Whatever happened to the upgrades to NCL's Latitudes program ?

[Zimomiller]

As part of the Freestyle 2.0 upgrades, NCL promised changes to the Latitudes program.

 

To date, I have not been able to find any info on any changes.

 

Does anyone have any better info?

[watchdiva]

What a great question! I'd totally forgotten about upgrades to the Latitudes program.........

 

Maybe some of our fellow cc'ers who are "in the know" have the answers.

[peanutJMV]

Sailed NCL 4 times with my 5th scheduled, never received an upgrade

for latitude or any discounts, they certainly make it sound like you will be getting a discount when you call for prices.

Think you have to be a Platinum to see any real benefit, not sure.

Its not only NCl, they all do this....

 

 

 

 

What a great question! I'd totally forgotten about upgrades to the Latitudes program.........

 

Maybe some of our fellow cc'ers who are "in the know" have the answers.

[lambs2]

Sailed NCL 4 times with my 5th scheduled, never received an upgrade

for latitude or any discounts, they certainly make it sound like you will be getting a discount when you call for prices.

Think you have to be a Platinum to see any real benefit, not sure.

Its not only NCl, they all do this....

 

 

Except on RCL,Celebrity, HAL and Costa you do get more "stuff" as a repeater. On RCL we had coupon books with true deals, like free casino play, Buy 1/Get 1 free drink coupons, etc., plus travel clocks. Celebrity gave us really nice large quality tote bags; and on HAL we got tote bags plus painted tiles of retired ships from the HAL fleet plus level pins. Costa gives free photos of you with the captain at the repeaters party. On our second NCL trip it was the repeater party - that was it - as far as I could tell - oh yes, they did throw out in the crowd a few free prizes at the repeater party - I "caught" an NCL 'Bada Bada Bingo' T-shirt.

[jacble]

I just booked a cruise for April and because I'm a latitudes member we got $50 per person off our cabin.

[Tina0922]

I am sailing on the Sky in 2 weeks and booked a GUARANTED cabin cat EE the middle of May. I have booked guarantee cabins before on RCI & Celebrity and EVERY time I did so, I got upgraded at least one cat if not more. This sailing, which will be my 3rd and my mother's 4th on NCL....we got nothing!!! The thing that gets me upset is that the cruise line is showing several (and not just 4 or 5 cabin...more) open cabins in the 2 outside categories just above our before jumping to the balcony cabins.....I am happy where we are since that is why I booked a GUAR cabin but it is amazing how they wouldn't upgrade even one cat to repeat guest on a sailing that is usually sailing only at 80%-85% capacity!!!!!!!

That will not ruin my cruise by any means but if I am correct that once on board we will not get any Lattitudes special things like on the other lines??? It has been over 3 years since I last sailed NCL and I don't like hearing things like that. To me, the small things make a big impression. So I guess I will not expect any repeat guest 'gifts' or a coupon book or anything like that. I guess I will just have to go with an open mind and not expect anything from NCL. Thank goodness I am only 108 days away from sailing on the Jewel of the Seas where I know what I can expect to get. Even if it is the smallest of something.....

[Healthe]

Except on RCL,Celebrity, HAL and Costa you do get more "stuff" as a repeater. On RCL we had coupon books with true deals, like free casino play, Buy 1/Get 1 free drink coupons, etc., plus travel clocks. Celebrity gave us really nice large quality tote bags; and on HAL we got tote bags plus painted tiles of retired ships from the HAL fleet plus level pins. Costa gives free photos of you with the captain at the repeaters party. On our second NCL trip it was the repeater party - that was it - as far as I could tell - oh yes, they did throw out in the crowd a few free prizes at the repeater party - I "caught" an NCL 'Bada Bada Bingo' T-shirt.

 

 

NCL has outdone themselves again.

 

The cruise lines you've mentioned above are all 5 Star Lines in the Premium Class. (Costa, though, I'm not sure about.) Unfortunately, NCL is in the Budget Class, with ship ratings from just 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 stars. (Those classes are standard & common knowledge on most, if not all, travel websites). However, most CC cheerleaders will object & disagree. But, that is to be anticipated.

