Have you/ are you going to cancel your NCL bookings

[Jadolphsen]

In answer to the original question I will not be cancelling. Whilst it is annoying to see charges increasing I take a different view with regards to the DSC and tips, probably because I am from the UK.

Reasons, in no particular order are:

Do not understand US tipping conventions

There are so many staff who make my cruise enjoyable who I do not meet

I pre-pay DSC and will not remove

If I stay in suite will tip butler and steward

I may tip concierge if make use of services

Hope to use casino winnings to pay tips!

Will tip extra to wait staff in speciality restaurants if like service, same for bar staff

On NCL I like to buy extra credit, $100+ or so each month so that I am hedging currency moves and, hopefully will get a small refund to my credit card at the end of the cruise

It is a holiday, I want to enjoy it without worrying about the cost. I factor in the extras in my calculations to decide whether I can afford it. It is my choice.

 

 

 

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Well said! I agree, it is my vacation and will make sure I do not have to worry about money. DH and I always make sure to bring extra to tip for the exceptional service we receive.

[jennmaybe]

Cruise definitely better, wait you didn't factor food into your equation. Remember American land-based vacations cost a lot when it comes to eating and if you are road tripping you didn't figure gas into that

 

Actually I did.....please see my prior post.....

 

"Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise. "

 

Road trips are an entirely different kind of vacation. First, we like Hampton Inns because they always have free breakfast. No money spent on breakfast.

 

Second, many places we go to are desolate, so there are not many food options for lunch (sometimes none), so we like picnic lunches. Not to mention, we are not fast food people, so that is a no-go for us while on vacation. No many spent for lunches. That leaves us open to eat wherever we want for dinner since that is the only meal we pay for.

 

I'm not sure why people are questioning the amount of money we spent. We did not spend an extra $800 as one poster mentioned previously. I know exactly what our bank account says we spent and that's that.

 

This thread is not for debating which vacation is better.

[style9ine]

Ok so I just booked Norwegian Breakaway sailing in Aug from NYC!!! I only have 3 sailings under my belt this one being the fourth, but what actually did or is or could change for already booked cruisers???

 

I'm confused and now nervous.

[perditax]

Ok so I just booked Norwegian Breakaway sailing in Aug from NYC!!! I only have 3 sailings under my belt this one being the fourth, but what actually did or is or could change for already booked cruisers???

 

I'm confused and now nervous.

 

That's only a few weeks away so you're probably fine. Just remember room service isn't free anymore, and you're probably good otherwise. Well, check your receipts for everything to make sure you're not double-tipping.

[BamaVol]

I'm not sure why people are questioning the amount of money we spent. We did not spend an extra $800 as one poster mentioned previously. I know exactly what our bank account says we spent and that's that.

 

You're misquoting me. On a cash basis, no you did not spend the $800. On an accrual basis (can you tell I'm an accountant?), you did. You consumed tire tread, oil, transmission fluid, brake pads, etc. and most of all your vehicle depreciated with the extra miles you put on it. This is why most companies provide a $0.50 or so per mile allowance when you use your personal car for business (and the IRS allows you to deduct that if not reimbursed) and why the AAA calculates a cost per mile of $0.59.

Edited July 22, 2015 by BamaVol

[motleyfan]

Actually I did.....please see my prior post.....

 

"Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise. "

 

Road trips are an entirely different kind of vacation. First, we like Hampton Inns because they always have free breakfast. No money spent on breakfast.

 

Second, many places we go to are desolate, so there are not many food options for lunch (sometimes none), so we like picnic lunches. Not to mention, we are not fast food people, so that is a no-go for us while on vacation. No many spent for lunches. That leaves us open to eat wherever we want for dinner since that is the only meal we pay for.

 

I'm not sure why people are questioning the amount of money we spent. We did not spend an extra $800 as one poster mentioned previously. I know exactly what our bank account says we spent and that's that.

 

This thread is not for debating which vacation is better.

