Call from NCL re: water

[SuiteCruiser]

That isn't the point. The point, if you read the thread, is that its asinine to freak out about NCL not allowing bottled water to be brought on ship and for some to say they will never sail NCL again even though RCL and Carnival have the same policy. All I said was it was something we "shouldn't" be doing. That's not judging anyone. We shouldn't be eating fried foods. We shouldn't be drinking soda. We shouldn't smoke. Those are all fairly obvious, non-judgemental statements.

 

Someone asked why we shouldn't and I explained why. That's it. Regarding people who drink bottled water, you are making this "judgment" thing up honestly. If I am judging anyone, its people who say I will never sail greedy NCL again because of bottled water. Or money grabbing corporate evil blah blah blah. Yes, I am judging those people.

 

Perhaps you're unaware of the health issues for many when drinking the ship's water? I swell up to the point where my shoes don't fit from the ship's water. The levels of chlorine they use to filter it is what's to blame. When I drink bottled water onboard, I have no swelling.

 

At home I usually drink tap water, though occasionally take bottled for convience when I leave the house.

Edited September 11, 2016 by SuiteCruiser

[davecttr]

Embarking on Epic next Sunday. Do you think they will confiscate my water bottle on boarding if it has only 1 inch of water in it? What about empty bottles?

[thistimeplease]

Embarking on Epic next Sunday. Do you think they will confiscate my water bottle on boarding if it has only 1 inch of water in it? What about empty bottles?

 

I brought a brita water bottle in my luggage and had no problem getting water for it.

[SuiteCruiser]

Embarking on Epic next Sunday. Do you think they will confiscate my water bottle on boarding if it has only 1 inch of water in it? What about empty bottles?

 

They have signs that no beverages are allowed as you enter, so I would empty that bottle of water and put it in your carryon for refilling.

 

Of course, that's assuming the European ports are handling things the same way.

Edited September 11, 2016 by SuiteCruiser

[pliskin]

Perhaps you're unaware of the health issues for many when drinking the ship's water?

 

I am aware of people who have issues with chlorine which is also used to purify tap water in your house. But you have a choice to buy NCL's expensive bottled water or buy a water bottle that has filtration which frankly is better filtration than what the bottled water companies use. I am only saying this shouldn't be a reason to sail or not sail with NCL when Royal and Carnival have the same policy. Nor is it an example of greedy evil corporations.

 

Granted its not cheap but I used a Camelback All Clear in the middle of the Amazon jungle last summer and even mosquito infested sludge water was as good as bottled water. But there are a lot of other cheap alternatives. Heck, bring a Brita pitcher and some empty bottles and keep the pitcher filled in your mini-fridge and you're good to go.

[wdsted]

I am aware of people who have issues with chlorine which is also used to purify tap water in your house. But you have a choice to buy NCL's expensive bottled water or buy a water bottle that has filtration which frankly is better filtration than what the bottled water companies use. I am only saying this shouldn't be a reason to sail or not sail with NCL when Royal and Carnival have the same policy. Nor is it an example of greedy evil corporations.

 

Granted its not cheap but I used a Camelback All Clear in the middle of the Amazon jungle last summer and even mosquito infested sludge water was as good as bottled water. But there are a lot of other cheap alternatives. Heck, bring a Brita pitcher and some empty bottles and keep the pitcher filled in your mini-fridge and you're good to go.

 

Well said! Unfortunately you're swimming against the current trying to point out the wasteful scam which is bottled water here on CC. It's been my observation that users here go cruising to drink bottled water and Coke products. Without these products, they'd rather stay home and post about the liquod threat to their very existence.

[psbtrvlr]

Perhaps you're unaware of the health issues for many when drinking the ship's water? I swell up to the point where my shoes don't fit from the ship's water. The levels of chlorine they use to filter it is what's to blame. When I drink bottled water onboard, I have no swelling.

 

At home I usually drink tap water, though occasionally take bottled for convience when I leave the house.

 

I have this issue too. On any cruise line.

[pliskin]

Well said! Unfortunately you're swimming against the current.

