FDR on CNBC

[Two Wheels Only]

I saw this on CNBC.com

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/29/how-norwegian-cruise-line-is-preparing-for-millennials-to-hop-aboard.html

 

...don't expect prices to come down anytime soon....

[luv2kroooz]

He can't fill his ships now and they're introducing five or six more over the next few years plus lots of new ships from the competition. Alaska is flooded with ships, as is Europe and the Caribbean in January.

 

As more and more people watch NCL offer last minute seven day cruises for $229, I predict there will be fewer advance bookings on NCL forcing prices down due to excess supply. I would never book an NCL cruise more than a month in advance.

[Zippeedee]

All of the building and refurbishment is useless if the staff is cut to the point they can't keep public restrooms clean or clear buffet tables during busy times. A clean ship and good service mean much more for repeat customers than new art work and toy cars. They may get the younger group once but they won't go back if the basics aren't done well.

[newmexicoNita]

8 hours ago, blcruising said:

He can't fill his ships now and they're introducing five or six more over the next few years plus lots of new ships from the competition. Alaska is flooded with ships, as is Europe and the Caribbean in January.

 

As more and more people watch NCL offer last minute seven day cruises for $229, I predict there will be fewer advance bookings on NCL forcing prices down due to excess supply. I would never book an NCL cruise more than a month in advance.

not just NCL last minute bookings but all lines adjust their prices as sail dates get closer. There are a lot of problems doing this and no, not all ships are going out less than close to full. where did you get this idea anyway? The down side of last minute booking is the cost of air at the last minute, the choice of cat, and the possibility the prices do not go down. Heck the cruise we are taking in Oct has absolutely no specials, though other dates do have deals. The cruise we took in Feb was sold out months before sailing. 

[dexddd]

We'll at least with the limited channels on NCL, with CNBC being one of the few, folks can see it on the ships.

[luv2kroooz]

10 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

not just NCL last minute bookings but all lines adjust their prices as sail dates get closer. 

 

I don't know of any other cruise line that routinely dumps cabins like NCL does. If you do, please share them so I can book these deals. NCL fills it's ships by dumping cabins a week or two prior to sailing. I love this, by the way, cruising NCL has never been more affordable.

 

NCL has the highest amount of price fluctuations. You can see it right here on cruisecritic. At least once a week, I see posts, "my cabin has decreased $500, $800 per person".

 

Your October cruise price is likely inflated now. If they can't sell it out at the inflated prices, they'll adjust downward  a week or two prior to sailing.

Edited May 30, 2019 by blcruising

[newmexicoNita]

1 minute ago, blcruising said:

 

I don't know of any other cruise line that routinely dumps cabins like NCL does. If you do, please share them so I can book these deals. 

 

NCL has the highest amount of price fluctuations. You can see it right here on cruisecritic. At least once a week, I see posts, "my cabin has decreased $500, $800 per person".

The 2 that come to mind for me, off the top of my head are Princess, the last time we sailed them:10 day cruise, last minute prices starting at $399. That was a few years ago and Carnival, pretty much the same as NCL. I don't have exact numbers but it does. Yes, most of us get the cc advertisements weekly or more often and can keep up with prices. What you may not realize is how many cabins are available at any given rate: starts at doesn't mean it is available. I have no problem with those who can travel at their leisure and live near the port of embarkation. It is like any other form of vacation; you have the flexibility and the convenience: of course take advantage of it, but your reasoning as to what will happen to NCL or other lines seems a bit cynical and a bit over the top in my opinion. Cruising used to be for the middle aged and older people with funds to pay top $. Now the younger crowds are cruising more, kids think nothing of going on a cruse and yes, they will pay for the family fun adventure. 

[Minoushka]

As of Jan this year apparently Del Rio changed the rules for Casino players .No more getting cabins  for half the fare .I wanted a cabin on Spirit and was told I needed to pay double for it if travelling alone ....esp if I wanted a balcony ....so heck no 

unfortunately food has really deteriorated on NCL in the past few years ....i certainly will not pay double for mediocre offerings .I no longer have an incentive  to go with NCl nor get future cruise oupons if a cruise will cost between 4-5000$ plus flights, plus tips, plus hotels and expenses and I.m still expected to gamble as much ..so over 10000$ 

why should I as a solo pay double ...I wont eatdouble the food ...

i usually travel 4-6 times per year ...not this year ...notwith these prices 

perhaps NCL will realize more people are traveling solo ..so why not build solo balcony cabins .I know about studio but I find those cabins claustrophobic...

for that highprice I could go with anybody ....so I guess my travel days with NCL might be over ...too bad .....

i have yet to see prices plummet ...i hope they do 

[luv2kroooz]

2 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

... but your reasoning as to what will happen to NCL or other lines seems a bit cynical and a bit over the top in my opinion. 

Sorry you think it appears cynical and over the top.

 

My prediction was simply that as more and more people realize that they overpaid by $500, $700, per person by booking early, they are likely to reconsider that strategy when they book their next cruise. Again, that strategy has been echoed in the numerous posts of folks who overpaid by booking early. 

