How will the Epic make money?

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Ah to be young. Austrailia? Lucky man. I'd like to get there someday. So is your contract over? Or are you just on vacation?

 

Joyce

 

Just on vacation. Good news is my next contract is only 4 months!

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

I think part of the math is that there are no garden villas on board - but more CY Villas and Owners Suites - which they can sell more easily at $7K to $8K per person rather than $17K to $19K per person for a garden villa on a Jewel class ship - not exact numbers but hopefully you get the jist. Sell more cabins that you can at full price rather than doing upsells at lower rates just to fill the rooms.

 

I was very disappointed when I looked at the deck plans over and over and couldn't find the Garden Villa(s)...the Deluxe OS are intriguing, but a solarium rather than balcony is a little perplexing. But....at least there are no mini-suites! That will eliminate a thousand posts regarding amenities.

 

Not that I've much cruise experience compared with many, but NCL is a tremendous value. With that value will come new customers who will, like many, become devoted to the brand. I've only had 3 cruises with NCL, Owners Suite, Balcony, and Garden Villa, and NCL has got us hooked on their suite product! It is simply amazing...and after the Garden Villa experience (and it IS an experience), I've become a salesperson for them for anyone who will listen. There is simply nothing else that compares. Nothing. (we were in the Garden Villa in February and just returned from 2 weeks in Maui in nice resorts-Marriott Ocean Club 1st week, Westin Villas 2nd week and I still gush about NCL...Maui was nice...it was good...but the NCL GV experience...priceless.)

 

Long story short, NCL has a dedicated following and will attract and probably maintain a new following with this ship. NCL is innovative in creating the next best thing...so this is probably the start of just that...the next best thing. Carnival has many brands from status quo to high end, RCI has mainstream and premium with Celebrity...NCL has both...but on one ship...

[familyof4cruising]

I was very disappointed when I looked at the deck plans over and over and couldn't find the Garden Villa(s)...the Deluxe OS are intriguing, but a solarium rather than balcony is a little perplexing. But....at least there are no mini-suites! That will eliminate a thousand posts regarding amenities.

 

Not that I've much cruise experience compared with many, but NCL is a tremendous value. With that value will come new customers who will, like many, become devoted to the brand. I've only had 3 cruises with NCL, Owners Suite, Balcony, and Garden Villa, and NCL has got us hooked on their suite product! It is simply amazing...and after the Garden Villa experience (and it IS an experience), I've become a salesperson for them for anyone who will listen. There is simply nothing else that compares. Nothing. (we were in the Garden Villa in February and just returned from 2 weeks in Maui in nice resorts-Marriott Ocean Club 1st week, Westin Villas 2nd week and I still gush about NCL...Maui was nice...it was good...but the NCL GV experience...priceless.)

 

Long story short, NCL has a dedicated following and will attract and probably maintain a new following with this ship. NCL is innovative in creating the next best thing...so this is probably the start of just that...the next best thing. Carnival has many brands from status quo to high end, RCI has mainstream and premium with Celebrity...NCL has both...but on one ship...

 

 

I agree 100%!

 

I only wish the deposits and cancellation policies were different for the suites.

 

As much as I rave about NCL's suites, until you have a opportunity yourself to experience it ,you will never know how amazing it really can be.

[Stillfloatin']

I would consider going on a last minute cruise if the prices for Balconys were pretty cheap so I could just stay in my room for a week and not see passengers and just do movies and room service..hmm that sounds kinda nice actually :D

 

Join us on the Pearl for the Panama Canal repo. You can just chill during the day and play in the casino with us at night. :D:D:D

 

Are you still planning on Vegas in August?

 

As for the Epic, according to NCL's latest Facebook post, the ship is selling cabins so fast they're considering price increases. Not to mention, most venues on board are extra fee.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Join us on the Pearl for the Panama Canal repo. You can just chill during the day and play in the casino with us at night. :D:D:D

 

Are you still planning on Vegas in August?