 

Its really more about people who get worked up over minor, inconsequential things. You see them on the ship too. Everything is a scam. NCL is cheating them. They are getting ripped off. Greedy corporations, etc. I feel sad for them. Why go on vacation if you are just going to be annoyed by everything?

 

Life is short. Enjoy it. All things considered, cruising is still a very reasonably priced vacation water or no water. All this outrage when you can buy an $8 Brita filtered bottle and be better off.

Edited September 11, 2016 by pliskin

[fshagan]

Its really more about people who get worked up over minor' date=' inconsequential things. [/quote']

 

As opposed to people who get worked up because someone expresses an opinion on an Internet forum?

 

There are quite a few factors that go into my decision on where to spend my vacation money, as I'm sure there are for your decision. If someone wants to avoid a cruise line because they have red in the logo what does that matter to you?

 

You can't seem to disagree without disparaging those you disagree with; while you don't think so, you have a very moralizing, condescending tone in your posts. You are the one who brought up the environmental concerns, including the number of barrels of oil to create plastic bottles and the amount of water used in the production process, and then said we "shouldn't do it."

 

You call their concerns "minor" and "inconsequential" as if you can read their minds (they are not "minor" to them). You call their concerns asinine.

 

Its really more about people who get worked up over minor, inconsequential things.

 

 

The point, if you read the thread, is that its asinine to freak out about NCL not allowing bottled water to be brought on ship and for some to say they will never sail NCL again even though RCL and Carnival have the same policy.

 

Most of NCL's changes, except for the price increases, haven't affected me personally. The water and soda policy does, and NCL doesn't provide a reasonable way to buy from them what we were bringing on board. They have selected the most expensive bottled water to sell, and they sell it in the most inconvenient package. That's an important consideration for me. Your denigration notwithstanding, I'll continue to determine what I think is important and what I think is a "deal breaker" when I am spending my money.

[pliskin]

As opposed to people who get worked up because someone expresses an opinion on an Internet forum?.

 

I'm not worked up and I am expressing MY opinion on an internet forum.

 

You are the one who brought up the environmental concerns, including the number of barrels of oil to create plastic bottles and the amount of water used in the production process, and then said we "shouldn't do it."

 

Now you are changing things. Read the thread. I said it was something we shouldn't do and someone asked me why and I answered.

 

You call their concerns asinine.

 

What I said was if people are going to not sail NCL because of a policy that is the exact same as on Royal and Carnival? If you are NOT going to cruise on any line because you don't want to buy an $8 Brita water filter bottle...or hell, a $40 case of water...I don't know what to tell you. Do people pack entire cases of water from home when they go to a hotel in Cancun?

 

I am not criticizing people because they need or even want better water than what is available. I am not criticizing people who due to health issues need to not have chlorinated water. But when there is an easy and inexpensive solution yet people still want to cry that NCL are money grubbing evil bastards, yes, sorry. That is asinine. THAT is what I am complaining about and if you read the thread, I've said the same thing over and over.

 

How many people in this very thread have complained that NCL should give free bottled water? But there is no "free." That would only jack up the cost of the cruise for everyone.

 

 

I'll continue to determine what I think is important and what I think is a "deal breaker"

 

I have no issue with that and have never said I did. Again, its the people freaking out about corporate greed and bringing up the CEO's salary as some evidence of how they are getting scammed is what I have been concerned with from the beginning. You can choose to cruise with NCL or not cruise with NCL. Perfectly legitimate.

Edited September 11, 2016 by pliskin

[LMaxwell]

If you are NOT going to cruise on any line because you don't want to buy an $8 Brita water filter bottle...or hell, a $40 case of water...I don't know what to tell you.

 

carnival is $3.99 per 12 pack.

[pliskin]

carnival is $3.99 per 12 pack.

 

And Carnival's alcohol package costs $50.00 per day. Free on Norwegian. if water is that much more important to you than what NCL offers, sail Carnival. That's fine.

 

One company offers cheap water. One offers free drinks and free upscale dining. Both are making business decisions. We have the ability to choose the one that best meets our needs.

