Just Not Treated Right

[fergusonvt]

And that promotion had no mention of suites. To me upgrades for all means that anyone can take advantage of the promotion if you are booking a room that is part of the promotion. It didn't say upgrades for all rooms.

[mnmfischel]

I am obviously missing the point. It's not about the money. It's not about the perks. Is it that you want the Captain to come by your cabin and/or have dinner with you? That would make sense to me, that suite passengers have a special meal with the Captain....

 

 

Interestingly, i think that's just what the gentleman is saying and I can't say i blame him for the opinion. Can you imagine what a loyal customer NCL would make if the captain, or a head employee, stopped by to thank this gentleman for choosing NCL. ven for 5 minutes. Or if someone randomly sent him up an xtra bottle of wine w/ a quickly scribbled thank you note for his loyalty. He's just asking to be recognized while the people who are paying less are getting all sorts of discounts. Didn't get the impression he was asking for anything free. Frankly, i think that would be terrific PR on NCL's part.

[WinterSky]

I have just read all 77 previous posts... I believe the OP made it clear that he doesn't really care how much money he spends. It appears that his issues are not really related to discounts, free dinners, upgrades or the wording of promotions but rather to receiving special attention for his patronage.

 

Though we do care how much money we spend and have never been in a suite, we have always received special attention for our patronage when sailing on NCL. It comes in the form of pleasant, helpful, courteous, considerate and attentive service, and sometimes even the surprise delivery of a note and a bottle of champagne (yes, this happened to us in our balcony cabin).

 

I think there is more to it than simply patronage and dollars spent. I believe it has something to do with taking a personal interest in others and building relationships with cruise staff.

[Homecomforts]

I understand what the OP is saying, buttttttttttttttttttttt.

 

I will give this analogy. Why are NFL tickets harder and more expensive to get as opposed to MLB tickets? Because there are tons of MLB games played all week long. A football team has but 1 game per week for only 16 weeks.

 

Think of the obstructed view, inside rooms as "MLB", and the penthouse and above as the NFL. Theres just more of the MLB type rooms they need to fill, just like an empty baseball game, so they will do whatever they need to, to fill those rooms.

 

Theres just not as many "NFL" rooms to have to fill, and people will generally take them because they can. They are not looking for anything more than the perks they already have. They know the "NFL" room is going to deliver what they want for their dollar.

 

Hope that makes sense lmao, I tried lol:D

[Fishbait17]

I have to chime in about the Harrah's TR discount program.. The discount is in place for a reason - to bring in gamblers to spend $$ in the SHIP'S casino - it is not there to reward Harrah's players for their loyalty to Harrah's - it is INCENTIVE, not REWARD. Aside from being owned by the same company, the two programs have nothing to do with each other - they do NOT share profits or P&L Statements. For the first time NCL cruiser, the lesser discount for higher level suites is a bit of a bummer, but those that have taken advantage of it over and over have caused this reduced benefit. If you are a higher level gambler on land, surely you have turned over some cash in the NCL casino on your first sailing. When you return to NCL, you should book through CAS instead of Harrah's for a larger discount or comp. If you have not played enough to qualify for CAS benefits, then you don't deserve a discount for gambling, whether CAS or Harrah's, period. NCL is actually being very generous to offer the TR discount without limit for cruisers.

 

Using land-based casino operations as an example - Let's say you are Harrah's Diamond; MGM Group takes notice of this and tries to lure you over. MGM offers you an equal level status, comp R&B, incentive $$. You go and stay at MGM, eat their food, but don't play there (or you "dabble") and you instead go to Harrah's every day and play there. After your trial period is up, do you think MGM is going to renew your status? They matched your status so that you would bring your business to them, not to reward you for playing at Harrah's. Same formula goes for airline or hotel loyalty programs, matched status is temporary, used to bring you in to spend $$ on their brands, not as a reward for using the competitors brand.

 

BTW, there is a REWARD program for Harrah's TR players on NCL ships (as opposed to the INCENTIVE discount). You can cash in your TR points for OBC or a free cruise. For these rewards Harrah's pays NCL, and NCL does not see it as a liability, unlike the discount.

 

As far as recognition for suites vs regular cabins, I book only suites, lately usually villas or higher, and I see there are a few improvements that could be made. But in general I am very happy with the recognition I receive for sailing in suites.

