Are you thinking of giving up on NCL?

[dznymom]

NCL still seems to fit us best, and luckily I am not overly bothered by most of the changes. Some are a bit annoying, but nothing I can't work around.

 

Over the last couple of years we have added other lines and cut back on NCL. But this is more because of the lack of imagination in itineraries than the actual cut backs.

 

In the last couple of years we have enjoyed HAL but not as much as NCL. Their Suite perks are not in the same ballpark as NCL, the casinos are lackluster (but casino offers are decent) and things get very quiet after dinner. Some things are equal to or better than NCL, though.

 

Celebrity was wonderful, but overall it didn't fit us as well as NCL.

 

We'll be trying Princess for the first time in April, thanks to a fabulous casino offer from my Vegas casino. I am looking forward to the comparison and really hope I like it as it's 15 days with 9 of them at sea :eek:

 

Bottom line is I am only Loyal to myself and my budget. I see no reason to be loyal to any corporation.

[kathy884]

my knee jerk reaction was that the no water bottle policy was the straw the broke the camel's back.

and would not sail ncl if it wasnt 'free' from my land casino. ($200 ncl admin/profit fee :mad: )

 

but i cant beat the price if i paid for it.

it's mainly due to the 20% discount because of NCL's arrangement with my land casino. and free casino drink card.

 

next year i expect a free Carnivale cruise from a different land casino.

lets see how bad of a noisy party boat this will be.

will i swear off Carnival even if it was free?

 

DH got the same land casino deal and that is what got us to decide to try NCL when DS asked if we would like to join him and a friend on a cruise. He was originally going to do the Carnival Vista, but decided on the NCL Escape with our sharing the casino deal savings and going along. We were able to get 10% off of their room to for them and shared the savings four ways. // I am not so sure about the short Carnival cruises, but we haven't had any problems with too much noise or rowdiness on seven days ones, even in March during spring break season. We're excited to give it a try.

Edited September 17, 2016 by kathy884

[pokerpro5]

my knee jerk reaction was that the no water bottle policy was the straw the broke the camel's back.

and would not sail ncl if it wasnt 'free' from my land casino. ($200 ncl admin/profit fee :mad: )

 

but i cant beat the price if i paid for it.

it's mainly due to the 20% discount because of NCL's arrangement with my land casino. and free casino drink card.

 

next year i expect a free Carnivale cruise from a different land casino.

lets see how bad of a noisy party boat this will be.

will i swear off Carnival even if it was free?

 

I'm in the same boat as you.

 

Thanks to my land based casino deal for NCL, I am "married" to this line.

 

If I had to pay full price, I would probably go elsewhere at this point, as I'm unhappy with recent changes.

[kathybelcher2433]

I'm in the same boat as you.

 

 

 

Thanks to my land based casino deal for NCL, I am "married" to this line.

 

 

 

If I had to pay full price, I would probably go elsewhere at this point, as I'm unhappy with recent changes.

 

 

Wow. Super sad to continue to do something that makes you unhappy just because of the price.

 

 

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[swedish weave]

Wow. Super sad to continue to do something that makes you unhappy just because of the price.

 

 

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Price is VERY IMPORTANT to those of us who pay for our cruises.

 

The push by NCL to extract extra dollars from those of us who book lower category cabins is the major reason I have diverted much of my cruising budget to other lines.

 

I am not saying I won't book with NCL, but it will be if the price is attractive to me, and my onboard spending will be VERY LIMITED.

Edited September 17, 2016 by swedish weave

[kathybelcher2433]

Price is VERY IMPORTANT to those of us who pay for our cruises.

 

 

 

The push by NCL to extract extra dollars from those of us who book lower category cabins is the major reason I have diverted much of my cruising budget to other lines.

 

 

 

I am not saying I won't book with NCL, but it will be if the price is attractive to me, and my onboard spending will be VERY LIMITED.

 

 

Btw, I pay for my cruise. Every penny (and nickel and dime) of it.

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

Btw, I pay for my cruise. Every penny (and nickel and dime) of it.

