HuliHuli

On 11/26/2022 at 11:05 AM, regnarts said:

Thing that amazes me & still cannot gey my head around is the fact the ship could only do 17 knph on this cruise hence the 2 ports of call were cancelled much to my annoyance, then on the next cruise of 7 days suddenly the engine is fixed and the speed is increased to 22 or 23 knph.

How is this possible, come on NCL just be honest with your customers !

Please demonstrate that they are not being honest!  ABB equipped Norwegian Breakaway with a complete electric system, including two 17.5 MW Azipod XO propulsion units. This gives the ship a top speed of 22.5 knots and a cruising speed of 21.5 knots. If the propulsion issue was with one of the Azipods while at sea, and the ship was able to obtain necessary parts once back at the home port, it is entirely logical that repairs could be made between successive cruises.

On 11/22/2022 at 6:29 AM, Monique said:

I think it’s terrible that Norwegian is taking away those crew members privileges.

So what "crew member privileges" are being restricted?  OP's post does not define this nor provide documentation of that assertion.

On 11/22/2022 at 4:59 PM, DeanneB said:

NCL "restrict[s] the staff to enjoy public areas even when they are off duty."

This is the only post that suggests what the restrictions are, but again no concrete evidence of that.

Lots of first time posters - I'm guessing all bots.  And anyway, paying customers should not have to compete with crew to utilize any of the facilities or services of the ship.  Pools, spas, food services are already too crowded most times.  They are there to work, not recreate.  On the Bermuda cruise I just left, crew were clearly given time to get off the ship for R&R, which is certainly reasonable.

And for those that claim NCL's customer service never responds to passenger inquiries, I received a call from corporate yesterday acknowledging my message to them wherein I pointed out NCL's communications with Nov. 19th Joy passengers was incorrect regarding Bermuda's travel policies.  They acknowledged their mistake and indicated their intention to reach out to passengers with a revised update.

"Effective November 14 2022, travel authorizations will no longer be required to enter Bermuda. Visitors travelling to Bermuda from November 14 onwards do not need to apply for a travel authorization."  Check the Bermuda Govt. website for confirmation.

Curious @Joywhy you would respond to a 9-month old thread?  The world has passed you by.

We sailed the Jade in July and its condition was excellent.  Because we had a large aft balcony, it was one of the largest cabins we have had on NCL.  We were able to have breakfast in Cagney's daily - totally uncrowded!  Shows were good; staff excellent; daily excursions well organized.  All-in-all, the cruise was great.  I particularly like the Jewel-class ships.

16 hours ago, Blue Shirt said:

However I would just add that rather then spend the cruise feeling down, try to be positive and put a smile on your face and be determined to enjoy the cruise despite the disappointment of two ports missing.😃

You are right @Blue Shirt.  I had a complete cruise itinerary changed from Eastern Caribbean to Western Caribbean, i.e., all ports changed to ones we were not interested in visiting.  But, after getting over the shock, we set about to make the best of the scheduled ports, one of which was also missed due to an onboard medical emergency.  Ship happens - Sail on!  No bellyaching.

4 hours ago, Karen Houle said:

5 ports in 14 days is ridiculous, not what I signed up for, or paid for back in June.  I overpaid to begin with, and they wouldn’t credit me anything.  I love their advertisements FREE FREE FREE.  False advertising.  Got nothing for free.  And, why can’t they spend 2 nights in any of the five ports, that would compensate for the loss.  Instead, they're giving everyone a small compensation.  Not enough.  Free drinks would be a good start on those two days we have to stay on the boat.  And, there’re also banking on more casino time instead of being at a port.  I’m already not looking forward to it.  Ridiculous!

Hmm.  Let's see what you "signed up for:"

"NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Guest Ticket Contract

1. Definitions: This Contract is between the Carrier and the Guest.

2. The Contract: The Guest agrees that this Contract governs the relationship between the Guest and
the Carrier,...

7. Vessel and Voyage:  (c) Itinerary Deviation: The Guest agrees that the Carrier has the sole discretion and liberty to direct the
movements of the vessel, including ...; deviate from the purchased voyage or the normal course for any purpose, including,
without limitation, ... cancel any scheduled call at any port for any reason and at any time before, during or after sailing of the
vessel; omit, advance or delay landing at any scheduled or advertised port; ..."

Moreover, if you "overpaid to begin with,..." that is entirely on you.  Finally, "And, there’re [sic] also banking on more casino time instead of being at a port."  Well, we'll be looking for the proof of that statement.

Have a nice cruise!

Or call your favorite TA who will certainly be able to find out.

On 8/27/2022 at 1:36 PM, kefthecruiser said:

Merriam-Webster Definition of gratuity - something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service

My preference would be for how it was. Cruise ships gratuities have become a service fee rather than an inducement for outstanding personal service. So now, the expectation is to pay the fee because the crew is counting on it and also tip for extraordinary service. Essentially, the cruise lines have found a way to separate out crew pay from the fare, so that fare quotes are lower (just like port fees and taxes)! How many people actually go to customer service and request removing the service fee / gratuity? I'd bet very few.

