NCL agrees to buy Prestige (Oceana, Regent) for $3B

[NatureBoy77]

It's good that NCL has more interests now. Carnival owns Cunard, Princess, HAL, and several others. RCCL owns Celebrity, Azamara, Pullmantur, and several others. Nice to see NCL copete in other markets.

[hondorner]

Hopefully further down the line this means that existing NCL Latitude members can cruise with Prestige (Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) and get the same level of "bonuses" similar to their Latitude level on board the two other cruise lines, like it was possible to do when cruising with Star cruises earlier?

 

I hope so, as I see that they both have cruises in the South Pacific and around Australia and New Zealand, and that is on the top of the list for me when it comes to cruising. But so far I have been patiently awaiting one of NCL's ships to move "down under" within my lifetime, but if I get to keep my Platinum Latitude status when sailing with Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, then I would definitely consider it.... :p

Not as long as it's so easy to become Platinum on NCL. I became Platinum in two cruises. I took a 10 day cruise at a super bargain price, not in a suite, and booked at the last minute (8 days before the cruise!), and got 10 points. then, last year, I booked a 24 day cruise -- 24 points. I booked it more than a year in advance -- 24 more points. I upgraded to a suite -- 24 more points. Bang! 72 points in one cruise, plus the 10 points from the earlier cruise, almost instant Platinum!

 

Oceania counts loyalty points by the cruise, not per night. If your cruise is longer than 25 days, you get 2 points. I've been on 10 cruises and just became Silver on the last one. Gold is at 15. While Oceania has a few 7 day cruises, the average length is 10 to 12 days. So, it would theoretically take one at least 100 nights to become Silver and 150 to become Gold -- still way short of the Platinum level on NCL. It actually took me 142 days to become Silver. That's without considering the amount of money I spent to get to that level -- more than $100,000 -- as opposed to the approximate $13,000 I spent to get Platinum on NCL.

 

Oceania does have a Platinum level -- it comes on the 20th cruise, which usually takes well over 200 days aboard.

 

If someone from NCL, after just 34 days aboard, like me, came waltzing on Oceania expecting the same level of perks they get on NCL, I would be very unhappy.

[Travelcat2]

You might want to check your O prices... We just received a brochure today showing no air prices on two 7 days in PH3 $3172 and $3428 (small ship). And we're booked on a 10 day R class, gratuities, internet, $200 OBC inside, with air comp for $1699. Still pricey for an inside vs. NCL prices, but the itinerary was the one we favored. We have no issues with the NCL product - they are one of the cruise lines we consider, but we just preferred an inside on O with the itinerary we liked vs. doing a balcony or suite on NCL on a itinerary that we weren't excited about.

 

For those that are itinerary driven, the new cruise lines under the NCL umbrella will have some interest.

 

My numbers came directly from the Oceania website. Apparently there is a special that I am not aware of. I'm trying to decipher your post. So, there were two 7 day cruises on a small ship (R class will be a confusing term for people new to Oceania) inside cabin including internet and tips for $1,699 for two people? That is not only a deal but it is amazing to obtain an inside cabin. Not sure what "air comp" means. Did you opt out of air and receive a credit? If this is the price you are paying, it is truly a great deal. Hope you enjoy it!

[KeithJenner]

For this level of suite, Regent includes, Roundtrip Air, FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions, FREE Specialty Restaurants, FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits, FREE Open Bars and Lounges PLUS In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily, FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities. There are additional benefits in higher level suites.

 

However, it would take a lot to get a Regent passengers onto an NCL ship. The benefits we have accumulated are just too great and most of us prefer cruising on cruise lines where everyone is treated the same.

 

Am I misunderstanding you here? You quote a number of benefits that you get for a certain level of Suite and state that higher level suites get additional benefits. Surely that means that everyone is not treated the same.

[Travelcat2]

I am another Regent long-time cruiser but I hope they do not discount or lower prices on their cruises. Actually, there is no reason to because they run full most of the time. The one time I recall Regent discounting Alaska cruises for children (children sail free). It was a disaster as the ship was too small -- no areas set aside for children, etc. Regent (Seabourn, Crystal and Silversea) are luxury products and you pretty much have to pay quite a bit to sail on those cruise lines.

 

It would be nice if someday many NCL customers were able to upgrade to Oceania and eventually to Regent. IMO, the best way to appreciate a luxury cruise is to start with mainstream and work your way up. If we took our children on a luxury cruise, this would create an expectation that perhaps they could not meet. Anything less could be disappointing.

