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

[terrymtex01]

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.

 

I can not comment on Costa or HAL from personal experience, but I can tell you we found no difference at all in the quality from RCCI and NCL. No difference in the ship, service, food, etc. To me, Carnival, RCCI, Princess and NCL are all in the same catagory. I believe that HAL is soon going to be with them as well. I base saying that about Princess and HAL from reading these boards every day and talking to anyone who will listen and share about their cruise experience. I do think HAL at one time may have been upscale, but I really do think they are not what they used to be.

 

Again, I can only comment on Carnival, RCCI and NCL from personal experience, but to us, there is no difference in quality what-so-ever.

[figuremom]

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?

 

I just got back from the Pearl. This was only my second NCL cruise, and if I booked with NCL I would have got a $50pp. price cut, which it was still cheaper booking with an online agent. I did get my Latitudes NCL Pearl pins and was invited to the Latitudes party with the Captain and crew members. They provided free cocktails and appetizers. They also gave a card for free lithograph pictures in two Alaska ports. They had a raffle and gave away several prizes, like bingo cards, casino chips, spa stuff, jewelry, a shore excursion, etc. I know Latitudes passenger get access to the Lifestyle Room, which offers coffee, tea, danishes, and cookies throughout the day. It states members only on the outside, and was quiet the first few days, but by the end, it was quite crowded. It is nice to sit in there and watch the scenery, or play cards, and I think chess/checkers. It states that you have access to a "latitudes" crew member for all your questions, but I never saw that person. You also get the priority check in at embarkation. I thought 2.0 was the upgrades to the ship, like welcome aboard champagne, drink flags on the pool lounge chairs, more room service menu options, upgraded bedding, lobster every night, etc. I noticed the 2.0 upgrades, minus the room service, on the Pearl, and also got all my bronze Latitude perks. I hope this helps.

[big green]

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.

 

This is the first i have heard of this and it is unverifiable--just a rumor.

Unitl you have done it -- would not count on this at all-- I have bought several $250 depsoits when on cruises and this is not the case.

 

Big Green

[watchdiva]

We bought a cruise reward 6/08 and certainly haven't been upgraded to platinum:D - or at least as far as I know.

[PangeanSir]

This is the first i have heard of this and it is unverifiable--just a rumor.

Unitl you have done it -- would not count on this at all-- I have bought several $250 depsoits when on cruises and this is not the case.

 

Big Green

 

The rumours likely have their origin in a short-lived program NCL ran back in 2006. At that time (on a few ships) you could purchase a Latitudes package ($550 for Gold and I think $2500 for Platinum). The package allowed for a $500 future cruise credit (for the Gold) or several cruise credits with the Platinum package and included land-based hotel and resort credits. The plan also gave you either Gold or Platinum status on the cruise that you used the future cruise credit(s) for.

 

However, I believe there were problems with the hotel and resort credits and possibly also with distinguishing between pre-existing Gold members and those who had bought their way into the program. After a few months the program was dropped. In the end, they grandfathered the status of those who had purchased their Gold or Platinum status.

 

P.

 

The $250 future cruise credit system is a completely different program.

[newmexicoNita]

The rumours likely have their origin in a short-lived program NCL ran back in 2006. At that time (on a few ships) you could purchase a Latitudes package ($550 for Gold and I think $2500 for Platinum). The package allowed for a $500 future cruise credit (for the Gold) or several cruise credits with the Platinum package and included land-based hotel and resort credits. The plan also gave you either Gold or Platinum status on the cruise that you used the future cruise credit(s) for.

 

However, I believe there were problems with the hotel and resort credits and possibly also with distinguishing between pre-existing Gold members and those who had bought their way into the program. After a few months the program was dropped. In the end, they grandfathered the status of those who had purchased their Gold or Platinum status.

 

P.

 

The $250 future cruise credit system is a completely different program.

you have it right; they are 2 separate programs and yes, one some are referring to was a very short lived program.

 

Nita

[terrymtex01]

One thing I will say that I liked with RCCI's loyalty program over NCL's was if you booked a suite with RCCI you got double credit for the cruise. I don't know if that is still true as it has been years since we have sailed with RCCI, but it was a nice little extra perk.

