Can't bring soda on board anymore

[luvtheships]

Seems NCL could solve a fair amount of this by offering a reasonable water package, non alcoholic all inclusive package, and include bottled waters in the UBP.

 

 

Well that's more than likely why Ncl has started this fake water controversy

 

 

They want to start selling a water package or are planning on increasing the price of the ubp but will add water to it

 

Of course you will still be offered free ubp deals....except if you haven't been one to watch cruise prices....Ncl will be increasing cruise fares to cover this and most pax will not even know this

[crystalaziza]

I've only gotten to #634, as it has taken me 3 days already to go through this posting & I can't catch up!!! My question is this: (And only NCL could answer it if they have even thought of it yet) If you purchase their water on board to take on port excursions etc., when you return to the ship if you have any water left, do you have to discard it before returning onto the ship? How will they know you already purchased it from them or bought it on shore assuming it is the same brand that NCL sells? Even more of a waste if you have to dump it!!

[anonmom]

I agree with the posters who have said that NCL should modify the UBP to include bottles/cans of sparkling and still water, as well as 'specialty' coffees, and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.

 

I understand that some percentage of people care a great deal about soda brands, but I am not one of them, as I do not drink pop or any of the 'juice drinks' and 'flavored waters' in the machines at the buffet.

 

What I personally care most about are sources of healthy, hydrating liquids to offset all the alcoholic drinks I'm drinking while on vacation.

 

My other issue is that I drink soy milk instead of cow's milk, and I will not drink that awful swill they call coffee on NCL ships. Previously, I brought a liter of soy milk and a bag of ground coffee aboard so that I could make coffee in my cabin, but now I will have to request soy milk one glass at a time from the buffet. A soy milk dispenser in the buffet would be a big help for vegans, Asians, the lactose-intolerant, and the dairy-allergic. Adding espresso-based coffee drinks to the UBP would be another good move, so that those of us who appreciate good coffee could just order it in the restaurants or from room service.

[April42749]

I hate to even respond to such garbage, but I can't resist.

 

I personally have no real stake in this as I don't drink soda and can tolerate the ship's water. I find it very telling that as long as you're happy, all is well. But, I don't need you (or NCL) to intervene in how I live, what I eat and drink or what I do to regarding my health. Imagine what would happen if NCL made only reduced salt meals and banned carry on salt, but would sell customers salt at $25 an ounce. I'm sure you would be happy, until NCL went out of business. How about if they ban carrying on cigarettes, but sell them for $30 a pack. You probably wouldn't care, but same result. Sure, they get away with it on alcohol, but not without a lot of grief and smuggling. Maybe they will have to start charging for entry to the gym and ban all other exercise gear from being brought or used on board before you care. Anyway, I'm glad you at least show your lack of caring as long as it doesn't affect you.

 

I have no idea why you are rambling on about "freebies" and fares. Everyone here knows NCL is a business and is not giving anything away for free regarding the promos. I see no relevance related to this new policy. People were not given anything for free, they were allowed to bring on drinks of their preference, often not offered by NCL. Now, if you don't like what NCL offers (ship tap water) you can buy their specific water at an extremely inflated price. If you want a soda brand not offered, then tough. Don't under estimate a soda/water drinker's brand loyalty they will "find another vacation venue". But I forget that is fine as long as it doesn't affect you. Just be careful as when this group leaves it wont take NCL long to start looking for a revenue replacement from those that remain. The next revenue source will possibly include you. Policies that affect our fellow cruisers will often end up affecting us as well.

 

Your idea about cigarettes....excellent!

 

When there is a product I don't like, or isn't worth it to me, I move on.

 

The price of a cabin is so variable anyway (the last one I booked went down by $150/pp the next day). I got annoyed and adjusted my casino budget on principle.

 

NCL won't go out of business over the water/soda/wine controversy. They'll adjust and compromise.

[April42749]

I agree with the posters who have said that NCL should modify the UBP to include bottles/cans of sparkling and still water, as well as 'specialty' coffees, and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.

 

I understand that some percentage of people care a great deal about soda brands, but I am not one of them, as I do not drink pop or any of the 'juice drinks' and 'flavored waters' in the machines at the buffet.

 

What I personally care most about are sources of healthy, hydrating liquids to offset all the alcoholic drinks I'm drinking while on vacation.

 

My other issue is that I drink soy milk instead of cow's milk, and I will not drink that awful swill they call coffee on NCL ships. Previously, I brought a liter of soy milk and a bag of ground coffee aboard so that I could make coffee in my cabin, but now I will have to request soy milk one glass at a time from the buffet. A soy milk dispenser in the buffet would be a big help for vegans, Asians, the lactose-intolerant, and the dairy-allergic. Adding espresso-based coffee drinks to the UBP would be another good move, so that those of us who appreciate good coffee could just order it in the restaurants or from room service.

 

Do they have soy milk in the buffet? Who would you ask? Do you know if they have almond milk?

 

Thank you....