 

There are certainly differences between Premium & Budget classes concerning service given, services offered, entertainment, food quality, food presentation, table linens, cabin toiletries, etc., etc., even the very ships themselves concerning the cruise lines mentioned. The differences can be and usually are dramatic. Generally, you get what you pay for. There are very few complaints from the Premium Class lines. But there are always complaints from the Budget Class lines such as NCL & the 3 star ships on CCL.

 

Ask any TA. Hopefully, they will be honest with you. Just go over to the other boards on CC and other sites (I've been doing that for a number of years now), & you'll see for yourself that more topics & posts of complaints, questionable issues & other problems are on the NCL board than any of the others, including CCL.

 

On NCL, the cheerleaders will tell you to go on vacation with no expectations & you'll have a good time. Imagine that philosophy.

 

Congratulations on your new Tee shirt. I agree you would have gotten something more tangible on the other lines, and more importantly, the recognition from a Premium Cruise Line that always makes you feel good. NCL certainly lacks that quality as well.

[Sally Forth]

With the luggage restrictions, I don't want more stuff to haul around. I'm pretty picky and I don't need more tote bags or plastic ship models. The perfect gift would be a coupon that allowed me to book reservations for specialty restaurants days in advance. At entry level, you'd get two, after five, you'd get three, etc.

 

My FIL and his wife are over 150 nights on HAL and most of those nights are in high end suites, so they are in the highest loyalty program. They got so much stuff on a recent 45 day cruise that they gave a lot away at an orphanage they visited and it cost over $100 to ship the rest home.

 

Viv

[ZoneHPH]

i could care less what little chotski's they are giving away as repeat pax. i'm an NCL cheerleader...if not the squad captain. that's nice you get tote bags, a special party...etc.

 

it's all in how you manage your cruise. i'll tell you right now, i dont' care what brand you sail. there is always a way (a polite and respectful way) to be treated like you are the only one on the ship...regardless of repeat pax status.

 

personally i would rather have 1on1 interaction with the CD, the Director of Hotel, Director of F&B...etc. meet them for a drink. that TO ME (and my opinion) is how a repeat pax should be treated...it's not always the material things.

 

those who have cruised with me know...(and no...it doesn't necessarily require you opening up your wallet. but additional gratuities should be part of it.) i'm not the only one. i know there are many more out there that know this...you know who you are.

[newmexicoNita]

NCL has outdone themselves again.

 

The cruise lines you've mentioned above are all 5 Star Lines in the Premium Class. (Costa, though, I'm not sure about.) Unfortunately, NCL is in the Budget Class, with ship ratings from just 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 stars. (Those classes are standard & common knowledge on most, if not all, travel websites). However, most CC cheerleaders will object & disagree. But, that is to be anticipated.

 

There are certainly differences between Premium & Budget classes concerning service given, services offered, entertainment, food quality, food presentation, table linens, cabin toiletries, etc., etc., even the very ships themselves concerning the cruise lines mentioned. The differences can be and usually are dramatic. Generally, you get what you pay for. There are very few complaints from the Premium Class lines. But there are always complaints from the Budget Class lines such as NCL & the 3 star ships on CCL.

 

Ask any TA. Hopefully, they will be honest with you. Just go over to the other boards on CC and other sites (I've been doing that for a number of years now), & you'll see for yourself that more topics & posts of complaints, questionable issues & other problems are on the NCL board than any of the others, including CCL.

 

On NCL, the cheerleaders will tell you to go on vacation with no expectations & you'll have a good time. Imagine that philosophy.

 

Congratulations on your new Tee shirt. I agree you would have gotten something more tangible on the other lines, and more importantly, the recognition from a Premium Cruise Line that always makes you feel good. NCL certainly lacks that quality as well.

Where in the world did you get that information about budget, primium etc lines? I can tell you in the industry, there are no lines listed as budget, there are mass marketed or main catagory, premium and luxury. HAL falls into the primium catagory as does Celebrity, but both are pretty much borderline in the past few years. In absolutely no circumstances does, Costa, or RCI fall into that catagory...Some may prefer them but they are not primium lines.

