Star now has a "Revenue Officer"

[NoPiratesPlease]

Apollo is testing the concept on the Star of a Revenue Officer. His job is to find ways to...you guessed it...increase revenue on the ship. I don't know if he has the parallel job of seeking ways to cut costs as well.

 

He claims to have increased revenue on the Star by 1% and is aiming for 2%.

 

I suppose if the Star actually produces 1% to 2% more goods and services for the guests that would be a good thing, because....

 

Where do you think all that enhanced revenue is coming from? Or, more importantly, from whom?

 

We just got off the Star and had a wonderful time (despite rough seas), but did not see anything that was worth spending MORE money on. A lot of things are better than they were two years ago--like the coffee is actually drinkable and the food is better. But the art auctions and casino contests and drink-tasting events all seem the same.

 

Drink prices DO seem to be up--but that would be fleet-wide, not Star-specific. Tour prices also seem to be up, but, again, that would not be a ship-specific item.

 

So...unless cost-cutting is part of the RO's job, I'm not sure what he's doing (They've cut those nice little rope scrubbers from the shower-bath complement of goods--there's a great cost-cutter!)

[wg6530]

On some cruises I see empty specialty restaurants, often early, sometimes even at peak dining hours. On other cruises, specials (early bird 2 for 1, etc) are offered in select venues; then they fill up nicely. Perhaps a revenue officier might decide when and what specials will increase revenue/profit margin. Same for bar specials, etc. He could be watching for opportunites to improve marketing or service to increase sales. For example, if patrons see a line a the coffee bar, they might not bother to wait; a second barista might be in order during certain hours.

[sjb-firsttimer]

I went on the Norwegian Sun during August for 7 days in Alaska and it was my first cruise. Found it really off putting, that everything was a hard sell e.g. buy your next cruise, duty free, tours, etc.

 

Lots of people on the boat, mentioned this in passing conversations. I guess the cruise companies have to do, what they can to survive in these times.

 

Apart from that the cruise was fantastic and I really enjoyed it. Probably would book again with NCL ;)

[ruffs]

Maybe they will realize the hard sell isn't working, and this guy can point it out for them. I have no problem with them making a profit, I think it will only happen from us if they provide something worth buying. Hopefully this guy will focus on providing goods and services people want instead of focusing on milking a mostly captive audience.

[BikerAl]

Noun: revenuer 're-vu-n(y)oo-u®

1. A government agent responsible for collecting revenue (especially one responsible for stopping bootlegging)
   

Will be searching for rum runners, coke cases filled with beer, is my guess.;)

 

Al

[ruffs]

Oh, and if the hard sell is working, it's only our fault for buying whatever they are selling.

[terrymtex01]

I can't see that being a permanent assignement. In other words I mean he might be on the Star now, but I could see after a month or two and working his magic he would move over to the Pearl and then after a month or two moving over to the Jewel, etc etc. Constantly rotating ship to ship. I just can't see he would be that effective being on one ship full time. Seems to me eventually he will run out of ideas for that ship to make it worth his salary to be on that specific ship.

 

I went on the Norwegian Sun during August for 7 days in Alaska and it was my first cruise. Found it really off putting, that everything was a hard sell e.g. buy your next cruise, duty free, tours, etc.

 

Lots of people on the boat, mentioned this in passing conversations. I guess the cruise companies have to do, what they can to survive in these times.

 

Apart from that the cruise was fantastic and I really enjoyed it. Probably would book again with NCL ;)

 

For as long as I have been cruising there has been the "hard sell" for other goods and services. That's been on every cruiseline I have been on. There may be more goods and services to choose from now, but that just means more choices for us. I can't see this going away anytime soon. It must be effective or it is the longest test I have ever seen a business do. 8-)

[CanadianTwosome]

I'm not sure why this is such a bad thing. I WANT NCL to make money - so that they can continue to 'stay afloat' (couldn't resist), and I would much prefer that they do so on board the ships rather than by raising their base fares. That keeps the choice where it belongs - with ME.

 

I've been on three NCL cruises in the last three years and I have NEVER felt a 'hard sell' for anything. Does that mean they're not pushing their income generators? No, it just means that I don't notice it. I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't. I am inundated with advertising at every turn in my life; on television, on the radio, on billboards, bus stops, faxes that come uninvited to my office, spam in my email... and I don't care. Again, I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't.

