What a difference a year makes!

[collectingcoke]

It's definitely more for less these days, sad.

[Sissaaaaaa]

I agree that the prices have increased, but so have the other cruise lines. I booked two cabins on the Epic for NYE, which I know is a premium price cruise. Just priced out MSC for the same type of cabins, and the total is actually $40 more than my NCL cruise, which includes UBP!

 

So, I got curious and priced RCCL for the same week / same cabins ... wow! and no booze package!

 

I'm ok with NCL ;)

[littlelulu01]

I've really noticed a dramatic increase in suite prices for Europe sailings.

 

Example: all in 11 nt epic sailing for 2016 was $4760 Haven spa suite on the epic for two. This included UDP, UBP, $200 obc, dSC, and 250 Internet.

 

When the epic was canceled and replaced with the Spirit the price for a suite same dates as the canceled sailing jumped to $8282 and now has the lesser perks ie no DSC and SDP.

 

The Jade Europe sailings are up quite a bit in price as well. The September 24, 2016 14 nt jade lowest cat OV is $5068. Lowest cat balcony is $7008. SE suite is $14k. A 14 night Celebrity Silhouette, exact same dates out of Rome vs Venice S1 suite all in $6000 with $1k obc, DSC, preimum drink pkg. that includes canned soda, water bottles, speciality coffees, unlimited Internet for two.

 

The Jade itinerary is much more appealing to us, (and we booked a while back so have a much better price) so will probably cancel the silhouette sailing but what a dramatic price difference! Ncl is selling the staterooms at these prices. I've been watching inventory dwindle and prices go up/perk value down and don't expect to see last min discounting.

[david_sobe]

Its not complaining to point out the obvious. If someone is not interested in the thread then don't read it or comment on it. As usual the typical cheerleader line is "supply and demand....supply and demand." That is not the issue here. Gratuities went up twice in one year, another gratuity was added for the specialty restaurants, cruise prices jumped up, then all the "free" programs started that raised prices even more.

I don't have any problems with all the cut backs and reductions of perks. That is how companies stay afloat and make money. But when prices go up 20% and there are major reductions in services and overall product that is when I say when.

I am still hoping I will sail NCL again but with these prices there is better value for the dollar for vacations for now.

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

That's pretty much how I feel.

[hladygirl]

We booked through casino at seas with a certificate thru twin rivers. We played at twin rivers minimal and are not big spenders. They gave us two certificate and we ended up with 7 night Boston to Bermuda with UBP and dining program with insurance and an ocean view with picture window. Cost $1000 total for two people. Gotta love it.

[NIATPAC29]

we have always sailed in suites with ncl, but they have priced us out of even considering it. Just can't justify the huge gap between the mini and the cheapest suite. Been seriously considering trying carnival.

do it,you will be glad you did

[2ManyCruises]

Prices go up on specific cruises as they book - supply and demand. Every cruise line has their own algorithm they use for price increases based on # of cabins sold. Pricing the exact same cruise a year apart only tells you how popular that specific cruise is.

 

We've booked the Escape in 2017 for the same week & same category of our 2016 cruise, and we are only paying $80 more - plus in 2017 we will have the SDP in addition to the UBP. Our 2016 cruise only has the UBP. And I am including the service charges for our freebies. We haven't see the huge increases others report.

 

Same here. We haven't seen huge increases. We booked The Getaway for Thanks Giving week - ocean view with drink and dining package everything for a less than $2100.00. We did book early.

 

We sail The Escape over the Memorial Day week same package as Getaway for about the same price.

[monl765]

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

That's pretty much how I feel.

 

Not the same thing, they are not selling a year old used product.

 

I travel solo, and have looked at all of the lines for a specific time frame. No cruise line offers as much as NCL for a better price, including drinks !

 

It is more like they offered a car in 2015 for $15,000 and the same, newer 2106 car with the same options for $18,000. What you forgot to mention is at $18,000, it is still the best value avaliable on the market regardless of what was offered the year before. Every industry does this, cars, computers, internet, cable etc.

[NLH Arizona]

Its not complaining to point out the obvious. If someone is not interested in the thread then don't read it or comment on it. As usual the typical cheerleader line is "supply and demand....supply and demand." That is not the issue here. Gratuities went up twice in one year, another gratuity was added for the specialty restaurants, cruise prices jumped up, then all the "free" programs started that raised prices even more.

I don't have any problems with all the cut backs and reductions of perks. That is how companies stay afloat and make money. But when prices go up 20% and there are major reductions in services and overall product that is when I say when.