 

Oceania on the other hand (that we also sail on) does have some good deals on some of their smaller cabins (doubt if they are smaller than NCL's lower category cabins). While they still do not have room for many children, they offer a lot - great restaurants with no charge, included non-alcoholic beverages and included airfare. Oceania's two larger ships can accommodate over 33% more passengers than any Regent ship.

 

Hmmm, just reread my post and think it could sound condescending. It certainly was not meant that way. It took us years to become luxury cruisers. And, I think you would find luxury cruisers very down to earth and fun to be around.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Travelcat2

[buggins0402]

My numbers came directly from the Oceania website. Apparently there is a special that I am not aware of. I'm trying to decipher your post. So, there were two 7 day cruises on a small ship (R class will be a confusing term for people new to Oceania) inside cabin including internet and tips for $1,699 for two people? That is not only a deal but it is amazing to obtain an inside cabin. Not sure what "air comp" means. Did you opt out of air and receive a credit? If this is the price you are paying, it is truly a great deal. Hope you enjoy it!

 

LOL! You were quoting two people ...I was quoting per person that is probably the reason for the disconnect. $1699 is a no air price per person on a 10 day inside with OBC, gratuities and internet (and port fees and taxes.). The other two prices I referenced were a Penthouse 3 for 7 night cruises on small ships. ALL are low season (before Christmas).

 

As I said....$1699 pp for a 10 day is not cheap for an inside unless you value the itinerary, and of course, what the cruise line has to offer.

[Laszlo]

Hmmm, just reread my post and think it could sound condescending.

 

Just a little, that's OK.....Regent is a little too stuffy for us anyway;)

[conandrob240]

I participated in a TA webinar today with execs from NCL and the CEO from Prestige. They were adamant that the brands will continue to operate independently and very much as is. While no decisions have been made on loyalty programs, etc., the overwhelming message was that they anticipate and desire to keep the distinct brands intact. They described the merger as a way for NCL to own market share by adding different types of customers / cruise experiences to its product lines. They want to own the mid- market and the luxury markets with these new adds. They talked about some really good examples of cross- selling- for example, you are a retiree who takes luxury cruises with spouse but now you want to take your extended family of children and grandchildren- NCL is a better choice for that type of family trip. They also talked about being the cruiseline of choice for span entire life cycle. So, NCL for kids/ families/ action at a moderate price point as you are younger. Moving "up" to a luxury line that is more quiet and elegant as you gain income and wisdom ;)

[Travelcat2]

LOL! You were quoting two people ...I was quoting per person that is probably the reason for the disconnect. $1699 is a no air price per person on a 10 day inside with OBC, gratuities and internet (and port fees and taxes.). The other two prices I referenced were a Penthouse 3 for 7 night cruises on small ships. ALL are low season (before Christmas).

 

As I said....$1699 pp for a 10 day is not cheap for an inside unless you value the itinerary, and of course, what the cruise line has to offer.

 

Oops - I misunderstood. Sorry.

 

Laslo - Thanks for your comment. Really trying to understand and accept NCL just as I hope NCL customers will accept those of us on Regent and Oceania.

 

We certainly have not always been in the "luxury" vacation world. We went to Club Meds for years and did not start cruising until 2004. So, while I understand a lot about bargain vacations, I'm fairly uninformed when it comes to mainstream cruising. Thanks for your patience:)

 

P.S. We really aren't very stuffy - we enjoy our cruises. I suspect that Regent ships are much more sedate than on NCL and the passengers are quite a bit older on Regent and Oceania.

[Travelcat2]

Another thing that NCL passengers may be interested in is the OBC provided by some TA's that specialize in upper premium and luxury cruise lines. These TA's regularly provide their guests with OBC's on some itineraries. They also give a percentage back on the cruise fare* on all cruises booked with them. Regent and Oceania also give OBC's on special cruises.

 

*5% of your fare back is the maximum a TA can advertise. Some TA's give more but I would say that 5% is pretty standard.

[don't-use-real-name]

Just like the airlines have formed mergers and mega mergers it will not be long

before there are just a few cruise lines left - this all hopefully for the greater good !

[Out to sea!]

Trying to put things into perspective pricewise. I looked up Haven suites and see that the sizes vary so I took the smallest (around 320 sq. ft. if I recall correctly. A 7 night cruise in the smallest Suite is $5,000 for a week (for 2 people).

 

On Oceania, on their smaller ships (new ships are more money), the least expensive 7 night cruise in an inside stateroom (160 sq.) feet is $3,200. In an ocean view stateroom (165 sq. ft.) the cost for the same cruise is $3,600. To get to the smallest Haven size suite equivalent you would book a penthouse suite. The cost is $7,200. The penthouse suites come with a butler. As explained earlier, it includes economy air. Transfers are extra.

