Vibe Passes

[OceanBlueWaters]

I am puzzled...

It is unfair to people boarding in the back of the line.  Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

 

NCL should re-look this ridiculous way of how passengers can obtain a Vibe Pass.  It is Sophomoric to literally make people run for theses passes and then you are SOL if you weren't in front of the line.  Am I missing something?

 

Perhaps introduce a "Lottery" in a more civilized way where all have a chance at the "limited" tickets.

 

The current way of getting the "coveted" tickets needs to be explored.    Can someone tell my why a NCL Exec said "let's make them run for a Vibe Pass!  Screw everyone who was not boarding first"!  That insults my intelligence. Can someone explain the thought process why NCL has people RUNNING for these passes and why if you are in bottom of line why you do not have a chance?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

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[Sauer-kraut]

The early bird gets the worm

On every sailing the available passes will vary due to the fact that the Haven/Suite passengers can get them first and then the remainder have the mad dash.   Buy a spa pass, for the week and relax and forget about the Vibe/Posh area.  

[OceanBlueWaters]

There must be a more civilized way of common folk who would like access to Vibe.  I do not want a Spa pass since I will never go in any pool, sauna, hot tub, etc. on a Ship.  Just me. 🙂

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

I am puzzled...

It is unfair to people boarding in the back of the line.  Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

 

This has been discussed/debated many times. I'll break it down this way....

 

1 hour ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

It is Sophomoric to literally make people run for theses passes and then you are SOL if you weren't in front of the line.  Am I missing something?

 

Those with Priority boarding will get on the ship first. That is because they are either booked in a suite or have a high enough Latitude status. Throw in those who need assistance (wheelchair, for ex), wedding parties, etc. 

 

After that, those who arrive early and have an early boarding number will board next. They are most likely early because they desire VIBE passes. There are other reasons to arrive early but most VIBE passes will go to the people that I just listed. 

 

1 hour ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

Perhaps introduce a "Lottery" in a more civilized way where all have a chance at the "limited" tickets.

 

Difficult to implement because there could be a situation where couple friends in different staterooms could be split. One couple gets access and the other couple doesn't. Also, some staterooms may have 6 adults and others may have 2 adults. Using a lottery system, the number of "winners" would be impossible to know. 

 

1 hour ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

Can someone tell my why a NCL Exec said "let's make them run for a Vibe Pass!  Screw everyone who was not boarding first"!  That insults my intelligence.

 

Guests decide on their own to run. Most people don't run. It has nothing to do with insulting those who do not get passes.

 

1 hour ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

Can someone explain the thought process why NCL has people RUNNING for these passes and why if you are in bottom of line why you do not have a chance?

 

Even as a first time cruiser who is not in a suite, a guest can increase their chance of getting a pass by arriving early and getting a low boarding number. There is no guarantee of success but it would increase the chances. 

 

The idea of purchasing passes online before boarding comes up often but even then, suite guests would probably be able to purchase passes before non-suite guests just like suite guests can make dinner reservations before non-suite guests. 

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

I am puzzled...

It is unfair to people boarding in the back of the line.  Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

 

NCL should re-look this ridiculous way of how passengers can obtain a Vibe Pass.  It is Sophomoric to literally make people run for theses passes and then you are SOL if you weren't in front of the line.  Am I missing something?

 

Perhaps introduce a "Lottery" in a more civilized way where all have a chance at the "limited" tickets.

 

The current way of getting the "coveted" tickets needs to be explored.    Can someone tell my why a NCL Exec said "let's make them run for a Vibe Pass!  Screw everyone who was not boarding first"!  That insults my intelligence. Can someone explain the thought process why NCL has people RUNNING for these passes and why if you are in bottom of line why you do not have a chance?

 

Thanks!

 

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Nothing to be puzzled over. People with status have first opportunity to get the passes,,, as it should be. Take care of your most frequent/best guests.

 

Just like an airline allows their top tier passenger to board the aircraft first and take all of the overhead storage.

 

Haven guests can have the concierge call down to get passes for their guests,,, no need for them to take time away from their first drinks in the Haven lounge. 

 

A lottery with priority to Haven, Ambassador, Platinum Plus, and Platinum guests would mean that no one under Platinum would ever get a pass. 

[OceanBlueWaters]

Thank you everyone for you responses/insight.

It is ridiculous and I can be puzzled if I want.

I guess NCL will continue to make people RUN for Vibe Pass.

It is out of my control how they do business, but truly a flippin joke how NCL executes.  Perhaps they need do away with Vibe, which is available to the Public, and simply give those passes to people better than me. 

Running to obtain a Pass is truly insane.  Are we on a Game Show? I need to be in the right place at the right time? I will pass.  Such a joke.

JMO

[chloe173]

It makes perfect sense from a business standpoint. 

 

Cruises makes the vast majority of their profit margin from purchases people make onboard. By making Vibe passes ONLY available onboard, they are getting a group of people who are willing and likely to be high spenders on the ship sooner, so that they can spend more money. 

 

For example, when I was on Getaway last time, I was at the port by 10am, and was 1st in line through port security in order to get my Vibe cabana. Once I did that, I had lunch in one of the pay restaurants (it was crepes, I think, and has since been replaced by something else) instead of the buffet. Had I not been on early to get my Vibe pass, I would have waited to board until about 3pm and had lunch at somewhere more interested in Miami — that's lost revenue for the ship. They also had more opportunities to talk me into spa treatments, shore excursions, on-board shopping, specialty restaurants, etc. 

 

I wouldn't expect a change anytime soon. If you don't like it, the answer is easy: book a suite.

