I Don’t Get the RCCL/NCL Pricing Argument

[aubreyc1988]

2 minutes ago, hallux said:

Because of Starlink?  Not an argument, NCL now has a contract with them and is installing the hardware...

I was expecting Starlink to be amazing and it was just OK. I mean, pretty good for being at sea but I didn't think it was any faster than what Royal had before on their stream package...although I know some people will disagree with me

[SeaShark]

39 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

A valid point that was deleted. 🤨

 

 

 

No matter...the contradiction is still there...you can't sweep everything under the rug.

[nextcruiseonmymind]

40 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

like RCL for following reasons:

1. Casino Program

2. Entertainment onboard is amazing usually.

3. Solarium, Pub, Central Park ❤️ 

4. Drink Vouchers as Diamond are nice

5. Coco Cay is very nice

 

I like NCL for following reasons:

1. All-inclusive pricing

2. Drink Package + amazing bartenders and staff

3. Specialty dining is mostly a home run every time, and their 24 hr food venue rocks

4. The Waterfront, I feel so much more connected to the ocean vs when on Royal

5. Loyalty Program: free bag of laundry, free specialty dinners

6. The game shows/non production shows are SO much fun

7. Their "next cruise" program is very generous compared to Royal's

 

I'm going to go with this one! Most of the reasons cited by CiC only apply to cruisers with Diamond status, not the average cruiser. NCL's loyalty program is head and shoulders above that of RCCL. With NCL you get perks with some value almost immediately. 

[aubreyc1988]

25 minutes ago, nextcruiseonmymind said:

I'm going to go with this one! Most of the reasons cited by CiC only apply to cruisers with Diamond status, not the average cruiser. NCL's loyalty program is head and shoulders above that of RCCL. With NCL you get perks with some value almost immediately. 

The loyalty programs of each cruise line sort of complement the cruise line. NCL doesn't give drink vouchers because most people just opt in for the drink package, or that is just what I like to think. 

 

I don't cruise specifically to climb tiers, most of the time. I did take a 4-night cruise to get to RCI Diamond...but normally loyalty program doesn't factor in 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, aubreyc1988 said:

The loyalty programs of each cruise line sort of complement the cruise line. NCL doesn't give drink vouchers because most people just opt in for the drink package, or that is just what I like to think. 

 

I don't cruise specifically to climb tiers, most of the time. I did take a 4-night cruise to get to RCI Diamond...but normally loyalty program doesn't factor in 

I always cruise the line that offers me the best value (at the time I want to sail, on a ship I’m interested in sailing on, and an itinerary I find interesting).  Bottom line, I like to cruise.  The cruise line I cruise is secondary.

 

Getting status just means I probably have a cruise addiction, and that I need help!

[dcgrumpy]

I find that it depends on the individual cruises. There are times where it is cheaper for me to book NCL. Next month I'm paying under $2500 for a balcony on Joy with Free at Sea. But there are times where it is cheaper for me to book RCCL and pay for the drink package. 

[Jim The Lizard]

27 minutes ago, dcgrumpy said:

I find that it depends on the individual cruises. There are times where it is cheaper for me to book NCL. Next month I'm paying under $2500 for a balcony on Joy with Free at Sea. But there are times where it is cheaper for me to book RCCL and pay for the drink package. 

And I believe that to be true.  I don’t think I was wrong with the narrative being put out there by vloggers and YouTubers that NCL was the only line who raised or didn’t cut pricing.  

[bruzin_for_a_cruizin]

I've been keeping a pretty detailed spreadsheet with all my cruise budgets since 2019. I factor in the costs of:

• cruise fare (including all on-board fees like gratuities, drink packages and any dining)
• air fare
• hotels/transfers

I then subtract any OBC and calculate a cost per person, per night. Most of the cruises fall into the CAD$400-450 range pp/pn, for balconies, or even The Retreat on Celebrity (got a couple real good deals there!). 

The most expensive cruise since 2019 is our upcoming sailing on NCL Prima. We are in a balcony with Vibe access, and this one is coming in at CAD$540 pp/pn. The cheapest will be our Nov 2023 sailing on Celebrity Beyond in a sunset verandah, coming in at only CAD$340 pp/pn.

NCL Prima is the most expensive cruise I'll have ever been on. Facts.  

[Jim The Lizard]

1 hour ago, bruzin_for_a_cruizin said:

I've been keeping a pretty detailed spreadsheet with all my cruise budgets since 2019. I factor in the costs of:

• cruise fare (including all on-board fees like gratuities, drink packages and any dining)
• air fare
• hotels/transfers

I then subtract any OBC and calculate a cost per person, per night. Most of the cruises fall into the CAD$400-450 range pp/pn, for balconies, or even The Retreat on Celebrity (got a couple real good deals there!). 

