Can't bring soda on board anymore

[April42749]

Mods deleted my first response, but I'll post again I see no offensiveness:

 

Great, lets apply that same idea to alcohol, smoking, gambling and over eating... what a great cruise line they will have then.

 

You'd have a ship full of healthy people.

As long as they keep the casino and gym...I'm good. :)

 

Seriously...I do understand that people are upset...and if things upset them, then find another vacation venue.

 

IMHO...all of this "free stuff" is nonsense, because nothing is free. NCL should make an adjustment to the fares, so people will at least believe that they are getting the freebies. It's just a psychological thing...and it will make everybody happy.

[megansdad1]

I'm going to stress this.....while I dont remove dsc......

 

 

I think right now the best way to show ncl that we are not happy is to order their water which I assume adds 18% to the cost.....

 

 

Then....and I'm serious about this.....get the form from guest services and follow the procedures to reduce dsc by the EXACT amount the water cost you

 

 

Yes I am all warm and fuzzy with the crew...etc etc....but doing this WILL get ncl to see our point

 

 

The crew will be fine ...ncl does pay them and we the warm and fuzzy cruisers give cash extra anyway.....

 

But by reducing dsc in the exact water cost amount.....and telling ncl why you are doing it...will work

 

 

IMHO...this water issue will go the way of the no food from the buffet issue

 

 

Stand strong...reduce dsc....ncl will not only be dealing with angry pax but with disgruntled crew as well

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Or Just use another cruise line. If NCL stops getting repeat cruisers, they will be forced to make changes at that point, assuming it is not too late.

[NLH Arizona]

It'll be about 20 yrs since we last cruised NCL so a lot of this info is new to me. So NCL has a policy that you are not allowed to bring food back to the cabin at all ?? What were the other changes ?

The policy of not taking food back was rescinded shortly after they announced it. There has really not been any changes that affects me to any degree.

[FM]

I bring a tervis tumbler with me. It's not good for day trips, but it's excellent for "around the ship". They last forever.

 

Lol April - I took a look at the Tervis website earlier today as planning on bringing a few tumblers ... then I'll pick up a Brita Space Saver Water Filtration Pitcher when we get to NY or have Amazon ship one to our hotel ... voila ... H20 problem solved :) ...

[RDC1]

Can anyone please verify that the tap water onboard DOES contain chlorine and SALT as some have posted...?? For years (of NCL cruising) I have been trying to pin down the cause of my swelling issues . I had eliminated almost all salt from my food while cruising and that was not the answer...PS--onboard I do drink A LOT of "tap" water...so now I am really wondering...:confused:

 

The World Health Organization has done some studies on desalinated water. The issues they have found are not because it contains too much salt, but instead too few minerals. When the water goes through the desalination process, either by boiling and condensation, or by reverse osmosis, the minerals are removed and you basically end up with distilled water. holding, distributing and drinking distilled water is not good. So minerals are added back in. Even with the minerals being added back the end result probably has less minerals then what you are used to.

 

Some of the impacts from their tests are:

 

1. lower level of minerals makes the water less thirst quenching, so there is a tendency to drink more of it.

 

2. lower level of minerals depletes the body and food of minerals that it would normally get from drinking

 

3. lower levels of minerals makes the water tend to be less flavorable

 

4. lower levels of minerals makes the water more likely to absorb minerals from pipes and other materials it comes in contact with.

 

The following is an interesting paragraph detailing with a study with human volunteers

 

