"I will NEVER Cruise NCL AGAIN!!"

[Sthrngary]

Now that I have your attention, "I truly love NCL" especially the "Haven" .  Anyone who has ever been in charge of a division of a large company, owned their own company or a manager for a successful company, understand what is going on right now.  The simple fact is running a cruise brand after a pandemic, is like walking a tight rope.  These companies have lost vast quantities of money, over a long period of time, forcing them all to get into huge debt.  That debt caused huge payments to the lenders.  Now the interest rates are higher not allowing a refinance possibility.  That is the environment the cruise companies live in today.  

 

Now just for a minute, YOU are running NCL.  How do you pay your payments, make a profit for the stockholders and keep the guest happy.  There is the "tight rope" that needs to be navigated.  So what do you attempt to do?  More precisely, what do you do to "test the waters with your clients".  No guest wants things to change except for MORE amenities and benefits.  Taking things away from guest is a tough deal.  The cruise brand can SPIN it anyway the want, we the consumer are NOT stupid.  Let's call out a few:

 

1. Reducing the number of times a day you stateroom will be cleaned or refreshed.
2. Increasing the cost of certain spirits (Bailey's Irish Cream is an example) so there is a cost for the item over the Perk Drink Package.
3. Reducing the number of room stewards thereby reducing the staff cost.
4. Increasing Gratuities Suggestions that usually are taken out of the Stateroom Portfolio. 
5. Changing the Rules on programs like the Premium Plus Beverage Package.
6. Some Broadway Shows eliminated due to cost. 
7. Increase in overall Fares. 

 

There are a lot more changes and adjustment that have been made.  To many to mention.  All of the above create a certain level of resentment from guest. We all understand it, however we also naturally don't like that kind of change. I have noticed on other brand boards that a lot more guests are posting as NEW to the brand.  A small mutiny from ones favorite brand, it would seem.  No brand is immune. Not that the changes are that big a deal for ALL.  It is just a feeling of resentment as I indicated above.  I personally felt this way and my next cruise is on another brand.  My right, my wants/needs and my money.  

 

Yet it is funny.  The brand I choose have long time guest saying, "I will never cruise (Insert Brand) again".  This same brand has lots of Newbies like me hoping for a change, like me.  The difference is I still LOVE NCL, the Entertainment Options, the way the ship is organized and again especially the Haven. I just want a change with the hope that the industry will regain their footing quickly.  I don't blame NCL, Celebrity, Carnival, and or MSC.  You got to do what you got to do.  Business is business.  Recovery from a pandemic is a tough deal.  All I ask is we as guest don't over react.  Just because you use another brand does not mean you are gone forever.  You will, however read the newest reviews before you return.  

 

Just my two cents and thanks for reading.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[craig01020]

Well said.

[quillwercruisers]

I read the title of your post and my mouth dropped open... LOL.. Definitely got my attention, and your post was very well written. You'll have to post on this board when you do your review on your new cruise. Would love to read it.

[ChiefMateJRK]

Nice editorial Gary.  😎  You are absolutely correct and I'm just glad that the cruise industry has survived in as good of shape as it has.  I was on the Bliss the last two weeks and she was at 100%+ occupancy.  That is what it will really take to keep the ship afloat.

[curlstravel]

We have friends and relatives that have switched to NCL because of changes made by their favorite cruise line.  We also tried a different cruise line ourselves and was disappointed in the drinks, the service, the shows, even the casino. We have since booked 3 cruises with NCL.  There are changes everywhere.  We realized that NCL is home.

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, curlstravel said:

We have friends and relatives that have switched to NCL because of changes made by their favorite cruise line.  We also tried a different cruise line ourselves and was disappointed in the drinks, the service, the shows, even the casino. We have since booked 3 cruises with NCL.  There are changes everywhere.  We realized that NCL is home.

@curlstravel Thank you for you comment. Many other guest have felt very much the same as you do.  Sometimes change reminds a guest why the chose the brand in the first place.  Thank you again for the comment.

 

Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment.

[Liljo22]

The industry is looking to survive at this point with all the debt that was accumulated over the shutdown.  Our expectations of a cruise need to be lowered or we need to find other vacations if we feel like they should not be lowered.  That is the state of the industry right now.  Its not cheap to cruise so you need to decide if cruising is still worth it to you.  Personally, I believe it is.  My family is going to Hawaii(non-cruise) next month for 6 nights and I can tell you that once food and excursion are factored in, the trip is going to be double what I have every paid on a 7 day cruise. 

 

Good news is that NCL is suppose to be reporting higher than expected numbers for Q1 so they are trending in the right direction.  The issue is that once the expense savings genie is out of the bottle, its hard to put it back in.  

