cantthinkofanythingfun

I posted on here before about my now ex-girlfriend breaking her wrist on the last night of one of our cruises on the Pride. In her case it wasn't Carnival's fault at all. She fell, but all they did was have a nurse call (on the telephone) our stateroom. They wouldn't even let us get off the ship first when we arrived back at Baltimore, where I took her to a hospital. It seems to me that unless something is a life or death emergency, Carnival wants as little involvement as possible. It's almost like they don't want to admit liability in any way, shape, or form. In my case I was very clear that it wasn't their fault.

In my case, I emailed them about it after the fact and was told that they don't provide medical care after hours unless it's a life threatening emergency. Maybe all cruise lines are like this. I've never had an incident on another line. Medical care on a ship doesn't invoke great vacation thoughts like a celebrity chef's restaurant or a famous (although incredibly mediocre) comedian's comedy club, but it deserves the same investment, if not more.

$446.04 including gratuity.

It is really difficult to be an armchair CEO of a cruise line. There is so much that none of us really know about. It seems to be a bit of a dream job though. I'd love to throw my hat in the ring, but the fact that I once ran a 26 foot SeaRay into a pier would probably disqualify me.

Clarifications:

 

 

All Asian restaurants were made complimentary.

 

Does that include the sushi bar? That would be really awesome.

Is the Hippo slide really gone or are they just repairing it? My kid loved the Hippo slide.

That's perhaps the difference. No point in complaining perhaps if you take a cruise every 2 or 3 years? For those of us that cruise a lot more often than that, every single cruise is worse than the one before due to new fees and issues due to unmanaged perks like restaurnants full due to UDP. Why would we keep throwing money at a company that keeps delivering an inferior product to the one offered two months earlier?

 

This past year I cruised in the Haven Penthouse on Gem and had a great cruise, the Sky in September was also good, October the TA on the Epic in the Haven was really great, ate in specialties whenever we were hungry, I love that aspect of Freestyle. January I cruised alone in the Haven on Epic, ate in sushi and O'Sheehan's mostly. In March back on the Epic in the Haven with my staff and the Concierge couldn't get us into any specialty after 6:30 or before 9:00 on the very first day. Very frustrating. In June back on Epic in a balcony and we booked every meal 2 months out. Totally ruined the Freestyle experence. In that time fees went up, rules changed, service declined due to fewer servers dealing with more people on UBP. Prices increased, CAS comps declined, Suite discounts disallowed. This is why I am complaining.

You are exactly the kind of person that NCL should be taking extra special care of. I mean that sincerely. You are a very loyal customer that spends an enormous amount of money with them. You should have a special number to call where you get specialized attention, and I'm not talking about a PCC. Someone like a casino host at the big time casinos. You should get dinner when you want it, no matter what. If I'm someone from NCL and I'm reading these forums, like I know they do, and I see that you're unhappy, then I find out who you are and call you. I offer a free cruise and do everything possible to make that the best cruise you've ever had. I have the Captain personally invite you and your guests to join him and the ship's officers for a private dinner. It's people like yourself, and others on here that cruise on NCL multiple times a year in top shelf accommodations, that are the best brand ambassadors that money can buy, and you're paying them. Those people should be taken care of.

While I like the sounds of some of what you say, I don't think it's just the fanatics harming a brands reputation or having a problem with feeling nickel and dimed. Even a novice cruiser can leave a cruise feeling cheated and it not being the value they anticipated. It's called sticker shock and it usually happens the last morning when the bill is delivered. They can do just as much damage online and by word of mouth if not more than the cruise fanatic as you label it. Consumers are fickle and can turn on a dime. This is why any company has to be careful with balancing profits against delivering a superior product or service. Fall short and I don't care how cheap it is the business will suffer.

 

On Cruise Critic some members are known as one-hit wonders. They stop by because they just finished a cruise and are angry about the experience for one reason or another. They leave a scathing review and then are never heard from again. It happens often and yes it can do damage to a brand's reputation, especially if someone reads it who is not familiar with Cruise Critic and how it operates.

 

At the end of the day, both a novice or experienced cruiser can recognize when something is unreasonable, be it a policy or fee.

