Have you/ are you going to cancel your NCL bookings

[Travelling2Some]

I'm still more than happy with the product I bought. Lots of little up-charges on things I don't buy anyway. The only increase that would apply to my next booking is a grand total of $7 (for 2 people on a week long cruise!) more in gratuities. I could even avoid that with a phone call to pre-pay them but I wouldn't bother for $7. Actually the "tide" has been running strongly the other way in my favor. Since my original booking I've been able to add the free UBP promo AND snag a $100 price decrease. No complaints from me at all.

[missdixie]

I will not be cancelling my December Escape cruise. Been looking forward to it too long.

[sjbdtz]

I have not cancelled and if I do I'll make sure you know about it. :cool:

 

 

My apologies. It was the repeated threats which made me think it was a done deal. I stand corrected.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47149259#post47149259

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47149251#post47149251

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47147334#post47147334

 

 

 

.

[SteelMagnolia9]

In light of the overwhelming changes in such a short span is it enough to get you to cancel your current bookings?

 

I have a current booking with NCL. No, I won't cancel that booking, but it does seem, based upon what I've been reading about the changes, it is now "fee-style" cruising. I'll let my upcoming experience be my guide for any future cruises with NCL.

 

I'm not loyal to any cruiseline. I like variety in cruising.

[legion3]

My apologies. It was the repeated threats which made me think it was a done deal. I stand corrected.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47149259#post47149259

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47149251#post47149251

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47147334#post47147334

 

 

 

.

 

Good stuff. But when I cancel you'll be the first to know.

 

Not my best posts. :D

[mom2tcdx2]

I haven't cancelled our booking as we had 9 going and already booked our flights, made hotel reservations etc. I did look into another cruise working with the dates, but it didn't work out.

 

However with that being said, I haven't bothered looking at NCL for any future cruise either. Just the way they are going about some changes leaves little to be desired. Too many other choices. I have only done 3 cruises with them and this well may be our last again for a long time.

 

I have currently booked after NCL one with Carnival and just booked my first ever Royal cruise this week.

[maywell]

Good stuff. But when I cancel you'll be the first to know.

 

Not my best posts. :D

I bet and coincidently you proved my point about constantly lamenting your woes with NCL but still sailing on them anyway. :rolleyes:

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

[legion3]

I bet and coincidently you proved my point about constantly lamenting your woes with NCL but still sailing on them anyway. :rolleyes:

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

 

You are correct. :cool:

[mugtech]

We take cruises based on itinerary, so won't be booking any Asia cruises with NCL. In other cases, such as South America, we will compare to other lines, factoring in our platinum benefits. People on here throwing around nickels like they are manhole covers add little to the calculation of the comparative values of cruises. The only transportation cost which has not increased is hitchhiking.

[Cruise4Real]

I don't have a cruise to cancel.

 

I'm most concerned about the changes that affect the FEEL of cruising. The actual price increases are relatively minor compared to the actual "big ticket" of the cruise fare. The way they were introduced without any grandfathering was deeply troubling and I REALLY didn't like the way paid room service was introduced without ANY warning. While for many here the bottom line is "Am I affected?" (and if they're not, they don't seem to care), I can't help but think about the clueless parents on BA/GA those first weeks when, during spring school break periods, the promised "free room service" evaporated. As a one-time parent of a teenager, I know from experience both how "free room service" sounds to kids (AMAZING!!!), and the friction that unannounced change must have caused many families perhaps not so well heeled as the average CC member. That REALLY sucked.

 

I'm very concerned about this recent introduction of "a la carte" dining in the specialties. Where does that end? Will we eventually see prices on virtually all MDR menu items? Some basic dog food free, everything else has a charge on it? Will they want to charge to go on the ropes, to do the water slides, for a poolside chair?

 

It's not the extra costs, though who in their right mind wants to pay more and receive the same as before. It's that the "all inclusive" flavor of cruising is being eliminated and replaced with "pay as you go." To me that destroys the best part of cruising. Walking the decks after dinner and, because the music sounds good, dropping into Fat Cats and hearing some great blues. For free. The logic of "a la carte" says, that's just money being left on the deck. Charge for Fat Cats! Charge for Comedy Club! Charge for everything. We'll keep fares low so it all comes out the same. Well, we know it won't, it WILL mean more money. But most importantly it forces us out of vacation mode and back into having to make economic choices, 24/7.

