Ala Carte items in MDR

[Cauzneffct]

You put into words how I have been thinking. Yes, if NEW choices were added, that's fine. But to take away something is included (so what if the free cut was smaller, you can always ask for more) and making it a for a fee optional extra, isn't really a choice at all.

 

Right. And I find it odd that because something is a "choice," one apparently can't voice displeasure if NCL makes that "choice" more difficult or costly. Doing pretty much anything on the ship is a "choice," and people have a right to gripe if those "choices" start incurring or elevating fees.

[PokerDave]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/405/19302547976_8498a40bcb_c.jpg

 

That is one FINE looking piece of meat. I had a similar one as a nightly special a few weeks ago on the Star and also some of the best lamb chops I've ever had. My assumption was just that those were the nights they were offering Prime Rib and/or Lamb Chops in the MDR and they just let you order them in O'sheehans those nights.

[Cuizer2]

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150807-i8-k5364423-What_does_all_inclusive_means_exactly-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html look at this

 

They are using the same definition I gave you.

[Josher61]

You're right! I love a good debate, but don't like the sniping at all. Sometimes I get involved in a debate more because I'm battling the rudeness than because I care all that much about the issue :-)

 

Yes, I know what you mean. Sometimes I find myself playing devils advocate just due to rudeness of others :)

 

The lost luggage comedy routine I mentioned earlier...don't know why miramike's post reminded me of it....just felt his post (although serious in nature) could make good comedy.... so in case your are in the mood for some levity...check out this comedy routine. I laugh till I cry every time....airlines!!!! UGH.

 

[Bxprojectgirl]

My biggest grip with threads like this is the use of words and phrases like "free prime rib" and "complimentary dining" or "free dining room". The food is not free anywhere on the ship. It is "included". You paid for it with your passage. The more the cruise lines use the "complimentary" word, the less we expect from them as it makes it seem like we didn't pay for this, so what do we expect? It is a method to lower expectations and allow them more flexibility to change things without notice. I know they have the legal right, but as others have said, it doesn't make it right.

[Cauzneffct]

Isn't the "contract only requires room and board so it's cool" argument belied by the fact that the cruise lines actually, you know, at least try to fulfill the advertised itineraries and amenities? If not, it seems like NCLs wasting a ton of money given how many people seemingly would be cool with just room and board on a ship to nowhere.

[3kidsncats]

Yes, I know what you mean. Sometimes I find myself playing devils advocate just due to rudeness of others :)

 

The lost luggage comedy routine I mentioned earlier...don't know why miramike's post reminded me of it....just felt his post (although serious in nature) could make good comedy.... so in case your are in the mood for some levity...check out this comedy routine. I laugh till I cry every time....airlines!!!! UGH.

 

 

I'll check it out -- almost always up for a good comedy routine. :-)

[perditax]

That is one FINE looking piece of meat. I had a similar one as a nightly special a few weeks ago on the Star and also some of the best lamb chops I've ever had. My assumption was just that those were the nights they were offering Prime Rib and/or Lamb Chops in the MDR and they just let you order them in O'sheehans those nights.

 

 

That's the way it read to me on the Getaway. On a 7 night cruise, there were a couple of prime rib nights and a couple of ... All you can eat BBQ ribs? Something like that? nights ... And they were well noted in the dailies. I don't remember about the BBQ but I do remember assuming MDR and O'Sheehan's were getting the same prime rib. I wandered down to O'Sheehan's on the last night of the cruise in between packing, and was surprised to be handed the very nice meal I posted the pic of, about ten minutes after sitting down.

Edited November 7, 2015 by perditax

[LMaxwell]

I can't find the post now or which poster asked the question, sorry, but I believe someone asked me if I had ever been sold a cruise where they advertised included prime rib at no extra charge; No, I have not. but there have been onboard advertisements for prime rib at no extra charge.

 

But to go along that line of reasoning, they also do not advertise that you will get chicken, pork, vegetables, fish of any type, etc.

 

I mean I guess by the contract they can feed you Plumpy'Nut (look it up) and some limes to fight off scurvy and that would be perfectly legal, but it doesn't make it "right".

 

I am more incensed by the number of changes that all reduce the value of my cruise. Yes, this week there has been more focus on these MDR items, and I do recognize that for some it is an additional choice between MDR and Specialty, a sort of half way home, but to me it just represents reduction of value.

