Norwegian Cruise Line Cutbacks

[Kendall James-Vargas]

Unfortunately, it looks like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will be reducing its shoreside workforce by 9%. This is such a bummer, but it seems like the shift in leadership may have something to do with it. Several of the new managerial changes will go into effect January 1, 2023. I'm thinking this may be the beginning to a new wave of changes. 

[Emrys]

4 minutes ago, Kendall James-Vargas said:

Unfortunately, it looks like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will be reducing its shoreside workforce by 9%. This is such a bummer, but it seems like the shift in leadership may have something to do with it. Several of the new managerial changes will go into effect January 1, 2023. I'm thinking this may be the beginning to a new wave of changes. 

A real shame for all the shoreside staff. I have a feeling there could be more on the way by other cruise lines, especially with all the recent cutbacks needed.

[DeanneB]

How can the operations be more sufficient if they are cutting back shoreside staff?

[KristineF]

Kinda feels like everyone is losing their jobs these days.  So sad.

[3Sisters]

@KristineF Yes, I agree. The amount of job loss over the last few years has been tragic.

@DeanneB I guess this all has to do with upper management making financial cutbacks. I wonder what they intend to do with the finances instead. Maybe the line is planning to spend it elsewhere.

 

[Cruiser44]

That Frank Del Rio sure is harsh!

[DeanneB]

I don't know the guy, and now I have to Google him.  I hope this is just a temporary solution being they are in a financial crunch.  Still...

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@DeanneB Google for the win! I'm sure we will see more of what this CEO is like in upcoming months. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-to-increase-gratuities-for-all-passengers/89754

It looks like the line is also increasing its daily guest gratuities next year, on top of this! 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Cruiser44 Norwegian Cruise Line is will be increasing its service charges next month, and now Holland America Line will be doing the same in February 2023!

https://www.cruisehive.com/get-ready-for-increased-cruise-service-charges-in-the-new-year/91101

 

[Mikey]

Our last cruise was on the Bliss.  We were a little disappointed with the entertainment.  DJ's instead of live music and the worst Beatles performance we have ever seen.  We have an NCL cruise in November, which will be our last with NCL.  Reducing staff and services instead of trying to come up with more and better experiences is the last thing we expected to see.

[Tish]

Sad. We also cruised bliss with jersey boys which was great. Beatles were awful. Jersey Boys Cast did their own Valentines show that was the best entertainment they had. Let's get back to live music please. A jazz combo, instrumentalists who cross over to production shows and small group shows. So much talent out there! Book it instead of a DJ. 

[bombarc]

Maybe NCL needs to stop building Mega Ships and focus on the ships they have and also itineraries.  We have been cruising with NCL for over 20 years and have loved the entertainment on the smalller ships like the Dawn, GEM etc.  We have also enjoyed the permanent shows on the larger ships but having sailed many times on the Breakaway, Getaway, etc,  having the same show is redundant. 

NCL has changed dramatically since COVID, but their loyal customers are out there and are being driven to other lines because of the changes.  I have stopped filling out their after cruise surveys because they are useless.  Paying attention to small details that bring back customers should be the norm - not making ridiculous cutbacks to keep building Mega Ships.

[FJB]

It’s the WalMartization of cruising - do whatever you can to keep it cheap so people will continue to buy. It’s happening with most things, not just NCL cruises. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Mikey Yes, I agree. The cruise line is really driving people away with all of its cutbacks. I understand some cutbacks are necessary to recover post shutdown, but you can't change the cruising experience completely without dissatisfying guests. 

@Tish I also prefer live music! In my opinion it takes so much more skill and ability. What is your favorite live music? I always love a good latin beat with some bongos in the background! I agree, you can't go wrong with a good jazz band. 

@bombarc That's a great point. Norwegian Cruise Line should bring back/keep guest favorites. It's all in the details that make the cruise line desirable! Now with the entertainment cutbacks NCL is going to offer more redundancy. Hopefully these cutbacks could lead to some new entertainment options and substitutions.

@FJB I like that, WalMartization. I agree that it's happening everywhere. Markets are becoming oversaturated. 

