MSP_CRUISER

Yep, same experience on the epic for us also. It was our first time on NCL, but have taken many other cruise lines. Won't go with NCL again with the epic and will still avoid NCL in the future unless the deal and itinerary is unbeatable. The cost cutting isn't going to serve them well long term if people keep having the experiences I had.

Get one right next to where the club balcony rooms start (the bump out section). You will have a double balcony....the size is amazing! FYI, the rooms are super small on the epic and that's saying something since rooms are small on ships to begin with. Choose the Epic for the stops, definitely not the ship.

Recently had a cabin with 4 and it was serviced once a day. Pullman was left out. I put it up and down myself for extra space during the day, but had to be careful not to let it lock into the ceiling.

Yeah, because I swim in the ocean and use a hot tub once a day at home....after work of course. LOL

Sucks, as there are always to few dud nights in every week. It's their way of saying upgrade to specialty dining or go to the buffet if you don't like our now limited menus.

In your rushed to attempt to criticize me, you didn't actually read my comment correctly. I said "I'd never cruise one line and only line only due to "loyalty". Seems extremely short-sighted on your part, to not read my entire post before forming your argument around a comment I didn't make. LOL. Maybe try you luck again at this tomorrow or something.

Humans make on average 35,000 judgements/ decisions a day, I don't think this classifies as unreasonable.

I totally get that. While I could deal with the dressy culture for a less crowed experience, I also would MUCH rather wear shorts and a T all week long.

I'm on a cruise...all I have is time. Plus it only takes a millisecond to judge a pin snob.

I'd say it speaks to the fact your not it touch with how modern companies do business. This isn't the 1960's anymore. Just like the reason (lack of loyalty) people don't work for the same company for their entire careers anymore. Once you make your final payment, cruise lines (all of them) could really care less about you. They might give you some lip service or a pin and some free drinks ect, but when it really comes down to it cruise lines are loyal to their stockholders. To show any real loyalty towards cruse corporations is pretty short sighted....I choose my cruises based on the on board experience, prices, itinerary's...ect. I'd never cruise one line and only line only due to "loyalty".

Why not just sail on a premium line then. Similar money and much smaller ships, better service, better food...ect.

When people choose to make a statement, then yes I will make a judgement on that statement. It's no different then seeing a political sign in a neighbors yard. It's hard not to judge when people go though all the effort to advertise there status or opinion with others.

The only reason to wear it is to send a message. It's like a bumper sticker on a car...if your not trying to send a message then you don't put one on. When you choose to wear one....we "get" the message alright! They clearly don't want to be treated the "same"...hence the pin.

I don't care for the non-inclusive, attention seeking nature of it. What's the message you trying to send by wearing it?

Thanks!

I know quite a few people that are into "status". I've always thought it was a strange thing to be proud of. We cruise because we enjoy it. We enjoy the perks of our status, but never think of it as something to put on display for...others.

If I had to come up with a list of the lamest things I could do on my vacation wearing a cruise corporations "pin" would be quite close to the top of the list. Lol.

I'm of the thinking that if you're concerned or are in the small percentage of those that may be more susceptible to severe illness or worse, you should think twice about taking a cruise. I would never expect others to be equally concerned about MY health as I am.

Agreed. We love cruising, but took time off from it until the kids where old enough enjoy it themselves. I want them to enjoy vacation, not just come with. When we started cruising again they tried the kids club, but didn't want to go much. It didn't bother me that they weren't interested, I was always a bit hesitant about leaving them their anyways. It's all strangers in a strange place, so I was fine with going things as a family. Being a good parent at times means being selfless.

I'd suggest using transfers or hotel shuttles instead of hauling them along. That's a lot of work for a few 10 minute rides.

I don't doubt your right. But I feel like not letting me know my options clearly up front.... would mean I wouldn't get much out of the haven experience, except the obvious offerings, which are nice. I just don't value M&Ms, gummy bears and cheese plates much at all.

I feel like for as much as you pay for the haven, this shouldn't be some "hack" you need to figure out or something extra you need to write on a menu (where it's not offered in the first place). Why not advertise it verbally or just put on the haven menu in the first place? I feel like it might help justify the butler, because otherwise I don't think I'd have much use for them... Those treats and candy you posted above this comment would largely be wasted....like 90% of them ( at least by my group). By the second day I'd ask them to stop bringing them. Maybe I'm not cut out for the haven.

Your right it does... It shows that I have empathy for others. Maybe you can point out where I claimed his statement wasn't true or did you just comment to prove your insufficiency in virtue of grace?

I will enjoy it regardless...I live where it's cold so anything is an improvement! I haven't cruised since covid (last cruise was Jan. 2020, did land based trip last year) so I'm trying to get a vibe on how the cut backs are effecting service. It's hard to tell since it seems many are willing to give up anything just to get back on a cruise again. I am okay with things being a little short staffed (it's life anymore) but at some point there needs to be some basic standards...after all, I pay thousands of dollars for my cruise! I'm just trying to figure out what the vibes are and how I should plan for next years vaca trip.

Yikes!!! I got an aft balcony on an upcoming trip....right about where the stacks are. Maybe the wind from sailing forward will keep the debris south of our balcony.... I can only wish. Outside of the common san juan port issues (long lines and traffic nightmares) , how was the service? Long lines for drinks? Was the food comparable to other NCL cruises you've been on or worse? I'm trying to lower my expectations as it seems things industry-wide are tending downward, but I'm not really sure just how much. At some point I might need to consider different lines and/or take a break from cruising. I feel some people are so happy to get on a ship again they will overlook just about anything to cruise. I feel like it's okay to expect reasonable standards! I would appreciate your honest take on my questions if your willing....thank you!