The most expensive cruise since 2019 is our upcoming sailing on NCL Prima. We are in a balcony with Vibe access, and this one is coming in at CAD$540 pp/pn. The cheapest will be our Nov 2023 sailing on Celebrity Beyond in a sunset verandah, coming in at only CAD$340 pp/pn.

NCL Prima is the most expensive cruise I'll have ever been on. Facts.  

Prima is expensive.  I spent a lot of money for my upcoming March Prima cruise also with Vibe passes.  But my other NCL cruises are usually 60-70% of that new ship Prima smell!  

[gkbiiii]

When your "Loyal to Royal," the benefits are great Diamond & above.  I'm about to be Diamond Plus, so my daily comped drinks go up 4-5 a day, stocked wine in cabin, laundry included, etc.  Plus you get BOGO wine, etc.  The Diamond Lounge is great for Breakfast, Dinner, and for all day Expresso Machine!

 

New cruisers pay for my benefits, no doubt about it.  Yes Royal's drink & dining packages are outrageous: but the food in the main dining room beats NCL hands down, with menus that change daily!  The NON "Freestyle" approach is great, as the Line still has some standards for passenger dress and decorum. While the 18% bar tips are annoying, they pail in comparison to NCL!!!!   The never ending cash register of ENDLESS FEES, will add 40% of your cruise price, to the total price by cruise ending: this was proudly stated to NCL's investors by their CEO.

[luv2kroooz]

The other thing to be aware of ...NCL port fees can be way more expensive than other lines. We were looking at NCL Jewel back to back (14 days total) to Alaska in May. Base fares are decent, but port charges are $330 per week, so $660 for the 14 days. However, a voyage of the glaciers 14 day cruise on Princess has slightly higher base fares, but port charges of only $445. Also, Princess offers us a $250 shareholder OBC on a 14 day voyage whereas NCL offers $100. So, in this example, Princess comes out ahead from a pricing standpoint. So, yes, you really have to compare total fare after all taxes, fees and net of any amenity benefits that may be of interest to you.

[graphicguy]

11 hours ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Prima is expensive.  I spent a lot of money for my upcoming March Prima cruise also with Vibe passes.  But my other NCL cruises are usually 60-70% of that new ship Prima smell!  

VIBE passes are something that can’t even be bought on any of the other cruise lines (to my knowledge).

 

After reading Syd’s review of the Prima, I’m really looking for a good deal on sailing her.  That’s slim Pickens right now, though.

 

My last cruise on the Breakaway- 7day to New England/Nova Scotia in October was my all time cheapest.  

 

~$800 fare for a Club Balcony including DSC, tips a load of free laundry, Free at Sea, $150 OBC.  And, that was for a solo.  Got another LeBistro dinner, a bottle of wine and another $200 from AMEX Platinum for paying for it with their card.  Got another 2 SDP dinners and wine as well as a 2nd free laundry bag for being Sapphire.  Got another $75 from my TA for the booking. I know I bought “stuff” at the gift shop just to use up the last of my OBC.

 

Most expensive was also on the Breakaway, but in the Haven….well before the shutdown.  I know it was nearly $5K (for me and the then GF).  But, that also included about $700 OBC, drink package, 4 SDPs, etc.

 

The best VALUE was probably on Celebrity.  This was on the EDGE right after they restarted (when Capt Kate was still at her helm).  It was in the retreat in a Sky Suite.  Again, as a solo, it was around $3,500 fare.  But, AMEX Platinum kicked in $300 OBC.  My TA kicked in $300 OBC.  Celebrity gave me $600 OBC as a promo.  AND, the real kicker was there was a $1,000 price reduction after I booked.  I ended up with ~$2,200 OBC.  The Retreat includes all tips, drink package, etc (but no Speciality Dining).

 

Surprisingly, I’ve sailed Carnival a few times but they’ve never been the cheapest cruise I’ve taken.  Neither has MSC.

 

Royal has always been somewhere in the middle, but offer the fewest perks (until you reach Diamond level).  They seem to be struggling to get their act together since the restart, too.  I think it’s because I lack the decorum required  and don’t know how to dress when I sail Royal!

Edited February 17, 2023 by graphicguy

[ngrund]

Prima is going to be more expensive.

 

This was NCL's stated intention from the start with this new class of ship.

 

Fewer passengers, larger staterooms and more open deck space.

