johnlatte

If they were trying to discourage RS they would not have added additional hot food items...

 

 

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Not necessarily so. Folks will assign a value to the menu offerings (which as we see here on this board, isn't much). Even by upping the offerings NCL as created a product that on the surface looks like it has value. They could not have realistically put out $7.95 as a carting fee, had they not added some value to the menu. Again, it isn't about the menu per se, it is about the value and being able to control what previously was a big unknown. They know that most people now won't order room service, regardless (a win for NCL). Those that do, have participated in the revenue stream (another win for NCL). Cost gets better controlled, labor gets reduced, ship stays a bit cleaner. Inconvenient and unpleasant to some for sure, but a small sample size in the larger picture.

I have to ask. Are you an NCL employee snuck in here to CC?

Hardly, 25 years as a dish washer, pantry chef, line cook, executive chef, F&B director and 3x restaurant owner.

Okay, so I just upgraded my inside cabin to a balcony cabin on my upcoming Alaska cruise. Based on when I booked, the beverage package, dining package and OBC was available. So when I upgraded I still was able to qualify for the promo. For an additional $540. I went to a balcony and received $200. OBC. I just checked NCL.com and it shows the $200. OBC and under the Amenity Details it shows this:

 

 

Amenity Details

 

• Free $100 On-Board Credit Certificate Non -Refundable
  

 

 

For those that booked under that promo, do you show this? Was this included in the $200. or is this an extra $100?? (Which would be AWESOME). I know from previous experiences, NCL has shown any perks like wine or free dinner there, so I'm curiously crossing my fingers!

Its the $200 OBC split between people in your cabin (2 people). It showed up like that on my reservation and I called NCL to verify that I was getting an extra hun in OBC. Nope, just how their system puts it on the web page. If you get them to send you and amenities invoice, you'll see how they broke it out.

I've done it both ways. With a TA you can't communicate directly with the line, which is important to many. To me, its just meh. I've used TAs basically to get more OBC/bennies. I'm haven't found a TA though that I would give my business to on a regular basis. I'm still searching for the magical one that can work miracles and get me that Owner's Suite for $500 :D

I thought they were making the passengers not bring food to their rooms due to sanitation issues? Sounds like room service isn't any more sanitary.

 

I agree,their rules are their rules but I don't have to spend my hard earned money on a cruise line that has rules I can't abide by.

By limiting in-room dining to only room service, it is easier to track who "should" have trays and plates in their rooms or the hallway, thus it makes keeping things cleaner and more labor efficient. By controlling labor (costs) the line is able to operate more efficiently and be more profitable.

My underlying thought is that NCL really doesn't want to provide room service, period. Its costs the more in labor both with unpredictable delivery and with the clean up afterwards than it is really worth. I don't think that they are "forcing" people to use room service, but instead they are discouraging the use of room service in general. Simply put, if you put a price on something, people will look for value. If value is there, they will pay it and NCL wins by creating a trackable revenue stream, if they chose not to pay it then NCL wins still, because they don't have to pay the labor and absorb the cost of doing room service.

And I 100% agree! You have options and if this is a deal breaker for you, then by all means you should do what makes you the happiest. Doing that sends a much clearer message than writing emails or grinding it out on social media.

I understand them adding the $7.95. I don't like it but I do understand. However, not allowing the passengers to bring food to their room from the buffet or the dessert they were too full to eat from their PAID specialty restaurant dinner is ridiculous. Do you seriously not see that? Yes I can order a cheese plate from room service, but the one I make myself will have less waste (cheese I don't like eg.) and is so much faster-especially now that when anyone wants a snack they have to call room service -the wait time will be ridiculous.

 

The excuse they are making that it is for cleanliness sake is ridiculous. I have never seen a ton of dishes outside the rooms. (Just put signage in the rooms-any plates need to stay in the room until the steward removes them easy peasy)They are MAKING us use room service so they get that $7.95.

 

Now that I think about it-not bringing food from the buffet will also make the buffet more crowded. People will eat it there instead of bringing to the room or ordering room service. I think this new rule will do more damage than expected.

 

Again-I understand and accept the $7.95 charge but don't FORCE me to use room service.

