The Wanderer_112358

4 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

I don't think most people are unhappy with NCL. I don't even think most members of Cruise Critic are unhappy with NCL. I think that most POSTERS are unhappy - because human nature drives people who are unhappy to "vent".  Just look at the full NCL ships that leave ports every single week.  That, in addition to my own observation that most people I've witnessed on my NCL cruises are having a "good time", is my evidence that "most" people are not unhappy with NCL or NCL's supposed "nickle & diming."  There's maybe 100-ish posters (if that) that are your chronic complainers - a VERY small cross section of NCL customers. (Also note that with all their dissatisfaction, so many "unhappy" folks still frequent the NCL boards.)

 

If people on board are having a good time and are enjoying themselves, then why do so many people on board seem to be in such a hurry, very anxious and so grumpy?  On their cruise, if they miss one port of call, they seem to lose all sanity.

Maybe it is society as a whole now.  I don't know.

Again, just my perspective.

9 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

I am a solo traveler often and always eat in the MDR at a private table.  Never been asked if I wanted to share and if I was, I would say no.

I haven't had your luck.  Maybe on my upcoming Barcelona to Miami I'll try again.

Thanks!

49 minutes ago, blcruising said:

I agree. While I do think the prices of their onboard products and services are beyond rip off levels, I travel solo from time to time and am always able to find a last minute sail away steal. 13 day cruise for only $449. 17 day Tahiti $499, 16 day canal $449. Only on Norwegian. 

 

So, they could lower their prices onboard and have a smaller profit margin but higher volume of sales or they can keep prices high and have high profit margin on lower sales. I currently don't spend any money onboard their ships, so I know I am probably not their target market, but not because I can't afford it. I can..I just don't value a beverage at $15 or a steak dinner at $60. I can do better at Morton's or Ruth's Chris. So, for now, I take the leftover cabins with the last minute booking and zero supplement. I've yet to have a sailaway cabin that I would consider poor. Sounds like a win for NCL and for me.

I agree completely!

Thank you!

I would like to find out which NCL ship and cruise have special themed events planned.

Like special themed cruise or organization?

Link?

7 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

IDK Wanderer, no offense but I'm not sure you're for real.  You read a lot like an NCL  PR ad campaign.  But, just in case, I hope you enjoy your upcoming cruise.

Just because people don't think like you does not mean that they don't exist.

Yes, most people are like you.  More the pity.

What is the latest with the repairs?

Any new info?

12 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

Sure, but not everyone can nor wants to sail bare bones and that’s where NCL gets you. I sail many lines and NCL’s internet prices are silly stupid high. Their shore excursion prices are higher than other lines, can’t carry on water but they charge really high prices for bottled water. Charging for Go Karts, Charging for Laser tag, charging charging charging ...... NCL is my go to line but many of the gripes are warranted when compared to other lines. 

I don't see my travel style  as "bare bones" at all!  If I was a millionaire I would still travel this way.

And I understand completely that my way of traveling isn't for everyone.  That is the whole point of this thread.  We are all different, which is WONDERFUL!  NCL gives us the chance to do it a little bit our own way.

If you want to do those things you mentioned? Fine, then pay extra for them.  I shouldn't have to.

Peace

18 minutes ago, worktocruise610 said:

I've always loved those ships. I admit I didn't do the "less drinking" part (lmao) but the others, absolutely. It was relaxing, calming and soothing. Being on the water, no tv, no newspapers, no outside world. Really does a lot for recharging yourself from the day to day of life.

We can make our modern cruise close to that old style cruising if we try hard enough.

Just avoid the crowds, do what they don't want to and be yourself.

I avoid summer or Spring Break cruises like the plague, unless it is South America!  I travel when and where others don't want to if I can.

When I get on board:

 - Turn off phone for 2 weeks!

 - Never turn on the TV.

 - Spend all day out of my cabin with a good book.

 - I don't mind if ports change or a deleted. It's all good!