[LMaxwell]

And Carnival's alcohol package costs $50.00 per day. Free on Norwegian. if water is that much more important to you than what NCL offers, sail Carnival. That's fine.

 

One company offers cheap water. One offers free drinks and free upscale dining. Both are making business decisions. We have the ability to choose the one that best meets our needs.

 

Relax. Just posted the correct water price.

 

And NCL's alcohol package is $79 per day + 18% vs Carnival $50 a day + 15%.

Edited September 11, 2016 by LMaxwell

[Bubba54]

I will have tod disagree with the Beverage package is free on NCL. The last cruise I booked with NCL the cabin I picked did not come with any of the perks. I could upgrade to a cabin that gave me the UBP. Worked ou to roughly $100 a day. So it's not really free.

[pcakes122]

I haven't participated in the water/Coke debate because I don't drink alot of plain water (shame on me lol) and I do get free bottled water from the casino. At home I drink Coke Zero, but I won't die without it so I just drink Diet Pepsi on the ships.

 

That said, I do have an honest question. For all of the folks who are saying they cannot drink the ship's water and that is causes them health concerns, I am very curious if you need to do anything else on the ship to avoid their water? Do you not drink alcoholic or any other cold beverages with ice? Do you not eat food made with the water (baked goods, soup, salads and greens washed in ship water, soft ice cream, etc.)

 

I really want to know. I remember years ago when I visited Mexico everyone told me not to drink the water - which I didn't. I forgot that ice cubes are made with water and oops. LOL

 

So, are people saying that they can't DRINK ship water, but it doesn't bother them in ice or food?

[pliskin]

And NCL's alcohol package is $79 per day + 18%

 

NCL has 282 sailing where alcohol is included free.

 

The last cruise I booked with NCL the cabin I picked did not come with any of the perks.

 

Its a promotion that changes frequently so you have to keep your eye on it. Inside cabins and even studios get one perk, balcony and above cabins get a choice of two perks like free alcohol and free upscale dining and the Haven gets all 4 or 5 perks. A few months back, this applied to all sailings. Not sure when it changed.

 

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/choice

Edited September 11, 2016 by pliskin

[phoenix1181]

I see Royal mentioned a few times here as having the same water policy. I realize Royal doesn't allow water or other beverages carried on but unless things have changed, bottled water is included with their beverage package. At least it was in April & September of last year.

[NoName]

If we are going to compare to Carnival, remember, Carnival will let you carry on a 12 pack of cans. For me, that is the difference between having a slow, relaxing start to my cruise day versus...making the dreaded walk prior to morning grooming to find my morning caffeine fix.

 

I am platinum on Carnival and will be platinum on NCL after my cruise next week. I have greatly enjoyed my last few Carnival cruises. I no longer feel that NCL offers a better product. So, while the soda won't be the ONLY reason that I select another cruiseline, it will be one of the many factors that I consider when deciding where to spend my next cruise dollar.

 

Kim

[pliskin]

bottled water is included with their beverage package.

 

There were others earlier in the thread that wanted to bring different kinds of soda and stuff. I was just pointing out that none of the big lines allow you to bring your own beverages on board anymore so NCL is no different.

 

But I actually like RCCL's beverage packages. A lot of different options for different price ranges. I still prefer sailing NCL but would love to see them adopt a model similar to Royal Caribbean's.

 

With that said, I've done the math and buying a beverage package doesn't make financial sense for me unless of course its free. :-)

Edited September 11, 2016 by pliskin

[fshagan]

I see Royal mentioned a few times here as having the same water policy. I realize Royal doesn't allow water or other beverages carried on but unless things have changed' date=' bottled water is included with their beverage package. At least it was in April & September of last year. [/color']

 

That is the case still on RCL (that links to a PDF file for our friends on mobile). Bottled water is included in the Ultimate and Premium alcoholic package, and in the Royal Replenish (non-alcoholic) Package. Bottled water is not included in their lowest package, the Select alcoholic and the Refresh non-alcoholic package.

 

The same applies on Celebrity and every other line I've checked. There is an option to get 500ml bottles of water on board.