This is a problem for all cruise lines though. I hated my first cruise, and it was with Celebrity on what was a new ship at the time, and my company paid for it. I was in my early 30's and I just didn't like the experience. I would have much rather spent that time on a land vacation. Ten years later and I was looking for a cheap vacation. The Carnival Pride was literally 5 minutes from my house, and I really enjoyed it for the cost. After that I went on the Breakaway for the first time and thought it was so much better. The ship was much better. The staff was much better, and I really enjoyed the freestyle thing. Looking back, the reason I hated my first cruise was the absolute structure of the whole thing. I felt like I was in vacation prison.

Take a look at NCL's Facebook page. They'll post a random picture of their waterslides. You'll get a bunch of comments like, "WooHoo! I can't wait to be riding that slide next September!" Those people booked their annual vacation and went and liked the Facebook page. After about 15 of those comments you will see a comment about FDR raising the DSC twice in six months. Now all the people who just wanted to ride a waterslide are wondering what a dead president has to do with all of this, and what's a DSC. Then they get Googly and find this site and think they just booked a cruise on the Titanic.

A strong loyalty program for people that truly do cruise a lot, like yourself, would eliminate a lot of that collateral damage.

Seems like others also don't really "use" the butler and/or concierge services. I assume that both of you still left tips, right? We may be open to doing the suite's again if we could "opt out" of the butler/concierge components as it was a bit like paying for vaporware (in our case).

 

It's a bit like the old joke about the older couple in their 70's that had tried to drive straight through to their children's home some 14 hours away....

 

The couple had stopped at a hotel for a few hours sleep and were given a bill for $350 by the front desk. When asked "why so much" the manager said that the hotel had a state-of-the-art spa and workout room that the couple could have used as they had access to it. He also stated that they had a 5-star restaurant on premise that they had access to.

 

After a few minutes the 76 year old husband finally got with the program and wrote the manager a check & turned to walk out. The manager said "Sir, this is only for $50. Where is the other $300". The older gentleman said ..."$50 is for the room and I charged you $300 for sleeping with my wife".

 

The manager said, SIR, I did NOT sleep with your wife!

..to which the old gentlemen cleverly said "Well, she was here and you had access to her so...."

Yes, I brought $400 to split between the butler. concierge, and steward, and I stuck with it. That was another detractor from the suite to me. I was in the service industry at one time, and I wouldn't feel right not tipping even if I didn't really use the services because I know they depend on it. Even if I don't use the services, the butler automatically does a lot of things. So if I'm in a suite, that's another $400 added to my total cruise cost. I can afford it, but I'm not wealthy, so it does have some kind of an impact. As others have said though, it is great that the suites are there for those that do truly enjoy the experience and see a value associated with the cost. The priority embark was very nice.

You are absolutely right! Most people don't get so involved. They book a cruise, usually enjoy their vacation, and go on with life. Half the time they don't even remember the cruise line or ship they sailed on. Some may even come to CC for a little research beforehand.

 

There are others (myself included) who are much more passionate about the cruise industry. Some only follow a specific line and others such as myself follow them all and the industry as a whole. My interest in ships and the industry started as a young child and its grown into somewhat of a hobby. I find the cruise industry fascinating and really enjoy staying current. Unlike many I'm not loyal to any one line and enjoy the variety of many. They each seem to offer something. Anyway everyone has their own reasons for their interest, be it just extreme brand loyalty or a fascination with ships and the industry that go beyond just a vacation option.

 

So that may help explain why some of us seem to get pretty intense and passionate about what is happening at cruise line x, y, or z. We may disagree on things but hopefully we all care which is why we take the time to express our opinions.

 

If nothing else I hope you find it interesting and perhaps even learn a useless tidbit or two! Best not to take it all too seriously. LOL

I think where cruise lines fall short is in catering to the cruise "fanatic". I think they should have a separate rewards program for cruise fanatics that would make all of these little changes less of a big deal, because it's really just the fanatics that are harming the brand's online reputation over these changes.

