American crew on Pride of America!

[karfest]

I must admit I was very negative at the prospect of an American crew on this cruise. In fact, I was down on this whole cruise, but my parents wanted me to go, so I went with great trepidation.

 

Well, what a pleasant surprise for this "doubting Thomas"!! The crew was SO much fun- the real upside is that they can understand and joke around (like Seinfeld or Friends references) We talked football (we're from Green Bay) and colleges, and so on... I love the foreign crews but have never had a real conversation with any of them because of the language barrier.This American crew was fun and energetic- always good for a laugh!

 

It was very interesting to get the crews side of the story- many have been on this ship since Germany but are leaving in May because they can't take another "family cruise" season. They said Christmas was hell and don't want to deal with it again. (ran out of high chairs, froot loops, HUGE groups wanting to sit together-tons of people screaming and complaining)

 

The abuse these people take from our fellow passengers is UNBELIEVEABLE!!! I think those who complain about this crew are used to berating the foreign crew- the American crew will not take crap from people the way a foreigner will. I was shocked and dismayed at the way some of the passengers behaved- we really enjoyed ourselves, but if this is what cruisers are turning into- I want no more part of it.

 

I will right a more extensive review when I collect my thoughts, this is a totally different cruise experience that IS NOT for everyone. Very informal, very laid back and relaxed. If you are a clock watcher/perfectionist, you will NOT have a good time. If you want to kick back and enjoy the islands you will have a GREAT time :D

[CRUZIN TOM]

Karen, I am glad you enjoyed your trip, Theresa and I(Tom) leave again this Sunday for another 8 day on the Star out of LA. Sorry about your Packers losing to the Seahawks. We are just one away from being the Superbowl champions.

 

Tom

[irishtwins]

Hi Karen! Thanks for the great info. My husband and I, sister and brother-in-law board next Sat. (2-11)

[Onessa]

Welcome back (to the grey and drizzle!). Glad you had a good time. We were on POAm in November and did not 'miss' the foreign-born crew a bit. One of the Kids Crew councilors had graduated from UW-0!

 

Cruizin Tom - Don't forget who got you to the Super Bowl. Mike Holmgren is accustom to the best when he wins (I go down Holmgren Way almost every day!). I used to run into Mike quite often (Green Bay IS a small town). My husband was traveling for work quite a bit during the Holmgren years, and many a time Mike and I shared a bench at Austin Straubel Airport - waiting for the American Airlines flight up from Chicago - me waiting for my husband, he for his oldest daughters (twins who went to college in the Chicago area). I think he'd sit next to me because I didn't 'talk' football - he'd entertain me with stories of his teenage daughters!

 

PLUS He traded for Hasselbeck from GB after he and Ron Wolf scouted him. I once sat at Matt's table at the "Welcome Back" luncheon that the Packers have every year.

[zimmerjulie]

Karen,

I have been waiting for news of your cruise! So glad you had a great time:D!! I thought you might, having spent a short time on the ship myself, and having had a blast with the American crew. It was soooooooo different, just strange. I had to keep doing double takes at things that seemed odd. For example, I looked at a name tag and noticed that my friendly bartender at the pool deck was from my home town. Never had that happen before :confused: . Sort of surreal.

 

I loved the ship, too!

[lhall85917]

Can't wait to read your review. It is interesting to read all of the different reviews of POAm. Seems not to be a middle ground - either you love it and have a great time or absolutely hate it. Its quite puzzling to me why there are such extremes of experience even during the same cruise.:confused:

[karfest]

I'm also surprised at the extremes. I think cruisers obsess waaaayyyy too much about food and don't take the time to enjoy the rest of the things the ship and Hawaii had to offer.

Believe me- NO ONE on this ship looked to be starving. :rolleyes:

I am back at work today but hope to find some time to throw together a review. Maybe I'll take tomorrow off- I'm still jet-lagged and am swaying on my sea legs!!