[Moby0215]

I can't find the post now or which poster asked the question, sorry, but I believe someone asked me if I had ever been sold a cruise where they advertised included prime rib at no extra charge; No, I have not. but there have been onboard advertisements for prime rib at no extra charge.

 

 

 

But to go along that line of reasoning, they also do not advertise that you will get chicken, pork, vegetables, fish of any type, etc.

 

 

 

I mean I guess by the contract they can feed you Plumpy'Nut (look it up) and some limes to fight off scurvy and that would be perfectly legal, but it doesn't make it "right".

 

 

 

I am more incensed by the number of changes that all reduce the value of my cruise. Yes, this week there has been more focus on these MDR items, and I do recognize that for some it is an additional choice between MDR and Specialty, a sort of half way home, but to me it just represents reduction of value.

 

 

I still don't see the reduction in value. They change the menus all the time. I may really like the fact that they usually have spaghetti carbonara and I may have even become accustomed to it being there but that does not change the fact that they will not always have it. They will remove items and add items. Otherwise the menu would be stale.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

I still don't see the reduction in value. They change the menus all the time. I may really like the fact that they usually have spaghetti carbonara and I may have even become accustomed to it being there but that does not change the fact that they will not always have it. They will remove items and add items. Otherwise the menu would be stale.

 

 

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Some of the new menu choices look appealing, but to me the value diminishes when something that was included in my cruise fare is removed from the complimentary choices and becomes a for fee upgrade. I've called Carnival and Royal out for similar, but not identical, business decisions.

 

Was the previous prime rib 16 oz? No. Could I get prime rib without paying additional? Yes. Could I get additional if I could handle 16 oz total without paying more? Yes. Can I get prime rib in the MDR now without paying additional? No.

 

Like I said, offering new options at an upcharge; I don't love it, but I get it. But removing an included offering and charging for it reduces value for me. Some people think it increases value because there are more options. But for me anything that takes from my wallet to get what I had already been getting, reduces value. That doesn't make me right and you wrong, it shows a difference of perspective.

[Moby0215]

Some of the new menu choices look appealing, but to me the value diminishes when something that was included in my cruise fare is removed from the complimentary choices and becomes a for fee upgrade. I've called Carnival and Royal out for similar, but not identical, business decisions.

 

 

 

Was the previous prime rib 16 oz? No. Could I get prime rib without paying additional? Yes. Could I get additional if I could handle 16 oz total without paying more? Yes. Can I get prime rib in the MDR now without paying additional? No.

 

 

 

Like I said, offering new options at an upcharge; I don't love it, but I get it. But removing an included offering and charging for it reduces value for me. Some people think it increases value because there are more options. But for me anything that takes from my wallet to get what I had already been getting, reduces value. That doesn't make me right and you wrong, it shows a difference of perspective.

 

 

But the point is that they didn't take away something that was included. The item that is included is the dining in the MDR. You cannot base it off of individual items because the menu changes. The fact is that the MDR is still included. I get that's not how you feel and I'm sorry you feel that your value has diminished. I would just suggest going in with an open mind and hopefully you can still enjoy your upcoming cruise.

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

For those upset by the prime rib issue, would it have been more palatable if they would have removed the prime rib all together from all menus and added a 10 ounce filet to the upcharge menu? I'm thinking this might have been their other option. This would just be a menu change, where they would not offer the prime rib any longer.

Edited November 7, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[lastminutemama]

Or they could say nothing and up cruise prices $50pp.

[MaryLS]

That is what I would like to see! Just up the price $50pp and forget all these additional charges! The additional fees just tick people off. I would think in the long run it would be more profitable just raising the cruise cost since not all take advantage of all the upcharge items anyway. Raise the price and do away with the room service fee and the upcharges for the MDR items. Also, raise the price of the specialty dining rooms and do away with the a la carte menu. This will bring us back to knowing what our price is before we board without having to be concerned with additional charges.

[LMaxwell]

For those upset by the prime rib issue, would it have been more palatable if they would have removed the prime rib all together from all menus and added a 10 ounce filet to the upcharge menu? I'm thinking this might have been their other option. This would just be a menu change, where they would not offer the prime rib any longer.

