Has FDR done anything to benefit cruisers?

[rg24601]

Does that count as a benefit to the guest?

 

Yes, assuming the brand was good to begin with.

[Moby0215]

All well and good but if I can't take the cruise the low price is of no benefit to me at all.:)

 

 

The point wasn't to say it is a benefit to you. Just to show you there are deals out there.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sparks1093]

The point wasn't to say it is a benefit to you. Just to show you there are deals out there.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I believe that I have acknowledged that there are still deals out there and if I haven't I do so now.

[NLH Arizona]

Yep. Even improving the food will still result in some being unhappy with the improvement.

 

I like that Mr. Del Rio has cleaned up the hallway with regard to the room service trays and plates, but others are upset because they like to put their trays in the hallways. Many like that Bamboo is complimentary, but some now complained that there are lines. Some like the SDP, while others want the UDP back, so they can eat in more than one restaurant per night. Some don't like the automatic gratuity on the for fee restaurants or dining packages, where those that tipped have no issues with it. It is all a matter of what one likes. Some won't be happy unless every change benefits them, while others understand that NCL isn't Burger King and we can't always have it our way.

[abe3]

Does that count as a benefit to the guest?

 

 

Doesn't hurt

[abe3]

Yep. Even improving the food will still result in some being unhappy with the improvement.

 

 

Can't make everyone happy. Each person has their own taste. I find the food pretty good on NCL.

[sparks1093]

Can't make everyone happy. Each person has their own taste. I find the food pretty good on NCL.

 

I know, that is why I was agreeing with you and NLH Arizona:).

[laurabegorrah]

The biggest Post FDR benefit to me personally has been the new Southeast Asia/Aus/New Zealand itineraries. It was so exciting to get some new destination options with NCL!! Hope they continue to expand in the region.

 

Also, while I didn't order from it my last cruise, I like the idea that there are more robust options available from room service - especially breakfast. Even if I have to pay 8 bucs for it. :D

[MisterFidgetpants]

Doesn't hurt

 

Sure, doesn't hurt. But hardly what I'd call a benefit. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

 

BTW - I like NCL's food too. But when people claim FDR has "improved" the food they never state what has been improved. We both know taste is subjective. Is there anything objective people and point at?

[abe3]

Sure, doesn't hurt. But hardly what I'd call a benefit. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

 

 

 

BTW - I like NCL's food too. But when people claim FDR has "improved" the food they never state what has been improved. We both know taste is subjective. Is there anything objective people and point at?

 

 

What benefit do you want? To me as long as I feel the fare I am paying and for what I am getting is fair to me then I don't need any benefits. It's nice to get perks along the way but I am not looking for extras to be added on and don't require a company to give me handouts. But if they want to give them I am more willing to accept them.

[Barb Nahoumi]

As someone who also cruises on Celebrity, it would take a lot of cosmetic work, as well as totally upgrading the food. And even if they did those things, they would still have to overcome the stigma that NCL is a budget/mass market line instead of a premium line. I believe it would take years and way too much marketing dollars to change people's perception of NCL. They have a niche and I think they should make improvements, but stay where they are.

 

I agree with you. NCL is and has always been an affordable family -friendly cruiseline. Mr. Del Rio may think that he can transform it into another Oceania or X, but I like NCL just the way it is.

 

Yes, he should upgrade and improve the older ships, keep up with maintenance and safety issues on all ships, keep crew staffing to a level where they are not feeling stressed out. If the UBP, is causing slower delivery times, hire more bartenders and servers to keep up with the higher demand.

[abe3]

The biggest Post FDR benefit to me personally has been the new Southeast Asia/Aus/New Zealand itineraries. It was so exciting to get some new destination options with NCL!! Hope they continue to expand in the region.

 

 

 

Also, while I didn't order from it my last cruise, I like the idea that there are more robust options available from room service - especially breakfast. Even if I have to pay 8 bucs for it. :D

 

 

Yes that is a big benefit with the new itineraries. Just need to pay the expensive airfare and long distance flights to get there but I would be willing to give it a try. I am also excited to try the new room service menu.

