Has FDR done anything to benefit cruisers?

[abe3]

I like the new ports in Asia. That is really exciting.

[NLH Arizona]

Well actually the dishes in the hallway didn't bother me so no positive affect on me at all didn't enhance my cruise experience and didn't deter my cruise experience. My point is FDR wasnt on the ship making sure dishes weren't in the hallway.

 

Geri

He wasn't on my ship either, but they seemed to keep the hallways clean. Looks like the Breakaway is a little more lacks then the Dawn.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

He wasn't on my ship either, but they seemed to keep the hallways clean. Looks like the Breakaway is a little more lacks then the Dawn.

 

Maybe. But honestly is it really a big deal? Cruise deal breaker? Naaaaa. Still love the breakaway dishes or No dishes

 

 

 

Geri

LWA

Edited December 22, 2015 by FootballParent

[abe3]

Maybe. But honestly is it really a big deal? Cruise deal breaker? Naaaaa. Still love the breakaway dishes or No dishes

 

 

 

Geri

LWA

 

 

Seems like a lot of things people complain about on here are no big deals but make it out to be.

Edited December 22, 2015 by abe3

[LMaxwell]

Back in January 2015 I booked two cruises; one for October 2015 and one for December 2016.

 

If I were to rebook the October one for same ship, same week, same cabin category, same amenities in 2016 it would cost me 40% more.

 

If I were to re-book my December 2016 cruise that hasn't happened yet, it will cost me about 40% more as well compared to when I booked 11 months ago.

 

I haven't seen a single thing in the guests favor, let alone something to justify 40% gains. If the best people can point at is plates in a hallway, or not, that's kind of sad as that's really up to the hotel director to have their housekeeping crew maintain that and things of that nature are magnitudes removed from the CEO.

 

While I still feel like I got a good deal with the bookings I had or have on NCL, their view of customers, poor communications, and drastic increases in pricing with no value returned to the guest has lead me on to Princess in November, Carnival in December, booking MSC for April, and likely to book a second MSC soon for their new Seaside ship. $589 pp with drinks package for a brand new ship. Waiting to find out if Kids Sail Free on that one.

 

So back to my original answer to the OP:

 

"No".

[Moby0215]

Maybe. But honestly is it really a big deal? Cruise deal breaker? Naaaaa. Still love the breakaway dishes or No dishes

 

 

 

Geri

LWA

 

 

On my breakaway cruise last September I only saw a handful of dishes in the hallway. It probably has to do with how full the ship is and how many kids are on it. It's obviously not a deal breaker but I surely prefer a clean looking hallway vs a messy hallway. So I agree this is a benefit.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[electro]

You are correct some look at things objectively, while others just attack the cruise line or Mr. Del Rio without knowing the facts.

 

I cruised in Feb 2015 and am cruising in Feb 2016.

 

Fact: room service was free on my 2015 cruise and will have a charge of $7.95 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was no gratuity on the Specialty dining, coffee shop, ect on my Feb 2015 cruise, there is 18% on specialty dining, coffee shop, etc on my Feb 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: DSC was $12 on my 2015 cruise, DSC is $13.50 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was fireworks on the BA when I booked my 2016 cruise, there will not be fireworks when I sail on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: Sepecialty restaurants Cagneys, La Cacina and Le Bristo were a fixed cover charge on my 2015 cruise and they will be a la carte on my 2016 cruise.

And yes I looked at the menus and it will cost me more a la carte, especially La Cachina which now only has one entree that is less than the previous cover charge that I paid in Feb 2015.

 

So what are all these facts that I don't know that would make me think that any of this is of benefit to me?

 

Lois

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I cruised in Feb 2015 and am cruising in Feb 2016.

 

Fact: room service was free on my 2015 cruise and will have a charge of $7.95 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was no gratuity on the Specialty dining, coffee shop, ect on my Feb 2015 cruise, there is 18% on specialty dining, coffee shop, etc on my Feb 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: DSC was $12 on my 2015 cruise, DSC is $13.50 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was fireworks on the BA when I booked my 2016 cruise, there will not be fireworks when I sail on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: Sepecialty restaurants Cagneys, La Cacina and Le Bristo were a fixed cover charge on my 2015 cruise and they will be a la carte on my 2016 cruise.

And yes I looked at the menus and it will cost me more a la carte, especially La Cachina which now only has one entree that is less than the previous cover charge that I paid in Feb 2015.

 

So what are all these facts that I don't know that would make me think that any of this is of benefit to me?

 

Lois

 

Good points. However some will not see it nor admit it. Till the death they will stand by NCL.

Me on the other hand see all this but do I still sail NCL? Yes. Do I still like NCL as my preferred cruise line yes. But I do admit these changes are NOT for the better.

 

Geri

[NLH Arizona]

I cruised in Feb 2015 and am cruising in Feb 2016.