If someone were to take two seven day cruises within a year they should automatically become platinum. If they take two more seven day cruises the following year they would get some kind of elite diamond status. It would be a whole new level of perks. Let's say they would always get free drinks, a couple specialty meals, concierge service, upgrades, etc.. Something pretty enticing. As long as you continue with the two 7 day cruises a year, you keep that status. If you drop to one cruise, you go back to platinum. If you drop to zero, you start over. With a system like this, you know that those people you are rewarding are spending a majority of their vacation time loyal to your brand. They should have rewards that overcome any nuisance changes that typically go unnoticed by the typical cruise vacationer. Casinos offer a similar rewards system. You have to maintain a certain level of play year to year to keep your status.

DelRio did not implement the choice promo. He diluted it. I had the same perks last year (under Kevin) with the exception that everyone in the cabin received the UBP (5 ppl in an H4) and the UDP, (2 ppl received the OBC and DSC). There was no 18% added to anything.

 

So no you are wrong in your assessment of Delrio doing you a favor with the choice promotion.

I didn't know that. If I'm being honest, I typically have no clue who the CEO of a cruise line even is. I knew it was the Irish guy because they played that episode of Undercover Boss on a loop in the cabin. I typically start reading these forums a couple months before going on a cruise for research. That's when I found out some guy named FDR was CEO. I was on a Carnival cruise last month and I have no clue who their CEO is. I think most people are like that, with the exception of most people don't check this forum. Most people just book their cruise that they take every 5 years and go with the flow. It's my opinion that cruising is a great value even with the changes. I base that on what I have paid for land vacations. Having been on 3 lines, NCL is my favorite. I still want to try RCI, but every time I look they are quite a bit more for similar sailings.

Anyone know if Les will be back by October?

I've done the Haven one time, and like the OP, I really enjoyed it, but I didn't see the value in it. I just didn't use enough of the extra amenities. I ended up kind of forced into the deal. I wanted two connecting rooms, but they were sold out, so they offered me a deal on a two bedroom Haven suite. It was an amazing room (although the balcony was the same size as an ordinary balcony), but honestly, I'd rather take two cruises or a Disney cruise for the price. It would have to be a really special occasion for me to do it again.

Everyone says that they haven't done anything for the passengers, but I kinda think this freestyle choice promo is a big plus for the passengers. I know people say it's factored into the price, but I've found that cruises with the promo are about the same price as they were last year without the promo. I also think there is a benefit to having a pretty new fleet with more on the way. The only line that I would say is cheaper than NCL is CCL, and their fleet is pretty tired looking.

Maybe other people feel differently, but I'd rather pay a slightly higher DSC, pay for room service, and do without the firework show to sail on a newer ship and not have to worry about a bar bill, but I understand everyone is different.

I have not seen cigarettes for $20 a case. $20/carton is what I've found.

I'm pretty sure the poster meant carton.

I basically gave up cigarettes for electric cigarettes, or vaping as they call it 3 years ago. Unfortunately, I still like to smoke on cruise ships. I'm hoping I can give that up on my next cruise in October, but the drink package will probably put an end to that dream. I think the lack of Marlboro on the Spledor has to do with it sailing out of NYC. Although illegal, you could resell those cigarettes in NYC and pay for your cruise. There were plenty of Marlboros on the Pride in July.

If you want to know things about the US, go to the "What ever happened to" thread, and PhillySteve is a member of the Conservancy. Unfortunately, the US is just a shell. Virtually all of the interiors were torn out in Turkey decades ago, when she was over there for asbestos remediation. The steel of the hull is in good condition, but no one in their right mind would attempt to operate the steam power plant in today's fuel market. This is the roadblock NCL ran into when they owned her, and the Conservancy fought in court that the power plant was what made the ship unique. So, you could either have a museum piece of steam engineering, or you could gut it and install diesel-electric power and have an operating ship. This was Colin Veitch's dream, but I always thought it was a little unrealistic. Another reason NCL bought the ship, as well as the old Independence and Constitution, was so that no other cruise line would have the opportunity to have a US constructed cruise ship.

I've read that the current plan is to turn it into shops/hotel and move it to NYC. It seems they are selling interior scrap to pay for the continued docking fees. It's a very interesting ship. I recommend anyone with a slight interest in naval history Google it and read up on it.

The problem with the mill and shipyard at Sparrows Point is that they were a steel mill and shipyard. They are toxic black holes. It would require a huge investment into environmental remediation before any use could be considered there, which is why it has languished.