I think that if I am full after a meal, I don't eat dessert. Whether or not I "paid" for it or not isn't relevant. Basically it is their boat, their rules. Whether we as a consumer of their product chose to abide or not is our choice. Having been in the hospitality business for a number of years, I can tell you that room service is a royal pain. You can't schedule for it, and typically you have to pull someone away from another duty or job (usually a waiter) to cart up a tray. The room steward's carts aren't equipped to take care of dirty dishes, so they sit in the halls or worse pile up in the rooms. Again, this creates a sanitation issue and is more labor intensive because now, somebody has to clean up the mess and haul the dishes back to the commissary for cleaning. Regardless to what people think, there is a cost involved in doing in-room food. So to me, from a corporate and business standpoint asking people to consume food in a facility that was designed for consuming food and properly handle waste and sanitation, isn't unreasonable. I really doubt that asking people to eat in traditional eating venues is going to make the buffets more crowded. Most ships have multiple eating venues, they are open pretty much 24x7. If buffet A is crowded then dining room B or snack bar C most likely isn't. Talking about crowd control simply isn't realistic and isn't enough of a reason to reverse the rule.

Hello

 

We are thinking about booking the Dawn for Thanksgiving week out of New Orleans. We have two children, ages 4 & 8. How kid-friendly is Norwegian? We prefer smaller ships for younger children. The Norwegian cruise line does not seem to offer "extras" (such as the Barbie experience on Royal Caribbean). I could also not find any kid-friendly door/room decoration packages offered. The Norwegian drink packages seem pretty limited to me as well-soda package only (no bottled water, non-alcoholic smoothie package as offered on other lines). My kids are too small for the larger slides, water parks, etc, or large teen clubs offered on bigger ships. We did like the smaller kids pool/slides on the Dawn. Getting a little worried however about Norwegian not offering kid-friendly extras-maybe they are trying to discourage too many kids? Thank you, in advance.

My kids have sailed NCL since they were 7. They have had a blast on each and every cruise and have made lots of friends along the way. Like the OP said it isn't Disney but it is kid friendly for sure. We always made sure that the kid centric things were done at the ports where they could run around and experience new sites and new cultures, not necessarily on board the ships.

There's so much that I still don't understand about all this from BOTH sides. In this thread, I see so much butthurt because the company made a decision to increase revenue that has very little impact on the majority of their cruising base. That's a business decision that as a shareholder in the company, I would expect; actually, I would REQUIRE managers to make. Is it going to be an unpopular decision? Possibly, but will it break the line? Hardly.

Additionally, while it is perfectly acceptable to jet off an email to the corporate offices, is it reasonable to expect personal responses to every last email, with answers to every last question and every last point? That's not how a corporation operates; sorry, but it isn't. The so called automated responses ARE the policy and no amount of whining and gnashing of teeth will change it. Would have anyone have been less hurt if NCL put out a press release saying exactly what they are saying now? Would have anyone been less hurt if NCL has set up an 1-800-I'mButthurt line so that people could call into to explain how not getting a slice on the balcony is ruining their vacay? It seems to me that NCL has been very clear, so what the continued quest for clarity?. No food in the rooms unless its carried in by room service and there is a fee for doing so. Yes, there are 1000 loopholes and I find it unconscionable that NCL puts enforcing these rules on the backs of the very people that they put in charge of making their customers the happiest (my biggest issue with all the changes). If this cuts into your cruising enjoyment, then I see that you have a couple of options. A) change the way you go about your cruising and either pay for room service or eat in a proper eating venue or B) Make future investments of your vacation dollars in a product that will make you the happiest. Doesn't seem that hard folks, really it doesn't.

Already booked our next cruise after the upcoming one (Dawn) on another line. I really don't care much for the changes NCL is making, but its a business and the bottom line and shareholder equity is going to rule most of the time. I'm pretty sure I will at some point be back on NCL just don't know when at this point. The only thing I am married to is my spouse, so. I look for an interesting itinerary first, ships second. I never understood the blind loyalty to a single cruise (or airline or hotel chain) line. To have a good time cruising, I must have good food, a relaxing atmosphere, be properly entertained and if possible, be culturally enriched. Most cruise lines hit those marks pretty well. I'm not going to let not being able to chow down in my cabin, or having to pay a coin or two more for a cocktail spoil my enjoyment. Life's short, too short to grind away at things we simply have little control over. NCL and every other line, earns my repeat business if they are able to satisfy my basic needs for cruising, if not, I move on. Happy cruising everyone!

