maywell

Next post will say some of my best friends are "urban." That euphemism is uncalled for (and inaccurate since not all POC live in a city). There should be no reason to call out that a ship has a lot of black people on it unless you feel it's a "warning" to others. And to say you had no problem with it as they were very nice, uh... Wow.

Bonus points, that the OP was cruising from Miami which is urban. That's like sailing out of NYC and saying they wasn't expecting so many urban people there. Or going to Amish county or Key West and saying wasn't expecting it to be so rural.:rolleyes:

Glad they enjoyed themselves, but sheesh.....

I would say Celebrity is in that list as well. Changed itineraries, adding overnight stays at one port, while cancelling another port to many cruises.

I just purposely book just for the ship and most of the basic amenities along the week(s) I want to take off and hopefully the cruise ship will do the itinerary I like. Sometimes the weather or whatever just wrecks the even the most simplest of plans. [emoji18] Doesn't matter which line - it just happens, plus their contacts covers them too. [emoji10]

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

I agree with the others - Its not rude, but it is rude of the solo traveler in question to think that every dining mate(s) should invited them to every event. Those people have their own plans for the evening and if they want to invite the person, that fine. If they don't want to invite, that's also fine.

No offense - They're not obliged to babysit the solo traveler every evening; that person should learn to make plans for themselves instead of relying on others to makes plans for them. Harsh, but that what it means to travel by yourself - you make your own plans on what you want to do and if other people plans happen to be similar to your own plans, you or they decide if joining up is okay or not. It goes both ways - the world doesn't revolve them, neither does it revolve around solo travelers.

Oh ok, it seems that the studio lounge will not be crowded with solos, I am leaving tomorrow and it looks like there are still studios available as well as all the other categories. I am kind of happy about that, less crowded and more room for me. lol

Gotta remember - the solo meets is open to all solos in the other room categories like balconies, so that's probably the only time the lounge is ever crowded. It's only like about an hour, that happens.

Last year while I was on the Breakaway, it was just give your name and where you from on the every 1st night, that was it. If a person was new obviously any other night, only they said their name & location.

It was like about 200 people the 1st night and about half of them didn't return back after that because the Breakaway lounge itself so small and/or had better plans. Keep that in mind going in there, that it might get crowded but if you like the meets after the 2nd night - Enjoy. :)

If you call making observations "complaining", sure. And it's not a matter of being "priced out", it's being unwilling to spend more money for something if I don't have to. Why in the world would I want to spend $1500 (again, 4/2017) for a balcony on the Sky when I can get a comparable cruise for half the money, or a 7 day cruise for a little more? Free booze? LOL, if I tried to drink that much I'd end up in the hospital.

You pay $1500 for 2 on a balcony for 7 days and for the around the same amount for one person, I can get an interior for 14 days on the same ship or a different one. It is, what it is - people with different preferences and circumstances paying for different values. I can no longer drink or eat heavily anymore, but the shore excursion credit looks great to me since I love going to ports for beaches and walking tours (that happens to be one of the other current perks along with drinks).

I don't disagree, the only thing it means to me is that I have one less cruise line to choose from. As you say, it is what it is.

EXACTLY!!! But, you're still going to complain and trying to argue about it anyway. I GET IT - you don't want to spend more money on a Balcony on NCL smaller ships because you feel like you are priced out completely and changes that happen make you feel uncomfortable for you and whomever else goes with you. It is what it is - you found your balcony on another line that is not NCL, that gives you more value for buck. Happy for you and enjoy whatever future voyages on that line or whatever other line.

What is NCL's current demographic? (I am new to the line).

 

I am a new cruiser really, only have done six prior on different lines, but I will say, in my experience, the overall PAX feel is somewhat different on the different lines. (Now I am curious about the NCL pax!)

From the Cruise Critic NCL review page:http://www.cruisecritic.com/v-3/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=24

Fellow Passengers

The crowd is diverse -- primarily American -- ranging in age from young families to older folks, and as well as a good many cruisers with disabilities. Norwegian has cultivated a broad appeal, which means its ships are oriented to both families and couples. They're appropriate for gay and lesbian travelers, too.

Norwegian is also carving out a major niche for itself in the U.K. and is offering some homeport options there. As well, it targets passengers from other English-speaking countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

*************************************************************

Pretty much also people that don't mind spending zero-zilch to about $50 a day or more. There's alot of specialty restaurants that offer good food when you don't feel like dining in the complimentary places. Or shopping for bottles of alcohol like rum, jewelry, souvenirs, etc.

I feel like this is ground hogs day. This week in Ft. lauderdale, 2015 Cruise World took place. All of the key notes, and every cruise line exec that spoke ALL said prices are on the rise globally. Once again NCL, has set the trend, now others will follow.

 

Like I have said in the past, NCL is purging its existing demo. They will retain the business. But it might not be you. Holland America is doing a 180. Rebranding into a more family line, going after the DINKS, and younger crowds starting with the launch on the KD next year.( huge rebrand).

 

Royal Carib - higher prices on there newer ships (higher then NCL BTW)

Carnival - Still a value line, but has been slowly increasing most onboard princes, will continue into next year.

Celeb - higher prices, more onboard sir charges coming

Disney - premium family line just screwed the TA's by lowering comp to well under average. And is looking to raise prices 5-7% fleet wide. ( looking to recover the 4 Billion they paid to George Lucas) that's being passed onto us.

It goes on and on. Know what the competition is doing, then bash NCL.

I JUST PUT ON MY ASBESTOS SUIT, SO IM FLAME PROOF.