 

As for the Epic' date=' according to NCL's latest Facebook post, the ship is selling cabins so fast they're considering price increases. Not to mention, most venues on board are extra fee.[/quote']

 

I wish I could! Sadly I'll be back at work then. Not sure about Vegas..depends on how Australia goes. Do you remember Russell and Michelle? I'm spending a weekend with them.

[PA Dutchman]

How long will Blue Man Group be on the Epic ??

[Solstice23]

I am not sure either, But I think the Epic is just ugly design wise, We are not Large ship fans anyway, but will go on the Oasis if had the chance. I am not sure why NCL seems to not manage new ideas well?? NCL america? wow that was awful my moms waiter bailed in the middle of her cruise?

 

Celebrity seems to have pulled new ideas off well with Solstice class, Design wise they know the passenger base, I have always felt like NCL is trying to be everyone else or copy them, NCL needs to have their own Identity.

 

I hope they can pull it off, but everyone I know does not see NCL staying around over the next decade with the competition.

[time2cruise1]

How long will Blue Man Group be on the Epic ??

 

I believe for years like Second City. The cast will rotate but the show will go on and on.

[njhorseman]

I am not sure either, But I think the Epic is just ugly design wise, We are not Large ship fans anyway, but will go on the Oasis if had the chance. I am not sure why NCL seems to not manage new ideas well?? NCL america? wow that was awful my moms waiter bailed in the middle of her cruise?

 

Celebrity seems to have pulled new ideas off well with Solstice class, Design wise they know the passenger base, I have always felt like NCL is trying to be everyone else or copy them, NCL needs to have their own Identity.

 

I hope they can pull it off, but everyone I know does not see NCL staying around over the next decade with the competition.

 

 

I can tell you're an expert on NCL as it is today because your last NCL cruise was 6 1/2 years ago. :rolleyes:

 

Apparently NCL America finally turned out OK because the ship is full week after week.

 

And NCL always copies other lines...that's why it is the inventor of Freestyle Cruising...a concept apparently so unpopular that all the other cruise lines are now weighing in with their own weak imitations.

 

I'm sure "everyone you know" has access to NCL's financials and strategic operating plans, putting them in the best position to judge the line's chance of success in the future.

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

I

Celebrity seems to have pulled new ideas off well with Solstice class, Design wise they know the passenger base, I have always felt like NCL is trying to be everyone else or copy them, NCL needs to have their own Identity.

 

To be fair, your last NCL cruise was when...7 years ago? And, in my opinion, all of the mainstream cruiselines (Carnival, Princess, HAL, Celebrity, NCL, RCCL) try to be everything to everyone. And most are very successful. NCL is just MORE successful with their suite product than Celebrity.

[familyof4cruising]

I am not sure why NCL seems to not manage new ideas well?? NCL america?

Celebrity seems to have pulled new ideas off well with Solstice class, Design wise they know the passenger base, I have always felt like NCL is trying to be everyone else or copy them, NCL needs to have their own Identity.

 

.

 

 

New ideas? :confused: Freestyle dining was NCL's idea...an idea that RCCL and Carnival have made "anytime dining".

 

I will give you that the Oasis is going to be an amazing ship...BUT where does RCCL's suites compare to NCL's? Each cruise line has it's pros and cons. IMO NCL has their own identity and know their passenger base well.

[Stillfloatin']

I can tell you're an expert on NCL as it is today because your last NCL cruise was 6 1/2 years ago. :rolleyes:

 

Apparently NCL America finally turned out OK because the ship is full week after week.

 

And NCL always copies other lines...that's why it is the inventor of Freestyle Cruising...a concept apparently so unpopular that all the other cruise lines are now weighing in with their own weak imitations.

 

I'm sure "everyone you know" has access to NCL's financials and strategic operating plans, putting them in the best position to judge the line's chance of success in the future.

