NCL January Sale

[Mrworldwide_88]

Hi guys and girls

 

Just waiting on annual leave to be released from work and then looking at booking our 2nd and 3rd cruises with NCL. They are both in april

 

The Jan sale has already started in the UK and compared to the prices of the 2 cruises which I looked up in December, we would be saving around £800ish with the sale discount 

 

As we have never booked at this time before we were wondering is it worth booking now or will it be worth waiting for a month or so before the cruises to book to see if prices would drop further?

 

Any experience of this would be great  

 

Happy new year to you all

[Beaver1975]

We compared a price for a cruise we have booked for next November.  It appears as though the prices have been increased to ridiculous levels to be able to "reduce" them for this sale. Our November cruise priced out about 40% higher than the the price we got when we actually booked.

[fstuff1]

On 12/31/2019 at 9:29 AM, Mrworldwide_88 said:

Hi guys and girls

 

Just waiting on annual leave to be released from work and then looking at booking our 2nd and 3rd cruises with NCL. They are both in april

 

The Jan sale has already started in the UK and compared to the prices of the 2 cruises which I looked up in December, we would be saving around £800ish with the sale discount 

 

As we have never booked at this time before we were wondering is it worth booking now or will it be worth waiting for a month or so before the cruises to book to see if prices would drop further?

 

Any experience of this would be great  

 

Happy new year to you all

 

it's a sleazy marketing ploy.

raise prices ALOT, then say Sale pricing.

but the prices are higher than before the sale started at the beginning of Dec!

 

and this Jan 30% off 'sale' is the 2nd time they've extended the 'sale.'

It was 30% off, then extended to $200-$500 off and now back to $30% off

 

Edited January 1, 2020 by fstuff1

[davencl]

41 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

 

it's a sleazy marketing ploy.

raise prices ALOT, then say Sale pricing.

but the prices are higher than before the sale started at the beginning of Dec!

 

and this Jan 30% off 'sale' is the 2nd time they've extended the 'sale.'

It was 30% off, then extended to $200-$500 off and now back to $30% off

 

Plus it's not for all cruises.  Only select cruises.

[cmh]

3 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

it's a sleazy marketing ploy.

raise prices ALOT, then say Sale pricing.

but the prices are higher than before the sale started at the beginning of Dec!

 

and this Jan 30% off 'sale' is the 2nd time they've extended the 'sale.'

It was 30% off, then extended to $200-$500 off and now back to $30% off

 

I booked a cruise in September and it is cheaper than the current sale which is 30% discount?  I guess they raised the prices before making the discount.

[cmarsh31]

Price stayed the same (POA 2022) but discount is actually lower for our cruise now than when we booked it 4 days ago (guests 3 & 4 were half off). "Saved" about $500 so far.

[angalyse]

Ill start off with the " I have been a loyal NCL customer for 18 years" .  They have recently hired an outside company to set prices with the sole purpose of increasing rates.  The price structure no longer makes NCL my to go to cruise line.  The observations made on this page are spot on.   Prices have been drastically raised and then offered at a discount to create a false sense of urgency.  It reminds me of my grocery store raising prices of an item and then offering it for buy on get one free.

NCL should be allowed to sell inventory for whatever they can get for it.  Customers would be wise to shop other lines prices because you will find more straight forward offerings.   Travel agents charge change fee's and NCL's games can cost you more that you realize.  I do not want to abandoned ship with NCL but the child like game play with prices has already gotten old.

[HowardK]

Do you know who the outside company is? I paid for my Encore cruise yesterday-I booked it September of 2018 and since then it went up over $600 dollars (got another $200 off with NCL card with points).

What annoys me is a get annoying email or call from NCL "personal cruise consultant" telling me about "great deals" and "sorry they missed me"

 

-Given that I have never called this person back or have no need for their services as I book online- do you think they would get a clue and leave me alone? Ummm just paid for a cruise not buying another.

[fstuff1]

52 minutes ago, angalyse said:

 They have recently hired an outside company to set prices with the sole purpose of increasing rates. 

 

when did the outside company take over pricing?

 

[MoniMommy]

I am aware of the outside company RateGain. However, I was assuming that the prices have to eventually come down if the ship is not sold out. Or is NCL planning to keep prices high and have unsold cabins. I see cruises sailing within the next 3 months with lots of inventory and higher prices than what I am used to seeing.