[newmexicoNita]

One thing I will say that I liked with RCCI's loyalty program over NCL's was if you booked a suite with RCCI you got double credit for the cruise. I don't know if that is still true as it has been years since we have sailed with RCCI, but it was a nice little extra perk.

 

though I am one that is happy with the latitude program I do agree. RCI and Celebrity have a different way of basing points.

 

Nita

[pcreek]

sorry... ooops...

[pcreek]

you have it right; they are 2 separate programs and yes, one some are referring to was a very short lived program.

 

Nita

 

 

My Mother bought this cruise incentive - there was nothing about being 'grandfathered in permenant status for Gold/Platinum' - you were only allowed those perks when you used the pre-paid credit for that particular cruise. She bought into the highest level - like $2,500.00 and could use that credit in as small amounts as $500. per sailing..(meaning she could be platinum - for each of 5 saililngs) Well, smart as my mom is...she decided to use ALL the credit for ONE cruise...and ::Poof:: all the Platinum Perks are gone. :( :eek:

 

But there was nothing about being Platinum forever... now not again until she does the required number of sailings. She was kicking herself the whole time on that cruise, as she was LOVING the canapes delivered everyday..the special 'gifts' that were dropped off at the room...she loved leaving the room, as 8 times out of 10 there was SOMETHING there extra when we returned.

[mbisson]

I can't speak to what happened with your mom---but we bought into that program using my wifes latitudes # and she is now permanently gold :) (at least has been for our last 2 cruises and it's listed that way on NCL.com) and I'm just a puny little silver :(.

 

There were a couple of different programs they experimented with. Maybe you mom didn't get into the one Nita refers to

 

My Mother bought this cruise incentive - there was nothing about being 'grandfathered in permenant status for Gold/Platinum' - you were only allowed those perks when you used the pre-paid credit for that particular cruise. She bought into the highest level - like $2,500.00 and could use that credit in as small amounts as $500. per sailing..(meaning she could be platinum - for each of 5 saililngs) Well, smart as my mom is...she decided to use ALL the credit for ONE cruise...and ::Poof:: all the Platinum Perks are gone. :( :eek:

 

But there was nothing about being Platinum forever... now not again until she does the required number of sailings. She was kicking herself the whole time on that cruise, as she was LOVING the canapes delivered everyday..the special 'gifts' that were dropped off at the room...she loved leaving the room, as 8 times out of 10 there was SOMETHING there extra when we returned.

[TonyFred]

2.0 was smoke and mirrors people. Almost all hype.

Maybe a cheap glass of bubbly when you board and some new mattresses.

Dont expect anything much for being a Latitudes member, before OR after 2.0.

And I agree. The whole 5 Star rating thing is a lot of baloney.

RCCL, NCL, Carnival and Princess? They are all about the same. Some things are better on one line, other things are better on another one.

Dont get me wrong, I like them all. But to say one is a 5 Star (whooptedo) and another one is a 3 Star is just dumb.

[terrymtex01]

2.0 was smoke and mirrors people. Almost all hype.

Maybe a cheap glass of bubbly when you board and some new mattresses.

Dont expect anything much for being a Latitudes member, before OR after 2.0.

And I agree. The whole 5 Star rating thing is a lot of baloney.

RCCL, NCL, Carnival and Princess? They are all about the same. Some things are better on one line, other things are better on another one.

Dont get me wrong, I like them all. But to say one is a 5 Star (whooptedo) and another one is a 3 Star is just dumb.

 

Boy am I sure I will get bashed for saying this, but in a way I agree with you. As we always stay in a suite, we have seen very little changes. Now we are in a suite in Oct on the Pearl and hopefully all of the changes will be there as compared to us being on the Star last May/June so that may change my mind. And I agree completely with the 3 star, 4 star,etc rating you talked about. That is just like peoples choice in food, very subjective. Now if it came from a completely unbiased source, I might give it more acknowledgement, but even CC has a stake in the game since they accept advertising from cruise lines. I simply go on my own experience and the experience of those I respect who I have talked to.

[Down-Unders]

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.[/quote

 

 

What cruise lines have you sailed with.:confused: Have you used the NCL latitude programme.:confused:

[AFT_LOVER]

Why NCL gals tell you wrong stuff thinking hey have something special for you for booking a cruise thru them.

