Room service and to go food

[KatieCharlotte]

NCL either has their heads buried in the sand, or are just arrogant. If you look around at the other major line’s Cruise Critic boards, their “controversies”, such as tipping. discounting, or loyalty party invitations, have a faction of the postings and views as the food ban NCL has rolled out. The longer they let this simmer the more their brand will be identified with this one policy. You would think someone in their PR or Marketing department would wake up at some point.

 

Yes. I've only sailed Carnival and have been researching other cruise lines to keep my options open as we start talking about an extended family cruise with relatives who aren't big Carnival fans. I knew that NCL was family-friendly and fun. Now, I am concerned about food rules and other unfriendly changes that might occur without notice.

 

In my extended family, none of us like stupid rules and we're not quiet when we think a rule is stupid, especially when we're paying a lot of money to be subjected to stupid rules. My children like to cuddle up in the room with a book and a plate of mom-selected food from the buffet after a long day of playing in the sun. My teenager basically eats 24/7. My parents enjoy relaxing on their balcony with dessert. There are smaller children in the family who might have meltdowns in the middle of dinner.

 

A clear announcement of the rules would go a long way toward reassuring current and future guests.

[NLH Arizona]

"Cruise like a (captive) Norwegian (audience)?"

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

[NLH Arizona]

I don't think this is necessarily the future of cruising, just the future of cruising with NCL.

Who knows, isn't that what everyone but NCL said about Freestyle Cruising. I remember when I first heard about it, I thought it was the dumbest idea ever and now every cruise line is doing it in one way or another.

[Aquahound]

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

 

That analogy doesn't make sense. Del Rio provides a service to us and makes $$$ doing so, and it's his job to provide a desirable product. We do not provide a service to him and it's our money spent, and NCL is just one of numerous choices for us. So no, it is not a double standard at all.

[LrgPizza]

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

I think those that frequent the CC forum to try to stay on top of every tiny bit of info from and about NCL truly are a captive audience - myself included. It appears he hit the nail on the head. One can choose to be offended or not.

[luvtheships]

That analogy doesn't make sense. Del Rio provides a service to us and makes $$$ doing so, and it's his job to provide a desirable product. We do not provide a service to him and it's our money spent, and NCL is just one of numerous choices for us. So no, it is not a double standard at all.

 

Absolutely correct!!!!!

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

 

A double standard would be comparing Del Rio to any other CEO who made similar business decisions and being derisive towards Del Rio, but being open and accepting, or supportive, to the other.

 

Being derisive of Del Rio because he is arrogant towards his client base is not a double standard.

[NLH Arizona]

That analogy doesn't make sense. Del Rio provides a service to us and makes $$$ doing so, and it's his job to provide a desirable product. We do not provide a service to him and it's our money spent, and NCL is just one of numerous choices for us. So no, it is not a double standard at all.

I was always taught that respect begets respect. Yes, he has a job and he is making the decision that he feels is best for his company and if we don't like it we don't have to cruise with them.

[luvtheships]

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

 

Sorry but its not a double standard in a capitalist economy... Which we are and always will be....this is the real corporate capitalist world....

 

Where companies try to increase profits but not to the point where their customer base leaves them for the competition....who btw will try to entice those new customers anyway they can

 

The phone companies play this game daily and win too...as I have now decided to stay with my cell phone company of 20 years now that i am out of contract and not go to the competition....because my company wooed me back with extra services and lower price...not by cutting service and raising price or giving phony promos

 

 

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

Sorry but its not a double standard in a capitalist economy... Which we are and always will be....this is the real corporate capitalist world....

 

Where companies try to increase profits but not to the point where their customer base leaves them for the competition....who btw will try to entice those new customers anyway they can

 

The phone companies play this game daily and win too...as I have now decided to stay with my cell phone company of 20 years now that i am out of contract and not go to the competition....because my company wooed me back with extra services and lower price...not by cutting service and raising price or giving phony promos

 

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Of course, this is a real capitalist world. I don't know of one company that doesn't try to increase profits, but I seriously doubt that NCL has gone so far to tick off the majority of their customer base. We on here are a very, very small percentage of their customer base and you can see that not everyone has an issue with the changes or price increases.