The buses and ferries will be on the Sunday schedule...BUT...the exception the past couple of years has been the Orange Route ferry, which has been running on its weekday schedule on public holidays. I can't guarantee that will be the case this year, but we should find out next week on Bermuda Day.

Thanks that is super helpful. I will keep an eye out to see if it runs like normal.

Hey all, I need some help figuring some things out. We arrive at Kings Warf on a Sunday around 11:00a. My plan was to head to Horseshoe using the beach shuttle service, by passing the bus/ferry pass. Spend the day there and catch whatever the last (or there about) shuttle back. The reason for not getting a bus/ferry pass, is that the following Monday is Heroes day. Meaning everything is going to run on a Sunday schedule on Monday?? We had plans to go to St. George for the day, but there is no orange ferry on Sundays and Holidays, and a ferry to Hamilton doesn’t start running until 10:30a. Meaning we probably get to St. George about noon and would only have a couple of hours to see the site (using the beach bus even) and we wanted to go to Tobacco beach well. The last scheduled ferry from Hamilton is 5:30, so we would have to be leaving St. George around 4:00-4:30 at the very latest. Given that there will be another cruise boat docked during that time, I’m thinking that it just is going to be a pretty large hassle for a short period of time.

On Tuesday we have booked reef fishing trip so we can’t flip St. George and fishing. We also leave port 5:30 on Tuesday so going up there after fishing doesn’t buy me anything either.

My main question is, does the bus/ferry schedule operate on a Sunday schedule on Heroes Day? If so, I have to figure out what to do on Monday with a holiday transportation schedule.

Suggestions or thoughts on how to make this work would be greatly appreciated

So we will be in Bermuda on National Heroes Day. This is on a Monday and our full day in port. Is the day pretty much like a Sunday with everything closed down or closing early. I know that transportation runs a Sunday schedule that day, so we will be limited in getting around unless we take taxis. I had planned on a pretty full day of getting around (Hamilton, St. George etc.) now it seems that I may have to rethink if nothing is open. Thoughts?

Agree 110%. Going to Bermuda next month on the Dawn, nothing is going to stop me from having a blast. NCL can do what they want, I may come back, I may not. We will see, but vacation is just that. Time to relax and have fun!

I never use room service, so I don't really care that much about the fee. Being in the hospitality business for years, I can partially see why charging for RS would make sense in some regards. It takes labor that can't be planned for. Its nice for the customer, but a nightmare at times for the staff. Clean-up either from the hallways or by the stewards is time consuming and inefficient. Our housekeeping crew hated when our guests left their dishes in their room, because their carts weren't set up to handle them and they had to make sure they got scraped and stacked before getting them back to the kitchen. In many cases that was completely on the other side of the hotel. That said, NCL should be providing customers the convenience and the luxury (albeit) a small one that free RS provides. I don't believe that this is necessarily a dollars and cents move, although in the annual report it will be noted that the room service fee is a new revenue stream and that will make the BOD and share holders appreciative.

Taking food away (or takeout) is a different animal and is a logistical and PR nightmare. You are putting the responsibility of enforcing this "rule", on the very people you have charged in making the customer the happiest. This is a no-win for the customer, the staff and ultimately the line itself. It gives their competitors an edge in a market that is overly saturated with product. It won't be long before other lines either follow suit (which is possible) or tout the fact that room service is free and take away food is readily available. Freestyle cruising is going to have non-takeaway pie all over its face it this "rule" is fully implemented and enforced by an already overworked and underpaid staff.

Lastly as a consumer, vote with your purse and pocketbook. If takeaway food and free room service is important to your overall vacation experience, which is a legitimate want, then seek lines that offer that. It it isn't, then NCL is still a considerable value. At the same time, voice your opinions directly to NCL. Venting on these boards is fine, but unless NCL hears it directly from a mass of customers, nothing at all will change.

jenesaiquoi,

can I get a copy as well? I've done a ton of research as well, but would love to see more and compare notes.

email: jrlatour37 at gmail

Mahalo!

