Final Kevin Sheehan Memory Leaving. RIP O'Sheehan's

[KeithJenner]

The list of changes is actually interesting as it really shows how these things impact people differently.

 

I have added below how they affect us personally. I'm not suggesting that other people's experiences will be the same, and some are particular to us in the UK, but it does show how what can be so important to some people are irrelevant to others.

 

To the person above who is trying NCL and is concerned, it does show how there could be very little to worry about, despite the noise created on these subjects on here.

 

Basically, the total impact on our wallets of all the changes are negligible, when I take into account our annual holiday budget. The amount we save by buying future cruise credits more than pays for all of the extra costs we incur on between two and four cruises a year.

 

I can honestly say that I can't think of a single change that has actually impacted my onboard experience in a negative way.

 

• Nickelodeon gone - I asked my son about this and he shrugged. He says he barely ever noticed the Nickelodeon stuff anyway.
   
  
• Geoffrey Zakarian gone - No effect on us at all.
   
  
• 18% gratuity on specialty dining - extra cost to us of about $18 a cruise.
   
  
• DSC raised twice - about £3 a day extra for us, although not for a while as we have fixed the rates for most of our booked cruises.
   
  
• drink prices raised - no impact on us at the moment as we are getting our drinks included on all of our cruises for the next couple of years at least.
   
  
• UBP price raised twice - I think the package on the Escape (only time I've bought it) may have cost a little extra, but otherwise irrelevant as I don't usually buy it.
   
  
• 18% gratuity on drinks - will probably cost about £15 a cruise more when I finally get round to paying for my drinks again in a few years time.
   
  
• 18% gratuity on food/coffee purchases ( Java Cafe/Carlo's/gelato etc) - I actually thought it was always charged, and don't really understand why it wasn't if not. Negligible extra cost.
   
  
• Asian Noodle restaurant complimentary but reduced menu - Saves me about $15 per cruise. The current menus are absolutely fine for me and I can't recall a dish that I used to order which has gone.
   
  
• Hippo Slide on GSC gone -Never been, no plans to go.
   
  
• Fireworks gone
  - they were OK, and if they were on then I'd watch them again, but by no means a major issue to us.
   
  
• UDP is now SDP - fantastic for us. I have no interest in eating at speciality restaurants every night. We can now get three meals for about the price of two. In effect this means no savings, but a free meal in Teppenyaki.
   
  
• UBP used to be for everyone in room, but now it's just first two passengers - only two of us drink, so makes no difference.
   
  
• Room service $7.95 except for a smaller limited "continental breakfast" - never used room service before (on a ship or in a hotel). No effect on us at all.
   
  
• Blue Man Group gone - we enjoyed the Blue Men, but have seen them 5 times now. Would go again, but it basically means we have an extra free night now on the Epic, and will enjoy the Cavern instead. We don't cruise for the entertainment though.
   
  
• Now pay taxes/gratuities on "free" UBP/SDP - we don't.
   
  
• No more kids pricing in specialty restaurants - Costs us an extra $12.50 plus gratuity in Moderno. Will probably add an extra SDP when our son eats in specialities more often.
   
  
• Port times shortened on a number of itineraries "for your convenience" - if this has affected any of our cruises then I haven't noticed.
   
  
• No more free Cirque or Illusionarium on first night with dining package - tricky one. We rarely go (on 6 cruises on ships with these venues we have been once). We plan on going to Cirque on the a Epic this year, but we would never have bought the UDP anyway, so wouldn't have got the discount,
   
  
• Margaritaville on Escape is now a la carte. Used to be included. - no plans to go on the Escape for a while. However, having eaten there when it was free I would probably just ignore the venue now, so no real impact.
   
  
• Cancellation policy got much worse. - always been pretty bad for us. Don't think it's changed.
   
  
• Specialty restaurants either gone a la carte or increased cover charge.
  - I actually like the a la carte. We don't eat huge amounts and what my wife usually orders in Cagneys will now be slightly cheaper, mine about the same. If I want to pig out then I can mitigate the increase with the SDP anyway.
  