 

Edited January 16, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[RobD]

Unfortunately I understand the cutbacks in entertainment. Dj’s are cheaper than live entertainers and many people who cruise are looking for something cheap. I’m disappointed but the entertainment I enjoy but is not the main reason I cruise with Norwegian so I will continue if this was the only change. 
 

I use Norwegian for the freestyle dining as the people I usually travel with don’t want the traditional cruise dining at a set table. The food options are pretty good compared to some lines. I talked to someone who went with RCC and they said after 10 your only option is cheese pizza. 
 

I usually do not spend that much money while on board. I will spend some at the casino, will get a drink or two and that is it. I don’t buy photos, shop, or go to the spa. I like to walk around, chill in the lounge and partake in the free activities in the atrium. I also go on shore excursions. The one thing I like is being treated well like a VIP even though I am not. I really like coming back from dinner and finding my room cleaned a second time and bed turned down. I don’t have the money to pay for a cruise in the Haven. 
 

I have a suggestion since I don’t purchase much on board as a way for NCL to increase revenue and give me what I want. I suggest that NCL offer turn down service for $25 per night and you get your room tidied up and 2 bottles of water for the next day. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@RobDI didn't realize DJ's were cheaper than live entertainers. This very well may be the reason for the shift. 

I agree that late night dining selections for most other cruise lines are pretty limited. It's likely because most people aren't dining at the time. I have found that European cruise lines have later dining options with a larger variety. It's definitely a cultural difference. 

It's really lovely to return to a neat and tidy stateroom! I absolutely love when the housekeeping staff adds a towel animal as well. It's such a special touch!

That's an interesting proposal. What NCL ships have you cruised on, and which one was your favorite?

That

[RobD]

Thank you for responding.  I just wanted to throw the idea out there as a win- win for the customer and consumer. The cruise line really wants you to spend money on things above the cruise fare and that is something I would splurge on. Sometimes boards like these get monitored and maybe a change can be made. 
 

A musician will have some talent, after all I can not play an instrument or sing, but I could be trained fairly quickly to run a playlist. People who have more talent than me can demand a higher price. I also remember that in many cases the it was groups and not just one person so a group would cost more. 
 

In response to cruises I have only been on 3. I went on the Pearl from New Orleans to Cozumel, Rostand, Harvest Kaye, and Costa Maya in 2017. I then went on the Encore from New York to St. John, Halifax, Bar Harbor, and Portland in October 2019. This past October I went on the Bliss for a 5 day cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensanada. I am tentatively planning Alaska in August on the Spirit. The reason for the Spirit one is because it goes thru inside passage and has a unique design that I really like.

 

 I liked the Pearl a lot because of the smaller size. I do a lot of things on my own so there was more meeting of the same people (both passengers and crew).  On the cruise to Mexico on the Bliss I enjoyed the water slides and promenade alot because the weather was nice. The New England cruise in the fall was cold, and I felt like the outdoor spaces were wasted. So my answer to which I like best depends on where you are cruising. Warm weather larger ships with the Promenade, cooler trips (New England, Alaska, Northern Europe) smaller ships for the intimacy. 

[PaulB]

This is typical of the present world in any workforce. Cutbacks so heavily to save money, yet the top brass still expect the same service as before which unfortunately puts pressure on the staff that's left behind. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@RobD Of course. Thanks for posting! Yes, I think everyone has their ideal cruise vacation that consists of guest specified expenditures. I personally don't shop much onboard, but I do enjoy spending additionally on the photo packages, beverages, and gratuities.

That's very true. It takes a long time to develop the ability to play an instrument. I always prefer a group over a solo artist; although there is something so soothing about a solo pianist!

Your upcoming August cruise to Alaska sounds amazing! I hope you post your review post-sailing. I would really like to save enough to go on an Alaskan cruise, and your feedback would be much appreciated. Norwegian Spirit seems like a fun ship! There will be plenty of evening activities onboard.

I love meeting new people on vacation! I also love revisiting crew from the past. Sometimes the crew will transfer ships within the cruise line, and you can see them on another ship! It's a great surprise. I haven't truly been on a "small" ship, but I think I really would enjoy it. I also haven't visited anywhere cold. When I think of cruising I always associate it with being outdoors in the sun most of the day!