The TERRIBLE State of Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024

[LatinaInTexas]

2 hours ago, david_sobe said:

In the post Covid era every cruise line, hotel and restaurant has made cut backs.  This video will cause many that are blind loyalists to melt down.  It will give those that don't like NCL justifications for their feelings.  I am in the middle.  The video does highlight some things that are not good.  Cruise bookings are at a record high.  Yet NCL has gutted entertainment while the other lines are expanding or at least treading water with top notch shows.  No one should be selling cruises to passengers while eating dinner.  Over the past 10 years many NCL top executives have been tone deaf in what they say.  Maybe its not what they said but how they said it.  Their statements started with having the goal of getting more money from passengers and bragging about raising prices, etc.  You have to portray that in a way describing the guest experience.  Its true that NCL cutbacks started well before COVID and are still happening.  I think its fair to talk about them.  Is it not true of the major lines that NCL has the highest gratuities yet get less service than the other lines.   Personally I never understood why they made up the room on cruise ships twice a day.  Once is fine with me and sometimes twice a day interferes with staying in the cabin.  That cutback would never impact me.  My only concern is the cutbacks seem to never stop over the past 10 years.  I keep waiting and hoping the pendulum will start to swing back a bit.  But let's be real.  This is what companies and corporations do.  They have budget rooms that have meetings every day how to pinch pennies, cut expenses, and make more profits.  No longer are there Epic planning type meetings where they say "we want the biggest names in entertainment and the biggest grossest lavish experiences ever"  In my next NCL cruise there are 4 of us in a Haven cabin and the gratuities are $700!!!!!  Not too long ago that could have gotten you a 7 night cruise 🙈

Having only taken my first NCL last year and 2 this year I have no real past experiences to speak to. 

But I thought the same thing you stated, what business post Covid has not changed or made cuts??

I don't understand why anyone would think Norwegian was the exception.

I read reviews and take then with a grain of salt but even I can see there are legitimate complaints and issues. 

The only real thing I noticed from my first cruise last year to this year's cruises were changes in the MDR. No extra beef dishes besides the daily strip steak and a bit less choices overall. 

 

[New2cruise2022]

3 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Is it not true of the major lines that NCL has the highest gratuities yet get less service than the other lines.   Personally I never understood why they made up the room on cruise ships twice a day.  Once is fine with me and sometimes twice a day interferes with staying in the cabin.  That cutback would never impact me.  My only concern is the cutbacks seem to never stop over the past 10 years. 

I remember a few years ago when they simultaneously announced the price change for DSC and the decision to only service the room once per day. I am also fine with only the room being serviced once a day, but taking something away while you hold out your hand for more was unsettling. 

[DAK333]

They just want another free cruise like they did with MSC.

[DCGuy64]

9 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

But that is why they come up with outlandish titles and engage in the mass media sensationalized fake news. By watching their video, once, you have already got them paid. Every click they get from click bait, lines their pockets with money,,, and if they get you hooked on their half truths and sensationalized fake news, you are likely going to click on another one of their videos.... more money to them from  YouTube. 

Isn't it ironic how cruise influencers like Ben and David can get people all worked up over NCL and their wicked, profit-making ways, when the influencers themselves are profiting off the videos in the process?

[D_And_K_gocruising]

As others have said, they may have very legit complaints and their info may be spot on.. BUT,. I do not watch their videos anymore.  I have stopped watching a few cruise channels because of the "click bait" style titles and thumbs..   I get it, that's what, well, gets the clicks.  But not from me.   Sure I'm one person, so it's REALLY not going to affect their revenue, but, kinda like cruising, I will follow and support channels that I enjoy, and are more to my liking. 🙂

[vince_g]

Found an interesting article that gives one a better explanation of Harry Sommer's mindset.  I love how he says a passenger who books an inside cabin, doesn't buy any shore excursions, and eats at the buffet isn't a happy cruiser.  What I love more is the first response someone left.

