NCL Star Remove DSC

[Pevil]

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

 

[pete_coach]

So you will punish the cabin stewards, laundry folks, serving staff etc because a decision was made for reasons that are not yet clear?

 

The Captain and Corporate won't be impacted with your punishment, just the folks low on the totem pole..

Edited February 17 by pete_coach

[Davechipp74]

20 minutes ago, pete_coach said:

So you will punish the cabin stewards, laundry folks, serving staff etc because a decision was made for reasons that are not yet clear?

 

The Captain and Corporate won't be impacted with your punishment, just the folks low on the totem pole..

This is exactly what I came here to say, how do people not know this? 

 

When I went to Antarctica in '07 I had to get a job (5 months) welding, and construction on part of the EHT array, to be part of that project was so "cool" pun intended

Edited February 17 by Davechipp74

[graphicguy]

47 minutes ago, Pevil said:

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

 

I don't understand how the DSC and port changes are inter related?  You won't be punishing NCL, just the cruise personnel.

Edited February 17 by graphicguy

[JandC_Cruising]

37 minutes ago, Pevil said:

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

 

I understand the disappointment as the itinerary is a "bucket list" item for most everyone on the ship, but there are risks in any itinerary. 

I will not bother quoting the "T&C" on this as I'm sure you know they can make changes to itineraries for countless reasons without any compensation to the passengers.

I certainly hope they provide some OBC and FCC credit for the change.  We received OBC and 10% FCC for missed ports in Europe this past summer, so I would be shocked if something doesn't get credited to all guest once on board.

Like others have already stated, I don't believe removing the DSC, which compensates the staff who will be servicing you throughout your cruise, is the proper approach.

 

If it were me and I got no OBC or other credit I would modify what I typically do on the NCL ships:

- I would not buy any Cruise Next Certificates (and i always buy those) and I would tell the GM exactly why I am not buying them this time.

- I would avoid extra expenses on-board (less at casino, nothing at jewelry store, no spa treatments, for example) and again explain to the GM why.

In short, I would do everything in my power (short of penalizing those who continue to do the daily service) to make my on-board account close to zero!

In all honestly, for my typical cruises, that would deprive NCL of a larger dollar amount than cancelling the DSC.

 

That said, there is ZERO correlation to what is happening today and what is posted online for the '24-'25 Itineraries.  I don't understand why you would think they would change those just because this February, they are not able to cruise to those destinations.

 

I hope you still are able to enjoy the cruise and see amazing sights none the less!

 

[cheersforbeers]

1 hour ago, Pevil said:

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

Cancel your whole cruise, that’ll really show them. 

[www3traveler]

30 minutes ago, JandC_Cruising said:

I understand the disappointment as the itinerary is a "bucket list" item for most everyone on the ship, but there are risks in any itinerary. 

I will not bother quoting the "T&C" on this as I'm sure you know they can make changes to itineraries for countless reasons without any compensation to the passengers.

I certainly hope they provide some OBC and FCC credit for the change.  We received OBC and 10% FCC for missed ports in Europe this past summer, so I would be shocked if something doesn't get credited to all guest once on board.

Like others have already stated, I don't believe removing the DSC, which compensates the staff who will be servicing you throughout your cruise, is the proper approach.

 

If it were me and I got no OBC or other credit I would modify what I typically do on the NCL ships:

- I would not buy any Cruise Next Certificates (and i always buy those) and I would tell the GM exactly why I am not buying them this time.

- I would avoid extra expenses on-board (less at casino, nothing at jewelry store, no spa treatments, for example) and again explain to the GM why.

In short, I would do everything in my power (short of penalizing those who continue to do the daily service) to make my on-board account close to zero!

In all honestly, for my typical cruises, that would deprive NCL of a larger dollar amount than cancelling the DSC.

 

That said, there is ZERO correlation to what is happening today and what is posted online for the '24-'25 Itineraries.  I don't understand why you would think they would change those just because this February, they are not able to cruise to those destinations.

 

I hope you still are able to enjoy the cruise and see amazing sights none the less!

 

Part of what you are saying makes sense.

 

However: (1) The Cruise next people work on commission, the more they sell the more they make.  No sales means no income for them and (2) Jewelry store employees and the spa personnel are sub-contractors again no sales, they lose income.  Is it fair to punish them for something they have no control over?

