Have you seen how much NCL has Cutback?

[cruiser4801]

For those of us who remember the good old days when Freestyle Cruising began, the last few years have seen Norwegian cutting and cutting more of the things that made Freestyle what it was. Here's a short list of just a few:

 

1. The Souffles at Le Bistro, which were great, are GONE.

 

2. The Banana Foster at Cagney's is GONE.

 

3. Espresso at the Specialty Restaurants is now an extra cost.

 

4. The Colossal Shrimp at Cagney's are no more.

 

5. The Chocolate Foundue at Le Bistro no longer kept heated at the table.

 

6. The Onion Soup at Le Bistro no longer topped with gruyere cheese over the bowl-- now the cheese pre-heated on the toast.

 

7. Anyone remember the WARM creme brulee at Le Bistro?-- also gone.

 

8. Espresso or Capuccino in the dining rooms is now an extra cost.

 

9. Effective January 2012, NCL is prohibiting cigar smoking on BALCONIES. For me, this is the opposite of Freestyle. I look forward to smoking 1 fine cigar on my balcony each sea day. If I can't do this anymore on NCL, there are plenty of lines that allow this including Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Carnival.

 

The little things that made cruising special on Norwegian are slowly being eliminated. I have seen it during the last 3 cruises on NCL (EPIC, Jewel and Sky).

 

I am heading back to Royal Caribbean and Holland America, where many of the special things have not been eliminated.

[Hunter2]

I get where u r coming from, because I too believe that they are cutting back and items we use to get for free u have to pay for now, BUT I do feel that all the cruise lines are doing this, not just NCL. I don't like how they all seem to be charging decent prices to get on the ship, but once u r there everything is considered an extra.

[family cruisers]

How about the freestyle 2.0 where they used to greet you with champagne or mimosas upon boarding ? Not on our 10/30 gem cruise.

 

I also noticed the size of their steaks were more like steak ums they were so thin. We noticed alot of cuts but ...... I"m sure they're all doing it here and there. When you think of how much you do get for your price of a cruise you really can't complain that much , can you ?

 

As for cigars, I'd rather smell a nice cigar than a pack of nasty cigarettes.

 

Yes my DH enjoys his cigars and in all honesty how will they enforce this?

We had 3 women sharing a cabin two away from us who smoked the illegal stuff and nothing happened.

 

For those of us who remember the good old days when Freestyle Cruising began, the last few years have seen Norwegian cutting and cutting more of the things that made Freestyle what it was. Here's a short list of just a few:

 

1. The Souffles at Le Bistro, which were great, are GONE.

 

2. The Banana Foster at Cagney's is GONE.

 

3. Espresso at the Specialty Restaurants is now an extra cost.

 

4. The Colossal Shrimp at Cagney's are no more.

 

5. The Chocolate Foundue at Le Bistro no longer kept heated at the table.

 

6. The Onion Soup at Le Bistro no longer topped with gruyere cheese over the bowl-- now the cheese pre-heated on the toast.

 

7. Anyone remember the WARM creme brulee at Le Bistro?-- also gone.

 

8. Espresso or Capuccino in the dining rooms is now an extra cost.

 

9. Effective January 2012, NCL is prohibiting cigar smoking on BALCONIES. For me, this is the opposite of Freestyle. I look forward to smoking 1 fine cigar on my balcony each sea day. If I can't do this anymore on NCL, there are plenty of lines that allow this including Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Carnival.

 

The little things that made cruising special on Norwegian are slowly being eliminated. I have seen it during the last 3 cruises on NCL (EPIC, Jewel and Sky).

 

I am heading back to Royal Caribbean and Holland America, where many of the special things have not been eliminated.

[spacepotatoes]

Yes, there have been cutbacks. But this is a common complaint across many cruise lines, not just this one. I see the same complaints come up often on both the HAL forums and the Carnival forums. It is sad to see some things go but it seems to be the industry trend for the mass-market lines.

[cruiser4801]

I agree that virtually all industries are cutting back but NCL has been cutting back more with their specialty dining than other lines. For example, my family of four spent Spring Break 2011 on HAL's Westerdam. The Pinnacle Grill still had colossal shrimp, made to order souffles, and espresso included in their cover charge. The only cutback I noticed in the PG was that their crab cakes shrunk a bit. Maybe it's just me, but some of the things I liked the most on Norwegian ships have been disappearing. BTW, my cruise cost on HAL was about the same as NCL's.

[Crazy Gramps]

If you haven't been on HAL for a couple of years you're not going to be too happy.

