Norwegians shocking demise of quality on all fronts

[smillerholmes]

On 3/10/2024 at 2:44 PM, graphicguy said:

I find the pricing info provided by NCL easy to figure out.  I’m looking at this on on the Joy in Sept.

 

Last month my final bill on the Prima was -65 cents.  Was able to get really close to what my final out of pocket would be!

 

The newest one I’m considering looks like this…

 

PRICE SUMMARY

Total

$2,673.60 

STATEROOM

2 Guests

• Balcony 

  $3,676 

  50% Off All Cruises

  $1,838

FREE AT SEA

• Open Bar

  Selected
• Specialty Dining

  Selected
• Shore Excursions

  Included
• WiFi

  Included

+MORE OFFERS

• 50% Off All Cruises

  Included
• 2-For-1 Deposits

  Included

• Subtotal 

  $1,838 
• Gov. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses 

  $490.80 
• Open Bar Gratuities 

  $305.20 
• Specialty Dining Gratuities 

  $39.60 

Total Due

$2,673.60

Hey Now! I'm on the Joy the first two weeks of September - would love to party with a fellow Ohioan 😁

[PATRLR]

15 minutes ago, bkrickles1 said:

Sorry. It was a joke. 

Obviously just in my mind. 

Lol 😂 

yeah, sorry, went right over my head for sure...

[smillerholmes]

On 3/10/2024 at 2:02 PM, SeaShark said:

To sum up the entire thread (independent of the overblown drama built into the title as clickbait):

 

What is familiarity breeds contempt syndrome?
The ancient saying, "Familiarity breeds contempt," posits that as our familiarity with something or someone deepens, our initial warmth can wane, giving rise to negative sentiments and attitudes.

Wow - that was deep, and yet refreshingly appropriate.  Bravo!

[Travelling2Some]

7 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

when i was on the prima last year, at one of my meals in onda, there was a guy a few tables away who was rather disruptive filming his entire meal, with two other guests, who looked like they may have bene his parents. i couldn't hear what they were saying, but the episode was completely disruptive because he kept two bright ring lights on almost the whole meal, casting light well beyond his table. and he was wearing a rather large rig that contained the lighting and camera equipment. in my opinion, it was undignified and not in keeping with the ambience of the restaurant. i thought at the time that it should have been banned in the same way shorts and flip flops are banned.

In the same vein, we were having dinner in Cucina on the Bliss when the cast of SIX suddenly co-opted the venue for a photo shoot.  They were quite loud, laughing and calling back and forth to each other and it was very disruptive to those of us who were hoping for a quiet (even romantic?) dinner.  It was a FAS meal or I would have been seriously ticked and complained.

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

Hey Now! I'm on the Joy the first two weeks of September - would love to party with a fellow Ohioan 😁

Cool!  Looking seriously at the 9/10 sailing!  

[Grammymongi]

11 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Cool!  Looking seriously at the 9/10 sailing!  

Ohioan here! 😁 not sailing until November though.

[graphicguy]

43 minutes ago, Grammymongi said:

Ohioan here! 😁 not sailing until November though.

Move it up a couple of months.  We could have a sizable Buckeye presence!  LOL!

[cruiseny4life]

16 hours ago, PATRLR said:

Aren't those the two guys who got in a big tiff on NCL because the Haven concierge wouldn't let them eat in the Haven restaurant at a time when they felt they should be able to eat in the Haven?  As I recall, they were not staying in Haven.

I'm trying my best not to stray into any of the fracas about these two and MSC as I still don't know how I feel...but I do want to point out that Ben and David are NOT the two who got into it with the concierge. 

[bkrickles1]

21 hours ago, graphicguy said:

I guess the take away from all this is "the shocking demise of quality across the board" is really none of those things.  Changes?  For sure.  If you don't like the changes, then I can see having to go in a different direction.

I've been following this thread since it began and the title gets to me every time.

Norwegians shocking demise of quality on all fronts

Everyone, of course, is entitled to their own opinions of what quality is or what the demise of quality is but a shocking demise of quality on all fronts. I just think that's a bit over the top and I agree with what you've posted above.