[penorment]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We were on the Christmas cruise with a large group and we had a great time. We only had positive things to say about the crew. We did see some of the other behavior however. I always feel sorry for people who let something ruin their vacation by spiraling into a rant at the crew. Sometimes you have to roll with things.

[CruisinMatt]

Hello ex-wisconsinite! :D Looking forward to the review!

[AmyinVail]

My point exactly Karfest! We enjoyed the POAm immensely in November. Loved the crew, loved the ship - had a fabulous time!

[HopkinsCruiser]

I'm glad you found everything well on the Pride of America.

 

I've read an incredibly horrible review that scared me. It said that the crew didn't care and that they were college kids who were on the cruise as a vacation and didn't want to work.

 

We've cruises with Disney and Royal Caribbean, so that's what we are used to. How does it compare to them?

 

What do you mean by, "If you are a clock watcher/perfectionist, you will NOT have a good time." Do activities on the ship not run on-time? Shore excursions? Or is everything relaxed and not as formal service as Royal Caribbean? We are casual and easy to please, but promptness is a must.

 

Tina :)

[Onessa]

. . . Seems not to be a middle ground - either you love it and have a great time or absolutely hate it. Its quite puzzling to me why there are such extremes of experience even during the same cruise.:confused:

 

The NCLA ships and cruises are not the same as traditional lines and ships. There is more of an emphasis placed on time in port - and less placed upon time on-board. It is more of a floating hotel than a traditional cruise.

 

If you cruise mainly for the parties on-board, gambling, shows and other on-board activities, an NCLA cruise is not be your best choice - try the NCL Dawn iternerary. If you are cruising to maximize your time in port - seeing alot of HI in a short period of time while having a comfortable place to come "home" to in between - THIS is your cruise.

 

Our DD particpated in the kids crew programs in the evening, we went to one show, sat and read on the balconey in the warm breezes, and ate at a few of the specialty restaraunts - it was GREAT, but a bit more low key than other cruises I have been on.

[karfest]

I'm glad you found everything well on the Pride of America.

 

I've read an incredibly horrible review that scared me. It said that the crew didn't care and that they were college kids who were on the cruise as a vacation and didn't want to work.

 

We've cruises with Disney and Royal Caribbean, so that's what we are used to. How does it compare to them?

 

What do you mean by, "If you are a clock watcher/perfectionist, you will NOT have a good time." Do activities on the ship not run on-time? Shore excursions? Or is everything relaxed and not as formal service as Royal Caribbean? We are casual and easy to please, but promptness is a must.

 

Tina :)

 

I think Onessa answered it best- this is not a party/activity ship-it is a way to get from island to island. The ship is not the main reason to take this cruise-the ports are.

 

It is not formal at all- we saw a few tuxes and evening gowns on the optional formal night, but otherwise it was aloha shirts and dockers for the guys and capris or sundresses for the ladies in the evening. A side note- I didn't see ANY jeans!

My clockwatcher comment was aimed at those who were upset if we were 1/2 hour late getting into port,or they waited 10 minutes for a shuttle. These things happen on every cruise, just relax and go with it.

If you like eating at the same time, with the same people and the same waiter, this will be a shock. It is more like going to a restaurant at home- take your chances. We enjoyed our cruises on the traditional cruise lines but freestyle is a better fit for us. It is NOT for everyone. If you are on these boards getting information and preparing for what is in store- you will have a great time. Most of the complainers had not done freestyle or didn't research at all. I tend to over-research,but I almost like the planning better than the actual vacation!

[DroopySails]

Very good to read your feedback, karfest...interesting to hear about the American crew. It must be different to have that shared experience.

 

We've had a lot of great extended conversations with international crew members, but they'd be a different type of discussion than you'd have with a fellow American. It would be fun to compare the two, but we probably won't sail NCLA because of our previous travels in Hawaii. So I doubt we'll get a chance to experience the Yank crew!

 

I'm always appalled at the way some passengers treat the crew on every ship. It's really unbelievable the way some people behave when they think they can get away with it.