 

Robin

[che5904]

I have to chime in about the Harrah's TR discount program.. The discount is in place for a reason - to bring in gamblers to spend $$ in the SHIP'S casino - it is not there to reward Harrah's players for their loyalty to Harrah's - it is INCENTIVE, not REWARD. Aside from being owned by the same company, the two programs have nothing to do with each other - they do NOT share profits or P&L Statements. For the first time NCL cruiser, the lesser discount for higher level suites is a bit of a bummer, but those that have taken advantage of it over and over have caused this reduced benefit. If you are a higher level gambler on land, surely you have turned over some cash in the NCL casino on your first sailing. When you return to NCL, you should book through CAS instead of Harrah's for a larger discount or comp. If you have not played enough to qualify for CAS benefits, then you don't deserve a discount for gambling, whether CAS or Harrah's, period. NCL is actually being very generous to offer the TR discount without limit for cruisers.

 

Using land-based casino operations as an example - Let's say you are Harrah's Diamond; MGM Group takes notice of this and tries to lure you over. MGM offers you an equal level status, comp R&B, incentive $$. You go and stay at MGM, eat their food, but don't play there (or you "dabble") and you instead go to Harrah's every day and play there. After your trial period is up, do you think MGM is going to renew your status? They matched your status so that you would bring your business to them, not to reward you for playing at Harrah's. Same formula goes for airline or hotel loyalty programs, matched status is temporary, used to bring you in to spend $$ on their brands, not as a reward for using the competitors brand.

 

BTW, there is a REWARD program for Harrah's TR players on NCL ships (as opposed to the INCENTIVE discount). You can cash in your TR points for OBC or a free cruise. For these rewards Harrah's pays NCL, and NCL does not see it as a liability, unlike the discount.

 

As far as recognition for suites vs regular cabins, I book only suites, lately usually villas or higher, and I see there are a few improvements that could be made. But in general I am very happy with the recognition I receive for sailing in suites.

 

Robin

 

Very well thought through post.

[JohnGaltny]

VERY interesting thread.

 

My $.02 is that the OP is a small businessman, as was I. As such, he knows that is costs MUCH less to service returning clients/patrons than it does to recruit new ones. Returnees/regulars are the core from which any business builds a cash flow to allow it to do it's new recruitment marketing.

 

I don't think the OP was after this or that specific comp, nor was he attacking NCL. He's merely referencing a core principle that made him successful enough to now cruise when he wants, where he wants.

 

OP, congratulations. You did good in a really tough business.

[Crown Prince]

Perhaps Crystal or another luxury line would be a better choice. beachchick

 

EXACTLY what I was thinking. What the Hay is this guy doing on a main-stream line like NCL?

He needs to try:

MSC

Cunard

Crystal

Seabourn

Silver Seas

Paul Gauguin

Regent

Royal Caribbean

 

Also, better pricing is often available through a Travel Agent as they are able to book groups with amenities such as low deposits, on-board credit, and lower rates.

He can also order free brochures on line or obtain them from AAA or any Agency to see all the cruise lines and their Itineraries.

 

:

D:D;):D:D

[sjbdtz]

EXACTLY what I was thinking. What the Hay is this guy doing on a main-stream line like NCL?

He needs to try:

MSC

Cunard

Crystal

Seabourn

Silver Seas

Paul Gauguin

Regent

Royal Caribbean

 

Also, better pricing is often available through a Travel Agent as they are able to book groups with amenities such as low deposits, on-board credit, and lower rates.

He can also order free brochures on line or obtain them from AAA or any Agency to see all the cruise lines and their Itineraries.

 

 

:

D:D;):D:D

 

 

There's no reason for Royal Caribbean to be on this list.

 

 

 

 

.

[yoyocruiser]

I totally get the overall concept of what the OP is saying. As a business I think NCL probably does need to consider the big spenders--so that they DON'T go off to luxury lines. In some ways, isn't this the type that NCL is trying to attract with the villas? Just the fact that this poster--who has spent thousands and thousands on NCL -- is feeling like perhaps taking his business elsewhere is in itself worth considering from the business point of view. I didn't feel that he was complaining about the real specifics--he gave specifics so folks would know what was meant--but the overall issue is simply that he doesn't feel his business IS appreciated. Quite frankly, it appears that if two dinners to le bistro would make a difference--seems to small thing to keep such a high paying customer.

[Starry Eyes]

There's no reason for Royal Caribbean to be on this list.

 

 

 

 

.

 

Nor MSC.

 

would he be happy if he selected an upscale line? Maybe he would be. Or maybe he would be a small to average fish in a pond of big spenders.

[DMH15]

I feel the NCL suite experience is awesome. It's the other mainstream lines that don't compare. I feel that I am appreciated. There are plenty of NCL suite devotees on here who appear to feel the same. If I pay thousands for my aft suite on the Sun I am not going to complain the they didn't comp me $30 at Le Bistro.