 

You are correct, that is not what this thread is for. Though that's a good idea for a thread

[4774Papa]

Actually I did.....please see my prior post.....

 

"Sorry, Motleyfan, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. Hubby & I cruise every year, but we also let our daughter choose a vacation she wants to take every summer. This year, her choice was Mt. Rushmore. So, we did an 8-day road trip from NC to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Total for the trip?? This includes, lodging, (Hampton Inns), gas, food, attractions and all the extras.......$1600. And that is for 3 of us. Hubby & I are paying more than that JUST for our balcony cabin on our next cruise. "

 

Road trips are an entirely different kind of vacation. First, we like Hampton Inns because they always have free breakfast. No money spent on breakfast.

 

Second, many places we go to are desolate, so there are not many food options for lunch (sometimes none), so we like picnic lunches. Not to mention, we are not fast food people, so that is a no-go for us while on vacation. No many spent for lunches. That leaves us open to eat wherever we want for dinner since that is the only meal we pay for.

 

I'm not sure why people are questioning the amount of money we spent. We did not spend an extra $800 as one poster mentioned previously. I know exactly what our bank account says we spent and that's that.

 

This thread is not for debating which vacation is better.

In a way, I agree that the personal choice of a vacation is not a debatable issue. Some people want to lay on the beach for a week, others want to climb mountains, ski, others see historical sites, cruise, etc.

 

However, I do think cc is a valid forum for exchanging experiences, lessons learned and FACTS that relate to travel ideas. The site is designed for cruising, ocean and river cruises, but sometimes people that cruise do land trips as well. If I am planning a trip somewhere, I appreciate details, pros and cons of a similar trip.

[ukbecky]

Do you realize that this is all about $1.10 per couple per day? Nothing else has been changed, why cancel?

 

Second service charge increase since we booked, gratuity added to dining room charges, 'convenience fee' added to room service while still listing it under complimentary dining options, and the whole stupid take-out food debacle.

 

What else will they change before we cruise?

 

Forget it, I'm done. This Platinum cruiser canceled - too many other lines out there.

 

We just returned from a Carnival cruise and paid $5 per person for the ability to text each other on the ship. So they got extra money and we got something we've never gotten before.

 

NCL could learn from that. Give us something new for our money.

[Mrs. Squirrel]

I have not read all 13 pages of this thread, but just got back from our NCL Sun Alaskan cruise and land trip, yesterday, and wanted to comment on our recent experience.

 

We have cruised a lot with NCL and have cruised on the Sun every year since 2013.

 

There was a very different vibe on this ship this time around. Don't know if it is because of the corporate management changes or the Sun's management, but I didn't care for it. I would love to hear others' opinions who have cruised both pre and post Del Rio.

 

*The crew was not their usual chipper selves. Most seemed to just be going through the motions. The crew has always been the best part of NCL.

 

*NCL did not handle my Gluten Free (Celiac) allergy that well. It got better once I spoke directly with the assistant matre' D on day two, but the options for GF are not what they are with other lines and every meal was a hassle.

 

*I always tell my friends and family that NCL was the one cruiseline that tried very hard to say yes to any reasonable request. On this cruise, even basic requests were often denied right off the bat. Strange.

 

*Thought the new 'expanded' room service menu for $7.95 delivery was lame. I was expecting some creativity given that high price.

 

*I have never seen so many potato/green bean sides on a dinner menu before in my life. Night after night. Very little creativity or presentation.

 

*The diner linens were just downright shabby. I use paper napkins 95% of the time at home, so if I noticed it, that tells you it was bad.

 

*Our sheets and one coverlet had dark stains on them.

 

*There were no greetings, celebrations, snacks, etc. when you came back from the piers. Is this an Alaska thing? I always enjoyed that with NCL in the past.

 

*I did not like that they have begun charging full price for children in the specialty restaurants.