No, I'm not going to flame you because it what the people they labeled "cheerleaders and investors" on this forum, have been saying all along - You just put all the other cruise lines and what they're be doing in one list. :D

I was going to write a super long post but decide against it because even if one explained the difference in preferences and circumstances of the demographics that NCL want to attract or trying to dissuade - it still won't sink to those that like to complain about them. It is what it is - the fare and associated costs along with the value, either looks low/reasonable to someone and/or whomever they are going with, or it just doesn't.

It was very good!

I'll take your word for it. :) Besides, I like Applebees, TGIF & Red Lobster so the complimentary food taste is not a big deal to me -If saying the worst the food can taste like is those restaurants, then its not that bad (to me, anyway). :D:p

Steak frites

Wow, that does look like 8 ounces - I can see why you enjoy it. :) Thanks for the pic and setting the disagreement of steak frites vs. steak fries.:p;)

At NYC, it's airport x-ray machines for bags and walking through metal detectors plus getting searched by the wand. Then you do the final check-in/setting up your onboard account, the 1st one is even before x-ray/metal detectors, where you have to have your documents out to even prove you belong there in the 1st place and everything looks legit/good.

At least the atmoshpere at port is more joyful and not business as usual at places like Times Square or Grand Central subway; where they randomly pick anyone to be searched at the table while SWAT Teams and/or National Guard are nearby with their machine guns. *Shrug*

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

We are on the Escape now. Beautiful ship. Enjoy!

Same to you - Have fun!!

Thanks to everyone else for the info - helps me plan according for next year's trips on the Escape and Getaway.:) So, I have to do what I pretty much do when cruising from NYC and get in before 11am to clear though security and check-in. Good to know.

I believe this forum has no right or wrong answer. Do what pleases you and your family. I'm just happy that people ARE tipping so thank you for that. Wish all y'all vacations are fun and stress free.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^This - Whatever works or functions best for people when cruise on NCL or any cruise line - there's really no right or wrong way to tip on top of the DSC. Whatever makes it less stressful and more enjoyable on your trip, go for it!:p:)

I think that's the "silver lining" in all of this. There ARE many other great options!

 

Thanks Don for the effort!

That actually one of my favorite things about NCL - so many different options to eat when your 1st choice is too crowded and/or having an off-day in food/service.[emoji4]

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

No, in the past people with existing bookings often took advantage of fire sales, too, by asking for (and receiving) either a category upgrade or a (partial) refund in the form of OBC. It was never a sure thing, but the attitude around here has always seemed to be "doesn't hurt to ask". I guess it still doesn't hurt to ask, but if they are serious about this new policy, if you are less than 30 days out, it is a waste of time to ask.

It didn't hurt to ask because the worst thing they can say is "No". They already locked a person in and don't have to upgrade and/or give OBC to them since it's at NCL's discretion to do due it being past final payment.

The way promos are right now - which, I believe is going to permanent for the foreseeable future - people are going for their original room choice and sticking to it because of promo choice and/or fare prices not going down at all.

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

For my 1st trip with NCL, I didn't buy the original 7 day dining package to just check things out for future trips - Glad to report, I don't need the specialty dining at all since complimentary dining and choices are pretty good.

If you feel that complimentary dining is not good for you and your wife - I say buy the SDP. But if you're both not sure - hold off and try the complimentary dining 1st. Never know, you both might like the MDR, buffet, grill, Asian bar and/or O'Sheehan's.

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

I usually tip $2 each time during the trip like the 2nd day, when I actually use the steward and leave additional $20 on disembark.

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

When you travel alone and you don't turn on the lights and see a figure in the middle of the room or with this on the bed, kinda scares one.

That and thinking you're in the wrong room, lol. :p

18 days til 12 day on Breakaway (Woohoo, almost in the single digits :D)

381 days til 3 week on Escape & Getaway :)

Time is just not passing fast enough but I don't want the trips to end too soon, neither. :p:D

Pressing jeans and a clean T-shirt certainly is easy enough. :cool:

There's always sweat pants and tops as well, even in the warm Caribbean - it is NCL after all. Not alot people dress up anyway, because, well, its Freestyle. [emoji9]

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

I'll be perfectly frank and I guess its topic in a completely different thread and forum - But I don't go on cruises to just eat, I go on them to relax as well to have fun in the ports and different activities /entertainment like shows on the ship. Especially now, that I don't have an appetite anymore due to the side effect of getting treatment for my medical condition. All the news about the extra fees / costs is like meh or whatever to me - I didn't eat alot before, definitely can't now.

Crummy that an actual space that was originally billed complimentary is now charging, if the rumor is true (Margaretaville is completely separate company offering / selling meals on NCL) - but, I guess it depends on how much really want to eat there everyday. Otherwise, it like any other dining place on a cruise ship - can eat/pay there or not...

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

I don't think so on Getaway as on Escape Margaritaville is full service venue

Same thing with the Uptown Grill on the Breakaway - it not full service, even when ordering the hamburgers and salads there.

I bring a budget of like $300 for onboard spending after prepaying the shore excursions and Daily Service Charges / Tips for meals,shopping and drinks. And another $50 in cash a day for any port stops, in case I want something to eat out there.

I got off the Escape yesterday - according to the staff at Margaritaville starting w/ the first 7 night cruise it will be a $4.95pp cover charge and all food included. The food was very good and service excellent.

 

 

I did not hear any rumblings of the other venues going back to fixed pricing. We ate at most of the specialities and none had any surcharges for any items if you were on a dining plan.

Oh, so it's NCL's version of Royal's Johnny Rockets. Okay - Wonder, if it's open for dinner if it goes that way?

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk