Can't bring soda on board anymore

[drvalo]

But not one person, who said they were calling, has even said they made the call and what happened on the call. Don't you find that interesting, I do because of how irate these folks were and how much they want to share. It will be just like when Celebrity change a policy, a lot of posturing, but no follow through, because even with the changes (and all cruise lines make changes), NCL is still a good product.

 

In my emailed letters to Mr. Stuart and Ms. Ewart, I did request there be some sort of opportunity to receive a refund for our cruise Next certificates as many of the terms that had nothing to do with itinerary had changed since we purchased. I have not received any response from my emails, but that does not mean I have given up. I may use one and simply chuck the other since that is the break even point, but I would rather be able to cancel my already booked cruise and try another line at this point. Calling and talking to people at NCL seems to go nowhere. My already booked cruise is still a ways off and the policy may yet be modified.

 

While this policy alone would not make me switch, and I am not offended that NCL wants to make a profit, taken with the other recent policy changes, including increased fares, free promotions that are not really free, and the reduction in the value of the Platinum benefits, then yes, it begins affect my enjoyment of a cruise.

Edited July 6, 2016 by drvalo

[sparks1093]

I've cruised before and after the majority of the changes and I really don't see a difference in the product. I like that NCL gives me choices as to how to spend my dollars.

 

I see a difference in the way I am viewed as a customer. That doesn't matter to you but it does to me. If I can find an NCL cruise that is equal in fare or less than the competition's I'll give them at least one more try but my hand will be firmly on my wallet;).

[NLH Arizona]

In my emailed letters to Mr. Stuart and Ms. Ewart, I did request there be some sort of opportunity to receive a refund for our cruise Next certificates as many of the terms that had nothing to do with itinerary had changed since we purchased. I have not received any response from my emails, but that does not mean I have given up. I may use one and simply chuck the other since that is the break even point, but I would rather be able to cancel my already booked cruise and try another line at this point. Calling and talking to people at NCL seems to go nowhere. My already booked cruise is still a ways off and the policy may yet be modified.

 

While this policy alone would not make me switch, and I am not offended that NCL wants to make a profit, taken with the other recent policy changes, including increased fares, free promotions that are not really free, and the reduction in the value of the Platinum benefits, then yes, it begins affect my enjoyment of a cruise.

Don't throw away your cruise next, sell it on here. Folks do it and someone always wants them. Try Celebrity.

[chisox021]

So, to save 18%, you book a cruise $1,000's more to save a few hundred bucks.. That makes sense :rolleyes: lol

 

You do not pay the 18% on UDP and UBP when in the Haven. Your butler will also leave you pitchers of iced water if you like.

[NLH Arizona]

I see a difference in the way I am viewed as a customer. That doesn't matter to you but it does to me. If I can find an NCL cruise that is equal in fare or less than the competition's I'll give them at least one more try but my hand will be firmly on my wallet;).

It doesn't matter to me how you view how you are treated as a customer, but it certainly does matter to me how I'm viewed and I have never been viewed as anything less than a valued customer. If I didn't feel that I was viewed properly by a business, I certainly wouldn't give them one more try.

[chisox021]

I've emailed both POCs and haven't yet received anything from either - And I'm not expecting anything either.. They are going to be bombarded with correspondence with this, so I would expect a blanket reply from someone.. But we all need to voice our concerns to expect anything to happen...

 

 

You must know everyone personally to know what they are or aren't going to do.

 

But not one person, who said they were calling, has even said they made the call and what happened on the call. Don't you find that interesting, I do because of how irate these folks were and how much they want to share. It will be just like when Celebrity change a policy, a lot of posturing, but no follow through, because even with the changes (and all cruise lines make changes), NCL is still a good product.

[NLH Arizona]

I've emailed both POCs and haven't yet received anything from either - And I'm not expecting anything either.. They are going to be bombarded with correspondence with this, so I would expect a blanket reply from someone.. But we all need to voice our concerns to expect anything to happen...

I wonder why some are receiving calls back and others are not.

[FM]

You do not pay the 18% on UDP and UBP when in the Haven. Your butler will also leave you pitchers of iced water if you like.