There have been cutbacks and changes. These cutbacks and changes could be a detriment to veteran cruisers that would know the difference and it could negatively impact their experience.

But "shocking demise of quality on all fronts"? I haven't seen it in my limited experience and I don't believe it to be true.

Demise definition: the end of something that was previously considered to be powerful, such as a business, industry, or system

It basically means the death of something or someone. Is that what the op and some on here are saying? That NCL is at the hospice care moment in their existence? Lol!!

Again, I don't see it and reading a couple of the live reviews that are taking place right now on Bliss and Breakaway, I'm more confident that it's a terrible description.

These folks, that are obviously not first time cruisers, are describing an experience on 2 different ships, that should be instilling confidence that NCL is doing their best to bring a great product to the masses at a very screwy time in our world. It's not easy and it's not perfect!

These live reviews have been describing good food, good to excellent service and a variety of entertainment. Again, it might not be for everyone so if you don't like the cutbacks and changes, go find something better that suits YOU! I and many, many others still see good value in NCL's product and I will continue to consider them in the future. 

I sailed Joy last July and, personally, experienced some of the cutbacks and changes. Not as much as some have as the entertainment had not changed yet, but I still saw some of it.

I hate to admit it, but I did miss the turn down/2nd cleanup in my cabin. We did overcome it quite easily as we had an excellent steward who made sure we had everything we needed and was super responsive. Other than that, our sailing was really no different than the ones we took on Escape and Encore in 2018 and 2020. The food, service and entertainment quality was virtually the same and was far from the demise on all fronts that the title of this thread alludes to.

And, because of that, we're booked to sail Getaway in 37 days and expect to have a wonderful time as we've done on all of our cruises.

The cutbacks and changes aren't for everyone but the death of quality is greatly exaggerated, in my opinion.

Lastly, if I was new to NCL or new to cruising and came across this thread, it might deter me from even looking into NCL as an option. It's a scary title and I think a bit unfair.

[KKB]

On 2/28/2024 at 11:41 AM, JT222 said:

Hi to all

 

I’m interested in everybody’s feedback regarding NCL product these days. As a very loyal cruiser to NCL I have decided not to book with them again! Since Del Rio left there has been a MASSIVE drop in quality from food to service to entertainment.( This could also just be coincidence or result of covid debts).Is it us or are other loyalists of the same opinion? Even senior management (Katty Byrd) can not be bothered to respond to questions. 
 

The food quality has plummeted in all venues INCLUDING SPECIALITY. The Shrimp in Cagneys was cheap and crunchy. The buffet is repeated and boring to say the least, The entertainment poor. Guest services rude and miserable, Bar staff understaffed( along with many other departments) and overworked. 
 

I could go on and on but more than anything I’m so sad that this once excellent cruise line has become so poor. So are we alone in this thought or are other loyalists feeling the same? To senior management I challenge you to join me on a cruise of MY CHOICE undercover to see what your decisions have done. Enjoy the boom now but when things calm down you will suffer as people go elsewhere. 
 

I would also like to invite management to discuss their love of the environment. Selling a cruise and then changing the itinerary to save fuel is NOT done for the environment. It’s to SAVE MONEY. So sell the cruise with less stops initially so environmental lovers can book and feel so good about it!

 

Anyway, what’s all your thoughts and maybe someone will listen before the damage is not reversible.

 
Regards

I was worried about this after our Encore cruise in Dec. of 2022.

Shows were being cut...and this cruise was definitely short staffed.

Waits for everything, crew clearly stretched thin.

We thought--this is the way the wind is blowing.

 

LUCKILY DD & I had the Breakaway already booked for Aug 2023 to the Med.

NONE of the issues from the Encore were apparent (other than the cutting of the Broadway shows fleetwide).

 

DH & I sailed the Prima in January--the food & drinks were the best we have had on our 6 NCL cruises & our Los Lobos meal surprisingly is one of the top 5 meals we have ever had on a ship. 

 

We travel a lot.

I learned a long time ago never to pass judgement on any brand after a one-off.