The butthurt here is amazing. If you use it, pay for it. Don't like it, don't do it. NCL, like many others are in business to make bank. They didn't send out a personal, heartfelt, letter to every customer telling them that they are going to up some prices and charge for toting your dinner down to your cabin...tough. Put on some big adult size pants and go do something else. I'm pretty sure cruising and cruise boats will still be sailing what ever you do. Prices go up, things change, business strategies evolve. If cruising is still a favorite way to vacation, then figure out what fits you budget and plan accordingly. Feel nickled and dimed by NCL, go sail DCL, you pay upfront for everything under the sun, whether or not you use it. Go to CCL where it seems that safety might not always be the core tenant. If you plan it right, use common sense, cruising is an excellent vacation value.

I'm about to send off some requests to the concierge desk. Can I order a bottle of liquor for the suite with a bar setup? (juice, limes etc.)

Excellent! Thanks so much for the quick reply.

I spoke to Capt Mike today. The best way is to call 1-441 234-2963. I dialed it just like it is here. Left and message and he called me back in about an hour. Very nice guy.

We have an 8:00am fishing trip scheduled this summer. We will be coming from the dockyards. Whats the best way to get down to Somerset and the pier that time of the morning. Are there taxis available that time of day and how much time should we allocate getting there? I'm thinking the buses wont be running that early going in that direction? -- Thanks!!

I can't believe there are no trays in the buffet. It must be really hard to carry food back to the tables. What do people do who must use a cane? There are times when I don't have very good balance due to inner ear problems. I can't imagine having to balance plates of food and coffee/drinks at the same time. Maybe I'll have to go to the dollar store and buy a couple of cheap trays for myself! I can always throw them away.

There's always crew available to help with trays and seating. It's never been a problem, won't be a problem now.

Lots of tears on this thread...NCL could have put out a statement, but then again in the bigger picture it isn't such a big deal. Don't like it, don't use it. Hurts too much, then don't sail NCL. BTW DCL just jacked most of the 2016 itinerary up about 20%, :eek: but room sorbies is still grata.

Bring your own...I always wear my DCL one :D

Now that I've read a ton of posts, I'm curious about something.

 

Do you feel it's important to meet your cabin steward? If so, why?

 

(We've always met our stewards, but not necessarily on the first day. Our best steward was magical! I think we saw him once or twice in 9 days....but any time we left our cabin, it was always straightened when we returned. He was a ghost, but also an incredible room steward).

 

I'm asking because it seems quite a few people want to actually see their stewards and interact with them. I'm fine talking to them or never seeing them. As long as things go well, I'm happy.

 

So.....Do you feel it's important to meet your cabin steward? If so, why? I'm just curious.

I've only had one magical steward that went in EVERY time we left the cabin. It got a bit creepy after a while, I don't know how exactly he knew we weren't there. Our last cruise, I didn't meet our steward until the second day. It would have been nice to at least see the person who is coming in your room daily, but to me it isn't a big deal. I do like to pre-tip just to get the ball rolling and to make sure they know we expect good service. Really though, we don't put a lot of demands on our stewards, just keep the ice bucket full and the towel animals creative and we are usually okay.

I never understood those that want the deep personal relationship with the staff and crew. I've seen and read where passengers keep in touch, and ask specifically for this crew person to be assigned to their cabin, table etc. I try to have a conversation with our steward, to make sure that they know they are doing a good job (or not), but their personal world really isn't any of my business.

Hi, We have a question about the UDP promotion on our up coming cruise we recently booked. Can someone explain how it works once we get on the ship? The reason we are concerned is because when we booked, the NCL rep had no idea what we were talking about and im afraid she didnt include it in our booking. i even gave her the code from the website and she said she put it in, but who knows. Any ideas on how to verify this and what we need to do once on the ship to redeem it?

thx

You can go on the website and view your reservation. Under Vacation Summary, if you scroll to the bottom you will see "Amenity Details" and your UDP should be listed there.