Had to finally book with NCL because Disney wanted me to sell my house... lol

[Tonka's Skipper]

Just another interesting observation to add, for anyone who's followed this thread from the start. There's been some concern from a few posters about all the changes NCL has made over the past few months with a new CEO at that company, and people not necessarily being happy about the changes or the way it's been handled. In the past week on the DCL forums here, I've seen two different threads pop up. One about DCL no longer allowing things to be dumped off at guest services for signatures from characters (it was an unofficial service that was never actually offered or sanctioned by DCL, but one they've been doing for years because guests saw that they "could" from reading message boards and such) and another today about hot tub/pool hours being reduced to now close at 10pm instead of midnight. On both of those threads people are disappointed and upset about those changes. Add to that the $5 increase to both Palo and Remy this year, and the spa auto gratuity that started a year ago, as well as some port day changes, and you'll see that changes aren't only happening at NCL. With both Royal Caribbean and NCL upping the daily gratuities this year, I know it will not be long before DCL does so as well. It's been $12 for a VERY long time, and watch those threads when that happens.

It's nice to see a thread about other cruise lines that seems to have so much support for the other lines. Usually when the threads pop up, it's staunch defense of Disney and can sometimes turn to bashing of the other lines.

I would point out that many come to this forum and complain that DCL is the evil, overpriced cruise line and what you see is DCL fans pointing out the many specail amenities that DCL cruises have including the vessels.

It is no secret NCL has been cutting left and right and thier CEO has even moved thier complaints as un important.

Many NCL fans who have sailed NCL are concerned and some are moving to other lines. This can be found any NCL forum.

I would point out the following:

1. All NCL charters have been removed from the few.vessels that had them.

2. Rooms service is now at least partially on a charge bases

3. AL A CART menus are being expanded to more buy up dining venues and this will be expanded to any more venues,starting in January 2016. This will mean considerable increases to food/meal costs.

5. The buy up rates on some dinning venues have increased at more then $5.00.

6. All fireworks have been illminated.

7. Over the 3 or 4 months according to the NCL forums there have been many more minor changes and removal of amenities on NCL.

5. Gratuities have been increased on NCL and other line. No word of increases on DCL, but the truth be known for the exellent service and the hard work they do, the DCL CM's deserve increases and get them from us more often then not.

Frankly NCL has problems and the value of the cheaper cruise is going down.

The bottom line here is that how long can NCL(and other lines) continue to reduce and remove cruise amenities and operate without raising rates?

Where else are the cutting corners?

AKK

 

[perditax]

I don't completely understand the point of trying so hard to convince people not to try other options.

 

[WDW&DCLADDICT]

carnival is a great option for cruising I mean dinning room food isn't so good in the main dining room but the other options are really good

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I don't completely understand the point of trying so hard to convince people not to try other options.

Where did anyone do that?

AKK

 

[Sanchez]

Where did anyone do that?

AKK

I will chime in here. I regularly read this board and over the years have experienced multiple Disney, RCL, and Princess cruises. I find that there are merits to each and am happy to discuss the respective strengths and weaknesses. As this is a Disney board I certainly expect that most people here would select Disney over other lines. However, there is a strong contingent that refuses to concede that any other lines can put out a good product. It seems that they take personally any attempt to show that another cruise line can match Disney.

No disrespect intended, but you seem inclined to defend Disney in every comparison thread that arises. I understand that you may believe that Disney is the best of the mass cruise lines, but perhaps you don't realize that you can come across as a shill for Disney. I don't know whether perditax is referring to you, but I believe that you regularly attempt to convince people that other options are not worthy. Again, perhaps you do not realize it, but you appear to discount and demean the choices others make.

We have fallen into a pattern of booking cruises in late fall for a mid-January sailing. In 2013 we went with a 7 day Disney Eastern Caribbean on the Fantasy. In 2015 we went with a 7 day Eastern Caribbean on the Regal Princess (brand new ship.) Similar itinerary (except for Princess Cays versus Castaway Cay), same week, same basic room category (balcony.) These were adult-only cruises. We lucked out on the Princess fare and booked for under $800 per person. I thought we got a good deal on the Disney fare at $1,300 per person.

