A return to the "Good old days of cruising"?

[bobobeagle]

I hope the quality improves. Just returned from the Sun. I was very disappointed. It was just not the quality I previously experienced prior to "freestyle".

[electricron]

I hope the quality improves. Just returned from the Sun. I was very disappointed. It was just not the quality I previously experienced prior to "freestyle".

 

Prices have also fallen significantly since "freestly" was implemented.

How do you think they could do that paying for all these new ships, with fuel prices rising significantly and everyday inflation on everything else?

Something has got to be cut. How about quality of food, quality of service, etc.?

 

Walmart has also been able to cut prices on many goods. How do you think they did it?

Compared to earlier retail stores, they cut the quality of service. But they are number 1 today.

Therefore, it's safe to assume that low prices far outweighs the quality of service for most Americans.

[Welove2cruise2]

I don't think we could handle an all inclusive for 7-11 days without getting bored to tears -- we like going on a cruise (especially 10-11 days) because we're in a new place at least 5/6 times. And we LOVE sea days!:D

 

However I will say again, if NCL doesn't get a handle on their prices, we will very reluctantly look elsewhere for a cruise...:cool:

[seahorse]

Thank you for the comparison - You can book the Gem for 10 days today for the same or less less and no airfare for those of us in the NYC area. That does put the pricig in persepective. Loks like either vacation will cost about the same.

 

I for one am not a fan of most of the all-inclusives. Many love them. The ones I would consider are far more then $3600. Stick me inside a razor wired compond on an island like DR or Jamaica to bake on a beach and I would go nuts. Not that I am not already nuts :D

 

That price is for a very well known resort. Have not stayed in a resort anywhere that had razor wire around it........maybe in the 70`s:rolleyes: ?

 

It is funny, people say the same thing about cruising......."Stick me on a ship, sleeping in a little box and getting seasick and only 3 hrs to enjoy an island. All you have to do is eat and play bingo."

 

Life is full of diversity and to just do one thing every time is cheating yourself, and that includes cruiselines.

[Surfgirl]

The prices have gone up primarily due to the high cost of fuel. That's why airfares have also gone significantly higher.

 

I love to cruise because I hate to fly. I also love "taking my hotel with me".

But, I do enjoy all-inclusives. I've been to quite a few Club Meds and enjoyed them all.

[BeachBumMama]

However I will say again, if NCL doesn't get a handle on their prices, we will very reluctantly look elsewhere for a cruise...:cool:

Hey Welove... I saw you all over that 'other' board :eek: ;)

 

That price is for a very well known resort. Have not stayed in a resort anywhere that had razor wire around it........maybe in the 70`s:rolleyes: ?

Have you ever been to Jamaica? Gorgeous beach resorts, all behind bars and razor wires! And they wouldn't need it to keep me in, so it means the opposite.;)

[BeachBumMama]

The prices have gone up primarily due to the high cost of fuel. That's why airfares have also gone significantly higher.

Actually, and I'm sure someone who knows can comment, but I think cruise ships are run mostly with electricity? Hubby and I met a man on our last cruise full of information, but he mentioned something like this. That it doesn't actually use fuel like a car would use fuel, it uses mostly electricity. I say he was full of information, he could have been full of something else and maybe didn't have a clue.:p

[electricron]

Actually, and I'm sure someone who knows can comment, but I think cruise ships are run mostly with electricity? Hubby and I met a man on our last cruise full of information, but he mentioned something like this. That it doesn't actually use fuel like a car would use fuel, it uses mostly electricity. I say he was full of information, he could have been full of something else and maybe didn't have a clue.:p

 

And how do you thnk they make the electriciity? Burning non fuel?

The generators aboard cruise ships have prime movers, either diesels, gas turbines, or steam turbines. Each requires burning fuel.

[seahorse]

Hey Welove... I saw you all over that 'other' board :eek: ;)

 

 

Have you ever been to Jamaica? Gorgeous beach resorts, all behind bars and razor wires! And they wouldn't need it to keep me in, so it means the opposite.;)

 

You have got to be kidding.....right? Have been to Jamaica at least 25 times, twice last year alone;) No bars......no wires. They do have security as they do on all resorts and cruise ships.

[BeachBumMama]

And how do you thnk they make the electriciity? Burning non fuel?

The generators aboard cruise ships have prime movers, either diesels, gas turbines, or steam turbines. Each requires burning fuel.

Yes, and that's what I meant to try and get across. That it wasn't used like it is in cars, but used to generate the electricity. They require fuel of course, but it works differently. For instance, say a car gets 18 mpg, do they calculate like a ship gets 18 nautical mpg? And I'm not replying to be disagreeable or debate your response, I don't know anything of this stuff, just thinking that the fuel is used more efficiently on ships.:)

[BeachBumMama]

You have got to be kidding.....right? Have been to Jamaica at least 25 times, twice last year alone;) No bars......no wires. They do have security as they do on all resorts and cruise ships.