 

NCL offers a product that starts as a basic cruise with a low base fare, and then supplements that with an assortment of CHOICES that we can 'add on' if we want, or not if we don't. This is the product I buy, and I expect them to at least attempt to sell me the on-ship items - otherwise what's the point of having them? What business has products to offer but doesn't try to sell them? Just like all other advertising in the world, I pay attention when it's something that interests me and ignore it when it doesn't. I barely notice any BINGO announcements on a cruise because I don't play, yet some swear they're constant and invasive. On the other hand, I LOVE Cagney's and Teppanyaki, but if I've definitely never felt they were particularly advertised on board at all - I have to seek out the reservations desk or call from my cabin. Perhaps there is advertising... I've just never noticed it.

 

So, I think the reason people find it so offensive is that they're on vacation, so they think they should be 'left alone'. Well... my answer to that is that if you want to pay your money and then be 'left alone' to just enjoy your holiday without any further attempt to generage income by the provider... go to an all inclusive resort. You will NOT find that on ANY cruise that I'm aware of (except an all inclusive one, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to know which line that might be - because while they might advertise, I'm not interested so I've never noticed :)). Does NCL try to sell more things than other lines? Of course; they have more things to sell.

 

So, after all that, my opinion is that having someone whose has the specific job of to trying to increase onboard income is a good thing. If they didn't care about passenger perception and happiness, they wouldn't bother with the new staff member - they would just jack prices, put signs up all over the ship saying 'Buy Buy Buy', run 'commercials' all day and night on every television channel, and hand out flyers in the Atrium. I see this as NCL's desire to increase income without turning off the passengers, which is - on both points - a good thing. :)

[WinnieinWA]

noun: Revenuer 're-vu-n(y)oo-u®

1. a government agent responsible for collecting revenue (especially one responsible for stopping bootlegging)
   

will be searching for rum runners, coke cases filled with beer, is my guess.;)

 

al

 

yikes! ;)

[swedish weave]

I'm not sure why this is such a bad thing. I WANT NCL to make money - so that they can continue to 'stay afloat' (couldn't resist), and I would much prefer that they do so on board the ships rather than by raising their base fares. That keeps the choice where it belongs - with ME.

 

I've been on three NCL cruises in the last three years and I have NEVER felt a 'hard sell' for anything. Does that mean they're not pushing their income generators? No, it just means that I don't notice it. I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't. I am inundated with advertising at every turn in my life; on television, on the radio, on billboards, bus stops, faxes that come uninvited to my office, spam in my email... and I don't care. Again, I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't.

 

NCL offers a product that starts as a basic cruise with a low base fare, and then supplements that with an assortment of CHOICES that we can 'add on' if we want, or not if we don't. This is the product I buy, and I expect them to at least attempt to sell me the on-ship items - otherwise what's the point of having them? What business has products to offer but doesn't try to sell them? Just like all other advertising in the world, I pay attention when it's something that interests me and ignore it when it doesn't. I barely notice any BINGO announcements on a cruise because I don't play, yet some swear they're constant and invasive. On the other hand, I LOVE Cagney's and Teppanyaki, but if I've definitely never felt they were particularly advertised on board at all - I have to seek out the reservations desk or call from my cabin. Perhaps there is advertising... I've just never noticed it.

 

So, I think the reason people find it so offensive is that they're on vacation, so they think they should be 'left alone'. Well... my answer to that is that if you want to pay your money and then be 'left alone' to just enjoy your holiday without any further attempt to generage income by the provider... go to an all inclusive resort. You will NOT find that on ANY cruise that I'm aware of (except an all inclusive one, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to know which line that might be - because while they might advertise, I'm not interested so I've never noticed :)). Does NCL try to sell more things than other lines? Of course; they have more things to sell.

 

So, after all that, my opinion is that having someone whose has the specific job of to trying to increase onboard income is a good thing. If they didn't care about passenger perception and happiness, they wouldn't bother with the new staff member - they would just jack prices, put signs up all over the ship saying 'Buy Buy Buy', run 'commercials' all day and night on every television channel, and hand out flyers in the Atrium. I see this as NCL's desire to increase income without turning off the passengers, which is - on both points - a good thing. :)

 

Very well said, Canadian -- Excellent choice of words. Bill

[DMH15]

CanadianTwosome (now I know you must have a real first name, but if I have ever seen it, it escapes me).

