What Can NCL Do Better?

[k9x8]

Answer the phone in less than 45 minutes.

 

I can't comment on the cruise experience because I was disembarked after one night, but the post cruise runaround has lost me as a future customer.

[SteveH2508]

The new management seems even more focused on increasing revenue streams than the prior regime. I think not only NCL, but all cruise lines are doing a poorer job as time passes of making the customer feel like they are taking part in a truly wonderful vacation. I feel like cattle most of the time lately.

 

Anyone agree?

 

Mooo!:D

[drbru001]

As a suite traveler, we alternate between NCL, Celebrity, and the occasional luxury lines. NCL could do a better job keeping our business if they had an adults-only area in the Haven, or maybe "Quiet Hours" (like from 1-3pm). I realize NCL wants to attract families to the Haven, but they're going to lose their other guests if they don't find a compromise to this situation.

 

I too am a "Haven lover" and agree that the kids and the noise can spoil it. Im also a dad of 3 young ones 4,6,8 years old. The answer to this is splash academy that actually helps parents out. Currently splash academy is closed for lunch and dinner regardless of sea day or port day. NCL must find a way to create a complete package for the kids, morning till night. As it stands, we have to drop the kids off at 10am, then pick them back up for 1 hour for lunch and take them back in the afternoon and pick them back up a few hours later for dinner. That is no vacation for us parents..plus it causes irritation for others trying to enjoy the haven or other areas of the ship. I know NCL can really make the splash academy more robust for kids. Not only would it make the cruise more enjoyable for everyone on board, it would probably make them more money!!! My wife is forcing me to Disney and back to Royal because of the full-time child care and organized activities for the kids. NCL is really missing the boat here IMO. I would sail them exclusively... and in the Haven if they could address this. That means an extra 10-15k or more per year from our family into NCL's coffers. They should really listen to this one. my .02:)

[Victress2007]

Water should NOT be bottled! Drink it out of the machines or out of the water spout in the buffet. Drink it out of the tap, but stop asking for bottled water, it is hugely wasteful!

 

It is however convenient! Bring or buy something reusable for water. NCL has one of the highest environmental ratings on the sea. I think that is at least a factor of why they don't want you drinking bottled water.

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

[Grandprix]

A drinks package for just beer. You can keep the water, soda, and wine. I just want beer.

[LrgPizza]

A drinks package for just beer. You can keep the water, soda, and wine. I just want beer.

 

They have a drink package for just beer & wine, which is cheaper than the UBP. Maybe check that out.

[Buford T Justiice]

Since I know NCL actively reads these threads (I had a wine vending machine dispute with them resolved by posting my story here), I figured why not start a constructive thread detailing some little things that NCL can do that would help the consumer experience.

 

I would let NCL do it's own market research, my opinion is too expensive for an anonymous message board.:rolleyes:

 

Years ago, CC members would be banned for soliciting free marketing advice for a private company unrelated to CC / TripAdvisor.

Edited March 17, 2016 by Buford T Justiice

[MikeWazowski]

I just want to relax and not think about $$$. Give me an all-in price for everything. I don't want to think about buying this or that on vacation.

 

Just charge me once in advance and let me do what I want!

[seag8s]

I agree that bottled water is very wasteful. Also I like my water to stay very cold. I just go to any bar and ask for a glass of ice water. No charge, no problem.

[ExArkie]

Water should NOT be bottled! Drink it out of the machines or out of the water spout in the buffet. Drink it out of the tap, but stop asking for bottled water, it is hugely wasteful!

 

It is however convenient! Bring or buy something reusable for water. NCL has one of the highest environmental ratings on the sea. I think that is at least a factor of why they don't want you drinking bottled water.

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

 

Thank you...I was beginning to think I was the crazy one for having a reusable water bottle. In the US, something like 1500 plastic water bottles are thrown away every second. That is crazy.

[sparks1093]

I agree that bottled water is very wasteful. Also I like my water to stay very cold. I just go to any bar and ask for a glass of ice water. No charge, no problem.

 

They'll even throw a lemon in it if you ask them to. That's virtually all our friend drank while on the Gem.

[abba_dabba_doo]

Water should NOT be bottled! Drink it out of the machines or out of the water spout in the buffet. Drink it out of the tap, but stop asking for bottled water, it is hugely wasteful!

 

It is however convenient! Bring or buy something reusable for water. NCL has one of the highest environmental ratings on the sea. I think that is at least a factor of why they don't want you drinking bottled water.

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

 

Thank you! I thought I was crazy for thinking why can't people just drink water in a cup or reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottles are KILLING our planet. Now that I'm done ranting......

 

NCL should really have 2 good sized pools, both which are free and open to everyone. One tiny pool for 3,000 people is not enough. And they need to put a stop to the chair hogging.

 

Also agree that they should make casino smoke-free. It's too small of an area and it's usually in an area you need to walk through or around and the smoke is disgusting. The smoke is really bad for those of us that have allergies and I'm sure I'm not the only person that doesn't like or can't be in the casino because of the smoke. Have designated outside areas near the casino where people can go to smoke.

[Sonora5]

Some great suggestions! I hope the powers that be at NCL take advantage this free (to them) market research.