 

And this is not an NCL problem.  My last two cruises were with Royal and I had a great time other than slow MDR service.  Someone posted yesterday that the Oasis has gone down hill and most agreed it was Royal's cutbacks on every ship.  I mentioned that I cruised the Oasis in December and didn't see any of the issues they were listing.  I was told that the major cut backs were happening in the last couple of months in most areas of the ships.  

 

 

[LoungerOnBalcony55]

I just wish NCL hadn't gotten rid of their 7-day Bahamas cruises out of NYC. 

[sherrihall128]

44 minutes ago, Liljo22 said:

The industry is looking to survive at this point with all the debt that was accumulated over the shutdown.  Our expectations of a cruise need to be lowered or we need to find other vacations if we feel like they should not be lowered.  That is the state of the industry right now.  Its not cheap to cruise so you need to decide if cruising is still worth it to you.  Personally, I believe it is.  My family is going to Hawaii(non-cruise) next month for 6 nights and I can tell you that once food and excursion are factored in, the trip is going to be double what I have every paid on a 7 day cruise. 

 

Good news is that NCL is suppose to be reporting higher than expected numbers for Q1 so they are trending in the right direction.  The issue is that once the expense savings genie is out of the bottle, its hard to put it back in.  

 

And this is not an NCL problem.  My last two cruises were with Royal and I had a great time other than slow MDR service.  Someone posted yesterday that the Oasis has gone down hill and most agreed it was Royal's cutbacks on every ship.  I mentioned that I cruised the Oasis in December and didn't see any of the issues they were listing.  I was told that the major cut backs were happening in the last couple of months in most areas of the ships.  

 

 

 

Yes--I looked at resorts in Hawaii and Cancun, which were NOT all-inclusive, nor were they luxury resorts. For 6-7 nights, it would have been over 5K for our family. We paid $3500 for our 7 day Caribbean cruise, so obviously, the value is there still for cruises. The prices of everything have gone up, so we can't expect cruises and vacation prices to hold steady.

Edited May 2, 2023 by sherrihall128

[nadeki]

Gary I agree with everything you say. We are completely loyal to NCL. I know these are first world problems but boy some changes are getting really noticeable. The menu changes in restaurants are slim. The spa prices are through the roof ( and not the best service). The cabin stewards doing more rooms and cabins not ready on the first day are a big deal.

 

Funny thin was today I was thinking how great that most NCL Loyalists feel bad for the crew and  really appreciate their efforts. We try to take care of them as best we can with our gratuities. Funny we are making their job better and encouraging brand loyalty for their career. I hope NCL appreciates it!!

 

Again, we are fortunate to have these problems. As someone said, the genie is out of the bottle for cost savings. I hope all the savings are not just paying bonuses to the executives. 

 

We want to be there for the brand, however we all have our limits when the value and the experience are gone.

 

Nancy

[SaltyPawz]

Sthrngary, I read your title and thought, oh no, what happened?! 
 

Your “Haven” thread has been so helpful for me as we plan our first Haven trip this fall. Again, this post is quite thought provoking as well. So, thank you for sharing your insight! 
 

When I read about recent changes to the PPBP, I must admit I was a little disappointed and curious about other possible changes that can occur in the next six months. 
 

Again, as always, thanks for your post!

[NW Pacific]

In yester years cruising was the ultimate experience,  imo.  The overall experience was one to be pampered, eat very well and back then it was pay as you drink experience.  remember coming off with a healthy balance due to indulging.   Yes I know it is two decades later and we still cruise. The Haven does meet the expectations of the past, but must say if not able to indulge in that luxury, the todays Ships are like coach in an airplane.   Are Diamond on NCL,  love the Haven experience, but like most other accommodations even land wise, cutbacks are here to stay.   We tip, but do not feel it is our responsibility to supplement the crew wages, tipping is for services that go the extra mile. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

50 minutes ago, NW Pacific said:

todays Ships are like coach in an airplane

Absolutely not.  Coach (or any) airline travel is awful.  It is a necessary evil to get me to point B.  Anything on a cruise ship is a blessing to be cherished.  I just spent two weeks in an inside cabin and had a fantastic time.😎 This time, I even have witnesses!!  Can I get a witness @graphicguy?

[NW Pacific]

Great you enjoyed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Guess I am spoiled from days past.

[ChiefMateJRK]

5 minutes ago, NW Pacific said:

Great you enjoyed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Guess I am spoiled from days past.

