When I cruise, it tends to be on NCL. I had their second highest status in the Latitudes program (then Platinum Plus) but after the new expanded elite levels I dropped to third from the top (now Sapphire). I should, over the next year or so, reach Diamond. After that, it will take many years to reach their top elite status: Ambassador.
Like anything in the travel spaces (think travel cards or perks) and being a “frequent floater” I always try to squeeze out every single benefit I can to get the most out of every sailing. I plan way out and look for ways to stack promotions. One of the best deals NCL has had for many years has been a part of their “Free at Sea” promotion that has been free-ish (you have to pay 20% gratuities) specialty restaurants no matter what cabin you booked.
The above is the old promotion that had been in place for a very, very long time. I always try to book either Suites or Haven level rooms but on smaller ships where there is no proper Haven restaurant (basically a specialty restaurant on its own) you only get to dine away from the public dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. For dinner having a number of nights of specialty choices included matters a bunch. This year, things have changed!
As you can see from the new updated Free at Sea offer, above “Shrinkflation” has hit Norwegian Cruise Lines and it really stinks if you tend to book lower-cost cabins. As an example, if you booked say just a porthole room, like this amazing NCL Gem sailing I took and got to see whales from on-board, you would, on a 7-day cruise, have gone from 3 specially nights to just 1.
Ouch!
Now I get that COVID has been simply brutal on the cruise industry and the price of gas is not making the return to profitability any better. But this is a deep cut in the promotional experience. On the flip side for NCL, the change will likely mean more cash as folks will buy more specialty dining packages of 2, 3, or more nights whereas before they would not.
As a Sapphire, I still get 2 more specialty nights free on sailings of 5 days or more so will still have some good choices. Additionally, all my current bookings will be under the old program so these changes will not impact me till 2023 sailings I have yet to book. – René
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Thanks for the post, I am mid tier of Platinum and get the 2 extra specialty dining packages. Sailing in Sept and Dec. on the Joy in balcony cabins.
I appreciate your cruise posts.
As a Sapphire cruiser, I hate to see things change. I’m hoping it will be just temporary until things get back to a more normal and predictable budget for NCL. Love your cruise posts too!
@Tami @Byron – Thanks so much. More cruise posts may be one the way in a big way!