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, HowardK said:

Do you know who the outside company is? I paid for my Encore cruise yesterday-I booked it September of 2018 and since then it went up over $600 dollars (got another $200 off with NCL card with points).

What annoys me is a get annoying email or call from NCL "personal cruise consultant" telling me about "great deals" and "sorry they missed me"

 

-Given that I have never called this person back or have no need for their services as I book online- do you think they would get a clue and leave me alone? Ummm just paid for a cruise not buying another.

 

I sensed that NCL is up to something with the old dog's trick back in mid Oct/early Nov with their pricing (watching prices on Gem's Roll Call then) ... couldn't quite read the pulses and what can I say about "gut feelings" - anyway,  Case in point - ridiculous prices for a 4 days and 5 days round-trip cruise to Bermuda from NYC this April ... good luck filling up a ship w. bells & whistles for Spring "breakers" 

 

Need more datapoints to validate the fishy smells ... 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2559083-what-was-your-upgrade-offer-and-what-did-you-bid/?do=findComment&comment=59003393

 

[FLAHAM]

1 hour ago, angalyse said:

NCL should be allowed to sell inventory for whatever they can get for it.  Customers would be wise to shop other lines prices because you will find more straight forward offerings.   Travel agents charge change fee's and NCL's games can cost you more that you realize.  I do not want to abandoned ship with NCL but the child like game play with prices has already gotten old.

Since it takes mere seconds to determine the real price (cabin fare) of an NCL cruise online, who cares what games they play?  I see other lines with fake "two for one" deals and other fare games all the time. 

[MoniMommy]

Yes, I think you have to keep checking prices and book when it's at the price point that you feel is a fair value. The "sale" is irrelevant. The price could go up on down at any time regardless of the current sale or promotion. The sale is meainingless.

[hladygirl]

I have three ncl cruises I have watched prices. All of them are more expensive with the sale than yesterday. Looked at similar cruises at same time in similar cabins on carnival an celebrity and they are less. Add in beverage packages and gratuity’s and they are the same. Since the same price on the other cruiselines include gratuity for same price as Ncl without it, I may have to consider one of these. I am platinum and loyal to NCL but now have to rethink this.

Edited January 1, 2020 by hladygirl

[Mrworldwide_88]

Well the sale has made them cheaper than in december so I guess I'll keep looking.

 

Is there ever a sweet point to get the best price?

[MoniMommy]

1 hour ago, hladygirl said:

I have three ncl cruises I have watched prices. All of them are more expensive with the sale than yesterday. Looked at similar cruises at same time in similar cabins on carnival an celebrity and they are less. Add in beverage packages and gratuity’s and they are the same. Since the same price on the other cruiselines include gratuity for same price as Ncl without it, I may have to consider one of these. I am platinum and loyal to NCL but now have to rethink this.

And if you dont drink or dont drink very much the other lines are an even better deal. 

[angalyse]

3 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

Since it takes mere seconds to determine the real price (cabin fare) of an NCL cruise online, who cares what games they play?  I see other lines with fake "two for one" deals and other fare games all the time. 

Who wants to play games when doing business with a company, whats your secret to figure "real price"  within seconds.   Thanks in advance

[April42749]

IMHO....they are trying to get rid of the bottom feeders by making the cruise "more upscale".

I booked "sailaway balcony" for 3/1 during the T'giving period for $496/pp...it's now $949!

It used to be the rates were ridiculously low right before the Jan "out of NY" sailings...as of right now, nothing is even available.

 

It may be that those who paid "so little" didn't spend enough onboard to cover the cost of their cruise....so they'd rather keep those cabins empty.  Just my opinion....nothing factual to base this on.

[MoniMommy]

36 minutes ago, April42749 said:

IMHO....they are trying to get rid of the bottom feeders by making the cruise "more upscale".

I booked "sailaway balcony" for 3/1 during the T'giving period for $496/pp...it's now $949!

It used to be the rates were ridiculously low right before the Jan "out of NY" sailings...as of right now, nothing is even available.

 

It may be that those who paid "so little" didn't spend enough onboard to cover the cost of their cruise....so they'd rather keep those cabins empty.  Just my opinion....nothing factual to base this on.

I was thinking the same thing.  Statistically, the "bottom feeders" are probably more likely to remove the Service Charge.  So that's money NCL doesn't get combined with low cruise price and no or low spending on board. I just wonder if prices will go back down or normalize to something between rock bottom and sky high? If not, I can stop stalking the ncl sight and go elsewhere. I will stalk NCL for a few more months before giving up.