 

I'll bet in a year, all the same players will be here (even though some are saying they are leaving for good), sans a few, posting about all the same things; complaining about raising prices, slow service in O'Sheehan's, dishes in the hallway, smoke in the casinos, etc.

[swedish weave]

I'll bet in a year, all the same players will be here (even though some are saying they are leaving for good), sans a few, posting about all the same things; complaining about raising prices, slow service in O'Sheehan's, dishes in the hallway, smoke in the casinos, etc.

 

 

How much are you willing to wager on your claim that all of us will still be here ????????/

[sparks1093]

Who knows, isn't that what everyone but NCL said about Freestyle Cruising. I remember when I first heard about it, I thought it was the dumbest idea ever and now every cruise line is doing it in one way or another.

 

Of course some people are going to like the new NCL and some will not. I am sure that NCL will be able to attract the passengers necessary to take the place of the ones they lose through this transition. (I didn't start cruising with NCL until after Freestyle was enacted so can't speak to that.)

[NLH Arizona]

Of course some people are going to like the new NCL and some will not. I am sure that NCL will be able to attract the passengers necessary to take the place of the ones they lose through this transition. (I didn't start cruising with NCL until after Freestyle was enacted so can't speak to that.)

 

Time will tell if NCL made the right decision or not. If the room service fee makes them more revenue, then they did the right thing. If the room service fee, stops people from ordering room service, thus keeping the hallways clean, they did the right thing. But who knows what their objective is. If they do the reverse of those things, then they did a bad thing and I would bet the policy would fall behind the wayside. Same with the food going back to the cabins, I'm sure they have a goal in mind and if they achieve it, the policy might remain. I personally don't think that policy is going to stand, just because I feel it is pretty much unenforceable and would put their crew in an undesirable position trying to stop folks, because if it does become a rule, there are those that won't follow it, just like some of the other rules that NCL has put in place.

 

And, yes, I agree, NCL will replace those that happen to leave, which I feel will be very few.

[saminps]

I booked and was ready to pay for my last minute May cruise until I read this thread. I've decided to cancel the booking specifically because of the 7.95 room service charge and no leftovers policy. I've cruised on many other lines, but this was to be my first on NCL. Called 'customer care" and, to put it simply, they don't. (care). So, I'll be going to Rome and trekking via Eurail taking as much leftover food as I want back to my room and paying only for the food I order from from room service plus a tip of my choosing.

 

And I'm probably not the only one, just the only one who posted here...

[marazad16]

I like their product for the most part. I enjoyed my past sailings on NCL. I do sail the deals and every line has them. However, my complaint isn't about money. It is about communication. I have never had to seek out changes in other lines that were made after my final payment due date. Even my travel agent is ticked off at the changes that are being made with no notice what so ever. Not even on their own website. Of course they are entitled to make changes but really all changes could easily have been announced with a future date of commencement. Why put your customers in this position? If you respected them, you wouldn't. Too many changes too quickly all seemingly related to losing something that was previously offered. Top that off with no notifications to the changes and yes, you will have people that are upset.

 

It is a matter of trust and they have lost mine.

Edited May 18, 2015 by marazad16

[sparks1093]

Time will tell if NCL made the right decision or not. If the room service fee makes them more revenue, then they did the right thing. If the room service fee, stops people from ordering room service, thus keeping the hallways clean, they did the right thing. But who knows what their objective is. If they do the reverse of those things, then they did a bad thing and I would bet the policy would fall behind the wayside. Same with the food going back to the cabins, I'm sure they have a goal in mind and if they achieve it, the policy might remain. I personally don't think that policy is going to stand, just because I feel it is pretty much unenforceable and would put their crew in an undesirable position trying to stop folks, because if it does become a rule, there are those that won't follow it, just like some of the other rules that NCL has put in place.

 

And, yes, I agree, NCL will replace those that happen to leave, which I feel will be very few.