[luddite]

Man,oh man, I thought this thread was gone.

OP cannot be made happy and here's this thread again, which will make a lot more people unhappy before it goes poof.

[SailBabySail]

Man,oh man, I thought this thread was gone.

OP cannot be made happy and here's this thread again, which will make a lot more people unhappy before it goes poof.

 

Wow, I thought I had fuzzies in my head as the OPs post sounded really familiar from a while back. Seems that I am not alone in my thoughts.

[umpy10]

I have been on 8 cruises in the past twenty months, ALL on NCL. I stay in an owners suite, courtyard villa or penthouse suite ( recently only villas ) I am now over sixty, somewhat retired, love to cruise and am getting a poor signal from NCL that only if your staying in a basic room will they upgrade you, discount you or try to appeal to you. Their ad says free upgrades for EVERYBODY! but this is not so. If you want to spend triple to five times what everyone else is paying, there are no discounts or upgrades. I am also a Harrah's Diamond Player. Used to get a twenty percent discount but no more. If I stay in a balcony room for less money, they give a twenty percent discount, but because I like the amenities to the villas, I only get 10%. Does't seem right. I guess all things are'nt equal. You would think that they would go out of there way for those who are very repeat customers, who are willing to spend the additional monies for the better rooms to maybe treat them to the specialty restaurants instead of charging an additional $15. What extra does it really cost, I have to eat anyway. I own two restaurants on Long Island. It's possible that Kevin Sheehan has eaten in at least one of them because he lives in my neighborhood. And if he were a regular, like any other regular, he would know that I buy regulars a drink, an appetizer or a dessert just for being regulars, because without them, I wouldn't be in business. Companies that give things away to lure new people in are missing the big picture. It's all about the regulars. We all want to be acknowledged, we all love the attention and we all want to feel special. As an owner whos business is growing even in these hard times, I love to see repeat customers talking to other repeat customers who ultimately come just to see the other regulars, A meeting place. So why is it that NCL does not acknowlege me when I book a cruise ( which I only do through them ) My history is in the computer. Why is it that they don't go out of their way for me when I'm on board. Perhaps it's time to look at other lines. No matter where I go, I'll become a regular. Sad if you lose me

 

 

Sorry , I just don't get this. What exactly does the OP want from NCL.

Looking @ the ratio of OS or Villas etc. to the rest of type of cabins , NCL will be nuts to not look after the "other" crowd.

Wish I had OPs problem when cruising. I guess for some people "enough" is just "not enough" of everything? jmho

[newmexicoNita]

EXACTLY what I was thinking. What the Hay is this guy doing on a main-stream line like NCL?

He needs to try:

MSC

Cunard

Crystal

Seabourn

Silver Seas

Paul Gauguin

Regent

Royal Caribbean

 

Also, better pricing is often available through a Travel Agent as they are able to book groups with amenities such as low deposits, on-board credit, and lower rates.

He can also order free brochures on line or obtain them from AAA or any Agency to see all the cruise lines and their Itineraries.

 

:

D:D;):D:D

 

RCI and MSC are anything but upscale. Where did you get that idea? In fact most vet cruises put RCI and NCL in the exact same catagory. One ship might be better on one line over the other and we all have preferences, but certainly RCI isn't upscale. Even Celebrity does not fit into that catagory.

 

NIta

[newmexicoNita]

Man,oh man, I thought this thread was gone.

OP cannot be made happy and here's this thread again, which will make a lot more people unhappy before it goes poof.

 

Me too, who decided to give it another life and why?

[swedish weave]

OP needs someone to stroke his EGO !!!!! If he ever gets into the real world, maybe he can find someone to do it !!!

[retiredonthesea]

I feel the NCL suite experience is awesome. It's the other mainstream lines that don't compare. I feel that I am appreciated. There are plenty of NCL suite devotees on here who appear to feel the same. If I pay thousands for my aft suite on the Sun I am not going to complain the they didn't comp me $30 at Le Bistro.

 

Wasn't going to comment, but DMH15---my thoughts exactly!!

[Steveo978]

A very wise cruiser once told me to never book a room I don't want. As a veteran of two cruises with Princess, and zero with NCL (though I'm planning a week on the Dawn before she sails away from Boston for the season) I feel compelled to remind that we are talking about mass marketed Cruising - Freestyle for the masses. I have booked obstructed ocean view's on both cruises and got exactly what I booked each time. The reality is I was hoping for an upgrade and booked a obstructed when I wanted a balcony - LOL @ ME! I also came to realize the dining room, pool deck, sunsets, sail away partys ports of call - everything I cruise for - all looks the same regardless of cabin. Bottom line is the old want vs. need. All I need is a ticket to board - I'll make my own fun from there.