 

Fact: room service was free on my 2015 cruise and will have a charge of $7.95 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was no gratuity on the Specialty dining, coffee shop, ect on my Feb 2015 cruise, there is 18% on specialty dining, coffee shop, etc on my Feb 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: DSC was $12 on my 2015 cruise, DSC is $13.50 on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: There was fireworks on the BA when I booked my 2016 cruise, there will not be fireworks when I sail on my 2016 cruise.

 

Fact: Sepecialty restaurants Cagneys, La Cacina and Le Bristo were a fixed cover charge on my 2015 cruise and they will be a la carte on my 2016 cruise.

And yes I looked at the menus and it will cost me more a la carte, especially La Cachina which now only has one entree that is less than the previous cover charge that I paid in Feb 2015.

 

So what are all these facts that I don't know that would make me think that any of this is of benefit to me?

 

Lois

we see things and facts differently. I've never said that we all have to agree, because we all see things differently.

 

I don't use room service, so that is neither a positive or negative for me - fact for me.

 

I always tipped at the speciality restaurants, so this is a positive for me, so I can prepay them - fact for me.

 

I've only priced Cagneys fixed price versus a la carte prices and it is a positive for me, because the a la carte cost is less for what I order - fact for me.

 

What is positive for me, might be a negative for you and something that is positive for you might be a negative for me. NCL or any company, for that matter, is not going to make everyone happy with their changes. As I said, some will like the changes and some won't.

[eroller]

Has he done anything positive for the customer?

 

 

 

Robert

 

 

Not a damn thing!

[electro]

we see things and facts differently. I've never said that we all have to agree, because we all see things differently.

 

I don't use room service, so that is neither a positive or negative for me - fact for me.

 

I always tipped at the speciality restaurants, so this is a positive for me, so I can prepay them - fact for me.

 

I've only priced Cagneys fixed price versus a la carte prices and it is a positive for me, because the a la carte cost is less for what I order - fact for me.

 

What is positive for me, might be a negative for you and something that is positive for you might be a negative for me. NCL or any company, for that matter, is not going to make everyone happy with their changes. As I said, some will like the changes and some won't.

 

What you said is that others attack without knowing all the facts, so what facts are they?

 

I stated the facts that I base my opinion on.

You are right, we don't have to agree but it doesn't change the facts.

 

And because something doesn't negatively affect you i.e. room service fee, doesn't make it a benefit.

 

Lois

[Moby0215]

I cruised in Feb 2015 and am cruising in Feb 2016.

 

 

 

Fact: room service was free on my 2015 cruise and will have a charge of $7.95 on my 2016 cruise.

 

 

 

Fact: There was no gratuity on the Specialty dining, coffee shop, ect on my Feb 2015 cruise, there is 18% on specialty dining, coffee shop, etc on my Feb 2016 cruise.

 

 

 

Fact: DSC was $12 on my 2015 cruise, DSC is $13.50 on my 2016 cruise.

 

 

 

Fact: There was fireworks on the BA when I booked my 2016 cruise, there will not be fireworks when I sail on my 2016 cruise.

 

 

 

Fact: Sepecialty restaurants Cagneys, La Cacina and Le Bristo were a fixed cover charge on my 2015 cruise and they will be a la carte on my 2016 cruise.

 

And yes I looked at the menus and it will cost me more a la carte, especially La Cachina which now only has one entree that is less than the previous cover charge that I paid in Feb 2015.

 

 

 

So what are all these facts that I don't know that would make me think that any of this is of benefit to me?

 

 

 

Lois

 

 

Please correct me if I am wrong. Can't you get a SDP for 3+ days and pay less per day than the previous cover charge. If so then That's a benefit and a fact.

 

Room service might have a $7.95 service charge but the menu is expanded. This is a benefit to some. Fact.

 

I always tipped in the specialty restaurants so having it included is no big deal.

 

Increase in DSC... Costs rise. That's is a fact. The change of $12 to $13.50 for a seven day cruise is $10.50. Does not bother me.

 

I never bothered to view the fireworks anyway.

 

Now of course I realize people's opinions are different. You obviously are upset about these things. I hope you are still able to enjoy your cruise in February. I too will be cruising in February and can't wait!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SuiteCruiser]

What you said is that others attack without knowing all the facts, so what facts are they?

 

I stated the facts that I base my opinion on.

You are right, we don't have to agree but it doesn't change the facts.

 

And because something doesn't negatively affect you i.e. room service fee, doesn't make it a benefit.

 

Lois

 

Very true. I think that some people see beyond themselves and others see only themselves. That's the difference. They don't care about the others whose vacation keeps changing out from under them and those that have to keep opening their wallets to provide the same promised vacations to their families.