I am still hoping I will sail NCL again but with these prices there is better value for the dollar for vacations for now.

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

That's pretty much how I feel.

Prices will continue to go, as long as folks will pay it. If they don't pay it and ships are not sailing at the percentage NCL is looking for, prices will eventually come down.

[OneWord]

Same here. We haven't seen huge increases. We booked The Getaway for Thanks Giving week - ocean view with drink and dining package everything for a less than $2100.00. We did book early.

 

We sail The Escape over the Memorial Day week same package as Getaway for about the same price.

 

Affordable.

[NCLfamily]

Its not complaining to point out the obvious. If someone is not interested in the thread then don't read it or comment on it. As usual the typical cheerleader line is "supply and demand....supply and demand." That is not the issue here. Gratuities went up twice in one year, another gratuity was added for the specialty restaurants, cruise prices jumped up, then all the "free" programs started that raised prices even more.

 

I don't have any problems with all the cut backs and reductions of perks. That is how companies stay afloat and make money. But when prices go up 20% and there are major reductions in services and overall product that is when I say when.

 

I am still hoping I will sail NCL again but with these prices there is better value for the dollar for vacations for now.

 

 

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

 

That's pretty much how I feel.

 

 

One of the worst analogies I've read on here. Monl765 has hit the nail on the head. Yes, prices have went up. But it's still a good product and it's still selling.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited March 23, 2016 by NCLfamily

[luckyinpa]

i studied the spa haven rooms on breakaway in feb when i was looking to book, see attached sheet

 

april this year to april next year was 1540 to 1700 an increase PP. totally crazy. but i'm assuming april next year must be in very very high demand to get 4300 for a room that is 2700 as of 14 months ahead.

 

and for some reason the bermuda itinerary didnt have such a wild swing. wonder why?

[TowerOrchard]

That is not an apples to apples comparison, because Easter next year is April 16. Lots of schools have off then and families are looking to vacation, so NCL can charge more for those weeks. Easter is early this year, so mid-April will see a lot more kids in school... thus, lower prices.

[cdnsteelman]

Here's another - more recent - example.

 

Star SC 4 PAX March 2017 18 nights Singapore to Dubai originally booked January 8, 2016 for USD $13567.76 included suite pick four with no additional gratuities.

 

Mock booking today same cruise and PAX USD $16167.76 "Norwegian Rate" (meaning Sail Away Rate - the rate with no pick four).

 

What this means is in the past 2.5 months the price has risen USD $2600 and no longer includes the pick four without associated gratuities.

 

I track this sailing several times a week looking for 3/4 PAX sail free, to no avail so far but clearly it may not be worth it to change the booking should that ever happen.

[mpk218]

We booked our next 2 cruises with great pricing and perks but looking to book 2018 the prices are CRAZY! We're probably heading to Celebrity for their 11 day Caribbean. Their AFT suite is actually larger than NCL's Deck 10 AFT.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Were right behind you .. much better deal..

 

we travel with 4 and this years cruise (suite)in the same cabin Getaway is $7000 more than last year .. :eek:

 

Somebody tell DelRio this isnt Regent..

[mpk218]

Last year H4 on Getaway at Christmas $8700 4 people ..

This year H4 on Getaway at christmas $16,386 4 people..

Supply and demand ?? Still 12 H4's available...

 

Not just the Getaway , its fleet wide..

Not sure ? call and talk to Miami , They'll splain it to you Lucy.

Its DelRio's grand new plan " All inclusive with a slight increase in price"

seems to be suites only... Which figures..

[luckyinpa]

That is not an apples to apples comparison, because Easter next year is April 16. Lots of schools have off then and families are looking to vacation, so NCL can charge more for those weeks. Easter is early this year, so mid-April will see a lot more kids in school... thus, lower prices.

 

ok but excluding christmas. entire 2016 highest rate is 3199 while 5 weeks in march april next year are 4239 higher.

 

thats a huge jump regardless and there should be more comparables to this year. the bermuda year to year is much more reasonable.

[TheDougOut]

i studied the spa haven rooms on breakaway in feb when i was looking to book, see attached sheet

 

april this year to april next year was 1540 to 1700 an increase PP. totally crazy.?

 

It's tough to do a fair comparison for sailings 12 months apart based on the pricing you saw on the day you searched.

 

The pricing below shows the cost of 2 Breakaway sailings from your spreadsheet: March 2016 and March 2017. If you compare the pricing of each 17 months prior to sailing, you'll see that the 2017 sailing only reflects a $150 pp increase, far from the 1540-1700 pp in your analysis.