Tried MSC for 12 days in Feb & thought "meh, not crazy abou this line"

Had them booked for 20 days in May already.

After those 20 days I've determined it isn't my cup of tea.

Might be for others.

The beauty of cruising is that there are many options for all kinds of tastes.

[graphicguy]

30 minutes ago, KKB said:

I was worried about this after our Encore cruise in Dec. of 2022.

Shows were being cut...and this cruise was definitely short staffed.

Waits for everything, crew clearly stretched thin.

We thought--this is the way the wind is blowing.

 

LUCKILY DD & I had the Breakaway already booked for Aug 2023 to the Med.

NONE of the issues from the Encore were apparent (other than the cutting of the Broadway shows fleetwide).

 

DH & I sailed the Prima in January--the food & drinks were the best we have had on our 6 NCL cruises & our Los Lobos meal surprisingly is one of the top 5 meals we have ever had on a ship. 

 

We travel a lot.

I learned a long time ago never to pass judgement on any brand after a one-off.

Tried MSC for 12 days in Feb & thought "meh, not crazy abou this line"

Had them booked for 20 days in May already.

After those 20 days I've determined it isn't my cup of tea.

Might be for others.

The beauty of cruising is that there are many options for all kinds of tastes.

Kind of feel the same way about MSC....not really my cup of tea.  But, no issues with those who like them.  Their customer service issues are taking some shots.  That was my biggest issue with them.  Not going to get into my problems, but I guess I'm not alone.

 

Still, if you like MSC, cruise them.

 

I think we're outliers.  I loved the Prima, too.  But, saw a couple of posts where people did not like her.  C'est la vie!

Edited March 13 by graphicguy

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I think we're outliers.  I loved the Prima, too.  But, saw a couple of posts where people did not like her.  C'est la vie!

I enjoyed Pr1ma too. In fact, I'd jump onboard again in a heartbeat...if the price is right and I knew the experience would be the same as when I booked - which it likely won't be (I've covered that in enough detail already). My husband, would not. He'll stick with the Breakaway/Breakaway Plus ships. 

 

As for "a couple of posts?" We're all known for exaggerating...but, come on now. Let's at least be on the same earth. We all know it's way more than a couple. 

 

Alas, even though there's a nice itinerary in May on Getaway, out of NYC, we've both made the decision to stay away from cruises for the time being. The industry is in far too much flux at the moment. 

[KKB]

7 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Kind of feel the same way about MSC....not really my cup of tea.  But, no issues with those who like them.  Their customer service issues are taking some shots.  That was my biggest issue with them.  Not going to get into my problems, but I guess I'm not alone.

 

Still, if you like MSC, cruise them.

 

I think we're outliers.  I loved the Prima, too.  But, saw a couple of posts where people did not like her.  C'est la vie!

I admit I prefer the Getaway & Breakaway class ship design better overall-mostly better flow. (except the casino & smoke...blech)

But Prima has some things I like better over those as well--Indulge, Deck 8 pools. 

If I could pick & choose the things I love from each ship I sail, I'd have the perfect ship!

[cruiseny4life]

2 minutes ago, KKB said:

I admit I prefer the Getaway & Breakaway class ship design better overall-mostly better flow. (except the casino & smoke...blech)

But Prima has some things I like better over those as well--Indulge, Deck 8 pools. 

If I could pick & choose the things I love from each ship I sail, I'd have the perfect ship!

Oh my! Don't try to "design" your own ship. After all, you're not a maritime engineer! It just can't be done here on these boards!!! (Apologies if you missed the thread where folks berated us dreamers). 

 

Anyway - Indulge! Yesssssss please!!! Every ship! It's one of the best food venues onboard any ship I've been on - Carnival Triumph (you know, of poop cruise glory), NCL Getaway, Joy, and Pr1ma. I'm a very experienced cruiser, after all. 🙂 

[PATRLR]

37 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Oh my! Don't try to "design" your own ship. After all, you're not a maritime engineer! It just can't be done here on these boards!!! (Apologies if you missed the thread where folks berated us dreamers). 

