Pricing on NCL Has Gotten Outrageous

[david_sobe]

I have no issue with what Sommer said.  He was honest.  Demand is up, prices are up, ship builds are up, etc.  However one thing he said (that's true) but stuck with me.  He said their market and customer base are "upper and upper middle class"  aka rich people LOL

The new ship builds are expensive and not catering to the massive middle class families.  He is right about trends too.  Cruising many years ago was for the affluent just like flying was.  Then cruising became affordable and so did flying.  Middle class was able to fly on vacation and go on cruises.  Are we now entering a phase that only upper class people can afford to cruise?  Sommer admitted this is their target market.  I think this explains my cruising history. I used to cruise twice a year, then once a year and now once every few years.  

Edited August 20 by david_sobe

[luv2kroooz]

12 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Are we now entering a phase that only upper class people can afford to cruise?  Sommer admitted this is their target market. 

Interesting question. I think NCL is trying to perhaps redefine itself in a way. Historically, they've been entry level, middle class family target market. They've had amenities that cater to that.  They've left the upper class to sail on their premium lines. 

 

But, when I think working class, family target market now, I am thinking MSC, Carnival, Royal Caribbean. 

 

NCL, really all cruise lines, can be particular about what they want because demand is through the roof in this market. This, too, however will change at some point. I can remember a time not too long ago where NCL would welcome anyone who would pay $399 or $499 for a seven day cruise. Time will tell if NCL will maintain this new target market when demand decreased or if it reverts back to competing on price with MSC and Carnival.

 

For us, an NCL cruise feels more similar than different when compared to RCL, MSC, CCL. They'll have to do something to differentiate.

[pghflyer]

Yup, the ship culture is different (and what we like), but it is used to be a little higher level quality (think Target instead of Walmart), but I feel like in the last 2-years they have cut quality back to Wal-Mart (still have the nice differentiating culture though) while raising prices since we all keep buying every cabin on every ship anyhow.

[david_sobe]

3 minutes ago, pghflyer said:

Yup, the ship culture is different (and what we like), but it is used to be a little higher level quality (think Target instead of Walmart), but I feel like in the last 2-years they have cut quality back to Wal-Mart (still have the nice differentiating culture though) while raising prices since we all keep buying every cabin on every ship anyhow.

Yes and both inflation and greedflation has caused that.  Even McDonalds admits they errored in pricing many out of fast food and now cutting prices.  Many of the price increases are justified because eggs have went way up in price among other things.  But greedflation is when companies and corporations just keep raising prices to see how far they can take things.  Corporate profits have went up 5x more than the rate of inflation. I see cruising no different.

Edited August 20 by david_sobe

[JIMESOPUS]

So has NCL been reading this thread? This banner just appeared today on the NCL page.

 

Just my two cents here. Last year we sailed on NCL seven times but most of the cruises were booked during the restart, could we ever do that again? No

As we get deeper into retirement we have been slowly reducing excess spending, it will be the same thing here.

The NCL cutbacks have reduced the value of the drink package ( sorry we don't have that here, or I can't make that anymore has been a common theme recently ), specialty restaurant menus have been slashed, and at some point, do we want them anymore?

We'll hunt for those deals, plenty of sites that can help. Our travel agent knows what we want and is out there looking too. 

We'll be lucky if we can sail once a year very soon.

 

Jim 

 

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

51 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

So has NCL been reading this thread? This banner just appeared today on the NCL page.

 

 

Looks like the 15% coupon is targeted. My parents received it in their accounts but not me. Curses!

 

[JIMESOPUS]

5 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Looks like the 15% coupon is targeted. My parents received it in their accounts but not me. Curses!

 

maybe it's the three cruises that we canceled this year and they see a few unused cruise next in the account

[Panhandle Couple]

1 hour ago, JIMESOPUS said:

So has NCL been reading this thread? This banner just appeared today on the NCL page.

 

Just my two cents here. Last year we sailed on NCL seven times but most of the cruises were booked during the restart, could we ever do that again? No

As we get deeper into retirement we have been slowly reducing excess spending, it will be the same thing here.

The NCL cutbacks have reduced the value of the drink package ( sorry we don't have that here, or I can't make that anymore has been a common theme recently ), specialty restaurant menus have been slashed, and at some point, do we want them anymore?

We'll hunt for those deals, plenty of sites that can help. Our travel agent knows what we want and is out there looking too. 

We'll be lucky if we can sail once a year very soon.

 

Jim 

 

 

If you are very flexible, the Viva TA leaving Lisbon (to San Juan) the day after Thanksgiving 2024, price keeps dropping.  Lots of balconies available.

