Cutbacks on NCL? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

cruisin' chick · 06-16-2009, 01:28 AM

What cutbacks have you seen on NCL?

Have you noticed one less shrimp in the cocktail?

A single guitar instead of a string quartet in the lounge?

Cabin steward now in charge of an entire deck instead of a group of cabins?

jimswims · 08-22-2009, 11:46 AM

I was on the NCL Spirit to Bermuda from 8-7 to 8-14. I was previously on the Spirit in August 2006 for an 8 day out of NYC to the Eastern Carib.

The Spirit is more beautiful than ever! The public areas have benefited from their dry dock in the Fall of 2008.

The beds are higher up, matresses and pillows more comfortable. The cabins have been improved but there is still some signs of wear and tear that any ship that is 11 years old will show.

The service was far improved from my 2006 cruise. The staff were helpful and went out of their way to make your cruise pleasant. We never met our room stewards but they kept the cabin great. We booked 2 cabins side by side. We were the last in the cabin stewards row, my DW and DD were the first in the other room stewards row. They met and spoke to theirs a few times. Our cabins were always ready when we needed them with the exception of one sea day. It was not really an issue.

Service in the dining rooms were great. I really felt that the staff were trying to make sure that we were happy with everything.

Food quality has improved in my opinion in all ares except the buffet for breakfast and lunch. The buffet was not bad by any means but I noticed that some of the items were not as good as I remembered. However, they have improved the deli and also added a yogurt station. We did not eat in the buffet at night bu my kids did. They had an incredible prime rib there one night. My DD loved it!

I do not think that NCL has declined in service, food, or entertainment based on my recent cruise. If anything, NCL has brought me back to considering them first after sailing another line in 2008.

Char · 08-22-2009, 11:52 AM

It is so good to hear a positive report! Thanks Jim!

jimswims · 08-22-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

It is so good to hear a positive report! Thanks Jim!

Thank you. I was so pleasantly surprised.

We had my sister, b-in-law, my parents, my brother and his family with us.

Many have been on the NCL Majesty something like 15 times. I did not know how they would like the bigger ship. Everything was excellent for us and them.

Planersedge · 08-22-2009, 04:10 PM

I haven't noticed any cutbacks at all. Like Jim, I did notice a bit of a quality improvement in the food, but it was always good to me.

PE

smitty · 08-28-2009, 08:00 PM

i can only speak over the past two years but the food seems slightly better this year than last.