NCL Management Does It Right - Norwegian Escape

Are there not some “one way” Alaska cruises between Seattle and Alaska? As long as they stop in Canada on the way, I thought it was OK.

Actually, the one way Alaska cruises start in Vancouver. Seattle are the RT cruises. So the same silly maritime laws apply, ;)

Are there not some “one way” Alaska cruises between Seattle and Alaska? As long as they stop in Canada on the way, I thought it was OK.

 

 

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Have a look and see if you find any. They either have to begin or end in Canada (Vancouver), or else they have to be round trip Seattle (with a stop in Canada along the way). Stopping in Canada is not enough to make a one-way itinerary between two different US ports legal.

I did check and it seems that all the one-way Alaska cruises are from Vancouver. All Alaska cruises that depart from the US must stop in Canada (usually Victoria BC)

I suppose that American law is good for Canadian businesses.

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Can we all agree that this law is completely and totally ridiculous? I mean read it and it makes absolutely zero sense.

 

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Sure, I'll agree to that, but I also think it's ridiculous that these ships that are based in the US by US companies catering almost exclusively to US clientele are allowed to "flag" their ships in other countries to dodge prevailing wage laws and employee protection laws. If they didn't do that then this law wouldn't apply anyway, and their crews would actually be paid what they deserve for the level of service that they put in.

Sure, I'll agree to that, but I also think it's ridiculous that these ships that are based in the US by US companies catering almost exclusively to US clientele are allowed to "flag" their ships in other countries to dodge prevailing wage laws and employee protection laws. If they didn't do that then this law wouldn't apply anyway, and their crews would actually be paid what they deserve for the level of service that they put in.

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Who's in command of the ship ... Captain must be enjoying a fast ride up the coast, averaging over 24 knots yesterday, all engines firing, hightailing out of Miami for NY, and or got a strong tail wind to boost. Seldom see those full speed unless ...

Then, there was the Gem that pull into NY Harbor around 3 am ... scheduled arrival is typically 8 am for this Florida/Bahamas run.

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Who's in command of the ship ... Captain must be enjoying a fast ride up the coast, averaging over 24 knots yesterday, all engines firing, hightailing out of Miami for NY, and or got a strong tail wind to boost. Seldom see those full speed unless ...

they might be doing a speed test to make sure the Escape can handle the speeds needed to leave Bermuda at around 3pm on Friday and return back to New York at around 7am on Sunday

I also think it's ridiculous that these ships that are based in the US by US companies catering almost exclusively to US clientele are allowed to "flag" their ships in other countries to dodge prevailing wage laws and employee protection laws. If they didn't do that then this law wouldn't apply anyway, and their crews would actually be paid what they deserve for the level of service that they put in.

Never? Uh...

 

https://www.ncl.com/vacations/panama-canal-cruises-?destinations=4294961383

The Panama Canal cruises dock in Colombia which qualifies as a far distant port, so it meets the requirements of the law.

Never? Uh...

 

https://www.ncl.com/vacations/panama-canal-cruises-?destinations=4294961383

Right. They are visiting "Distant Ports" as defined by the PVSA.

"This is the reason why you never see cruises that start in one American City and end in another"

I meant without visiting a "distant port."

I think the whole point that BirdTravels was trying to make - and I agree - is that NCL chose to sail a ship empty. They could have had a cool last itinerary that was a little longer - left Miami, visited the ABC islands, and then went to Manhattan. I did the repo from Boston to New Orleans stopping at the ABC Islands, and that was a special trip! I'm sure they could have sailed at full capacity with a cool last itinerary instead of one of the usual "Milk Runs" as Del Rio calls them. It would have been great for the cruisers and NCL. But way back when they decided to bring Escape up north, they made the choice to sail her without guests. I think that's great! :)I always make a point to talk to the crew when I cruise, and I know that they enjoy the few times that they get the ship to themselves. It helps them recharge a little.

I think the whole point that BirdTravels was trying to make - and I agree - is that NCL chose to sail a ship empty. They could have had a cool last itinerary that was a little longer - left Miami, visited the ABC islands, and then went to Manhattan. I did the repo from Boston to New Orleans stopping at the ABC Islands, and that was a special trip! I'm sure they could have sailed at full capacity with a cool last itinerary instead of one of the usual "Milk Runs" as Del Rio calls them. It would have been great for the cruisers and NCL. But way back when they decided to bring Escape up north, they made the choice to sail her without guests. I think that's great! :)I always make a point to talk to the crew when I cruise, and I know that they enjoy the few times that they get the ship to themselves. It helps them recharge a little.

Well said. I think you are right on the money (good employee management instead of profit).

The Norwegian Escape isbeing repositioned as she changes home port from Miami to New York for the next19 months. The Escape is replacing the Norwegian Breakaway who is scheduled fora dry dock followed by a season sailing the Baltic Capitals.

