NCL has big revenue dreams - Bloomberg

[david_sobe]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

[maywell]

Guess you didn't read the other articles from earlier this year and the USAtoday article from 2 weeks back.....

 

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[perkydebrajean]

I'm not looking forward to paying higher prices so that I can eat with better plates and cutlery.

[jingle5616]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

 

Thanks for sharing David. Bless your heart Maywell. Some of us aren't on these board 24/7 like you so it just might be new to us!:eek:

[maywell]

Thanks for sharing David. Bless your heart Maywell. Some of us aren't on these board 24/7 like you so it just might be new to us!:eek:

Yes, bless my heart before a vacation trip, indeed - hard for me to be completely surprise when any cruise line makes the business /national/travel news. The news about Carnival and Royal business plans were also on Bloomberg, months earlier too.

 

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[Squidward Q Tentacles]

OP, thanks for the article! I use to like the fact that NCL was a little cheaper than the other lines. I did not mind spending more money on items of my choice, like the pay dining restaurants and sodas. My missus and I have a cruise coming up in December and we are now looking to book a cruise for our 2016 spring cruise. I can get a nice cruise on Royal Caribbean now for a nice saving over the NCL cruises in the same period. I have always loved NCL, but I feel the need for a mistress it seems.

[ColinIllinois]

Best quote from the article: "“At the end of the day, the consumer is not stupid,” Del Rio said on Tuesday during a quarterly call with analysts. “The consumer has choices. And we think the [return] on these kinds of investments outpaces the [return] and the payback of new vessels.”"

 

I wonder it that will placate many posters that say Del Rio doesn't "get it"?

Edited November 3, 2015 by ColinIllinois

[Squidward Q Tentacles]

Angry? No, I'm amused by forum, especially now that my trip is coming up. It's like another poster said in a different thread - all the negativity posted by people that are angry at them, really does makes a NCL trip better. Lol - so continue on, you and others being upset, is the making the anticipation totally worth it and it is. [emoji9]

 

I'm unsubbing - no point in rubbing more salt in those wounds, for now.

 

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I am not upset, I enjoyed my past cruises on NCL, I just don't look forward to all the changes. I hope you have a great cruise.

[DMH15]

I'm not looking forward to paying higher prices so that I can eat with better plates and cutlery.

 

I like the specialty restaurants myself.

 

 

It is not for everybody.

 

I attribute 1/3 of each of the bill to upgraded food, ambience and service. It is above all of those areas from tge MDR and the buffet certainly. And really, I do prefer eating off china than plastic. Go figure.

Edited November 3, 2015 by DMH15

[hypercafe]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

 

Thanks for posting this. I read here that some did not believe the USA article because of the miss date of the Gem drydock. I would think Bloomberg has more credibility. It's great they are investing in the ships however the article just talks about cruise prices. As we all know there have also been a increase in fees ect. I also believe this a la cart dinning that's comming is to make more money. FDR says consumers are not stupid, well bringing the ships up to standards is expected. I do not go on a trip and expect to be on a dirty, run down ship. I expect to be on a clean, modern, well maintained ship. My question to FDR is if I am paying more in fares, more fees, more items that are now not included, what's in it for me? Why should I stay with NCL?

 

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[thiswillbefunnj]

I liked the part where it said 'the consumer has choices'.

 

Very true. I was absolutely disappointed on my Breakaway cruise & the Haven experience. I felt I paid for for an experience I didn't receive. (yes -before anyone asks, I did complain. Nothing changed. Let's leave it at that please)

 

Now I'm looking into all inclusive resorts & the RCI Anthem of the seas.

 

This consumer is looking into choices other than NCL.

 

Thank you OP for posting the article -I didn't see this one before.

[sparks1093]

Yeah, nicer bed linens, carpets, china and cutlery won't get me onboard.

[rvsullivan]

Thanks for posting this. I read here that some did not believe the USA article because of the miss date of the Gem drydock. I would think Bloomberg has more credibility. It's great they are investing in the ships however the article just talks about cruise prices. As we all know there have also been a increase in fees ect. I also believe this a la cart dinning that's comming is to make more money. FDR says consumers are not stupid, well bringing the ships up to standards is expected. I do not go on a trip and expect to be on a dirty, run down ship. I expect to be on a clean, modern, well maintained ship. My question to FDR is if I am paying more in fares, more fees, more items that are now not included, what's in it for me? Why should I stay with NCL?

 

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Without commenting on all the segments of these string of comments, I will say, based on what you are saying, you should not stay with NCL.