 

Harry states they aren't into nickel and diming, yet what he says essentially contradicts that...

 

NCL Boss On Price Rises And What Makes Cruisers Unhappy - Cruise Passenger

[mking8288]

I have one simple comment/question, to sail and sustain, why and how is NCL going about to contain and manage their skyrocketing fuel costs, one of the reasons cited, besides cutting port times and drifting in the wind 🙄 

 

Besides, cutting dirty Harry's compensation package. 

 

[vince_g]

11 hours ago, bortman23 said:

I used to watch their videos all the time, now only rarely.

 

Their thumbnails and titles have become stock "click bait" they're pandering for clicks. "Boarding the Ugliest Cruise Ever" etc. 

 

They really have become very harsh critics, often unreasonably so. The Epic is WAY overdue for a dry dock, no one will debate that, but they focus on the tiniest thing and make it some huge deal, "ew rust!" "We saw a WIRE!", there are wires all over the ship!? That's a completely normal thing.

Yes the Epic is way overdue for a dry dock, BUT the deck at Spice H2O was disgustingly filthy, and those loungers which should have either been thrown out or redone long ago show that NCL is absolutely neglecting this ship.  And the amount of dust Ben found when he wiped his hand over those cabinets over the bed, was just disgusting.

 

And Harry Sommer's greedy attitude which he makes no bones about hiding is really a turn off.  If you haven't seen the article two posts up, take a moment to read it.  He loves those "full wallets" and really makes it known.  What really makes unhappy cruisers is when the ship is disgustingly dirty, like what Ben and David showed us in the vlog.

 

I used to really like NCL and am diamond level latitudes, but I over them.  Oceania is much better IMO, even though it's under the NCL holding company.  Trying HAL two weeks from now, and I hope we like it.

Edited 13 hours ago by vince_g

[Topdog52]

57 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

I have one simple comment/question, to sail and sustain, why and how is NCL going about to contain and manage their skyrocketing fuel costs, one of the reasons cited, besides cutting port times and drifting in the wind 🙄 

 

Besides, cutting dirty Harry's compensation package. 

 

You are cruising right past some of these ports. so you cancel them to save fuel, but pick up 2 other ports. You are not saving any fuel. People have saved for years to take these cruises and NCL just changes everything because of fuel? Thys also could add on a fuel surcharge if that was the real issue, and left the cruis the same. What is really the reason!!

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-prima-transatlantic-cruise-drops-two-port-visits/144889

From The Article!

Norwegian Cruise Line in particular has a well-known habit of “tweaking” itineraries by adjusting port times and shifting or cancelling visits in the name of fuel efficiency and sustainability, but all cruise lines make similar changes occasionally.

[graphicguy]

Evil....EVIL NCL (or RCCL, or CCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or Cunard, or............).

 

I have Never....Ever had a bad time on a cruise.  The food is good and plentiful, as are the drinks.  Entertainment is fun and the ports, for all intents and purposes, are exotic.  I've stayed in old hotels that are...well...old.  That's considered charm.  Do the same on cruise ship, and it's "run down".

 

I don't know what this video purports to say, nor do I want to watch it.  As others point out, sad faces and negative titles get the clicks.  

 

There is only one other YouTube v-logger I won't watch.  Won't even mention their names as they were similar in their treatment of one of the most well respected Concierges on any ship, on any cruise line (Adrian Bica).  Now there is one more I'll add to the list.

 

For every vid couple like these two, there are 5 more that enjoy cruising and are way more credible and watchable.

 

Bottom line, we all have choices we can make.  If you don't like NCL, or Carnival, or Royal, or Princess, or any of the others out there (because you can find negative Nancies for all of them), spend your dollars elsewhere.  It's your prerogative.  

 

NCL is not perfect.  I've had issues with them.  But, I've also had issues with Carnival, Royal, MSC, and others I've sailed on.  Anyone who focuses on the bad instead of the overwhelming good on any vacation, is going to have a poor experience.  That includes cruises.  