 

I agree 100% with your entire post. Maybe except BINGO. My mom and I like BINGO and have played on all our cruises, but of the four lines I have sailed, NCL's is the lamest. Too expensive, too few games and too many hassles. On our last cruise we cut way, way back. But NCL still gets plenty of my money. I once got a fortune cookie that read "work expands to time available". Mine should read "go ahead and sign for it, NCL is going to get it all anyway". But, as I have said before. I love freestyle and choosing where I want to spend my money. In some ways I splurge big-time and in other ways I hold back. But thank goodness, for the time being, pretty much my choice.

 

Big fan of the bar setup, wouldn't know a rum runner if it bit me in the ankles.

[wahine56]

I'm not sure why this is such a bad thing. I WANT NCL to make money - so that they can continue to 'stay afloat' (couldn't resist), and I would much prefer that they do so on board the ships rather than by raising their base fares. That keeps the choice where it belongs - with ME.

 

I've been on three NCL cruises in the last three years and I have NEVER felt a 'hard sell' for anything. Does that mean they're not pushing their income generators? No, it just means that I don't notice it. I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't. I am inundated with advertising at every turn in my life; on television, on the radio, on billboards, bus stops, faxes that come uninvited to my office, spam in my email... and I don't care. Again, I buy what I want and I don't buy what I don't.

 

NCL offers a product that starts as a basic cruise with a low base fare, and then supplements that with an assortment of CHOICES that we can 'add on' if we want, or not if we don't. This is the product I buy, and I expect them to at least attempt to sell me the on-ship items - otherwise what's the point of having them? What business has products to offer but doesn't try to sell them? Just like all other advertising in the world, I pay attention when it's something that interests me and ignore it when it doesn't. I barely notice any BINGO announcements on a cruise because I don't play, yet some swear they're constant and invasive. On the other hand, I LOVE Cagney's and Teppanyaki, but if I've definitely never felt they were particularly advertised on board at all - I have to seek out the reservations desk or call from my cabin. Perhaps there is advertising... I've just never noticed it.

 

So, I think the reason people find it so offensive is that they're on vacation, so they think they should be 'left alone'. Well... my answer to that is that if you want to pay your money and then be 'left alone' to just enjoy your holiday without any further attempt to generage income by the provider... go to an all inclusive resort. You will NOT find that on ANY cruise that I'm aware of (except an all inclusive one, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to know which line that might be - because while they might advertise, I'm not interested so I've never noticed :)). Does NCL try to sell more things than other lines? Of course; they have more things to sell.

 

So, after all that, my opinion is that having someone whose has the specific job of to trying to increase onboard income is a good thing. If they didn't care about passenger perception and happiness, they wouldn't bother with the new staff member - they would just jack prices, put signs up all over the ship saying 'Buy Buy Buy', run 'commercials' all day and night on every television channel, and hand out flyers in the Atrium. I see this as NCL's desire to increase income without turning off the passengers, which is - on both points - a good thing. :)

 

 

I agree with you, that is why I keep booking with NCL.

 

Pat

[CanadianTwosome]

Thanks everyone! It was really nice to come back to this thread and read such nice comments on my thoughts. :)

 

I guess it just always kind of confuses me that people will spend as much money as they do on cruises and then expect a different product from the one they purchased. If I didn't want to be on a cruise with an assortment of on board choices - that I expect someone to try to sell me - I would go elsewhere. For three of us, including airfare, our yearly cruise is a BIG expenditure; I don't spend that kind of money without knowing all about the product BEFORE I make a deposit.

 

DMH15, CanadianTwosome IS my real name... :eek::p Ha ha ha ha ha Seriously, I'm just more comfortable with nicknames on the internet, so feel free to call me CT like many others do. :) I'm sorry to hear that the BINGO isn't as good on NCL. I like to think that others on NCL are being provided for as well as I am, but realistically I know that's not possible. There are many aspects of NCL's product that I know nothing about because it's not part of what I enjoy on a cruise - which is a big part of what I was talking about earlier - but I know that if I did play BINGO, I would want it to be 'good' BINGO... whatever that is! :p

[wahine56]

I didn't realize you are booked on the Epic, I'll let you know how it is. We'll be doing western, since we're doing easter in Feb.

