Can't bring soda on board anymore

[xriva]

Fwiw....I don't believe reducing dsc affects anyone...from the steward to the knob polisher

 

 

But reducing dsc WILL get ncl to notice...BIG TIME....

 

Saying you will book elsewhere won't get them to notice because that's all hypothetical in the future

 

,asking ncl send you a $59 check back is real time....and they will notice

 

I'm not sure "I couldn't bring water onboard" would be considered a service issue, which is why you can adjust the DSC. You were told ahead of time - it's on the FAQ on their website, people are getting emails - so it's not a service issue.

 

I'm pretty sure that's the criteria.

[bedfordmom]

I googled and saw an article on USA Today, and one on Fox News. I wouldn't consider this traction at all and I doubt late night talk shows would even "have some fun" with this.

 

When I was a kid, I always thought taking a cruise was one of those things that only insanely wealthy people could afford. Now that I am old, I realise that it is actually a fairly affordable vacation. But I wouldn't exactly say it's common for middle America. For many families, a vacation is getting in the car and driving three hours to a relative's house.

 

If anything, late night talk show hosts would make fun of the hoity toity attitudes of cruisers who can't believe that a company is trying to make money.

 

Remember when flying was glamorous, not anymore. Perhaps the same will happen with cruising.

 

I am upset with the change, mainly as I enjoy unusual diet sodas that are never available like diet crush, diet doctor pepper etc. We have often bought the soda package only to get water down soda (that is when we can actually get someone to take our order. The water bottle prohibition, I am not as upset about as I usually take one bottle and refill it when I go ashore. I will just bring a camelback or reusable water container (that is, if they let us). I wondered on my roll call, whether other things that they sell on the ship will be prohibited like Pringles. Why bring your own when you can buy at 8$ a can?

[SeaShark]

There was no real need to complain about the cost of water before. You could bring your own aboard. The numbers you cite are "statistically", probably, accurate, but you can be there will bet that there are a whole lot more people that will be complaining and will likely show there disliking the policy in not booking future cruises. I know I have cruised NCL, RCCL, CCL and Princess and none more than the others, but as long as this policy is in effect I will not be booking on NCL. I have seen way too many "changes" that cost the customer more and more and I will use my money for what I consider the better option.

No real need? I have to disagree. If the pricing is exessive to the point of gouging, it should always be complained about. To not complain until you are personally affected is...well, selfish.

 

BTW...those numbers are counts from the website...nothing statistical about them.

[Feelin' Nauti']

They are squeezing our wallets like lemons. Loyal or/and future cruisers should begin to put their foot down.

You are on vacation, like to enjoy yourself, occasionally splurge, but how much should you expect to spend on a bottle of water?

Do you need to dine in their extra fee à la carte restaurants? Stick to the main dining room.

Forgetabout room service. Bring the food back to your cabin.

Excursions are way overpriced and photos taken aboard are totally a rip off.

And do you really need that trinket at the gift shop? Only going to be placed in the back of your closet or dresser drawer only to be forgotten.

As seasoned cruisers we all know that the extra purchases can quickly run up your bill.

As long as people are willing to pay the extra fees, the cruise lines won’t do a thing to rescind them. Think it's time we stop!

You don't have to spend money to enjoy a cruise. ;);)

[MissJessicaB]

I got a phone call from NCL today in response to my email to the VP. The person was polite and friendly and answered my questions about the quality of the water. He also let me know that they are looking into the price of the bottled water but that no decision had been made yet.

 

Regardless of whether they change the policy or the price in the end, I appreciated the personal response. I certainly encourage other people to write to senior people about this if they feel strongly.

 

 

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[mafig]

My local TV station (Ft. Myers, Fl.) just reported this.

 

However, they said it was Carnival!:confused:

 

They even showed a photo of a Carnival ship.:eek:

[cv322]

I just don't understand all the hoopla about the water! We spend thousands of dollars to secure a cabin of our choice, a couple of hundred (or more) on excursions, picture-buying, souvenir-buying, transportation to & from the port...and people are worried about the cost of water?