Maybe it's changed or we're talking about 2 seperate parts of town. The last time I was there was about 2 to 3 years ago and I don't know exactly what area it would be called, other than the Ocho Rios area. And I'm talking the part of town where the Ritz Carlton resort is. And yes, the Ritz was one of the places, as they all were along that stretch of beach, with bars.:)

[mbisson]

And how do you thnk they make the electriciity? .

 

Are we sure they make their own juice? ;)

 

I've been on cruises where the CD said they use Really Really long extension Cords :D

[Welove2cruise2]

Hey Welove... I saw you all over that 'other' board :eek: ;)

 

Guilty as charged... I still don't think I can handle traditional dining -- I'll try for one of those great deals, or wait for the prices to go down... Besides, we're gold latitudes members now, so it's hard to give up those great perks...:p

[2martini]

Fuel is a very small part of the operating costs so fluctuation doesn't affect cost much. Think about it--prices are announced, and stick, before the prices rise.

Labor costs are expensive, esp. for entertainers, and fewer of the young-middle age cruisers like the shows as much as the older ones; I bet FBOW they get phased out like dress codes. But until then they are an expense that probably eats into the food quality, etc.

I think you need to know the port of call costs to really evaluate the economics of the business. What is apparent to the end user is seldom relevant to the business model. That's why busy restaurants sometimes go broke.

[weary traveler]

Fuel is brokered fleetwide by contract in all contracted ports for a set price in advance similar to most bus/transit companies in US major cities so they know what they're paying.. or budgeted for. The original idea,started with, was to keep as much of the passengers money "aboard" and not in the hands of the TA who received a commission on the "good old day's pricing". Secondly, and almost fleetwide, the idea was spun to create "alternative dining" which in fact, was the level of service and quality you received back in the "good old days". The marketing attempt to attract customers was not unlike the "lease for 98 dollars" car deals you see plastered all over the news papers.. get you in the door, not quite the bait and switch, but get you in the door and THEN spend your money. I agree I paid over 1300 per person for an inside cabin aboard the Carnival Festivale waaaaaaaay back in 1983 for 7 days (no airfare) last year i paid 449 per person for the same 7 days Boston to Bermuda (no airfare). I think the real problem here is as was said earlier.. the stockholders have spoken.. there's an artery bleeding profusely (NCLA) and they dont know how to stop it, other than jacking up the prices elsewhere to stop the hurt. Again as said earlier, consumers here arent dumb, they'll look elsewhere. Me thinks NCL isnt going to replace the freestyle and casual theme with the gold old days service, just because the prices have climbed ..... we'll just wait out "the storm"

Weary Traveler

[Dolphins]

I fear that inexpensive cruises have gone the way of inexpensive buffets in Las Vegas. Now only a memory.

[weary traveler]

It's cyclical.... what you cant find in NCL you're sure to find elsewhere.. we're the smart consumers.. and our actions or inactions will direct them all to adjust to sell that last cabin.. wait n see.. that being said i remember an NCL sales rep once saying " a cabin sold at cost is better than an empty cabin.....":D

 

Weary

[Giorgi-one]

And how do you thnk they make the electriciity? Burning non fuel?

The generators aboard cruise ships have prime movers, either diesels, gas turbines, or steam turbines. Each requires burning fuel.

 

I thought they had a long extension cord!

[Giorgi-one]

Shoreguy, I feel the same - but still am tempted to try one. Do you have any that you would actually recommend (if you've stayed there), or ones you are tempted by (not having stayed)?

 

If you do go to an AI, make sure it is rated 6*. There is a big drop off, particuarly in food. Secrets Capri Riviera (south of Cancun) is fabulous adults only, relatively small, fantastic food and fantastic service. Two drawbacks to most AIs is lack of quality evening entertainment and no casinos in Mexico. Much more relaxing than a cruise because you can do whatever you want whenever you want - no worries about embarkation, tendering, missing the ship, debarkation, etc. Plenty of great excursions you can book right at your resort. For example, 3 hours on We are not big drinkers, but free drinks are very nice. Easy to drink about 5 each per day ($60 per day on a cruise ship). We like both and do both. If you really want to splurge a little, try the Royal Hideaway in Riviera Maya (made Conde Naste Top resorts list). Adults only, but you have to dress for dinner. For great family resorts in Riviera Maya, try the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo/Maya. Food not quite as good as Secrets or Royal Hideaway, but still good. Also, don't forget, your room at an AI will be equal to a Penthouse suite on a cruise ship.