 

Actually I feel all the programs have something to offer, none a lot and why? because they are free. Why do we all think we deserve something all the time...???

 

Nita

[watchdiva]

I am sailing on the Sky in 2 weeks and booked a GUARANTED cabin cat EE the middle of May. I have booked guarantee cabins before on RCI & Celebrity and EVERY time I did so, I got upgraded at least one cat if not more. This sailing, which will be my 3rd and my mother's 4th on NCL....we got nothing!!! The thing that gets me upset is that the cruise line is showing several (and not just 4 or 5 cabin...more) open cabins in the 2 outside categories just above our before jumping to the balcony cabins.....I am happy where we are since that is why I booked a GUAR cabin but it is amazing how they wouldn't upgrade even one cat to repeat guest on a sailing that is usually sailing only at 80%-85% capacity!!!!!!!

That will not ruin my cruise by any means but if I am correct that once on board we will not get any Lattitudes special things like on the other lines??? It has been over 3 years since I last sailed NCL and I don't like hearing things like that. To me, the small things make a big impression. So I guess I will not expect any repeat guest 'gifts' or a coupon book or anything like that. I guess I will just have to go with an open mind and not expect anything from NCL. Thank goodness I am only 108 days away from sailing on the Jewel of the Seas where I know what I can expect to get. Even if it is the smallest of something.....

 

I assume that when you booked your cruise you provided your Latitudes number, correct? Didn't you receive a discounted price as a result of being a repeat cruiser? You seem upset that you weren't upgraded from a guarantee to an open cabin - why then do you book guarantees? You cannot expect/anticipate that everytime you book a guarantee cabin that you will receive an upgrade. The best piece of advice I ever read on these boards was to book the cabin you'll be happy in - if you then get upgraded or get called for an upsell great - but either way you'll be in the category that you'll be happy in.

 

You may want to go to ncl.com and search for Latitudes and see what perks come with your level (bronze, silver, gold, platinum). If you booked your cruise through a TA, ask them for a coupon book. If you booked through NCL, did you request one at the time of booking?

 

Enjoy your cruise:) .

[Vyhanek]

So, Back the the OP's question.......

 

Do we know if NCL has made any changes to the Latitudes program as part of 2.0?

[AFAMILY]

I just booked a cruise for April and because I'm a latitudes member we got $50 per person off our cabin.

 

We got the same thing for our upcoming cruise. And we got that for our second cruise as well, so maybe there was no change yet with 2.0.

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

[Maxsboubie]

We are going on our 8th NCL cruise in Sept. We booked through NCL. They said we were getting extra things i.e. $50 obc. Also, better room for the price and the discount booklet. WELL, our friends also booked this and this is their first NCL cruise and they got everything we got......THE SAME. So, looks like being Latitudes means nothing. They can also board early with other Latitude members.

[ma_t_gus]

The NYC 1 nighters in Sept/Oct is on sale for Latitude members. $129pp/ins for Lat mems and $159pp/ins for non-mems.

[Tina0922]

watchdiva...I did provide my latitudes # when booking & I did book the cat cabin I would be satisfied with.. that is why I paid the extra $$ to get that cabin and not the cheapest bottom of the ship outside cabin. I was just giving my opinion in that all the times I did Guar cabin bookings on the other lines I have always been upgraded at least one category....And I know it is not a guarentee to get each time. The ship at this time is still offering many cabins in the categories above ours and asking the same price for those cabin as what I paid for ours(a lower cat) back in May. You would think that they would upgrade if cabins are available & they are now offering the same price for the higher category!!!!! I know Guar are not allows upgrades but under the circumstances.....I know each line is different but I had no problems with upgrades on the others. The past sailings on NCL we book our cabin and it was done. I guess I know if I ever take NCL again book a category and get an assigned cabin & not put your cabin location in their hands!!!!!

[jjb415]

So, Back the the OP's question.......