 

For me anyway, NCL offers way more of what I like, and way less of what I don't like.  That's why I keep coming back.

 

"NCL in terrible shape"?????   Puleeze.

 

(off my soap box)

 

 

[D_And_K_gocruising]

1 hour ago, vince_g said:

Found an interesting article that gives one a better explanation of Harry Sommer's mindset.  I love how he says a passenger who books an inside cabin, doesn't buy any shore excursions, and eats at the buffet isn't a happy cruiser.  What I love more is the first response someone left.

 

Harry states they aren't into nickel and diming, yet what he says essentially contradicts that...

 

NCL Boss On Price Rises And What Makes Cruisers Unhappy - Cruise Passenger

I didnt get that.. It seems HE thinks those who spend more on extras AT THEIR CHOICE have more fun.. But the first comment said they were fine in an interior, eating buffet and no booze.. Which is exactly what you get when you cruise and dont choose any extras. 

[bkrickles1]

44 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Evil....EVIL NCL (or RCCL, or CCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or Cunard, or............).

 

I have Never....Ever had a bad time on a cruise.  The food is good and plentiful, as are the drinks.  Entertainment is fun and the ports, for all intents and purposes, are exotic.  I've stayed in old hotels that are...well...old.  That's considered charm.  Do the same on cruise ship, and it's "run down".

 

I don't know what this video purports to say, nor do I want to watch it.  As others point out, sad faces and negative titles get the clicks.  

 

There is only one other YouTube v-logger I won't watch.  Won't even mention their names as they were similar in their treatment of one of the most well respected Concierges on any ship, on any cruise line (Adrian Bica).  Now there is one more I'll add to the list.

 

For every vid couple like these two, there are 5 more that enjoy cruising and are way more credible and watchable.

 

Bottom line, we all have choices we can make.  If you don't like NCL, or Carnival, or Royal, or Princess, or any of the others out there (because you can find negative Nancies for all of them), spend your dollars elsewhere.  It's your prerogative.  

 

NCL is not perfect.  I've had issues with them.  But, I've also had issues with Carnival, Royal, MSC, and others I've sailed on.  Anyone who focuses on the bad instead of the overwhelming good on any vacation, is going to have a poor experience.  That includes cruises.  

 

For me anyway, NCL offers way more of what I like, and way less of what I don't like.  That's why I keep coming back.

 

"NCL in terrible shape"?????   Puleeze.

 

(off my soap box)

 

 

100% agree!!!!!

And I've never waited more than a couple of minutes for a drink.........EVER!!

And I put them down when I'm sailing. Lmao!

[DCGuy64]

43 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Evil....EVIL NCL (or RCCL, or CCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or Cunard, or............).

 

I have Never....Ever had a bad time on a cruise.  The food is good and plentiful, as are the drinks.  Entertainment is fun and the ports, for all intents and purposes, are exotic.  I've stayed in old hotels that are...well...old.  That's considered charm.  Do the same on cruise ship, and it's "run down".

 

I don't know what this video purports to say, nor do I want to watch it.  As others point out, sad faces and negative titles get the clicks.  

 

There is only one other YouTube v-logger I won't watch.  Won't even mention their names as they were similar in their treatment of one of the most well respected Concierges on any ship, on any cruise line (Adrian Bica).  Now there is one more I'll add to the list.

 

For every vid couple like these two, there are 5 more that enjoy cruising and are way more credible and watchable.

 

Bottom line, we all have choices we can make.  If you don't like NCL, or Carnival, or Royal, or Princess, or any of the others out there (because you can find negative Nancies for all of them), spend your dollars elsewhere.  It's your prerogative.  

 

NCL is not perfect.  I've had issues with them.  But, I've also had issues with Carnival, Royal, MSC, and others I've sailed on.  Anyone who focuses on the bad instead of the overwhelming good on any vacation, is going to have a poor experience.  That includes cruises.  