 

Well said. It seems like the folks who rarely or never cruise NCL are very quick to forecast its imminent demise.

[CruisnGram]

I am not sure either, But I think the Epic is just ugly design wise, We are not Large ship fans anyway, but will go on the Oasis if had the chance. I am not sure why NCL seems to not manage new ideas well?? NCL america? wow that was awful my moms waiter bailed in the middle of her cruise?

 

Celebrity seems to have pulled new ideas off well with Solstice class, Design wise they know the passenger base, I have always felt like NCL is trying to be everyone else or copy them, NCL needs to have their own Identity.

 

I hope they can pull it off, but everyone I know does not see NCL staying around over the next decade with the competition.

 

I think I've said this to you before, but I must say it again. You haven't sailed NCL in 7 years yet you continue to comment about the progress they are making, how their product isn't up to par, how they won't stay around in the market, etc. Other then hearsay from other people, I'd love to know how you have formed all these opinions. Perhaps you should sail them again and see for yourself what a great product they offer.

 

CG

[Stillfloatin']

I think I've said this to you before, but I must say it again. You haven't sailed NCL in 7 years yet you continue to comment about the progress they are making, how their product isn't up to par, how they won't stay around in the market, etc. Other then hearsay from other people, I'd love to know how you have formed all these opinions. Perhaps you should sail them again and see for yourself what a great product they offer.

 

CG

 

Looks like toronto25 is a hater not a (NCL) lover. :D:D

[Solstice23]

Hey guys,

 

I do not Hate NCL, I just think for us NCL ship design and service was not for us. The sun and Star have they had major changes design wise ? other then the crayola drawings on the exteriors?

 

I am not against NCL, As for sailing them again, We gave them 2 tries, so to be fare we did try it again, we did not just do NCL once then complain all about the cruise and say we would never sail them again! Like many cruisers do from line to line.

 

My mother has been on a few NCL a few times since including the Dawn from NYC, So I have heard from her and seen her pics, Its just not for us,

 

As for the suites, yes they have great suites on NCL, but I do not sail just for a suite,( although we love our Sky Suites) I have heard great things about the suite life on NCL, but my mom said as soon as she left her room it was a different world. Everyone likes different things, the Style of design and look of NCL ships, the feel they have is not for us, But I know its for many others and cheers to them that so many choices out there!

 

I still think the Epic exterior is very odd, But cant wait to see pics of the interior.

Happy Cruising

[thebeachbums]

I came across some propaganda from NCL's investor site, with which I happen to agree due to my own personal experience, but I also think it sheds some light on the low fare situation and NCL's expectation for profit over time.

 

Outlook

"As we continue to navigate through this difficult economy, we see signs of improvement. An expanding booking curve, however slight, as well as record occupancy levels are signs that the marketplace is receptive to cruising as a vacation choice. Although we continue to be disappointed with the current pricing environment, we are optimistic that we are introducing new people to our brand and bringing in new cruisers to the market," said Sheehan.

 

 

For my husband and me, NCL's Freestyle campaign caught us hook, line and sinker. As first time cruisers we booked a dirt cheap fare on NCL's Sky back in March just to see if we would like cruising. We loved the whole do what you want and pay a little more for the extras that matter to you concept on NCL. We are now booked on the Epic because NCL just felt right for us from the minute we heard about Freestyle.

 

We happen to be consumers whose choices are heavily based on brand loyalty and we absolutely will spend more on a brand in which we trust. While we do have to perceive there is something of equal value being offered in exchange for spending more money, NCL's Freestyle approach gives us that feeling and that, in turn, will give them an edge when we're comparing them to an equal or even lower priced itinerary on another cruise line.

 

Personally, I think NCL is gambling heavily on the assumption Epic will sail at or near full capacity, whether based on consumer brand loyalty or curiosity. I base this opinion strictly on the investment they're making in trying to get people on board this ship.