 

*For the first time, ever, on any ship out of 15 sailings, we got up and left the dining room without having eaten. We arrived at 7:45pm and by 8:50pm still did not have our dinner. We really wanted to catch the show. We did let our server know, as to not be rude. But???!!!

 

I did not consider the cruise to be the best portion of our trip this time around. I have an NCL Getaway cruise booked for this Christmas that I am rethinking. There are just too many options out there and deals can be found on all lines.

[LrgPizza]

I have not read all 13 pages of this thread, but just got back from our NCL Sun Alaskan cruise and land trip, yesterday, and wanted to comment on our recent experience.

 

 

 

We have cruised a lot with NCL and have cruised on the Sun every year since 2013.

 

 

 

There was a very different vibe on this ship this time around. Don't know if it is because of the corporate management changes or the Sun's management, but I didn't care for it. I would love to hear others' opinions who have cruised both pre and post Del Rio.

 

 

 

*The crew was not their usual chipper selves. Most seemed to just be going through the motions. The crew has always been the best part of NCL.

 

 

 

*NCL did not handle my Gluten Free (Celiac) allergy that well. It got better once I spoke directly with the assistant matre' D on day two, but the options for GF are not what they are with other lines and every meal was a hassle.

 

 

 

*I always tell my friends and family that NCL was the one cruiseline that tried very hard to say yes to any reasonable request. On this cruise, even basic requests were often denied right off the bat. Strange.

 

 

 

*Thought the new 'expanded' room service menu for $7.95 delivery was lame. I was expecting some creativity given that high price.

 

 

 

*I have never seen so many potato/green bean sides on a dinner menu before in my life. Night after night. Very little creativity or presentation.

 

 

 

*The diner linens were just downright shabby. I use paper napkins 95% of the time at home, so if I noticed it, that tells you it was bad.

 

 

 

*Our sheets and one coverlet had dark stains on them.

 

 

 

*There were no greetings, celebrations, snacks, etc. when you came back from the piers. Is this an Alaska thing? I always enjoyed that with NCL in the past.

 

 

 

*I did not like that they have begun charging full price for children in the specialty restaurants.

 

 

 

*For the first time, ever, on any ship out of 15 sailings, we got up and left the dining room without having eaten. We arrived at 7:45pm and by 8:50pm still did not have our dinner. We really wanted to catch the show. We did let our server know, as to not be rude. But???!!!

 

 

 

I did not consider the cruise to be the best portion of our trip this time around. I have an NCL Getaway cruise booked for this Christmas that I am rethinking. There are just too many options out there and deals can be found on all lines.

 

 

That sucks that you had a bad experience. Was this your 3rd time on the Sun, or 3rd overall with NCL?

 

On our Epic cruise in Nov 2014, we never saw any festivities upon returning to the ship. We think maybe we returned too early.

 

The only time we had to ever leave dinner before a meal was served was in the MDR on the Spirit 10 years ago. It was 25 minutes before we even got our water/sodas! So I feel your pain. On that cruise the entire crew just seemed unhappy.

 

Unless every cruise you've taken with NCL was just like this, I wouldn't cancel anything. One bad cruise doesn't negate the other good ones, or in any way indicate that The Getaway will be the same. I'd read the recent reviews posted here about Getaway and use those to determine, not your latest experience on the old Sun.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Nope not canceling. I have two booked

[againin13]

Absolutely not

 

 

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[Kmcspoon]

My family was scheduled on the NCL Star that was canceled in April. We had B2B2B so the cancellation was especially tough for us.

 

Two weeks ago, I booked 4 cabins with NCL for a B2B for next Spring. However, after reading the boards here, I finally realized I am just not feeling like trusting NCL again while they are going through so many adjustments.

 

It was a year of anticipation for the Star trip, then a huge disappointment, then a struggle with NCL to clean up the aftermath. I just don't think I am up to trusting them with a big trip with family and friends.

 

So I just rebooked on another line and will perhaps revisit NCL someday when I'm not feeling so let down by them and unsure of what changes and charges are lurking in the future.