16 days, 8 ports included (Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands)

 

Downside.  Airfare to Lisbon is high.  You have to travel in Thanksgiving airline crush period.

Hotels in Lisbon are on the high side also.

 

If you can leave 4 or 5 days before, then it becomes a nice land vaca in Lisbon followed by a leisurely cruise.  

[JIMESOPUS]

5 minutes ago, Panhandle Couple said:

If you are very flexible, the Viva TA leaving Lisbon (to San Juan) the day after Thanksgiving 2024, price keeps dropping.  Lots of balconies available.

16 days, 8 ports included (Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands)

 

Downside.  Airfare to Lisbon is high.  You have to travel in Thanksgiving airline crush period.

Hotels in Lisbon are on the high side also.

 

If you can leave 4 or 5 days before, then it becomes a nice land vaca in Lisbon followed by a leisurely cruise.  

 Norse Atlantic Air has cheap flights to Lisbon from NYC, a very long day but cheap.

[graphicguy]

Man...you guys made me look.  In addition to the Bliss-Alaska cruise discount this September (can't use it)....there were a couple of others...Geez....looks like I'm cruise shopping today!

 

10% Off Discount Future Cruise Credit	XXXXXXXXXX	10% Off	Expires On8/31/2024 Sail by12/31/2025	Not Applicable	VIEW CRUISESView Terms
Your Exclusive Limited-Time Offer – Get An Extra 15% Off!	XXXXXXXXXXX	15% Off	Expires On9/30/2024 Sail by12/31/2024	Not Applicable

 

 

 

Edited August 20 by graphicguy

[Sugar Magnolia]

32 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

maybe it's the three cruises that we canceled this year and they see a few unused cruise next in the account

 

Hoping I will receive one on the next round. I could use a coupon. I don't want to jump to another cruise line and be forced to wear a tux like @mking8288.

j

[Sugar Magnolia]

2 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Man...you guys made me look.  In addition to the Bliss-Alaska cruise discount this September (can't use it)....there were a couple of others...Geez....looks like I'm cruise shopping today!

 

 

10% Off Discount Future Cruise Credit	115765534	10% Off	Expires On8/31/2024 Sail by12/31/2025	Not Applicable	VIEW CRUISESView Terms
Your Exclusive Limited-Time Offer – Get An Extra 15% Off!	116339546	15% Off	Expires On9/30/2024 Sail by12/31/2024	Not Applicable

 

More curses!

 

[debenson0723]

3 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

More curses!

 

Don't feel bad...I didn't get it either.  I think it is because we already have the TA booked and they are trying to entice @graphicguyto join us.

[mking8288]

48 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Looks like the 15% coupon is targeted. My parents received it in their accounts but not me. Curses!

 

Neither Susan nor yours truly received this 15% off, BIL and SIL are Sapphire with CND in their accounts and nothing booked didn't get this offer either.  Don't feel "neglected" or ignored 😭 ... still have the 🙄 10% Bliss offer 😁 and 10% FCC discount, either use or lose it by 12/31/2024 coupon in my account. 

 

 

Targeted email offer, apparently... and selective, maybe associated with one's PCC.  Another niece, Platinum has nothing ...wait, 70% sales 😬 

 

"Revenge travel spending" maybe - possibly - levering as corporate layoffs are climbing, even casinos on land aren't as rosey with outlooks.  Disney's sounded their "general alarm" on earnings ... another niece's family w 2 teens getting into Cape Canaveral this morning on Royal's SOS opted to NOT head for the theme park " crazy to get 'robbed' if they head to Epcot " 

Edited August 20 by mking8288

[JamieLogical]

11 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Hoping I will receive one on the next round. I could use a coupon. I don't want to jump to another cruise line and be forced to wear a tux like @mking8288.

j

 

I am sure you are joking. I don't know if any mainstream cruise lines that require tuxes.

[graphicguy]

I do think the Prima was a step above the normal NCL/Royal/Carnival, etc ship.  It "felt" upscale. I found the food in the "free" Indulge to be similar to any Specialty Restaurant on any other cruise line, just in smaller quantities and without the table cloths.  Unique and welcomed dining experience.

 

The colors, the architecture, the layout was all more modern than what you would experience anywhere else on any other cruise line.

 

Personally, I found the food on the Prima to be a step above any of the other ships.  They expanded, didn't cut back.

 

So, maybe they are moving "upscale".

 

Personally, you listen to any of the cruise line CEOs and they all tell similar stories....stories meant for their investors.  They all do tend to embellish a bit (just about every CEO of any Public Company does the same in front of investors).

 

If you want a rock bottom fare, on any cruise line, you can find them.  I pretty much juggle my wants with what I want to spend.  Usually, I can find a deal on something I like.  If I spend just tad more, I find something I like.  More often than not, at least recently, that's been on NCL.