[NLH Arizona]

I agree with you. NCL is and has always been an affordable family -friendly cruiseline. Mr. Del Rio may think that he can transform it into another Oceania or X, but I like NCL just the way it is.

 

Yes, he should upgrade and improve the older ships, keep up with maintenance and safety issues on all ships, keep crew staffing to a level where they are not feeling stressed out. If the UBP, is causing slower delivery times, hire more bartenders and servers to keep up with the higher demand.

 

I just got off the Dawn yesterday and didn't have any wait time for drinks at any bar or pool deck (disclaimer, I did no sit out on the pool deck on sea days), except in the casino where they were a little slow when one server was on duty.

[sparks1093]

What benefit do you want? To me as long as I feel the fare I am paying and for what I am getting is fair to me then I don't need any benefits. It's nice to get perks along the way but I am not looking for extras to be added on and don't require a company to give me handouts. But if they want to give them I am more willing to accept them.

 

I know for me I want enough benefit to warrant paying more for the cruise (in short I want to feel that the fare that I am paying for what I am getting is fair to me). I'm not going to pay more for the same experience that I've had before and I'm not going to pay significantly more than what the competition is charging for the same experience.

[SuiteTraveler]

So no.

 

Lowering cruise fares across the board would help everyone, would they not?

 

A 20% off sale, no restrictions, no exclusions, all cabins.

 

Or do the supporters think some should pay more in fares?

 

 

I think that lowering cruise fares actually hurts all passengers. It means less service, less live entertainment, lower quality food and on and on. I think that all should pay more in fares and the entire experience should be enhanced in every way possible.

[MisterFidgetpants]

What benefit do you want? To me as long as I feel the fare I am paying and for what I am getting is fair to me then I don't need any benefits. It's nice to get perks along the way but I am not looking for extras to be added on and don't require a company to give me handouts. But if they want to give them I am more willing to accept them.

 

if the best you have is FDR hasn't damaged the brand, and label that as a benefit, why participate in the thread?

 

Heck, someone could have said every room gets new soap or bathrobes and I'd have counted that as a benefit.

 

Still waiting for someone to post an improvement FDR has brought. That is what I am looking for, and what I will be looking for onboard compared to cruises before FDR was CEO. Am I receiving proper value, had FDR brought improvements for guests or only shareholders? Since no one here has the capability to give a straight answer I will find out myself.

 

Cleaned up the hallways? riiiiiiiiight. Almost detached my eye rolling at that one today!

[Sotermarler]

You are right. Each person has to decide what is value to them. To me saving on a cruise and getting more is value to me while others might think room service must be complimentary is more important to them.

 

 

I'm saving my opinion to see what 2017 pricing holds for Fall/Winter. For us, it's about price. I've been dying to try the new Oasis Class ships but the (old free UBP) has kept us here. Who knows 2017 may be the year we get to try something new. As a newer cruiser I don't feel like NCL has given me any reason to be loyal to them.

[laurabegorrah]

Sure, doesn't hurt. But hardly what I'd call a benefit. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

 

BTW - I like NCL's food too. But when people claim FDR has "improved" the food they never state what has been improved. We both know taste is subjective. Is there anything objective people and point at?

 

So really the only answer you are willing to accept is "there have been no benefits to cruisers under FDR so far" Let's make this easier - what types of things are you looking for that are "objective benefits" cruisers?

 

No, there haven't been any widespread fare cuts since FDR took over - but why should there have been?

 

I think in the end - benefits are just as subjective as food. What some people might find a benefit others may not.

[MisterFidgetpants]

So really the only answer you are willing to accept is "there have been no benefits to cruisers under FDR so far" Let's make this easier - what types of things are you looking for that are "objective benefits" cruisers?

 

 

Your assertion is wrong. That is not the only answer I am willing to accept.

 

Okay, you asked a direct question - Objective means something that can be pointed at and measured. Like I said, anything that can be measured as new or greater than before is a benefit. If someone had so much as said "All staterooms come with upgraded toiletries" I'd have accepted that answer. If someone said 'The food is improved; they have gone from budgeting XYZ per day per guest to XYZ plus $3" I'd have accepted that answer.