 

I realize life holds no guarantees, but a vacation should be a pleasure, and I come to Cruise Critic boards to get excited and prepared for a trip. Instead, I read online how my recently booked cruise now costs me a lot more (with 9 people on a 34 day trip) and no telling what else will change before the Spring trip.

 

Anyway, no worries. It will all work out. We love to cruise!

Edited July 23, 2015 by Kmcspoon

[LHARTWICK]

Would someone mind summarizing the recent changes and how they compare to what NCL did before? We've never sailed NCL, but would like to try them. I've been looking at an Escape itinerary for next spring. Also, how is the "suite life" on NCL different from say CCL/PCL/RCCL? Any info is appreciated!

[usmprez]

Second service charge increase since we booked, gratuity added to dining room charges, 'convenience fee' added to room service while still listing it under complimentary dining options, and the whole stupid take-out food debacle.

 

What else will they change before we cruise?

 

Forget it, I'm done. This Platinum cruiser canceled - too many other lines out there.

 

We just returned from a Carnival cruise and paid $5 per person for the ability to text each other on the ship. So they got extra money and we got something we've never gotten before.

 

NCL could learn from that. Give us something new for our money.

 

They already did!!!

 

Check out the iconcierge app - for $7.95 per person you can text, call and make reservations for restaurants, shows and excursions. Hell, you can even check your on board account at any time so that you can see how those xtra $2.95's over Carnival are mounting up every day...but wait that would probably make you even more unhappy!!

[motleyfan]

They already did!!!

 

Check out the iconcierge app - for $7.95 per person you can text, call and make reservations for restaurants, shows and excursions. Hell, you can even check your on board account at any time so that you can see how those xtra $2.95's over Carnival are mounting up every day...but wait that would probably make you even more unhappy!!

 

Agree

[kcwiak]

Second service charge increase since we booked, gratuity added to dining room charges, 'convenience fee' added to room service while still listing it under complimentary dining options, and the whole stupid take-out food debacle.

 

What else will they change before we cruise?

 

Forget it, I'm done. This Platinum cruiser canceled - too many other lines out there.

 

We just returned from a Carnival cruise and paid $5 per person for the ability to text each other on the ship. So they got extra money and we got something we've never gotten before.

 

NCL could learn from that. Give us something new for our money.

So is the take out food ban gone?

 

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[numberguy]

No, but I'm done after this. They REALLY ticked me off with changing the St. Thomas port time. Instead of leaving at 6pm, they are leaving at 3pm. WTH leaves an island in the middle of the day like that? Beyond done with them.

 

Not sure which ship you're on, but I'm on the Escape in December, and they admitted that the change to the St. Thomas time was a mistake and they changed it back. They did, however, then change Tortola to arrive an hour earlier and leave an hour earlier; but, same number of hours in port.

 

Just FYI.

 

--Michael

[numberguy]

So is the take out food ban gone?

 

 

Yes.

 

--Michael

[CruisinHarvey]

Second service charge increase since we booked, gratuity added to dining room charges, 'convenience fee' added to room service while still listing it under complimentary dining options, and the whole stupid take-out food debacle.

 

What else will they change before we cruise?

 

Forget it, I'm done. This Platinum cruiser canceled - too many other lines out there.

 

We just returned from a Carnival cruise and paid $5 per person for the ability to text each other on the ship. So they got extra money and we got something we've never gotten before.

 

NCL could learn from that. Give us something new for our money.

 

Just an FYI.. it's $7.95 per person on the newer or refurbed NCL ships for their app(iconcierge), you load to your phone. But you can text, or call, or see your bill, or reverse shows or dining too. Although it doesn't meet your criteria, since it's not new. Maybe it's just new for Carnival.

[Fitzyk23]

I have not read all 13 pages of this thread, but just got back from our NCL Sun Alaskan cruise and land trip, yesterday, and wanted to comment on our recent experience.

