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RESEARCH & DEVELOPEMENT - REPORT ON NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES

Tue, 08/12/2008 - 15:49 — Ron

 

REPORT…..OUR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT STUDY ON NCL:
 
We gratefully have something new to report to you about. Cheryl & I along with a few close friends just returned from a sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines Dawn. We sailed from New York harbor last week on our way to Bermuda. Bermuda was the scene of the crime. We were celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary. What better place to see then the island where it all began, Bermuda. 
Ok, that’s why we went. Now here is the meat of our research and development. 
As you know, we are always working for you. Yes, we had a wonderful time but our work is a large part of our life. NCL was a very pleasant surprise. It wasn’t our first time aboard NCL. We had sailed in Hawaii two years ago with the whole family. That sailing aboard the ship previously known as the Pride of Hawaii was one of the worst cruises we had ever experienced. So why did we sail NCL again? Our R&D is ongoing. It is rare that we totally write off a cruise line due to one sailing. NCL had their issues in Hawaii at that time. Another opportunity came along and we wanted to give them a second look. 
Our findings and suggestions are as follows: If you are to sail aboard NCL, and we have no problem recommending this cruise line to you, then there are certain differentials that you must put into play. Sailing aboard NCL requires a totally different mindset. NCL offers freestyle dining. You have probably seen their commercials. Basically, unlike other more formalized cruise lines, you are able to choose when and where you dine and at what time. Unlike other cruise lines you must change your mindset prior to sailing. We strongly recommend booking into a balcony or higher category. I am not trying to up-sell you here. There are valid reasons for this recommendation. We, along with our friends sailed in standard balcony cabins. The cabin room stewards, in these categories and higher, seem to be the cream of the crop on the ships. We had fantastic service from these stewards. There were no issues at all. Of course I always recommend throwing the steward a $20 when you board. It really helps.   Just give him the $20 and ask him for some extra pillows. We did find out from others that sailed in the lower decks and categories that their service seemed to leave a lot to be desired. The service just was not up to the standards of a contemporary cruise line. Why, I don’t know, but we will be recommending changes be made so this issue does not continue for those in those lower categories. I believe it’s an overall training and somewhat of an attitude issue with that staff.  In addition, booking into a balcony category or higher affords you the ability to book your restaurant reservations two days in advance.  The lower category cabins can only reserve their dining within twenty four hours.  This is an advantage.  We had no problem getting into and or making reservations for dining.  NCL has changed their dining reservation system from the past.  In the past, you could have made reservations for the entire week.  This is no longer the way it is done. 
Next, and most important, is how you must look at this Freestyle dining. You have been educated by the cruise lines along with us that you will receive all of your food for free. Just go, the food is great and so is the service. The fact that the food is free still remains but there is a big “but” on this one. If you follow the following recommendation strictly then you will have a fantastic NCL cruise. You need to make up your mind ahead of time that you will be dining in a surcharge restaurant each and every night. The overall cost per person for a seven day cruise is $90 to $100 to do this.   If you do, then you will enjoy fantastic food. You also must know that the service in some of these surcharge venues will not be premium service and will be amateur on some levels. Knowing this in advance and being willing to accept it will make for a very pleasurable experience. In most of the surcharge venues we had good service. It’s not premium, white glove, even though you are paying an additional price. The food quality is worth it. Think about it! You would spend $10, $15 or $20 in a diner in town so really it’s no big deal. For these prices you do receive a high premium level quality of assorted dining delights. Again, it’s the mindset. If you go aboard thinking that, “I paid for this cruise and I am entitled to eat for free,” then you will not enjoy the same experience we did. We heard numerous complaints about the food and service in the main, free dining rooms. Yes they are there for you to utilize as your all inclusive food cruise. Just don’t come back and tell me that it was terrible. Remember, change the mindset. $100 per person extra will buy you quality.  The ship was beautiful. From what we have seen of the NCL ships, and we have been on more than those we have sailed on, they are beautiful ships. They have plenty of different venues to enjoy. The entertainment level was excellent. Remember, I was a professional musician for over 35 years. I know talent. The talent level aboard NCL matches any cruise line I have sailed on and I would even grade them a step higher than most.  
Their new vessels offer all of the high activity level you would expect from a contemporary cruise line. If you follow our suggestions and are able to change your mindset from your past cruising experiences then we can strongly recommend NCL for your next cruise. Many times NCL has pricing for balcony categories and higher that would easily allow for the additional expense of the surcharge restaurants. 
Bermuda is still Bermuda.  It is one of the better ports of call that you can visit during a 7 night cruise.  Unfortunately, most sailings over the past number of years leave from the Northeast ports such as NYC, Bayonne, NJ and Brooklyn.  There are also sailings to Bermuda from Philadelphia and at times, Baltimore and Norfolk.  Sailings from Florida are limited to approximately one or two per year.
If you are a golfer then there is plenty to choose from.  NCL stays in Bermuda for 3 nights.  Most other sailings are only two night stay overs on 5 night sailings.  We got in two rounds on fantastic courses.  The prices where a little high.  Greens fees where at $150pp.  You can rent Calaway clubs onboard NCL.  I think it was $39 per day.  My suggestion, take your own clubs.  I didn't this time and wanted to kick myself.  I had to rent clubs, shoes and buy all the other stuff.  It was dumb on my part but I didn’t think I was going to play due to health issues.  I have these buddies that didn’t want to hear about any excuses.  Oh well, I kicked butt.  LOL You don’t mess with this ole man, even when he plays in pain.  Hey, I live in FL and play every week.  They should have taken that into consideration before making their bets. 
In conclusion, NCL is a buy but only if you follow my directions. Call us today for more information about NCL and how you can consider this cruise line for your next cruise vacation.  Remember, we tell it the way it is here.  Thanks for reading.