 

Plus, I Iike NCL's "vibe", their ships, their experience, etc.

[graphicguy]

@mking8288...I don't know if those discounts are tied to a PCC, as I always use a TA to book my cruises.

[JIMESOPUS]

3 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I am sure you are joking. I don't know if any mainstream cruise lines that require tuxes.

No, they are serious about those Gala nights, you could skip the formal but would be delegated to the buffet

[graphicguy]

OK....just looking at some fares...these are per cabin, not per person, and before coupon discounts (15%)

 

-7 Day Breakaway out of New Orleans-11/24~$1,700 Balcony and $1,300 inside with FAS 

 

I like sailing out of New Orleans.

 

[DavidOrawan]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK....just looking at some fares...these are per cabin, not per person, and before coupon discounts (15%)

 

-7 Day Breakaway out of New Orleans-11/24~$1,700 Balcony and $1,300 inside with FAS 

 

I like sailing out of New Orleans.

 

Getaway 2024 2648.60 balcony deck 11 mid.

New Orleans was last cruise not a bad price.

Edited August 20 by DavidOrawan
Add info

[mking8288]

8 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

OK....just looking at some fares...these are per cabin, not per person, and before coupon discounts (15%)

-7 Day Breakaway out of New Orleans-11/24~$1,700 Balcony and $1,300 inside with FAS 

I like sailing out of New Orleans.

We will have to chalk extras like ... airfares for 2 (NCL air with deviation) and ground transfer/shuttle ... and 1 night hotel.  Car service to/from airport from our city blocks has risen to the point where we'll soon be like @Sugar Magnolia - carry-on rollerboards only to city/express bus, off-peak as those buses are full at rush hours to the subway/transfer, LGA is doable as is JFK unless we hitch a free ride from nephew heading to/from his job at the airport.

 

Haven't look at end of 2024 / deals for this upcoming 4th quarter in/out of NYC with Norwegian, choices are limited.  But, I did see the Sky TA prices dropped for balconies - we cancelled b/c it didn't fit our revised plans & other things going on, and need to renew my passport ... 

 

Deals can be found with some of us having flexibility to just pack n go, not so much for others, i.e. teachers & parents w teens/children, etc. etc. 

[ontheweb]

29 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

@mking8288...I don't know if those discounts are tied to a PCC, as I always use a TA to book my cruises.

We use a TA, and I received an e-mail with the 15% discount. It says it is tied to my Latitude's account.

[graphicguy]

6 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

We will have to chalk extras like ... airfares for 2 (NCL air with deviation) and ground transfer/shuttle ... and 1 night hotel.  Car service to/from airport from our city blocks has risen to the point where we'll soon be like @Sugar Magnolia - carry-on rollerboards only to city/express bus, off-peak as those buses are full at rush hours to the subway/transfer, LGA is doable as is JFK unless we hitch a free ride from nephew heading to/from his job at the airport.

 

Haven't look at end of 2024 / deals for this upcoming 4th quarter in/out of NYC with Norwegian, choices are limited.  But, I did see the Sky TA prices dropped for balconies - we cancelled b/c it didn't fit our revised plans & other things going on, and need to renew my passport ... 

 

Deals can be found with some of us having flexibility to just pack n go, not so much for others, i.e. teachers & parents w teens/children, etc. etc. 

Sailing I was looking at sails from New Orleans on November 17.  I like the Breakaway.  Still shopping for other sailings.  Looks like there are a bunch of deals.

 

 

[mking8288]

30 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

No, they are serious about those Gala nights, you could skip the formal but would be delegated to the buffet

My best understanding thus far ... CC'ers over at the Cunard board reassuring that dark suit will pass & get checked off as compliant with the recommended dress code after-6 when it's not business/resort-causal in the upscale & MDR.  They do have "pub" food similar to The Local / O'Sheehan's along with Lido / buffet, and, free & complimentary room services 24/7 at absolutely no charge, even regular expresso & cappuccino are available, free & on request.  

 

This brave NCL'er "pioneering" first cruise on the QE is going to quite an adventure for sure.  DW has room in her carry-on / checked luggage to pack an extra set of suit (tux equivalent) ... once upon a time, we take along a dark navy blazer, dress shirt & tie to dine in LeBistro & Cagney's, no longer the "code" and traditions do change with the millennial coming behind "us"  

[yakcruiser]

35 days on the Encore for less than $3100 solo inside Seattle to London in Oct/Nov. If they would have given me another 15% off I would have had to break the bad news to the cat that he would be on his own for 35 days. I never seem to get the free offers though. Maybe their data shows my onboard spend tends to be quite low.