Edited January 2, 2020 by MoniMommy

[luv2kroooz]

6 hours ago, MoniMommy said:

I am aware of the outside company RateGain. However, I was assuming that the prices have to eventually come down if the ship is not sold out. Or is NCL planning to keep prices high and have unsold cabins. I see cruises sailing within the next 3 months with lots of inventory and higher prices than what I am used to seeing.

I agree with you. The pricing model is changing. What is odd to me is that I've been watching last minute cruises for January, specifically for Escape on Jan 4. Earlier this week there were multiple cabins showing as available in every category, but then the next morning only sailaway interiors were available. Even looking at Joy for January 5, with lots of cabins available at really high prices. Previously, they'd be offering interior sailaway for $349. Maybe they've set a goal for 90% occupancy at high prices vs 100% capacity under a fire sale methodology. I'd book at the fire sale rates but don't spend anything onboard because I think their onboard prices are too high. I'm not their preferred customer but was able to help them fill their ships. But hey, it's their choice. If they decide to hold prices high and sail with empty cabins, that's cool. My vacation dollars spend everywhere.

 

Anyway, we were able to grab a Breakaway cruise at a really good last minute price. We booked on New Year's Eve. The interior price dropped $300 from 12-30 to 12-31 and then increased $300 from 12-31 to 1-1. 

[luv2kroooz]

1 hour ago, April42749 said:

IMHO....they are trying to get rid of the bottom feeders by making the cruise "more upscale".

I booked "sailaway balcony" for 3/1 during the T'giving period for $496/pp...it's now $949!

It used to be the rates were ridiculously low right before the Jan "out of NY" sailings...as of right now, nothing is even available.

 

It may be that those who paid "so little" didn't spend enough onboard to cover the cost of their cruise....so they'd rather keep those cabins empty.  Just my opinion....nothing factual to base this on.

I think you are right to some extent. However, fuel costs are huge and they are fixed. So even if I book my bargain $349 rate and spend nothing else, that $349 fare drops (for the most part) right to the bottom line to offset fuel, etc. Food cost is really low. Labor costs are covered via service charges.

 

I guess the bigger question is why have they regularly had unsold cabins a week or so before sailing. In my mind, that's a deficiency in the way they are setting prices which may be why it was mentioned that they are enlisting an outside firm to help with revenue maximization. I guess stay tuned to see what the future brings.

[April42749]

11 hours ago, blcruising said:

I think you are right to some extent. However, fuel costs are huge and they are fixed. So even if I book my bargain $349 rate and spend nothing else, that $349 fare drops (for the most part) right to the bottom line to offset fuel, etc. Food cost is really low. Labor costs are covered via service charges.

 

I guess the bigger question is why have they regularly had unsold cabins a week or so before sailing. In my mind, that's a deficiency in the way they are setting prices which may be why it was mentioned that they are enlisting an outside firm to help with revenue maximization. I guess stay tuned to see what the future brings.

In my case for what I paid....$496/pp=$992 per couple per week.   Current rates....$949/pp=$1898 per couple.  They only need to fill one cabin...to make almost the same revenue.  So, fuel costs remain the same...but less labor would be needed. Less food, less paper, less laundry...less expense per passenger and a less crowded condition...thus a better experience per passenger.

 

I assume they know what they are doing and if it fails...they'll do something else.  Right now the prices out of NY seem on par with Carnival, but for the same money I'd pick NCL.  

 

It's just so weird...not one sailing out of NY available this month.  In recent years they were almost giving them away ($299 for an inside on a 2 week sailing was the norm).

[luv2kroooz]

45 minutes ago, April42749 said:

In my case for what I paid....$496/pp=$992 per couple per week.   Current rates....$949/pp=$1898 per couple.  They only need to fill one cabin...to make almost the same revenue.  So, fuel costs remain the same...but less labor would be needed. Less food, less paper, less laundry...less expense per passenger and a less crowded condition...thus a better experience per passenger.

 

I assume they know what they are doing and if it fails...they'll do something else.  Right now the prices out of NY seem on par with Carnival, but for the same money I'd pick NCL.  

 

It's just so weird...not one sailing out of NY available this month.  In recent years they were almost giving them away ($299 for an inside on a 2 week sailing was the norm).

Yes, the NYC sailings are a bit of a mystery to me. I know Bliss is brand new to the market so maybe that accounts for some of it. But the long haul Gem sailings were sold out well in advance, too. Maybe they are marketing real aggressive to groups? Who knows. 