 

Pat

[sottovoce]

Maybe they will realize the hard sell isn't working, and this guy can point it out for them. I have no problem with them making a profit, I think it will only happen from us if they provide something worth buying. Hopefully this guy will focus on providing goods and services people want instead of focusing on milking a mostly captive audience.

Sorry, but I don't think there's a "hard sell" at all. Regarding the future cruise, they are offering a $100 discount on a future cruise coupon. If you don't want to take advantage, simply don't. If you don't want to play bingo, simply don't. If you don't want to go to an art auction, simply don't.

 

I'm not aware of a for-profit organization anywhere that doesn't have the equivalent of a "revenue officer" somewhere in the organization. For-profit organizations don't stay in business without revenue. Comments like "milking" are completely uncalled-for, since no one here can speak with any certainty as to what the "revenue officer" actually does on the ship. But many people do like to whine about every little thing, and this thread is a perfect example.

[wg6530]

Noun: revenuer 're-vu-n(y)oo-u®

1. A government agent responsible for collecting revenue (especially one responsible for stopping bootlegging)
   

Will be searching for rum runners, coke cases filled with beer, is my guess.;)

 

Al

 

Pretty funny, Al. Of course, that kind of revenue officier would probably find all the contraband at the dock. He could stay on shore to enjoy the bounty and catch more on the next ship;).

[G'ma]

Apollo is testing the concept on the Star of a Revenue Officer. His job is to find ways to...you guessed it...increase revenue on the ship. I don't know if he has the parallel job of seeking ways to cut costs as well.

 

He claims to have increased revenue on the Star by 1% and is aiming for 2%.

 

I suppose if the Star actually produces 1% to 2% more goods and services for the guests that would be a good thing, because....

 

Where do you think all that enhanced revenue is coming from? Or, more importantly, from whom?

 

We just got off the Star and had a wonderful time (despite rough seas), but did not see anything that was worth spending MORE money on. A lot of things are better than they were two years ago--like the coffee is actually drinkable and the food is better. But the art auctions and casino contests and drink-tasting events all seem the same.

 

Drink prices DO seem to be up--but that would be fleet-wide, not Star-specific. Tour prices also seem to be up, but, again, that would not be a ship-specific item.

 

So...unless cost-cutting is part of the RO's job, I'm not sure what he's doing (They've cut those nice little rope scrubbers from the shower-bath complement of goods--there's a great cost-cutter!)

 

A role of a revenue officer is not just to produce more revenue...but, mainly, to cut costs, recognize waste and tighten operations.

[NoPiratesPlease]

Nobody can claim that I, and MsEscada, have not been loyal to NCL--something like 24 cruises on NCL proves that. We've always been, for lack of a better phrase, "high end" guests, taking top cabins such as owner's suites or garden villas. Yet we have noticed the creeping increase in costs and decreasing perks for years. Plus cabin maintenance is way down. (this is not to criticize either our butler or cabin steward who were the best we have seen in years--kudos to Dilip and Misiel!). We went "platinum" a couple of years ago and STILL we had to struggle to get the perks we are ENTITLED to.

 

NCL has been raising prices, eliminating early booking discounts, and "cutting costs" on the OS and Villa class since before Apollo took over.

 

This last cruise on the Star went very well--we mainly ignore the constant cacaphony of Cruise Director obnoxious hard-sell P/A announcements--and have a good time.

 

But our cruise over the the Xmas/New Year's holiday on the Jade was a disaster--incompetent cabin stewards and a butler who couldn't get anything straight. Restaurant service was unbearably slow and frequently rude (speaking only German to our German friends and barely a word in English--our German friends were incensed for us).

 

Still, NCL is pushing us, and guests like us, away. We currently have NO further cruises booked.

 

I have no objection to NCL making a profit. But finding ways to increase the cost to us of an already high-priced cruise while decreasing services, and even HIRING an officer to concentrate on that, it highly offensive.

 

I'm sure the other lines are just as bad that way.

[sjbdtz]

I went on the Norwegian Sun during August for 7 days in Alaska and it was my first cruise. Found it really off putting, that everything was a hard sell e.g. buy your next cruise, duty free, tours, etc.

 

Lots of people on the boat, mentioned this in passing conversations. I guess the cruise companies have to do, what they can to survive in these times.

