What do other cruise lines do that you wish NCL did?

[PelicanBill]

Having been on RCL once recently and NCL 6 times in the last 6 years.... My choices to pick up from RCL are

 

* Drink packages to include specialty coffee, bottled water, and juice.

* I know O'Sheehan's is popular, but I can never get in after a show. Convert to, or add, a counter service included venue with pizza, sandwiches, salads, (and fewer deep fried foods!)  

* Ice cream and drink stations more forward - like near the ping pong areas

 

[hallux]

32 minutes ago, WeLuv2TravelAlot said:

on at least some of their ships a smoke free casino

You've never been on Bliss or Encore, have you?  Those ships have an isolated section of the casino just for players that wish to smoke.  It's not just isolated but WALLED OFF.  Check the ship tours to see what I'm talking about.

[Linda the Book Lover]

5 hours ago, dexddd said:

Past guest discount like MSC.

 

As David said, more for Haven like no package surcharges.  Prices are high enough, but I don't expect to change.  As things stand now though, we won't be booking.

This is us as well. We now book MSC YC because it is a great deal and everything is included and less expensive than the Haven. We will still book NCL, if there is something that strikes our fancy like Hawaii, even with the prices it is a wonderful cruise. 

[Two Wheels Only]

6 hours ago, dexddd said:

As David said, more for Haven like no package surcharges.  Prices are high enough, but I don't expect to change.

 

It used to be that way.

 

In June 2017, NCL started to charge Haven guests the promo service charges. All promos used to be included and no service charges added. Now, Haven guests select/de-select the promos that have an added charge. 

[Trimone]

One formal evening.

[FLAHAM]

I wish NCL had soda machines like the RCL Oasis and Allure (may be on other Royal ships as well).  They read and validate your cup (given with soda package) and dispense a broad variety of sodas 24/7.  

[hallux]

Just now, FLAHAM said:

I wish NCL had soda machines like the RCL Oasis and Allure (may be on other Royal ships as well).  They read and validate your cup (given with soda package) and dispense a broad variety of sodas 24/7.  

I believe that's a fleet-wide program.  I think there were some rumblings early on that it may be suspended while other COVID restrictions were in place.  At least people were questioning if the program would continue while COVID was still a concern.

[WYB!]

On 1/19/2021 at 6:19 PM, hallux said:

Not really the topic here...

I can reword my comments for the topic police.

 

Royal Caribbean has a visa signature card with a rewards program that seems to be a bit of a mystery. If only NCL had a signature credit card.

 

I've been on other cruise lines that offer to take my money first and then select a cruise later. What's not to like about that?

 

I like cruise lines that allow me to bring guns and knives with me. Not sure why NCL has a problem with bringing guns and knives but is ok with bicycles?

 

Clean laundry is over rated. 1 pair of underwear should be good to go for at least a 3 day voyage or just go commando...

 

Stay well & Safe travels.

[david_sobe]

18 hours ago, WeLuv2TravelAlot said:

I would love it if NCL had on at least some of their ships a smoke free casino, like Celebrity does.

 

Also I agree with the person who thinks that NCL should include bottled water and coffee as part of their beverage packages like the other lines do.

 

 

The Encore has a smoke free casino.  I think the Bliss does as well.  It was so nice not to smell the smoke.  I think that will be the new trend.

[dexddd]

18 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

It used to be that way.

 

In June 2017, NCL started to charge Haven guests the promo service charges. All promos used to be included and no service charges added. Now, Haven guests select/de-select the promos that have an added charge. 

We know that and the key word is 'used to be'. Our last NCL was 2016.  We only have $150 tied up in NCL. I'm not paying the ever increasing Haven prices plus made up, ever increasing fees on 'promos' for our convenience, of course. 

[FreestyleNovice]

Serve Coca Cola instead of Pepsi. 

[hallux]

8 hours ago, WYB! said:

I can reword my comments for the topic police.

Considering I posed the question/topic, I believe my request is warranted...

[PATRLR]

I wish NCL had Carnival's Chocolate Lava cake.   (Yes, I know NCL has something similar, but it's no where near as good)

 

[FreestyleNovice]

On 1/19/2021 at 9:30 PM, Two Wheels Only said:

NCL should not throw a fit when Freestyle Novice leaks deckplans/info a few weeks before NCL officially reveals them. 😉

 

Check out the latest Leo news in Everything Leonardo thread. 

 

edit: sorry for off topic! 

Edited January 21, 2021 by FreestyleNovice

[kaprin02]

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

I wish NCL had Carnival's Chocolate Lava cake.   (Yes, I know NCL has something similar, but it's no where near as good)

 

My first ever cruise was on Carnival (10+ years ago).  I had the chocolate lava cake for dessert almost every night.  The last night, our waiter brought me the recipe - I hadn't even thought to ask for it.  Unfortunately, I have since lost the recipe, but my guess is it's out on the internet somewhere!

[step78]

Maybe, one day, far away, NCL learns the difference between € and $ and how to use currencies. Prices shown in $ but you have to pay the same amount in €. Sometimes not. Prices shown in € plus gratuities, but you don't have to pay them. 

 

And NCL please try to use the skills of your staff and let someone translate this app and content! 

[4774Papa]

Our cruising experience started with the NCL Gem in 2010 when I retired.

 

Since then we have done 7 NCL, 11 Celebrity and 2 on Royal Caribbean.

 

Each cruise line has its advantages and some disadvantages.

 

1) Some have pointed out some of the features that we love with Celebrity.  I ditto those.  Celebrity has superior MDR dining and we love the design of the Celebrity ships.   Some NCL ships don't have a sunset bar behind the buffet, so you can go outside to eat from the buffet.   Also, ships like the Epic are not designed for passengers to enjoy viewing the ocean from inside the ship.   Celebrity ships are great for this.

2) NCL excels in entertainment, as does Royal Caribbean.  However, we don't like having to pay extra for shows, which NCL does in some cases.

3) NCL started going all inclusive a few years ago and this has made their cruise prices more noncompetitive compared to other lines.  We haven't done NCL much recently because of that.  Unfortunately, Celebrity started doing this recently as well.  Fortunately, Royal Caribbean and Princess have not.  Sorry, we are moderate drinkers and don't drink 8-10 drinks a day and fares with perks boost overall prices.  Further, NCL adds an outrageous service charge to their perks.

 

[4774Papa]

One more suggestion:

Both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have great happy hours for their loyalty customers.   Loyalty benefits on NCL are not as good.  

[Bonita232]

As a Pepsi girl PLEASE dont go to coke lol.... 

 

But I wish they would not put such a large "tax" on drink packages, as a celebrity's cruiser the 1st time we went to NCL and saw the extra $480 tax for the "free" drink package we almost cancelled our trip! Also would be nice to have an option as to something other then a pop package or expensive drink package we dont drink a lot so we just opt out of the "free drink package". When booking you should have the choice what beverage package you want and price adjust accordingly as buying the soda package still works out cheaper then taking the free drinks and paying the taxes... 

 

I wish their pools were not salt water! On other ships my kids spend HOURS in the pool as its fresh water. 

 

My son would say cancel curfew for the teenagers as other boats don't have them...

 

Laundry would be AMAZING

 

I would LOVE If there were MORE servers in the shows and if servers all over the ship or private island didn't linger around like they are waiting for you to tip them some cash. I have NEVER had that happen or get that feeling on a cruise yet on my last trip it was always happening

 

finally maybe not change it but I did miss having a formal sit down time for the MDR we always get dressed nicer and your waiters learn your likes and dislikes and its a nice experience, I found with no set time we ate at the buffet more then usually as the wait times for the MDRs were always long.    

[oteixeira]

So in no exact order:

 

1.  Smoke free casino (or ship for that matter) would make me happy.

2.  Coffee (including fancy coffees) included in the PBP perk. (Although last time I was in the Haven I was never charged for fancy coffee, even though no where I read it was included, go figure)

3.  Mini bar included in Haven rooms (MSC is brilliant with this one)

4.  SPA or Vibe (customer has to choose) perk included for each Haven room.
 

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, oteixeira said:

(Although last time I was in the Haven I was never charged for fancy coffee, even though no where I read it was included, go figure)

 

The Haven menu always has prices for cappuccino, espresso, etc. but I've never been charged for any of them.....not yet.  

[P_Mcruisers]

The only ship that I am aware of that has a Soda soda machine is the Breakaway>

We forwent the Soda Package and bought our bottled soda ... 16th floor  in the Video Arcade Game room. 

A decent amount of Pepsi products were available.  (water also)

Note:  A) You swipe your card key and you will be  billed, which is  viewable on your Acct screen. I say this because you may have to swipe more than once for a soda. Be-careful the number of billed  sodas should equal the number of billings on your acct. 

            B) If  after several swipes no soda is dispensed (check your bill) . This happened to me more than one (on a bk2bk cruise). I believe i used the phone close to the machine to call for service. @ hours later I bought my soda.

 

Hope this helps

 

[AstoriaPreppy]

I echo a lot of the comments already posted: the beverage package, internet that is awful on NCL, etc. 

Some other things I'd improve: 

• NCL's general service level onboard:Compared to every other mass market cruise line, NCL doesn't seem to be into providing great service experiences. Onboard, the service is often disinterested compared to other lines. It's generally efficient, but no one is going out of their way to make you feel special, or go above and beyond. This extends to guest services also: any issues with service on board may go unaddressed and unresolved, and won't get resolved post-voyage.
• NCL's shoreside guest services: it's just the worst. We had a debacle dealing with them around a canceled cruise this past February, and months of wrangling afterwards. It was not pleasant, and didn't speak highly of the company overall. 
• Food quality onboard: NCL's main dining room food needs to be brought up to current standards. Other mass market cruise lines feature quality and flavor in their MDRs and buffets... NCL food has lagged way behind and needs a refresh. You shouldn't have to pay an upcharge to get what another line would serve you for lunch in their dining room.  
• A rotating menu in the Haven: for the price paid, it's ridiculous that NCL doesn't offer a menu that changes in the Haven restaurant. Again, compared to all other lines offering a suite dining room, it's laughable that NCL won't offer this for the price. 

[oteixeira]

2 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

The Haven menu always has prices for cappuccino, espresso, etc. but I've never been charged for any of them.....not yet.  

I am aware, what I am telling you is I never saw the charge for them even though we got them many times on our last cruise.   I wonder if we BOTH got lucky, or if it is an unspoken rule, the price is just there to scare off extra coffee orders.

Edited January 21, 2021 by oteixeira

[luckyinpa]

13 hours ago, FreestyleNovice said:

Serve Coca Cola instead of Pepsi. 

 

i had a friend go on a cruise with me. 1st thing she did in the bahamas is get a coke. 

 

ncl should have a cheaper drink pack that includes soda/mocktails and bottled water like princess does