I Don’t Get the RCCL/NCL Pricing Argument

[Jim The Lizard]

Getting ready to sail on Prima, and had a debate on a Facebook page this week with a disgruntled NCL Prima guest.  Claimed he was going back to RCCL because of the nickel and diming on NCL and that NCL keeps raising their pricing.  In addition, Don from YouTube and Jay from the Shiplife on YouTube have stated that the other lines have dropped their pricing since the pandemic and NCL has not.   Ok, so I’m booked on Escape for a February 2024 cruise, so I did a mock booking on Wonder of the Seas for the same weekend sailing with similar itinerary.  RCCL is $109 cheaper for a balcony; but does not include drink package or 2 nights specialty dining.  I understand that is not important to all, but the overwhelming popularity of the drink package and specialty dining seem to be more of the norm.  Not sure I can make that math work in my head.  

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 hour ago, Jim The Lizard said:

 RCCL is $109 cheaper for a balcony; but does not include drink package or 2 nights specialty dining.

Yikes!!  That makes NCL the clear winner! 😎

[Jim The Lizard]

5 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Yikes!!  That makes NCL the clear winner! 😎

I don’t know if it’s “clear”.  Some people don’t drink enough for the drink package and are happy with every style I’d complementary dining.  And NCL does charge for Vibe, laser tag, go carts, etc.  But I simply don’t get the whole NCL has raised prices while other lines have supposedly reduced theirs.  Value of NCL “perks” are expensive on other lines. 

[PTC DAWG]

The cost is fairly similar, that said, I value the drink package myself. YMMV.

[wolft927]

I cruised RCCL Symohony of the seas last October because my NCL cruise got canceled 2 days before sailing. I got the drink package on RCCL and it was very high. With drink package RCCL was clearly higher priced! If no drink package RCCL was a little cheaper 

[hallux]

Can you find an older ship on a similar itinerary?  Just as with the Prima, the cruises on newer RCI ships will have inflated pricing, because it's new.  Wonder is the newest ship in their fleet, comparing pricing on that ship to pricing on an 8 year-old ship might not be apples-to-apples.

 

OK, you may be on to something.  Found an 8-night Eastern Caribbean on Adventure of the Seas (one of their much older ships) - Labadee, Haiti; St. Thomas; St. Croix; Puerto Plata - $1,438 pp for a balcony compared to a little over $1,100 for a balcony on Escape for the same week with no FAS perks (I think, the site became inaccessible as I was trying to make the comparison).

[Jim The Lizard]

I thought about that but wasn’t invested enough to be more thorough!  I obviously like the NCL line and product more than the others.  So I’m biased.  But I don’t understand the negativity regarding NCL pricing.  Carnival and RCCL have adult only areas and a lot of the NCL Breakaway class ships have Spice H2O.  Encore and Prima have a paid adults only section.  I get that: NCL is making some dough and telling us buy Vibe or you could be next to a 7 year old who is driving you nuts.  But you have options to not sail a ship with or without Spice H2O.  Don’t want to pay for go carts?  Don’t!   Sail another ship that doesn’t have a racetrack.  Find your itinerary and ship that match what you want.  

[Redsky5292]

This is so funny, my husband and I were on RCL website last night mock booking for a possible Christmas 2023 cruise.  The base price came out cheaper but no drink package and specialty dining.  I said to my husband that this is smoke and mirrors, at least with NCL you know what the total price is with the drink and specialty dining when you book the cruise.  

[SeaShark]

9 hours ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Getting ready to sail on Prima, and had a debate on a Facebook page this week with a disgruntled NCL Prima guest.  Claimed he was going back to RCCL because of the nickel and diming on NCL and that NCL keeps raising their pricing.  In addition, Don from YouTube and Jay from the Shiplife on YouTube have stated that the other lines have dropped their pricing since the pandemic and NCL has not.   Ok, so I’m booked on Escape for a February 2024 cruise, so I did a mock booking on Wonder of the Seas for the same weekend sailing with similar itinerary.  RCCL is $109 cheaper for a balcony; but does not include drink package or 2 nights specialty dining.  I understand that is not important to all, but the overwhelming popularity of the drink package and specialty dining seem to be more of the norm.  Not sure I can make that math work in my head.  

 

A few things to keep in mind . . .

 

#1 - For many people, blaming the retailer for "higher pricing" or "nickel and diming" is an easier pill to swallow than the idea that they want something that is beyond their financial means. In these situations, pride will blind logic.