Sometimes that will be a inside, obstructed, balcony or suite, this is supposed to be fun regardless. Remember fun? It's not just for funships anymore!

I recently went to Sears to get a new filter for my shop vac. I went to pay for my $15 filter and the clerk sez; you can get 10% if you fill out a sears card application. I handed over my sears card. Sorry no 10% for me. (Now feeling screwed over $1.50). Good news, I'm elegible for a 15% discount if I apply for a sears gold Mastercard - I hand over my sears gold Mastercard - sorry no 15% either (now feeling double screwed at a 1.5% price - considering a Sears/Kmart boycott all over a couple of bucks). Plenty of offers for new customer's. nothing much for the loyal customer.

If your mass marketing garden tractors or vacations - as consumers we have a responsibility to keep our expectations in check.

After multiple cruises on any given cruise line we would like to think somehow we are special guests - somehow recognized as a regular.

I might expect a different reception after 5 sailings with Paul Gauguin, Azmara, or Windstar than NCL, RCL or Carnival/Princess. To be fair...

I haven't spent dime #1 with NCL yet but already they are offering me comparable insider deals with credits and such - same as Princess is offering me after 2 Captain's Circle sailings.

Sometimes our expectations don't align with reality. Sometimes we have to question our loyalty, sometimes we need to look elsewhere to get those expectations met. If needs and expectations aren't met by the main stream cruise industry, theres a whole luxury segment that may offer a higher level of appreciation for loyalty along with a higher level of service (along with a higher level of cost i'm sure).

Remember; Never book a room you don't want.

Happy Cruising.

(...and don't hog the deck chairs.)

[billet]

I do not understand the OPs comment about no discounts on Suites and Villas. My TA showed me pricing ranging from $4000 to $3000 for the same Owners Suite depending on the rate code used. Sounds like the OP needs to change TAs

[suzieluvscruising]

I hear what OP is saying. It would be nice is NCL put together a Suite Rewards package for repeat customers, sort of like the Latitude rewards but a higher level for those who have booked suites repeatedly. We just booked our second OS for an upcoming cruise. Mind you, the reason we booked another OS was due to the outstanding service and pampering we received on our 1st OS cruise. There is no comparison to the service you receive when you just book a balcony or lower. We eat at specialty restaurants every night (unless we dine ensuite). I would be really pleased to see a free smoothie or bucket of beer as a thank you for booking an OS again. These were not upgrades/upsells - we booked the OS right from the start. Still, can't complain about the attentiveness we got last cruise (the Spirit, which I think only had 2 OSs and that was the highest category) - it was exceptional! We did get $300 OBC for paying w/AmEx this year so that helped (altho the price was well over $1000 higher this year compared to 2 yrs ago). Looking forward to another OS cruise - really cannot wait!!!:D

[TOP DECK]

Just buy the cruise line!

[cabincop]

Ok I wasn't going to comment either and am waiting for this thread to go away till then lol. I have been on 39 cruises 4oth will be Jan on Gem former AB suite. Until 4 years ago I have sailed in isdies then could afford OC the balcony then got upgraded to suite and haven't looked back, I love what I get from NCL and yes I have been in OS just not garden villa. Every time I sail with NCL someone remembers me from another cruise I usually get an offer for a pay resteraunt from Hotel Director they also take care of my cappunchino in casino. I think it has alot to do with attitude I am no better or worse than anyone I just am able to get a suite. I am friendly treat all people with respect including staff right down to guy who washes the windows. I have no complaints. I have cruised Costa which I enjoy, RCCL, Celebrity, Carnival and Disney so I feel I have some experience. NCL is my cruise line for now and who knows for how long maybe always. I book 1 or 2 cruises a year, Europe and Carribbean out of NY, this is jmo but I love NCL I know how hard it must be for a small business man. But this isn't your neigtbooh bar the crowd changes every week. Ok I am done have a great cruise to all

[HUNKY]

1. Will someone at NCL please call the OP and thank him for his past patronage, and express delight that he is returning to sail onboard NCL in the near future.

 

2. The OP may wish to consider cruising Celebrity, their top level "Elite" can be achieved in ONLY four cruises. Three cruises at the suite level on sailings of 12 days or more. Then one more cruise on any Celebrity ship - including two day cruises!

 

As a bonus, you will achieve Royal Caribbean "Diamond" tier, with many of the same benefits and status.