 

New itineraries? Okay. I will accept that. That IS a benefit to those who want to see new places and remain with their preferred line.

 

No, there haven't been any widespread fare cuts since FDR took over - but why should there have been?

 

Didn't claim there should have been. If value for dollar remains or improves that is better than cutting values and cutting fares, IMO.

 

I think in the end - benefits are just as subjective as food. What some people might find a benefit others may not.

 

When people can't point to much objectively perhaps it may mean there isn't much benefit to GUESTS at this point, and only to shareholders. One would hope that the benefit to shareholders would turn right back into improvements for guests. We shall see. I don't see an overwhelming amount of evidence in an increase in benefits. I am willing to wait longer to see.

[luv2swimwdolphins]

I agree with you. NCL is and has always been an affordable family -friendly cruiseline. Mr. Del Rio may think that he can transform it into another Oceania or X, but I like NCL just the way it is.

 

Yes, he should upgrade and improve the older ships, keep up with maintenance and safety issues on all ships, keep crew staffing to a level where they are not feeling stressed out. If the UBP, is causing slower delivery times, hire more bartenders and servers to keep up with the higher demand.

 

I do stand by some of my earlier posts such as I like the improved food, I am ok w SOME of the changes. They fit my demographic (40s/50s..married, empty nesters, we still like to have a good time and enjoy good food and wine)

 

DH and I cruised on several different lines (before we were married ) and did Celebrity together. Honestly? We LOVED Celebrity......the food, the subtle elegance, the service, the touch of old school cruising with the new approach blended in. Only complaint was the lack of night life (Real nightlife!). NCL has that beat. So, in a perfect world, the changes NCL are making are closer to what we like about Celebrity (yes, not quite close but getting there) but all the fun we love about NCL. (But favor the Jewel class of ships)

 

It's not for everybody and I sense some real "anger" about it. That is unfortunate.

 

PS......I fully expect NCL to do what is profitable and align their strategy to what makes sense for the larger corporation. I don't have rose colored glasses on. Right now this works for me.....who knows where they will take it next year! I may have to get back on Celebrity and start the conga line on my own (just kidding)

[barnacle_boy]

BTW - I like NCL's food too. But when people claim FDR has "improved" the food they never state what has been improved. We both know taste is subjective. Is there anything objective people and point at?

 

More interesting dishes, better ingredients, more complex presentations. Short of posting their provisioning receipts, what would satisfy you?

[mypleasure]

I feel the same and will continue cruising with NCL until I don't see the value for my $'s, but understand that some have a different idea of what their value is and I wish them well in whatever they choose to do in the future, as far as cruising is concerned.

I feel the same. I have 3 cruises booked, I bought them last Spring to sail Jan 16, May 16 and Feb 17. I got great prices and good bonus perks. I think the value I got is great. As for the future I will either stay with NCL because everything that is important to us NCL offers to us currently or stop cruising totally. Others needs and wants will be different to mine so good luck to them and great vacations to all.

[rg24601]

I feel the same. I have 3 cruises booked, I bought them last Spring to sail Jan 16, May 16 and Feb 17. I got great prices and good bonus perks. I think the value I got is great. As for the future I will either stay with NCL because everything that is important to us NCL offers to us currently or stop cruising totally. Others needs and wants will be different to mine so good luck to them and great vacations to all.

 

So it's NCL or not cruising.

[MisterFidgetpants]

More interesting dishes, better ingredients, more complex presentations. Short of posting their provisioning receipts, what would satisfy you?

 

I really don't think asking people to quantify generic statements is too much.

 

From your posts you seem to have a much more behind the scenes look than many here. I will have to take you at your word since I have no idea how you know what you know.

 

More interesting = subjective

Better ingredients = objective

 

So you've got the right idea.

[mugtech]

I think that lowering cruise fares actually hurts all passengers. It means less service, less live entertainment, lower quality food and on and on. I think that all should pay more in fares and the entire experience should be enhanced in every way possible.

Lower fares also means a lower class of cruisers.