[gmbhardy]

Just to add fuel to the fire, we attempted to get Vibe passes on the Bliss last Saturday. Even though we are Platinum and boarded with that group we were shut out. A little disappointed but we ended up having just as much fun at the bar in the Observation Lounge. Johnny Chicago was absolutely hilarious and a great bartender.

[beerman2]

It's all part of the process: 

1) Get to port early

2) Wait by embarkation point

3) Walk with a little pace, no need to run.

4) Walk side by side with rolling luggage either side.

5) We had runners attempt to pass us (4 in our group) on the Escape which didn't work out to well for them. Just told them they boarded behind us and weren't passing us up.

6) There is no good way with limited passes available, it's a gamble and we will try the same process again for the Bliss.

7) Supply and Demand has been around for ages, NCL is doing what they as a corporation think is right. It's their policy whether we agree or not.

8 ) It's a CHOICE we have play the game.

[mjkacmom]

The only other option which seems feasible is to sell them ahead of time like the spa passes. Of course, those who didn’t book early would complain.

[NLH Arizona]

On 12/1/2018 at 6:17 PM, OceanBlueWaters said:

I am puzzled...

It is unfair to people boarding in the back of the line.  Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

 

NCL should re-look this ridiculous way of how passengers can obtain a Vibe Pass.  It is Sophomoric to literally make people run for theses passes and then you are SOL if you weren't in front of the line.  Am I missing something?

 

Perhaps introduce a "Lottery" in a more civilized way where all have a chance at the "limited" tickets.

 

The current way of getting the "coveted" tickets needs to be explored.    Can someone tell my why a NCL Exec said "let's make them run for a Vibe Pass!  Screw everyone who was not boarding first"!  That insults my intelligence. Can someone explain the thought process why NCL has people RUNNING for these passes and why if you are in bottom of line why you do not have a chance?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

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I agree, it should not be a race to get passes.  NCL should look at the price they are selling them for and raise such price, because obviously th ere is more demand and they are priced too low.

[Laszlo]

Sell them online, like spa passes. My wife and I are 3 for 4. The last time was the last time I'm getting to the port early and rushing to get passes

[Two Wheels Only]

4 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

The only other option which seems feasible is to sell them ahead of time like the spa passes. Of course, those who didn’t book early would complain.

 

More than likely, suite guests would get a 10 day head start to book VIBE passes (just like dinner reservations) and then some people would really complain.

[Cruise Master 55]

On 12/2/2018 at 7:56 PM, OceanBlueWaters said:

Thank you everyone for you responses/insight.

It is ridiculous and I can be puzzled if I want.

I guess NCL will continue to make people RUN for Vibe Pass.

It is out of my control how they do business, but truly a flippin joke how NCL executes.  Perhaps they need do away with Vibe, which is available to the Public, and simply give those passes to people better than me. 

Running to obtain a Pass is truly insane.  Are we on a Game Show? I need to be in the right place at the right time? I will pass.  Such a joke.

JMO

 

 

Again no one is making anyone do anything.  If one runs to get a Vibe pass it is that person's choice to do so.  The Vibe is way over hyped in the first place.  The right solution is to sell the passes at an equilibrium price point.

[DominicAUS]

On 12/3/2018 at 11:56 AM, OceanBlueWaters said:

Thank you everyone for you responses/insight.

It is ridiculous and I can be puzzled if I want.

I guess NCL will continue to make people RUN for Vibe Pass.

It is out of my control how they do business, but truly a flippin joke how NCL executes.  Perhaps they need do away with Vibe, which is available to the Public, and simply give those passes to people better than me. 

Running to obtain a Pass is truly insane.  Are we on a Game Show? I need to be in the right place at the right time? I will pass.  Such a joke.

JMO

 Of course you can be puzzled. However that doesn’t change the fact on how NCL allows guests get Vibe passes. Like any business they’re rewarding their loyal or highest paying passengers first. 

 

I agree with this, when I fly at the front of the aircraft and have paid thousands more than other I expect priority, same if I am in the Haven. You don’t to agree with it, nor is anyone forcing you to sail eith NCL or run for passes. Everyone has choices. 

[Arzeena]

On 12/1/2018 at 8:17 PM, OceanBlueWaters said:

I am puzzled...

It is unfair to people boarding in the back of the line.  Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

 

NCL should re-look this ridiculous way of how passengers can obtain a Vibe Pass.  It is Sophomoric to literally make people run for theses passes and then you are SOL if you weren't in front of the line.  Am I missing something?

 

Perhaps introduce a "Lottery" in a more civilized way where all have a chance at the "limited" tickets.

 

The current way of getting the "coveted" tickets needs to be explored.    Can someone tell my why a NCL Exec said "let's make them run for a Vibe Pass!  Screw everyone who was not boarding first"!  That insults my intelligence. Can someone explain the thought process why NCL has people RUNNING for these passes and why if you are in bottom of line why you do not have a chance?

 

Thanks!

I agree with your thinking.

However, I never buy vibe passes so I don't make a dash on the ship and run like my life depends on it. In my humble opinion it is very overrated and not worth it. I prefer to buy the spa pass.

[BirdTravels]

On 12/1/2018 at 8:17 PM, OceanBlueWaters said:

Why should I (or anyone) be penalized if I (or anyone) does not have priority boarding or in back of the line? 

You are not penalized, you're not getting the benefit of being a priority boarder. Just like escortres disembarkation/ embarkation at ports and tenders or at shows. And that is the way it should be. 

[Feathercrest]

How much does NCL make on this VIBE promotion?  How much per pass x how many passes?  Is it really worth all this poor PR for NCL?

Do away with the VIBE and just add more chairs and better service for all.

 

[Yorkvillain]

3 hours ago, Feathercrest said:

How much does NCL make on this VIBE promotion?  How much per pass x how many passes?  Is it really worth all this poor PR for NCL?

 

Poor PR?