 

MARCH 27, 2016 BA SAILING: HAVEN SPA SUITE

Price | Date Price Released

$ 3,499 | 2014‑04‑17

$ 3,609 | 2014‑07‑14

$ 3,969 | 2014‑09‑24

$ 4,089 | 2014‑10‑01

$ 3,349 | 2015‑04‑22

$ 3,449 | 2015‑06‑12

$ 3,499 | 2015‑10‑14

$ 3,299 | 2015‑11‑07

$ 3,099 | 2016‑02‑03

$ 2,799 | 2016‑02‑23

$ 3,299 | 2016‑02‑24

 

MARCH 26, 2017 BA SAILING: HAVEN SPA SUITE

Price | Date Price Released

$ 3,889 | 2015‑06‑10

$ 4,239 | 2015‑09‑27

[luckyinpa]

i post it again for bahamas

 

april 17 this year is 2649, next april 16 is 4349

 

april 10 this year is 2649, next april 9 is 4349

 

april 3 this year is 2699, next april 2 is 4239

 

and easter this year is under 3100. much cheaper than over 4000 next year

[TheDougOut]

i post it again for bahamas

 

april 17 this year is 2649, next april 16 is 4349

 

april 10 this year is 2649, next april 9 is 4349

 

april 3 this year is 2699, next april 2 is 4239

 

and easter this year is under 3100. much cheaper than over 4000 next year

 

Did you see my post? It's not a fair comparison. April this year is much cheaper because the pricing has dropped as the sail date approaches. Last year at this time, the April sail dates were pricing close to what you're now seeing for next April's sail dates.

[NIATPAC29]

Maybe some of you people should get a job as travel agents

[galensgrl]

Its not complaining to point out the obvious. If someone is not interested in the thread then don't read it or comment on it. As usual the typical cheerleader line is "supply and demand....supply and demand." That is not the issue here. Gratuities went up twice in one year, another gratuity was added for the specialty restaurants, cruise prices jumped up, then all the "free" programs started that raised prices even more.

I don't have any problems with all the cut backs and reductions of perks. That is how companies stay afloat and make money. But when prices go up 20% and there are major reductions in services and overall product that is when I say when.

I am still hoping I will sail NCL again but with these prices there is better value for the dollar for vacations for now.

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

That's pretty much how I feel.

 

Good analogy. I agree.

[LMaxwell]

Did you see my post? It's not a fair comparison. April this year is much cheaper because the pricing has dropped as the sail date approaches. Last year at this time, the April sail dates were pricing close to what you're now seeing for next April's sail dates.

 

In February 2015 I booked NCL Sky with the UBP for October 2015. Paid a shade over $700 with taxes and fees for a couple. I have to look back but the cabin fare was either $239 or $249 per person. Again, keep in mind that was with the UBP included.

 

In February 2016 I looked at pricing for the Sky in October 2016; same week, same cabin category; with included drinks and the pricing was around $1100.

 

Today if I look at that same week in October 2016 and same cabin category it is $1250. The cabin fare is $499 per person with the open bar.

 

That's a huge hike percentage wise for same ship, same week, same cabin category, same overall package.

[Cruisercl]

Its not complaining to point out the obvious. If someone is not interested in the thread then don't read it or comment on it. As usual the typical cheerleader line is "supply and demand....supply and demand." That is not the issue here. Gratuities went up twice in one year, another gratuity was added for the specialty restaurants, cruise prices jumped up, then all the "free" programs started that raised prices even more.

I don't have any problems with all the cut backs and reductions of perks. That is how companies stay afloat and make money. But when prices go up 20% and there are major reductions in services and overall product that is when I say when.

I am still hoping I will sail NCL again but with these prices there is better value for the dollar for vacations for now.

 

Not many industries could get away with this. Imagine shopping for a car. You bought a brand new 2015 car for $15,000 loaded with options. The next year the car is pre-owned and gets less gas mileage and the air conditioner does not work. The power windows were removed too. Its now on the lot for $18000. No sale, right?

That's pretty much how I feel.

 

I agree, good analogy. I think others may have missed your point.

 

Paying $$$ more for the same cruise, a year later, that has less value, service etc., is what seems to be going on with NCL. I guess value is subjective though, just like the food. But IMHO, more money for the same thing is just more money I will have to pay.

[TheDougOut]

LMaxwell - I was responding specifically to luckyinpa's example. As I stated earlier in the thread, I also see examples of significant price hikes (some suites, for example).

Edited March 24, 2016 by TheDougOut