at a table for 4 in O'Sheehan's by myself, with my kindle, and had a leisurely meal. I Felt the use of the 4-person table for one person wasn't the best use of their resources, but really didn't have any choice. I politely complied with their policy, even though I would have preferred to eat outdoors in a quiet spot where I could see and hear the ocean.I was not going to take it back to my room but was going to take it to a quiet, empty part of the ship where tables and chairs existed."

 

I didn't try earlier in the week, but at least on May 1, the no take-out policy was being enforced on the Getaway.

 

It really is a shame that one person has to take up a table for 4. If everyone did this there wouldn't be enough tables for those who wish to eat. But more important....when I'm on a ship I don't want to be 'inside'. I want to be outside as much as possible......however, if one wants to eat outside it looks like, most times, the only option is the buffet. I'm not really crazy about any buffets. The cold food is warm and the hot food is warm if best. I don't do buffets when at home so I'm not into doing them when on vacation. Such a shame really....as I'm sure I'm not the only one, like you, that wants to be outside on the ship instead of inside.

 

Harriet