 

I spoke with a great gal, no name given here, who did the DMLAT promo for me since it wasn't going thru on the web site. When we completed it with my $250 deposit used instead of the $800 for 10 nts, the $500 credit for MCL MC 500 points. Then she tells me when I purchase my $250 deposit on this cruise, I will be able to buy a platinum upgrade for that cruise for $50. So I asked my TA if she could buy it in front so we get the embarkation perk. They tell her that was an old program & they want to know who told me. So today I called back to talk with the rep who booked me on my cruise. I get her & tell her the erroneous statement she made to me & that her boss wanted to know who told me but I didn't tell them. She called me back stating that they never told her that was over with & SHE APOLOGIZED LIKE CRAZY.

 

Great rep who was too good taking care of me & I believe her that no one told her it was over. No memo sent to her, whatever. No problem. NCL is great, no way as bad as RCCL.

 

quote=newmexicoNita;15984323]you have it right; they are 2 separate programs and yes, one some are referring to was a very short lived program.

 

Nita

[terrymtex01]

Why NCL gals tell you wrong stuff thinking hey have something special for you for booking a cruise thru them.

 

I spoke with a great gal, no name given here, who did the DMLAT promo for me since it wasn't going thru on the web site. When we completed it with my $250 deposit used instead of the $800 for 10 nts, the $500 credit for MCL MC 500 points. Then she tells me when I purchase my $250 deposit on this cruise, I will be able to buy a platinum upgrade for that cruise for $50. So I asked my TA if she could buy it in front so we get the embarkation perk. They tell her that was an old program & they want to know who told me. So today I called back to talk with the rep who booked me on my cruise. I get her & tell her the erroneous statement she made to me & that her boss wanted to know who told me but I didn't tell them. She called me back stating that they never told her that was over with & SHE APOLOGIZED LIKE CRAZY.

 

Great rep who was too good taking care of me & I believe her that no one told her it was over. No memo sent to her, whatever. No problem. NCL is great, no way as bad as RCCL.

 

quote=newmexicoNita;15984323]you have it right; they are 2 separate programs and yes, one some are referring to was a very short lived program.

 

Nita

 

I have great respect for people when they admit they were wrong like that and apologize. To me, that goes a long way and makes me feel even better about their company, no matter which company I am dealing with. It's rare to find someone who actually accepts responsibility for incorrect information, but nice when you find someone honest enough to admit to it.

[*Wink*]

Why NCL gals tell you wrong stuff thinking hey have something special for you for booking a cruise thru them.

 

I spoke with a great gal, no name given here, who did the DMLAT promo for me since it wasn't going thru on the web site. When we completed it with my $250 deposit used instead of the $800 for 10 nts, the $500 credit for MCL MC 500 points. Then she tells me when I purchase my $250 deposit on this cruise, I will be able to buy a platinum upgrade for that cruise for $50. So I asked my TA if she could buy it in front so we get the embarkation perk. They tell her that was an old program & they want to know who told me. So today I called back to talk with the rep who booked me on my cruise. I get her & tell her the erroneous statement she made to me & that her boss wanted to know who told me but I didn't tell them. She called me back stating that they never told her that was over with & SHE APOLOGIZED LIKE CRAZY.

 

Great rep who was too good taking care of me & I believe her that no one told her it was over. No memo sent to her, whatever. No problem. NCL is great, no way as bad as RCCL.

 

quote=newmexicoNita;15984323]you have it right; they are 2 separate programs and yes, one some are referring to was a very short lived program.

 

Nita

I guess my martini was a bit too strong tonight because I'm confused!

[PangeanSir]

I can't speak to what happened with your mom---but we bought into that program using my wifes latitudes # and she is now permanently gold :) (at least has been for our last 2 cruises and it's listed that way on NCL.com) and I'm just a puny little silver :(.

 

There were a couple of different programs they experimented with. Maybe you mom didn't get into the one Nita refers to

 

PCreek is correct in that it was intended that you would only get your 'purchased' status for the cruise you used the cruise credit(s) on. However, because of difficulties with the program those who did buy in have been able to keep their status (we have are now Gold). Is it permanent? Who knows, but PCreek you should get your mother to check her status on line (she'll likely show up as Plat.).

 

P.