[richstowe]

Still no word about this issue on CC News . Perhaps they are waiting for NCL's "generous" response. :rolleyes:

I am past final, booked via NCL and have not received an email. I feel left out!😜

No it's good ! When you sue it may help your case .:D

 

[Single Cruiser]

I've only gotten to #634, as it has taken me 3 days already to go through this posting & I can't catch up!!! My question is this: (And only NCL could answer it if they have even thought of it yet) If you purchase their water on board to take on port excursions etc., when you return to the ship if you have any water left, do you have to discard it before returning onto the ship? How will they know you already purchased it from them or bought it on shore assuming it is the same brand that NCL sells? Even more of a waste if you have to dump it!!

 

 

If it's an opened bottle with contents you wouldn't be allowed to bring it back onboard which I agree is ridiculous. Especially in hot ports of call, walking back to the ship and grab a cool bottle to drink and get halfway through it when get back and then have to stand-around by the gangway drinking it or pouring it away!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[janpo]

So, is NCL going to stop handing out glasses of water before going on board after port. Or...maybe they'll charge for them now!!

[janpo]

Posts over at NCL's Facebook page complaining about the water carryon rules are disappearing like crazy. All you see now are selfies onboard the ships.

Edited July 3, 2016 by janpo

[richstowe]

Posts over at NCL's Facebook page complaining about the water carryon rules are disappearing like crazy. All you see now are selfies onboard the ships.

Well that and posts saying that their experience was the BEST of all time and NCL is wonderful and generous . :D Edited July 3, 2016 by richstowe

[FranknBeans]

This is the reply I got back last night and not surprised.

 

 

No Juice No Water

Prguda, Denis <dprguda@ncl.com>

Sat 07-02You

Sorry XXXX, its directive from Company that we will need to be followed up on.

Hope all is well.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Denis Prguda

Regional Vice President Fleet Hotel Operations

dprguda@ncl.com

[janpo]

This is the reply I got back last night and not surprised.

 

 

No Juice No Water

Prguda, Denis <dprguda@ncl.com>

Sat 07-02You

Sorry XXXX, its directive from Company that we will need to be followed up on.

Hope all is well.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Denis Prguda

Regional Vice President Fleet Hotel Operations

dprguda@ncl.com

 

 

Well....doesn't that clear up everyone's questions.

Edited July 3, 2016 by janpo

[spenceblake]

I am traveling with two families on NCL this month just in time for the new beverage policy to be in effect (July 15, 2016). This will have a huge impact on us one that was not budgeted for. Although, I do understand security concerns around the world for the potential threat of someone trying to carry on a liquid on board with intent to do passengers harm, I can not help but feel taken advantage of with the price gauging of water alone not to mention soda.

Aquafina 6 pack - $27.08 (price will be 30% higher on board)

Aquafina 12 pack - $47.14 (price will be 39% higher on board)

Aquafina 18 pack - $58.94 (price will be 50% higher on board)

Aquafina 24 pack - $70.74 (price will be 55% higher on board)

 

The prices listed are the pre-order/online prices the prices on board will be much higher. I don't know about everyone else but when I booked I did research and booked with the fact that we will be able to save money by taking on board our favorite non-alcoholic beverage. NCL will be making money hand over fist with this new policy, however for me it is quite possibly my first and last sailing with them. At least when Carnival changed their policy on not being able to bring bottled water on board they recognized the impact on the cruise cost to families and substantially lowered their price on water to $3.99 for a 12 pack

https://help.carnival.com/app/answer...everage-policy

and as of this moment they still allow "A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person." I compared to Carnival because I have sailed with them the last 5 years and am only trying out NCL for a little different experience.

 

I did call NCL and complained but it fell on deaf ears. I hope that more people will call, write, blog and complain to NCL for not offering any compensation for the customers who have booked before this policy had taken affect.

[Frick_&_Frack]

Well that and posts saying that their experience was the BEST of all time and NCL is wonderful and generous . :D

 

There are a few getting through - the one I love is:

 

NCL = No Customer Loyalty

 

:D

[Demonyte]

There is already 700+ posts about the matter here:

 

Can't bring soda on board anymore

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2373703

[Shih-tzu]

Can anyone please verify that the tap water onboard DOES contain chlorine and SALT as some have posted...?? For years (of NCL cruising) I have been trying to pin down the cause of my swelling issues . I had eliminated almost all salt from my food while cruising and that was not the answer...PS--onboard I do drink A LOT of "tap" water...so now I am really wondering...:confused:

 

The desalination process on ships removes the salt to the level where it can't be tasted. Have you noticed that on ships that your soap, shampoo etc is a lot more "sudsier"? That's because of the salt content in the water......think of home water softeners/conditioners that require salt. This was explained to me by a navy ship's engineer when I remarked on day at work about my "cruise ankles".

 

Made logical and scientific sense to me.

[mking8288]

Not Caring Lies email auto-reply is not unexpecting.

 

Not that I'm suggesting or advocating for it - but, I could see quite a bit of last minute drinking at the security checkpoint on & after July 15th. - staging a party of finishing up those soda & water, before boarding - in, addition to dumping the rest on the spot.

 

Local media might find it very interesting to get on-the-spot reactions & do a few live interviews. photo ops for this dumb & annoying move by No Customer Loyalty.