 

I think others share this disquiet with these changes -- there were many posts on the "a la carte" thread(s) making this exact point. We see NCL getting extra revenue at the expense of making the cruise experience less fun, especially for those of us who need to do some penny pinching in order to cruise.

 

I know what attracted me to cruising in the first place. It was NOT that I would be given the constant opportunity to "upgrade" my experience, throughout the cruise. It was the feeling that I'd entered some mystical fantasy land where, for a week, I'd be free from the burden of constantly weighing costs and benefits.

 

I truly think NCL is going in the wrong direction. I'm really baffled that they don't seem to understand this.

 

I may cruise on NCL again, but not if they keep going down this path.

[MAHICK]

Please everyone who is in a Haven cancel! That way I have a better chance of a free upgrade!!

 

You people are unrealistic. Do you stop buying gas if it goes up twice in a month? How about eating out at your favorite restaurant? Price goes up so do you stop going?

 

Got news for you. It is a way of life in America.

[my_crib_too]

Sure seems like NCL is doing everything possible to get people worked up. Providing a reason for guests to cancel their cruises. I've participated here for several years and never remember so many negative posts about NCL.

 

Like others have stated much better than I can, I wonder if NCL is in trouble and is this the reason Kevin Sheehan left or was shown the door?

 

I don't plan to cancel anything but I understand why others are looking to new cruise-lines for future vacations and why some people are so mad, it would be best for them to simply cancel. I get all that.

Edited July 17, 2015 by my_crib_too

[SteelMagnolia9]

I don't have a cruise to cancel.

 

I'm most concerned about the changes that affect the FEEL of cruising. The actual price increases are relatively minor compared to the actual "big ticket" of the cruise fare. The way they were introduced without any grandfathering was deeply troubling and I REALLY didn't like the way paid room service was introduced without ANY warning. While for many here the bottom line is "Am I affected?" (and if they're not, they don't seem to care), I can't help but think about the clueless parents on BA/GA those first weeks when, during spring school break periods, the promised "free room service" evaporated. As a one-time parent of a teenager, I know from experience both how "free room service" sounds to kids (AMAZING!!!), and the friction that unannounced change must have caused many families perhaps not so well heeled as the average CC member. That REALLY sucked.

 

I'm very concerned about this recent introduction of "a la carte" dining in the specialties. Where does that end? Will we eventually see prices on virtually all MDR menu items? Some basic dog food free, everything else has a charge on it? Will they want to charge to go on the ropes, to do the water slides, for a poolside chair?

 

It's not the extra costs, though who in their right mind wants to pay more and receive the same as before. It's that the "all inclusive" flavor of cruising is being eliminated and replaced with "pay as you go." To me that destroys the best part of cruising. Walking the decks after dinner and, because the music sounds good, dropping into Fat Cats and hearing some great blues. For free. The logic of "a la carte" says, that's just money being left on the deck. Charge for Fat Cats! Charge for Comedy Club! Charge for everything. We'll keep fares low so it all comes out the same. Well, we know it won't, it WILL mean more money. But most importantly it forces us out of vacation mode and back into having to make economic choices, 24/7.

 

I think others share this disquiet with these changes -- there were many posts on the "a la carte" thread(s) making this exact point. We see NCL getting extra revenue at the expense of making the cruise experience less fun, especially for those of us who need to do some penny pinching in order to cruise.

 

I know what attracted me to cruising in the first place. It was NOT that I would be given the constant opportunity to "upgrade" my experience, throughout the cruise. It was the feeling that I'd entered some mystical fantasy land where, for a week, I'd be free from the burden of constantly weighing costs and benefits.

 

I truly think NCL is going in the wrong direction. I'm really baffled that they don't seem to understand this.

 

I may cruise on NCL again, but not if they keep going down this path.

 

This is very well stated.

 

There are a lot of cruise line options available. I recommend people try some other options that are out there. Everyone, be a free agent! There's lots of great cruises out there in the marketplace and interesting places to sail. Noone needs to be tied to one cruise line.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

None of these changes will make me cancel my upcoming solo cruise, but the lack of any "theme" and turning kids away from the kid's club will make mr look at other lines when traveling with my son.

[djwho]

I'm fairly new to cruising and first time on NCL. what are the changes that have people upset? I just booked the Mexican Riviera cruise.