From an adult only perspective we liked the Princess cruise better. We paid $1,000 more for the Disney cruise. The food on Princess was far superior. The service on Princess was very good (perhaps not as good as Disney.) We enjoyed the entertainment on Princess much more - the Disney shows were not good. I understand that entertainment is a personal preference. We spent some time in the casino on Princess. The Regal is a beautiful new ship. Princess Cays matches up very well with Castaway Cay.

Princess had a much older crowd - i.e. almost no children which seems right for mid-January. When our children were younger Disney was the right choice. In their early teens RCL Oasis was the right choice. For adults only, Princess is the right choice.

For you to infer that other lines are universally inferior is simply incorrect. Disney is doing just fine and there is no reason to continuously attempt to convince others of Disney's (perceived) superiority.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Tonka's Skipper is absolutely correct that NCL is cutting back, though.

However, they have nice ships and are still cheaper than Disney.

It's going to come down to, do you want to use the upcharge dining? Do you care if it costs more than it did?
Do you really care if there are no fireworks? I saw posts here from some who said they were willing to cancel if there were no fireworks (and they were talking about NCL as well as Disney)
Do you use room service? OK with paying a set service charge for it?
Do you use the kids clubs? Keep and eye on their hours and setup.
Yes, gratuities have gone up.

Otherwise it won't change a lot.

When our children were younger Disney was the right choice. In their early teens RCL Oasis was the right choice. For adults only, Princess is the right choice.

That is for you. I don't have children. I have never had children. I've always cruised Disney. Going to try RCL next year and see how they are in Europe. But my Disney Europe cruises were awesome and perfect for me, and that had nothing to do with children.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I will chime in here. I regularly read this board and over the years have experienced multiple Disney, RCL, and Princess cruises. I find that there are merits to each and am happy to discuss the respective strengths and weaknesses. As this is a Disney board I certainly expect that most people here would select Disney over other lines. However, there is a strong contingent that refuses to concede that any other lines can put out a good product. It seems that they take personally any attempt to show that another cruise line can match Disney.

No disrespect intended, but you seem inclined to defend Disney in every comparison thread that arises. I understand that you may believe that Disney is the best of the mass cruise lines, but perhaps you don't realize that you can come across as a shill for Disney. I don't know whether perditax is referring to you, but I believe that you regularly attempt to convince people that other options are not worthy. Again, perhaps you do not realize it, but you appear to discount and demean the choices others make.

We have fallen into a pattern of booking cruises in late fall for a mid-January sailing. In 2013 we went with a 7 day Disney Eastern Caribbean on the Fantasy. In 2015 we went with a 7 day Eastern Caribbean on the Regal Princess (brand new ship.) Similar itinerary (except for Princess Cays versus Castaway Cay), same week, same basic room category (balcony.) These were adult-only cruises. We lucked out on the Princess fare and booked for under $800 per person. I thought we got a good deal on the Disney fare at $1,300 per person.

From an adult only perspective we liked the Princess cruise better. We paid $1,000 more for the Disney cruise. The food on Princess was far superior. The service on Princess was very good (perhaps not as good as Disney.) We enjoyed the entertainment on Princess much more - the Disney shows were not good. I understand that entertainment is a personal preference. We spent some time in the casino on Princess. The Regal is a beautiful new ship. Princess Cays matches up very well with Castaway Cay.

Princess had a much older crowd - i.e. almost no children which seems right for mid-January. When our children were younger Disney was the right choice. In their early teens RCL Oasis was the right choice. For adults only, Princess is the right choice.

For you to infer that other lines are universally inferior is simply incorrect. Disney is doing just fine and there is no reason to continuously attempt to convince others of Disney's (perceived) superiority.

Frankly and no disrespect intended, I disagree. I have repeatedly said here and in other forums that some other lines put out a good cruise........What I have gone on the say is it not a Disney cruise and the I feel DCL is worth the price of the cruise. Others here know I am the first one to nail DCL to the bulkhead if they mess up, EI the CM that was returned to India after attacking the child in the elevator. Applauded Carnival and RCL the way they handled recent fires. I also applauded DCL when their crew was able to rescue a passenger, form another cruise ship, in the water by a DCL lifeboat and another line ship could not even get their lifeboat in the water.

