NCL cruiser back - changed with NCL policies?

[phissy]

Our last cruise was January 2016 on the POA.

Shortly after cruise, I received cancer diagnosis. (Glad I had a good vacation first :D)

After a year of treatment, all is good now. Getting ready to start planning cruises again. What changes has NCL made over this time period. It looks like Tier levels have changed. I think we are still Platinum.

What other policies do I need to be aware of? Thanks so much

[NUPDCOP]

Can't bring any soda/pop or water on board.

[ColinIllinois]

There is an active thread about half way down the page talking about the recent changes:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2500230

[afwminseattle]

congrats on the all clear. I'm 4 years all clear in October and doing a cruise to kind of celebrate that.

 

seems like NCL is doing a lot with free UBP and dining packages if you book now.

[phissy]

Thanks so much. I thought I searched already, chemo brain at work?

Good to be back to planning a fun trip!!

[garycarla]

And of course, POA is almost a different cruise line. Lots of different things since it is an American flagged vessel - the only one they have.

[phissy]

True, POA is a "horse of a different color". No casino , no liquor in Suites, only wine etc.

We have been on Pearl, Star, Jewel and POA.

Looking to do an easy Alaska cruise (we live in Seattle) on the Pearl again.

Suites seem to still have the same amenities. DSC etc still what it was last year??

(Many of you may remember me as the M & G organizer for many cruises)

(It's FISHY )

[phissy]

AARP 9 month discount gone? Just did some research......Andy Stuart President and CEO again??? WOW, if true.

Edited May 19, 2017 by phissy
addition

[Gershep]

AARP 9 month discount gone? Just did some research......Andy Stuart President and CEO again??? WOW, if true.

 

Glad you are doing well. No more AARP discount.

[garycarla]

...No more AARP discount.

 

I take advantage of old people discount when available.

 

But, as a past businessman, I really do not get these discounts.

 

That discount basically says something like: "I have priced my product at $xxx. But, since I think highly of you, let me reach into my pocket and give you some money to help pay for it"

 

Why should a business do this? It applies to all the other reasons for discounts from teachers to fireman to certain large companies to military, etc. Sure it is nice, but the reality is the merchant is digging into their pocket and giving this person some of their money. Yea,some think every product being sold is earning tons of profit. Go check the list of companies out of business or laying off people or closing branches and explain that to them.

[mugtech]

Glad you are doing well. No more AARP discount.

I had the joy of telling AARP I was not renewing my membership because the only thing they ever did for me was now inoperative.

[mugtech]

I take advantage of old people discount when available.

 

But, as a past businessman, I really do not get these discounts.

 

That discount basically says something like: "I have priced my product at $xxx. But, since I think highly of you, let me reach into my pocket and give you some money to help pay for it"

 

Why should a business do this? It applies to all the other reasons for discounts from teachers to fireman to certain large companies to military, etc. Sure it is nice, but the reality is the merchant is digging into their pocket and giving this person some of their money. Yea,some think every product being sold is earning tons of profit. Go check the list of companies out of business or laying off people or closing branches and explain that to them.

When I hit 65 the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Association (LANTA) gave me a free bus pass to be used any time of the year on any bus. The government is making the choice to keep senior citizens from driving, works for me as I can take a free bus ride into Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton to listen to free music

[fshagan]

That discount basically says something like: "I have priced my product at $xxx. But, since I think highly of you, let me reach into my pocket and give you some money to help pay for it"

 

The discounts are to attract a certain group of people. In the case of an AARP discount, most of the Baby Boomers have been eligible to join for the past 8 - 10 years. Boomers are about 44% of the population but are projected to hold 70% of the disposable income over the next five years. But, they only buy about half of the consumer packaged goods. See this link for these stats.

 

Travel is expected to figure highly in what the boomers do with that disposable income. They have all the "stuff" they need. A targeted promotion to boomers makes sense; they can afford to cruise. Offering a discount is the fastest way to get people's attention and to get them to spend their money. When you reach your targeted demographic for your product, and you have the boomer hooked like a 60's rocker on heroin, you eliminate the AARP discount and start offering some inducement for younger people. Booze! Have a generous drinking plan for those who don't consider their liver essential. When you satisfy the 30 - 50 demographic with booze and kid's programs, you switch back to capture whatever demographic you want to fill in your marketing plan.

[brian99]

The discounts are to attract a certain group of people. In the case of an AARP discount, most of the Baby Boomers have been eligible to join for the past 8 - 10 years. Boomers are about 44% of the population but are projected to hold 70% of the disposable income over the next five years. But, they only buy about half of the consumer packaged goods. See this link for these stats.

 

Actually anyone can join the AARP. I joined as an "Associate member" in 2012 (was in my 30's). It was around $15 to join and I saved a couple hundred on the cruise. Maybe they stopped the discount because too many people were using it.

[Gershep]

I had the joy of telling AARP I was not renewing my membership because the only thing they ever did for me was now inoperative.

 

It was the only reason I had AARP, didn't renew either.

[garycarla]

The 5 year dues for AARP are really cheap. We use it from time to time and get the magazine. Nobody ever asks for our card, but....

 

Oh well.

 

As to the local gov't giving free rides. That makes good sense for many reasons.

 

As to picking one cruise vs another due to discount. Maybe. Maybe not. There are so many factors in cruise pricing, availability, onboard services, onboard charges, etc etc.

[fshagan]

Actually anyone can join the AARP. I joined as an "Associate member" in 2012 (was in my 30's). It was around $15 to join and I saved a couple hundred on the cruise. Maybe they stopped the discount because too many people were using it.

 

Most people don't join until they are 50+, because that's when you start getting their advertisements in the mail. And you can be a full member at age 50. I'm sure you don't think that most of the people in the organization are in their 30s.

 

From a marketing standpoint you don't matter as the exception to the rule. If you want to get the attention of people over 50, advertising in the AARP magazine is surely better than advertising in Tiger Beat, even though I'm sure there's one or two odd people over 50 out there that read Tiger Beat.

[phissy]

Looks like the additional point for cruise booked 9 months out is also gone.

Now with new Latitudes Tier benefits (which looks pretty nice) it seems the only way to get additional points is with Latitudes offer cruises and booking Suites. Have I missed something?

[Gershep]

Looks like the additional point for cruise booked 9 months out is also gone.

Now with new Latitudes Tier benefits (which looks pretty nice) it seems the only way to get additional points is with Latitudes offer cruises and booking Suites. Have I missed something?

 

You are correct!