 

The only comment about your base fare example is that if they only have to sell 1 room at a high price, they get a higher base fare but lose out on the daily service charges plus the opportunity for passengers to spend onboard on their overpriced specialty restaurants, beverages, t-shirts, photos, jewelry, shore excursions, yoga, paint by numbers, art auctions, bingos, casinos, spa treatments, deal or no deal, internet, back pain, foot pain, head pain seminars, etc. ;-)

[April42749]

7 minutes ago, blcruising said:

Yes, the NYC sailings are a bit of a mystery to me. I know Bliss is brand new to the market so maybe that accounts for some of it. But the long haul Gem sailings were sold out well in advance, too. Maybe they are marketing real aggressive to groups? Who knows. 

 

The only comment about your base fare example is that if they only have to sell 1 room at a high price, they get a higher base fare but lose out on the daily service charges plus the opportunity for passengers to spend onboard on their overpriced specialty restaurants, beverages, t-shirts, photos, jewelry, shore excursions, yoga, paint by numbers, art auctions, bingos, casinos, spa treatments, deal or no deal, internet, back pain, foot pain, head pain seminars, etc. 😉

You're assuming that these people buy all that junk.  They have the statistics....maybe those people don't indulge in extras. I know I base my "expenses" on the value of my fare....and I spend a lot on board.  If I end up paying twice the price for my cabin I'll be spending more time in the atrium and less time in the casino.

 

In past years the Gem wasn't sold out so far in advance.  I know a guy who only sails the Gem...and he was always getting the cheapest fare imaginable at the last minute. And, except for a cocktail or 2, he never spent an extra penny. 

 

 But, you may be right...selling large blocks to TAs or groups may be why everything is sold out for this month.

 

Time will tell...and I do hope "whatever they call this experiment" fails.

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, April42749 said:

... I assume they know what they are doing and if it fails...they'll do something else.  Right now the prices out of NY seem on par with Carnival, but for the same money I'd pick NCL ... not one sailing out of NY available this month.  In recent years they were almost giving them away ... 

 

7 minutes ago, blcruising said:

Yes, the NYC sailings are a bit of a mystery to me. I know Bliss is brand new to the market so maybe that accounts for some of it. But the long haul Gem sailings were sold out well in advance, too. Maybe they are marketing real aggressive to groups? ... 

 

NCL seemed to be selling the remaining cabin inventory further out, not last minutes, lately - for cruises out of NYC as I only watched those closely for possible deals, suggesting that the new partner's "RateGain" pricing model or scheme might just be working, especially for the shoulder season with the holidays around the corner.  Haven categories on the Gem were still available 4 to 6 months out for our December sailing, but they're largely gone within 2 to 3 months, nothing left to upgrade or for bidding purposes at 30 days, virtually zero except for possible last minute cancellation.  There're at least several on our roll call that failed to get their upgrade bids into a GTY balconies.  There was a very brief period of price drop, balconies matching that of Insides and/or OV - a few that paid more before final payment were able to call in to get a no-cost upgrade ... that was about it.  

 

Well, it turned out - the ship was sold out, pretty full - with about 400 passengers traveling with non-USA passports or travel documents, a higher number or percentage that average, it seemed.  There're multiple oversea groups onboard, with their own T/A escort/langugage guides doing quick tour on embarkation day.  We've seen groups like them before, but definitely not on the scale we saw.  It should be interesting to read/hear & learn on whether the Gem's next 2 sailings - Panama crossing, westbound and then eastbound returning to NY by early February, are going to be similar.  NCL's Joy venture to the Asia market didn't work out well, but T/A and partners - seemed - my feeling/observation- suggesting that they are flying them here instead to board the ships to cruise different itineraries.  Besides, airfares lately - with non-USA airlines are dirt cheap and very reasonable, even for E+ seating as those are grueling 13 to 16 hours non-stops into JFK - depending on their hometown airports.  

 

There isn't enough info/data to validate or confirm some of my speculations ... but I offer this as possible reasons to discuss & share ... let's see what the last minute booking - NY sailings - for March & possible early May look like in the coming week, as capacity is limited and if they can match the demand ahead, no need to take "bargain" bids and/or do fire sale ... and offer solo specials (none on the 8 nights - Dec. 13th)

 

Happy shopping for sales on cruising.  

 

(P.S.  long posts, when quoting - snip it, if possible or just "quote" a smaller" section ... easier for others to follow)