 

As I stated before, I would never book an NCL cruise more than one month in advance. Better pricing and it helps to insure they don't end up messing with the itinerary by switching ports or cancelling a cruise due to a charter 

[luv2kroooz]

4 minutes ago, Minoushka said:

As of Jan this year apparently Del Rio changed the rules for Casino players .No more getting cabins  for half the fare .I wanted a cabin on Spirit and was told I needed to pay double for it if travelling alone ....esp if I wanted a balcony ....so heck no 

unfortunately food has really deteriorated on NCL in the past few years ....i certainly will not pay double for mediocre offerings .I no longer have an incentive  to go with NCl nor get future cruise oupons if a cruise will cost between 4-5000$ plus flights, plus tips, plus hotels and expenses and I.m still expected to gamble as much ..so over 10000$ 

why should I as a solo pay double ...I wont eatdouble the food ...

i usually travel 4-6 times per year ...not this year ...notwith these prices 

perhaps NCL will realize more people are traveling solo ..so why not build solo balcony cabins .I know about studio but I find those cabins claustrophobic...

for that highprice I could go with anybody ....so I guess my travel days with NCL might be over ...too bad .....

i have yet to see prices plummet ...i hope they do 

I would just add that if you are able to travel last minute, you can find some amazing solo deals on NCL. January, May, and September are good months, as as a general rule. In my opinion, if you travel solo, NCL is probably the most solo friendly cruiseline.

[newmexicoNita]

27 minutes ago, dexddd said:

We'll at least with the limited channels on NCL, with CNBC being one of the few, folks can see it on the ships.

One of my pet peeves with NCL: lack of TV channels. I am not a fan of Princess at all, but one thing they do offer is decent TV viewing. I understand the reason behind lousy TV, but it doesn't mean I like it. AT least they do carry FOX as well as CNBC. Too bad they don't have more sports at least at the bars. But that is a different topic for a different.

[mugtech]

On Royal Caribbean I book two years out, as soon as the cabins become available.  Currently I have 7 cruises booked, all at lower prices than currently listed on their website.  As stated, NCL is just the opposite, will not book until a month before the cruise, and only where I have easy access to the port involved.

Edited May 30, 2019 by mugtech
Sp

[newmexicoNita]

8 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

All of the building and refurbishment is useless if the staff is cut to the point they can't keep public restrooms clean or clear buffet tables during busy times. A clean ship and good service mean much more for repeat customers than new art work and toy cars. They may get the younger group once but they won't go back if the basics aren't done well.

are you saying NCL ships are not well maintained? I would disagree with you on that. In fact I have cruised on only a few ships, regardless of the line that were not well maintained overall. As for service, have you had bad service on NCL? WE have rarely, but yes, there have been some crew members not as concerned as we would like: pretty much like many lines. Art work, to me, is a waste but there must be money in it or they wouldn't continue with the actions. I doubt the younger cruisers care about pieces of art that are way over what they would want to pay. Of course other lines do the same. I have never been able to understand this. Once in awhile I see a piece that I would really love to have, but that isn't why I cruise. The toys as you call them are very popular with the younger cruisers which, as he said, is where the draw is right now. 

 

This certainly seems to be a popular topic. I bet by tomorrow there will be pages of responses to this.  

[4774Papa]

NCL, get back to basics and stop focusing on beverage packages with 20% gratuity.

[LrgPizza]

Cue all the posts from people who, based on having taken a few cruises, suddenly believe they know more about running a cruise line than FDR.

[luv2kroooz]

18 minutes ago, LrgPizza said:

Cue all the posts from people who, based on having taken a few cruises, suddenly believe they know more about running a cruise line than FDR.

Really? It's a message board/forum. People are expected to give opinions on the article posted. Please share your thoughts, too.

Edited May 30, 2019 by blcruising

[vince_g]

10 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

All of the building and refurbishment is useless if the staff is cut to the point they can't keep public restrooms clean or clear buffet tables during busy times. A clean ship and good service mean much more for repeat customers than new art work and toy cars. They may get the younger group once but they won't go back if the basics aren't done well.

Respectfully disagree with your statement.  On my cruise earlier this May, table clearing in the buffet was quite good.  I know that the bathrooms near the theater can get trashed after shows, but that is to be expected.  Overall any public bathroom I went into was clean, and had plenty of paper towels.  

[sjbdtz]

1 hour ago, Minoushka said:

As of Jan this year apparently Del Rio changed the rules for Casino players 

 

 

I seriously doubt this to be factual. 

 

FDR is the CEO of NCLH the parent company of NCL, Regent & Oceania.  He's far more preoccupied with buying $1B ships, and orchestrating the Brand Differentiation to maintain multiple lines, and continually securing & evaluating financing options.

 

While Andy Stuart (President of NCL) is a far more likely 'top dog' to be involved in such minutiae, this type of decision MOST likely gets made by the VP of Revenue, or even by the Fleetwide Casino Revenue Director. 