 

On Regent's smallest ship (the only one that is not all-balcony), the least expensive cruise I could find was a 7 night Miami to Miami cruise. Their non-balcony suites are 301 sq. feet - a bit smaller than Haven suites. The 7 night cruise in this suite would be $6,600. The same suite with an added balcony (total sq. ft. is 356) would be $8,000.

 

For this level of suite, Regent includes, Roundtrip Air, FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions, FREE Specialty Restaurants, FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits, FREE Open Bars and Lounges PLUS In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily, FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities. There are additional benefits in higher level suites.

 

While I highly doubt that there will be shared benefits, I could see some marketing aimed towards Haven suite guests trying out Oceania or Regent. However, it would take a lot to get a Regent passengers onto an NCL ship. The benefits we have accumulated are just too great and most of us prefer cruising on cruise lines where everyone is treated the same.

 

Anyway, hope this information is helpful to anyone considering Oceania or Regent.

 

NONE of these benefits are FREE, they are simply pre-paid. And it's interesting how you compare the highest cabin categories on NCL to Regent. This is my perspective. My upcoming OV cabin on NCL cost me $916 ($458 per person). You quoted the cheapest OV on Regent to be $3,600 ($1,800 per person). That means all of those FREE things you described actually cost $1,342 per person for a week cruise. :eek: Hardly FREE. And half of them are of no use to me so that would be a huge waste of money, especially since I could get 28 night at sea on NCL for the price of 7 nights at sea on Regent.

[Demonyte]

Another thing that NCL passengers may be interested in is the OBC provided by some TA's that specialize in upper premium and luxury cruise lines. These TA's regularly provide their guests with OBC's on some itineraries. They also give a percentage back on the cruise fare* on all cruises booked with them. Regent and Oceania also give OBC's on special cruises.

 

*5% of your fare back is the maximum a TA can advertise. Some TA's give more but I would say that 5% is pretty standard.

 

I have booked half a dozen or so of our last NCL cruises through a TA (mostly does online business) that does the same, we usually get ~10% discount either as OBC or recuded final payment.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Demonyte

[sparks1093]

Oops - I misunderstood. Sorry.

 

Laslo - Thanks for your comment. Really trying to understand and accept NCL just as I hope NCL customers will accept those of us on Regent and Oceania.

 

We certainly have not always been in the "luxury" vacation world. We went to Club Meds for years and did not start cruising until 2004. So, while I understand a lot about bargain vacations, I'm fairly uninformed when it comes to mainstream cruising. Thanks for your patience:)

 

P.S. We really aren't very stuffy - we enjoy our cruises. I suspect that Regent ships are much more sedate than on NCL and the passengers are quite a bit older on Regent and Oceania.

 

There's really no need for anyone to accept anyone, all three lines are going to continue be run as independent entities with their own markets and identity. There may be some cross over between Haven guests and the other lines, but remember that Haven guests make up a small percentage of NCL cruisers.

[sparks1093]

NONE of these benefits are FREE, they are simply pre-paid. And it's interesting how you compare the highest cabin categories on NCL to Regent. This is my perspective. My upcoming OV cabin on NCL cost me $916 ($458 per person). You quoted the cheapest OV on Regent to be $3,600 ($1,800 per person). That means all of those FREE things you described actually cost $1,342 per person for a week cruise. :eek: Hardly FREE. And half of them are of no use to me so that would be a huge waste of money, especially since I could get 28 night at sea on NCL for the price of 7 nights at sea on Regent.

 

Exactly how I look at it.

[Laszlo]

Oops - I misunderstood. Sorry.

 

Laslo - Thanks for your comment. Really trying to understand and accept NCL just as I hope NCL customers will accept those of us on Regent and Oceania.

 

No big deal, a cruise (ship) for my wife and I is just another way of getting from one point to another and less about the ship

Edited September 3, 2014 by Laszlo

[Krazy Kruizers]

Our local newspapers just had the story this morning.

I imagine that there are some people on Oceana and Regent who may not like this deal.

[sjbdtz]

 

If someone from NCL, after just 34 days aboard, like me, came waltzing on Oceania expecting the same level of perks they get on NCL, I would be very unhappy.

 

 

I imagine you'd be equally unhappy if they made it easier on O or R to obtain higher status?

 

The problem with loyalty programs is that you have to keep the top-end rich enough that people value it....while also tipping the system to propel more people into the top end....so that they also can value it.

 

Because once you're into good top-end loyalty benefits, it 'may' influence your future actions. I'm more likely to stay at a Starwood where I'm Platinum, than at Hilton where I'm only Gold... even if the Starwood stay inconveniences me a little.