 

Maybe if that's the situation, then they really can't afford to take the vacation :confused:...kinda like I always got a laugh out of people creating new threads here: "What's the cost of a glass of wine? or a bottle of beer? or a cocktail?"...just never understood it :rolleyes:.

[Laszlo]

the real news is how much they are charging passengers for a case of water...i think at last check it was like $78 dollars for a 24 pack of water that big box retailers charge $2.99 for.

 

I hope someone would alert the media!!!

 

Here you go........

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/contact/

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/tips/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2010/10/14/contact-us.html

http://www.madmagazine.com/submissions-form

http://www.theonion.com/about/

[C&F]

NCL does sell very nice refillable water bottles in the gift shop. I heard they had Tervis hot/cold cups as well. Those would be perfect to buy for my whole group. Then we will pour all of our bottled water into those cups!! Cold all day on the hot islands!!

 

 

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[sparks1093]

No real need? I have to disagree. If the pricing is exessive to the point of gouging, it should always be complained about. To not complain until you are personally affected is...well, selfish.

 

BTW...those numbers are counts from the website...nothing statistical about them.

 

Maybe for social issues, but most people complain about high prices by 1) shopping elsewhere or 2) not buying the product or 3) finding a less expensive alternative if available (which many people were using until NCL removed that option). I wouldn't think of walking into a store and saying "your prices are too high, you need to reduce them before I'll shop here" because I know darn well what the response would be.

[abe3]

Maybe for social issues, but most people complain about high prices by 1) shopping elsewhere or 2) not buying the product or 3) finding a less expensive alternative if available (which many people were using until NCL removed that option). I wouldn't think of walking into a store and saying "your prices are too high, you need to reduce them before I'll shop here" because I know darn well what the response would be.

 

 

Doesn't stop Apple from selling their products.

[JimS4210]

I got a phone call from NCL today in response to my email to the VP. The person was polite and friendly and answered my questions about the quality of the water. He also let me know that they are looking into the price of the bottled water but that no decision had been made yet.

 

Forums

 

To me, it seems pretty obvious what's gonna happen. "No bottled water carried on the ships" is the new reality and won't be reversed. But NCL will throw the little people a bone and magnanimously announce that they're lowering the price of water to a slightly less ridiculous $39.99/case. Still outrageous but people will think "Hey, they really DO care about us. Look how much they lowered the price!", not realizing that NCL is still charging 10X what that same case of water costs in a supermarket.

 

As to soda, they might give in and allow 12 packs of cans to be brought on board but there will be some kind of handling/convenience fee.

 

Jim

[littlelulu01]

Two articles in different travel sections is hardly a "ton of traction." I really doubt anyone cares that much. Fox reported it because USA Today did - and Fox got it wrong ("You can't bring beer onboard any more".)

 

I would think the late night people would find some quotes funny:

 

"They don't have MY water available onboard, so now I can't cruise with them."

(this should be an entry for "Overheard in Whole Foods".)

 

They could also show people where are their "deleted" posts are located on FB since some can't seem to find the "Visitors Posts" link on the side of the page.

 

First-world problems are actually quite funny.

 

The reality is that you have:

• People who can't afford to cruise. (Doesn't affect them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who can afford it, but choose not to cruise. (Doesn't affect them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who have CAS or UBP and drink whatever (Doesn't affect them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who drink the included beverages or just buy an occasional soda or bottled water. (Doesn't affect them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who didn't know you could bring drinks onboard (Doesn't affect them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who won't sail Norwegian because it sucks and want "proof". (Affects them. They're not customers. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who like complaining. (Affects them greatly. Norwegian doesn't care. They're going to find something to complain about.)
  
• People who don't like Pepsi, water, juices, coffee or tea. (Affects them. Norwegian doesn't care, unless it's a medical condition. Get a note. Problem solved.)
  
• People who won't drink tap water. (Affects them. Buy a $15 filtered, reusable water bottle. Fill it in the buffet. Fill it in your room. Problem solved. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  
• People who can only drink water bottled from the Ganges (or Mississippi, whatever.) (Affects them. Get a doctor's note. Problem solved.)
  
• People who can barely afford cruising, and need to bring cheap drinks with them. (Affects them. Norwegian doesn't care.)
  