 

My cruise experience and those I travel with is still good, we can afford all of the new charges and fees, but we can also see beyond that, as I know many many others here can as well.

Edited December 22, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[electro]

Please correct me if I am wrong. Can't you get a SDP for 3+ days and pay less per day than the previous cover charge. If so then That's a benefit and a fact. That is only a benefit if I want to eat in 3 or more specialty restaurants.

 

Room service might have a $7.95 service charge but the menu is expanded. This is a benefit to some. Fact. Which would be fine if I could still get the stuff from the old menu at no fee.

I always tipped in the specialty restaurants so having it included is no big deal.

So did I but it was my choice on who and how much, NCL has taken that away from me

Increase in DSC... Costs rise. That's is a fact. The change of $12 to $13.50 for a seven day cruise is $10.50. Does not bother me. Yes they do, but again, not a benefit, and from all the reports I read, service has gotten worse so I am paying more for less service

 

I never bothered to view the fireworks anyway.

That is fine for you but some of us were looking forward to them

 

I don't have young kid so I won't miss Nickolodeon but I can see how it would affect families with kids who were looking forward to those activities.

Now of course I realize people's opinions are different. You obviously are upset about these things. I hope you are still able to enjoy your cruise in February. I too will be cruising in February and can't wait!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I will have a great time on my cruise, I am traveling with family and friends and getting out of the cold for a couple of weeks but it doesn't change that fact that I am getting less for more money than I got on my cruise at the same time last year.

 

Loiks

Edited December 22, 2015 by electro

[electro]

Very true. I think that some people see beyond themselves and others see only themselves. That's the difference. They don't care about the others whose vacation keeps changing out from under them and those that have to keep opening their wallets to provide the same promised vacations to their families.

 

My cruise experience and those I travel with is still good, we can afford all of the new charges and fees, but we can also see beyond that, as I know many many others here can as well.

 

SuiteCruise, you and I seem to think alike. Maybe it is because we are both from Ottawa:D

[LMaxwell]

Please correct me if I am wrong. Can't you get a SDP for 3+ days and pay less per day than the previous cover charge. If so then That's a benefit and a fact.

 

You are not wrong, and that's a benefit if you were going to have that many specialty meals.

 

But for people that wanted to try one specialty venue they either have the choice of a great inflated a la carte pricing, or choosing a 3 day meal plan.

 

All of the "deals" come on the heels of massive price increases, to drive customers towards packages.

 

Yes, if you can afford to cruise in a suite, aren't taking kids, get casino perks, etc., I can see how it is easy to dismiss many of the changes as having no negative impact.

 

But for the average guy like me, who doesn't gamble, doesn't stay in suites, and has kids to take, all I see are spiraling costs and no additional value. that is why I say "no". But I certainly see where there is value for others.

 

I think suite cruisers are disproportionately highly represented on this forum and in reality only make up a very small percentage of total cruisers.

 

If I paid $700 for the Sky this year with UBP, and would have to pay $1100 next year with UBP; same cabin, same week, same ports, where's all that extra value at for ME? Can't find it...

[SuiteCruiser]

You are not wrong, and that's a benefit if you were going to have that many specialty meals.

 

But for people that wanted to try one specialty venue they either have the choice of a great inflated a la carte pricing, or choosing a 3 day meal plan.

 

All of the "deals" come on the heels of massive price increases, to drive customers towards packages.

 

Yes, if you can afford to cruise in a suite, aren't taking kids, get casino perks, etc., I can see how it is easy to dismiss many of the changes as having no negative impact.

 

But for the average guy like me, who doesn't gamble, doesn't stay in suites, and has kids to take, all I see are spiraling costs and no additional value. that is why I say "no". But I certainly see where there is value for others.

 

I think suite cruisers are disproportionately highly represented on this forum and in reality only make up a very small percentage of total cruisers.

 

If I paid $700 for the Sky this year with UBP, and would have to pay $1100 next year with UBP; same cabin, same week, same ports, where's all that extra value at for ME? Can't find it...

 

I'm both a suite cruiser (LOL) and a CAS gambler and yet, I agree with you 100%.

 

I think a lot of people on here are retired, have grown kids or no kids and they don't recognize that these changes are x4 or x5 or x6, etc, not just one or two people. It sure does add up. When my kids were little we cruised, they ate in specialties with us at 50% off, and it was a great experience. My kids are now 17 and 6'7 and 6'8 and when I take them to one specialty, it will cost more than buying the SDP, so I'm kind of obligated. Prices have changed so much, we're in an oceanview instead of the usual suite when I take them for March Break this year.

[GoAndHaveFun]

SuiteCruise, you and I seem to think alike. Maybe it is because we are both from Ottawa:D

 

You two need to hang out now!!

[KeithJenner]

Yes, if you can afford to cruise in a suite, aren't taking kids, get casino perks, etc., I can see how it is easy to dismiss many of the changes as having no negative impact.

