peacefulOR

What? How can I miss the point if I'm the one making the point? Better reread the posts....

 

It is really a simple question. Both NCL and Carnival sell the same product (cases of 1-liter bottles). I'm just asking what each charges for the same thing. Comparing anything else is simply apples to oranges...let's just stick to the very simple and direct question.

 

Carnival charges $60...NCL charges $_59.95_____? Just fill in the blank.

The $59.95 + 18% gratuities & service is the same on pre-order only. Purchased on board it's $74.95 + 18%. They do sell individual 20 oz. bottles, somewhere under $3. (different prices reported).

Many complain about Carnival's requirement of all adults in same cabin having to buy Cheers (I agree, dumb rule) but this tops that:

 

NCL's Package

 

Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD during your entire cruise.

Prepaid @ $79.00 USD per person per day x Cruise Days plus 18% gratuity and beverage service charge.

Beverage packages must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom, additional stateroom, adjoining stateroom or travel with.

Individuals under the age of 21 will be required to purchase the Soda Program

The other "surprise" is that all drinks purchased while in port accrue additional tax as well, if applicable People on NCL have reported the extra charges on the "free" UBPs to be in the hundreds. I sailed Carnival last year and could purchase Coke Zero, next year booked on a 16 nt. Norwegian cruise and their "wide selection" of beverages are limited Pepsi products, especially diet, no bottled water, no specialty coffees. Yes, it should be interesting when the first cases of water and soda start piling up on the dock.

Not defending NCL, as I've never cruised them, but with the UBP that is offered on nearly every cruise, and booze included on the SKY, does it matter that they restricted bringing beverages on board?:confused:

Yes, it does matter to many, many people. Not everyone spends their cruises drinking alcohol to the extent that it pays to purchase a UBP. And don't think they are free or perks; they are figured into the price of the cabins plus you still have to pay for port taxes and 18% gratuities on some of the lines (Norwegian, we're looking at you!). Carnival did the smart thing when they made bottled water available at a reasonable cost plus they have Coke products on board (I drank Coke Zero on Carnival, no problem). Restricting bottled goods isn't all of it; they used to have an unlimited amount of alternative brands of soft drinks, juices, etc. allowed for carry-on. Carnival still allows a 12-pack per person.

Not everyone loves Pepsi, not everyone can tolerate ship water, not everyone is on a short party cruise. We personally sail different lines depending on itinerary more than anything. We don't bring on water but would have brought Coke on a Norwegian 16 nt. TA next April. I feel for those who are locked into a new policy that affects them and will not make fun of anyone whose needs are different than mine. I hope that everyone finds their way to enjoy their cruises, tolerate our differences, and remember that we are more alike than different.

I sent an email to author of this article, Gene Sloan - gsloan@usatoday.com:

 

 

Mr. Sloan,

 

First of all thanks for the article on this change of policy with NCL. I wish that you would of shed some light on the current cost of water not to mention soda on board NCL. Below are the current cost if you buy online ahead of time:

 

Aquafina 6 pack - $27.08 (price will be 30% higher on board)

Aquafina 12 pack - $47.14 (price will be 39% higher on board)

Aquafina 18 pack - $58.94 (price will be 50% higher on board)

Aquafina 24 pack - $70.74 (price will be 55% higher on board)

 

This adds significant cost to our family of five. We cruise in three weeks just a week after this ban takes effect. For a budget conscious family it is a tough pill to swallow.

 

This is a huge topic on Cruise Critic, of which I am a member of, with currently 1,070 post and 60,945 views (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2373703). All since the emails went out on July 2 announcing the policy change.

 

Just thought you should know.

Way to go! If you feel strongly (or even just feel empathy) about this issue, take it out of CC into mass media. Even more effective would be to comment on the USA blurb and post it to Facebook or any other social media that you may use. I forgot to address the cost in my comment on USA Today and it's a huge part of the problem.

I work for a VERY large travel agency consortium that books LOTS of NCL, and to my knowledge they have not notified us of the change, therefore none of our clients would be aware. I, as an agent, only know because of the boards :D So yes, we may be a small percentage, but once the larger percentage starts finding out there will be LOTS of complaints to NCL via many different channels. I know people who use other chat forums, social media etc instead of cruise critic - I'm sure there is PLENTY of chatter in those channels as well!

Exactly.

There are more than 1,000 posts, not to mention e-mails, tweets, and phone calls from a relatively small group of CC members WHO ACTUALLY ARE AWARE OF THE CHANGES. Remember that Norwegian has not notified all of their upcoming passengers so this is not a representative sampling of those who will be affected. Does anyone remember if there was an equal "uproar" over taking food back to the cabin?

The Facebook route is a no go they have deleted my post just as fast as I could click the "Post" button. And all I did was address the issue no foul language etc. I am cruising in three weeks and just learned of this via an email July 2.

I don't think that you were a problem but appreciate that you are sensitive to other's feelings. I've heard about the Facebook interventions going on. I personally wrote to 3 V.P.s and got 3 auto responses on a holiday weekend. However, I did receive a follow-up email from one inviting me to discuss the situation in a week. It is never just one voice in any dissent but the echo of thousands who affect change.