 

Gramps

[SuiteRose]

I think if you breakdown the cost of a cabin into days and realize that it would be the cost of a hotel, food and entertainment... cruising is still the best bargain. The price of oil is well above their set price where they could institute a charge but none have done so. I think we all have a vacation budget and NCL seems to be cutting back on things that may not be essential to the cruise to keep the prices in line. From what I have read, it is the same for the mass market lines. I guess if you want all of the bells and whistles, you can still save and cruise one of the luxury lines. But if you price the cost, you can probably cruise two or three times on NCL and still have money left. If they kept things the same and adjusted the price upward, it would put cruising out of the hands of the average person, not to mention families with a couple of kids to pay for. While I agree that there is definetely a lot of things that have been cut during the past few years, I feel that I certainly get my money's worth.

[ourfamilylovescruising]

there are all cutting back my last 2 cruises on Hal we have notice the difference but we still had a great cruise. and if this is what has to happen for them to stay in business so be it, I am sure they are trying there best not to charge us extra for fuel because they know we are paying it everyday to drive are cars.

[family cruisers]

We've sailed on a few different lines and I honestly can say that Carnival still has not made any dents in their menu selections. Don't know why people bash them. We prefer them over NCL BUT we're not bashing NCL. We go back and forth . We're not cheerleaders for any line . We just love cruising. They all offer something different .

[Beaver1975]

I agree that virtually all industries are cutting back but NCL has been cutting back more with their specialty dining than other lines. For example, my family of four spent Spring Break 2011 on HAL's Westerdam. The Pinnacle Grill still had colossal shrimp, made to order souffles, and espresso included in their cover charge. The only cutback I noticed in the PG was that their crab cakes shrunk a bit. Maybe it's just me, but some of the things I liked the most on Norwegian ships have been disappearing. BTW, my cruise cost on HAL was about the same as NCL's.

 

Maybe it is because NCL has so many more specialty dining option to choose from than the other lines? BTW, welcome to Cruise Critic.

[time2cruise1]

I expect cutbacks to keep the base fares attractive. My problem with what has been happening at the specialty Venues and the suite perks. Suite prices continue to rise while entry prices remain nearly the same. If I pay more I expect more not less. If they want to continue to raise the suite prices they need to increase the value in kind.

 

Cut backs in the specialty venues will have the wrong effect on the bottom line then what NCL is looking for. For years I could go a whole cruise with never eating in the MDR. Cagneys was good for 3 or 4 dinners on a 10 night cruise. So disappointed the first night we never returned on a 15 day cruise. That is at least $500 in revenue from the 5 of us NCL did not see.

 

The net from my view if they need to make their profit with onboard spend they have to make guests delighted to reach in their pockets and give them value for their money.

 

I am not giving up on NCL in fact back onboard Sunday. I will however make sure my impressions are shared with those that can do something about it rater then just vent on a board.

[CruisinMaterial]

Unfortunately as the cruise lines try to stay profitable but keeping their prices low to fill the cabins, something has got to go and over time a lot of things that I got used to in my early days of cruising some 10 years ago have slowly disappeared. It's not limited to NCL. The last time I sailed on Princess the changes since Carnival bought them out were so bad I'd never waste the extra $$ to sail on Princess again. I can get the same on NCL for a much better price and actually have more eatery options available to me.

 

As for NCL's specialty restaurant cutbacks, well they've been happening. The latest menu changes were a big stand out. My favorite Porterhouse Steak was removed from the Cagney's menu. The shrimp cocktail though was still available. :cool: I realize it's a sign of the economic times. If all cruise lines raise the cruise fares across the board then it would help keep the extras onboard, however, not all of them are going to do it and as a result we start to lose things and pay more for the extras we used to get.

 

Marine fuel is not cheap and if you haven't noticed, the cruise lines could have long been charging the fuel supplement but the economy in the US can't support the extra charge without a major push back. The cruise lines continue to absorb this wildly varying fuel cost and it's hurting their bottom lines.