 

*NCL did not handle my Gluten Free (Celiac) allergy that well. It got better once I spoke directly with the assistant matre' D on day two, but the options for GF are not what they are with other lines and every meal was a hassle.

 

 

Thank you so much for posting this. I am taking a 14 day cruise on the Dawn starting 10/30, booked a long time ago. I have a lot of medically necessary dietary restrictions including gluten free and dairy free. I was assured that they are very accommodating and I read that on many forums. I discussed my dietary needs at booking and was again assured I would have no problem. Now I'm concerned. What did you do before your trip? Did you email with the Access desk? I was planning on doing that in addition to what was already noted at booking just to make sure.

 

Were you looking for gluten free substitutes? I don't really care if I get gluten free bread or pasta. I just want to be able to get meat/fish and a side. Many of those things should be naturally gluten free and shouldn't be hard to accommodate.

 

Did you ever get glutened or was it just long and annoying to get your food? A mix up is my biggest concern because I will spend days ill. I never considered a cruise a good option because of this but I was assured on NCL it would be "no problem."

[Presbycruiser]

Second service charge increase since we booked, gratuity added to dining room charges, 'convenience fee' added to room service while still listing it under complimentary dining options, and the whole stupid take-out food debacle.

 

What else will they change before we cruise?

 

Forget it, I'm done. This Platinum cruiser canceled - too many other lines out there.

 

We just returned from a Carnival cruise and paid $5 per person for the ability to text each other on the ship. So they got extra money and we got something we've never gotten before.

 

NCL could learn from that. Give us something new for our money.

 

Have you written a review of your Carnival experience? I would be really interested to read it as I will probably never be more than a "budget" cruiser .. and NCL and Carnival are the budget lines, more or less.

[Presbycruiser]

They already did!!!

 

Check out the iconcierge app - for $7.95 per person you can text, call and make reservations for restaurants, shows and excursions. Hell, you can even check your on board account at any time so that you can see how those xtra $2.95's over Carnival are mounting up every day...but wait that would probably make you even more unhappy!!

 

So is this per person per day, or per person for the whole cruise?

[halos]

Calculate how much your tips would be if you had to dine out three meals a day and you'll see how the service charge is a good deal. We had to dine out twice in one day not too long ago and our tips came to $9.50 per person, and we aren't talking high end establishments either.

 

No matter how many times you explain that to people, they just don't want to hear it.

I wonder if the people that are very upset about the DSC going up even tip at all when eating at a land restaurant or staying at a hotel (tipping housekeeping)?

The service charges on NCL, even at the new rate are still very low when you put it in perspective. Even with all the new charges, cruising is still a great value. :)

 

Now, plane fares :mad:....THAT is a subject I could rant over. Jeeze!

 

 

 

 

but Black Hills vs. an island in the Caribbean? No contest.

That's what I was thinking....this is an apples/oranges comparison and doesn't make any sense to me.

Edited July 23, 2015 by halos

[omc329]

I'm not cancelling yet....

 

I have lost faith in NCL as a company. They are inconsistent and change things at every turn, mostly without notice and often past final payment. I'm ready to try a new cruise line, possibly Celebrity.

 

All that said, I tend to cruise with family, and I hate to disrupt plans that everyone has already planned on together. So....Escape later this year, yes, Europe next year, yes, Panama the following spring.....Not sure yet.

 

I have $180 in onboard credit on the Escape. I HAD planned on getting another FCC. Now I don't know what I want to do with it. *sigh* I really don't want to commit to another NCL cruise and haven't figured what to do with the credit instead. We're not big drinkers. We sail in a group and only do the free PLAT meals for that reason. Ports are pathetic and easily doable on our own. And I REALLY don't think I want to commit to an FCC, even though it would essentially be free!

 

Nope, not cancelling. About ready to jump ship though. The only faith I have left in NCL is that the changes will keep coming, and very few will be for the better.