Edited February 21, 2016 by KeithJenner

[Demonyte]

Thanks - added to the list for next time:(.

 

You could also add about bar prices that they were raised three times in 2015 (March, October, December).

 

Also internet price raise was missing from the list (it was 20% and up raise).

Edited February 21, 2016 by Demonyte

[TheDougOut]

There was no prime rib night on my 14 day BA jan 31 to feb 14th.

 

Here are the O'Sheehan specials from the 1/30 Escape sailing:

1. None
   
2. Turkey
   
3. Spare Ribs
   
4. Prime Rib
   
5. Seafood Basket
   
6. Spare Ribs
   
7. Prime Rib
   

[SteveH2508]

Keith

 

Your analysis agrees with mine except we do not have kids, so the effect on us is even less. We have not done speciality dining on our last 5 or 6 cruises (except for Platinum Le Bistro and some a la carte Sushi).

 

We are not likely to do the mega ships so those changes do not affect us.

 

I was posting the list more to show the number of changes and to mention the poor communication of changes made after people book.

 

We are looking at the July 2017 Jade itineraries at the moment. The UBP will be a BIG factor in our calculations (our trivia team name 'Martini Monsters' is for a reason!:D)

[Quilting_Cruiser]

Keith, I thought about doing that and then didn't feel like putting the energy into it, so thank you! LOL. My list would look similar only I barely drink at all so wouldn't even take UBP as a perk with the 18% charge on it. Its less for me to purchase my occasional glass of wine as I go. You're right that it's a personal thing. None of these changes (except the increase in the DSC) impact me enough to really even notice them.

 

Sparks, as far as "defending NCL," that's certainly not what I was doing personally. I don't have allegiance to NCL--right now, I'm enjoying them and will likely sail with NCL for at least the next couple of years. But, if their product changes in ways that impact my experience I'll look elsewhere. If the changes listed above impact people's cruise experiences so much that they feel compelled to go on about them ad nauseam, then I don't understand why they don't simply try another cruise line.

[kdzkatz]

I have to say naming something on the ship after the current CEO is kind of like getting a tattoo of your current boyfriend/girlfriends name on you. It was a mildly amusing pun with his last name sounding similar to the word "ocean" but other than that was not a good idea. NCL and O'Sheehan have been long broken up and NCL is finally getting that tattoo removed.

[sparks1093]

Keith, I thought about doing that and then didn't feel like putting the energy into it, so thank you! LOL. My list would look similar only I barely drink at all so wouldn't even take UBP as a perk with the 18% charge on it. Its less for me to purchase my occasional glass of wine as I go. You're right that it's a personal thing. None of these changes (except the increase in the DSC) impact me enough to really even notice them.

 

Sparks, as far as "defending NCL," that's certainly not what I was doing personally. I don't have allegiance to NCL--right now, I'm enjoying them and will likely sail with NCL for at least the next couple of years. But, if their product changes in ways that impact my experience I'll look elsewhere. If the changes listed above impact people's cruise experiences so much that they feel compelled to go on about them ad nauseam, then I don't understand why they don't simply try another cruise line.

 

Many have moved on, some are in the process. Personally I'm still on the fence- I will still choose NCL if the price is right but at this point I'm not willing to pay more for an NCL cruise over the competition's. Eventually it will reach a tipping point and I will no longer even look at NCL to see how it compares with the competition, and when exactly that will be I cannot say.

 

In the mean time I will still participate in threads on this board if the mood strikes, both to defend NCL if warranted or to criticize them if warranted or to just state my opinion about a particular change. (This last bit added to answer the question "why still post on the NCL forum" that will inevitably follow:)).

[CruisinHarvey]

NCL is phasing out O'Sheehan's Restaurant fleet wide. Same type of place just a new name. Kevin Sheehan soon to really be a distant memory.

 

Where did you find the story?

[luvtheships]

NCL also said Carlo's Bakery is being pulled as of May 1. When I called NCL CS she said it was on all ships..