 

Do we know if NCL has made any changes to the Latitudes program as part of 2.0?

 

You took the words right out of my mouth, thanks. :)

[Healthe]

Where in the world did you get that information about budget, primium etc lines? I can tell you in the industry, there are no lines listed as budget, there are mass marketed or main catagory, premium and luxury. HAL falls into the primium catagory as does Celebrity, but both are pretty much borderline in the past few years. In absolutely no circumstances does, Costa, or RCI fall into that catagory...Some may prefer them but they are not primium lines.

 

Actually I feel all the programs have something to offer, none a lot and why? because they are free. Why do we all think we deserve something all the time...???

 

Nita

 

 

You've asked 'where in the world' I got the information concerning Budget Class & Premium Class cruise lines. I'll explain where.

 

I got that information from a well known travel web site that's been on the internet selling only cruises for over 14 years. In addition, there are many other travel web sites that list all the major cruise lines and most will place them into categories & assign a star rating to them as well. The categories are Luxury Class, Deluxe Class, Premium Class & Budget Class.

 

On almost every travel site on the internet offering the star rating, CCL & NCL are never rated higher than 4 1/2 stars and some of their ships are rated as low as 3 stars. Both of these lines are listed as Budget Class.

 

The Premium Class lines such as Princess, HAL, Celebrity and RCCL, all have 5 star ratings and none has any ship rated 3 or 3 1/2 stars.

 

According to you, HAL & Celebrity are 'borderline' as to making the Premium Class rating. And you also stated that RCI 'in absolutely no circumstances falls into the Premium Class'. So, tell me, what do you think HAL, RCI, Princess and Celebrity should be rated as far as you're concerned? And after you rate those lines, please rate CCL & NCL also.

 

The questions concerning this thread was about the Latitudes Program and its lack thereof. NCL stated that "you're 'gonna get more...new this and new that", added to the Latitudes Program. Here's the problem. NCL hasen't delivered again. It's not....as you said.... 'that we all think we deserve something all the time'.

 

It's just that NCL stated there would be more improvements to that program and a few on this thread are looking for those improvements, but, apparently, you think they're greedy and are always looking for something they do not deserve.

[bahama2]

I absolutley agree with you. Its the personal touch and I find people treat you the way you treat them. I have always had a great interaction with the staff on NCL.:D

 

 

i could care less what little chotski's they are giving away as repeat pax. i'm an NCL cheerleader...if not the squad captain. that's nice you get tote bags, a special party...etc.

 

it's all in how you manage your cruise. i'll tell you right now, i dont' care what brand you sail. there is always a way (a polite and respectful way) to be treated like you are the only one on the ship...regardless of repeat pax status.

 

personally i would rather have 1on1 interaction with the CD, the Director of Hotel, Director of F&B...etc. meet them for a drink. that TO ME (and my opinion) is how a repeat pax should be treated...it's not always the material things.

 

those who have cruised with me know...(and no...it doesn't necessarily require you opening up your wallet. but additional gratuities should be part of it.) i'm not the only one. i know there are many more out there that know this...you know who you are.

[smeyer418]

yes they siad they would making some changes and haven't yet. I did notice on my new reservation(made last week) it contained an new area for number of points....what they will be I am not sure. They have made some changes(for the better I think) at CAS so maybe they are targeting the changes and waiting and seeing the results....

[newmexicoNita]

You've asked 'where in the world' I got the information concerning Budget Class & Premium Class cruise lines. I'll explain where.

 

I got that information from a well known travel web site that's been on the internet selling only cruises for over 14 years. In addition, there are many other travel web sites that list all the major cruise lines and most will place them into categories & assign a star rating to them as well. The categories are Luxury Class, Deluxe Class, Premium Class & Budget Class.

 

On almost every travel site on the internet offering the star rating, CCL & NCL are never rated higher than 4 1/2 stars and some of their ships are rated as low as 3 stars. Both of these lines are listed as Budget Class.