 

For me anyway, NCL offers way more of what I like, and way less of what I don't like.  That's why I keep coming back.

 

"NCL in terrible shape"?????   Puleeze.

 

(off my soap box)

 

 

Well said! If I had a dime for every post I've seen saying "Oh, I'm so worried about my cruise, somebody said it was terrible," I'd have enough money to retire tomorrow AND live in the MSC Yacht Club for the duration of my retirement, LOL! 🤣Why, oh why, do people believe negative reviews when they're not typical? *sigh* It's like watching the news and expecting every story to be "oh, look how wonderful life is." Same with the clickbait YouTubers: they generate income by sensationalizing everything. And, sadly, the number of takers never seems to end. Oh, well. As my wife likes to say, "some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy."

[New2cruise2022]

1 hour ago, Topdog52 said:

You are cruising right past some of these ports. so you cancel them to save fuel, but pick up 2 other ports. You are not saving any fuel. People have saved for years to take these cruises and NCL just changes everything because of fuel? Thys also could add on a fuel surcharge if that was the real issue, and left the cruis the same. What is really the reason!!

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-prima-transatlantic-cruise-drops-two-port-visits/144889

From The Article!

Norwegian Cruise Line in particular has a well-known habit of “tweaking” itineraries by adjusting port times and shifting or cancelling visits in the name of fuel efficiency and sustainability, but all cruise lines make similar changes occasionally.

Not overlooking the real possibility that NCL has calculated per-minute spending when the ship is at sea versus in port. There is no money to be made in port — other than spa services, which everyone has experienced the upsell and pricing there. The people that stay on ship in port are usually maximizing their inclusions (drink packages and food) rather than spending more money.

 

Skipping ports or shortening the time in port will put the ship in international waters with a casino bringing in revenue from dollars that aren’t being spent in port. 

[New2cruise2022]

Life, not just cruising, is about attitude and expectations. If you have unrealistic expectations, you will usually discover disappointment in your experience. Cruise ships mean more food than I can experience and eat. So, I try to nibble. If I find something I like, I more than nibble. If I don’t like that food, I move on. Cruise ships are busy and crowded. The passengers — even on the best-staffed ships — outnumber the staff by a wide margin. Wait times happen. Be willing to wait or to walk. No one can know if EVERY bar is crowded at the same exact time, but there is success in going off the beaten track a little to find the one that suits the speed of drinks you want.

 

I expect different things when I travel on individual lines. While I compare NCL to Princess, I have different expectations for each experience. And, I find I like them both for different reasons. 

[scooter6139]

I am seeing a lot of posts from people decrying the "clickbait" headlines and such.  

 

All the cruise/travel bloggers I watch, including Ben and David, hate the YouTube algorithm that promotes and pushes for these types of headlines and thumbnails, and they even have YouTube videos talking about it.  

 

We will likely stop cruising with Norwegian as we were not super happy with our last cruise, so we will take a wait-and-see approach to seeing if things improve.  This decision is not just based on vloggers but also on others' reviews and our own history.

 

 

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Topdog52 said:

You are cruising right past some of these ports. so you cancel them to save fuel, but pick up 2 other ports. You are not saving any fuel. People have saved for years to take these cruises and NCL just changes everything because of fuel? Thys also could add on a fuel surcharge if that was the real issue, and left the cruis the same. What is really the reason!!

The outrage if NCL added a fuel surcharge would be thermonuclear.  

It would be claimed that a fuel surcharge is Nickel and Diming, just another way to increase profits at the expense of the passengers.  

 

 

[Epiro Funchal]

In response to the original poster, I view the Epic as the 1st of the modern NCL ships.

You can say it is old and dated right now if you want to. The ships that are older than the 

Epic are about half her size and lot of people like these smaller ships. Ironically these smaller ships were like Mega vessels to me when they were introduced.