 

Re bottled water: The desalinization process on a cruise ship can leave the tap water a little salty, causing edema in some cruisers, and possible exacerbating issues for those whose blood pressure is a little high. I agree that bottles are wasteful, with that caveat.

 

We are suite customers and we have been inspired to cruise on HAL after our next NCL cruise. This is due to the cancellation fiasco last summer. HAL does not give us a butler, but we have that very nice Neptune Lounge and free unlimited laundry. That is a very nice perk and we love it on longer cruises.

 

The internet has to get faster-and cheaper-for us to continue cruising. I have to stay in touch when cruising, and the slow internet speeds are very painful. We would be doing a 34 day cruise next instead of 20 if the internet speeds were faster.

 

Loved the Haven on the Epic for a TA cruise, loved the private restaurant, but they never changed the menu. At all. NCL should consider changing it up a little, in all the restaurants. No nightly special? I know on HAL we will have a different menu every night in the main dining room. This is important to us particularly on longer cruises.

 

NCL should also live with the deals they make. Constantly changing the packages and pricing for already booked customers is very disruptive. And were we not suite customers we would be very unhappy about the room service charges. We love breakfast on the balcony-it is a must have perk for us- and I would not want to pay for it.

 

Tipping is another issue. We love to tip for good service, and we don't mind included tips that might benefit those we don't see to tip directly. However I am very suspicious that of late little tip money actually goes to the workers. I would really like clarification of that,and assurance that the tip money goes to the workers not to the company's bottom line.

[mcsb11]

I would like to see Charlston. S.C.,added to some of the Boston to Bermuda cruises. Yes, this would lengthen the cruise by a few days, but there are some who would like that. That's why I said "some of the cruises."

 

Love this idea! I'd much rather go to Charleston instead of Port Canaveral

[sfaaa]

W

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

 

They recycle the empties, don't they?

[PLW0520]

Pizza Place besides the buffet would be good. How about a WING place, and not the limited flavor in O'Sheehan's.

 

Better yet now that Kevin Sheehan is gone take that venue and make it Pizza, Wing's and a few Apps. Type place.

 

Sounds good but they first have to learn how to make good pizza.

[MikeWazowski]

Water should NOT be bottled! Drink it out of the machines or out of the water spout in the buffet. Drink it out of the tap, but stop asking for bottled water, it is hugely wasteful!

 

It is however convenient! Bring or buy something reusable for water. NCL has one of the highest environmental ratings on the sea. I think that is at least a factor of why they don't want you drinking bottled water.

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

 

Your'e fighting a losing battle. Companies like NCL supply products that consumers want to BUY- this applies to bottled water. If you want to make a difference you need to target the general population - not just those traveling on a cruise ship!

[JCMass.]

I would like to see Charlston. S.C.,added to some of the Boston to Bermuda cruises. Yes, this would lengthen the cruise by a few days, but there are some who would like that. That's why I said "some of the cruises."

 

Even if it was done once, adding Charlston S.C. or another East Coast city Savannah Georgia, Newport Rhode Island etc.

[navybankerteacher]

No Frills pricing option on every cruise.

 

What ? Pretty much anything booked on NCL is "no frills" - that's why you have to pay extra for Haven if you want uncrowded common areas and pay extra for specialty restaurants if you want a chance at decent food and service.

[sparks1093]

What ? Pretty much anything booked on NCL is "no frills" - that's why you have to pay extra for Haven if you want uncrowded common areas and pay extra for specialty restaurants if you want a chance at decent food and service.

 

I think the PP means pricing without the inclusion of the cost of the various promotions. We all know that they aren't really giving those away but if you don't take any of the promotions you are still paying for them. When I looked at MSC they had three prices that you could choose from, starting with the basic fare and then adding different perks for the next two price levels.

[4774Papa]

NCL could be more consistent with quality of food and service in the MDR.

[mjkacmom]

Thank you! I thought I was crazy for thinking why can't people just drink water in a cup or reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottles are KILLING our planet. Now that I'm done ranting......

 

NCL should really have 2 good sized pools, both which are free and open to everyone. One tiny pool for 3,000 people is not enough. And they need to put a stop to the chair hogging.

 

Also agree that they should make casino smoke-free. It's too small of an area and it's usually in an area you need to walk through or around and the smoke is disgusting. The smoke is really bad for those of us that have allergies and I'm sure I'm not the only person that doesn't like or can't be in the casino because of the smoke. Have designated outside areas near the casino where people can go to smoke.

 

What ship has one pool?

[Macadian]

What ? Pretty much anything booked on NCL is "no frills" - that's why you have to pay extra for Haven if you want uncrowded common areas and pay extra for specialty restaurants if you want a chance at decent food and service.

 

Amen to that...

[jtdlmc]

Release their schedule sooner lol!

 

Carnival and Royal Caribbean have their itineraries loaded up until April 2018 but not NCL :( I emailed my vacation planner and he said they just released 2017!!!!

Edited March 19, 2016 by jtdlmc

[sparks1093]

Release their schedule sooner lol!

 

Carnival and Royal Caribbean have their itineraries loaded up until April 2018 but not NCL :( I emailed my vacation planner and he said they just released 2017!!!!

 

Early bird gets the cruisers.