 

So, for all the 50+ pages of ongoing discussion, there are very few groups that I see are actually impacted by the rule. Very few of those groups probably matter to Norwegian. I'm sure I'll get slammed for this, but it's the reality. If you can barely afford to cruise, I don't think any cruise line wants you onboard - they get you onboard so you can spend more money, and that's where their profit lies. (See Cruise, Inc.) That's why ships have casinos, bingo, bars and restaurants.

 

I disagree. What about the majority of people who have the UBP that says free drinks and then they realize that the "free drink" package is going to cost them about $15/day. Well that's ok but... then they have to pay for a couple waters each day at $8-9. Then they have to pay for specialty coffees each day. They have to pay for a can of Pepsi. Many people do want a cold can of Pepsi and not a watered down one in a cup. So the free drink package ends up costing the occasional drinker and person who wants a few waters, a couple of coffees, perhaps a fresh squeezed juice more than they would pay without the free package.

 

When you look at all the other mainstream lines and their packages they do include these types of drinks in their beverage package. When people find out that NCL is not only the only line who doesn't include them but also that you get to pay such an phenomenal markup? That's when you realize the UBP package is kinda a joke, the beverages you want to drink are going to cost you an arm and a leg and that's when people run to a competitor and book with them. NCL does care about those lost customers. I have always been amazed that NCL UBP at $100/day doesn't include soda in a can or water bottle or specialty coffee. I for one don't want to lug cases of water and Pepsi onboard. I want to pay for an "Ultimate" beverage package that includes what the other lines include. The fact it isn't is absurd. I really do hope they can be done with all this unflattering business of advertising a free drink package that includes very few non alcoholic drinks, raise the price of the UBP and just let the customer pay one price and be done with it vs. this nickel and dime business which is really just making them look pretty bad.

 

If the end goal is to get more $, don't label packages that are the least inclusive industry wide AND cost the most. Just charge $5/day or whatever the target revenue is and give a comparable product so that I don't have to look at my non alcoholic bar bill and realize how much was not included in my UBP.

[HarpHarp]

No real need? I have to disagree. If the pricing is exessive to the point of gouging, it should always be complained about. To not complain until you are personally affected is...well, selfish.

 

BTW...those numbers are counts from the website...nothing statistical about them.

 

If you are not interested in buying something, why would you even look at the price? If you were interested in having water on board & saw the very high price, wouldn't you buy a case where you knew it was 1/3 the price. That's voting with your wallet.

Just had a discussion with my PCC, & said that my biggest objection is the lack of choice. Coke & Vernor's ginger ale are best to settle the occasional sea sick queasiness for us, & we drink flavored unsweetened soda water. They also make great spritzers mixed with the wine we purchase on the ship. This sure isn't the Freestyle cruising that attracted us to NCL in the first place. We're trying another line this Fall.

[sparks1093]

Doesn't stop Apple from selling their products.

 

It doesn't stop a lot of companies from charging high prices for their product, but that wasn't the point of the conversation the PP and I were engaged in.

[SeaShark]

If you are not interested in buying something, why would you even look at the price? If you were interested in having water on board & saw the very high price, wouldn't you buy a case where you knew it was 1/3 the price. That's voting with your wallet.

Just had a discussion with my PCC, & said that my biggest objection is the lack of choice. Coke & Vernor's ginger ale are best to settle the occasional sea sick queasiness for us, & we drink flavored unsweetened soda water. They also make great spritzers mixed with the wine we purchase on the ship. This sure isn't the Freestyle cruising that attracted us to NCL in the first place. We're trying another line this Fall.

What can I tell you? Some people are proactive, and others are reactive. You have to do what is best for you. You didn't complain before and now you have to find an alternative. I hope that you have a good time wherever you wind up.

[Feelin' Nauti']

 

When you look at all the other mainstream lines and their packages they do include these types of drinks in their beverage package. When people find out that NCL is not only the only line who doesn't include them but also that you get to pay such an phenomenal markup? That's when you realize the UBP package is kinda a joke, the beverages you want to drink are going to cost you an arm and a leg and that's when people run to a competitor and book with them. NCL does care about those lost customers. I have always been amazed that NCL UBP at $100/day doesn't include soda in a can or water bottle or specialty coffee. I for one don't want to lug cases of water and Pepsi onboard.