 

DJ

[MisterFidgetpants]

I have to laugh to think that someone thinks they deserve a personal explanation or apology because NCL has changed fees or their pet programs.

 

Get over yourself!

 

Business is business and as long as the majority of passengers are happy with the product they will make changes as they see fit.

 

Not to diminish Cruise Critic, but I would presume that the majority of passengers may never visit this site, let alone vent their anger here.

 

Ships for about every line continue to sail at or near capacity. Lines continue to build new ships. And stock prices continue to rise.

 

Yeah, they are in the business to give passengers a memorable experience,

but in the end, they are in the business to make stockholders money.

Don't worry. Eventually the housing market will deflate and NCL will be giving away $299 cruises and the whole farm with it

[maywell]

Don't worry. Eventually the housing market will deflate and NCL will be giving away $299 cruises and the whole farm with it

They use to have 7 days last minute sailings like that last year before they followed Royal / Celebrity pricing plan of better deals year(s) / months out this year.

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

[MisterFidgetpants]

They use to have 7 days last minute sailings like that last year before they followed Royal / Celebrity pricing plan of better deals year(s) / months out this year.

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

Last year you could do 7 days on HAL biggest and newest ship for 199 and do 7 day balcony on MSC newest and biggest for 249. I think those days are done but it is all a cycle and will be back eventually

[CruisinHarvey]

Nope. No cancelling. we have 2 more booked before the end of the year. It's too early to tell what the full impact of the changes will be to my cost or cruise experience.

 

We had talked about trying another line again, for variety sake, just not too seriously. I think there are ramifications to making these changes for NCL though. They risk that folks who are basically happy with their product, and never think about other lines, to discuss it. Who hasn't been lulled into doing the same things over and over. Sometimes just a little nudge is all that's needed.

[maywell]

Last year you could do 7 days on HAL biggest and newest ship for 199 and do 7 day balcony on MSC newest and biggest for 249. I think those days are done but it is all a cycle and will be back eventually

The only way its coming is if the only sinking or something happening to a Carnival ship because HAL, Princess, and NCL had couple of messup instances of sickness and deathes - and the market is still holding steady. So the Royal / CelebrIty pricing model is looking like its going to stay for couple of years....

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

[cruis247g]

I don't have a cruise to cancel.

 

I'm most concerned about the changes that affect the FEEL of cruising. The actual price increases are relatively minor compared to the actual "big ticket" of the cruise fare. The way they were introduced without any grandfathering was deeply troubling and I REALLY didn't like the way paid room service was introduced without ANY warning. While for many here the bottom line is "Am I affected?" (and if they're not, they don't seem to care), I can't help but think about the clueless parents on BA/GA those first weeks when, during spring school break periods, the promised "free room service" evaporated. As a one-time parent of a teenager, I know from experience both how "free room service" sounds to kids (AMAZING!!!), and the friction that unannounced change must have caused many families perhaps not so well heeled as the average CC member. That REALLY sucked.

 

I'm very concerned about this recent introduction of "a la carte" dining in the specialties. Where does that end? Will we eventually see prices on virtually all MDR menu items? Some basic dog food free, everything else has a charge on it? Will they want to charge to go on the ropes, to do the water slides, for a poolside chair?

 

It's not the extra costs, though who in their right mind wants to pay more and receive the same as before. It's that the "all inclusive" flavor of cruising is being eliminated and replaced with "pay as you go." To me that destroys the best part of cruising. Walking the decks after dinner and, because the music sounds good, dropping into Fat Cats and hearing some great blues. For free. The logic of "a la carte" says, that's just money being left on the deck. Charge for Fat Cats! Charge for Comedy Club! Charge for everything. We'll keep fares low so it all comes out the same. Well, we know it won't, it WILL mean more money. But most importantly it forces us out of vacation mode and back into having to make economic choices, 24/7.

 

I think others share this disquiet with these changes -- there were many posts on the "a la carte" thread(s) making this exact point. We see NCL getting extra revenue at the expense of making the cruise experience less fun, especially for those of us who need to do some penny pinching in order to cruise.

 

I know what attracted me to cruising in the first place. It was NOT that I would be given the constant opportunity to "upgrade" my experience, throughout the cruise. It was the feeling that I'd entered some mystical fantasy land where, for a week, I'd be free from the burden of constantly weighing costs and benefits.

 

I truly think NCL is going in the wrong direction. I'm really baffled that they don't seem to understand this.