Results of experiments in human volunteers evaluated by researchers for the WHO report (1980) are in agreement with those reported in animal experiments. Low-mineral water markedly: 1) increased diuresis (almost by 20%, on average), body water volume, and serum sodium concentrations, 2) decreased serum potassium concentration, and 3) increased the elimination of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium ions from the body. The basic mechanism of the effects of water low in TDS (e.g. < 100 mg/l) on water and mineral homeostasis was suggested as follows (WHO 1980). Low-mineral water acts on osmoreceptors of the gastrointestinal tract, causing an increased flow of sodium ions into the intestinal lumen and slight reduction in osmotic pressure in the portal venous system with subsequent enhanced release of sodium into the blood as an adaptation response. This osmotic change in the blood plasma results in the redistribution of body water; that is, there is an increase in the total extracellular fluid volume and the transfer of water from erythrocytes and interstitial fluid into the plasma and between intracellular and interstitial fluids. In response to the changed plasma volume, baroreceptors and volume receptors in the bloodstream are activated, inducing a decrease in aldosterone release and thus an increase in sodium elimination. Reactivity of the volume receptors in the vessels may result in a decrease in ADH release and an enhanced diuresis. The German Society for Nutrition reached similar conclusions, warning the public against drinking distilled water (DgfE 1993). This warning was published in response to the German edition of The Shocking Truth About Water (Bragg and Bragg 1993), whose authors recommended drinking distilled water instead of “ordinary” drinking water. The Society in its position paper explains that water in the human body always contains electrolytes (e.g. potassium and sodium) at certain concentrations controlled by the body. Water resorption by the intestinal epithelium is also enabled by sodium transport. If distilled water is ingested, the intestine has to add electrolytes to this water first, taking them from the body reserves. Since the body never eliminates fluid in form of “pure” water but always together with salts, adequate intake of electrolytes must be ensured. Ingestion of distilled water leads to the dilution of the electrolytes dissolved in the body water. Inadequate body water redistribution between compartments may compromise the function of vital organs. Symptoms at the very beginning of this condition include tiredness, weakness and headache; more severe symptoms are muscular cramps and impaired heart rate.

 

 

So if I was having problems with swelling on the ship, since the same water is used for cooking, I would check mineral depletion (the ship adds minerals in, but probably less then most natural water systems) and supplement with a multivitamin/ mineral tablet. My wife and I have not had issues with ship tap water, but then again we always take a multivitamin with supplemental minerals on board ship.

 

With that said I am a physicist, not a physician, and checking with your medical professional might be a wise thing if you have a repetitive issue. Such an discussion might result in him writing you a letter indicating medical necessity for bringing your own selected bottled water.

Edited July 2, 2016 by RDC1

[Sissaaaaaa]

Can anyone please verify that the tap water onboard DOES contain chlorine and SALT as some have posted...?? For years (of NCL cruising) I have been trying to pin down the cause of my swelling issues . I had eliminated almost all salt from my food while cruising and that was not the answer...PS--onboard I do drink A LOT of "tap" water...so now I am really wondering...:confused:

 

My personal opinion is the swelling is from the salt in the food. I have never noticed a difference in water taste in the MDR vs. the bottled water. Also, as long as I watch what I eat and don't go crazy with sauces, etc., I don't swell up. When I say "oh what the heck, I'm on vacation" then my rings are tight the next day. I really think it's the food ... of course, this is just my opinion from my own personal experience.

[debnjoe1438]

Well my two cents, be it good, bad or indifferent,. I will no longer be free advertisement for NCL.

[April42749]

Lol April - I took a look at the Tervis website earlier today as planning on bringing a few tumblers ... then I'll pick up a Brita Space Saver Water Filtration Pitcher when we get to NY or have Amazon ship one to our hotel ... voila ... H20 problem solved :) ...

 

How about this product:

https://www.brita.com/water-bottles/

[FM]

The policy of not taking food back was rescinded shortly after they announced it. There has really not been any changes that affects me to any degree.

 

Thanks NLH ... DW never goes out for breakfast so I always bring something back for her ... then I realized that the Room Service convenience charge doesn't apply to Haven stateroom guests, so I guess we should take advantage of breakfast being delivered ...

[mom2tcdx2]

Overall not an issue for me, as I drink Mtn Dew which NCL has. Though my mom is strictly a diet coke drinker, she had planned to take at least a 12 pack so she had a few to drink and she also liked to have one in the evenings.

 

I have always taken Mtn Dew when cruising on Disney, Carnival, Princess and Royal as I don't drink coke products. They aren't selling me a soda card and they aren't selling me any soda at all during the week. I won't drink it and won't buy it. So keeping me from bringing soda on isn't going to increase me buying something from you. In the end it just makes me a bit more unhappy as I don't have my drink of choice.

 

I also buy Mtn Dew in the airport to take into Disney World since they too only sell coke products. I will pay the higher price in the airport just because I want to be happy with what I have to drink during the week.

[FM]

How about this product:

https://www.brita.com/water-bottles/

 

I took a look ... but then I'd miss out on all the wonderfully designed Tervis tumblers - I got my eye on the oh-so cute doggie ones :)

[April42749]

I took a look ... but then I'd miss out on all the wonderfully designed Tervis tumblers - I got my eye on the oh-so cute doggie ones :)

 

I have the goldfish model. I fill it with water (from my Brita pitcher of course), ice and a lemon or orange slice each morning and add water "as needed" all day. As the day goes on the taste gets better, as more of the fruit taste is absorbed by the water.

 

It's still looks as good as the day I bought it, which was about 5 years ago.

[don't-use-real-name]

35 CC pages on this thread - 691 posts (but no poll) - seems the opposition

to this new customer convenience safety yada yada yada issue is leaning on

the side of negative.

 

So I wonder at what point does NCL realize that they have blundered into

another crowd pleasing moment and will pull the red carpet out from

underneath it to avoid mutiny - NCL lost the food fight bringing food back to

the cabin !

 

Curious if the longshoremen (porters) at the ports that do handle extra

beverages checked as baggage had anything to do with this ?

 

So much for the Safety issue - something that was not broke desperately

needed fix'in and never mind the wants needs of the fare paying customers !

 

A few more weeks of this and wide spread media exposure embarrassing

the NCL imbecile whose master plan comes very close to the edge of pay

toilets should have another replacement for walking the PR plank.

 

What are these people thinking of certainly not customer relations and goodwill !

[Feelin' Nauti']

35 CC pages on this thread - 691 posts (but no poll) - seems the opposition

to this new customer convenience safety yada yada yada issue is leaning on

the side of negative.

 

So I wonder at what point does NCL realize that they have blundered into

another crowd pleasing moment and will pull the red carpet out from

underneath it to avoid mutiny - NCL lost the food fight bringing food back to

the cabin !

!

We need over 65,000 views..

That's what it took when they reversed their decision on the food trays.

 

So keep it up folks. Complain about this change on all their social media sites. (I did!)

All they have to do is hire extra staff to handle the situation. We the passengers, who have cruises booked have paid the gratuities.

[don't-use-real-name]

We need over 65' date='000 views..

That's what it took when they reversed their decision on the food trays.

 

So keep it up folks. Complain about this change on all their social media sites. (I did!)

All they have to do is hire extra staff to handle the situation. We the passengers, who have cruises booked have paid the gratuities.[/quote']

 

Either that or the Cruise Director is going to have to practice on a whole new

line of material on a dry ship !

Instead of winning a bottle of champagne at the Bingo games the prize will

now be a liter bottle of H2O fresh from the bilge or was it the Bridge !

[riddle]

Wonder if this will apply to crew. I see them bringing soda and other stuff from groceries back all the time. It would certainly be a shame to take this away from them as they are taking it back to their "home".

[kjmvacation]

We like to bring our favourite brand of water on board- we buy their beverage package and all that, but like to have our favourite bottled water. If NCL can't allow that- then they don't need us on their ship. Very disappointed in this change of policy. Some have said, "what do you do when you are at a restaurant?" Well- I've never been to a restaurant for 7 days straight, and never slept in one. At a restaurant, I drink something else... but then for the other 20-22 hours a day I drink what I want. IF a hotel told me I couldn't have the bottle of water I want to bring with me, I'd find another hotel. Looks like I'm finding another line... there are lots out there.:rolleyes:

[Cruisercl]

Oh come on I know there are Dads, hubbies and heavy lifters out there that went out in the garage and did a happy dance. Now they don't have to lift and lug that stuff.

 

From NCL's perspective there are indeed lots of reasons to do this, but not just to sell stuff:

Safety - crew doesn't have to lift and maneuver these so less injury risk

Green - fewer bottles and cans to manage, lower garbage volume to handle

Speed - fewer pieces of baggage to move and inspect, faster process per guest

Cost - each of those items saves NCL $

 

It will be interesting to see how prices change on water and soda packages.

 

One suggestion I offer for those looking to keep something in the room, especially for the kids: buy some of those single serve powder drink mixes. Water is easy to grab from buffet.

 

We do have choices and when too many of things stack up against NCL some will make other choices and NCL will be left to reevaluate.

 

For us one less packing decision for our Escape cruise.

 

It appears you have not read the whole thread; this new NCL policy may influence those with health issues.

There seems to be some who are disrespectful and really not knowledgeable about what the ramifications of this could be.

I believe everyone should have their opinion about this, but just because it does not affect you does not mean people should be selfish and think it is 'one size fits all.'