 

I want to pay for an "Ultimate" beverage package that includes what the other lines include. The fact it isn't is absurd.

.

I've been saying this all along.

If Celebrity can include water in the package why can't NCL without raising the price?

Celebrity's package is $10+ cheaper, they include the gratuities, plus top shelf premium liquors, specialty coffees, juices, unlimited amounts of bottled water.

Edited July 5, 2016 by Feelin' Nauti'

[EleventyBangBang]

He also let me know that they are looking into the price of the bottled water but that no decision had been made yet.

 

 

That's actually encouraging.

 

I would be totally okay with paying, say, 8-9$ for a 12 pack of water that I'd pay 5 for at the grocery store on my way to the port. I would consider that a reasonable fee, especially considering I would have given the porter 2$ anyway. Heck, I'd be grateful for the convenience, at that price.

 

And I'd bet that enough people would agree that they'd actually make more total dollars in the end, as I can't imagine anybody not staying in the Haven being willing to shell out 40$ for the same case of water. (it's not that we COULDN'T afford it, it's just that it's such an insult that we WOULDN'T, just out of spite.)

Edited July 5, 2016 by EleventyBangBang

[FreestyleNovice]

Hopefully NCL ran some numbers on how sales would go if they lowered the price of bottled water or implemented some BYO soda fee.. because it seems a lot of dislikers are very willing to pay for their own soda convenience.

 

And THAT would be in line with freestyle cruising...

[MissJessicaB]

That's actually encouraging.

 

 

 

I would be totally okay with paying, say, 8-9$ for a 12 pack of water that I'd pay 5 for at the grocery store on my way to the port. I would consider that a reasonable fee, especially considering I would have given the porter 2$ anyway. Heck, I'd be grateful for the convenience, at that price.

 

 

 

 

 

I agree with what you've written. I understand cabins are typically a loss leader and that they make money back later. I'm happy to pay a markup, but not happy to be priced out or gouged. I want to be able to look at the price and say "screw it, I'm on vacation" rather than "ouch, should we still be here?"

 

 

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Edited July 5, 2016 by MissJessicaB

[stleda124]

Just out of curiosity, what does it cost per a bottle of water at the bar?

[Annmeat]

Some are commenting that they read there will be a ban on refillable bottles .

A bizarre thread was started yesterday and it and the op are no longer in existence . She "quoted" some far out things that a certain NCL rep said to her, including that NCL would be confiscating personal water bottles.

There is a reason that the thread was removed. And it wasn't overnight. I ran out to to an errand after I commented and in the hour I was gone it was removed.

 

Many are very worked up about this new policy. No need to add speculation and rumors to the water and soda fire.

[suspaul]

This is neither here nor there but on a recent cruise with Princess I pre-ordered water, I think 2 12paks were something like $13usd and it was nice having them in the cabin when we arrived.

 

Doesn't NCL not offer something similar?

[Annmeat]

Hopefully NCL ran some numbers on how sales would go if they lowered the price of bottled water or implemented some BYO soda fee.. because it seems a lot of dislikers are very willing to pay for their own soda convenience.

 

And THAT would be in line with freestyle cruising...

 

I called and cancelled our water pkg and told the rep why.

 

I don't care if they start include water in the UBP because not everyone chooses that "perk" . A lower price for water packages in general would be a step in the right direction to salvage these tenuous relationships some CC members appear to have with NCL.

[snow bunny]

This is neither here nor there but on a recent cruise with Princess I pre-ordered water, I think 2 12paks were something like $13usd and it was nice having them in the cabin when we arrived.

 

Doesn't NCL not offer something similar?

 

We too did the same thing in February and it was easy. The issue on NCL is that the price mark up on water is a bit insane! Bottles of water at a cost of roughly $5 are a bit too steep for me! We are booked on the Getaway with the beverage package but in comparison to other lines, it sucks! Most lines do offer the water and specialty coffees including fresh ground/fresh made which are the one palatable coffees on a cruise ship. I enjoy the ships that NCL has but will stick to Celebrity and Princess after this one.

 

snow bunny