I changed my mind and decided to take the high road, not getting into an argument over whose proposal is better or who has done better in business, when neither one of the proposals will be used.

 

It is just unfortunate that some can't have a regular conversation on here while disagreeing without someone getting rude or snarky, but I guess being behind a computer accelerates that. I try very hard not to be negative toward anyone, so I apologize for voicing this opinion.

I've been following this thread since it's (very recent) beginning. Please DO NOT apologize for disagreeing with personal comments. You've come forth with a compromise that I would support, namely pay the on board price for carried on alternate Canned Non-Alcoholic Beverages and lower the price of bottled water consistent with other cruise lines. And please, let us remember that we don't all have the same strong feelings about this issue but still treat each other with common courtesy. I'm not thrilled that I can't have an occasional Coke Zero on my 16 day TA, but do empathize for those who feel strongly and many who are past their cancellation date, if that would make a difference to them. If we have the time to comment here, let's follow up with e-mails, Facebook etc. to the only ones who can modify this new policy...NCCL.

If you have the time to post about this issue, please take another few minutes to get your voice out where it's a matter of numbers that Norwegian will note. I wrote to Vivian Ewart (VeWart@ncl.com) yesterday and just posted to Karl Muhlberger (KMuhlberger@ncl.com today. Next, Mark Kansley@ncl.com. Then there's Facebook, Twitter, your roll calls and more.

I personally do not carry water aboard but really, really prefer Coke products myself. Regardless of your preferences, a polite request for a better policy, including reasonably priced water and more beverage choices, will help everyone. I believe we can affect Norwegian's policy, one by one. Happy cruising anyway.

People need to swamp their FB page and tell them what you think.

Don't forget to post this new policy and suggested contact information on your roll calls too.

A cruise line probably could sell both, but their prices would go up quite a bit. They have an exclusivity contract with one of the distributors to get a lower price, just like all fast food companies, restaurants and even Disneyland.

 

Out of curiosity, what do people do when they go to a restaurant and they server Pepsi instead of Coke?

First "exclusive contract" comment....what about 5 Guys Burgers and the many chains who now offer the super selection machines with both Pepsi and Coke products? Yes, they probably pay a bit more to have both but NCCL is now forcing all passengers to accept Pepsi products or go without.

Second, I've raised the issue of no Coke products in popular chains like Applebees and have been told that I can bring in my Coke product of choice (love you, Coke Zero) since they don't offer it on their menu. If there is no option to bring in a Coke, we just drink tap water.

We don't enjoy lugging soda and water onboard and are more amenable to purchasing Coke products on board that to be given no choice at all. We all have a choice and a voice. We purchased our Coke product of choice on our last cruise, every day.

Thank you for an excellent review, so far, and great pictures! I am originally from Alaska and will also be sailing her on the Pacific Coastal to San Francisco on 9/23/2016. Looking forward to more of your review as your cruise continues. I wish you a wonderful time with your family!

Obviously it is a safe bet to make that my "press releases" are as phony as a $3 bill, but whenever I see a topic worthy of one I will write one for entertainment value, and hopefully you will continue to get a chuckle from them. :)

 

BTW, I only do them here (for now?), for some reason I don't get motivated to do them at the CCL forum! :cool:

I rarely chime in on any of the threads since the majority would seem to be the same questions/complaints again and again and the same answers.......again and again. One poster I always look for is loubetti. Maybe it's because he spends so much time "in the air" but his insight and humorous bite are always entertaining. Oh, I have a thing about good food items too. Should I bring my own maple syrup? I'll have room since I'm leaving the duct tape, shoe holder, clothespins, magnets, and door signs behind. Hope everyone gets their mustard of choice (or brings it).

We had quite a long wait for a taxi when disembarking at Copenhagen, so allow for that.

Oh, Boy. I'm having visions of a high dive off the ship to beat all the other nervous Nellies but I will calm down. Our flight doesn't leave until 2:30 so we're doing early debarkation (carrying our luggage). At least we don't have to go through customs. Does anyone know of alternates to taxis into Copenhagen? By the way, our flight is direct to Portland,OR on Icelandic and we got the next to the last 2 tickets for economy comfort. Unbelievable, they just opened for booking a few days ago. The other flight was 30 mins. earlier. I hear that it's about a 30 minute ride once you get some wheels. Sounds doable to me.

You're not spending any time in wonderful Copenhagen????!!!! :eek:

Not this trip. Thinking of a train experience next European and spending time in several cities. One of us is still working and it's a time factor.

Hmmm,,, your scheduled arrival time is 8 am. You should be off the ship by 9:30 (even if you use the porters to move your bags to the baggage hall). Lots of time to get to the airport. No problem with a 2:30 departure.

Thank you! My concern was once we disembarked....getting through customs, security at both ends, and the drive. Usually am more of a Brave Bird; that's about the same window as I found leaving Venice.

We're sailing on the April, 2017 Getaway and I've noticed that disembarkation starts two hours after arrival. Arrival is scheduled for 6 a.m.:confused: We had planned a flight leaving at 2:30 p.m. but it looks tight. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm the kind that always arrives the day before a cruise but never had to consider staying a day after. Thanks for your suggestions and experience!