I've only been cruising for 16 years, but am having as good a time as ever.  Probably more fun because I've learned what to focus on and what to ignore.  I really enjoy great music, drinks and just relaxing.  I enjoy good Shorex but have learned that many for me are not worth the time and money.  I already knew that food is food and a good burger can be more enjoyable than a mediocre steak in a place that thinks that pants are critical to the enjoyment of my fellow cruisers.  I find the same great friendships with hard working crew and fellow fun-lovers as ever.  People are people and really haven't changed.  Bonus?  Early afternoon naps in an inside cabin are fantastic.  Some folks don't know what they are missing.😎 

[dhanakorn]

When I was young, cruising used to be prohibitively expensive. I remember looking at those fancy cruise brochures and would never have thought that one day I could afford to take a cruise.

 

Nowadays, mainstream cruises are affordable to middle-class family. Many cruise fares are even cheaper than land-based travel. The price I paid for a cruise this year is even cheaper than what I paid for my first cruise several years ago. 

 

After having been cruising exclusively with NCL for several years, last year I jumped the ship and tried Princess. There're some aspects that Princess does better and some aspects that are better on NCL. Bottom line is the grass is not always greener on the other side. So now I am back to NCL again. 

 

For the level of service (amid many cutbacks) at the current price, I think cruising still provides very good value. Many hotels nowadays don't even provide daily cleaning anymore. Tipping at restaurants in US now starts at 20% (used to be 15%), and many restaurants already include this minimum 20% tips in your bill for your convenient. You will see the cutting back on services and increasing the price everywhere, not just on a cruise. 

 

[The Traveling Man]

@Sthrngary you certainly got my attention with the title of this thread.  That obviously was your intention, so, well played.

 

It's human nature to want more bang for the buck.  We're always looking for a great deal, a special price.  Most of us spend a lot of time bargain hunting.  You're right about cruise lines facing a steep uphill climb to return to a level of profitability that resembles their pre-COVID results.  That being said, I'd like to propose a somewhat different perspective. 

 

There's an old adage that the sour taste of poor quality is remembered long after the temporary sweetness of a cheaper price has become a distant memory.  When I go on vacation, I want to GO ON VACATION.  I don't want to have to make my own bed, prepare my own meals, do my own laundry, or worry about the day to day cares of my regular life.  I want to kick back and enjoy myself.  Sure, just like the rest of you, I would love it to sail today for the same price that we paid ten years ago.  That's never going to happen.  Just about everything costs more now than it used to, but I would rather pay a little bit more, maybe even quite a bit more, if we could really enjoy our vacation. 

 

I don't like waiting for an hour for the waiter to serve my dinner.  I don't like my stateroom attendant to be so overworked that he can't do an outstanding job of cleaning my room in a timely manner.  I really enjoy the outstanding entertainment that has made NCL's reputation over the years.  I really enjoy it when the waiters, cabin attendants, and others actually seem to enjoy their life on board the ship, don't feel overworked, always have a smile, and are experienced enough to know how to do an outstanding job.  Like many who have posted recently on Cruise Critic, I have been disappointed lately with the level of service, the quality of the experience, that we have found on recent cruises.  When we go on vacation, I want to come back home with a huge smile on my face and a head full of great memories that will last a lifetime.  I think NCL, as well as some other cruise lines, are missing the boat (pun intended) by cheapening the product.  So, my choice, if anyone at NCL's headquarters is listening, would be to raise the prices a bit in order to bring back some of the amenities and services that have been cut back recently.  That's my two cents worth.  YMMV.

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 hour ago, The Traveling Man said:

I don't want to have to make my own bed, prepare my own meals, do my own laundry, or worry about the day to day cares of my regular life. 

Just off a B2B.  I didn't have to do any of that.  Meals were fine.  Laundry was outstanding.  

1 hour ago, The Traveling Man said:

I don't like waiting for an hour for the waiter to serve my dinner.  I don't like my stateroom attendant to be so overworked that he can't do an outstanding job of cleaning my room in a timely manner. 

I experienced no long waits.  My Steward had our cabin made up early and did an outstanding job every day for two solid weeks.

1 hour ago, The Traveling Man said:

Like many who have posted recently on Cruise Critic, I have been disappointed lately with the level of service, the quality of the experience, that we have found on recent cruises. 

I experienced the opposite on a totally full Bliss.  High level of quality service all around.  I was a happy cruiser every single day.

 

I'm not sure what ship/itinerary you sailed, but it must not have been the AK Bliss first two sailings of the season.