 

 

I asked on the ba...all of his stuff is brought on frozen on embark day anyway

 

Not saying the 2 small cakes we brought home and bought on day 13 of 14 weren't good...they were.....but they told me since I ordered it that it came from the freezer...because I asked

 

If you buy something from the case just realize it may have been defrosted much earlier

 

I say this because Carlos on the ba had such limited hours that IMHO the stuff had to just be sitting there and unable to be purchased....because the place was closed.

[triptolemus]

O'Sheehan's is a terrible name anyway. It rolls off the tongue like peanut butter...good riddance.

[Julie MacCoy]

Where did you find the story?

 

That's what I was wondering, too! I can't find anything about NCL changing the name of O'Sheehan's. I googled and checked out NCL's website, and I read the January 9, 2015 article that was linked to, and I don't see anywhere where NCL said that it's going to change the name. I would appreciate it very much if someone could provide a link to an article stating tht NCL is going to change the name of the O'Sheehan's restaurants.

 

Thank you very much.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

NCL is phasing out O'Sheehan's Restaurant fleet wide. Same type of place just a new name. Kevin Sheehan soon to really be a distant memory.

 

Where did you find the story?

 

I'm curious about where you heard this news, too. Hotel director on a ship? Someone in Miami?

 

It's probably a good idea to change the name, but I have to imagine the concept will stay exactly the same. As the pub has been retrofitted into the legacy fleet, the line has spent a fair amount on carpet and fixtures that are identical to O'Sheehan's on new builds. Since O'Sheehan's serves breafast and dinner, in addition to the 24-hour menu, and since it's also a huge bar with a big revenue stream, it just seems very unlikely that much will change. It's the central gathering spot above the atrium, and NCL is encouraging that gathering around. Add a fee, and the whole model collapses. But we'll have to wait and see.

 

So again, where did you hear the news?

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Oh my I did not expect this thread to blog up like this!! So many reactions lol

Edited February 21, 2016 by ohioNCLcruiser

[ohioNCLcruiser]

It's just a name change that's all. Keeping my source anonymous.

[fshagan]

Wow we are taking out first NCL cruise in Oct. after being RCCL exclusive and I am shocked by the amount negatives we see on these boards. All lines have that, but it seems a bit more, and a bit more vicious too. We chose NCL because the price is very good. We'll have to go, and see, evaluate and then decide to go NCL again or pay MUCH higher fares and go back with RCCL. Good news is I just switched employers that pays MUCH better than my last so we will be able to afford to go back to RCCL if we decide to.

 

NCL had quite a few changes in a short period of time, and some people who follow them closely were dismayed. Then, after getting into a habit of expecting the worst, every change is feared to be horrible. There's even a list that gets posted from time to time that lists as changes the entertainment offerings changing on a single ship. It's pretty funny if you're a long time NCL cruiser, as you realize the "fans" are acting like "fanatics", no matter the position they take.

 

My recommendation is to read the Friendly Norweigian Cruisers group on a social network I cannot name here (but everyone uses) rather than this forum. At least until you cruise with NCL. Then you'll have the experience to temper the posts in here.

 

Frankly, I thought naming a restaurant after the current CEO was tacky. It should be renamed. The fact that it will generate all sorts of negativity is to be expected here in this forum.

[endymion6942]

I really don't see the big deal with the name change. I got to meet Kevin once on EPIC and he was a pretty cool guy.

I'm surprised the name change has taken as long as it has considering the egos involved.

Why not get the old "Blue Lagoon" signs and menus out of storage.

That should make it easy.

If they can't find them, I have some new names they can use fleet wide.

OF COURSE, the new name has to be named for the boss:

 

Del Rio's :confused:

Frankie's Place :rolleyes:

Frankie J's :p

Taco del Rio :D

 

I have a bunch of names that will get me thrown of Cruise Critic, so I will list them. :D

 

What do you think.

[herdingdogmom]

It's just a name change that's all. Keeping my source anonymous.

 

What is the new name?