 

Honestly, to me and my line of thinking, yes, that would have been more palatable. I understand your point of view, and Moby's too. You both make valid points. But it rubs me the wrong way to see something that was included now being charged a fee. Yes, it's bigger, but I can no longer get the smaller one as "included". So yes, I can feel my value has changed. It won't ruin my cruise, and other new items look appealing. I am more than certain I won't starve. But now, for the money I have paid, I can no longer have what has long been a staple meal on a vacation. It will require additional purchases. It just irks me. It removes the "cruise feeling" for me. I don't like theme park vacations, in part, because there is constantly buying opportunities and decisions, and mental calculating, processing, etc. It's not "care free". It used to be on a cruise I would get on a ship and I was done. I would only spend more at

 

1. Bar

2. Casino

3. Spa

4. Bingo

5. Excursion

 

That was basically it. Food and entertainment didn't require any extra thought. It was never all inclusive, but it was an inclusive-style vacation. It just makes it feel, to me, in my opinion, more like a typical land vacation and that's not a relaxing model...for ME.

 

Carnival pulled lobster on short cruises; they specifically said it is because of cost. One of the new options is ravioli. And yet people there spin it as "Well, it's not really a cutback, because if the quality is good you can't consider it a cutback." Get real; the company even said it was due to cost and on no planet is pasta the equivalent of seafood. Just saying, I'm an equal opportunity caller outer when I feel like these companies look for new ways to legally and contractually short change people after taking their money. They all do it! But "they all do it" isn't a an excuse to justify it!

 

I'll continue to write in on my comment cards and let any onboard manager that asks how my dining experience is know just how I feel.

 

At this rate, before you know it, there will be apps for free / apps for a charge. Desserts for free / desserts for a charge. Or they will limit MDR orders to 1 starter, 1 main, 1 dessert. Or there will be a dining plan to pay a flat fee for MDR access per cruise. Or lamb, pork, and beef could disappear altogether and be replaced with pastas. A year ago if any of those got suggested everyone would think it was lunacy and would never happen. Now people are probably thinking "Yeah, would not be surprised if one of those things drops next month".

 

Just my thoughts and opinions.

[LMaxwell]

That is what I would like to see! Just up the price $50pp and forget all these additional charges! The additional fees just tick people off. I would think in the long run it would be more profitable just raising the cruise cost since not all take advantage of all the upcharge items anyway. Raise the price and do away with the room service fee and the upcharges for the MDR items. Also, raise the price of the specialty dining rooms and do away with the a la carte menu. This will bring us back to knowing what our price is before we board without having to be concerned with additional charges.

 

I agree with you. I don't want a bottom of the barrel cruise price and experience with a million little nominal add ons. If they need $50 more PP to maintain or improve services, amenities, and offerings, just put it in the cruise fare. I've budgeted for it, it is paid, I get a higher level of standard services and offerings, and I am not annoyed or rubbed wrong every time I have to face another dollar symbol.

[MaryLS]

I'm with you Maxwell! Cruises used to be very close to all inclusive vacations with most costs being incurred upfront. We knew exactly what we were paying for. Now, not so much! Really disappointed in NCL's way of thinking and even more disappointed in the lack of communications!

[NLH Arizona]

That is what I would like to see! Just up the price $50pp and forget all these additional charges! The additional fees just tick people off. I would think in the long run it would be more profitable just raising the cruise cost since not all take advantage of all the upcharge items anyway. Raise the price and do away with the room service fee and the upcharges for the MDR items. Also, raise the price of the specialty dining rooms and do away with the a la carte menu. This will bring us back to knowing what our price is before we board without having to be concerned with additional charges.

But raising the fare by $50 would tick people off as well, since some would be paying for stuff they don't want or don't use, like room service fees or upcharge items on the menu. NCL is in a no win situation here; they are never going to make everyone happy.

[Cuizer2]

That is what I would like to see! Just up the price $50pp and forget all these additional charges! The additional fees just tick people off. I would think in the long run it would be more profitable just raising the cruise cost since not all take advantage of all the upcharge items anyway. Raise the price and do away with the room service fee and the upcharges for the MDR items. Also, raise the price of the specialty dining rooms and do away with the a la carte menu. This will bring us back to knowing what our price is before we board without having to be concerned with additional charges.

 

They have to pay commissions on increased fees. Also, people tend to look for the best price, not the best value. So keeping the prices low makes them more competitive. Besides, I don't want to pay for someone else's meal.

 

Sometimes it seems I am paying more to park my car than the room rate at the hotel. That is because they keep the room rates low by charging outrageous fees for parking. Parking at the cruise terminal ain't cheap either.