 

On NCL you cannot get 500ml bottles at all, and bottled water is not included in any beverage plan. Someone said you can get 20 ounce bottles of water for $2.50 on NCL (not sure where, but perhaps at the bars). Otherwise, you are left with 1 liter bottles which are inconvenient to carry ashore or with you on board.

[MrMan]

As opposed to people who get worked up because someone expresses an opinion on an Internet forum?

 

 

 

There are quite a few factors that go into my decision on where to spend my vacation money, as I'm sure there are for your decision. If someone wants to avoid a cruise line because they have red in the logo what does that matter to you?

 

 

 

You can't seem to disagree without disparaging those you disagree with; while you don't think so, you have a very moralizing, condescending tone in your posts. You are the one who brought up the environmental concerns, including the number of barrels of oil to create plastic bottles and the amount of water used in the production process, and then said we "shouldn't do it."

 

 

 

You call their concerns "minor" and "inconsequential" as if you can read their minds (they are not "minor" to them). You call their concerns asinine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of NCL's changes, except for the price increases, haven't affected me personally. The water and soda policy does, and NCL doesn't provide a reasonable way to buy from them what we were bringing on board. They have selected the most expensive bottled water to sell, and they sell it in the most inconvenient package. That's an important consideration for me. Your denigration notwithstanding, I'll continue to determine what I think is important and what I think is a "deal breaker" when I am spending my money.

 

 

Good luck on your new line. You will be missed

[fshagan]

There were others earlier in the thread that wanted to bring different kinds of soda and stuff. I was just pointing out that none of the big lines allow you to bring your own beverages on board anymore so NCL is no different.

 

Well' date=' not quite.

 

Carnival limits the amount you can bring on and the container type, but you could bring on 12 cans of water or soda per person:

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard on embarkation day and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

 

So they still allow you to bring your own beverages, just in a limited amount and in cans or cartons.

 

Princess (owned by CCL) still allows people to carry bottled water aboard and does not restrict it. They have no prohibition about non-alcoholic beverages. People routinely slap a luggage tag on a case of water or 12 pack of soda and have it delivered to the cabin. Their policy is what NCL used to have.

 

Both Disney and HAL still allow you to bring bottled water on board. Check it in your luggage and it shows up in your stateroom.

[fshagan]

Good luck on your new line. You will be missed

 

We will still sail NCL when price, itinerary and convenience all converge nicely. Lately, for the cruises we have been pricing, NCL has been the most expensive. In the past, we would have paid a premium for NCL because of Freestyle and their superior entertainment, and their generally friendly customer service policies.

 

Now, you can't rely on NCL to be the same when you board. They are still tweaking their business model so there's an extra amount of uncertainty involved, and anything outside of "normal food and lodging" could actually change. In the past, changes were few and far between. Now the rate of change on NCL is more rapid and frankly, I thought they had made all the changes they were going to. Then they changed one of the differentiators they had over RCL / Celebrity with the bottled water change.

 

So now NCL is just another cruise line to us. It has to be a pretty special deal on NCL to earn our business. But we'll still sail them when they do earn our business with a fare low enough to overcome the hassle factor.

[FLSteve11]

That is the case still on RCL (that links to a PDF file for our friends on mobile). Bottled water is included in the Ultimate and Premium alcoholic package, and in the Royal Replenish (non-alcoholic) Package. Bottled water is not included in their lowest package, the Select alcoholic and the Refresh non-alcoholic package.

 

The same applies on Celebrity and every other line I've checked. There is an option to get 500ml bottles of water on board.

 

On NCL you cannot get 500ml bottles at all, and bottled water is not included in any beverage plan. Someone said you can get 20 ounce bottles of water for $2.50 on NCL (not sure where, but perhaps at the bars). Otherwise, you are left with 1 liter bottles which are inconvenient to carry ashore or with you on board.

 

Can't you just bring an empty, smaller water bottle and pour in some from the 1 liter bottle? You'll get multiple fillings of the smaller bottle from the bigger one.

[pspercy]

For those comparing with Royal, theirs changed:

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