[mbisson]

Agreed! I don't know exactly why NCL moved many (if not all) permanently into the status that was originally intended for that one cruise (after that one specific trial promotion)...but they did :D

 

At this point, it's not really that big a deal to my wife & I. We'll be gold soon under any condition. :D

 

PCreek is correct in that it was intended that you would only get your 'purchased' status for the cruise you used the cruise credit(s) on. However, because of difficulties with the program those who did buy in have been able to keep their status (we have are now Gold). Is it permanent? Who knows, but PCreek you should get your mother to check her status on line (she'll likely show up as Plat.).

 

P.

[mbisson]

Why NCL gals tell you wrong stuff thinking hey have something special for you for booking a cruise thru them.

 

 

I'm not quite sure of the point but if you think "NCL gals" are apt to give you bad info, just ask for an "NCL guy"!!! ;) ROTFL

[pcreek]

PCreek is correct in that it was intended that you would only get your 'purchased' status for the cruise you used the cruise credit(s) on. However, because of difficulties with the program those who did buy in have been able to keep their status (we have are now Gold). Is it permanent? Who knows, but PCreek you should get your mother to check her status on line (she'll likely show up as Plat.).

 

P.

 

 

Thanks for the info, P! I'll have her check, as she hasn't cruised since '07, when she used all the credits. .... hmm.... wonder if that Platinum status is transferable?? LOL :D great kid, huh?? lol

[Healthe]

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

 

You said that I was basing my information on something a cruise company writes about. Where does it say in my post that my information came from a cruise company? I'll say again that I got the information from a well known website travel agency that only sells cruises. They are in a successful business for over 14 years. (They're also one of the largest sellers of cruises in the USA). They know what they're talking about when it comes to star ratings of ships and the classification of cruise line classes from Luxury, Deluxe, Premium or Budget. The information did not come from a cruise company.

 

And they are not alone. Like you, I can't mention the name &/or address of that travel company, but anyone can do an internet search & find that there are many, many other cruise travel sites who specialize only in cruise vacations. Almost every one of them lists the classes of the cruise lines as well as the star ratings of their ships. There are also many popular travel magazines that conduct surveys of cruise lines and their ships, questioning previous cruisers, gathering recent experiences, and using their answers to put out a yearly cruise line review. (I can think of 5 such surveys and one popular book that uses the Class & Star Rating System)....So, again, I am not getting this information from a cruise company.

 

You certainly have a right to your opinion and I respect that. However, you're opinion is the complete opposite of virtually every other website and travel magazine survey when it comes to the Premium Class of ships, specifically RCI & Princess. And stating that Celebrity & HAL are Premium Class, but only borderline Premium, and basing your statement on comments from other cruisers, is also the complete opposite of virtually every other cruise travel website or magazine survey.

 

In conclusion, you still have not answered the three questions I had previously asked you. Please tell me, if you believe that RCI and Princess are not Premium Class lines, what classification would you or your travel company tell a potential customer that they are?

 

And if HAL & Celebrity are borderline Premium, what classification do you or your travel company think they will fall to if they continue their decline?

 

And, finally, what is the classification of NCL & CCL.

[Ralphinsc]

You said that I was basing my information on something a cruise company writes about. Where does it say in my post that my information came from a cruise company? I'll say again that I got the information from a well known website travel agency that only sells cruises. They are in a successful business for over 14 years. (They're also one of the largest sellers of cruises in the USA). They know what they're talking about when it comes to star ratings of ships and the classification of cruise line classes from Luxury, Deluxe, Premium or Budget. The information did not come from a cruise company.

 

And they are not alone. Like you, I can't mention the name &/or address of that travel company, but anyone can do an internet search & find that there are many, many other cruise travel sites who specialize only in cruise vacations. Almost every one of them lists the classes of the cruise lines as well as the star ratings of their ships. There are also many popular travel magazines that conduct surveys of cruise lines and their ships, questioning previous cruisers, gathering recent experiences, and using their answers to put out a yearly cruise line review. (I can think of 5 such surveys and one popular book that uses the Class & Star Rating System)....So, again, I am not getting this information from a cruise company.

 

You certainly have a right to your opinion and I respect that. However, you're opinion is the complete opposite of virtually every other website and travel magazine survey when it comes to the Premium Class of ships, specifically RCI & Princess. And stating that Celebrity & HAL are Premium Class, but only borderline Premium, and basing your statement on comments from other cruisers, is also the complete opposite of virtually every other cruise travel website or magazine survey.