 

The recent changes are just a beginning for Del Rio and his crew- he wants to move NCL up on the cruise line food chain. Whether any of the recent changes survive that really doesn't matter in the big picture.

[luvtheships]

Of course, this is a real capitalist world. I don't know of one company that doesn't try to increase profits, but I seriously doubt that NCL has gone so far to tick off the majority of their customer base. We on here are a very, very small percentage of their customer base and you can see that not everyone has an issue with the changes or price increases.

 

I'll bet in a year, all the same players will be here (even though some are saying they are leaving for good), sans a few, posting about all the same things; complaining about raising prices, slow service in O'Sheehan's, dishes in the hallway, smoke in the casinos, etc.

 

Actually they haven't ticked me off one bit as I cruise insides and never order room service and don't see a cruise as a 19,000 calorie a day diet. Lol

 

I was making the point on your previous post that you were sort of implying as though we should treat ncl as some sort of benevolent company and shouldn't be upset at these changes....because after all it goes both ways you posted. Lol

 

Well as the paying customer I expect ncl to consider what will make me happy in order to keep me which in turn will make even more profit for ncl which will keep the stockholders happy

 

Also as the customer...I do not expect them to complain about me but rather listen to my suggestions...then do whatever they see fit to make a profit....if they follow the wrong lead...oh well....maybe they have a loss...or worse. But I'm the customer and I am the one that makes it possible for them to make a profit

 

Fdr makes decisions but those decisions could either make or break ncl.....because ultimately the consumer is the top dog. Lol

 

So far I'm still happy.....but then again I knew to snag a true ksf....and know to sniff thru the phoney promos.

 

 

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Edited May 18, 2015 by luvtheships

[NLH Arizona]

The recent changes are just a beginning for Del Rio and his crew- he wants to move NCL up on the cruise line food chain. Whether any of the recent changes survive that really doesn't matter in the big picture.

I really don't think they will be successful in moving NCL up the cruise line food chain. It is just like when one of the Presidents of Celebrity said they were going to be a luxury line...never going to happen.

[NLH Arizona]

Actually they haven't ticked me off one bit as I cruise insides and never order room service and don't see a cruise as a 19,000 calorie a day diet. Lol

 

I was making the point to the poster that was acting as though we should treat ncl as some sort of benevolent company and shouldn't be upset at these changes....because after all it goes both ways he/she posted. Lol

 

Well as the paying customer I expect ncl to consider what will make me happy in order to keep me which in turn will make even more profit for ncl which will keep the stockholders happy

 

So far I'm still happy.....but then again I knew to snag a true ksf....and know to sniff thru the phoney promos.

 

 

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No one is saying anyone has to treat NCL like some sort of benevolent company and I certainly haven't said you can't be upset or complain, but I've been told many times that I should complain about these changes even though I don't have an issue with them. I just think there is a respectful way in doing it (and name calling on either side is not the way) and I think if it was done more on here about the complaints, maybe NCL would listen. As it is, I think the ones that do make some valid points are missed because of all the name calling and how convoluted these threads have become.

 

NCL has to consider what makes everyone happy and in doing that, I think they are in a no win situation. He not only has to make the parent company happy, he has to make the shareholders happy and has to make the customer happy. Some times they are going to make some great changes and some times they are going to make changes folks don't like. But in the end, we have all the power, because they can't take our money unless we give it to them.

Edited May 18, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[sparks1093]

I really don't think they will be successful in moving NCL up the cruise line food chain. It is just like when one of the Presidents of Celebrity said they were going to be a luxury line...never going to happen.

 

Doesn't mean that they won't give it the old college try and in the mean time how much damage will be done?

[Travelcat2]

No one is saying anyone has to treat NCL like some sort of benevolent company and I certainly haven't said you can't be upset or complain, but I've been told many times that I should complain about these changes even though I don't have an issue with them. I just think there is a respectful way in doing it (and name calling on either side is not the way) and I think if it was done more on here about the complaints, maybe NCL would listen. As it is, I think the ones that do make some valid points are missed because of all the name calling and how convoluted these threads have become.