 

But for the average guy like me, who doesn't gamble, doesn't stay in suites, and has kids to take, all I see are spiraling costs and no additional value. that is why I say "no". But I certainly see where there is value for others.

 

I think suite cruisers are disproportionately highly represented on this forum and in reality only make up a very small percentage of total cruisers

 

I don't travel in a suite, I take a kid and don't gamble.

 

Whilst I wouldn't dismiss the changes as having a negative impact (I think only the most rabid really are), I also don't see them as having a major impact to us.

 

To be honest, the biggest differential at the moment seems to be between people who travel in mini suites and below and drink a fair bit (so are having the impact of higher fares negated by the UBP at present) and those who travel in suites and don't drink much (who are seeing much higher price increases and are getting a lower value perk).

 

For me, the actual impact of the changes is relatively small. This is a rough estimate of what the latest changes will cost me extra on a 7 day cruise. I think I've included everything:

 

Additional DSC £26.25

Increased gratuity on drinks £20

Gratuity in speciality £7

Loss of 50% kids rate in speciality £9

Saving on Asian restaurant £15 saving

 

I haven't taken into account potentially losing Moderno as a latitudes perk, as if this happens we will probably just alternate that restaurant and Cagneys and go elsewhere for the other latitudes meal, so we will get the same number of meals at about the same cost.

 

I'm actually not seeing the cost of the increased gratuity on drinks at the moment as I'm getting the UBP thrown in, and also I view the DSC as part of the booking price (I add it to my final bill, and won't pay a higher rate until 2017), but even taking that into account, it results in an increase of just over £2 per person per day. Others may have a different opinion on this, but for me, when you take into account the total cost of a holiday it really isn't a factor.

 

Obviously, some people will do more things which are impacted by the changes and their experiences will be different.

[KeithJenner]

Fact: There was no gratuity on the Specialty dining, coffee shop, ect on my Feb 2015 cruise

 

I thought there was always a gratuity on the coffee from the coffee shop. Am I remembering wrongly?

[barnacle_boy]

There are a lot of things "to come" in the works. I'm no fan by any means, but try to be patient and see what he has to offer before you completely condemn the man.

 

Veitch, for all his faults, made some positive improvements to the company during his tenure. Sheehan wasn't perfect and cut corners at times to improve the bottom line. It's way too early to tell whether or not you'll benefit from what FDR wants to bring to NCL.

[mistertoaster]

I am NCL platinum, but I am prepared to book other cruise lines if new management makes cruising NCL a poor value for money spent. I have a great deal on the Escape in a few weeks. However, I booked that almost a year ago. I have also cruised MSC, and enjoyed their product and service. I recently applied for matching status at MSC.

 

Consumers have choices. If NCL prices go up or services go down, I will vote with my feet and book elsewhere. There are an abundance of choices in the cruise industry. My point is that Del Rio does not control my travel destiny; I do. I'm not going to spend any time complaining about his product. I will just go elsewhere. If enough folks have bad NCL experiences and vote with their feet, the board of directors will get the message and Del Rio will go the way of Sheehan. Conversely, if NCL provides a great experience on my upcoming cruise, they will remain on my list of travel choices.

[sparks1093]

There are a lot of things "to come" in the works. I'm no fan by any means, but try to be patient and see what he has to offer before you completely condemn the man.

 

Veitch, for all his faults, made some positive improvements to the company during his tenure. Sheehan wasn't perfect and cut corners at times to improve the bottom line. It's way too early to tell whether or not you'll benefit from what FDR wants to bring to NCL.

 

He has stated what he wants to offer and it interests me not in the least. If I wanted to sail on a more upscale line I would (and I would sail on a proven line rather than one that still has teething pains, which NCL will have for years to come before it morphs into Del Rio's vision for it). (I don't condemn Del Rio the person, but as a CEO he seems to leave a lot to be desired.)

[barnacle_boy]

He has stated what he wants to offer and it interests me not in the least. If I wanted to sail on a more upscale line I would (and I would sail on a proven line rather than one that still has teething pains, which NCL will have for years to come before it morphs into Del Rio's vision for it). (I don't condemn Del Rio the person, but as a CEO he seems to leave a lot to be desired.)

 

 

NCL's mass market competitors are also moving into more premium territory with their latest ships. It's either evolve or miss out on the wave of millennials that will redefine the cruise market.

[sparks1093]

NCL's mass market competitors are also moving into more premium territory with their latest ships. It's either evolve or miss out on the wave of millennials that will redefine the cruise market.

 

If it happens (and I'm not sure there are enough millennials to support it but I'm no industry insider by any means) then I will regretfully stop cruising and vacation in Germany every year (which admittedly I may end up doing anyway regardless of what happens to the cruise industry).