 

I remember when a much smaller shipyard in Jacksonville was reclaimed for use, and it required total removal of the top 20-30 feet of earth from the site and proper disposal in certified toxic waste sites.

That's interesting, and I never thought of it. Do you know anything about what sized ship could pass under the Bay Bridge?

If I got one of these for my October BA cruise I would have to strongly consider it.

NCL is popping them out left and right.

RCI is also launching about one a year. Both lines are launching nothing but mega-ships as well.

Thanks for sharing. One thing I like about NCL is that the crew actually seems like they are on vacation as well. They're fun. Even their officers are much more fun and personable than they are on other lines. I used to see Prem mingling with guests every night.

I don't know if any line is going to build something like those Oasis class ships. I think the cost/benefit factor may make it more worthwhile to just let RCI have that portion of the market. RCI is already priced high, so it isn't completely changing their demographic. I do think the Vista is a nice size, and Carnival really should pump out a few of them to replace some of their aging fleet. I really wish Carnival would do something like NCL does on these ships with the studio rooms. Solo travel is an expanding market and it would be nice to have another mass market line that really caters to it. I also wish carnival would consider putting a Vista class ship in NYC. If I am going to fly to Florida for a cruise I am going to look at other options with more amenities. I'm the type that will sacrifice quite a bit for the convenience of booking last minute and being able to drive to port. I wouldn't even mind if they put all new builds in Florida and then maybe moved the Breeze to NYC. I think I'm just getting a little tired of the Pride out of Baltimore.

Maybe their insurance company thought twice about shooting balls of fire off a ship and really raised their rates.

I wasn't really that into the fireworks show, and I won't miss it in October, but I do understand people's frustration. There have been a lot of cutbacks and changes in a short period of time. They are definitely ripping the band-aid off quickly. I think one poster nailed it when they said it's all being done in the name of free alcohol. I think the Freestyle choice thing has been really successful for NCL, and they are making cuts to keep it going without drastically raising fares. Personally, I'll take the free UBP over fireworks any day.

Good story. I always call those slides the "high colonic".

Can I wear a top hat and monocle?

The Times Square/Theater District area is close to the terminal, but it may be pricey. My favorite NYC hotel is the Muse. It's about $400 for a Saturday night. I'm thinking of coming up a night early for my October BA cruise. I'm looking to see if anyplace close offers parking and shuttle to the port. It may end up costing just a bit more than the $280 they charge at the pier.

Just because a ship goes to shipyard, doesn't mean there will be any changes to the public venues or cabins. Shipyard (drydock) is for regulatory inspections and maintenance of the equipment below the waterline. The hotel department will utilize the time given them without passengers to refurbish the hotel. This can include carpet and upholstery renewal, repairs and touch up to carpentry, and thorough cleaning of things like the MDR chandeliers, all done on a cost/benefit basis, so not all cabins may get new carpet, for instance. NCL does not have any program like Carnival's Funship 2.0 (though that has been scaled back as well), and tend to be closed mouth about changes to the ships.

I also heard that NCL made some changes to the Gem while she was sailing, such as adding O'Sheehans. Honestly, the Gem isn't that old. I wouldn't think she would need much other than some touch ups.

Maybe, but it sure is doing just fine. The revitalization of the inner harbor area (yeah I know the cruise port is not exactly there, but close enough) is truly remarkable compared to what it was in the 70's. While it is not Miami, Port Everglades or Port Canaveral, or NYC Carnival is pleased as punch with sailing from there.

I'm not disagreeing with you. I love Baltimore. It's my hometown, but did you see those riots a couple moths ago? Countless conventions have cancelled in Baltimore. Others have taken it off of their list for consideration. We have experienced a lot of gentrification in the city, but in the 1970's we had a population of nearly a million. Today it's just over 600k, of course the surrounding areas have exploded in growth. The state of Maryland has the highest median income in the nation, but that's strictly because the federal government and all of it's agencies and lobbyists are in our backyard. All that said, it's a great place for a cruise port due to it's proximity to a tremendous population with disposable income. The ships sail full here, and I will give Carnival credit for keeping prices reasonable despite that. RCCL sure doesn't.