 

NCL has to consider what makes everyone happy and in doing that, I think they are in a no win situation. He not only has to make the parent company happy, he has to make the shareholders happy and has to make the customer happy. Some times they are going to make some great changes and some times they are going to make changes folks don't like. But in the end, we have all the power, because they can't take our money unless we give it to them.

 

Great post! It does seem that NCL might pay more attention if they could make heads or tails of these threads. Between the name calling, complaints by the same people - repeated over and over -- misinformation, etc., it is amazing that anyone knows what is going on.

 

When I have a problem with a company, I briefly spell out what the problem is, how I would like to see it remedied and when possible, offer an alternate way of solving the problem. In addition to calling each other names, the name calling extends to people working for NCL. Can you imagine someone asking you for something but prefacing it with something like "you are an idiot and don't know what you are doing, can't wait until you leave so someone else that does a good job can take over......... and, by the way, do you think you could consider changing one of your new policies because it really affects me in a negative way........"???

[CavalierX]

You know what I find amazing. Some folks are so upset that Mr. Del Rio said that they were a captive audience and feel that they have been disrespected by Mr. Del Rio for using that term. But, even before this was posted, there were some, that are so upset by this, that were calling Mr. Del Rio things like Del FeeO and calling him evil, greedy, stupid, ignorant, etc. Now, maybe it is just me, but it is okay for some to disrespect Mr. Del Rio, but when they thought he disrespected them, it was the end of the world. Seems like a big double standard to me. Just saying.

 

Note that I have nothing personally against DelRio, having never met him. For all I know we might be the best of friends. Calling him names would do nothing for me, and I don't believe I've done so. I have an issue with what he's doing to a cruise line I've come to like a great deal, however, so I have referred to the new rules as "Feestyle cruising" and now I offer this new ad slogan for Norwegian's use free of charge (see how that's done, Frank?). :)

Edited May 18, 2015 by CavalierX

[NLH Arizona]

Note that I have nothing personally against DelRio, having never met him. For all I know we might be the best of friends. Calling him names would do nothing for me. I have an issue with what he's doing to the cruise line I've come to like a great deal, however, so I have referred to the new rules as "Feestyle cruising" and now I offer this new ad slogan for Norwegian's use free of charge (see how that's done, Frank?). :)

Everyone has the right to complain and/or not complain in their own way, just as NCL has the right to conduct their business the way they want. Just as NCL will live by their decisions, we live by ours.

[CavalierX]

I'll bet in a year, all the same players will be here (even though some are saying they are leaving for good), sans a few, posting about all the same things; complaining about raising prices, slow service in O'Sheehan's, dishes in the hallway, smoke in the casinos, etc.

 

You must know a lot of people who don't mean what they say, but I assure you that I am not one of those. I have a Norwegian cruise coming up which is too late to back out of now, but after that only three things will get me to consider sailing with them again. One would be prices so good that the discount overshadows the annoyance. The second would be if these new rules spread to other cruise lines (like an infection). The third (of course) would be if NCL saw the error of their ways and changed them. Otherwise, I'll be on some other cruise line next time I sail. You can take that to the bank. I'll keep hoping that NCL reverses these changes, but I'll be glad to take my money elsewhere until they do.

Edited May 18, 2015 by CavalierX

[NLH Arizona]

You must know a lot of people who don't mean what they say, but I assure you that I am not one of those. I have a Norwegian cruise coming up which is too late to back out of now, but after that only three things will get me to consider sailing with them again. One would be prices so good that the discount overshadows the annoyance. The second would be if these new rules spread to other cruise lines (like an infection). The third (of course) would be if NCL saw the error of their ways and changed them. Otherwise, I'll be on some other cruise line next time I sail. You can take that to the bank. I'll keep hoping that NCL reverses these changes, but I'll be glad to take my money elsewhere until they do.

 

No, don't know a lot of people who don't mean what they say, just know human nature. As I said, a few might leave, but the majority will stay.

 

I hope you enjoy all of your cruises, no matter which line you cruise on.