luv2kroooz

Sorry to hear this. I wonder why this is happening? We are still awaiting the announcement about what innovative, cutting edge shows are replacing all the musicals they are cutting from the existing lineup. Don't worry though, there are a lot of comedy shows lined up....lol.

The thread that had all that info has been deleted by the forum due to copyright infringement. Sorry I could not help more.

Me either. In fact, 2024 has been released already. Something isn't quite right with this announcement. I thought I had heard they had record bookings, record yields, record occupancy for 2023 and forward. Now, 2024 is expected to be behind 2019.

Yeah, I often times see posts from folks who are upset that they can't get a price match after final payment, so in the interest of full disclosure....

No worries. The thread was deleted in the name of copyright infringement. NCLH said it is focusing on what they call longer, more immersive itineraries while the other two are focused on US based shorter sailings, ie 4-7 day Bahamas, Caribbean from Florida. As a result of the longer, more immersive itineraries, NCLH has cautioned that their occupancy rates will not be as high as originally forecast . Stock is off 15% or so since the announcement.

Ahh, thank you for the explanation. It was a good thread, with spirited debate about NCLH current strategy, which differs from that of their two main competitors.

I don't believe they allow unlimited price adjustments after final payment. If you only want minimum rate interior room, don't care about cabin location and can be very flexible in your travel plans, booking last minute is the way to go for NCL. We've spent 22+ days per year on cruise ships for what some people pay for a 7 days cruise.

Wow, sorry to read about this. We've always found the onboard stores reps to be hustlers, and this confirms our belief. Hopefully, this will help someone who is considering a purchase from the onboard stores.

Agree with this. Plus, February is "sea fog" season down in Galveston. Fog often contributes to delayed debarkation. I would not use the NCL transfer service. They use 50 person coaches and won't depart for the airport until they are reasonably full. Not a good plan for a 1215 flight.

This has to be one of the most ridiculous fees I've ever seen. These cruise lines continue to invent silly ways to soak the customer for more and more money at every turn. You'd need an advanced degree to understand which fare is charged a fee, based on which method you choose to order. Very very sad. We continue to reach new lows.

So often, we can't get the soap dispensers to even dispense soap. Those touchless dispensers they have are a great idea, but if the sensor doesn't work, it is a problem. We also regularly observe a lack of hot water in most restroom sinks.

It has been reported that NCL had filed a trademark for Bella a few years ago, so he is likely correct on the naming. I think they also filed for Luna (moon) and Aqua (water) in a previous year.

NCL knows, but they don't publish that info. I believe they are separate pools of funds.

My TA is selling them for under $400 plus port. We never pay NCl price. Add in a cruise next and SH credit. So, so tempting.

Those September 2023 9 day cruises to Canada on Norwegian Joy for a mere $400pp are calling my name!! Good luck finding that rate 300 days in advance.

If you are price sensitive, flexible with your travel dates, and indifferent about cabin location, the title of this thread is some of the best booking advice when choosing NCL for your cruise vacation. Never book early!!

Use the port schedule posted on the ports website. Over and again members have noted what appear to be discrepancies to have NCL eventually get around to informing passengers. Often times, the NCL website is even more delayed in being accurate and up to date.

Ahh, the latest round of "innovation" from NCL, for your and my convenience, of course

Lack of understanding? Not sure RCL shareholders would agree with that. Their stock price a year ago was $33. It's approaching $100 today, while NCLH is approaching $25. RCL is consistent and deliberate with their offerings. You know what you are getting when you book with them. NCLH is constantly redefining itself, changing pricing, offerings, itineraries, menus, etc. I often say I have no idea what I am booking when I book an NCL cruise. Whatever RCL is doing has obviously resonated with their target market and is manifesting itself in generous financial gains for their shareholders.

??? But the Prima was alongside the pier when this happened.

No opinion given on entertainment which is currently a large topic of discussion. Interesting.

Whatsapp via the ships wifi for quick calls ship to shore.

As noted above, I would compare port times and docking locations with NCL versus the competition. Be sure to understand where the ship is docking in relation to the local towns you are visiting. It has been reported that NCL uses docks that require shuttle bus transfers to town. I would choose Princess for Alaska. The onboard program is second to none, with Alaska themed menus, beverages, activities, enrichment, etc.

Cutbacks everywhere, but yes, entertainment has been hit harder. It used to differentiate NCL, but now they are just like the others. Ultimately, you have properly voiced your concerns. Now you have to decide if the entertainment cutbacks are significant enough to warrant a change to a different cruise line or if the current overall product provided by NCL, despite the cutbacks, is better than the competition. We made the decision to try the competition this fall with Princess so we can get a comparison. We currently have nothing booked with NCL and that is something that we could have never said during the past eight or so years, COVID excluded, of course. We think NCL has kind of lost its way post covid. They want to be thought of as luxury, but repeatedly charge for things at every turn. Restrictive beverage packages, lack of shrimp cocktail, lack of lobster in main dining rooms, poor entertainment offerings. Okay, but not luxury in our minds. Good luck to you.

Skip Los Lobos and go to your local, authentic Mexican joint. No value on NCL. Among the three you listed, I would get the filet at Cagney's