[Sailing12Away]

I've been saying this for a while, but I think the next marketing ploy NCL should do is to add 'free' gratuities to their free at sea offerings. Sure, they'll just raise the price of the cruise by $200 to offset it - but in the eyes of the consumer now it's another thing 'free' that puts them on par with Celebrity's 'free' package. Plus it helps solidify that their staff are taken care of. Folks can't ask for gratuities to be removed when they didn't pay for them in the first place. Happy staff easily translates back to better experiences for the guests.

 

My other gripe with NCL is also tied to their marketing. They like to poke and twist things and hide things with microfont sized asterisks, bait and switch, inconsistent enforcing of 'rules', etc. Make it black and white and so simple that a 4yr old can understand. "For a cost of $250 you can add on our ultimate beverage package, 150 min internet package, 2 specialty dining credits, and $50 per cabin to use towards NCL sponsored cruise excursions." Stop calling it free with limitations, just call it what it is. People would appreciate the transparency and honesty, then there's no more accusations of nickel & diming. You get what you pay for, and have options to add on more based on what is important to you.

[tony s]

9 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Absolutely not.  Coach (or any) airline travel is awful.  It is a necessary evil to get me to point B.  Anything on a cruise ship is a blessing to be cherished.  I just spent two weeks in an inside cabin and had a fantastic time.😎 This time, I even have witnesses!!  Can I get a witness @graphicguy?

How about an amen,lol

[fredflint]

I guess for me I don't care about the turn down service and every day room cleaning.  I don't really need that, and much like hotels have started to skip room service and everyday towels.  I am fine with that, I am not as concerned about the price of the internet as the quality of the internet.  If they are going to skip the Broadway shows maybe they should look to small bands or even Theatre shows from competitions to add a twist.  Magicians are probably a but expensive but I think hypnotists are just as amusing.  Guest speakers I think usually just get a free trip so why not more of them.

 

Music by the pool a DJ to me is better than a live band as they can play a wider range of music.

 

Food I don't mind less variety but make it just as good, a good 3 OZ burger is better than a poor quality quality 4 OZ burger.  I wonder if they are doing surveys, focus groups or what to see what is a real sticking point for customers 

 

I just read that Alaska Airlines is getting rid if of their check in kiosks and working to improve the experience.   They are looking to save money as well as improve the experience.

 

The Free at Sea experience for me is just a bad gimmick, I don't buy the drink package, the ship excursions are usually not that good and the value is not there.  The airfare deal is OK sometimes but has so many little gotchas that it is as bad as it is good.  If they were smart they would offer an upgrade for the free/reduced airfare.  Offer an upgrade for a direct flight, include a hotel for the day before fly in, upgrade to business class.  These are all spots where NCL could increase revenue or reduce costs but still have an experience that they enjoy.

 

For me the reason I will probably be skipping NCL in the future is the poor staff service we received about the  VAT tax refund on our last cruise we met quite a few people on a scavenger hunt to find the right place to go.  In contrast our last cruise on another cruise line arranged for a customs officer to come onboard.  The least they could have done is provided directions.

The entertainment was really poor, the guest speaker did not have a laser pointer and did not seem to realize he could use the mouse pointer to point things out in his PowerPoint presentation.

The cruise director was poor and just about absent. 

 

So these are the reasons I will not be choosing NCL for a cruise that has many days at sea, I will probably use them as a floating hotel but that is it.  

 

Since I usually only cruise once a year I have not cruised another line other than NCL but will probably be trying  a different line for our next Transatlantic as that to me is a real test of a cruise line.

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Just off a B2B.  I didn't have to do any of that.  Meals were fine.  Laundry was outstanding.  

I experienced no long waits.  My Steward had our cabin made up early and did an outstanding job every day for two solid weeks.

I experienced the opposite on a totally full Bliss.  High level of quality service all around.  I was a happy cruiser every single day.

 

I'm not sure what ship/itinerary you sailed, but it must not have been the AK Bliss first two sailings of the season.

@ChiefMateJRK Hello sir.  I hope you are safe, healthy and well.  Way back "When", I started writing about my cruise vacation experiences.  We have replied to each other comments and posts many times.  On a unique level, we don't always agree but we always respect each others point of view.  

 

The key of all of my personal writing has been, to create "Realistic Expectations".  The issue with social media (no finger pointing here) is some folk tend to exaggerate the treatment they receive good/bad. At face value, it is their right to express their experience anyway they choose. Where the challenge comes in is when the person reading a comment and thinking that will be their standard when traveling.  The actual comment was something special done for them.  The reader now makes that their expectation for their future cruise.  An example is a personal escort into the back entrance to a small venue like the Cavern Club. 