Not only can we not redesign a ship, we really shouldn't waste our time commenting on the good or bad of a ship's design.  Everything is designed correctly because maritime engineers did the designing and we're not maritime engineers.  😉 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

I enjoyed Pr1ma too. In fact, I'd jump onboard again in a heartbeat...if the price is right and I knew the experience would be the same as when I booked - which it likely won't be (I've covered that in enough detail already). My husband, would not. He'll stick with the Breakaway/Breakaway Plus ships. 

 

As for "a couple of posts?" We're all known for exaggerating...but, come on now. Let's at least be on the same earth. We all know it's way more than a couple. 

 

Alas, even though there's a nice itinerary in May on Getaway, out of NYC, we've both made the decision to stay away from cruises for the time being. The industry is in far too much flux at the moment. 

 

1 hour ago, KKB said:

I admit I prefer the Getaway & Breakaway class ship design better overall-mostly better flow. (except the casino & smoke...blech)

But Prima has some things I like better over those as well--Indulge, Deck 8 pools. 

If I could pick & choose the things I love from each ship I sail, I'd have the perfect ship!

The "AWAY (+)" ships have a soft spot for me.  I do love me some Prima and Epic,  but the "AWAY" ships are what I keep gravitating towards when I start looking for NCL cruises.  They just seem to cruise to the geography I like (Bermuda, Alaska, Europe).  Albeit, I did have a grand time on my last Eastern Canadian cruise I took.  Looking at that one right now.

[JT222]

On 3/13/2024 at 1:36 PM, bkrickles1 said:

I've been following this thread since it began and the title gets to me every time.

Norwegians shocking demise of quality on all fronts

Everyone, of course, is entitled to their own opinions of what quality is or what the demise of quality is but a shocking demise of quality on all fronts. I just think that's a bit over the top and I agree with what you've posted above.

There have been cutbacks and changes. These cutbacks and changes could be a detriment to veteran cruisers that would know the difference and it could negatively impact their experience.

But "shocking demise of quality on all fronts"? I haven't seen it in my limited experience and I don't believe it to be true.

Demise definition: the end of something that was previously considered to be powerful, such as a business, industry, or system

It basically means the death of something or someone. Is that what the op and some on here are saying? That NCL is at the hospice care moment in their existence? Lol!!

Again, I don't see it and reading a couple of the live reviews that are taking place right now on Bliss and Breakaway, I'm more confident that it's a terrible description.

These folks, that are obviously not first time cruisers, are describing an experience on 2 different ships, that should be instilling confidence that NCL is doing their best to bring a great product to the masses at a very screwy time in our world. It's not easy and it's not perfect!

These live reviews have been describing good food, good to excellent service and a variety of entertainment. Again, it might not be for everyone so if you don't like the cutbacks and changes, go find something better that suits YOU! I and many, many others still see good value in NCL's product and I will continue to consider them in the future. 

I sailed Joy last July and, personally, experienced some of the cutbacks and changes. Not as much as some have as the entertainment had not changed yet, but I still saw some of it.

I hate to admit it, but I did miss the turn down/2nd cleanup in my cabin. We did overcome it quite easily as we had an excellent steward who made sure we had everything we needed and was super responsive. Other than that, our sailing was really no different than the ones we took on Escape and Encore in 2018 and 2020. The food, service and entertainment quality was virtually the same and was far from the demise on all fronts that the title of this thread alludes to.

And, because of that, we're booked to sail Getaway in 37 days and expect to have a wonderful time as we've done on all of our cruises.

The cutbacks and changes aren't for everyone but the death of quality is greatly exaggerated, in my opinion.

Lastly, if I was new to NCL or new to cruising and came across this thread, it might deter me from even looking into NCL as an option. It's a scary title and I think a bit unfair.

 

[JT222]

Wow

 

The condescending comments from people like you get to me too. Your “everybody is entitled to their own opinion” but actually they are not because I’m here to tell you you are wrong attitude is  irritating to say the least.

 

Put your dictionary away and start your own thread if you want to bore us people that Were very passionate about this brand. “go find something that better suits YOU”. How patronising are you! If you had a favourite food and they changed the ingredients would you not be disappointed? It tasted cheaper but still cost as much!

