If you could change one thing...

[mbisson]

Monte took my idea ... Let me cruise free!

 

While we were just kidding about that, wouldn't a free balcony cabin for 2 be a great perk for reaching some new 'super platinum' latitudes level? (and for those who want suites maybe apply that amt toward a reduction in the suite)

[OceanDreaming2]

While we were just kidding about that, wouldn't a free balcony cabin for 2 be a great perk for reaching some new 'super platinum' latitudes level? (and for those who want suites maybe apply that amt toward a reduction in the suite)

 

I **like** the way you think!

[mbisson]

PoA had "ambassadors" who spoke every port day morning on the outer deck ( during our al fresco breakfast) on what to see and do in the port. It was a great help! I doubt that cost much at all, but it added to our vacation. We had a rental car waiting in every port in Hawaii, and it was fun to listen to make sure she did not mention anything we had neglected to plan...I have a fear of being Right There and missing something wonderful!

 

The "ambassadors" also did classes on local myths, stories, history, and a few craft classes, like kukui nut leis and orcheid leis. They did a brief sarong-tying class that was standing room only, and again, cost NCL nothing. I enjoyed the local flavor the "ambassadors" contributed to our trip.

 

We've only sailed Hawaii once (Pride of Aloha) and I have to agree about the ambassador program. Ours was a lovely lady who added so much to our cruise that it was unbelievable!

 

I **like** the way you think!

 

I try

[nezume]

Solving the chair-hogs problem is really simple.

 

 

Along with the 2 beach towels in your room, you get a laminate tag (the same as they would use at a land-based casino when someone is grandfathered in as the table minimum changes.

 

Those laminates (1 per person booked in the room) are engraved with the room number.

 

Afix a very small hook or post on the side of the chairs, from which someone must hang their laminate when they are "using" the chair.

 

If the chair has gone unused for a while, it's an easy phone call to see if the person has returned to their stateroom and left the laminate behind. Otherwise, a simple broadcast call on the pool-deck PA asking room 8746 to please return to their chair would either cause the party to show up at the chair (legitimate use), or the laminate could then be removed and the chair vacated for the next person.

 

 

Chair hogs are successful because they are anonymous. Make them identifiable (actually....2nd thought.....use a coding system, that staff on the pool deck can decipher, so that people's cabin numbers aren't visible to everyone (security issue).)

 

The cost to implement would be fairly minimal, and knowing they can be traced, may shame some chair hogs into being more conscientious.

 

 

 

 

.

 

creative, but with all the reviews on cc with complaints of too many announcements (specifically bingo) do you think NCL would want to add something else to announce?

[DMH15]

I'd also look into lowering the photography prices. If they charged 1/3 as much, I bet people would buy at least twice as many pictures. Can't count how many times I've perused the photos and overheard people say "I love this one! But it's just TOO much."

 

Also seems an incredible waste of paper, printing all those un-bought photos. Is there a way to maybe project them on a screen, and only print the ones purchased??

I have thought the same thing! We live in a digital society. What about some way to view pics on a screen and then order them. Some people might like searching through thousands of pictures to find themselves but it does not appeal to me.

[Mooder]

Mooder - are you saying the Jewel has that access available from your stateroom???

 

Kathy

 

I'm sorry, Kathy, I don't remember. I was on the Jewel so briefly! I know it worked well on the Gem. So, it may be that it is only on the Gem, Pearl and Epic - the newer ships?? I'm sure someone here can enlighten us.

[monicajay]

Better (cheaper) drink specials. We loved following around the deals on RCL and thought the pre-paid beer coupons on MSC were wonderful. Also liked the X1 on Costa.

 

We are trying NCL again because we liked the itinerary and wanted to try leaving from Tampa. From what I have read though drink and wine prices are really steep.

[Mooder]

How about better scheduling of the drinking clinics? I just hate when I have to choose between a martini clinic and a mojito clinic! :( Of course, I've done them back to back, but I'd prefer not to cram them all in to one afternoon and then have nothing the next day. :D:rolleyes: And besides my selfish desires, they would get a better turnout. Once, we didn't have enough people for the martini clinic, so we suggested the bartender call the bar where the margarita clinic was supposed to be happening at the same time. They didn't have enough people either, so we combined forces and made it happen! A little planning would allow them to have both.

[dow cruiser]

I'm a non-smoker but believe smokers have the right to smoke. Most smokers are very considerate and I was never bothered with smoking except in the casino on our cruise.

 

So, from all the postings on this I'm wondering where smokers would be welcome to smoke. I've read so far, not in the staterooms because the next occupants could smell the gross smell, not on the balconies because the next door neighbors could smell the gross smell, of course not in the dining rooms and public rooms to which I agree by the way. I know the casino would be OK, so is the pool area and bars the place to smoke? On our cruise one side of the ship on the pool deck was smoking and the other side was non-smoking. I do not remember seeing smoking anyplace but in the casino so when the smoke got bad I left (well, not winning was another reason).

 

So where should smoking be OK?

[InTheCruisingYearsOfLife]

1) Dump Bilk Of America, and find a bank to partner with who will bring back the Compass credit card that allowed us to sock away a 3% rebate, up to $1000 per year for up to three years, applicable to cruise fare. That was industry leading; now it's just sooooo also-ran. When Bilk Of America gutted Compass and promulgated WhirledPoints, I cannot begin to say how much contempt I have for them being "excited" to announce the "enhancements" -- 3% to 1% is NOT an enhancement!