 

Apart from that the cruise was fantastic and I really enjoyed it. Probably would book again with NCL ;)

 

Nobody can claim that I, and MsEscada, have not been loyal to NCL--something like 24 cruises on NCL proves that. We've always been, for lack of a better phrase, "high end" guests, taking top cabins such as owner's suites or garden villas. Yet we have noticed the creeping increase in costs and decreasing perks for years. Plus cabin maintenance is way down. (this is not to criticize either our butler or cabin steward who were the best we have seen in years--kudos to Dilip and Misiel!). We went "platinum" a couple of years ago and STILL we had to struggle to get the perks we are ENTITLED to.

 

NCL has been raising prices, eliminating early booking discounts, and "cutting costs" on the OS and Villa class since before Apollo took over.

 

This last cruise on the Star went very well--we mainly ignore the constant cacaphony of Cruise Director obnoxious hard-sell P/A announcements--and have a good time.

 

But our cruise over the the Xmas/New Year's holiday on the Jade was a disaster--incompetent cabin stewards and a butler who couldn't get anything straight. Restaurant service was unbearably slow and frequently rude (speaking only German to our German friends and barely a word in English--our German friends were incensed for us).

 

Still, NCL is pushing us, and guests like us, away. We currently have NO further cruises booked.

 

I have no objection to NCL making a profit. But finding ways to increase the cost to us of an already high-priced cruise while decreasing services, and even HIRING an officer to concentrate on that, it highly offensive.

 

I'm sure the other lines are just as bad that way.

 

Is it POSSIBLE that the person who is acting as Revenue Manager was an existing person whose position would have been eliminated, and they were looking for a way to "save" the employee?

 

Finding a 1% or 2% cost savings is not challenging.... I can do it from my keyboard.

 

-------------

Make evening turn-down....on request. Those who don't care, lose the benefit. Fewer turn-downs = fewer cabin stewards.

 

Drink flags (I thought they HAD these?) so that people are not pestered, and being in more relaxed state, are more likely to spend.

 

Overnight light turn-downs. Home Depot turned-off every 2nd light at its stores, and saved millions in bulbs, energy costs, etc.

Does NCL really need to keep the Reception Desk area completely lit up, at 4a.m.?

 

Provide a separate towel bar outside the bathroom, inside the cabin where someone can hang a towl, or a bathing suit to dry. This will undoubtably move those who were predisposed to reuse, to do so....whereas now in the bathroom there's not enough room.

 

Replace the old 11" tvs with flat panels. The energy draw is signficiantly less, and even though we're on generated power, it takes diesel to run the generators.

 

Sometimes less is more. If people drink 4 drinks at 7.95, but 7 at $5.....which is better?

 

Just some thoughts.

Stephen

[jp2001]

I'm very happy if NCL makes money by offering things people are happy to pay for but I don't like when they start removing the free stuff for replacing it with for-a-fee options. Some things that come to my mind are:

 

- 2 free specialty restaurants became surcharge ones (I hear they are better quality than they used to but still, I liked that I could go to a different restaurant without surcharge before - I especially liked Salsa on the Dawn when it was free).

- Many free sea days activities have been removed to give more place to the fee ones (on my first cruise, there were more free fitness classes to choose from and more various activities, now there are more yoga, pilates and spinning class ($) Liquor Clinics ($) and even the sushi demo includes sake and is for a fee now. I wish they had added the for-a-fee activities WITHOUT removing the regular free version).

 

Also, what annoys me the MOST is their constant advertising over the PA system or before every show. When I am on vacation, I like to RELAX. For this Cunard was much, much more respectful of their guests. Cunard also has specialty restaurants, activities for a fee, bingo, etc. but they don't harass you at every hour to let you know about it. I can read my freestyle daily and do whatever activity I am interested in, I don't need anyone telling what I should do.

[flattop223]

Is it POSSIBLE that the person who is acting as Revenue Manager was an existing person whose position would have been eliminated, and they were looking for a way to "save" the employee?

 

Finding a 1% or 2% cost savings is not challenging.... I can do it from my keyboard.

 

-------------

Make evening turn-down....on request. Those who don't care, lose the benefit. Fewer turn-downs = fewer cabin stewards.

 

Drink flags (I thought they HAD these?) so that people are not pestered, and being in more relaxed state, are more likely to spend.

 

Overnight light turn-downs. Home Depot turned-off every 2nd light at its stores, and saved millions in bulbs, energy costs, etc.

Does NCL really need to keep the Reception Desk area completely lit up, at 4a.m.?