Thanks for posting the definition.  So many have forgotten (or deliberately ignore) the true purpose of tipping.  As @RoadTravelledopined, a true tip is earned and is in recognition of superior service.  A Daily Service Charge is not a tip or gratuity IMHO - it is a fee.  Thankfully, there is still some latitude with some cruise lines to reflect your true impressions of the staff's performance.  When I get great service, the staff member will know it and be able to continue to set an example for their colleagues.

On 10/8/2022 at 8:43 PM, mt234 said:

they’re being sneaky af…. they removed DR, and Cozumel…. saying it’s due to the ship having to travel at a slower speed due to maintenance. 

And just how is that being "sneaky?"  It sounds to me like they have an equipment issue and cannot make two ports as a result of the speeds they are able to maintain.  That is being up front on the issue @mt234.

22 hours ago, DeanneB said:

They say the NCL Package is the most expensive in the cruise industry. That is saying a lot.  https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-to-increase-price-on-beverage-packages/82251 

Well yes and no @DeanneB.  True, NCL's Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package (if purchased outright) is currently priced at $99 per person per day, excluding gratuities, and will increase to $109 per person per day in January.  Now let's compare the outright price of an equivalent beverage package on RCCL and CCL.

• RCCL:  The Deluxe Beverage package costs between $48 - $79 per guest, per night (excluding gratuity) if purchased in advance. The price will be higher if purchased onboard, usually between $63 - $89.00 per guest, per night, again excluding gratuity.
• CCL:  CCL's Cheers package is $51.95 to $54.95/person/day (excluding gratuity) if purchased in advance and $56.95 to $59.95/person/day (excluding gratuity) if purchased onboard.

So yes, on the surface, NCL is more expensive.  But, a majority of NCL's clients receive their beverage package as part of a bundled "Free At Sea" package for the price of $19.80/person/day, which is equivalent to the 20% gratuity they charge on the package.  Looking more deeply:

• Only NCL knows what beverage package cost is buried within every one of their cruise fares, if any.
• Individual drink pricing varies between the three major cruise lines, so it is tough to compare on a per drink basis.
• RCCl's package covers drinks up to $13/ea; NCL's up to $15/ea and CCL's up to $20/ea with a drink limit.

And then there is the fact that NCL, CCL and RCCL have fundamentally different pricing models for their cruises and amenities.  Thus far, analysts tell us NCL is doing better financially when compared to their competition, still achieving booking goals despite higher pricing.  That is good for shareholders, but maybe not so good for casual cruisers.

So this a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison.  I maintain that cruisers ought to evaluate the cost of their cruise vacation based on the total of the costs, direct and indirect, vs. the experience they will receive, to assess the 'best value' for their cruise dollar.  Evaluating this solely upon the beverage package price (which I know you did not assert) is false economics IMHO.

Cheers!

On 8/15/2022 at 10:50 AM, Paul M said:

NCL are now saying the cruise must be TAKEN before Dec 22!!!!

This was the rule from the day they issued the FCC to you.  Use it or lose it.  NCL is holding up their end of the deal YOU agreed to. No rip off!

On 7/22/2022 at 4:03 PM, Angee said:

Well I have a Alaskan cruise coming up what disappointments should I expect? It already took an hour to log in to your website talking to a foreigner in another country who kept putting me on hold🤑

Well if you are looking to encounter disappointments on your upcoming cruise, maybe, just maybe, you are not approaching this cruise with the right mindset.  @FJB's sarcasm was so appropriate.

On 10/5/2022 at 9:56 AM, Pete the Greek said:

Thevfirst night we ate as a group in the Savor restaurant. I ordered the oven roasted beef, what came out looked like a New York strip. It took me a few minutes to cut through it, it was gray inside and practically unchewable. The server came around and some of my friends were sending back their entrees, so I asked him if I could get the meat medium. He looked at it and said I got the wrong meal. What came next was just as tough as the first one. One of my friends at the table sold meat to restaurants for over 20 years. He said there are 8 grades of meat, and what we were served was either the lowest or the next higher. Basically, meat used for cheap hamburger. That was my first experience with gray meat.

The buffet was not much better, very limited choices, especially for vegetables.

I had high hopes for Gagney’s, but that experience was ruined by the manager. After seating us with the rest of our group, he announced in a very load voice that we must pay for our meal (no one else in our group had to pay). My friends were already sending food back and my fiancé was so embarrassed (he made us feel like freeloaders) that we walked out.

I really believe that NCL knew there were a lot of cancellations and tried to save some money by cleaning out the refrigerator.  My fiancé has a large presence on social media and is not shy when she feels cheated.