[mpk218]

This is so funny. We just returned from our lattest cruise and discussed this very issue . Is it time to start looking at other options ??? This was our 8th cruise , half of which have been with NCL. Its gotten even tougher since we are a family of 4 , there are few choices when it comes to cabin type ( suite ) . When I noticed our trip to Alaska ( same ship , same suite ) was less expensive than this trip ( Belize, Mexico , Guatamala) I had to start wondering.. I guess we will see..Maybe we will take a few years off and try All-inclusive... ;)

Did you read that NCL?

 

MPK

[shoreguy]

If you do go to an AI, make sure it is rated 6*. There is a big drop off, particuarly in food. Secrets Capri Riviera (south of Cancun) is fabulous adults only, relatively small, fantastic food and fantastic service. Two drawbacks to most AIs is lack of quality evening entertainment and no casinos in Mexico. Much more relaxing than a cruise because you can do whatever you want whenever you want - no worries about embarkation, tendering, missing the ship, debarkation, etc. Plenty of great excursions you can book right at your resort. For example, 3 hours on We are not big drinkers, but free drinks are very nice. Easy to drink about 5 each per day ($60 per day on a cruise ship). We like both and do both. If you really want to splurge a little, try the Royal Hideaway in Riviera Maya (made Conde Naste Top resorts list). Adults only, but you have to dress for dinner. For great family resorts in Riviera Maya, try the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo/Maya. Food not quite as good as Secrets or Royal Hideaway, but still good. Also, don't forget, your room at an AI will be equal to a Penthouse suite on a cruise ship.

 

What the heck happened to $3900 ;) Just jumped on the internet and priced Secrets. Same 10 days as my Gem cruise Cheapest air change planes non refundable and the cheapest room (no water/pool view) at the resort $7,312.08 in Mexico - :D :D Plus I loss 2 days travelling. Think I will stay on the Gem:rolleyes:

 

The resort does look nice however

 

[sbharr]

OK - I feel like I have to weigh in on the AI issue. In Sept. 05 we stayed at Excellence Riviera Cancun in Mexico for my birthday (Formerly managed by the same company as Secrets Capri) and had such a great time we returned for our anniversary in June 06. (Never wanted to return to the same place before as we like to explore new places - so it shows you how impressed we were. It is adults-only, 5 star resort, and had the best food and ok entertainment. We stayed in the lowest level rooms both times, and had a huge room with a 2 person jacuzzi, balcony and marble bathrooms. For about 3 grand, we stayed for 8 days 7 nights including airfare and insurance. This resort has many restaurants, none of which need a reservation, and none of which carry an upcharge. And no tipping is required at all (Although we have been so blown away by the service we always do although it is not expected).

 

I am sailing on the PoAm in Sept of 07, for about the same price, not including airfare or insurance or alcohol, or tips. But this is a different vacation. For this 3 grand, I may not get alcohol or even a big room (although we are in a balcony stateroom) but I am getting transportation around the islands and a new island to visit practically each day.

 

I would definitely do AI again, but it is a different vacation than a Hawaii cruise. When we go to the AI, we lay by the pool or beach and relax, knowing we can do whatever we want whenever we want. Last time, we never left the property which was our choice, although they have several excursions or you can rent a car.

 

I am going to Hawaii to "get out there" and enjoy all the islands have to offer.

 

Hard to compare the two as exactly the same. JMHO.:)

[weary traveler]

Sbharr dont forget to add the price of your excursions on the various islands.. (i wont dispute the price is worth it, cause it is...) but when i did the LOS repo back a few years ago.. cost me a pretty penny wanting to see everything i could in the 7 days around the islands.. (believe me it IS a trip of a lifetime, so i'm not squawking about it..) we've even tried the one day passes in aruba at the occidental just to see if we would like the AI I for one think i could hack it.

 

Weary

[starfamily]

we were originally booked on the pearl for the 11 day southern but with air to miami it was ridiculous to keep the suite and fly so instead we are trying a new resort in st.lucia, for the three of us with a beachfront suite is is including air alittle under 5k, lots to do at the resort and on the island.

Two weeks from now I will know if I like all inclusives or not. Price is a big factor for everyone even if you have money to burn, we end up spending at least 1200 on shipboard charges if not more on a seven day cruise. The thought of not being nickeled and dimed now with restaurants and tips etc is appealing. Heck I always tell my clients if you can get a better deal go for it, I will still be there for you another time, and not be insulted, I will even help you plan your trip. Sometimes in the end it comes down to the best value for your dollar.

[weary traveler]

where from starfamily? just curious as you're vacationing in my back yard this July lol. and based on what you said about clients... arent "fam" trips available to you? i did a 7 day Sandals years ago stayed at 3 properties in Jamaica for an absurd price (including airfare thru Sunburst) took wifey.. great trip.. but i'd never do it again.. talk about "gated communities.." :cool: