Has FDR done anything to benefit cruisers?

[KeithJenner]

I believe I was the first to mention high fares but I did not say that everyone is paying more now, there are still good deals to be had (at least up until now) but I haven't seen them on the cruises that I've priced.

 

 

Yes, you mentioned it, and acknowledged that others probably we're seeing the deals.

 

The post after yours was the one which led to some of us giving examples.

[rg24601]

Yes, you mentioned it, and acknowledged that others probably we're seeing the deals.

 

The post after yours was the one which led to some of us giving examples.

 

Absolutely.

 

If only relevant examples had actually been proffered.

[hondorner]

I think it's safe to say that the service has gone down, at least as far as wait staff go. Far fewer bodies available to serve, not necessarily that the ones serving are not good. Less workers and they're collecting more money. I think that the service from the cabin stewards has remained the same.

 

Definitely far more service complaints, and complaints about rude or disengaged staff than I've ever seen in my 10 years on this board.

I've been following this thread with amusement, but I'm motivated to respond to your post because it is so directly opposite to my most recent experience.

 

We returned from our 11 day voyage on Pearl on Nov 30, thrilled with the cruise principally because the service was so fabulous, as good as any I've witnessed on well over 300 nights cruising, from Regent to Oceania, Celebrity, Viking, American Queen, Carnival and NCL (where we are Platinum). The service was especially good in the Summer Palace main dining room, where we took the majority of our meals. The only slightly "flat" spot was a new server in O'Sheehan's, mostly due to nerves. Contrasted by a new server in the Summer Palace (we met him on his very first dinner on a cruise ship, ever) who was excited to try to please.

 

There was no sign of short-handedness; in fact it seemed more like an elaborate ballet as the many servers and assistants managed to stay out of each others' way.

 

Perhaps it's different on the mega ships, on which I will never sail, as the Jewel and Dawn class ships are at the outside edge of what I prefer (we're booked on the 684 passenger Insignia for a 180 day around-the-world cruise starting in January).

 

Is this the result of FDR? I have absolutely no clue, but someone at NCL, likely aboard Pearl, is responsible for this happy, competent crew and the resulting fabulous service. BTW, the food was pretty good, too.

 

We were in a deck 10 amidships balcony cabin; no special perks.

[david_sobe]

These are newer menus that were debuted on Norwegian Escape. Definitely some Oceania influences in the specialty restaurants, which is all FDR and Prestige.

I have not paid too much attention to the specialty restaurant menus on Escape. But the new O'Sheehans menu is ridiculous to remove one of their most popular items the chicken pot pie. I know these take lots of time to make and bake. I know having chicken, mushrooms and fresh veggies is not cheap. To remove the pot pie and chicken tenders and replace them with French fries with gravy is not a fair comparison LOL :eek:

One of the first things FDR did was stop the fireworks. From there it was reductions in Latitudes rewards. I see lots of cut backs and lots of price increases.

[SuiteCruiser]

I've been following this thread with amusement, but I'm motivated to respond to your post because it is so directly opposite to my most recent experience.

 

We returned from our 11 day voyage on Pearl on Nov 30, thrilled with the cruise principally because the service was so fabulous, as good as any I've witnessed on well over 300 nights cruising, from Regent to Oceania, Celebrity, Viking, American Queen, Carnival and NCL (where we are Platinum). The service was especially good in the Summer Palace main dining room, where we took the majority of our meals. The only slightly "flat" spot was a new server in O'Sheehan's, mostly due to nerves. Contrasted by a new server in the Summer Palace (we met him on his very first dinner on a cruise ship, ever) who was excited to try to please.

 

There was no sign of short-handedness; in fact it seemed more like an elaborate ballet as the many servers and assistants managed to stay out of each others' way.

 

Perhaps it's different on the mega ships, on which I will never sail, as the Jewel and Dawn class ships are at the outside edge of what I prefer (we're booked on the 684 passenger Insignia for a 180 day around-the-world cruise starting in January).

 

Is this the result of FDR? I have absolutely no clue, but someone at NCL, likely aboard Pearl, is responsible for this happy, competent crew and the resulting fabulous service. BTW, the food was pretty good, too.

 

We were in a deck 10 amidships balcony cabin; no special perks.

 

That's great! I'm basing my statement on a Dawn sailing the beginning of September, a Sky sailing the end of September and the Escape Transatlantic end of October. In all of my years of cruising, I've never had to go to the bar on pool deck as there were always lots of servers, everytime you turned around there was one there waiting for your order. Now you have to go to the bar and usually wait 5-15 minutes for your drinks, schlep them back to you friends and your chairs and then repeat once the drink is done. There were 2 waiters for the Sky covering the pool deck and the upper sun deck, instead of the 10 or so there before.

 

As well, at the bar outside of the casino on the Dawn and on the Escape at Tobacco Rd, you had to go to the bar for service and wait.

 

It's very different than it used to be. Perhaps they moved all of the staff over to the Pearl :)

 

The casino waiters are another breed altogether, there at all times, and happy to serve. I always tip well, so that's not the issue with the pool deck, it's lack of bodies.

Edited December 12, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[barnacle_boy]

One of the first things FDR did was stop the fireworks. From there it was reductions in Latitudes rewards. I see lots of cut backs and lots of price increases.

 

Getting rid of the fireworks was actually a long time in the making. It was a major pain for all involved and required a huge amount of man hours to make it happen.

 

Unfortunately, NCLH can't really afford what FDR wants to do with regards to his absurdly fast and expensive refurbishment program. Prices are up, slashing is rampant, people are continuing to lose their jobs left and right, and the really bad news is that onboard revenue is down despite all these fee increases.

 

It's turning into a complete mess.

Edited December 12, 2015 by barnacle_boy

[sparks1093]

Getting rid of the fireworks was actually a long time in the making. It was a major pain for all involved and required a huge amount of man hours to make it happen.

 

Unfortunately, NCLH can't really afford what FDR wants to do with regards to his absurdly fast and expensive refurbishment program. Prices are up, slashing is rampant, people are continuing to lose their jobs left and right, and the really bad news is that onboard revenue is down despite all these fee increases.

 

It's turning into a complete mess.

 

The analogy I've used before is the scene from a Perfect Storm when the Andrea Gail was trying to top that last wave at the end of the movie- they make it over the wave they have a good chance of survival, if they don't then they perish. Del Rio is trying to crest a huge wave and needs to get NCL over the top in order for NCL to survive. Those that have seen a Perfect Storm know how it turned out for the Andrea Gail. Only time will tell how it turns out for NCL. I just hope that if Del Rio fails the failure doesn't take NCL too.

[Loonbeam]

Then the question becomes, and we won't know the answer to it...

 

Did Del Rio say to Stuart, "handle it" and Stewart made the horrid calls that followed (which is honestly what should have happened).

 

or

 

Did Del Rio say something to the effect of 'Tell them they can't take food from the buffet.' If that did happen, Stewart either rolled over or agreed.

 

In both cases, given a 2 min conversation as reported, the onus is on Stewart here either way.

 

I think you still underestimate the amount of micromanaging that goes on, and I agree if I were on the Board I would prefer that the CEO be dealing with big picture, visionary type work.

 

Regarding the decision about the food ban, this is what Andy Stuart said:

 

"In fact, the decision to ban food came after Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. President and CEO Frank Del Rio sailed a Norwegian ship and noticed numerous dishes in the hallways, as well as passengers carrying plates loaded with food, sloshing over the sides and onto the carpet, Stuart said. When Del Rio returned from his cruise, he spoke with Stuart, and they decided to ask passengers not to transport food.

 

Stuart said the conversation lasted about 2 minutes. There was no motive, he added, except "how do we fix this issue?"

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6382

[MisterFidgetpants]

The analogy I've used before is the scene from a Perfect Storm when the Andrea Gail was trying to top that last wave at the end of the movie- they make it over the wave they have a good chance of survival, if they don't then they perish. Del Rio is trying to crest a huge wave and needs to get NCL over the top in order for NCL to survive. Those that have seen a Perfect Storm know how it turned out for the Andrea Gail. Only time will tell how it turns out for NCL. I just hope that if Del Rio fails the failure doesn't take NCL too.

 

All good, well and true business analysis, but coming up on one year in; are paying guests seeing an increase in the value they receive and are now being asked to pay incrementally increasing fees for?

 

I do not work for NCL or derive any investment income from them. I don't need to think up business scenarios, posture, or defend their decisions, or crank up the spin, spin, spin machine. I just need to know if the ship I get on is clean, fully functioning, the staff are gracious and prompt, the food delicious, and the entertainment enjoyable. That's NCL's job as far as I am concerned. For the increased charges and fees not only do I expect all of that, I *do* expect there to be improvements in incremental ways to enhance my experience. Radical idea, huh?

 

Cruise Critic is like reading a shareholders meeting sometimes. Who cares? Doesn't, or shouldn't, everyone here care more about their personal experiences than the corporate coffers?

[thatjoeguy]

Absolutely.

 

If only relevant examples had actually been proffered.

 

How about this? I paid the same amount for a balcony for a week on the Getaway last January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) as I did for a balcony for a week on the Escape this January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) but this year got the UBP included. Is that relevant?

[rg24601]

How about this? I paid the same amount for a balcony for a week on the Getaway last January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) as I did for a balcony for a week on the Escape this January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) but this year got the UBP included. Is that relevant?

 

No not really.

 

Fares really are irrelevant to the OP'S question.

 

And FDR had little to nothing to do with the UBP. Predated him according to those more in the know.

[hamrag]

......Fares really are irrelevant to the OP'S question.....

 

Really, the question the OP asked was "Has he done anything positive for the customer?"

 

Personally, I cannot think of anything more positive than greater value in the cruise fare!!;)

[rg24601]

Really, the question the OP asked was "Has he done anything positive for the customer?"