[Jim The Lizard]

28 minutes ago, ngrund said:

Prima is going to be more expensive.

 

This was NCL's stated intention from the start with this new class of ship.

 

Fewer passengers, larger staterooms and more open deck space.

Agreed.  I’m looking forward to enjoying some of the differences from Breakaway class.  Will determine then if the additional expense is worth to continue on Prima class!  

[Jim The Lizard]

6 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

When your "Loyal to Royal," the benefits are great Diamond & above.  I'm about to be Diamond Plus, so my daily comped drinks go up 4-5 a day, stocked wine in cabin, laundry included, etc.  Plus you get BOGO wine, etc.  The Diamond Lounge is great for Breakfast, Dinner, and for all day Expresso Machine!

 

New cruisers pay for my benefits, no doubt about it.  Yes Royal's drink & dining packages are outrageous: but the food in the main dining room beats NCL hands down, with menus that change daily!  The NON "Freestyle" approach is great, as the Line still has some standards for passenger dress and decorum. While the 18% bar tips are annoying, they pail in comparison to NCL!!!!   The never ending cash register of ENDLESS FEES, will add 40% of your cruise price, to the total price by cruise ending: this was proudly stated to NCL's investors by their CEO.

Sorry.  I don’t pay 40% over my cruise fare in fees.  That’s a pretty big number to throw out there.  

[schmoopie17]

15 minutes ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Will determine then if the additional expense is worth to continue on Prima class!  

It's not. Go to the CC Reviews page and read the reviews on Prima (including mine from a couple of weeks ago). The Prima gets a 2.9 rating (poor...and dropping with each new review). It's definitely not worth the inflated expense to experience that new ship smell.

Edited February 17, 2023 by schmoopie17

[cruiseny4life]

6 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

When your "Loyal to Royal," the benefits are great Diamond & above.  I'm about to be Diamond Plus, so my daily comped drinks go up 4-5 a day, stocked wine in cabin, laundry included, etc.  Plus you get BOGO wine, etc.  The Diamond Lounge is great for Breakfast, Dinner, and for all day Expresso Machine!

 

New cruisers pay for my benefits, no doubt about it.  Yes Royal's drink & dining packages are outrageous: but the food in the main dining room beats NCL hands down, with menus that change daily!  The NON "Freestyle" approach is great, as the Line still has some standards for passenger dress and decorum. While the 18% bar tips are annoying, they pail in comparison to NCL!!!!   The never ending cash register of ENDLESS FEES, will add 40% of your cruise price, to the total price by cruise ending: this was proudly stated to NCL's investors by their CEO.

I appreciate how you didn't actually add facts to your post....well except 18% bar tips. NCL is really, really, like vastly different at a whopping 20%. Did you know on my upcoming seven day cruise, I'm paying $170.40 in gratuity for two free meals in a somewhat crappy specialty restaurant and unlimited drinks? I don't think that's endless fees. 

 

Ugh, what the heck man? You have me here defending NCL(H). This is insufferable torture! That's how you know you're out of line...when I actually sit here defending NCL's policies. 

 

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

 They seem to be struggling to get their act together since the restart, too.  I think it’s because I lack the decorum required  and don’t know how to dress when I sail Royal!

Hahahaha, based on everything I've been reading on Royal's Cruise Critic threads I think they're letting the riff raff like me in. I've added them to my future cruise plans. Mainly one of the Icon of the Seas Suites since they've finally decided to get an all-suites neighborhood thingie-ma-jig. I'll be taking the decorum in the (not so great, from reviews) Coastal Kitchen to an all new-low with my flippe floppies, t-shirt, and shorts! 

[4774Papa]

We used to cruise more on NCL until they price bundled the basic fare with drink packages, etc. that we don't want.   Wife and I may drink a couple of glasses of wine a day, or maybe not.

We rarely find NCL the best deal.

We compare NCL with Celebrity, Royal C. and Princess and Royal C. usually comes out the best.  

NCL and Royal C. both have great entertainment, but Celebrity's dining is the best.

Also, for ship design, we prefer Celebrity, then Royal and last NCL.   

 

Further, we like tranatlantic cruises and most of NCL's TA cruises are out of NYC, which eliminates them because of the cost for us to fly to NYC from JAX Florida.

[Jim The Lizard]

49 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

It's not. Go to the CC Reviews page and read the reviews on Prima (including mine from a couple of weeks ago). The Prima gets a 2.9 rating (poor...and dropping with each new review). It's definitely not worth the inflated expense to experience that new ship smell.