 

 

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OMG, not his broken record again. If one wants to accuse folks of not paying for a cruise, I wish they would show proof of that. I can guarantee that I pay more for my cruises then someone who cruises in an inside cabin (as well as other categories) and I also probably spend more money while I'm on the ship than most (because I have to be gambling a lot to get an offer for a free balcony or mini-suite, which I always upgrade and pay that upgrade for a penthouse) and I pay my DSC (some have bragged that they don't). Also, even though my 18% gratuities are paid by NCL on my UBP and SDP, I also tip the servers as if NCL wasn't paying the gratuities. Eventhough my room service charges are paid for by NCL, I've never ordered room service on NCL or any other of my 40 plus cruises. So, this old story doesn't really work. Let's post facts, instead of just accusing folks of doing something that in reality they are not doing. Edited September 18, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[spanishguy1970]

NCL lost us after the Norway went away...a really classic ocean liner. We just can't get into the "floating resort" concept. When we sail we want to see and feel the ocean as well as enjoy the classic cruise atmosphere. To each his own.....

 

Wow what year was the Norway? :eek::eek: wasn't the Norway before freestyle? and that has been 16 years or more? :confused:

[AllAboardatSea]

We just cancelled our December cruise 2 days before final payment. I made the comment to the agent asking me why..."do you know how ridiculous it was to even reach you?" I had to wait for someone to answer (booked with NCL direct) for 30 minutes, then told that person couldn't help me, and took another 15 minutes to track her down just to cancel the cruise! I then told her on top of this all the cuts NCL has made pushed us over the edge, and they need a new CEO. I explained we rebooked the same dates onto RCCL for CHEAPER, and a better value overall. I left telling her I believe NCL needs a change of CEO quickly.

 

She responded nicely, stating I think you understand that I cannot respond to your comments (recorded conversation), but noted it as such.

 

I don't like being the one to complain like that, but it's reached a point where enough is enough, and only money talks when it comes to this CEO...

[fshagan]

We just cancelled our December cruise 2 days before final payment. I made the comment to the agent asking me why..."do you know how ridiculous it was to even reach you?" I had to wait for someone to answer (booked with NCL direct) for 30 minutes, then told that person couldn't help me, and took another 15 minutes to track her down just to cancel the cruise! I then told her on top of this all the cuts NCL has made pushed us over the edge, and they need a new CEO. I explained we rebooked the same dates onto RCCL for CHEAPER, and a better value overall. I left telling her I believe NCL needs a change of CEO quickly.

 

She responded nicely, stating I think you understand that I cannot respond to your comments (recorded conversation), but noted it as such.

 

I don't like being the one to complain like that, but it's reached a point where enough is enough, and only money talks when it comes to this CEO...

 

Your complaint was handled by the agent on the phone. No one else will ever hear it. It is that agent's job to take those complaints and swallow them. That's how customer service works.

 

That person earns about $10 an hour in Miami, FL (a fairly high cost area). You wasted your complaint and did nothing but cause indigestion for a working person earning just above minimum wage.

 

If he or she was asking why you are canceling they have a survey with four or five options ... and one is checked. I assure you your employment recommendations is not recorded. Only "lack of service", "cost too high" or whatever management has decided can be on the form is on the form.

 

Most people in these jobs really need the jobs, and they are not likely to take your message to management. It won't accomplish anything, and might get them fired.

 

I'm not trying to be mean, but complaining to a customer service agent is about as effective as spitting into the wind. It does nothing.

 

If you are really irritated you must write a letter, or at least an email, to NCL with your concerns. It isn't read by the top executives, of course, but the letter will get read by someone who will, if they see enough of the same sentiment, pass the concern along. Its a completely different set of people than the phone reps, and they have a different job ... their job is to respond, not take short surveys with pre-determined responses.

[abe3]

Wow what year was the Norway? :eek::eek: wasn't the Norway before freestyle? and that has been 16 years or more? :confused:

 

 

Some people can't get with the times. Also haters will find anything to blame NCL even if it was 20 years ago.

 

 

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[Blondie008]

Slightly shifting towards "leaving" NCL, as we FEEL that their product has gone up in price and that we can get better deals at for example Celebrity (Coke products yay!) taking in the total product and final bill.

