FiredogCruiser

Having read through these 18 pages, I am finding this thread interesting. I am equating the comments contained in this thread to conversations I've had with fellow passengers on recent cruises from a number of differing cruise lines. Since last fall we have been on Carnival, Holland America and Royal, and currently have the Norwegian trans-Atlantic booked for next month, along with a Cunard return trip, so I guess you can say not particularly a cheerleader for any one brand. What I find interesting in both the complaints about Norwegian, and the defense of them is the relative lack of any expressed expectations. To me the expectations have a huge impact on whether or not I perceive value in a cruise. For example if I book a cruise based upon a desire to visit a specific destination, and then not make it there, as happened last fall on a Carnival cruise to Greenland that never made it, then the value of the inflated price of the cruise for the specific destination is diluted. I paid a vast premium for a product that was not delivered, and received an experience of far less value, thus overpaid for that experience. On the other hand, if I book a theme or charter cruise, my expectations are entirely different, as they were when I was on the Holland America County Music Cruise this January. Ports were changed due to weather, and also due to a change made to accommodate one of the performers booked Since the expectations were based upon the performances to be experienced, and not the ports visited or food served, the criteria for evaluating the cruise is entirely different. In both cases I had the opportunity to talk with, and or listen to, passengers who were angry, disappointed, accepting, and so on. What I found interesting was that those with specific unmet expectations were far more vocal than those who were just along for the ride. So what I look at in these instances is how the cruise line markets and prices a specific expectation. If they market a specific expectation, and increase the pricing based upon that expectation, and then fail to deliver, then I believe customers are justified in their complaints, if adjustment are not made. On the other hand if the marketed expectation is delivered, but other changes are made for one reason or another then perhaps complaints are not as valid. In my conversations though, I was amazed at how many people do not have specific expectations on the majority of their cruises, other than to enjoy vacation. My position is that if you have no expectations, then you should have no complaints.

No.

Did the Chef's Table last night. Fabulous experience. Friendly people, great food, wine and deserts. Wonderful, informative crew. Highly recommend.

Following along. We are in 4174.

I think the best port embarkation experiences I have had have been in Baltimore, New Orleans and Port Canaveral. The most aggravating were Miami and Seattle. We had a similar experience where we needed to show our boarding pass at least four times, AFTER checking in at the desk, before getting on the ship. With today's technology there is no reason for that to slow down the boarding process. Appears New York could be added to the aggravating list.

I would guess the budget is not keeping up with inflation, and it won't see a sizable increase until Carnival returns to profitability. I also suspect that they are seeing some supply chain issues. Revising supply contracts is currently not an easy thing to accomplish.

Absolutely correct. Just got off of Celebration two weeks ago, and were surprised by exactly what you illustrated versus what we had experienced on Mardi Gras previously.

We did Elation out of NOLA years ago, and it was one of our more memorable cruises. Great itinerary, and the Captain's party was the most enjoyable we ever attended. Having said that though, our favorite class is the Spirit class.

Like you, did not notice the pants requirement until we arrived, and like you opted to dine outdoors. Great meal, prompt service. Highly recommend.

As a long time CCL cruiser, recent observations would suggest that 'dress codes' are seldom observed, and never enforced.