 

The Premium Class lines such as Princess, HAL, Celebrity and RCCL, all have 5 star ratings and none has any ship rated 3 or 3 1/2 stars.

 

According to you, HAL & Celebrity are 'borderline' as to making the Premium Class rating. And you also stated that RCI 'in absolutely no circumstances falls into the Premium Class'. So, tell me, what do you think HAL, RCI, Princess and Celebrity should be rated as far as you're concerned? And after you rate those lines, please rate CCL & NCL also.

 

The questions concerning this thread was about the Latitudes Program and its lack thereof. NCL stated that "you're 'gonna get more...new this and new that", added to the Latitudes Program. Here's the problem. NCL hasen't delivered again. It's not....as you said.... 'that we all think we deserve something all the time'.

 

It's just that NCL stated there would be more improvements to that program and a few on this thread are looking for those improvements, but, apparently, you think they're greedy and are always looking for something they do not deserve.

ok, you are basing this on something a cruise company writes, I happen to be be part of a very large Travel company which of course I would not mention the name, statements like what you just made are just the opinion of a particular group. I am not argueing the latitude program by the way. I am addressing a comment. The reason I said borderline, simply was what many cruisers are now saying: they are falling more into the mass marketed ranks, yes, both are considered primium lines. RCI and Princess generally are not, based on cruise magazines and experts, not a particular company. Gereralizing is always dangerous and can be down right damaging. Opinions are a different story.

 

Nita

[mbisson]

ok, you are basing this on something a cruise company writes,

 

Nita

 

 

We are of the same mind Nita...When I hear something like "they are a 5* line" it really isn't much more valid than if I declared them (NCL, Carnival, RCCL-whoever) 6* (1* no fun,,,,6 Stars More fun ;))

[CruiseHolder]

I will second Nita.

 

I work for a small travel company, but have seen and read the same things Nita is relating. The only thing I will add is that with a few exceptions, you can't rate an entire cruise line as a certain class. You can rate a ship. Depending on crew, ship itinerary, type of passengers, and age of ship you may feel you are on a budget line or you may feel you are on a luxury liner.

[AFT_LOVER]

and they tell me that the tiers (Bronze to Platinum) remain the same.That back to back cruises are only awarded 1 credit. Then a gal tells me that you can upgrade to Platinum for the cruise you are on for $50 a stateroom. But my TA is told that is incorrect. She is told that when you buy the $250 deposit, they upgrade you then to Platinum. So I give up on that rumor.

 

So that was all I got from Latitudes as they do not know who put that upgrading in the press release. So I told her to email Colin on this. He should know who did. She chuckled.

[terrymtex01]

So, Back the the OP's question.......

 

Do we know if NCL has made any changes to the Latitudes program as part of 2.0?

 

The only changes I remember reading about said they were changing Jan 09. I don't remember any specific changes mentioned in the article I read other than you would not get credit for a cruise unless it was a seven night cruise. ie. If you took a three day cruise you would not get a credit towards membership level. I don't remember the article mentioning a change in benefits. I do not know if I can find the link to the article that I read but I will try.

 

watchdiva...I did provide my latitudes # when booking & I did book the cat cabin I would be satisfied with.. that is why I paid the extra $$ to get that cabin and not the cheapest bottom of the ship outside cabin. I was just giving my opinion in that all the times I did Guar cabin bookings on the other lines I have always been upgraded at least one category....And I know it is not a guarentee to get each time. The ship at this time is still offering many cabins in the categories above ours and asking the same price for those cabin as what I paid for ours(a lower cat) back in May. You would think that they would upgrade if cabins are available & they are now offering the same price for the higher category!!!!! I know Guar are not allows upgrades but under the circumstances.....I know each line is different but I had no problems with upgrades on the others. The past sailings on NCL we book our cabin and it was done. I guess I know if I ever take NCL again book a category and get an assigned cabin & not put your cabin location in their hands!!!!!

 

I think this might be just a matter of luck. NCL was the only cruise line we have sailed with that did offer us an upgrade and it was on our first cruising with them. RCCI and Carnival never offerd us an upgrade.