So, I decided to watch the video. A lot of what he had to say is true but wouldn't dissuade me from sailing on NCL.

If I have a problem getting a drink, I assert myself or go to different bar.

I ignore a lot of the nickel and diming. A lot of paper gets thrown in the trash daily.

The cabin stewards generally still do a good job of cleaning the room even if it is now once a day. If they don't, I will be proactive to rectify it.

Since I usually am a solo, I will find my way to squeeze into Sys Norman's or the Cavern club.

Customer service seems to be more of a problem lately but hasn't sunk anywhere near to the level of MSC.

The buffet selection has gone downhill, but a breakfast omelet is still decent. The MDRs and the specialty restaurants still seem decent.

I was on the Getaway in April and the Million Dollar Quartet was a really done well. In particular the Jerry Lee Lewis performer had a solo show that was very good.

 

On the other hand, the cruise I took on Epic a couple of years ago was the worst since the pandemic started. It was overstuffed with passengers rather than being 1/3rd full. My cabin was a studio rather than a balcony. A critical port was canceled with a lot of passengers being disagreeable. Still, I tried to make the best of the situation.

[david_sobe]

I don't think any of this affects NCL in real time.  Cabins are selling like crazy and ships are being built like crazy.  However I do think this will impact them in the long run.  When ships and cabins are sold and there are record profits the negative reviews may not have an immediate impact.  Once the economy slows down, a recession hits, and there is not a huge demand for cruises, customers will be more choosey with cruise lines.  These lasting negative reviews could impact customers shopping around for a cruise.  Maybe, just maybe NCL will look back and say they took things a little too far.

 

[Epiro Funchal]

One other thing:

 

If you watch the video and ignore the sound, other than a few rough patches the ship looks pretty good.

[PATRLR]

6 hours ago, LatinaInTexas said:

But I thought the same thing you stated, what business post Covid has not changed or made cuts??

I don't understand why anyone would think Norwegian was the exception.

I believe it's the extent and nature of the cuts that people are commenting on and has people concerned.   Norwegian is not the exception, but they seem to be doing far more than other lines.

[IAcruising]

2 minutes ago, Epiro Funchal said:

other than a few rough patches the ship looks pretty good.

 

I'll have to watch again, but I think you're referring to footage of the Prima. There was a lot of it.

 

[Epiro Funchal]

1 minute ago, IAcruising said:

 

I'll have to watch again, but I think you're referring to footage of the Prima. There was a lot of it.

 

Perhaps you are correct, but if the videographer Is making a point about the sad state of affairs on the Epic shouldn't he be showing more evidence of it?

[UKstages]

i would urge the folks who have no intention of watching this video to actually watch the darn video.

 

you don't like ben and david, you don't like the clickbait mentality of youtube? that's all well and good. but i've read post after post in this thread that criticizes this particular video for things that are not said in this video and that don't take place in this video.

 

this video is a pretty fair assessment of NCL's product at this point in time, both the high points and the low. things are praised. things are damned. and there is absolutely nothing in there that hasn't been brought up in this forum and debated as a legitimate issue.

 

and for those of you that don't like the ben and david dynamic and patter and find it too over the top or frivolous or, um, something else, you should know that there is only one narrator here. there is no cross talk or B&D banter.  only ben appears in the video!

 

as for the clickbait... all the youtubers do this in all video categories. and B & D have a video that talks about changes to youtube and why everything - from all creators - is so clickbait-y. don't blame them! and, again, if there's, um, something else you don't like about ben and david, then by all means, share your thoughts here. 

[D_And_K_gocruising]

No, not all get that clickbait-y.   I dont care for, but I dont care about the over the top stuff.  not my favorite, but have no issues with it.    Again, I won't contribute to clicks when they make it click bait or over sensationalized titles and thumbs.   I've done it for many other hobbies / interests I have.  I can spend my clicks where I want to.   It very well might be fair and balanced, I will never know..