 

Provide a separate towel bar outside the bathroom, inside the cabin where someone can hang a towl, or a bathing suit to dry. This will undoubtably move those who were predisposed to reuse, to do so....whereas now in the bathroom there's not enough room.

 

Replace the old 11" tvs with flat panels. The energy draw is signficiantly less, and even though we're on generated power, it takes diesel to run the generators.

 

Sometimes less is more. If people drink 4 drinks at 7.95, but 7 at $5.....which is better?

 

Just some thoughts.

Stephen

 

Feels strange to say this but...

I completely agree with you sjbdtz there are ways to make more revenue or savings on expenses tha benefit the passengers

[rian90]

I imagine it must be difficult to watch as the services become less for the passenger and there are more extra costs associated with services that once were part of the overall package. My husband and I are rather new to cruising so do not have the years of experience and to us, what is available now seems pretty good. But in a couple of years I might feel differently.

 

That said, I really like NCL's approach. We have sailed twice on RCL and while the ships are lovely and the food excellent, we do not use half the services on the ship, whether include or now in the price of the cruise. Our first choice for any vacation is camping, and not in a fancy RV but a simple tent camper crammed with several children. We enjoy cruising because it requires so little work on our part compared to camping. When we cruise, we want to relax, do nothing at all but sit on the deck with a good book and visit interesting ports. We have a pool here so crowded pools are not our style. We have plenty of beach and ocean nearby. We are not rock wall climbers or gamblers.

 

So as long as their are some nice secluded spots for a lounge chair, food that is better than we can cook at home, good coffee, and some ports with environmental or cultural interest, we are happy. I really like that NCL gives us a lower fare with the option of paying for the extras. I am sure we will enjoy an anniversary dinner at the fancy restaurant and eat sushi at least once on our NCL cruise next year. But I doubt we will play bingo or go bowling. We will buy drinks but probably won't go to the spa or art show. In the ports we will do things ourselves or use private excursions because quite honestly, I am not impressed with ship excursions on RCL and from what I read, I probably wouldn't like any cruiseline excursion. I want to savor my experience at the Acropolis, not be rushed through so we can go shopping afterward.

 

Of course, our simple balcony cabin will seem like luxury to us and we will feel like royalty eating in the dining room. So our tastes are rather simple. But the nice thing about NCL is that we can make our own decisions on what we want rather than pay for things we probably won't use or for a standard that we really don't require.

 

If we have a good experience on the Gem, I will certainly spread the word to my friends and maybe even get a group together for a trip to the Carribean. That is one way NCL can weather this economic downturn...They can appeal to those of us who would rather pay a basic fare and add to it!

[sjbdtz]

The economic downturn is over. We're back to growth already as of last Quarter.

 

I forgot to mention....if NCL needs me to sail on all of their ships as a Revenue Manager....well...they have my email! ;)

 

:D

[mypleasure]

 

But the nice thing about NCL is that we can make our own decisions on what we want rather than pay for things we probably won't use or for a standard that we really don't require.

 

If we have a good experience on the Gem, I will certainly spread the word to my friends and maybe even get a group together for a trip to the Carribean. That is one way NCL can weather this economic downturn...They can appeal to those of us who would rather pay a basic fare and add to it!

 

You have it spot on and I think you will enjoy sailing with NCL a lot.

[NoPiratesPlease]

Many of your suggestions I can agree with....the company gets more revenue selling 7 drinks for $5 than 4 drinks for $8. But that's not cost-cutting--that's revenue enhancement. They are different things. Cost cutting has a theoretical absolute limit--Zero. Revenue enhancement has no such limit.

 

But thinking you can increase revenue by 1% to 2% with no effort is mistaken--if you could the supermarket chains would crown you as emperor because they work on something like 6% margins.

 

It's also nice to think they created this job to save the guy's job. Yeah. Right. But that's not it. They are cutting cabin stewards and wait staff and dumping the duties on those that remain. Also, I know who this guy is and he had another job before this that did NOT get eliminated--he approached NCL about creating his own position and they agreed, as an experiment.

 

NCL has to choose if they want to STILL stand out from the other mass-market lines. And if they want to run a luxury ship-within-a-ship with their owners' suites and villas, they have a lot of act-cleaning up to do. Hiring a revenue officer whose job it is to find more ways to extract money from us isn't it. It's an insult to their passengers, especially their loyal passengers.