But we do think we won't find NCL's outdoor activities water slides, ropes courses etc combined with a freestyle dresscode on any other line, at this moment so we're still on board so to say.

 

RCCL would not be an alternative with formal nights, we do like to change for dinner but not in full formal. Casual smart will do for us.

 

Costa, MSC, Carnival just aren't our taste and Germain aimed lines like AIDA and TUI cater to German speaking guests. HAL and Princess are an older demographic and are too classic for us, Celebrity is more modern.

 

Oh and too poor to cruise on anything above premium mainstream. ;)

 

Did you know Celebrity no longer have formal nights? You can choose Select Dining (anytime dining) and "Evening Chic" - is very much the same as "Norwegian night out". No formals required.

I love Celebrity but enjoy NCLs lounges and entertainment more -

Happy to cruise on either line though.

Celebrity we like Aquaclass as it means having BLU restaurant - its a fabulous restaurant and smart casual is all that's required every night of the cruise if you wish.

No buzzers and bells though on X - I wouldn't cruise a transatlantic with them again (yet) - demograph was a lot older than on NCL.

Its nice however to be open to enjoying both lines.

[newmexicoNita]

Are you a loyal customer? and what makes you keep coming back?

 

My first cruise was in 2009 on the Norwegian Gem Barcelona to New York. I remember being excited and nervous, it was my first cruise and and a transtatlantic to boot. I loved every minute of it so much so that NCL got me hooked. I have to admit at that time there was an older latitudes program, I never thought i would make it to Platinum and did not care. Cappuccinos were free, room service was free, no gratuities charges in specialty restaurants ( we did leave a tip though). there was just one time fee to eat at the specialty restaurants, for instance $10 dollars for the Mexican restaurant, 20 for Le bistro, $25 for Cagney well you all get the picture. We loved the staff, the service, the people etc.

 

In 2010 we came back on the Gem from Venice to New York. On the ship it was announced that the Epic was going to takes its place doing Transatlantics and we thought to ourselves hmmm, no, too big for our taste. On that route, 2 days before we got to New York the weather was so horrible that when we were on our way to eat at the Buffet a 40 foot wave hit the ship and i was thrown across the room, hurting my left arm, some people got broken bones, noses, plates thrown everywhere, everything in our refrigerator came out, thown all over the floor it was a nightmare. I had to wear a sling across my arm. This event did not discourage me to keep coming back to NCL in fact i have been loyal ever since. I like the freestyle and it staff. I like their itineraries, their price ( although i do see their prices have gone up) which is understandable. We have done ALaska ( 28 days) and now I have to admit we will be on our first cruise on the Epic after all this time. I think what keeps bringing us back is the freestyle and the good Transatlantics. We enjoy our 6 days at sea. :D

 

I guess i am biased. I don't know if i will ever look at other cruise lines, but will never say never, since i said i was not going on the Epic and here i am, going on it in October. i also have to admit that i do understand why some loyal customers feel their loyalty is not appreciated. I can certainly see the changes, the price increases, the various fees and how some may think their money does not go as far as it used to with NCL but quite frankly what does these days?. At the end of the day I am the one who makes the choice to stay with NCL, at least FOR NOW. This is all IMHO, so no flaming allowed. Happy cruising everyone :D:)

 

P.S * forgive any grammatical errors, i am in a hurry!:eek:

 

For us, we would not leave NCL because of price changes. We have cruised enough, with all mass marketed lines to know, regardless of what many may say, all are adding price changes one way or the other.

 

I do think it is fun to try other lines. When we could afford to cruise more and had more mobility to tried all the lines. Now, we have settled strictly on NCL. The drink, specialty dining promos or whatever off set the increase in costs for us.

 

We really do love NCL. Other lines have a lot to offer as well.

[deliver42]

To compare what NCL is now with the Norway doesn't make any sense. Even if the Norway was here today, there is no way that it could be, or should be converted to Freestyle.

[chisoxfan]

I agree, My three favorites are Princess, NCL, and Holland. I have reached the highest loyalty levels on all three lines. I currently have two cruises booked with NCL.