 

#2 - Most cruise lines use a "price to fill" strategy. NCL does not. Waaaay back in 2015, NCL announced that they were switching to a "market to fill" strategy. Most people do not understand the difference and are quick to criticize NCL's pricing because of this. If their real point is that other cruise lines have dropped their pricing and NCL has not, then why are they not simply enjoying the other cruise lines at a low price? Is there perhaps something that NCL is offering that they really want instead?

 

#3 - What these folks are arguing for is everything offered for one price. What they fail to understand is that this all-inclusive price will be higher in the end. So....if they think prices are "too high" now, what will the pricing be if they get their way?

[RocketMan275]

7 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

#3 - What these folks are arguing for is everything offered for one price. What they fail to understand is that this all-inclusive price will be higher in the end. So....if they think prices are "too high" now, what will the pricing be if they get their way?

That's also the rationale behind the complaints about the DSC.  

[Jim The Lizard]

26 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

 

A few things to keep in mind . . .

 

#1 - For many people, blaming the retailer for "higher pricing" or "nickel and diming" is an easier pill to swallow than the idea that they want something that is beyond their financial means. In these situations, pride will blind logic.

 

#2 - Most cruise lines use a "price to fill" strategy. NCL does not. Waaaay back in 2015, NCL announced that they were switching to a "market to fill" strategy. Most people do not understand the difference and are quick to criticize NCL's pricing because of this. If their real point is that other cruise lines have dropped their pricing and NCL has not, then why are they not simply enjoying the other cruise lines at a low price? Is there perhaps something that NCL is offering that they really want instead?

 

#3 - What these folks are arguing for is everything offered for one price. What they fail to understand is that this all-inclusive price will be higher in the end. So....if they think prices are "too high" now, what will the pricing be if they get their way?

💯.   Spot on.  And a lot more concise and eloquent than I’m capable of!   

[Oakman58]

18 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

That's also the rationale behind the complaints about the DSC.  

 

I think the complaints about the DSC are more about “general principle,” at least it is for me.  NCL reduced cabin service from twice a day to once a day and then increased the DSC from $16 pp/pd to $20 pp/pd for balcony cabins.  This wouldn’t keep me from booking with NCL but reducing service and increasing the DSC price by 25% kinda sticks in my craw.  On top of that you now have to ask for an ice bucket, ask for a coffee maker, and ask for towel animals.  I take if for granted you can still get a coffee maker on request.

[Jim The Lizard]

1 minute ago, Oakman58 said:

 

I think the complaints about the DSC are more about “general principle,” at least it is for me.  NCL reduced cabin service from twice a day to once a day and then increased the DSC from $16 pp/pd to $20 pp/pd for balcony cabins.  This wouldn’t keep me from booking with NCL but reducing service and increasing the DSC price by 25% kinda sticks in my craw.  On top of that you now have to ask for an ice bucket, ask for a coffee maker, and ask for towel animals.  I take if for granted you can still get a coffee maker on request.

Fair comments.  But I struggle to find goods and services that match pre pandemic levels, even at higher costs.  I’d love to point to increased wages provide better service but it simply isn’t valid.  And finding workers, despite increased wages, is often an exercise in futility.  But I am still mystified by the comments and argument  that NCL has raised pricing while the other lines have not.  

[RocketMan275]

36 minutes ago, Oakman58 said:

 

I think the complaints about the DSC are more about “general principle,” at least it is for me.  NCL reduced cabin service from twice a day to once a day and then increased the DSC from $16 pp/pd to $20 pp/pd for balcony cabins.  This wouldn’t keep me from booking with NCL but reducing service and increasing the DSC price by 25% kinda sticks in my craw.  On top of that you now have to ask for an ice bucket, ask for a coffee maker, and ask for towel animals.  I take if for granted you can still get a coffee maker on request.

There is an old saying that "Anytime someone says it's the principle, not the money, you can be sure it is about the money."

[graphicguy]

Pricing is a moving target….and literally can change from one day to the other, regardless of cruise line.

 

So, a cruise that looks expensive compared to the competition one day or week, can look like a bargain on another day/week.

 

Lots of moving parts, too.

 

I’m Diamond on Royal.  That means I get 4 “free” drinks every day.  That puts a big dent on my dollar spend for alcohol.  Yes, I drink more per day, but I only pay for any drinks above the 4 free drinks.

 

Plus,  I find the concierge in the Diamond Lounges to be extremely helpful.

 

NCL, I’m Sapphire.  So, I get the drinks (add in the 20% tip charges), 4 Specialty Dining choices (2 for “free at sea” and 2 for being Sapphire), some internet and some free laundry.  Pretty nice perks.