 

2) Allow suite dwellers to double down on the use of Cruise Rewards.

 

3) Beef up the incredibly anemic Platitudes loyalty program.

 

4) Improve the ventilation in the casinos, and provide (and enforce) some significant non-smoking areas therein.

 

5) Bring back South America, add some Australia/New Zealand, and bring back some one-way to/from Alaska. Keep the ping-pong East Caribbean / West Caribbean itinerary, for us back-to-back wannabes. Build some smaller ships and get some river cruises -- suggestions: Amazon, Nile.

 

6) Enforce rules regarding deck chairs, swimmies, non-smoking areas, and reasonably decent attire in the restaurants.

 

7) Provide a discount coupon book that's worth a damn.

 

8) Give some attention to making back-to-back options in the Mediterranean more interesting than just back-tracking over ports already visited. (There are a few options; not enough, IMHO.)

 

9) Combine Murder Mystery Party with Spongebob (i.e. chuck the swab-slob overboard, preferrably directly into the prop wash. "Azipob Squarepants")

 

 

InTheCruisingYearsOfLife

[mbisson]

I think the thread title needs to be changed from 'one thing' to '9 things' ;)

[InTheCruisingYearsOfLife]

I think the thread title needs to be changed from 'one thing' to '9 things' ;)

 

That's just for starters. If I get to be the big boss at NCL into Tuesday, I'll have another nine action items.;)

 

InThe

[cruiseat50]

2) Allow suite dwellers to double down on the use of Cruise Rewards.

InTheCruisingYearsOfLife

 

Okay, maybe a blonde (with a few grays) moment but what does this mean?:confused::o:)

[Zimomiller]

"1) Dump Bilk Of America, and find a bank to partner with who will bring back the Compass credit card that allowed us to sock away a 3% rebate, up to $1000 per year for up to three years, applicable to cruise fare. That was industry leading; now it's just sooooo also-ran. When Bilk Of America gutted Compass and promulgated WhirledPoints, I cannot begin to say how much contempt I have for them being "excited" to announce the "enhancements" -- 3% to 1% is NOT an enhancement!

"

 

AMEN.

 

I remember when this happened. I was stunned at the hubris and arrogance exhibited with their announcement of "enhancements". Pure corporate spin.

 

It was particularly offensive because they obviously decided that their customer base was stupid. The new card and enhancements are a joke and are easily beaten by a few cash back or points programs.

 

I believe they underestimated the value of that program as it was a golden handcuff for many that was thrown away. Pretty easy to find other cruise lines when you no longer have a few thousand dollars of points as an incentive to be loyal.

[BahamaMama247]

I would like to see more of a variety coming out of NYC (especially in May/June). I've been to Bermuda and Fla./Bahamas 3+ times each. I would like to visit a new Caribbean port.

 

Better rates for early bookings and groups.

[bluesea777]

More 10-11 day cruises rather than 7, especially out of New York.

[soaringfalcon]

I echo the greater variety out of NYC along with glass solarium over the pool, especially with at least 3 sea days on the cruises. A 10 or 11 day itinerary to the Caribbean would be great!

 

I would also love to see a "shade" deck or maybe portable shades available on the pool deck. With my lily white skin, I can't bake in the sun all day.

[habitoiyam]

ok...putting flame suit on...

 

A non-smoking ship

 

I totally agree (and would pay more to do so)! Also, more ships/itineraries out of Boston! :)

[newmexicoNita]

More 10-11 day cruises rather than 7, especially out of New York.

 

I could go for that one as well.

[peg013]

I echo the greater variety out of NYC along with glass solarium over the pool, especially with at least 3 sea days on the cruises. A 10 or 11 day itinerary to the Caribbean would be great!

 

Another vote for longer cruises out of NYC.:)

[Dolphins]

More 10-11 day cruises rather than 7, especially out of New York.

 

The Norwegian Pearl will be doing a 12 day Caribbean cruise out of New York in January 2013. Hopefully, the beginning of a trend?

[InTheCruisingYearsOfLife]

Okay, maybe a blonde (with a few grays) moment but what does this mean?:confused::o:)

 

Cruise Rewards are thingies you buy for $250 while on a cruise, that give you an immediate $100 on board credit, and a $250 on any cruise you book within four years. You can only use one per cabin. I suggest you should be able to use two if you book a suite.

 

InThe

[spacewoman]

Another vote for longer cruises out of NYC.:)

 

 

ME 3!!!!

 

We did a 9 day on the Spirit out of NYC back in 2006. It went to Grand Turk, great stirrup cay (had to miss high wind), St. Thomas and Bermuda. It was really nice

[spacewoman]

The Norwegian Pearl will be doing a 12 day Caribbean cruise out of New York in January 2013. Hopefully, the beginning of a trend?

 

They must be experimenting already because they did 10 day and 11 day ones in the beginning of May. I was REALLY wishing we could have squeezed that into our schedule.

[OceanDreaming2]

Cruise Rewards are thingies you buy for $250 while on a cruise, that give you an immediate $100 on board credit, and a $250 on any cruise you book within four years. You can only use one per cabin. I suggest you should be able to use two if you book a suite.

 

InThe

 

(if you book a B2B, you can use 2!)