 - I would eat most meals in the MDR if I could get a private table.  I'm SO TIRED of, "So, you are traveling alone"? or "Where are you from"?

- I sleep like a baby at night, even in an Inside Cabin.

- Nice food, good book, good bottle of red wine and no wifi, phone car or responsibilities. Bliss.

- And no spouse.  *grin*

7 minutes ago, worktocruise610 said:

That sounds like a perfect vacation to me also. The price you got is awesome & I would also prefer a ship with none of the extras, remind me of the ones we sailed when I first started cruising over 20 years ago. No frills, but the best vacations I've had

You beat me to it!  Thank you!  *smile*

20 minutes ago, The Wanderer_112358 said:

I wish that NCL would build a ship with no water slide, no climbing wall, fewer dining rooms and more lower priced cabins.  I think that people would flock to it.

Back to this topic, I think that older people would LOVE a ship like those that existed 100 years ago.  Simple, but refined.  Where you could have more quiet time and less drinking, rushing, eating and indulging.

8 minutes ago, CazV said:

I agree with you. I prefer to pay a lower base price and then choose what I spend extra on. 

Yes, as a Solo traveler, NCL is about the only cruise line that I can travel with that has the travel choices I desire and that I can afford.

19 minutes ago, worktocruise610 said:

I agree, I prepay the DSC & when I get onboard, barely spend any money. I also enjoy the relaxing, doing no cooking, and people watching, ocean viewing, that being on a ship allows me. I'm glad the things are there if I so need/want but don't feel as if I have to purchase anything. But as you said, to each his own.

If I can travel two whole weeks alone, out on the ocean, seeing ports in other countries, in my own private room/cabin, with all of my meals included, I'm thrilled!

And all of that for less than $75 dollars a night!  I have NOTHING to complain about!

My Solo Barcelona to Miami Transatlantic Cruise is less than $1000 dollars after all fees paid for an Inside Cabin. 

I wish that NCL would build a ship with no water slide, no climbing wall, fewer dining rooms and more lower priced cabins.  I think that people would flock to it.

23 minutes ago, sprint180 said:

Me too.  I have never understood that.  I don't notice having to pay for any more on NCL then I do on any other line.   

I agree, I fact, I probably could not take the cruises I do without the CHOICE of being able to pay for the services I desire.  As a Solo cruiser, no other cruise line offers lower "Single Supplement" fares than NCL.

In ports, if possible, I normally just walk around the port area of town, stop in a small cafe, get a beer, maybe rent a bike or just find a bench in the shade and watch the people.

BUT, if I want to purchase an excursion, then I'm thrilled that the choice is available to me!  I am of the opinion that planning every port visit in minute detail is not much fun.  I would rather see real people and see little visited places in port than get on a bus, go where everyone else goes and snap some picture that I never look at again.

But, as I keep saying, everyone should do what feels right for them.  And NCL let's you do that.

I usually bring a bottle of my favorite red wine onboard and pay the $15 dollar uncorking fee.  Again, I just love the ability to "do it my way".  And others have the options and choice to do it theirs.

I haven't gotten a Studio Cabin yet.  I would love to try one on my next cruise.

I usually get a Sail Away Inside Cabin and spend all my time on deck.

I have noticed over the years that one of the biggest complaints about NCL is that there are so many extra costs beyond the base cruise price.

Personally, I find the NCL cruise prices rather refreshing.  To be honest, as a Solo traveler that doesn't drink much and that doesn't desire upscale dining, Internet or the onboard entertainment, NCL allows me to cruise inexpensively and to travel the way I choose.  I take cruises to relax, not worry about cooking, reading a good book and just be on the ocean.

For those that want more, they have the opportunity to purchase it as an additional cost, which is great.  I probably would not be able to cruise Solo if it wasn't for NCL.

I will be on NCL's transatlantic 14 day cruise from Barcelona to Miami in a week or so.  I can't wait!  Just what I need right now.

Just my humble opinion. Not attacking anyone!  Life is all about choice and the more choices that we have available to us, the better.

What do you think?