 

I may cruise on NCL again, but not if they keep going down this path.

 

I agree. One of the things we have always liked about cruising is the easy all-inclusive nature.

[tugboat]

Do it. At this point you're so peeved at NCL, there's no way you would have a good time. We sailed several times with CELEBRITY, but after our cruise on the Solstice, we left. Same with HAL. But we did so quietly and deliberately. No "goodbye cruel world" posts for us. No "I'm gonna do it...I swear I'm gonna do it..really...I'm gonna do it" There are several cruise lines you can run to. sometimes a change of scenery is needed.

 

But if you're so firm in your convictions, why tell us? You don't need our permission. If you're unhappy with a restaurant at home, do you walk up to other tables and ask "are you happy here" do you stand outside and tell other customers "I'm never coming in here again". JUST GO ALREADY.

 

Like

[maywell]

I'm fairly new to cruising and first time on NCL. what are the changes that have people upset? I just booked the Mexican Riviera cruise.

 

DJ

$8 Room service (continental breakfast is free from 7am-10am)

 

18%autotip drinks tips up from 15% plus drink prices went up a dollar or 2

 

DSC /service charges /gratuities (there all the same thing but with different names) went from $12 to $13.50 for regular room and $15.50 for suites /Haven (change happen twice this year but amount I listed is 2nd one from yesterday's announcement)

 

Some of specialty restaurants went a la carte from cover charge (can still get them as cover charge if you have UDP /SDP) The news regarding that came out this week too.

 

UDP that used to be used multiple times in evening and can be used all cruise length long became the SDP where you can buy it for X number of days. The starting number of days /bare minimum to buy is 3 days.

 

 

Sorry, I can seem to get bullet points on Tapatalk; so I hope its bit understandable.

 

 

Edit- Forgot about the No Nickelodeon anymore on NCL.

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

Edited July 17, 2015 by maywell

[fshagan]

I'm fairly new to cruising and first time on NCL. what are the changes that have people upset? I just booked the Mexican Riviera cruise.

 

Mostly its a series of price increases. You would think they were clubbing baby seals or something, but here's the rundown best I can remember:

 

NCL has increased the DSC (the daily fee that replaces daily tips on other lines) from $12.00 for non-suites to $13.50. Suites increased from $12.00 to I think $15 now (that's per person, per day, so if you are in a regular cabin with your partner for 7 days it's an entire $21 increase for the cruise).

 

NCL has a $7.95 fee for room service now, except for continental breakfast items between 6 and 10:30 in the morning. The fee is waived if your order has ONLY extra cost items on it, but you incur the fee if you have a single free item other than the continental breakfast items during those hours.

 

NCL is now charging an auto-gratuity of 18% on all specialty restaurant cover charges (they used to leave tipping to your discretion) and requires children to either eat from the children's menu (no charge) or pay the full cover charge + gratuity (children used to eat for half cover charge price). They also are changing a few of the specialty restaurants from a single cover charge to a la carte pricing in the belief that the food is good enough to support that (it isn't, so don't worry about this one).

 

NCL increased the auto-gratuity on drinks from 15% to 18%.

 

There were some changes to the "Casinos at Sea" program, I think. I'm not a gambler, so I have no idea what those changes were (it's an incentive or point system for gamblers to encourage them to come on board and subsidize our fares by losing money in the casino).

 

Spongebob Squarepants will not be torturing adults on board anymore. He was simply too absorbent.

 

Oh, one of the specialty restaurants went complementary, and new menus were rolled out for the other complementary restaurants. They improved the "buy on board" program for future cruises if you buy more than one certificate (you get a $250 credit for $150 in essence; if you buy two of the certificates you get more credit). There may be some other minor improvements.

Edited July 17, 2015 by fshagan

[motleyfan]

We aren't going to cancel. We always look to see where we want to go and then if Norwegian goes there, it's our first choice. We look at the vacation costs as a whole. Some think NCL is nickel and diming, but for us, it's what all of the nickel and dimes add up to at the end that determine if we think the overall total is worth it vs. the vacation we get.

 

And yes, they do seem to be making some on-the-fly changes, but they have a new CEO trying to feel is way around. It'll level out soon. Again, as long as the vacation experience is worth the bottom line total, we're in.

 

But people have to do what they have to do. Everyone needs to find a line that works best with them. So good luck, OP.

 

I couldn't agree more