 

Apologies if my response is a bit pointed, but this is a pet peeve of mine.  Not every tiny detailed change comes from the top, or necessarily anywhere NEAR the top.    Sometimes decisions are made, and the top is advised about it, after it's happened. 

 

That's what results from empowering employees and giving them direction.   NCL has over 33,000 employees, many of whom may be empowered to create & implement programs & policies. 

 

 

Stephen

 

.

[Minoushka]

I was told by casino agent he had a direct input in this ....the agent did not understand why itwas changed 

i askedif bookings had chAnged at Casinos at Sea .as a result ofthis change ...i cannot see how they would not be affected by solo players like me ..I was told no ...somehow I find that hard to believe 

up to now i used to travel 5-6 times per year ...i have no bookedcruises for the near future ...had the prices been like before .I would have gone in July and aug or sept ..now nothing 

they would not hAve lost as i generously donate to slot machine ...lol plus being alone I go on their excursions for safety 

oh well 

[LrgPizza]

7 minutes ago, Minoushka said:

I was told by casino agent he had a direct input in this ....the agent did not understand why itwas changed 

i askedif bookings had chAnged at Casinos at Sea .as a result ofthis change ...i cannot see how they would not be affected by solo players like me ..I was told no ...somehow I find that hard to believe 

up to now i used to travel 5-6 times per year ...i have no bookedcruises for the near future ...had the prices been like before .I would have gone in July and aug or sept ..now nothing 

they would not hAve lost as i generously donate to slot machine ...lol plus being alone I go on their excursions for safety 

oh well 

 

I can't imagine how a casino agent would have any clue who had input in this. That agent would be so many levels removed from any of these conversations.

 

[njhorseman]

2 hours ago, mugtech said:

On Royal Caribbean I book two years out, as soon as the cabins become available.  Currently I have 7 cruises booked, all at lower prices than currently listed on their website.  As stated, NCL is just the opposite, will not book until a month before the cruise, and only where I have easy access to the port involved.

I disagree. I currently have 8 NCL cruises booked. All  were booked far in advance of the sailing date. On all 8 of my cruises the current prices are higher than the prices were when I booked, anywhere from $50 per person to $750 per person...and I booked when better incentives were available, so my price relative to making a current booking is even lower than the difference in cash fare. 

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, blcruising said:

I would just add that if you are able to travel last minute, you can find some amazing solo deals on NCL. January, May, and September are good months, as as a general rule. In my opinion, if you travel solo, NCL is probably the most solo friendly cruiseline.

 

Agree whole heartedly...I’ve been sailing solo now for the last couple of years, some on Royal, but mostly on NCL as they really do well for the solo cruiser.

 

I also agree that it’s much easier to find a “deal” on NCL the closer you get to the actual sailing date.  Of course, you give up the wealth of cabin choices, but you do get a good price.

Edited May 30, 2019 by graphicguy

[Zippeedee]

5 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

are you saying NCL ships are not well maintained? I would disagree with you on that. In fact I have cruised on only a few ships, regardless of the line that were not well maintained overall. As for service, have you had bad service on NCL? WE have rarely, but yes, there have been some crew members not as concerned as we would like: pretty much like many lines. Art work, to me, is a waste but there must be money in it or they wouldn't continue with the actions. I doubt the younger cruisers care about pieces of art that are way over what they would want to pay. Of course other lines do the same. I have never been able to understand this. Once in awhile I see a piece that I would really love to have, but that isn't why I cruise. The toys as you call them are very popular with the younger cruisers which, as he said, is where the draw is right now. 

 

This certainly seems to be a popular topic. I bet by tomorrow there will be pages of responses to this.  

I have never had a problem with cleanliness and always received excellent service until I didn't.  My recent Getaway cruise was a mess. Tables not cleaned, lipstick on glasses, filthy public bathrooms with broken soap dispensers.   I thought it was just the pre-drydock state of the ship, but then I just read a few comments stating that the Breakaway had many of the same issues. We may have been understaffed because there were many crew members with the same respiratory illness many passengers, including myself, were hit with during the cruise.

 

Combined with all of the recent "environmental" cutbacks, (ice buckets, towel animals etc) it just looks like the basics are being cut to pay for the new, glitzy stuff.   By "art" I didn't mean the art auctions, I meant decorating the ships. I guess I am just old, they want to draw the younger crowd who want laser tag and race cars. Not to overgeneralize, but I do think with the current state of the economy, "old" people have much more discretionary income than those stuck with student loans, trying to buy first houses, etc.  They push us away to their own detriment.

[smplybcause]

2 hours ago, LrgPizza said:

 

I can't imagine how a casino agent would have any clue who had input in this. That agent would be so many levels removed from any of these conversations.

 

 

Maybe his name was the one on a memo that went around about it, but that doesn't mean he was in on the decision. I've been on several projects where we wrote memos "from the CEO". Basically a way to ensure people don't balk at the new idea. 😉

[Ships R Great]

6 hours ago, Minoushka said:

unfortunately food has really deteriorated on NCL in the past few years ....