 

Personally, I cannot think of anything more positive than greater value in the cruise fare!!;)

 

Which is in question as to whether they have generally gone way up as compared to a few who believe they have scored.

 

But this dynamic was true before FDR.

 

So unless he announces a blanket price drop for all ships and cabins then meh, just the market at work. He may manipulate the price up.

[SuiteCruiser]

Really, the question the OP asked was "Has he done anything positive for the customer?"

 

Personally, I cannot think of anything more positive than greater value in the cruise fare!!;)

 

The UBP/UDP promos were in place before FDR came, so it's not a positive that he added. Last January the ncl.com price for my Epic Haven 2 bedroom suite was $2800 and it came with UBP/UDP/OBC and no fees for them. This year the 2 bedroom suite on Getaway with the same itinerary, same week is $4000.

 

Where I think the prices have stabilized more are in the non-suite cabins.

 

The Haven cabins skyrocketed. Last March for the same cabin 5 of us with KSF was over $9K. March 2016 for 2 people on Getaway is over $11K. I have better ways to spend $11K, especially with the Cdn dollar in the tank.

 

So for now, I'll stick to balconies and OV cabins, other than the Epic TA in the DOS next year, and if I want $11K worth of cruise, I'll go elsewhere.

Edited December 12, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[hamrag]

Which is in question as to whether they have generally gone way up as compared to a few who believe they have scored.

 

But this dynamic was true before FDR.

 

So unless he announces a blanket price drop for all ships and cabins then meh, just the market at work. He may manipulate the price up.

 

Your troll like behaviour caused me to take a few minutes to examine your post history. in your current guise, you have been around on cc for only a couple of weeks.

 

My guess, possibly incorrect, is that the moderators removed you under a previous guise!

 

My clear conclusion, absolutely correct, is that you are a troll exhibiting extreme behaviour!

[hamrag]

The UBP/UDP promos were in place before FDR came, so it's not a positive that he added. Last January the ncl.com price for my Epic Haven 2 bedroom suite was $2800 and it came with UBP/UDP/OBC and no fees for them. This year the 2 bedroom suite on Getaway with the same itinerary, same week is $4000.

 

Where I think the prices have stabilized more are in the non-suite cabins.

 

The Haven cabins skyrocketed. Last March for the same cabin 5 of us with KSF was over $9K. March 2016 for 2 people on Getaway is over $11K. I have better ways to spend $11K, especially with the Cdn dollar in the tank.

 

So for now, I'll stick to balconies and OV cabins, other than the Epic TA in the DOS next year, and if I want $11K worth of cruise, I'll go elsewhere.

 

I have read much you have posted in recent days, I think particularly on the looooooong thread about the Sky incident, and enjoyed your debate and reasoning so I accept what you have written.

 

Sensible cruisers, and you are certainly one of those, look for good value across the cruiselines. We have cruised 30+ times, and on 12 different cruiselines so we don't have a preferred cruiseline.

[SuiteCruiser]

Your troll like behaviour caused me to take a few minutes to examine your post history. in your current guise, you have been around on cc for only a couple of weeks.

 

My guess, possibly incorrect, is that the moderators removed you under a previous guise!

 

My clear conclusion, absolutely correct, is that you are a troll exhibiting extreme behaviour!

 

I'm so naive I was thinking he was trying to up his post count :)

[KeithJenner]

My clear conclusion, absolutely correct, is that you are a troll exhibiting extreme behaviour!

 

 

But a really fun one.

 

Not for the reasons that they were aiming for though.

[sparks1093]

How about this? I paid the same amount for a balcony for a week on the Getaway last January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) as I did for a balcony for a week on the Escape this January (NCL's newest, sailing Eastern Carib.) but this year got the UBP included. Is that relevant?

 

I priced one of the newer ships out of NYC for spring of 2017 and a balcony was $3300. How does that compare to what you paid?

[KeithJenner]

The UBP/UDP promos were in place before FDR came, so it's not a positive that he added

.

 

 

Yes, absolutely true, although in fairness that was acknowledged very early on in this thread.

[SuiteCruiser]

Yes, absolutely true, although in fairness that was acknowledged very early on in this thread.

 

Yes, you're right. I'm losing my mind :)

[KeithJenner]

Yes, you're right. I'm losing my mind :)

 

 

I very much hope not. It's always fun discussing these things with you, whether we agree or not. :)

 

Sensible discussion is what this site should be based on.

[rg24601]

Your troll like behaviour caused me to take a few minutes to examine your post history. in your current guise, you have been around on cc for only a couple of weeks.

 

My guess, possibly incorrect, is that the moderators removed you under a previous guise!

 

My clear conclusion, absolutely correct, is that you are a troll exhibiting extreme behaviour!

 

OK thanks.

 

Extreme behavior?

 

OK.

[rg24601]

I'm so naive I was thinking he was trying to up his post count :)

 

Post count.

 

This thread is fun but will have no real outcome.

 

Post counts are of no value.

[SuiteCruiser]

Post count.

 

This thread is fun but will have no real outcome.

 

Post counts are of no value.

 

True dat