[cruiseny4life]

Yes, I would employ this tactic if no other compensation were provided or clear communication is not given. Here's what you can do to alleviate the impact to the crew (which won't be impacted by not paying anyway, but i digress):

 

- tip those you interact with and who provide good service. In this case, I would even tip main dining room servers and buffet employees that clean my table. 

- write a lot of Hero Cards and turn them in before disembarking.

- leave a well- written and thoughtful note in the Dear GM Box and during the post cruise survey. 

- discuss your methods with fellow travelers and get more of them to do the same. Just don't do so in an annoying Vegan Teacher way. 

- consider canceling any future bookings you have with NCL. Be sure to let them know it's due to their shoddy communication. There might be a good reason for this change, but that has certainly not been well- communicated. 

- finally, do everything in your power to enjoy the cruise despite the change and lack of communication. 

 

Don't argue with folks on here as they won't have the same opinion as you and I. Your method is an impactful way to register your displeasure. 

Edited February 17 by cruiseny4life

[JandC_Cruising]

Just now, www3traveler said:

Part of what you are saying makes sense.

 

However: (1) The Cruise next people work on commission, the more they sell the more they make.  No sales means no income for them and (2) Jewelry store employees and the spa personnel are sub-contractors again no sales, they lose income.  Is it fair to punish them for something they have no control over?

We could go overboard (no pun intended) on saying how not buying something punishes others.

 

My point is that the DSC is specifically for services that will absolutely be provided (steward cleaning the cabin, sheets and towels being washed, decks being cleaned, etc.) since one is already on the cruise ship and requiring those specific services.

 

My intent would be to "withhold" purchases that otherwise provide bottom line revenue to NCL.   This is completely different since my decision is to not spend MORE of my money on that cruise.

 

[HEATH3913]

If you have FAS, order 1000 drinks and pour them out.

[JandC_Cruising]

1 minute ago, HEATH3913 said:

If you have FAS, order 1000 drinks and pour them out.

at only 2 drinks at a time, that would be one way to keep busy during that extra sea day! 

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Don't argue with folks on here as they won't have the same opinion as you and I.

 

When someone starts a thread with "...remove DSC" in the title, an argument will certainly follow. 

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, Pevil said:

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

 

Why would you screw the hard working staff on the ship that work endless hours to serve YOU. 
 

You want to show YOUR displeasure, cancel the cruise. 

[kitkat343]

Could you please let us know if NCL offers the current passengers or the passengers on your sailing any compensation?  Or if you. hear anything about how this is resolved?   I'm sorry this happened and I hope you enjoy the parts of Antartica you are still able to see.

[pete_coach]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Why would you screw the hard working staff on the ship that work endless hours to serve YOU. 
 

You want to show YOUR displeasure, cancel the cruise. 

Absolutely. Boycott NCL. 🙂

Protest and show your displeasure against corporate NCL with your wallet .

 

[Yesimapirate]

5 hours ago, Davechipp74 said:

This is exactly what I came here to say, how do people not know this? 

 

When I went to Antarctica in '07 I had to get a job (5 months) welding, and construction on part of the EHT array, to be part of that project was so "cool" pun intended

People know this.  They just don't care.   

 

Not paying anything extra, including service fees to hard working crew, is a way to tell yourself you're sticking it to NCL, the man, the government,  etc.  It's how some people psychological deal with something with which they have no control.  They incorrectly think it's empowering them. 

 

Personally,  I'd sit down with the GM and acknowledge that I understand this was outside his control, explain how important this trip was and share how disappointed I am and ask what he can do to alleviate some of the disappointment.   I'd then counter and ask for something slightly more but not unreasonable. 

 

You have to keep in mind 2 different things in situations like this.  The crew chose to work in hospitality and there's a very good chance they want to make a guest happy when they're empowered to do so.  Secondly,  human nature is to take the easiest way out.  Make it easier for them to give you what you want or something close to it and more often than not you'll be satisfied. 

[pghflyer]

I appreciate the need to protest, but please don't misdirect your rage at the common working staff on the ship who had no say in what happened, and whom I am sure are having to deal with a lot of bad tempered passengers.   Now, if they are giving you bad service, that is another discussion..........

[Greenpea2]

8 hours ago, Pevil said:

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

 

I only got this far and amthinking... uh oh.  

[rodndonna]

I assume the appeal of your suggested form of "protest" to NCL management is that it is easy and you save yourself some money. 

 

As others have stated, PLEASE do not attempt to justify stiffing crew members by calling it a "protest" against NCL itinerary decisions.