 

I don't feel qualified to argue for or against the demise of NCL over the next ten years because I have no idea what secrets lie undisclosed in their financial statements, but in spite of being a privately held company, NCL does place some decent information on their investor page for public consumption. I mention this only because there are press releases that discuss billions of dollars spent on upgrades in recent years to create the youngest fleet, most innovative accommodations and improved food quality, entertainment and overall amenities, which actually do appear to be showing some returns, at least according to their own propaganda. To me, it just doesn't sound like a business that's going to sink anytime soon, but then again, I would have said that about AIG with they way were spending money two years ago, too.

[nadeki]

I never understand posters who say NCL is not for them and will not go on them again read the NCL site??

[*Wink*]

I never understand posters who say NCL is not for them and will not go on them again read the NCL site??

Yeah.. that one's got me perplexed too.. I can only conclude they want to start some crap since they obviously know what's going to happen with their flaming comments.

 

Perhaps they're just bored and need to start some drama.

[flag fan]

I would think that a cruise ship has a much longer service life than ten years! In any event, I agree with you -- I don't believe they'd have completed construction on the Epic if they didn't think they will be able to make money operating her.

 

Actually, they might have gone ahead and finished construction even if they thought they would not make money operating her. It may have been a question of the lesser of two evils--canceling late in construction would save some money but result in no income; finishing the ship will still result in a loss of income, but less than a late cancellation that costs almost as much but would result in no income.

 

My belief is that they expect to make a profit on this ship but that if it doesn't they may sell one of their other older ships (to a foreign cruise line--meaning a cruise line that does not compete in the U.S. market) for some cash and to reduce competition among their own ships. (That's what happened with Pride of Aloha when the Hawaiian cruise market didn't work out.) Of course, they could have miscalculated, particularly if the recession continues longer than expected or has a a greater-than-expected impact on the cruise industry or in case Carnival Corp becomes so aggressive in its pricing strategy as to force NCL to really cut its fares to the point where there is little if any profit.

 

That said, I'm optimistic that the cruise industry in general will weather this storm and that NCL in general and Epic in particular will do fine. They have a very attractive product and being at the lower-end of the market they are in a good position to sell cruises to a cost-conscious public (and make profits in the "hidden" costs of on-ship purchases). Time will tell.

[*Wink*]

Delete post.

[sjbdtz]

Maybe NCL will try the HP approach to making EPIC profitable.

 

HP came out with dirt-cheap printers, and ran a very aggressive marketing campaign in favor the benefits of HP-branded ink & paper.

 

Perhaps NCL will fill EPIC with comp cabins for gamblers, perhaps it will fill the cabins for next to nothing, but make all meals surcharge... perhaps a million things....interesting things happen when you think outside of the box.

[iheartbda]

Perhaps NCL will fill EPIC with comp cabins for gamblers, perhaps it will fill the cabins for next to nothing, but make all meals surcharge... perhaps a million things....interesting things happen when you think outside of the box.

No, outside the SHIP, don't mention the B word since some have compared the Epic to one.:p:D

[sjbdtz]

No, outside the SHIP, don't mention the B word since some have compared the Epic to one.:p:D

 

 

Lol.

 

 

On a side note,

I don't know whether you've seen the humour sites LOLdogs and LOLcats

 

http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2009/07/funny-pictures-human-does-it-wrong.jpg

 

(other LOL options are at the top of the page).... I think they should come out with a LOLships version....

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Hey Monica check out the 21 day Med itins for 2010 in Feb on the Jade..What do you think of those?

[Stillfloatin']

Hey Monica check out the 21 day Med itins for 2010 in Feb on the Jade..What do you think of those?

 

They're awesome, but Tonya can't be gone that long before Valentine's day, that's the busiest holiday of her business and the girl practically never sleeps just getting all the orders out. It's always the same for Christmas too. We just know we can't book cruises the 3 weeks before any major holiday.