 

Thanks Annmeat ... you're right about the 18% not applying to the Haven - I had to re-read the fine print (guess that's why they call it the "fine" print) ... you turned one of the :( to a :) !!

 

It's great that the Butler will be able to bring a pitcher of iced water ... it'll make filling our H20 bottles easier. We are so used to drinking bottled water during our travels so will bring along the Brita just to give it a once over. It's surprising how something so basic and necessary as water can have an affect on the outcome of a trip when it is off just a bit - something we've experienced before ... yes - even on a cruise.

[Sand and Seas]

The ship looks amazing. But my teens would be bored. Husband and I are looking forward to during Yacht Club in the future. Royal has priced us out of suites for the family, and NCL right now has the amenities our teens enjoy. The no smoking in casino would be nice!

 

Our early 30s DS and his wife were bored on the MSC Divina. Beautiful ship and they got a good price, but boring cruise for them. They are coming back to NCL. Of course they weren't in the Yacht Club....

[FranknBeans]

We have cancelled Bermuda and Med cruise and arguing over cancelling Hawaii.

Long time cruisers and Platinum and just don't see NCL able to fill our needs anymore and there obviously wanting to change their demographics.

 

For those interested in Spirit West Med. cruise 3/25 to 4/4 2018 cabin #BC 10686 one of the most sought after cabins. If not on NCL web page then call because it wasn't avail when we booked but called and it was open.

__________________

[sparks1093]

It doesn't matter to me how you view how you are treated as a customer, but it certainly does matter to me how I'm viewed and I have never been viewed as anything less than a valued customer. If I didn't feel that I was viewed properly by a business, I certainly wouldn't give them one more try.

 

What can I say, I am willing to see for myself if the price is right. (I think as time goes on that will become less and less likely but only time will tell.)

[chisox021]

Unless they are going to actually call each and everyone that submitted an email to them.. I'd hate to have that person's job... and I guess they are being called back in the order the emails were received :D

 

I wonder why some are receiving calls back and others are not.

[Annmeat]

Not planning on cruising on Royal or Princess, done that not excited about the product and would never sail on Carnival, but I'm glad you enjoy those cruise lines. I'm happy with NCL, Celebrity and Crystal and have never brought on water or soda on any of my over 40 cruises, but thanks so much for the information. BTW, I'm very well versed on the beverage packages on the lines I cruise on and don't have an issue with any of them, but again thank you for your information.

 

Umm - I was agreeing with you and offering info to all. I don't cruise Carnival or Princess. Don't be so testy!

[SNJCruisers]

Carnival was the first to do this and IMHO did it much better job of implementing it. No one likes change, but if you give ample notice and provide some viable options, people will accept it.

 

I never carry on water or soda and have always just drank whatever was available on board. However on my last Carnival cruise I pre ordered a 12 pk of water since it was such a reasonable price.

And to take it one step further, Carnival still allows people to bring on a sealed 12 pack of soda per person at embarkation and also at any port of call. This would satisfy the Coke crowd that does not like the Pepsi products that NCL serves, so it would be a great PR move if NCL followed Carnivals lead and just did those two things by allowing cans to be brought on and offering reasonably priced bottled water to be purchased.

[jm485]

Have you looked at their basic financials lately ?? The debt equity ratio is pretty scary.

 

Are you looking at total debt/equity or financial debt/equity?

 

To the extent that the debt is secured by liens against hard assets (i.e., the ships), the leverage ratio might not be out of line. That kind of operating leverage is not viewed as negatively as a high level of financial leverage. You'd also want to consider debt leverage in the context of other companies in the same industry.

 

Disclaimer that I've never looked at NCL's financials myself, so I don't know anything with respect to the specifics of the company or industry. But those are general rules of financial analysis (which is my day job, not posting on internet forums).

 

Back on topic:

 

I can't help but notice that those comparing the policies for bringing beverages on board are not also looking at the inclusions in beverage packages. RCCL includes bottled water, specialty coffees and fresh-squeezed juice in their Ultimate plan equivalent. NCL includes none of those things. I think NCL also charges a higher price.

Edited July 6, 2016 by jm485

[richstowe]

Just checked my Royal reservation.

First of all, all of their drink packages do NOT include water.

Second-12 bottles Evian is 47.20 when purchased before cruise. This includes the 18% gratuity. That is the same that I would pay on NCL for the same sized bottles.

 

Unless you are considering Princess or Carnival you will pay a lot for bottled water. Those who keep including RCL with the"reasonable " priced beverage lines need to look at their prices first. Incidentally, a 5 night to Bahamas in an OS on RCL is the same price as the 7 nights in an H5 on Breakaway. Royal doesn't include the drinks or specialty meals , except for concierge lounge and its 3 hour cocktail time. And the Diamond lounge.

 

Ultimate Package

Toast to virtually unlimited options with all top shelf cocktails, beers, wines, juices, premium coffees and teas and bottled water included– plus a free Coca-Cola® souvenir cup.

Premium Package

Opt for open bar with all premium and frozen cocktails, a wide selection of beers, wines by the glass, bottled water and a Coca-Cola® souvenir cup

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

[jm485]

Just checked my Royal reservation.

First of all, all of their drink packages do NOT include water.

Second-12 bottles Evian is 47.20 when purchased before cruise. This includes the 18% gratuity. That is the same that I would pay on NCL for the same sized bottles.

 

The Royal equivalent of NCL's UBP includes bottled water, fresh juice and specialty coffee.

[Annmeat]

So, to save 18%, you book a cruise $1,000's more to save a few hundred bucks.. That makes sense :rolleyes: lol

 

Why are you being a jerk? She is in the Haven, which shewants to experience, and I gave her some information. Grow up.

[Annmeat]

Ultimate Package

Toast to virtually unlimited options with all top shelf cocktails, beers, wines, juices, premium coffees and teas and bottled water included– plus a free Coca-Cola® souvenir cup.

Premium Package

Opt for open bar with all premium and frozen cocktails, a wide selection of beers, wines by the glass, bottled water and a Coca-Cola® souvenir cup

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

 

And their first tier package does not.

Nice editing!

You with AP?

[Annmeat]

The Royal equivalent of NCL's UBP includes bottled water, fresh juice and specialty coffee.

 

And ALL of their packages do not. Which is what I said.

I don't purchase the package on either line, it affects me not. But "facts" are being tossed out that are not facts.

 

Not all RCL drink packages include bottled water. I don't care about comparing plan to plan. I never said NCL had the same product or a comparable price. I would never purchase the NCL UBP because I only drink one or two drinks a day, and no way hubby can make up the difference. I wouldn't buy it on RCL , either. It is not cost effective for our cruising experience.

Edited July 6, 2016 by Annmeat

[chisox021]

I'm not being jerk.. I'm merely pointing out the fact you stated doesn't make sense to save the 18%...

 

Why are you being a jerk? She is in the Haven, which shewants to experience, and I gave her some information. Grow up.

[Annmeat]

I'm not being jerk.. I'm merely pointing out the fact you stated doesn't make sense to save the 18%...

 

Who said they booked the Haven to save 18%? She was mad about paying the service fee, I pointed out that she didn't as a Haven cruiser.

 

I can't believe the embroidering that is going on in this thread. Testy, fussy cruisers here today.

[CruisingAlong4Now]

Smoking thread or the shorts in the MDR thread.

 

Wait - I'm getting more popcorn. :cool:

[jennmaybe]

This new policy is being implemented a week before I board the Breakaway. I don't appreciate the callousness in the way it is being implemented for those of us who have booked and are unable to cancel without substantial penalty. The high cost of water and beverages on board usually was a non factor for me when traveling with Carnival because I would bring the allowaable amounts onboard. I am only trying NCL as an alternative to Carnival but am already regretting my choice to do so and would find a Carnival alternative to my cruise with NCL if it was feasible to do so. It"s not necessarily the policy change it is not knowing that the policy would change when I booked in October of 2015. To me and my family it is not being able to opt out at this point as our cruise is too close to do so. A total buzz kill!

 

We're in the same boat as you! We want to cancel and suck-up the penalty, but we have others going with us and they do not want to lose any money. We are stuck, but DH and I already decided we won't be spending any extra money on board.

[Sissaaaaaa]

We're in the same boat as you! We want to cancel and suck-up the penalty,

 

Why?