The puzzle for me is the posters that comment on how much better some of the other lines are, or the fact that they are now a better value, why not take them for a couple of cruises and then let us know how much better it really is. Without trotting out the old tired cliches about going to another line. How about some of the many that for the last 10 months or so continually comment that they are leaving or are cancelling, I really wish a few would actually do it and then report after taking a couple of cruises. I really would like to know if the grass is really greener on the other side! As a curiosity, I just did a mock booking on Carnival for a suite during the same week as my current NCL cruise. It is about $1K more expensive than NCL and there suite life does not even come close. MSC was over $2K more expensive. I'm not sure what the answer is. But I'd love to hear from a few that actually go to the other lines.

[mugtech]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

 

Stock up 31% YTD, Dow Jones flat YTD, tells you something. And they expect more earnings per share in the future.

[Jane Don]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

“At the end of the day, the consumer is not stupid,” Del Rio said...It's part of Norwegian’s goal of charging higher fares for its cruises, boosting cruisers’ onboard spending, and driving revenue to $5 billion annually and earnings to $5 per share in 2017.

 

I am sure he thinks that I am stupid. If he thinks that cleanliness, plates, knives and forks are enough to make up for higher fares, higher fees and decreased benefits he is wrong. At least in my case. Every time he opens his yap I like NCL less. And to me that is sad, because I used to love it. I miss Kevin.

 

The revenues have increased, but whether those increases are sustainable with more cabins to fill and less value for the consumer remains to be seen. I know I am not the only loyal customer looking elsewhere.

[swedish weave]

Without commenting on all the segments of these string of comments, I will say, based on what you are saying, you should not stay with NCL.

The puzzle for me is the posters that comment on how much better some of the other lines are, or the fact that they are now a better value, why not take them for a couple of cruises and then let us know how much better it really is. Without trotting out the old tired cliches about going to another line. How about some of the many that for the last 10 months or so continually comment that they are leaving or are cancelling, I really wish a few would actually do it and then report after taking a couple of cruises. I really would like to know if the grass is really greener on the other side! As a curiosity, I just did a mock booking on Carnival for a suite during the same week as my current NCL cruise. It is about $1K more expensive than NCL and there suite life does not even come close. MSC was over $2K more expensive. I'm not sure what the answer is. But I'd love to hear from a few that actually go to the other lines.

 

You may hear from some about their experiences on other lines, but many will not post because of the few who haunt NCL boards to disparage anyone who dares make positive comments about other lines, or makes negative comments about their NCL experience.

 

That said, I question your comments about the fares on the three mainstream lines.

 

Many times, I see comments about the riffraff that use Carnival, and also have seen comments attributed to Del Rio about raising the prices of NCL cruises to attract a "more affluent" clientele.

 

Based on the comments, can you explain why NCL rates are lower than Carnival ?? Is Del Rio changing course and trying to attract the "riffraff" that use Carnival ??

[perkydebrajean]

I like the specialty restaurants myself.

 

 

It is not for everybody.

 

I attribute 1/3 of each of the bill to upgraded food, ambience and service. It is above all of those areas from tge MDR and the buffet certainly. And really, I do prefer eating off china than plastic. Go figure.

 

We ate in speciality restaurants 9 out of 11 nights on our last cruise. But the cost of the plate my food sits on doesn't seem to change the taste of the food, good or bad.

[swedish weave]

I have not seen any comments from NCL management about increasing the housekeeping staff. The cleanliness of all ships will depend on having adequate staff in the housekeeping departments to accomplish that goal.

[sparks1093]

Without commenting on all the segments of these string of comments, I will say, based on what you are saying, you should not stay with NCL.

The puzzle for me is the posters that comment on how much better some of the other lines are, or the fact that they are now a better value, why not take them for a couple of cruises and then let us know how much better it really is. Without trotting out the old tired cliches about going to another line. How about some of the many that for the last 10 months or so continually comment that they are leaving or are cancelling, I really wish a few would actually do it and then report after taking a couple of cruises. I really would like to know if the grass is really greener on the other side! As a curiosity, I just did a mock booking on Carnival for a suite during the same week as my current NCL cruise. It is about $1K more expensive than NCL and there suite life does not even come close. MSC was over $2K more expensive. I'm not sure what the answer is. But I'd love to hear from a few that actually go to the other lines.

 

I will make sure that I post my experience but it's going to take awhile since we don't leave 'til next October. I know that there are deals out there but every time that I look CCL and RCCL are hundreds less than a cruise on NCL (similar departure ports and itineraries).