Lets look at Scoppdo post , which I responded to. The person stated a number of things that he or she feels was evidence that Disney does which is making people unhappy and voiced the opinion DCL fans tend to bash other lines. I responding to point out that NCL has made many cut backs...item by item...I did not bash NCL, I pointed out some factual items have show problems with NCL and the quality of their cruise and how it has been reduced by all the cut backs.

Yet you did not comment on Scoopdo negative comments on Disney , only on my comments, implying just because I pointed out facts that were issues with NCL, I am in some way wrong to show problems on NCL.

I have sailed other Lines including RCL, Celebrity and once on carnival(and never again) etc.......and as I just said I have stated they put out a good standard cruise. However I feel DCL is a better and special cruise with remarkable vessels and worth the money,

I am happy you enjoy other lines. However if a poster wants to come and compare Lines, I will offer factual and honest opinion and they are free to go as they wish, If that means will point out problems, so be it. I feel adults are smart enough to be allowed to read the points made and make up their own minds.

I would pose the question.........what does any one work so hard to try and convince anyone not to cruise with Disney?

AKK

 

[perditax]

This is a DCL forum on a Disney site. It is assumed most people here are pro-DCL. In other words, there is already plenty of DCL cheerleading happening. Like in almost every single other thread.

This is a single thread that is specifically about NCL; in general the thread has had a lot of people who don't feel they can afford DCL anymore. If people do vent a bit about DCL here, it's not going to bring down those prices any or impact Disney's bottom line. Trust.

While occasionally pointing out the 'buts' of NCL is one thing, I don't understand the need to not just let people be happy with a more affordable option, instead of trying to tear it down by REPEATING the same lists of perceived issues.

Especially if one has never, for example, even been on the NCL Getaway.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Assuming can get a person in a lot of problems! (PS. the dis is not part of Disney)

If you read at most forums.....you will find many of the host line fans are also their worse enemies, including this forum.

Perceived issues?.......what of the facts was in error?. If I made a error I would be happy to retract that part of my statement. If you read over at the NCL forums their is no perceived issues. There are fans flatly going to other lines.

Why not state the facts and the honest opinion and let people chose for themselves?.....


I don't understand why anything should be hidden.

AKK

 

[Scoobypop]

I didn't say anything "negative" about Disney. If you have followed this thread all the way, you have seen me state my LOVE for DCL in at least two posts. Used the same capital letters as well. When I've chimed in, it was never anything "negative" that I said about DCL. It was to show the counterpoint that some are making that NCL is making cutbacks, as if it is something people might want to beware of. So I have been chiming in to show the "cutbacks" or changes to DCL such as the no more signatures from guest services, reduced pool hours and the increase in up charge dining venues. Also when someone complained that their itinerary was changed on NCL, that person wrote it as being a big deal because they already made plans that day. That is understandable, but I was pointing out to anyone who might not know, that even DCL changes itineraries and cruises. It was backed up by another poster a page later who had it happen to her, without notification of any kind, even though her sister was notified. I have stated that I've done 14 DCL cruises-it should go without saying, I've done that many because I love the product and cruise line. I've got another one in October on the Magic. But-as was the original point of the thread, the DCL pricing has driven me to choose two other lines over the past 14 months, and I'm very glad it did, as I said before, because I found so many things I liked as much or more.

That being said, if I did come across as negative to DCL, that wasn't my intent. It was always only to point out counter points to some statements being made about the other cruise lines, and wanted to show that those weren't only unique to other lines, for those who didn't know.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I didn't say anything "negative" about Disney. If you have followed this thread all the way, you have seen me state my LOVE for DCL in at least two posts. Used the same capital letters as well. When I've chimed in, it was never anything "negative" that I said about DCL. It was to show the counterpoint that some are making that NCL is making cutbacks, as if it is something people might want to beware of. So I have been chiming in to show the "cutbacks" or changes to DCL such as the no more signatures from guest services, reduced pool hours and the increase in up charge dining venues. Also when someone complained that their itinerary was changed on NCL, that person wrote it as being a big deal because they already made plans that day. That is understandable, but I was pointing out to anyone who might not know, that even DCL changes itineraries and cruises. It was backed up by another poster a page later who had it happen to her, without notification of any kind, even though her sister was notified. I have stated that I've done 14 DCL cruises-it should go without saying, I've done that many because I love the product and cruise line. I've got another one in October on the Magic. But-as was the original point of the thread, the DCL pricing has driven me to choose two other lines over the past 14 months, and I'm very glad it did, as I said before, because I found so many things I liked as much or more.

That being said, if I did come across as negative to DCL, that wasn't my intent. It was always only to point out counter points to some statements being made about the other cruise lines, and wanted to show that those weren't only unique to other lines, for those who didn't know.

Actually I did not say you said anything negative.it was a general comment. If it came across that way I am sorry.

I read your points on what I feel is minor issues with DCL and that DCL fans sometimes bash other lines, namely NCL. All I did was point out facts and offer my opinion. That is not bashing, but countering your points on DCL.

You feel the price of DCL is to much now and you went to cruise other lines........that is great. You seems to be happy!..I pointed out that because of the many cut backs at NCL, the value of the NCL cheaper cruise is worth less?

Why is your post any different from my post?

AKK

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Back to topic!

Know what I'm looking forward to about sailing NCL the most?! No Frozen crap! WHEEEEEEEE!!!!

 

[Scoobypop]

I agree with you-the DCL changes/cuts whatever you want to call them are minor to me too. I've never dropped anything off at guest services to have signed. I can live with the adult pool closing at 10, even though I often used it till midnight. I willingly pay the Palo charge (well not anymore since I am platinum), even though I remember paying $10 for Palo back in 2006. I'm not concerned about auto gratuity in the spa. ALL those changes didn't affect me at all. I was pointing out that on other threads you'd see people up in arms over those changes. Remember the "no more bringing liquor on board" change maybe two years ago? The "shorts now allowed in dining room" threads? Ugh those could be tiresome.

Tonka-if you saw several pages back, I backed you up. I said you were right about the things you said NCL changes. I do not browse other message boards or cruise boards, just the dis because I love Disney. My last post on page 5, the one you quoted above that seemed to upset you-I was making a point about how nice this thread was, because I didn't see anyone "bashing" other lines. I said most other threads that talk about other cruise lines turn into that, because there's so many DCL cheerleaders. But I didn't think anyone on this thread was bashing. If it read that way, sorry. I thought this thread had a good vibe going, that's what I was actually saying.

 

[Scoobypop]

Back to topic!

Thanks sweetpee! (Sorry the quote thing isn't working on my phone here)

 

[darwinsrule]

Back to topic!

Know what I'm looking forward to about sailing NCL the most?! No Frozen crap! WHEEEEEEEE!!!!

Let it go Sweetpee. Let it go.

Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Let it go Sweetpee. Let it go.

Sorry couldn't resist.

Or burn it with fire. Burn it to the ground.

 

[goNDmay9]

thanks @momof2n2 and @erocrobro!!! I will have to check them out. You all definitely have my interest peaked now. We are looking for a cruise for Jan / Feb - but with the addition of the star wars cruises - our DCL options are limited. Glad to see there are other DCL lovers out there doing some recon for the rest of us!

 

[kaseyC]

I would point out that many come to this forum and complain that DCL is the evil, overpriced cruise line and what you see is DCL fans pointing out the many specail amenities that DCL cruises have including the vessels.

It is no secret NCL has been cutting left and right and thier CEO has even moved thier complaints as un important.

Many NCL fans who have sailed NCL are concerned and some are moving to other lines. This can be found any NCL forum.

I would point out the following:

1. All NCL charters have been removed from the few.vessels that had them.

2. Rooms service is now at least partially on a charge bases

3. AL A CART menus are being expanded to more buy up dining venues and this will be expanded to any more venues,starting in January 2016. This will mean considerable increases to food/meal costs.

5. The buy up rates on some dinning venues have increased at more then $5.00.

6. All fireworks have been illminated.

7. Over the 3 or 4 months according to the NCL forums there have been many more minor changes and removal of amenities on NCL.

5. Gratuities have been increased on NCL and other line. No word of increases on DCL, but the truth be known for the exellent service and the hard work they do, the DCL CM's deserve increases and get them from us more often then not.

Frankly NCL has problems and the value of the cheaper cruise is going down.

The bottom line here is that how long can NCL(and other lines) continue to reduce and remove cruise amenities and operate without raising rates?

Where else are the cutting corners?

AKK

Have you ever cruised NCL? You are making a lot of posts about what you read on other boards, which I'm sure is the NCL boards on cruise critic but you are not posting any personal experience. I have sailed NCL, and have sailed multiple cruises with them since 2000, the same year I started sailing Disney. I am Platinum on both cruise lines and have seen both go through changes that have made me happy and unhappy. I also am a regular reader and poster on the NCL board. There are many posts from folks who are not upset with changes and realize that a new CEO leads to change. But you are not including their views on your massive list. Scooby was just pointing out there have been changes within DCL that many posters have not been happy about as well but we don't see you all over those threads making a long list of how DCL is cutting corners. But you don't hesitate to try and discourage others from sailing a cruise line I believe you have never set foot on. You have no clue how these changes will be implemented and how they will truly be received once people experience them.

It used to be Carnival you were on your high horse about but now it seems you have a bug up your butt about NCL. Look, if you don't want to sail them fine, don't! But to constantly come on thread listing all of the bad things you have "read" not experienced is just unnecessary. Just because someone chooses another cruise line over DCL every once in awhile is not bashing DCL. Yes, we get it DCL is special and magical! But it doesn't mean others may not enjoy another cruise line like NCL even if they are going through growing pains.

*In case I'm questioned I have sailed: All 4 Disney ships and the following NCL ships: Sky, Jewel, Epic, Star, Breakaway, Getaway. I have upcoming cruises on the Escape (Inaugural TA crossing) and the Jade.*

 

[kaseyC]

Assuming can get a person in a lot of problems! (PS. the dis is not part of Disney)

If you read at most forums.....you will find many of the host line fans are also their worse enemies, including this forum.

Perceived issues?.......what of the facts was in error?. If I made a error I would be happy to retract that part of my statement. If you read over at the NCL forums their is no perceived issues. There are fans flatly going to other lines.

Why not state the facts and the honest opinion and let people chose for themselves?.....


I don't understand why anything should be hidden.

AKK

I do read over at the NCL forums and have been for over 10 years. There are many fans who are not going to other lines but you don't mention them. As a matter of fact, I'm in two large cruise meet groups for my two upcoming cruises and no one is deserting. Most of us have cruised NCL multiple times and are still fans. We plan to wait out the "growing pains" of the new CEO.

No one is hiding anything, folks on the Dis are not stupid. They can go right over to cruise critic and read the NCL boards just like YOU and form their own opinions just like YOU.

 

[perdidobay]

I edited this to add re Tonka's Skippers comment, I don't think DCL is an evil, overpriced cruise line, and haven't heard other people say that, it's just that we don't perceive the cost to be a good value for us anymore, and the reasoning as to why may vary.

Even with all the recent changes and cutbacks that NCL has made, I am beyond happy to be sailing with them vs DCL in October. Why? Here are a few reasons: more adult entertainment venues (adult comedy shows, the Grammy experience, Howl at the Moon (my very first Disney cruise had dueling pianos, there's one thing I loved that DCL has done away with!), main theatre shows that DON'T have Disney characters in them, 20+ dining venues including teppanyaki, French, Brazilian churarriza, Italian, sushi, upscale seafood, Cuban, an Irish/American pub, and American steakhouse to name a few.
My choice to eat when and where I chose each night.
5 water slides, a rope course, zip line, and a first rate dinner show in a special theatre. What it boils down to for me, I have more choices, of a more adult variety, on the Getaway.

Although because of our booking, we don't have to worry about any of the recent changes on this cruise, I don't feel the changes would be enough to keep me from booking NCL again. Maybe after 15 DCL cruises, I'm just tired of the same old, same old, mostly geared to kids and families, that never really varies year to year.
Vive la difference!
And, I'll be back on DCL next February, due to having friends that want us to cruise with them on DCL. I will totally enjoy that cruise too, I just hope I'm not wistfully thinking about what the Getaway offers that DCL doesn't.