[dachengdao]

We've only been cruising since 2008, but we are definitely hooked! We go every chance we get. Even in this short time period, we have noticed downgrades on both NCL and Princess. We went on HAL once and liked it OK, but the repeat passengers were all complaining about every little thing. It's to be expected in this economy that prices are going to go up and extras are going to disappear or cost more. I still feel cruising is the best bang for our hard earned bucks. The one thing that irks me about NCL is the amount of money they rake in with Bingo, especially compared to the paltry winnings shelled out. This money has got to be more than enough to off-set the downturn in the economy. Even so, it's reasonable that they would cut back on the regular meals, but when people pay a cover they expect not to be nickle and dimed with things that used to be free for everyone. I understand their frustration. Especially when the little touches that used to make the venues special suddenly vanish, like "colossal" shrimp in Cagney's and Souffle, Creme Brulee, and table fondue in Le Bistro. As we say here in NYC, "If you see something, say something" - keep posting on these boards because I do believe your voice will be heard. Moreover, speak with your pocketbooks! If you don't like the extra cappuccino charge, don't order it. I stopped playing Bingo when I realized the obscene amount they were raking in (but don't worry NCL - I'm giving it to the casino instead! LOL!) One more thing - don't let these trifling things keep you from having the time of your life! Just roll with it. Can't wait to sail on Jewel President's Week 2012!!!

[time2cruise1]

I think if you breakdown the cost of a cabin into days and realize that it would be the cost of a hotel, food and entertainment... cruising is still the best bargain. The price of oil is well above their set price where they could institute a charge but none have done so. I think we all have a vacation budget and NCL seems to be cutting back on things that may not be essential to the cruise to keep the prices in line. From what I have read, it is the same for the mass market lines. I guess if you want all of the bells and whistles, you can still save and cruise one of the luxury lines. But if you price the cost, you can probably cruise two or three times on NCL and still have money left. If they kept things the same and adjusted the price upward, it would put cruising out of the hands of the average person, not to mention families with a couple of kids to pay for. While I agree that there is definetely a lot of things that have been cut during the past few years, I feel that I certainly get my money's worth.

 

That might be true for those booking regular cabins. For the record I wanted to book a penthouse for the Breakaway TA. The cheapest one was over $9000. I could cruise on any of the luxury lines for that on a 7 day cruise. At $1300 a day to cruise solo I don't expect to feel any cutbacks.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jdvmd]

I have seen many more cut backs on other lines especially Princess. I have never had the chocolate fondue heated at the table. They cannot have any open flames. It is heated in the kitchen.

[yoyocruiser]

Then you should definitely sail on HAL if all is well there. By all means, go where you are happy.

 

I would not choose one line because of collosal shrimp, where the sauce is heated, the cost of expresso, or Bananas Foster and souffle being off the menu. But if that's what is most important to you in the big picture--then please go where they have all of those things--as you indicated--for the same price. Happy sailing!!;)

[swedish weave]

I have a simple philosophy --- If I don't think the cruise is worth the money, I don't book it !!

 

I have cruised the lines that have tried to hang onto the past with their luxury image, and GUESS WHAT ??? They were gobbled up by Carnival !!!

 

I readily accept the cutbacks because that is what keeps the companies in business and keeps cruising affordable. Prior to the change in leadership at NCL, they were on the verge of backruptcy, so the cutbacks and changes are what has kept them available for us to enjoy.

[tigerlilycruiser12]

I expect cutbacks to keep the base fares attractive. My problem with what has been happening at the specialty Venues and the suite perks. Suite prices continue to rise while entry prices remain nearly the same. If I pay more I expect more not less. If they want to continue to raise the suite prices they need to increase the value in kind.

 

Cut backs in the specialty venues will have the wrong effect on the bottom line then what NCL is looking for. For years I could go a whole cruise with never eating in the MDR. Cagneys was good for 3 or 4 dinners on a 10 night cruise. So disappointed the first night we never returned on a 15 day cruise. That is at least $500 in revenue from the 5 of us NCL did not see.

 

The net from my view if they need to make their profit with onboard spend they have to make guests delighted to reach in their pockets and give them value for their money.

 

I am not giving up on NCL in fact back onboard Sunday. I will however make sure my impressions are shared with those that can do something about it rater then just vent on a board.

 

Thank you I agree...we been to many of the specialty venues lately and it was not the same. The MDR reality lacking in selections. There were certain foods use to enjoy that was not offered. I understand that this is happening on other lines but there has to be a balence somewhere.

[newmexicoNita]

For those of us who remember the good old days when Freestyle Cruising began, the last few years have seen Norwegian cutting and cutting more of the things that made Freestyle what it was. Here's a short list of just a few:

 

1. The Souffles at Le Bistro, which were great, are GONE.

 

2. The Banana Foster at Cagney's is GONE.

 

3. Espresso at the Specialty Restaurants is now an extra cost.

 

4. The Colossal Shrimp at Cagney's are no more.

 

5. The Chocolate Foundue at Le Bistro no longer kept heated at the table.

 

6. The Onion Soup at Le Bistro no longer topped with gruyere cheese over the bowl-- now the cheese pre-heated on the toast.