I agree reviews are bad.  But I’ll argue that when Encore, Bliss, Escape rolled out reviews were bad too (I read all of them!).  Prima is the first big jump in years for NCL regarding shipbuild, design, upgrades.   And like Celebrity cruisers who despise Edge, Beyond, preferring Sillouhette and Reflection ships, let's see how it plays out.  

[ngrund]

47 minutes ago, Jim The Lizard said:

I agree reviews are bad.  But I’ll argue that when Encore, Bliss, Escape rolled out reviews were bad too (I read all of them!).  Prima is the first big jump in years for NCL regarding shipbuild, design, upgrades.   And like Celebrity cruisers who despise Edge, Beyond, preferring Sillouhette and Reflection ships, let's see how it plays out.  

 

Those that like any new design will like it for the reasons that the ones that don't, don't..

 

To each their own-

 

Keep calm and cruise on!

 

 

Edited February 17, 2023 by ngrund

[Cruising Lynne]

9 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

When your "Loyal to Royal," the benefits are great Diamond & above.  I'm about to be Diamond Plus, so my daily comped drinks go up 4-5 a day, stocked wine in cabin, laundry included, etc.  Plus you get BOGO wine, etc.  The Diamond Lounge is great for Breakfast, Dinner, and for all day Expresso Machine!

 

New cruisers pay for my benefits, no doubt about it.  Yes Royal's drink & dining packages are outrageous: but the food in the main dining room beats NCL hands down, with menus that change daily!  The NON "Freestyle" approach is great, as the Line still has some standards for passenger dress and decorum. While the 18% bar tips are annoying, they pail in comparison to NCL!!!!   The never ending cash register of ENDLESS FEES, will add 40% of your cruise price, to the total price by cruise ending: this was proudly stated to NCL's investors by their CEO.

I have cruised many times on Royal and NCL. Both have added fees. Every time I order a drink on Royal I am shocked at how expensive it is. I still think NCLs "Free at Sea" is a good value if you like to have a few cocktails each day. Free at Sea also includes some internet time and money towards excursions. NCL still has a passenger dress code for their fancier MDR and certain specialty restaurants. I dislike the NON Freestyle dining and prefer to go to dinner when we want to and eat dinner at our own pace without waiting for others to finish that extra app etc. Only Prima has the menu that does not change. It is a big menu with many options. 

[Jim The Lizard]

4 hours ago, ngrund said:

 

Those that like any new design will like it for the reasons that the ones that don't, don't..

 

To each their own-

 

Keep calm and cruise on!

 

 

Exactamundo.  I have no idea if I will like it.  Avoiding to some, I should just accept the reviews and cancel my sailing.   Let others decide for me.   Sounds like a good idea.  

[BirdTravels]

On 2/16/2023 at 10:18 AM, aubreyc1988 said:

I was expecting Starlink to be amazing and it was just OK. I mean, pretty good for being at sea but I didn't think it was any faster than what Royal had before on their stream package...although I know some people will disagree with me

Well.... that's sad 😞 

 

And you know that Starlink will only go down hill from here. All of that data needs to funnel to a terrestrial interface to the real internet. As more and more ship users start Starlink-ing, the point where all of that surfing and streaming leaves Elon's world and enters the real internet world will become the choke point.  

 

Kinda like during the pandemic shutdown... "Look how fast I can drive around the city"... but as more and more people started using their cars again ... the roads backed up and speeds came to a crawl. We'll give Elon another 18 moths before he is crawling and his satellites start to age and fail. 

[gkbiiii]

9 hours ago, Jim The Lizard said:

Sorry.  I don’t pay 40% over my cruise fare in fees.  That’s a pretty big number to throw out there.  

The chairman of NCL stated this, in their shareholder's meeting: the average (not you personally) guest cabin, generates 40% additional of their fare paid.  Everything on an NCL vessel is geared to this.  It is fleetwide and Prima is the apex to the mastery, & evolution of this corporate ideal. 

[Cruising Lynne]

1 hour ago, gkbiiii said:

The chairman of NCL stated this, in their shareholder's meeting: the average (not you personally) guest cabin, generates 40% additional of their fare paid.  Everything on an NCL vessel is geared to this.  It is fleetwide and Prima is the apex to the mastery, & evolution of this corporate ideal. 

There are many things on NCL and RCCL that generate additional money for each cruise line. Both have shops, casinos, expensive spa services, art auctions, added fee restaurants, and added fee attractions (indoor skydiving on RCCL, Go-Karts on NCL) etc... You can choose what extras you want to pay for, and what you can do without.