 

You are really the most current post that seems to be not empathetic to others; so I chose to respond to you. :)

[Lulubelle45]

We like to bring our favourite brand of water on board- we buy their beverage package and all that, but like to have our favourite bottled water. If NCL can't allow that- then they don't need us on their ship. Very disappointed in this change of policy. Some have said, "what do you do when you are at a restaurant?" Well- I've never been to a restaurant for 7 days straight, and never slept in one. At a restaurant, I drink something else... but then for the other 20-22 hours a day I drink what I want. IF a hotel told me I couldn't have the bottle of water I want to bring with me, I'd find another hotel. Looks like I'm finding another line... there are lots out there.:rolleyes:

 

Nailed it!!! I have only sailed once on NCL (2011) after trying out HAL, X, and Princess, i booked NCL again and i encouraged my family to join me. Since my last NCL they have added a la carte dining, extra charges in MDR for lobster, a fee for room service, cancelled pizza delivery anywhere on the ship just to name a few changes. This water and soda issue is the nail in the coffin so to speak. I was planning on buying a future cruise on board but won't bother now. Sad as NCL was my first cruise/first love....this is a BIG BIG MISTAKE

[Cruisercl]

For medical reasons I gave up soda (soda, especially diet soda was my one and only drink).

 

I started drinking water with a slice of lemon or orange. Guess what? It tastes a lot better than soda, is more refreshing and 1,000,000 times healthier.

 

So, stop whining about "not being allowed to bring soda" for a week...and give water a try.

 

Good for your that you found a solution but I am allergic to any citrus so your solution does not fit all...it really is a good thing for you.

I think people need to let each person decide what works for them. We are all adults and know what really know works for us. :) No whining just taking care of ourselves without the unnecessary judgment of others; please be respectful.

[LMaxwell]

I don't think they are going to reverse this policy no matter how much noise people make. Maybe they throw a bone; you can have one bottle of wine per cabin, or a 6 pack of soda, etc. But by and large, it ain't going back.

[April42749]

Good for your that you found a solution but I am allergic to any citrus so your solution does not fit all...it really is a good thing for you.

I think people need to let each person decide what works for them. We are all adults and know what really know works for us. :) No whining just taking care of ourselves without the unnecessary judgment of others; please be respectful.

 

I think NCL will do what Carnival did....make low cost bottles of water available.

 

I am respectful and not judging....but soda/wine aren't necessary for anyone's health and well being. NCL is a business. Somehow they will make their money. If they can't add revenue by selling soda/wine....they'll do it by raising fares...or lowering the payback on slots...or raising some other cost.

[esm54687]

I'm going to stress this.....while I dont remove dsc......

 

 

I think right now the best way to show ncl that we are not happy is to order their water which I assume adds 18% to the cost.....

 

 

Then....and I'm serious about this.....get the form from guest services and follow the procedures to reduce dsc by the EXACT amount the water cost you

 

 

Yes I am all warm and fuzzy with the crew...etc etc....but doing this WILL get ncl to see our point

 

 

The crew will be fine ...ncl does pay them and we the warm and fuzzy cruisers give cash extra anyway.....

 

But by reducing dsc in the exact water cost amount.....and telling ncl why you are doing it...will work

 

 

IMHO...this water issue will go the way of the no food from the buffet issue

 

 

Stand strong...reduce dsc....ncl will not only be dealing with angry pax but with disgruntled crew as well

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

This is actually an outstanding idea!!!!

[triptolemus]

but wine [isn't] necessary for anyone's health and well being.

 

I beg to differ... if you will allow me a little wikiplagiarism.

 

Wine has been produced for well over 8,000 years. When the Greeks introduced a more systematic approach to medicine, wine was its prominent role. The 1990s and early 21st century saw a renewed interest in the health benefits of wine, ushered in by increasing research suggesting that moderate wine drinkers have lower mortality rates than heavy drinkers or teetotalers.

 

This changing view of wine can be seen in the evolution of the language used in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Dietary Guidelines. The 1990 edition of the guidelines contained the blanket statement that "wine has no net health benefit". By 1995, the wording had been changed to allow moderate consumption with meals providing the individual had no other alcohol-related health risk. From a research perspective, scientists began differentiating alcohol consumption among the various classes of beverages – wine, beer, and spirits. This distinction allowed studies to highlight the positive medical benefits of wine apart from the mere presence of alcohol. However wine drinkers tend to share similar lifestyle habits – better diets, regular exercise, non-smoking – that may in themselves be a factor in the supposed positive health benefits compared to drinkers of beer and spirits or those who abstain completely.

[Cubechick]

FWIW I can cancel without penalty and have not received any communication from NCL regarding this policy. :mad: