A dream to the Norwegian Fjords

[Kendall James-Vargas]

I agree, it's always a plus if you win. I don't enjoy when the casinos smell too much like smoke, so I usually avoid them for that purpose. On the other hand, if its a non-smoking casino, I would entertain the idea of playing a round or two! Do you play Black Jack? 

Edited January 18, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[LukeJ]

Personally I'm not very good at casinos, not sure about you. I play black jack but don't tend to win often

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ I'm also not one for casinos, but I I like to play black jack at home. My grandpa taught me when I was 5, playing with chips. He didn't gamble, but it is a nostalgic game for me since his passing! I got really good at a young age, but I am hesitant to gamble. It's a fun game of strategy/luck even if you don't win. It keeps the mind sharp! 

[PaulB]

I used to enjoy going to casinos. I'd never bet large amounts but would love the atmosphere of being in a casino. I found it all quite exciting, especially when you win. 

[3Sisters]

@LukeJ Norwegian Cruise Line is making lots of changes to its brand lately. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is bringing in some new senior leadership, and hopefully, it helps improve some of the recent flaws guests have been identifying. Frank Del Rio, CEO and President of NCL has decided to step down. Maybe this position was a little bit too much to handle. Beginning April 1, David J. Herrera will be NCL's new President. All of the new leadership will hopefully help strengthen and enhance all Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands to keep up with the strong industry competition. 

[PaulB]

@3Sisters are you aware to what flaws that guests have been identifying? I think change is good sometimes especially if the paying customer is spotting something missing 

[3Sisters]

Most NCL cruise guests that have been giving reviews on the boards are identifying customer service to be the largest area of complaint. After the staffing cutbacks is really when guests started noticing the lack of reliable and consistent service. Norwegian Cruise Line has also been continuing to decline its brand share prices and recently received a higher-than-expected loss. The cruise line has cut back on entertainment significantly and is now requiring pre-cruise entertainment reservations. Itineraries have been changing more frequently than not, and it seems like the cruise line is really cutting corners. On another note, Norwegian Cruise Line is anticipated to meet record occupancy levels this year, so hopefully, we see a turn of events now that the upper management is shifting. 

[bombarc]

I hope the new CEO listens to his repeat customers and initiates changes that benefit the guest,  I have been cruising with NCL since 2001 and there have been many changes just over the past 5 years.  For example, 60 free internet minutes were included in the Latitudes rewards for certain tier levels.  Now, Free Internet is included with the Free At Sea promotions.  What BS - we always book the Sailaway rate and received certain perks through our tier level (free internet, 4 Specialty Restaurant dinners, etc.),  Many room amenities and touches are gone - no tubes of lotion, no welcoming champagne, no evening turndown service. I understand cutbacks since COVID but we are paying more for less.   Paying attention to small details is important.   We recently sailed on the GEM and it was a great cruise - we love the GEM!  I can only say that the food in the Garden Cafe was not what we expected - many cutbacks and items unavailable.  Also, during the last 3 days of the cruise - the ship was out of many items.  The Thai Orchid was using their Lunch Menu at dinner because many dinner items were unavailable.  Bananas, oranges and bagels were MIA.  We did have an extra sea day due to an itineray change but I don't think that impacted the food situation.

I hope Mr. Herrera addresses the customer service issues that many of us have encountered, the quality of the food, and the Latitudes Rewards program. Bring back the 60 free internet minutes!

[PaulB]

If the CEO wishes for repeat custom, then they will certainly need to listen to what the customers are saying. I understand that they have to make money and profits but not at the expense of a lesser experience for the people who have paid a lot of money to be on board.

 

 

[3Sisters]

@bombarc I think listening to very loyal cruise guests is what needs to happen! All of those particular details are what make each cruise line so special and unique. The way Norwegian Cruise Line honors its loyal guests is how it can display its uniqueness and celebrate with those that truly cherish the cruise line. Taking away perks and special treatment makes the experience less exciting. The cutbacks are happening with every cruise line but when you start cutting back loyalty perks it makes guests feel like they aren't appreciated. Many loyal NCL cruise guests are exploring other cruise lines because of all of these shortcomings. I also hope Mr. Herrera addresses the customer service issues and begins to listen to customers! 

In other news, Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing back in-person muster drills. I think it's overall a good thing, but I did enjoy watching it from my cruise cabin as well. It's definitely safer to do the in-person practice. What do you think of this change? 

Edited March 27, 2023 by 3Sisters

[PaulB]

I agree with you about the in person practice. It is safer as you tend to listen and understand better, which I'm guessing is the most important thing in these situations. The saying of replacing humans with technology is not always a good thing. It may be simpler and cosy effective but what's the better alternative.

[3Sisters]

Norwegian Cruises may not be the only cruise line that is bringing back in-person muster drills. Some cruise lines did experience some "technical difficulties" and learning curves with the virtual muster drills.  Although, as of now, Carnival Cruise Line is holding on to its "self-mustering" process. CCL has received lots of positive feedback from this process so, for now, the cruise line is going to keep this simplified safety debriefing to maximize the fun time guests can have at sea.   https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1200/~/safety-briefing---muster-station-drill