[HopkinsCruiser]

I understand the casualness of this cruise and actually look forward to it. Royal Caribbean can be a bit too formal compared to Disney. I'm glad to hear NCL America is relaxed. I'm with you with the time thing. It can't be exact. LOL!!!

 

Tina :)

Pride of Hawaii

[p11djmau]

Karen,

 

I totally agree with you that everyone should research their trip!!! It has been emphasized over and over again that POAM is a floating hotel, the focus is HAWAII...the disgruntled posts seem to come from people who expect luxury treatment at every turn. My family and I actually prefer the more casual, laid-back treatment!! We are booked on the June 17 cruise, and we are all so excited to be going to Hawaii!!!! We will not be upset that our napkins are not whisked from the table and placed in our laps!!!

 

I am... I guess, embarassed is the word I'm searching for, to read some of the comments comparing the American crew with a foreign one. We sound like a nation of crybabies, dissatisfied with everything and everyone!

[Nitra]

Not all the crew is American, my hubby is on this ship working and he is a foreigner, as it was put, and he used to work on another cruiseline, but since he is a green card holder, he is trying this to see how it works. Actually a lot of his friends on the ship are not American either, he is always telling me about friends from here and there, yes all either citizens or green card holders but not all are American born.

[bankofdad]

From my experiences, I don't believe that the negative reviews or experiences that are posted can be attributed to an "American Crew". On both of our NCLA cruises it was apparent the the crew was under-staffed (especially POPAmerica). IMHO if you put an international crew in this same scenario, they'd be in an adverse situation, too.

 

Absolutely, I agree that an American crew is a different experience. That said, a person can only do so much - regardless ofwhere they were born & raised. Just MHO!

[redheddad]

The NCLA ships and cruises are not the same as traditional lines and ships. There is more of an emphasis placed on time in port - and less placed upon time on-board. It is more of a floating hotel than a traditional cruise.

 

If you cruise mainly for the parties on-board, gambling, shows and other on-board activities, an NCLA cruise is not be your best choice - try the NCL Dawn iternerary. If you are cruising to maximize your time in port - seeing alot of HI in a short period of time while having a comfortable place to come "home" to in between - THIS is your cruise.

 

Our DD particpated in the kids crew programs in the evening, we went to one show, sat and read on the balconey in the warm breezes, and ate at a few of the specialty restaraunts - it was GREAT, but a bit more low key than other cruises I have been on.

 

I AGREE WITH YOU BUT..... IF IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PORTS THEN HOW ABOUT A LITTLE PRICE BREAK ON THE BOAT. I THINK THAT IS WHAT GALLS PEOPLE THAT SPEND THE SAME $$$ AS THEY WOULD ON A PRINCESS CRUISE AND GET LESS SERVICE THATS ALL.

[Onessa]

I AGREE WITH YOU BUT

 

If you agree, then why are you shouting?

 

..... IF IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PORTS THEN HOW ABOUT A LITTLE PRICE BREAK ON THE BOAT. I THINK THAT IS WHAT GALLS PEOPLE THAT SPEND THE SAME $$$ AS THEY WOULD ON A PRINCESS CRUISE AND GET LESS SERVICE THATS ALL.

 

Without the casino revenue, there are no savings!

 

If you want a cruise subsidized in part by the ship's take in the casinos on "sea days", you'll need to take that Princess cruise!

[Jim Gallup]

There is quite a mis-conception about the staffing "shortages" on Pride of Aloha.

When the vessel was called Norwegian Sky, the predominantly non-US Staff had no problems with the work load.

When the ship changed to American Flag - and predominantly American Crew -NCL quickly discovered that the American Crew was not as productive, fast, or hard working as their predecessors. NCL couldn't afford the space or salaries of additional American Crew, so instead cancelled many of the more labor-intensive activities and offerings that are normally found on NCL Ships. Despite that, the American crew has been unable to keep up. When you talk with them, they will all tell you that they are short of staff.

 

"Short of staff" doesn't mean that they have fewer crew members than before. They don't. It means that the American Crew needs more bodies to do less work that the the Foreign Crew did before.