[njhorseman]

I will add another couple of tidbits to this list.

 

Platinum free dinner at Le Bistro is now restricted to one starter or appetizer. For several years I was able to order both soup and escargot, but not now.

 

OBC from TA was refundable last year, but same TA and same booking, OBC is now non-refundable and is restricted on how it can be used. No casino or DSC.

 

Prepaid DSC was offered as a booking bonus last year, but not now.

 

We're just off the Gem today from a cruise we booked only 31 days prior to the Feb 11 sailing date (so it wasn't as though we were "grandfathered" in because we booked long ago) and the OBC from our travel agent was refundable, just as it always has been.

Edited February 21, 2016 by njhorseman

[kdzkatz]

What is the new name?

 

I heard it was going to be renamed "The Nickel & Dime" or "You're Fee To Do What you Want". :p

[All-ready2cruise]

What is the new name?

 

The Del-FeeO-4Mio

[Sizzlechest]

Sir Charge's

[Donna_In_India]

I copied this post a few weeks ago and have tweaked it slightly. I am not passing any opinions on these changes - different strokes for different folks - just posting for info. for those who are new to this board.

 

Part of the problem with NCL's overall strategy is that it's a "death by a thousand cuts" rather than a couple of major changes. There have been lots of changes over the last year or so, so adding them all up means that people who booked very far in advance are getting a significantly different experience than what they thought they were getting. Also NCL's communication of these changes has been woeful - to both pax and staff.

 

• Nickelodeon gone
  
• Geoffrey Zakarian gone
  
• 18% gratuity on specialty dining
  
• DSC raised twice
  
• drink prices raised
  
• UBP price raised twice
  
• 18% gratuity on drinks
  
• 18% gratuity on food/coffee purchases ( Java Cafe/Carlo's/gelato etc)
  
• Asian Noodle restaurant complimentary but reduced menu
  
• Hippo Slide on GSC gone
  
• Fireworks gone
  
  
• UDP is now SDP
  
• UBP used to be for everyone in room, but now it's just first two passengers
  
• Room service $7.95 except for a smaller limited "continental breakfast"
  
• Blue Man Group gone
  
• Now pay taxes/gratuities on "free" UBP/SDP
  
• No more kids pricing in specialty restaurants
  
• Port times shortened on a number of itineraries "for your convenience"
  
• No more free Cirque or Illusionarium on first night with dining package
  
• Margaritaville on Escape is now a la carte. Used to be included.
  
• Cancellation policy got much worse.
  
• Specialty restaurants either gone a la carte or increased cover charge.
  
  

Thanks to Sizzlechest for compiling this list.

 

There were about 10 changes between the time we booked our Getaway cruise and the time we sailed. It got to be a little ridiculous. What made it worse was the fact that we found out about many of the changes including an itinerary change on CC/FB, etc. - NOT from NCL. Not a great way to treat your customers!! Oh and one thing not listed above was the fiasco with not being allowed to take food from the buffet even though it wasn't permanent. I felt especially bad since I thought I found a "home" with NCL.

[Donna_In_India]

My recommendation is to read the Friendly Norweigian Cruisers group on a social network I cannot name here (but everyone uses) rather than this forum. At least until you cruise with NCL. Then you'll have the experience to temper the posts in here.

 

 

Not all negative comments/info are "bad". Some are actually helpful. Many of the people over "there" like to pretend everything is always rainbows and unicorns. And they are also known to personally attack anyone who says anything they don't agree with. Happens on all forums even that one. Everyone has the option to bypass what they don't like. Always the easiest thing to do.

[IrieBajan54]

I will add another couple of tidbits to this list.

 

 

OBC from TA was refundable last year, but same TA and same booking, OBC is now non-refundable and is restricted on how it can be used. No casino or DSC.

 

 

That's odd. I just got off the 1/31 Breakaway 14 day cruise and the onboard credit from my big box TA was refundable.

Edited February 22, 2016 by IrieBajan54

[redfantum]

Sir Charge's

Funny!