 

So, you have to look at the entire value picture….not just the fares.  It’s the out of pocket, apples to apples charges that need to be compared.

 

Sometimes NCL wins.  Sometimes RCCL wins.

[Jim The Lizard]

53 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Pricing is a moving target….and literally can change from one day to the other, regardless of cruise line.

 

So, a cruise that looks expensive compared to the competition one day or week, can look like a bargain on another day/week.

 

Lots of moving parts, too.

 

I’m Diamond on Royal.  That means I get 4 “free” drinks every day.  That puts a big dent on my dollar spend for alcohol.  Yes, I drink more per day, but I only pay for any drinks above the 4 free drinks.

 

Plus,  I find the concierge in the Diamond Lounges to be extremely helpful.

 

NCL, I’m Sapphire.  So, I get the drinks (add in the 20% tip charges), 4 Specialty Dining choices (2 for “free at sea” and 2 for being Sapphire), some internet and some free laundry.  Pretty nice perks.

 

So, you have to look at the entire value picture….not just the fares.  It’s the out of pocket, apples to apples charges that need to be compared.

 

Sometimes NCL wins.  Sometimes RCCL wins.

Good perspective.  And I always enjoy your reviews!!

[uneamie]

It's funny I rarely pick my cruise due to a line's price unless it's way over the top for us, like maybe Viking cruises etc. Between the usual lines I've picked one due to the intinerary generally. That said, I've done more NCL then any other simply because I like NCL better....not for any one specific reason but as a whole. Originally we picked NCL because it had poker. Hubby is a poker player at the time none of the other ships had it, and NCL was open casual dining which was a big plus for us. But as time has gone on other lines have adopted some of that so maybe one day we will try another line out............but it won't necessarily be due to pricing. 

Edited February 15, 2023 by uneamie

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Pricing is a moving target….and literally can change from one day to the other, regardless of cruise line.

 

So, a cruise that looks expensive compared to the competition one day or week, can look like a bargain on another day/week.

 

Lots of moving parts, too.

 

I’m Diamond on Royal.  That means I get 4 “free” drinks every day.  That puts a big dent on my dollar spend for alcohol.  Yes, I drink more per day, but I only pay for any drinks above the 4 free drinks.

 

Plus,  I find the concierge in the Diamond Lounges to be extremely helpful.

 

NCL, I’m Sapphire.  So, I get the drinks (add in the 20% tip charges), 4 Specialty Dining choices (2 for “free at sea” and 2 for being Sapphire), some internet and some free laundry.  Pretty nice perks.

 

So, you have to look at the entire value picture….not just the fares.  It’s the out of pocket, apples to apples charges that need to be compared.

 

Sometimes NCL wins.  Sometimes RCCL wins.

100% agree. I am Diamond + Prime on Royal, Platinum on NCL, with no casino tier. 

 

If I didn't have the diamond drinks/Prime drinks AND I was paying for my cabin, I find NCL to always be the better deal with all the inclusions. But because I AM Diamond and Prime with Royal, it's harder to make the NCL cost competitive. However, not everyone has perks and that makes it "Sometimes NCL wins, sometimes Royal wins"

 

side note: the drink package on Royal Caribbean is ridiculously expensive. I bought it last year for 1,100 for two people. I probably broke even on it, but my husband def didn't. And the drinks/bar service was not nearly as good as NCL's.

[wolft927]

19 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

 

 

14 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

100% agree. I am Diamond + Prime on Royal, Platinum on NCL, with no casino tier. 

 

If I didn't have the diamond drinks/Prime drinks AND I was paying for my cabin, I find NCL to always be the better deal with all the inclusions. But because I AM Diamond and Prime with Royal, it's harder to make the NCL cost competitive. However, not everyone has perks and that makes it "Sometimes NCL wins, sometimes Royal wins"

 

side note: the drink package on Royal Caribbean is ridiculously expensive. I bought it last year for 1,100 for two people. I probably broke even on it, but my husband def didn't. And the drinks/bar service was not nearly as good as NCL's.

I agree, RCCL Drink package is insane! But the funny part is watching after day 2 people trying to buy it but you can only buy it on the ship during the first 2 days

[disneydave]

14 hours ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Getting ready to sail on Prima, and had a debate on a Facebook page this week with a disgruntled NCL Prima guest.  Claimed he was going back to RCCL because of the nickel and diming on NCL and that NCL keeps raising their pricing.  In addition, Don from YouTube and Jay from the Shiplife on YouTube have stated that the other lines have dropped their pricing since the pandemic and NCL has not.   Ok, so I’m booked on Escape for a February 2024 cruise, so I did a mock booking on Wonder of the Seas for the same weekend sailing with similar itinerary.  RCCL is $109 cheaper for a balcony; but does not include drink package or 2 nights specialty dining.  I understand that is not important to all, but the overwhelming popularity of the drink package and specialty dining seem to be more of the norm.  Not sure I can make that math work in my head.  