 

In conclusion, you still have not answered the three questions I had previously asked you. Please tell me, if you believe that RCI and Princess are not Premium Class lines, what classification would you or your travel company tell a potential customer that they are?

 

And if HAL & Celebrity are borderline Premium, what classification do you or your travel company think they will fall to if they continue their decline?

 

And, finally, what is the classification of NCL & CCL.

 

You DO realize that a lot of these "reputable" travel agencies are going to base their cruise ratings and classifications based almost solely on advertising dollars and money sent to steer cruise passengers towards their line. ESPECIALLY semi-anonymous internet agencies that possess pop-up and banner advertising on every link you click as you complete your booking process. Don't EVER base rankings and travel ratings on an entity that is in a position to benefit financially from skewing their results. Just how naive are you??

 

Do you honestly expect people to buy into this drivel, oh poster of half a dozen slanderous remarks? ;)

 

Did you make some momentous discovery in finding said website and feel you must educate the world on their (and now apparently your) "classification" of the cruise industry. :rolleyes:

 

I can guarantee you that the best five star classification that I've been exposed to as part of reading this is your ranking as a five star troll. :o

 

Move along now, lest the filth of us "budget" travelers soil your worldview...........:cool:

[Healthe]

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.[/quote

 

 

What cruise lines have you sailed with.:confused: Have you used the NCL latitude programme.:confused:

 

 

Down-Unders

 

I've sailed HAL, NCL, RCI, Princess & Celebrity. (Mostly Celebrity 6+, NCL 5+, split up with the remaining lines....Norway is included in the list.

 

And, yes, I belong to all the clubs, including Latitudes. How do you mean if I used the Latitudes program??? Yes I always get the pin & usually an invitation to a cocktail party. Don't get me wrong. I'm not looking for anything. I'm just addressing the issue of NCL issuing & announcing a new and improved Latitudes Program (2.0) that appeared on this thread. Some feel NCL has done enough with improving the program. Some don't, including me.

[Healthe]

You DO realize that a lot of these "reputable" travel agencies are going to base their cruise ratings and classifications based almost solely on advertising dollars and money sent to steer cruise passengers towards their line. ESPECIALLY semi-anonymous internet agencies that possess pop-up and banner advertising on every link you click as you complete your booking process. Don't EVER base rankings and travel ratings on an entity that is in a position to benefit financially from skewing their results. Just how naive are you??

 

Do you honestly expect people to buy into this drivel, oh poster of half a dozen slanderous remarks? ;)

 

Did you make some momentous discovery in finding said website and feel you must educate the world on their (and now apparently your) "classification" of the cruise industry. :rolleyes:

 

I can guarantee you that the best five star classification that I've been exposed to as part of reading this is your ranking as a five star troll. :o

 

Move along now, lest the filth of us "budget" travelers soil your worldview...........:cool:

 

Ralphinsc

 

To begin with, I've sailed the Sun twice, and Norway, Spirit & Majesty so I'm not inferring you or anyone else is a filthy budget traveler.

 

There are travel sites all over the web. You don't have to believe them if you don't want to. However, I've been on enough other lines and do have a comparison to both ends of the spectrum....(excluding the Luxury and Deluxe end). Based on those other lines & ships, and the cruise reports indicated on CC as well as other sites, and travel magazines, and posts, and complaints, and company policies, and company responses, etc., etc., believe me, there are Budget Classes of cruise lines. I didn't coin that phrase. It's out there.

 

I sail NCL and just gave final payment last week for a November trip. I know it's a Budget Class line. I'm not afraid to admit it. Apparently you don't like reading about it. When I need a better experience and can afford it, I go to Celebrity..or Holland or Royal or Princess. I admit it and there is no other way to put it. When I can't afford it, it's NCL or CCL. There are more plusses to the higher-end lines, usually better at everything....there are more minuses to the lower end lines....usually lesser at everything. Sorry about that fact of life.

 

So, why is that or anything else I said slanderous? I'm not trying to educate anyone. But it isn't right for a novice to come onto this site receiving false or misleading information from a lover of NCL or any other line. There should be two sides to a story and there usually is.

 

It's too bad that you are apparently the type who believes the travel websites & high-end travel magazines are bought by cruise lines & base their cruise line & ship ratings on advertising dollars and payoffs.