With that said NCL was always my first choice, but in the last 5 cruises it isn't what it once was only my opinion. Where they have lost me is their customer service. We have had a couple of issues and will now call them customer no service.

lengthy I know but if the intinerary and price is right I will sail them again. But for know it is at least number three on the list.

 

Yes agree. The mainstream cruise product is more alike than different. We have cruised mostly X followed by NCL followed by Princess and HAL.

We just looked at MSC which was not on the radar previously. For us the drink package inclusion is a deal breaker and after that we look to overall value keeping in mind we hope to cruise 2-3 times a year and it really does not make sense for us to pay a big premium for any single cruise.. Have tried NCL suite and liked it but only at a price point. Never had a bad cruise but were disappointed with the Epic our first experience with the NCL 'big' ship. Hoping we love our upcoming Getwaway experience.

 

I guess I am a 'whiner' as I am definitely dismayed at the profusion of NCL

'fees at sea' but try to frame these as part of a fact based evaluation for any cruise. We are trying our first all inclusive in Feb which may ultimately be a cruise alternative. We have upcoming cruises with NCL, X, and Princess. Good cruising to all.

[spookyfudge]

No.

 

Sailed NCL once, was quite happy, got two more booked:)

 

.

 

No sailed once, did not like it. I will never come back.

[wdsted]

In answer to the question asked, we are not giving up on NCL. in fact, we have 4 future cruises booked. Our next cruise is BA next month: forward-facing Haven suite, $1500 pp, 4 perks. The other three aren't quite that much of a deal, but all are well priced and come with the booze and dining packages. We are more than satisfied with the ships, onboard experience, customer service, and VALUE. Since we've cruised NCL I'll dare say more than most folks posting on this thread and never experienced the horror and indignation described, I have to speculate that it's possibly their problem and not NCL's. You run into the unhappy types on every cruise but they're the rare exception. I don't base my time off happiness based upon bottled water, Coke products, or forking over a few well earned dollars. I also recognize that NCL is a business, not a religion.

 

 

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[chisoxfan]

Your complaint was handled by the agent on the phone. No one else will ever hear it. It is that agent's job to take those complaints and swallow them. That's how customer service works.

 

That person earns about $10 an hour in Miami, FL (a fairly high cost area). You wasted your complaint and did nothing but cause indigestion for a working person earning just above minimum wage.

 

If he or she was asking why you are canceling they have a survey with four or five options ... and one is checked. I assure you your employment recommendations is not recorded. Only "lack of service", "cost too high" or whatever management has decided can be on the form is on the form.

 

Most people in these jobs really need the jobs, and they are not likely to take your message to management. It won't accomplish anything, and might get them fired.

 

I'm not trying to be mean, but complaining to a customer service agent is about as effective as spitting into the wind. It does nothing.

 

If you are really irritated you must write a letter, or at least an email, to NCL with your concerns. It isn't read by the top executives, of course, but the letter will get read by someone who will, if they see enough of the same sentiment, pass the concern along. Its a completely different set of people than the phone reps, and they have a different job ... their job is to respond, not take short surveys with pre-determined responses.

 

Your point is well taken. If I feel it necessary to disparage some aspect of the product experience (whether cruise or any other product) I will bring it up but preface it by calmly saying 'I know this is not something you control but I am frustrated by XX. Sometimes a joking comment about the CEO pay or bonus and how undeserved it seems will lighten the mood. If there is something more the rep can do for you this may help elicit it.

 

That said, absolutely agree that you need direct (mail or phone) contact with a VP or above if you have any hope of hitting the nail on the head. I have on a few occasions called HQ and solicited the name of VP of customer relations or other similar title and at that point you will almost always get a personal response. Even had a few pick up their own phone.

 

Few people will take the time to make this effort and unless there is something specific a management person can do for you there is not much point unless you just want to 'get if off your chest'.

[graphicguy]

Wow what year was the Norway? :eek::eek: wasn't the Norway before freestyle? and that has been 16 years or more? :confused:

 

I was on the Norway right before it exploded. Fun time as it was my very first cruise.

 

People forget that there were no specialty restaurants, the entertainment was woeful compared to what you get on an NCL ship today, and as much as people bemoan things like the absence of lobster, the food today is as good or better, with much more selection.

 

Today, the cabins are nicer, the ships are more stable, there's much more to do, and believe it or not, I spend the same today as I did for that Norway cruise, and that doesn't even take into account the cost of inflation.

 

True, suits, gowns, tuxes were required then. And, you had strict dining times and venues, there was also a fairly elaborate midnight buffet. But, if you believe you need a midnight buffet with all the food on board, and you absolutely feel the need to dress up, then the Norway was more your speed than today's NCL ships/experiences.

[4774Papa]

No, we just had a wonderful cruise to Alaska on the Norwegian Sun. The food was quite good and service was great.

[chisoxfan]

I was on the Norway right before it exploded. Fun time as it was my very first cruise.

 

People forget that there were no specialty restaurants, the entertainment was woeful compared to what you get on an NCL ship today, and as much as people bemoan things like the absence of lobster, the food today is as good or better, with much more selection.

 

Today, the cabins are nicer, the ships are more stable, there's much more to do, and believe it or not, I spend the same today as I did for that Norway cruise, and that doesn't even take into account the cost of inflation.

 

True, suits, gowns, tuxes were required then. And, you had strict dining times and venues, there was also a fairly elaborate midnight buffet. But, if you believe you need a midnight buffet with all the food on board, and you absolutely feel the need to dress up, then the Norway was more your speed than today's NCL ships/experiences.

 

We were on the Norway with a family of 4 (two small kids) in the early 80's The 'large' ocean view room we had included a small twin bed and a bunk bed. If you stood on your toes (I am over 6 ft.) you could peer out of your porthole if it was not fogged. Dinner was at assigned times as you know with jackets and ties required. I think my 4 year old daughter had ten dressed purchased for the cruise. Getting ready for dinner was quite the affair with one undersized bathroom. Anyway great memories and it was a beautiful ship with a storied past.

 

I think today's cruising offers a superior product in every way except perhaps the food prep in the MDR.

[NLH Arizona]

We were on the Norway with a family of 4 (two small kids) in the early 80's The 'large' ocean view room we had included a small twin bed and a bunk bed. If you stood on your toes (I am over 6 ft.) you could peer out of your porthole if it was not fogged. Dinner was at assigned times as you know with jackets and ties required. I think my 4 year old daughter had ten dressed purchased for the cruise. Getting ready for dinner was quite the affair with one undersized bathroom. Anyway great memories and it was a beautiful ship with a storied past.

 

I think today's cruising offers a superior product in every way except perhaps the food prep in the MDR.

I also started cruising way back when. I remember being escorted to my cabin upon embarkation with someone carrying my carry-on luggage. I remember white gloved waiters serving me on fine china. I remember the food being equal to a Michelin star restaurant. I remember ladies dressed in fine gowns and men in tuxes on formal nights and also being dressed to the nines on other nights. But one thing I really remember is that the price way back then was so much more than what we pay today for our cruising experiences.

[4774Papa]

I also started cruising way back when. I remember being escorted to my cabin upon embarkation with someone carrying my carry-on luggage. I remember white gloved waiters serving me on fine china. I remember the food being equal to a Michelin star restaurant. I remember ladies dressed in fine gowns and men in tuxes on formal nights and also being dressed to the nines on other nights. But one thing I really remember is that the price way back then was so much more than what we pay today for our cruising experiences.

 

Those days are gone for mainstream cruisers. Many more people travel these days and ships are far larger. Still, we have done 15 ocean cruises sine 2010 and all were good. Some were fantastic.

 

I don't like crude and rude people on cruises wearing wife beater T shirts and short shorts to the MDR. However, after doing the formal nights on Celebrity, I don't miss wearing the Tux either. Life is good.

[Action Dave]

No I wouldnt consider any other than NCL. That said if i found a cruise iteniary that I liked on another line i would take it.:)

[biker@sea]

I remember a few years back.

 

My PCC calling with a book an inside gty for $199 P.P. .

 

Get a midship balcony cabin 7 night to Canada.

 

I liked THat NCL , the one that tried Hard to fill ships. ;)

 

.

Edited September 18, 2016 by biker@sea