[ColinIllinois]

I have not seen any comments from NCL management about increasing the housekeeping staff. The cleanliness of all ships will depend on having adequate staff in the housekeeping departments to accomplish that goal.

 

 

I'm sure they aren't going to go in to super-detail on their plans but you are right.

Edited November 4, 2015 by ColinIllinois

[mking8288]

Informative article - thanks to OP for linking it. Just about every cruiseline invest in maintaining their ships, definitions might vary on what is considered tiptop shape - staying competitive isn't about its physical look, which can be deceiving on "content" ... whether it's entertainment, food, other extra cost items - and business practices (whew, no VW or Audi's in our driveway, LOL)

In another related article - it was about NCL's "revenue falling short of forecasts" on Wall Street Next quarter's results (Q4) likely be interesting on NCL brands should some of the non-holiday sailings don't sell out, with last minute price drops & special promotions seemed to suggest a certain trending.

Funny that RCI keep coming up - BIL/SIL & his group of seniors going next month & one niece with her group also going RCI, this month ... unsold cabins needed to be filled & very nice OBC by TA's to match. There is a world beyond cruising, 6 of us spend our 2 weeks abroad on an escorted tour instead of sailing recently - it's going to take more than new furnishing to get us to the NCL pier anytime soon.

 

Use it - the Ignore list - easy to skip reading & not respond to nonsense, there is a difference on an open forum, on agreeing to disagree.

[hypercafe]

Without commenting on all the segments of these string of comments, I will say, based on what you are saying, you should not stay with NCL.

The puzzle for me is the posters that comment on how much better some of the other lines are, or the fact that they are now a better value, why not take them for a couple of cruises and then let us know how much better it really is. Without trotting out the old tired cliches about going to another line. How about some of the many that for the last 10 months or so continually comment that they are leaving or are cancelling, I really wish a few would actually do it and then report after taking a couple of cruises. I really would like to know if the grass is really greener on the other side! As a curiosity, I just did a mock booking on Carnival for a suite during the same week as my current NCL cruise. It is about $1K more expensive than NCL and there suite life does not even come close. MSC was over $2K more expensive. I'm not sure what the answer is. But I'd love to hear from a few that actually go to the other lines.

 

I never said other lines were better, I never said I was leaving NCL. My comments are based on what Frank said his plans are and what has already been done. The way NCL is going when comparing it to other lines just the cruise fare does not tell the whole picture, the total cost at the end of the trip is the real comparison. Frank has a lot to say, I would like him to tell me why I should sail on NCL. I'll get him started, is it the unique itenteries, the included food, the wide choice of extra charge restaurants, large cabins, space per passanger ratio, crew per passanger ratio, shows, value for the money, personal service, spacious pool decks, great shore trips, outstanding shore side customer service, or just a line you know and can trust?

 

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[waterbabies7415]

“At the end of the day, the consumer is not stupid,” Del Rio said...It's part of Norwegian’s goal of charging higher fares for its cruises, boosting cruisers’ onboard spending, and driving revenue to $5 billion annually and earnings to $5 per share in 2017.

 

I am sure he thinks that I am stupid. If he thinks that cleanliness, plates, knives and forks are enough to make up for higher fares, higher fees and decreased benefits he is wrong. At least in my case. Every time he opens his yap I like NCL less. And to me that is sad, because I used to love it. I miss Kevin.

 

The revenues have increased, but whether those increases are sustainable with more cabins to fill and less value for the consumer remains to be seen. I know I am not the only loyal customer looking elsewhere.

 

I totally agree. I loved NCL, and then for reasons I'm going to get into, cruised on Allure of the Seas 2 weeks ago. Ever since Del Rio arrived, my opinion of NCL has decreased. I was prepared to Love Royal Carribean and make the switch-I had very open eyes when I boarded Allure.....We disliked it so much-said we would never cruise with RCCL again. So, now I'm back reading NCLs threads and I don't like what I'm seeing. I think maybe we will try Princess -friends of ours love their line. But I'm really sad, bc my sentimental heart has very found memories with NCL.

[MrJoeBlack]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

 

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

 

 

Thanks for sharing, interesting read for sure.

[WildcatRock]

This article explains the NCL higher cruise prices.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-03/norwegian-has-big-revenue-dreams-but-first-is-that-ship-a-little-ugly-

 

Hi David - thanks for posting this link. I appreciate reading these articles to stay informed on Del Rio's plans for the new NCL. We've been cruising on NCL since 2009 and the product is definitely changing. However, we plan on continuing to cruise on NCL regardless.