Next Price Gouge??? Predicting Only

[LMaxwell]

What we all have to realize is that even though NCL might lose 2, 4 or 6 or more customers, they gain new customers every day. So even though we might think we have this huge impact on their bottom line, we really don't as we are replaced by others. Others who might spend more or less than us.

 

That's some fine marketing doublespeak, but what do you speculate would be the next item or feature to incur a fee?

[Frick_&_Frack]

O'Sheehans already has a premium dessert menu with some awesome sundaes :eek:

I don't see where they can add more fees. But I expect to see more cutbacks. The biggest test will be to see what the new entertainment will be for the shows that expired. I don't expect to see the top tier entertainment we normally get from NCL.

 

Oh, please don't challenge them with "I don't see where they can add more fees".....:eek: :rolleyes:

[david_sobe]

Oh, please don't challenge them with "I don't see where they can add more fees".....:eek: :rolleyes:

Its not a challenge just part realist in that every experience on NCL has an upcharge.

Everything from entertainment to meals. But you are right there is something I over looked ;)

[LMaxwell]

Its not a challenge just part realist in that every experience on NCL has an upcharge.

Everything from entertainment to meals. But you are right there is something I over looked ;)

 

They can simply charge for each menu item at O'Sheehans and your two free eateries will be the buffet and MDR, everything else is premium. hungry at night after 9PM? Well, nothing for free anymore...

[Frick_&_Frack]

They can simply charge for each menu item at O'Sheehans and your two free eateries will be the buffet and MDR, everything else is premium. hungry at night after 9PM? Well, nothing for free anymore...

 

Well, it may be "free" but there may be a charge (a la Room Service), for our convenience, of course. ;)

[Casino Comp Chick]

Pretty soon the only free food will be Bologna & peanut butter sandwiches

[Lupush]

Absolutely but that's not the problem. The problem is that Del Rio is changing the direction NCL is taking and the way that he is going about it. Usually when a company wants to charge more for their product they at least give the impression that enhancements have been made in said product. NCL seems to be writing an IOU to the current passengers- we're going to increase what you pay in order to bring you a better cruise line later. As I pointed out up thread a cruise on the Gem was $1600 more than a cruise on CCL. I enjoyed our cruise on the Gem but I've seen nothing that would lead me to conclude that the ship is now worth $1600 more to sail on.

 

CCL clearly positions themselves as a budget cruise option. NCL had that reputation which Del Rio is now trying to change. More inclusive items (Free at Sea promotions, etc.) results in a higher cruise fare. NCL is too well established a company to endure an entire rebrand at this point but the motives and the shift are clear. I believe what Del Rio is looking to do is attract folks away from more direct competitors that currently have a higher price point (RCL, Celebrity, Princess) rather than draw passengers from the budget lines (CCL, MSC).

 

Think of it this way if there is a budget hotel brand (Best Western) across the street from a more premium hotel brand (Westin, Omni) would they be priced competitively because they are across the street from one another? Of course not.

[luvtheships]

Funny how the so called budget line ccl has better mdr service among other things. Too bad they dont have better entertainment

[luvtheships]

Pretty soon the only free food will be Bologna & peanut butter sandwiches

 

 

Lol me and mine will be long gone from Ncl by then

 

 

I'll pay for celebrity.

[NLH Arizona]

That's some fine marketing doublespeak, but what do you speculate would be the next item or feature to incur a fee?

Not marketing doulespeak, but the way business is. They lose some customers and they win some customers.

 

Actually if you read my posts, I did. Here is what I said: As far as changes. I could see NCL charging for the children's club and some of the experiences onboard the ships (ropes course, zip lines, etc.).

 

I also noted in another post that with all the posts about getting Vibe passes, they could really raise the price on those.

[ColinIllinois]

No whining here. Lol

 

It's just that financially we can go upscale in the future

 

Applause not whining by any means. Lol

 

 

Just having a little fun. :D

[swedish weave]

CCL clearly positions themselves as a budget cruise option. NCL had that reputation which Del Rio is now trying to change. More inclusive items (Free at Sea promotions, etc.) results in a higher cruise fare. NCL is too well established a company to endure an entire rebrand at this point but the motives and the shift are clear. I believe what Del Rio is looking to do is attract folks away from more direct competitors that currently have a higher price point (RCL, Celebrity, Princess) rather than draw passengers from the budget lines (CCL, MSC).

 

Think of it this way if there is a budget hotel brand (Best Western) across the street from a more premium hotel brand (Westin, Omni) would they be priced competitively because they are across the street from one another? Of course not.

 

I have found that the cruises I have booked on Princess recently have been quite a bit less costly than NCL.

 

Maybe it is a result of my shopping and selection of cruises that brings the costs down, but it is my personal experience.

 

Another factor that comes into play is the shareholder benefits and military benefits that Princess offers and their lack of restrictions on how I can use the OBC.

 

I don't think NCL can compete with Princess unless they change their approach on dealing with customers.

[Frick_&_Frack]

I believe what Del Rio is looking to do is attract folks away from more direct competitors that currently have a higher price point (RCL, Celebrity, Princess) rather than draw passengers from the budget lines (CCL, MSC).

 

I know that, for the cruises I replaced, there were a lot of options that cost less than the NCL Haven ones I had booked. Yes, some were equal or more. But, by the time I added in some of my extra expenses on NCL, those differences in price-points weren't as large either.