[Greenpea2]

I am not sure I understand why some people expect some sort of restitution for an itinerary change...as long as you don';t have to pay port taxes for a port you did not go to, what else is reasonable to expect? Of COURSE a port change is disappointing--I totally understand that. It's happened to me (as probably for anyone who has cruised a long time) and it can stink. And it can be super disappointing, no argument. But. It IS something that can happen. You are clearly TOLD it can in the paperwork you receive. I don't get it.

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, rodndonna said:

I assume the appeal of your suggested form of "protest" to NCL management is that it is easy and you save yourself some money. 

 

As others have stated, PLEASE do not attempt to justify stiffing crew members by calling it a "protest" against NCL itinerary decisions.

Some are looking for an excuse, any excuse, to cancel the DSC.

[Pevil]

OP here.  I have read everyones comments and a great thing about this message board is everyone can express their opinion and you agree or not.

 

I will be boarding this cruise tommorrow and will have a great 14 day cruise.  I will check in with customer service and see if there is a better explanation for the itinerary change other than to enhance my cruise experience, which is the only explanaion ncl has provided to me to date.

 

I am unplugging for the next 14 days but will post an update post cruise.

[david_sobe]

NCL will not change any explanation.  They are locked in and will have no more comment.  If they did change their statement things would get so much worse.  Imagine if they said something like:  Due to some propulsion issues the Star must sail slower and the itinerary must change.  Heads would explode and NCL has many more sailings to do on the Star.  This reminds me of one of those old Soviet Union statements.  We can laugh at it because we know its not true.  However no matter how much you protest nothing is going to change.  You have no other option but to go on your cruise.  Life is short.  You will have an amazing time. 

[wintertexancruiser]

10 hours ago, Pevil said:

I am on the Feb 18th Antartica cruise, which ncl has removed an Antartica sailing day and added an extra sea day betwwen Falkland Island and Buenos Aires.

 

To protest this change I am considering removing the DSC because:

 

1.   The only communication I have received from ncl is that the change was made to enhance the guest expereince.   As a guest there is no way this itinerary change can be considered an enhancement.   Others have posted there is a go slow order but ncl has not provided that information to me as an affected guest.

 

2.  The itinerary change will shorten the cruise total distance significantly and will allow the Star to cruise at a slower speed which will add up to major fuel cost savings.  Instead of ncl making a goodwill gesture and passing these savings onto its guests in the form of an obc, ncl is pocketing the savings.

 

3.  For the 2024-25 Star sailings for this itinerary, ncl website is showing the original itinerary, not our revised itinerary.   So there will be no go slow order next year?

 

We board the Star tommorrow.  Maybe ncl will provide a better explanation for the itinerary change once on board.  If not, a trip to guest services to remove the dsc may be the only way to protest the change.

 

Oh my gosh, This makes no sense to give the hardworking staff less money. Shameful

 

10 hours ago, Pevil said:

 

 

[mistertomatoe]

Somehow cruises booked from NCL Australia don't have DSC and the crew is still compensated. NCL has it in their power to figure out how much to pay their crew. One person removing the DSC for one cruise is a drop in the bucket. NCL will survive. No one's going to get fired because of it.

 

When someone removes the DSC, it is NCL that is punishing the crew. They don't always have an idea why a person is removing the DSC. Maybe it's cultural. Maybe it's the damn toilet they can't fix. Maybe the room just smells off.  Maybe you got food poisoning and were laid up the whole cruise. Maybe you lost way more money in the casino than any DSC would ever cover. There are a million reasons. They also don't know if you're tipping with cash or maybe they do but then how do they share that. It's not like NCL will tell us how this all works. This whole "the guest is punishing the crew" is corporate bull that the marketing people probably pushed to get more bookings and money from guests. Crew members should also not take it personally and know it might not even be anything they did or have any control over. Even if it seems like they are the ones screwing up, it might be NCL that's understaffing. Actually, this is a fact.

 

If you want to punish the crew, complain about them to NCL by name in writing. If you want to make it clear removing the DSC isn't about them, you can state it on the form you sign or mention those people on your hero card. Or tip them cash. I know you can't get everyone but at least you can cover your cabin steward or the dining staff.

 

It's my money. If they give me the option to remove the charges, I will consider it. It's the NUCLEAR option. To get to that point it'll depend on a lot of factors like how guest services responses, how much I paid for the cruise, if the issues are resolved, what compensation if any are given, how I'm feeling, how much I've spent while onboard, how many times I get laid, am I pooping regularly, etc.