Sorry you did not enjoy your meal(s) on NCL @Pete the Greek, but I have a hard time buying your story.  If you went to Cagney's, you know that is a specialty restaurant with an additional charge unless you have the Specialty Dining Package or a Latitudes dinner perk.  If you had neither, it was proper for the server to inform you of the additional charge.  Because he did not whisper this in your ear is not a valid complaint IMHO.  If he as addressing the table at large, there is nothing unusual or untoward about his actions.

Moreover, grading the meat after it is cooked is purely speculative.  Did you confirm the grade of meat with the Restaurant Manager or Maître D'?  Did you even speak with either?  Additionally, asserting "NCL knew there were a lot of cancellations and tried to save some money by cleaning out the refrigerator" is equally specious.  It sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder regarding this cruise.

You're welcome to your opinion about NCL's food.  I have found the majority of my meals onboard NCL to be quite good - not much different than meals eaten on other ships or restaurants in general.  Indeed, one of the worst meals I've had was in a popular restaurant in Athens Greece recently.  But I'm not going to go on a travel site and broadly slam all food in Greece.   I believe, "over smaak valt niet te twisten."

The cruise contract that we all accept allows the cruise line the flexibility to change the itinerary as they deem necessary.  I experienced a cruise where the entire itinerary was changed from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean.  Be "furious" if you like, but it won't change the facts or terms that you agreed to accept.

A sovereign nation has the right and ability to regulate who and how people enter its borders and whether or not a fee is charged pursuant to that entry.  If you don't like it, don't go.  We all pay port fees when we cruise.  Bermuda's is really no different than any other nation's individual reasoning for a port fee.  The issue has/is being debated in Bermuda's Parliament and changes are coming. See: https://www.gov.bm/cruise-travel-authorisation 

From BoatTest.com: "Bows need to have some or all of the following qualities: offer low resistance to motion through the water and thus best fuel economy in both calm and rough seas, minimize pitching motions and pitch slamming, minimize spray and wetting, offer lots of room inside the hull for accommodation, not let green water over the foredeck — the list goes on. So, the bow of a boat has a number of jobs to do — often a jumble of conflicting requirements that — as with so many elements of boat design – call for prioritization and compromise. A good solution for one problem can quite readily create new problems or less desirable knock on effects. Understanding the requirements of the proposed new boat and the owner’s expectations and priorities is thus a very important first step in the design process."  NCL's Prima as well as Virgin Voyage's Lady ships have clearly chosen a new path based upon all of these design factors.

On 8/12/2022 at 6:53 PM, Gigi said:

Which cruise line will make us an offer?

Cruise lines offer cruises every day for a price.  Are you saying that you deserve something special @Gigi?

On 8/27/2022 at 5:23 PM, Oferdesade said:

Its shameful that instead of paying proper wages cruiseliners force workers to beg and passengers to make up for their stinginess. Just like forbidding bringing drinks so they can force upon you drinking plans that have people start boozing at 8am to make those plans cost effective. Never again.

Wow - so much to unpack here.

Cruise lines pay wages based on what the market will bear.  It's called capitalism.  If they didn't, they wouldn't have crew to man the ships.  I've never see a cruise worker "beg."  Maybe you can post a photo of a crew member with their tin cup.  Cruise lines set daily service charge and gratuity rates to partially cover crew compensation and passengers are usually able to tip as they see fit for service rendered.  That's not any different than your local restaurant, bar or other service business.  Yes, passengers pay all of the bills for a cruise line's operations.  What's wrong with that business model?

"Forbidding bringing drinks" onboard is for a couple of key reasons.  First, it allows the cruise line to withhold service to those who "start boozing at 8am" and are too inebriated to walk by 10:00 am, which would only be worse if passengers had an unencumbered ability to bring unchecked amounts of liquor onboard.  This also regulates the availability of alcohol to those not of age to drink.  Second, it is part of the same capitalistic business model that enables cruise lines to make money on the sale of alcoholic beverages.  Onboard sales of all types are critical to the vitality of cruise lines.  Do you bring your own booze to your local bar/restaurant @Oferdesade?

Never again?  I hope that means we will not be seeing you on future cruises.  Bye!

On 9/27/2022 at 9:18 AM, Joanna said:

Hell no, I am not happy. I booked the Breakaway cruise on November 6 from New York to New Orleans and we were notified that instead of the seven ports we were going to stop at on a 14 day cruise we would only be stopping at 5 ports. I knew booking the cruise there were a lot of sea days but now that NCL has callously canceled two ports we have far too many sea days. To tell you the truth after two sea days I have seen it all and done it all on the ship. What are the passengers supposed to do on board the extra two days? What is NCL planning extra to pass the time? I called NCL to see options and was told tough luck you have no options. NCL has the right to cancel any port at any time. One maybe but two - certainly NOT! Further, what is the shroud of mystery about the maintenance? Why are the passengers not told more? Why isn't NCL offering us the option to book a different cruise. I will loose a boat load (pun intended)of money if canceled. I have no options and NCL doesn't care. HELP!!!😪

Would you like some cheese with your whine?