 

That escort could have happened to the poster however it is not a policy of NCL so the next guest that askes, does not receive the same treatment.  Disappointment happens. The challenge is the expectation has been set as if it is the policy and consistent.  Now take my example and expand it to both smaller and larger events.  @The Traveling Man was expressing the experiences that he had and how they are not matching his past experiences.  Only he can make that evaluation because the experience were only his.  I have had many but not all of the same experiences so I read his comments it supported my own thoughts.  Others have had none of the experience stated.

 

My take on his post was something I truly believe in.  It is OK for any cruise brand to raise the fares/price on all products and services especially in todays day and time.  It is not OK to raise prices and decrease quality.  To justify raising prices with lower quality does not make sense and will receive pushback sooner vs. later from the guest. Your response was that you have felt no real differences in the recent experiences you have received.  I also support your point of view based on your personal experience.  Now I have two points of view to consider. 

 

IF I read @The Traveling Man article followed by your response and do not have a personal experience of my own, it allows me to go on my next cruising adventure knowing not everything is as describe by every poster.  That is healthy and allows my original goal of creating "Realistic Expectations" to naturally happen.  

 

My concern is and always will be.  When a guest goes on a cruise, they visualize how that cruise will transpire and to many of the events that thought would happen, does not.  The disappointment will not be with the actual policies of the cruise brand.  It will be on the perceived policies.  Every contributor has an obligation to accept others experiences if it was provided in a professional way.  Let me be CLEAR here, NO rocks are being tossed in anyone's direction.  I am just making a request and I too hope ALL CRUISE BRANDS are reading this.  Please feel free to increase prices as long as you keep the quality the same.  My request to all guest.  Please give the good with the bad so folks can set "Realistic Expectations". 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.   

[2Cruise4Ever]

Human nature is resistant to any change... whether it be perceived as positive or negative.  DH and I have been cruising for 20+ years and have seen many changes in what we would say in both categories.  That said, no matter what... we're still on a cruise!!  Knowing that the cruiseline has zero control over the weather is what gets me every time when someone lambasts the cruiseline for missing a port or a delay, etc. due to weather.  We're still on a cruise!

We have sailed all 4 mass market lines and still say NCL is the best... why?  More bang for your buck!  Especially in the Haven.  I have compared that to other lines and found that the cost of them are sometimes more than double the cost of NCL with similar itineraries and amenities for suites.

Lower category cabins.... meh... still more in many cases.  That said, we still consider other cruiselines if we have a specific week and / or itinerary we're considering.  But, we always come back to NCL.

Other lines are making the same changes that NCL has... like you said, it's what is needed to recover from the pandemic.  Things will calm down and some of what we have enjoyed in the past will come back.

For now... our attitude is the same... We're still on a cruise!!

[The Traveling Man]

9 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Just off a B2B.  I didn't have to do any of that.  Meals were fine.  Laundry was outstanding.  

I experienced no long waits.  My Steward had our cabin made up early and did an outstanding job every day for two solid weeks.

I experienced the opposite on a totally full Bliss.  High level of quality service all around.  I was a happy cruiser every single day.

 

I'm not sure what ship/itinerary you sailed, but it must not have been the AK Bliss first two sailings of the season.

My last NCL cruise was on the Sky in the Caribbean this February.  Before that we sailed on the Prima's second-ever cruise last September.  The shortcomings on each were minor, but they added up.  I may not have expressed myself well, though.  The cruises were OK, maybe even "fine."  They just lacked the pizazz that we have come to expect of NCL.  I wouldn't mind paying a little more to come away from a cruise with a great big satisfied smile on my face.  Instead, it was a solid "meh."

[The Traveling Man]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

I am just making a request and I too hope ALL CRUISE BRANDS are reading this.  Please feel free to increase prices as long as you keep the quality the same.

I heartily agree.  All I ask is that cruise lines, restaurants, hotels, and any other service industry venue simply put a smile on my face, leave me with a great memory of my experience with them, and make me think kindly of coming back for another wonderful encounter with them.  It doesn't have to be an "OH MY GOD" moment, just not one where the shortcomings overshadow any positives that might come of it.  Let the experience make me feel welcome, like a friend, or better yet, like a welcome guest.  I'll happily pay for such an experience, offer gratuities above and beyond what is expected, and cherish such a memorable moment.

 

Unfortunately, that has not always been the case recently with NCL.  Many guests, myself included, have reported recently on Cruise Critic of the shortcomings they have experienced on NCL.  I won't repeat here in detail what I already have cited on other threads.  Suffice it to say that recent travels on NCL just haven't seemed to measure up to what we had come to expect on prior cruises.  I think NCL can do better.  I certainly hope that they do.