 

7. Anyone remember the WARM creme brulee at Le Bistro?-- also gone.

 

8. Espresso or Capuccino in the dining rooms is now an extra cost.

 

9. Effective January 2012, NCL is prohibiting cigar smoking on BALCONIES. For me, this is the opposite of Freestyle. I look forward to smoking 1 fine cigar on my balcony each sea day. If I can't do this anymore on NCL, there are plenty of lines that allow this including Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Carnival.

 

The little things that made cruising special on Norwegian are slowly being eliminated. I have seen it during the last 3 cruises on NCL (EPIC, Jewel and Sky).

 

I am heading back to Royal Caribbean and Holland America, where many of the special things have not been eliminated.

 

Think you might be shocked when you head back, but that is your choice. Many of the little things you are missing are the same now on Princess and RCI.I don't know about HAL. Capuccino is extra, fondue, if offered is not heated at the table, and as for smoking, do you think the other lines are allowing cigars or smoking period on the balconies? Sorry, but what you are upset with is happening all over the cruise industry.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

I agree that virtually all industries are cutting back but NCL has been cutting back more with their specialty dining than other lines. For example, my family of four spent Spring Break 2011 on HAL's Westerdam. The Pinnacle Grill still had colossal shrimp, made to order souffles, and espresso included in their cover charge. The only cutback I noticed in the PG was that their crab cakes shrunk a bit. Maybe it's just me, but some of the things I liked the most on Norwegian ships have been disappearing. BTW, my cruise cost on HAL was about the same as NCL's.

 

so first of all: you are saying, for the same catagory of cabin and similar ports you paid the same for HAL as NCL? Good for you. Obviously you are not happy with NCL any longer, you have cruised recently, never been on CC and now choose to let the world know you don't want to cruise them anymore. That is fine, you have that right but I have cruised 2 other lines in the past 12 months and seen very similar cut backs, some in other areas than NCL, some in the same area and some NCL has cut back more. It is what we are going to get for the price we want to pay. Obviously HAL is the line that suits you best.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

That might be true for those booking regular cabins. For the record I wanted to book a penthouse for the Breakaway TA. The cheapest one was over $9000. I could cruise on any of the luxury lines for that on a 7 day cruise. At $1300 a day to cruise solo I don't expect to feel any cutbacks.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

So you can cruise on a luxury liner, in a penthouse suite for the same price or less than on the Breakaway? Wow, I am impressed. As for the ship and the prices, let's wait and see what they are when it gets closer to completion time.

[swedish weave]

The only change I have seen in Le Bistro is the mushroom soup is no longer in a bread bowl. Otherwise, the tenderloin and escargot are the same as they have been for a long time.

 

The MDR menu still has the "always available" selections in addition to the daily specialties.

 

OP Please note --- I enter all my posts under the same name !!

[family cruisers]

I just had their escargot 2 weeks ago and they definetly were NOT the same. I was so looking forward to them and was disappointed big time.

NCL specialty restaurants aren't what they used to be.

Neither were their mussels .

 

Different chefs on different ships .

 

The Dawn's specialty restaurants were the best but not their MDR"S.

 

Our opinion only.

The only change I have seen in Le Bistro is the mushroom soup is no longer in a bread bowl. Otherwise, the tenderloin and escargot are the same as they have been for a long time.

 

The MDR menu still has the "always available" selections in addition to the daily specialties.

[swedish weave]

I just had their escargot 2 weeks ago and they definetly were NOT the same. I was so looking forward to them and was disappointed big time.

NCL specialty restaurants aren't what they used to be.

Neither were their mussels .

 

Different chefs on different ships .

 

The Dawn's specialty restaurants were the best but not their MDR"S.

 

Our opinion only.

 

The escargot on the Star has not changed in all the time I have cruised this ship. What has changed, and what ship were you referring to?

[family cruisers]

We just took our 4th ncl cruise on 3 different ships. The Gem our latest didn't have those amazing escargots as the other ncl ships.

It tasted like someone made a huge mistake and dumped dried oregeno into it. Horrible. My DH who raved about the mussels on other ships said something was missing as it was blah .

 

The lobster tail wasn't wonderful as well BUT the service was top notch and they did try to correct it .

The escargot on the Star has not changed in all the time I have cruised this ship. What has changed, and what ship were you referring to?