[Hunwolf]

The easy solution to this would be to let people bring on canned soda just like the other mainstream lines do. The problems with the bottles were all of the people trying to smuggle in alcohol and the inspections of the bottles was very time consuming. Banning bringing on bottles makes sense because of this, but including cans in the ban goes against common sense. Reasonably priced bottled water, similar to Carnival, and including bottled water in the drinks package, like various lines do already would solve the problem. The fact that NCL charges the most for their alcoholic beverage package and does not include espresso based products or bottled water similar to Celebrity, Carnival or Royal is a disgrace.

 

 

 

Pretty much it in a nutshell.

[luvtheships]

There is already 700+ posts about the matter here:

 

Can't bring soda on board anymore

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2373703

 

 

But this thread is pointing to exactly what I predicted......

 

Another Ncl game because they think we are stupid and apparently they despise their Customers.....

 

Prepay now...at inflated prices.....so we can increase our cash flow balances....

 

Or....

 

Pay on board at even more ridiculously high prices.....

 

 

Personally......I would prepay if the water was that important to me.....

 

But yes....I WOULD reduce my dsc by the exact amount because that is the only way Ncl will listen other than me cancelling my cruise

 

Btw if I cancel....Ncl still has the opportunity to raise the cost of my cabin and resell it...I don't want to give them that option....plus I want to cruise....and if I ever were to cancel it would be as a no show for medical reasons that are covered by insurance

 

With the dsc....Ncl cannot possibly get any extra cash from me or my cabin

 

 

And so you don't need to say it.....yes I know all about the crew.......sorry but it's the only way to get Ncl to listen....let's hope they complain about reduced dsc in their pockets.....

 

However I'm of the school the regardless of my paying dsc or not....the crew still gets the same check week in and week out

 

So dont try to tell me I'm wrong....even though you will try anyway. Lol

 

However if I am wrong and the crew does get stiffed.....good for Ncl.....now In addition to pissed off pax they will have pissed off crew too....

 

Serves Ncl right!!!!!! Lol

Edited July 3, 2016 by luvtheships

[cruzsnooze]

Bring 6 empty water bottles from what ever brand you drink at home. Fill them in the buffet after you board and keep refilling them, don't throw them away until the last morning of your cruise. The ships water is so purified from the desalinization process it is better then bottled water anyway.

Edited July 3, 2016 by cruzsnooze

[Grampyshottub]

If you have the UBP or purchase a cocktail, soda, or water in a bottle, while in port, and your in a port that taxes purchases, or has bottle bill where does the money go? Especially, the money from the bottle bill. That money has to be turned over to the state. Who runs the clearing house to see that the states get their monies?

[NLH Arizona]

But this thread is pointing to exactly what I predicted......

 

Another Ncl game because they think we are stupid and apparently they despise their Customers.....

 

Prepay now...at inflated prices.....so we can increase our cash flow balances....

 

Or....

 

Pay on board at even more ridiculously high prices.....

 

 

Personally......I would prepay if the water was that important to me.....

 

But yes....I WOULD reduce my dsc by the exact amount because that is the only way Ncl will listen other than me cancelling my cruise

 

Btw if I cancel....Ncl still has the opportunity to raise the cost of my cabin and resell it...I don't want to give them that option....plus I want to cruise....and if I ever were to cancel it would be as a no show for medical reasons that are covered by insurance

 

With the dsc....Ncl cannot possibly get any extra cash from me or my cabin

 

 

And so you don't need to say it.....yes I know all about the crew.......sorry but it's the only way to get Ncl to listen....let's hope they complain about reduced dsc in their pockets.....

 

However I'm of the school the regardless of my paying dsc or not....the crew still gets the same check week in and week out

 

So dont try to tell me I'm wrong....even though you will try anyway. Lol

 

However if I am wrong and the crew does get stiffed.....good for Ncl.....now In addition to pissed off pax they will have pissed off crew too....

 

Serves Ncl right!!!!!! Lol

You really think they are going to listen if you reduce or remove the DSC? It didn't work when some did it for the room service charge or when the 18% gratuities were added, so why do you think it will work now. All you will be doing is punishing folks (the crew) who have no decision making power over what rules there are or what prices NCL sells things for. The best way to get their attention is not to purchase their product and/or cancel your cruise (and losing your deposit would send a big message) and the second best thing to do is write a letter or email to the President of the line. Edited July 3, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[richstowe]

There are a few getting through - the one I love is:

 

NCL = No Customer Loyalty

 

:D

Betting it ain't there anymore .

[j-9]

I am an x-case of bottled water lugger. I just bought a brita water bottle for $10, which reduces the level of chlorine. We will use it in our room to fill our water bottles. Easier than the old way of lugging a case of water, and cheaper than buying bottles on board, and more environmentally friendly.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[mizLORInj]

Ugh. I usually bring my own low sugar soda.

 

NCL to me is at the point of: what change for their benefit is next . . .seems never-ending.

 

But they will continue until the paying passenger starts saying "no" with their $$.

Edited July 3, 2016 by mizLORInj