[Jim Gallup]

NCL's financial challenges with American Ships are far greater than Casino Revenues.

An American Ship in Hawaii:

1. Has no casino ( One week's revenue loss = $100,000)

2. Cannot buy duty free alcohol for bars (one week's revenue / profit loss = $75,000)

3. Must buy fuel at Hawaiian prices (one week's increased fuel cost = $50,000)

4. Must employ mainly American Crew and pay American Wages, Benefits, and Taxes (one week's increase on labor cost = $1,000,000)

5. Must pay Hawaiian sales taxes (paid by passengers in increased onboard prices)

6. Cannot purchase or sell duty-free goods in it's shops (one week's lost revenue = $100,000)

7. Must pay US Corporate Taxes (amount unknown)

 

What is the single biggest revenue producer on most cruise ships?

Art Auction. This activity takes in anywhere from $100,000 to $1,000,000 per week on most cruise ships. Successful Art Auctions can only happen on sea days. POA doesn't have any sea days. Art Auctions don't work for them.

 

What is the second biggest revenue producer on most cruise ships?

Shore excursions. Shore excursion revenue on foreign ships that visit Hawaii can be from $100,000 to $400,000 per week. Since POA Ships are in port all day every day - and most everyone speaks English in Hawaii - most POA Guests save a load of cash by booking their own shore excursions at a far lower price. POA Shore Excursion revenues are minimal.

 

Spa and Salon makes about $100,000 per week on most ships. Nearly all that revenue is made on sea days. POA doesn't have any sea days. That means very little revenue.

 

Now you can do the math. POA charges nearly double the price of a foreign ship for a week in Hawaii - and generally offers far less in the way of services, activities, and features. Despite that, they are still bleeding money.

Any questions???

[bankofdad]

There is quite a mis-conception about the staffing "shortages" on Pride of Aloha.

When the vessel was called Norwegian Sky, the predominantly non-US Staff had no problems with the work load.

When the ship changed to American Flag - and predominantly American Crew -NCL quickly discovered that the American Crew was not as productive, fast, or hard working as their predecessors. NCL couldn't afford the space or salaries of additional American Crew, so instead cancelled many of the more labor-intensive activities and offerings that are normally found on NCL Ships. Despite that, the American crew has been unable to keep up. When you talk with them, they will all tell you that they are short of staff.

 

"Short of staff" doesn't mean that they have fewer crew members than before. They don't. It means that the American Crew needs more bodies to do less work that the the Foreign Crew did before.

 

Hi Jim,

 

I'm not sure that I can back up my statements about the ship being short-staffed, but it would be great if you could give us some insight as to how you know the information in your post is true? I, for one, would really appreciate it, because this issue seems to be an on-going debate. It could be that my statements are merely based upon perception, and not fact (I just don't know for sure).

 

I base my statements upon our own personal experiences. First, from the perspective of our room steward on each cruise, and all other cruises we've been on. On POAmerica, we had only one cabin stewardess (i.e. - no assistant) for at least (20) cabins in the area of the ship we were in (I base this on where we saw her start her day and work along the corridor to our room). Normally we'd have two with the same or lesser amount of cabins. On POAloha, we only had one stewardess, but she had a lesser number of rooms (12 - we asked). Does anyone know for sure if there is a typically industry standard for attendents servicing non-suite cabins?

 

My second observation is the dining rooms, in particular the POAmerica's. Granted I've only sailed freestyle twice, but found it odd that on several nights, with A LOT of people waiting in the halls (sometimes for a long time), the dining rooms were only half-full. When we were in the dining rooms, I didn't see laziness, but I did see our server(s) running between more than just a few tables, along with taking drink orders (on all of our other cruises there was a waiter taking drink orders that were not part of the staff serving food). I would think with Freestyle dining, you'd need to have more staff than that to handle the "dine anywhere any time" concept.

 

The third would be the bar and lounge areas. I thought the pool bars were staffed very well, but the lounges in the evening (unless you were seated at the bar), brought long waits for service because of the small number of drink servers working the tables.

 

I do agree that the cost of the an American crew is much higher. The cost for a typicall balcony stateroom on one of the three NCLA ships has DOUBLED since we sailed POAloha in 2004. So, I've often wondered if the cruise line fiscally limits the number of employees on board (meaning they are able to buy less manhours for the same price when comparing American crew members to their international counterparts)? Is it that the Fair Labor Act limits hours these crew members work (if they are employed hourly) without overtime compensation (so the cruise line caps the number of hours to stay on budget)? Is it that they have trouble fully staffing the ship with American workers or green card holders (because of a smaller labor pool to draw from)? I just don't know the answers for sure, so I'm just speculating based upon experience.

[CruisinMK]

I was on the same PoAM cruise as Bank of Dad, but we don't know each other except for having been on one shore excursion together :). I saw the same thing in the dining room. They had breakfast under control but lunch and dinner sometimes they were swamped, they were obviously seriously understaffed. We had a better experience than most I think because we ate right when the dining room opened. They were very effective workers for the situation they were in.

 

Some of the employees I talked to had just been offered and agreed to "extend" their contract by a few weeks, so the cruise line knew they had an understaffing problem and was trying to deal with it.

 

I had an excellent room steward, don't know if the same understaffing situation is going on there but it sounds plausible. There have been a few more complaints than normal about room upkeep in reviews.

[Jim Gallup]

BankofDad,

My observations are also first-hand. I and many close friends were working onboard Norwegian Sky and POA.

When the Americans first started training on Norwegian Sky; at the end of a long day, when it came time for cleaning up and getting ready for tomorrow, the American trainees had to go to the crew bar or to bed. They were simply unwilling or unable to work longer. The foreign staff stayed on to do the dirty work.

When the foreign staff (at least most of them) were forced to leave after the American Flag was raised, the American Crew was forced to carry the full load. Many would just sit down and stop working, telling us they were so exhausted that they just could not go on. This resulted in crew shortages.

 

The restaurants, dining rooms, and bars have as many servers now as before. The difference is that when a foreign worker calls in sick, he is allowed to have the day off, but receives no pay. He cannot afford to be sick. When an American worker calls in sick, he is paid to stay in bed for the day. On POA, the crew bar is one of the busiest places on the ship. Many crew are so hungover the next morning that they call in sick and get away with it. That is a major source of crew shortages.

 

Next is the overtime problem you mentioned. Foreign crew expect - and are expected - to work longer hours without receiving minimal overtime pay. NCL tries to control US Government-Mandated overtime pay, which is very high, so cannot schedule American Crew as flexibly as foreign crew.

 

The industry standard for housekeeping is 16-18 cabins in a section. Some companies have a single steward with helper; others have a single steward with a shared helper. My guess is that NCL is trying to keep labor costs down in the largest departments (Housekeeping and F&B) by making larger houskeeping stations with fewer staff. They might get away with this as the ship is in port all day, and there is less rush to have the cabins cleaned.

 

It is true that replacing the high turnover of American Crew is an enormous challenge.Recruiting and processing costs for American Crew on a US Ship are extremely high - in the neighborhood of $12,000 per crewmember. A foreign crewmember can be recruited and processed for about $500. The average American Crewmember stays for 4 months; the average foreign crewmember stays for years.

 

Crew turnover and training are also huge problems. There are many thousands of trained and experienced foreign crewmembers just waiting for a chance to work on a cruise ship. They can be hired and processed, and be on the job in just a few days.

Some very bizarre American Maritime Laws require American Crew to join the US Merchant Marine, and go through extensive - and expensive - FBI Background checks that can take months. With no existing experienced American labor pool, after the months of background checks, extensive service training can take weeks and months more. It's not unusual for NCL to hire an American Crewmember who then cannot legally work on their ships for nearly a year, due to all the nonsense he must go through. How do you hire a new employee and then ask him to wait at home for a year until he is allowed to come to work for you?

 

Is it any wonder that the other International Cruise Line Companies walked away from the offer to operate American Flag Cruise Ships in Hawaii?