 

So the notion that it only took you 2 cruises.... from your perspective, is seen by the vendor as a 24-day suite cruiser who booked a year in advance.... giving them deposit money for a year, and presumably spending 'something' onboard too. If they can in turn give you benefits which you see as compelling, in order to have you return, it's a positive investment for them. Not much different conceptually from casino comps.

 

 

 

On that subject, that's probably the main reason we wouldn't tend toward the smaller ships - less variety of activities, and most likely a smaller casino - which is where I enjoy spending some time.

 

It's not that I couldn't luxury cruise - but I'd lose so much of what I enjoy, by doing-so. That's the advantage of the Haven category on NCL - a premium-level experience, with only a single doorway between your enclave and a whole mid-market ship with all of its amenities.

 

 

.

[david_sobe]

Oceania guests do not get free embarkation drinks

& Regent is all inclusive so it does not matter

 

Maybe NCL will get better pricing for the shore excursion though ;)

It was clearly a joke that you did not get :eek:

[DirtyDawg]

I may be an atypical cruiser but I see each cruise line as a separate entity and don't really care who the parent company happens to be. I think it's smart of NCL to expand its holdings and its markets but if I were to sail on Regent or Oceania it would be in spite of the fact that NCL owns them and not because of it.

 

Totally agree with you. If I was in the market for a Ferrari I don't think I would be deterred from my purchase just because the same "Group" also makes the Chrysler Minivan!:eek:

[Seanote]

Just like the airlines have formed mergers and mega mergers it will not be long

before there are just a few cruise lines left - this all hopefully for the greater good !

 

There is not much left to consolidate.

 

Worldwide market share:

CCL ---------- 47.7%

RCCL --------- 22.7%

NCL ---------- 9%

Prestige ------- 0.8%

 

That leaves 19.8% for everything else. Disney is 3% and most of the rest are tiny international operators that most have never heard of.

[TrumpyNor]

Not as long as it's so easy to become Platinum on NCL. I became Platinum in two cruises. I took a 10 day cruise at a super bargain price, not in a suite, and booked at the last minute (8 days before the cruise!), and got 10 points. then, last year, I booked a 24 day cruise -- 24 points. I booked it more than a year in advance -- 24 more points. I upgraded to a suite -- 24 more points. Bang! 72 points in one cruise, plus the 10 points from the earlier cruise, almost instant Platinum!

 

Oceania counts loyalty points by the cruise, not per night. If your cruise is longer than 25 days, you get 2 points. I've been on 10 cruises and just became Silver on the last one. Gold is at 15. While Oceania has a few 7 day cruises, the average length is 10 to 12 days. So, it would theoretically take one at least 100 nights to become Silver and 150 to become Gold -- still way short of the Platinum level on NCL. It actually took me 142 days to become Silver. That's without considering the amount of money I spent to get to that level -- more than $100,000 -- as opposed to the approximate $13,000 I spent to get Platinum on NCL.

 

I didn't mean "Platinum to Platinum" conversion, but was hoping for some kind of "credit" for my loyalty to NCL (so far 16 cruises done, some of them in suites and the Haven - a total of 130 days on board), and with 5 cruises/61 days booked for the next 19 months....

 

And yes, I totally agree with you regarding the easy way to get to Latitude Platinum as it is today (too easy in my opinion regarding the extra points) - so I am sincerely hoping that NCL some time in a not too distant future will add some "Platinum plus" to the ladder, for those who have passed the 250/500/750/1000 points mark.

 

I understand that my "hopes" might be unrealistic, but I will keep on dreaming.... :p

[sjbdtz]

There is not much left to consolidate.

 

Worldwide market share:

CCL ---------- 47.7%

RCCL --------- 22.7%

NCL ---------- 9%

Prestige ------- 0.8%

 

That leaves 19.8% for everything else. Disney is 3% and most of the rest are tiny international operators that most have never heard of.

 

 

Tiny little operators, like MSC....which claims to be the 3rd-largest in the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Cruises

 

 

 

 

.

[DipBrat]

Tiny little operators, like MSC....which claims to be the 3rd-largest in the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Cruises

 

 

 

 

.

 

MSC is certainly not the 3rd largest. Carnival has several brands that on their own are larger (Carnival, Princess, and probably Costa as well). RCCL and NCL are also clearly larger.

[sjbdtz]

MSC is certainly not the 3rd largest. Carnival has several brands that on their own are larger (Carnival, Princess, and probably Costa as well). RCCL and NCL are also clearly larger.

 

 

Carnival Corp = #1

RCCL = #2

MSC claims #3, but is smaller than NCL

NCL #3

 

 

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