 

May I also add FYI that cruisers in Europe pay significantly higher fares for their cruises than those in the North American market and that is not even including the additional costs of paying $2000.00+ to fly 10 hours plus to cross the Atlantic in both directions.

 

So in all politeness set up your own NCL is wonderful for the masses thread so you can all compare dictionaries, quotes, and how else you can string a pile of nonsense together in your search for superiority! You must of been on my recent cruises with me, maybe you were under my bed as you seem to know more about my experience onboard than I do! But we are all entitled to our opinion………unless you disagree!

 

”That NCL is at the hospice care of their existence! Lol!”

That arrogant comment says more about you than it does me oh superior one! That’s the difference between people like you and me. I find a cruise line and product I like. I tell everybody how great they are and spend thousands more because I know what I will experience and receive onboard.(and yes as you seem to know everything you will know how expensive such cruises are from other side of the pond). 
 

But all of a sudden, the food is worse, the entertainment has gone down hill, the choices in buffet are poor, the service has deteriorated….and I dared to make a thread to share my thoughts. To all of you that disagree that’s fine. But don’t belittle my opinion like you are more entitled to a voice than me. Set up your own thread and let us loyal and genuine NCL cruisers share our disappointment in the hope they will take things onboard. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[L1211]

On 3/8/2024 at 1:03 PM, cruiseny4life said:

This thread saddens me. First, simply because I can't trust NCL to provide the product I book. I've spent too much time discussing that here. 

 

But more importantly, because some folks think we "whiners" are looking for compensation or are just complaining about little things. I know that I have not demanded NCL compensate me for anything in this thread. I don't need anything from NCL. My previous vacations were fine. Actually they were great! 

And that's the issue. I had great experiences onboard NCL ships. The crew were wonderful. They provided lovely service. I learned about their lives, their families, and what motivates them through long days for months at a time. The food was (mostly) good. I enjoyed my experience in the thermal suites, on the sundecks, and in the pools. Entertainment was good, some of it being great. We went to almost all the ports we were supposed to get to. Weather caused a couple port cancellations. Bad planning, leading to port congestion, caused one cancellation. 

 

I've written a review or a live on all of my cruises onboard NCL. I think from the tenor of those posts the reader will see that while trivial matters have cropped up, the overall experience was that of a very good to great vacation. Nothing written above by those that come to these boards and constantly bash those who are disappointed or had a less than good vacation is true when it comes to my experience. And yet, they will continue to claim that, since they didn't experience something or don't care about other things, the onboard experience just cannot be degraded. And I call a whole bunch of hooey on that. All the hooey.  

 

I have this nagging feeling that if I book a cruise right now for two months from now or two years from now, I won't have such a great cruise. Throughout all these conversations I have maintained a position of being grateful for the experience I had on NCL. Now, the company has made decisions that just don't give me the confidence to know if, moving forward, I can say that I'll be grateful for the expenditure of money a NCL cruise costs. 

 

I'm not even going to list the cutbacks and there have been cutbacks, despite what a few folks continue to claim. Sorry, not sorry. 

 

I'm also sad because a few people I know through these boards are actively looking to leave NCL. Not really because they want to. The ones that don't care about NCL leave. They might leave a flaming review of horrors which we all know is untrue. But no. These people who are exploring other options are the ones who love NCL. Who enjoyed the really hard working and wonderful crew. Who get the "freestyle" life. Yet, now they are being cast aside by an immovable corporation insistent on degrading what was a great experience. And we sit here on the side writing these depressing posts, hoping that NCL isn't shooting itself in the aft. 

 

I hope not. I hope I'm wrong. And that in a year from now I'll be posting a live, sipping a capt. and coke while I watch the sun set on another glorious day onboard Norwegian V!va, Bliss, Jewel, or Getaway. Instead, I'm kind of cueing up the funeral dirge.  

 

Ok, uncue the drama. I'm done with this post for now (and I bet you were hoping I'd say bye bye). Let the bashers carry forth telling me that my opinions are wrong, because their experience is so vastly different or that I'm ignorant. I can take it - it's a cruise forum where all we do is talk about our vacations. A place where everyone can share their experiences, opinions, and adventures. I do love those lives! Just not quite so much as before.

Hey @cruiseny4life we’re on the Bliss, first NCL cruise since Jan 2020.  It’s so good!  I’m doing a live- perfect, no, great, you bet!  Hope you enjoy!! 

 

[graphicguy]

On 3/13/2024 at 9:35 AM, cruiseny4life said:

I'm trying my best not to stray into any of the fracas about these two and MSC as I still don't know how I feel...but I do want to point out that Ben and David are NOT the two who got into it with the concierge. 

If nothing else, they got a huge uptick in views as a result of this fracas.

 

My opinion (because no one asked LOL!)? I understand the cruise is a write off as a business expense for them.  But, you ask me not to film on your ship?  OK....I'll just be a tourist. It's already a business expense.  Let's enjoy ourselves!

 

But, I suppose the whole "we're leaving the cruise before it ends because we can't film" has a more dramatic effect, which in turn, turned into views.

Edited March 15 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

On 3/12/2024 at 5:09 PM, PATRLR said:

Aren't those the two guys who got in a big tiff on NCL because the Haven concierge wouldn't let them eat in the Haven restaurant at a time when they felt they should be able to eat in the Haven?  As I recall, they were not staying in Haven.

Different guys.  The two who got into it with Adrian Bica, the chief Concierge, were horrid, pretentious and precocious YouTubers who pitched a hissy fit because the concierge wouldn't allow them to dine in the Haven because they did not book a Haven Suite.

[david_sobe]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

If nothing else, they got a huge uptick in views as a result of this fracas.

 

My opinion (because no one asked LOL!)? I understand the cruise is a write off as a business expense for them.  But, you ask me not to film on your ship?  OK....I'll just be a tourist. It's already a business expense.  Let's enjoy ourselves!

 

But, I suppose the whole "we're leaving the cruise before it ends because we can't film" has a more dramatic effect, which in turn, turned into views.

Exactly.  Both sides over-reacted poorly. The issue I have is the video is edited.  We never see or hear what the cruise line said to them.  How can anyone bash or criticize a cruise line for what they said when we never hear what they said.  Yet almost everyone if falling for that.  It was overly dramatic to leave a cruise while still at sea.  Clearly done to get more views and more money because of it.  But the worst part for me is they got a personal meeting with the cruise line over this.  Are they royalty?   People suffer far more on a cruise than those 2 and would never get a face to face meeting with a cruise line.  There is a big bunch of arrogance about that IMHO.  But I will say BOTH sides were wrong in their over-reactions.  Yet the cruise vloggers everywhere are treating them as victims as if they were forced to walk the plank in the Artic.  Come on people, its not like they were forced to find hash browns or cookies or something while diverting from Paradise Bay.

Mark it on your calendars. If I cant find cookies on my February 2026 Aqua cruise, I will leave the ship in Tortola and live stream on my Youtube channel that has 8 spam subscribers.  Since I live in Miami, I will drive to NCL headquarters and get a personal meeting with the CEO and report back.

Stay tuned!

Edited March 15 by david_sobe

[JamieLogical]

40 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Mark it on your calendars. If I cant find cookies on my February 2026 Aqua cruise, I will leave the ship in Tortola and live stream on my Youtube channel that has 8 spam subscribers.  Since I live in Miami, I will drive to NCL headquarters and get a personal meeting with the CEO and report back.

Stay tuned!

 

I can't wait!

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, L1211 said:

Hey @cruiseny4life we’re on the Bliss, first NCL cruise since Jan 2020.  It’s so good!  I’m doing a live- perfect, no, great, you bet!  Hope you enjoy!! 

 

And, I've been loving your posts from Bliss! It gives me hope, that's for sure! 

[Wayward Son]

16 hours ago, JT222 said:

But all of a sudden, the food is worse, the entertainment has gone down hill, the choices in buffet are poor, the service has deteriorated….

 

Did someone mention "overdramatic"? Oh wait, that's the youtube guys.