 

And, MSC Yacht Club (so I have heard) is an amazing, and quite comparable experience to NCL's Haven - so, that's not a "budget" line. ;)

[sparks1093]

CCL clearly positions themselves as a budget cruise option. NCL had that reputation which Del Rio is now trying to change. More inclusive items (Free at Sea promotions, etc.) results in a higher cruise fare. NCL is too well established a company to endure an entire rebrand at this point but the motives and the shift are clear. I believe what Del Rio is looking to do is attract folks away from more direct competitors that currently have a higher price point (RCL, Celebrity, Princess) rather than draw passengers from the budget lines (CCL, MSC).

 

Think of it this way if there is a budget hotel brand (Best Western) across the street from a more premium hotel brand (Westin, Omni) would they be priced competitively because they are across the street from one another? Of course not.

 

It has been said by industry insiders that Del Rio's goal is to move NCL up on the cruise line food chain, so yes he is trying to attract customers from the more upscale lines. But as I said, I do not see anything that NCL has done that would make me spend $1600 more for a cabin on the Gem versus when I sailed on her before and I do not believe that NCL is currently worth $1600 more than CCL.

 

I took it a step further and priced a Celebrity cruise for the same time frame (6/2017) and that cruise is $300 less than the cruise on the Gem with the same perks being offered (without having to pay for the gratuities on the beverage package).

[Shawnino]

It has been said by industry insiders that Del Rio's goal is to move NCL up on the cruise line food chain, so yes he is trying to attract customers from the more upscale lines. But as I said, I do not see anything that NCL has done that would make me spend $1600 more for a cabin on the Gem versus when I sailed on her before and I do not believe that NCL is currently worth $1600 more than CCL.

 

I took it a step further and priced a Celebrity cruise for the same time frame (6/2017) and that cruise is $300 less than the cruise on the Gem with the same perks being offered (without having to pay for the gratuities on the beverage package).

 

What would the mid-game be? The risk of cannibalizing Oceania seems real...

[swedish weave]

What would the mid-game be? The risk of cannibalizing Oceania seems real...

 

Bingo !!!!! Del Rio may end up with three overpriced cruise lines competing with each other.

 

Carnival seems to have the game plan to appeal to all segments of the market and it is working.

[sparks1093]

What would the mid-game be? The risk of cannibalizing Oceania seems real...

 

The plan (as I understand it from what I've read and this is only my interpretation) is to make NCL an entry level line for Oceania and/or Regent. Only time is going to tell if that can be achieved.

[Lupush]

Bingo !!!!! Del Rio may end up with three overpriced cruise lines competing with each other.

 

Carnival seems to have the game plan to appeal to all segments of the market and it is working.

 

Carnival does not appeal to me at all. The options to travel with children/family on RCL, NCL, and perhaps Disney (although I probably wouldn't because of no casino) are much more appealing to me. Carnival just seems "chinsy" to me.

[Regguy]

Other than the beverage policy, what on earth has NCL done to position itself toward the higher priced segment? If anything, I see a line that is artificially trying to present a lower price for the cruise than its competition, but then trying to make up the difference by creating conditions that lead to more spending on board.

 

NCL has lots of space on many of its cruises to increase the base fare and still be lower than Celebrity and Princess, and even RCCI. Yes, it has increased fares but there is still plenty of more room, and they are deliberately underpricing while trying to increase ancillary revenue.

 

If you want premium pricing, you need market differentiation. Disney, for example. They dramatically overcharge the market, but provide a premium product that is 180 degree opposite from NCL's current approach. Premium entertainment, soda fountains, unlimited pool towels, low priced drinks, bigger cabins, whatever.

 

NCL is moving in the opposite direction. If FDR's vision is to try to increase the clientelle, it's not going to take too long for everyone to realize they are polishing a turd.

 

Literally the only reason we are cruising with NCL is price, and the only reason we will continue to cruise them is if that advantage sticks.

[sfaaa]

Carnival does not appeal to me at all. The options to travel with children/family on RCL, NCL, and perhaps Disney (although I probably wouldn't because of no casino) are much more appealing to me. Carnival just seems "chinsy" to me.

 

Carnival ships often sail with close to full capacity passengers. It has a very solid clientele base and doesn't need to steal nonbelievers from other market segments to its well established brand. NCL doesn't have this luxury and currently stuck in the 'in between 2 to 3 star' marketing position. Can't go up the ladder but can't come down either. Tough spot to be in.

[Sizzlechest]

Exactly. If you want to be a premium cruise line, you have to increase both prices and quality. You don't just cut offerings and increase fees to maximize profitability.

[Linda the Book Lover]

I can't believe I am going to say this but I actually enjoyed reading some of the comments on this tread. I am too old to be a cheerleader 65+ and not as limber as my younger days:D but I can understand how some agree and disagree on the changes with NCL.

 

The DH and I like NCL because we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. We are retired now so the Suites fit into our next chapter. Years back we switched from Princess (only 2 cruises) and RCCL (1) to NCL and we have seen many changes. I still do a 4-day with my DD to relax on Carnival which is not my favorite cruise line but it fits into my DD's vacation time and it is the only ship sailing from LA area in the summer.

 

The airline analogy is interesting which is why I love Southwest and the free bags. Do I see cruise lines going with bag restrictions in the future...yep.

 

I am not a fan of the Inclusive Vacation Resorts as I truly love waking up to a new port each morning or just seeing the ocean. All of you basically landlocked or just a "river view"folk can understand that one.

 

So in the meanwhile I will keep on sailing NCL unless some other cruise line offers something I might be willing to experience. I am not happy with the tag-on charges but as I tell my children I just want to enjoy each day and not be the fighter in the ring.