This will be my 5th cruise coming up. I booked a cruise in July on the Explorer of the seas on a Alaska getaway. All 4 previous cruises I've been on I have always brought a suit with me. Now that I am getting a little older approaching 50, I just don't want the hassle of lugging one from south Florida all the way to Seattle just to wear it for dinner twice! What are your thoughts on this issue? Am I alone in thinking about bringing one or not? Maybe I will just wear a shirt and tie

 

Gary

We moved from business dress, including suits, some time ago to mostly casual wear and chose to invest in formal wear for cruising. Basic tuxedo for him, long LBD and evening top/formal skirt for me. I don't have any problem with seeing men in shirt/tie/dress pants for the formal nights. Times have changed, including the extra baggage charges and more casual lifestyle everywhere. I do not enjoy sloppy shorts, ball caps, sneakers, and ratty T-shirts on those nights but it won't affect my enjoyment of the cruise. We love to "ogle" the men who dress up and all the \beautiful ladies. It's like putting a beautiful wrapping on a gift and enjoying the visual. Whatever you wear as a wrapping, enjoy your cruises and the memories that you retain!

We'd also like to know if Sabor will be on Explorer now that it's moved to the west coast. I heard that it might be available for lunch at least. Thank you for the help.....it sounds great!

Rainey

How did you end up in Guatemala? I always get Oregon. Lovely people. ;)

I know....I live about 75 miles from the RCCI call center here and originally booked through them. Lovely people, true. I guess because it was around 11 p.m. PST and I may have called a different number. Will stick with regular call center in the future!

Lesson learned I guess. Next time get the price drop first, then deal with getting the booking transferred.

 

TA's break down the numbers differently than the cruise line. While the cruise line has gov't taxes/ and fees, the TA breaks it down into non commissioned fares which is a little more than just the gov't taxes and fees.

 

Thanks for the reply.:)

 

Bill

Thank you, Bill. It seems that neither I nor the sweet gentleman from Guatemala knew what we were doing. Ah, next time.....

Rainey

Maybe this will make more sense. About 3 weeks ago, I read on CC about a Saturday only sale from RCCI that dropped our cabin price from $899pp to $649pp. I also saw it advertised on c .com for same price plus I could keep my pre-paid gratuities. They also offered $50 obc, specialty dinner for 2, and a spa treatment. When I called RCCI late Saturday, I was routed to an agent in Guatamala and told him I wanted to get the price drop and transfer to outside TA.

Five days later, I called the new TA to ask where my paperwork was and he sent it within an hour. Now the base price was $699pp but he had increased the port/tax charges from $139+ over $200pp to bring the total back to original cruise price. He blamed it on me and RCCI for transferring the original booking instead of re-booking at lower price. New TA said that the price drop was over when he received it (he didn't know that at the time?) two days later and I should call RCCI because he told me to rebook it first (not true). I feel pretty dumb and that's unusual.....

Oh, final payment isn't until 6/23/2016. Thanks!

I'm a bit perplexed by your post.

 

What do you mean you have to rebook before transferring to a TA?

 

I've done that a couple of times but don't remember having to rebook anything?

 

What did the TA mean when they said "too bad"? They weren't going to get you the price drop? Did the price go back up in the interim? Where you past final payment?

 

Bill

Maybe this will make more sense. About 3 weeks ago, I read on CC about a Saturday only sale from RCCI that dropped our cabin price from $899pp to $649pp. I also saw it advertised on c .com for same price plus I could keep my pre-paid gratuities. They also offered $50 obc, specialty dinner for 2, and a spa treatment. When I called RCCI late Saturday, I was routed to an agent in Guatamala and told him I wanted to get the price drop and transfer to outside TA.

Five days later, I called the new TA to ask where my paperwork was and he sent it within an hour. Now the base price was $699pp but he had increased the port/tax charges from $139+ over $200pp to bring the total back to original cruise price. He blamed it on me and RCCI for transferring the original booking instead of re-booking at lower price. New TA said that the price drop was over when he received it (he didn't know that at the time?) two days later and I should call RCCI because he told me to rebook it first (not true). I feel pretty dumb and that's unusual.....

Yep. Maybe we used the same TA! [emoji6]

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I'm still learning how to do this. Failed at getting $149 pp price drop because I didn't understand that you have to re-book before transferring to a very large online seller. I told the RCCI rep what I was trying to do and he said,"No problem". Oops. Five days later, got the new invoice at the old price and my new TA said that it was done wrong and too bad. So, for the sake of other newbies at this, what is the process?

Rainey

Yep. Maybe we used the same TA! [emoji6]

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I'm still learning how to do this. Failed at getting $149 pp price drop because I didn't understand that you have to re-book before transferring to a very large online seller. I told the RCCI rep what I was trying to do and he said,"No problem". Oops. Five days later, got the new invoice at the old price and my new TA said that it was done wrong and too bad. So, for the sake of other newbies at this, what is the process?

Rainey