Cruise fare is not much different than airfare...... it changes frequently; your comparison is spot on for only that moment in time and doesn't take into account for many situations.  

[Jim The Lizard]

13 minutes ago, disneydave said:

Cruise fare is not much different than airfare...... it changes frequently; your comparison is spot on for only that moment in time and doesn't take into account for many situations.  

That’s fine.  But then my argument carries over to YouTube sites and vloggers stating NCL has increased prices while other lines haven’t?  Is that comparison spot on for only that moment in time also?   I’m still left unsure what is the basis for such comments.  I agree my one mock booking can be impacted by so many different factors.   And if your screen name indicates a loyalty to Disney, I get that.   Disney has a product unlike any other; it carries a price that many understand going in is going to be elevated for the Disney experience.  When I took my family to Disney when my daughter was young, I knew I was paying more for that Disney experience, unique to theme parks anywhere else.   I don’t compare Disney to NCL cruises; different type of passengers most of the time.  

Edited February 15, 2023 by Jim The Lizard

[aubreyc1988]

14 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

 

I agree, RCCL Drink package is insane! But the funny part is watching after day 2 people trying to buy it but you can only buy it on the ship during the first 2 days

Haha, but what they don't know if they just saved themselves a sh*t load of money by missing out haha. And the 1,100 for two people was a "good" price, I think it was like 62.00pp pd before taxes and gratuity 😮 I just checked what it is for my upcoming sailing on Symphony on Saturday...77.00pp pd before taxes and gratuity! 

 

I also find the specialty dining to be more reasonable on Royal but whenever I did Chops/Giovanni's/Sabor, I thought it was sort of subpar considering the price and thought NCL's specialty dining was better...again, subjective...but I won't be buying it again. Very nice to have it included for the price on NCL. People b*tch about the gratuities on NCL's packages, like they think they don't pay that also on Royal???

 

 

[disneydave]

1 minute ago, Jim The Lizard said:

That’s fine.  But then my argument carries over to YouTube sites and vloggers stating NCL has increased prices while other lines haven’t?  Is that comparison spot on for only that moment in time also?   I’m still left unsure what is the basis for such comments.  I agree my one mick booking can be impacted by so many different factors.  

Certainly, I have similar itineraries booked for spring break on NCL in 24 and Celebrity in 25 and the Celebrity booking is less and includes their all in so drink package, gratuities - no extra charges when in port, obc, and internet i can be logged into all the time for less than NCL with free at sea but as stated the only thing that is guaranteed is that pricing will change.  

[aubreyc1988]

6 minutes ago, Jim The Lizard said:

That’s fine.  But then my argument carries over to YouTube sites and vloggers stating NCL has increased prices while other lines haven’t?  Is that comparison spot on for only that moment in time also?   I’m still left unsure what is the basis for such comments.  I agree my one mick booking can be impacted by so many different factors.  

I'm just gonna say what everyone is thinking...YT/Vloggers are in for it for the clicks. Not saying there is anything wrong with that, but everyone needs to keep that in mind while watching. Also, depending on the Youtuber or Vlogger, they also have a bias towards certain cruise lines (which we all do somewhat), and I do feel like a majority of the TY/Vloggers can kind of have this "anti-NCL" vibe. I'm not saying they say that verbatim, it's just a feeling I get when I watch certain ones or read the clickbait headlines.

Edited February 15, 2023 by aubreyc1988

[Jim The Lizard]

2 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Haha, but what they don't know if they just saved themselves a sh*t load of money by missing out haha. And the 1,100 for two people was a "good" price, I think it was like 62.00pp pd before taxes and gratuity 😮 I just checked what it is for my upcoming sailing on Symphony on Saturday...77.00pp pd before taxes and gratuity! 

 

I also find the specialty dining to be more reasonable on Royal but whenever I did Chops/Giovanni's/Sabor, I thought it was sort of subpar considering the price and thought NCL's specialty dining was better...again, subjective...but I won't be buying it again. Very nice to have it included for the price on NCL. People b*tch about the gratuities on NCL's packages, like they think they don't pay that also on Royal???

 

 

I think we’re thinking the same.  I’m willing to pay NCL for the included drinks and dining package.