 

The Escape dropped off herfinal group of Miami passengers this morning and is being repositioned to NewYork April 20-22 with no passengers. This allows the crew to clean up andprepare for a busy Bermuda season, but also, NCL management is allowing thecrew to enjoy some of the public spaces on the ship. There are planned crewdinners and parties in the ship’s main dining room. The entertainment staff isputting on performances of the ship’s two main resident shows, After Midnightand For The Record: The Brad Pack to allow behind the scenes crew members to see these Broadwayproductions.

 

NCL could have extendedthe last Miami voyage to end in New York, but decided to do it right, and givethe crew a brief break from the normal 4500 passengers onboard. Good Job NCL!

THANK YOU Bird, for this post. I was on this sailing as well. Chatted with crew from various venues, and they all expressed the same sentiment. Excited for the opportunity to have the Escape to themselves. Of course they all still have traditional tasks to accomplish prior to the first NY sailing. But every single one of them were thrilled for the opportunity to enjoy traditional passenger-only experiences. Shows, restaurants, sports deck, pools, etc. They all work so hard for us, I am happy they get this little crew-only bonus time.

THANK YOU Bird, for this post. I was on this sailing as well. Chatted with crew from various venues, and they all expressed the same sentiment. Excited for the opportunity to have the Escape to themselves. Of course they all still have traditional tasks to accomplish prior to the first NY sailing. But every single one of them were thrilled for the opportunity to enjoy traditional passenger-only experiences. Shows, restaurants, sports deck, pools, etc. They all work so hard for us, I am happy they get this little crew-only bonus time.

It is really great that the hard-working crew gets the opportunity to really ENJOY being on the Escape.

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The Norwegian Escape isbeing repositioned as she changes home port from Miami to New York for the next19 months. The Escape is replacing the Norwegian Breakaway who is scheduled fora dry dock followed by a season sailing the Baltic Capitals.

 

The Escape dropped off herfinal group of Miami passengers this morning and is being repositioned to NewYork April 20-22 with no passengers. This allows the crew to clean up andprepare for a busy Bermuda season, but also, NCL management is allowing thecrew to enjoy some of the public spaces on the ship. There are planned crewdinners and parties in the ship’s main dining room. The entertainment staff isputting on performances of the ship’s two main resident shows, After Midnightand For The Record: The Brad Pack to allow behind the scenes crew members to see these Broadwayproductions.

 

NCL could have extendedthe last Miami voyage to end in New York, but decided to do it right, and givethe crew a brief break from the normal 4500 passengers onboard. Good Job NCL!

The reason that they left the passengers in Miami was to avoid issues with the PSVA, it had nothing to do wiht giving the crew time off, cleaning or any other reason.

I hope they are allowed to use passenger cabins too and have a lucky dip for who stays in The Haven :-)

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I hear what you are saying and I don't disagree but you realize just how expensive that would make this obsession of ours called cruising would be? I don't think most of us would be able to even afford cruises. By the way I think using international crews gos back to the Titanic days. It's not anything new.

 

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You are correct about increased costs for cruising if the ships were US flagged but I don't think it would be terribly expensive. The NCL ship out of Hawaii might provide a good example. Given the nearly universal 20% tipping costs it might all work out near the same if the staff was fairly compensated instead of having to rely almost solely on tips.

 

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Yeah but correct me if I'm wrong but NCL originally had 3 ships there and was losing a lot of money. In any event I like the idea of this but I just don't think it's viable.

 

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You are correct about increased costs for cruising if the ships were US flagged but I don't think it would be terribly expensive. The NCL ship out of Hawaii might provide a good example. Given the nearly universal 20% tipping costs it might all work out near the same if the staff was fairly compensated instead of having to rely almost solely on tips.

 

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Have you noticed the cruise fare for a seven day cruise on Pride of America compared to other seven day cruises? We are definitely paying for the American crew and the lack of a casino. The cruise industry could not survive without international crews. It may not seem fair but most Americans cannot afford a cruise when they are served by other Americans. That is why almost all ships are foreign flagged.

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Have you noticed the cruise fare for a seven day cruise on Pride of America compared to other seven day cruises? We are definitely paying for the American crew and the lack of a casino. The cruise industry could not survive without international crews. It may not seem fair but most Americans cannot afford a cruise when they are served by other Americans. That is why almost all ships are foreign flagged.

 

 

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You are correct about increased costs for cruising if the ships were US flagged but I don't think it would be terribly expensive. The NCL ship out of Hawaii might provide a good example. Given the nearly universal 20% tipping costs it might all work out near the same if the staff was fairly compensated instead of having to rely almost solely on tips.

 

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NCL staff does not rely on tips for their salary.

NCL staff does not rely on tips for their salary.

I don’t think that’s correct. Crew members on all Cruise Lines earn a large portion of their income from their tips both automatic and “extra” tips. Pride of America crew members may be an exception because it’s American flagged and they earn higher salaries.

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Whoever and for whatever reason this was done, I’m glad it was. They all deserve to let their hair down and enjoy the ship for a couple days! We’re leaving on the 13th and I’m looking forward to meeting this great crew, sounds like they’re a great bunch from what has been shared here.

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