[Cuizer2]

I'm with you Maxwell! Cruises used to be very close to all inclusive vacations with most costs being incurred upfront. We knew exactly what we were paying for. Now, not so much! Really disappointed in NCL's way of thinking and even more disappointed in the lack of communications!

 

Why do you think cruise fares have not gone up as much as inflation?

[Hendricks Clan]

All inclusive means everything is included

 

Food is all included in the price of my fare. There is an option for other venues that one can upgrade to, but food is included in the price of my NCL cruise.

[NLH Arizona]

Honestly, to me and my line of thinking, yes, that would have been more palatable. I understand your point of view, and Moby's too. You both make valid points. But it rubs me the wrong way to see something that was included now being charged a fee.

 

At this rate, before you know it, there will be apps for free / apps for a charge. Desserts for free / desserts for a charge. Or they will limit MDR orders to 1 starter, 1 main, 1 dessert. Or there will be a dining plan to pay a flat fee for MDR access per cruise. Or lamb, pork, and beef could disappear altogether and be replaced with pastas. A year ago if any of those got suggested everyone would think it was lunacy and would never happen. Now people are probably thinking "Yeah, would not be surprised if one of those things drops next month".

 

Just my thoughts and opinions.

Yes it was included in your last cruise's fare, but any upcoming cruises are totally different and since you haven't cruise yet, you don't know what will be included and I don't think in today's environment one can mirror one cruise against another.

 

And you are absolutely correct, I would guess if the upcharge items go really well, NCL might add some upgraded upcharged appetizers and desserts and why not if folks are will to pay for them. If it was my business I would do the same. Hey, they use to have spaghetti bolognaise on the every day menu in the MDR and that is gone and that was the only thing I ate the couple of times I went to the MDR. It just means that nothing is safe on the menu when it comes to changes.

 

Maybe NCL should have thought about the repercussions of their decision and just removed the prime rib for a year and then added to the upcharge menu like how the lobster was handled.

 

I certainly appreciate your opinions and understand that it is upsetting to you, but please don't let it ruin your future cruises.

Edited November 7, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[LMaxwell]

But raising the fare by $50 would tick people off as well, since some would be paying for stuff they don't want or don't use, like room service fees or upcharge items on the menu. NCL is in a no win situation here; they are never going to make everyone happy.

 

Fares used to be higher and everyone paid them anyways. People always pay for things on a cruise they don't use because it is a semi-communal vacation experience.

 

If my cruise fare went from, say, $900 to 950 per person, but I knew I wasn't going to be faced with a barrage of extra charges, that seem to fluctuate constantly already, I could determine if that is in my budget, plan accordingly, and be done; get on the ship care free and then I would be much more relaxed. I think the part you are missing here is that for many people, the "opportunity" or "choice" to always buy comes across as sales pressure and makes it a more difficult atmosphere to relax in. My primary reason to go on a cruise is to relax and enjoy myself away from the stresses of every day life; filled with purchase opportunities, choices, budgets, cost analysis, etc...

 

It's why I could never stay in a suite on ANY mass market cruise line. Sure suites get access to a private restaurant and other niceties, but for the most part, everything else on the ship is built around the lowest fares and using a cost plus model. Plus plus plus. Incremental and nominal charges at every step of the way. It irks me enough at the prices I pay already. If I paid 3, 4, 5 X that to sail in a Haven cabin or mid-high end RCI suite and I faced that everywhere on the ship I'd really be feeling rubbed wrong. To me even the suites are a cost plus; but the plus is based off of making money on inside cabins. You mean they haven't made enough on Haven real estate charging someone 10X the inside cabin cost; they still need to spend $2 for a cookie...on a cruise ship?

 

I like the idea of paying a little bit more in the fare and having a much more inclusive style of vacation that is relaxing and more care free and less like WORK. :cool:

[Hendricks Clan]

For those upset by the prime rib issue, would it have been more palatable if they would have removed the prime rib all together from all menus and added a 10 ounce filet to the upcharge menu? I'm thinking this might have been their other option. This would just be a menu change, where they would not offer the prime rib any longer.

 

I think people would be ok had they gone about this in a better way, like Carnival maybe. On Carnival one can still get a free steak or lobster on the menu, but one can get an even better one for an upcharge. I think had NCL kept the original prime rib, but added the new one as an uncharge people wouldn't be so upset.