NCL setting a new trend?

As some of you may already know and for those who don’t NCL are now going All Inclusive on their cruises. Yes, we know some of the 6 star fleets are like this anyway but NCL as a run of the mill cruise line are doing just that. All Inclusive. Drinks, Gratuities, everything included. No more promotions of Free Drinks and the option of adding or removing gratuities. All Inclusive price and job done.

Sounds good on the face of it. One price and everything all in. I think that this may suit NCL as they’re a bit more relaxed and resort casual and not so known for the formal nights. This may attract a completely different clientele. I remember Ocean Village being for people who don’t do cruises and was very not so formal. I think NCL are taking a risk here. I’d hate to see a cruise be a bit like an All inclusive hotel in the canary islands but at sea.

I appreciate there’s a demand for drinks packages on cruises as the biggest complaint is that the drinks are too high in price. This will put a stop to that as customers can book knowing it’s all in. Yes, I’ve had calls already from bookings already made prior to the change wanting to add the drinks and the answer is no. Applies to new bookings only. I’ve also looked at the prices and NCL have increased the costs too. Certainly not getting anything for nothing here. Perhaps they’re being smart and getting a higher fee for the cruise and have included the gratuities into the cost, which stops customers opting out and of course those who want to tip extra can do so. The staff are guaranteed the gratuities as will be included in the cruise fare. I can see this working for NCL because they’re more resort casual but I couldn’t see all cruise lines following. Thomson maybe. The likes of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will still continue to have the promotions of drinks packages from time to time. The luxury brands have them as standard and I believe the likes of Regent for example being a luxury 6* liner, the drinks included is standard and you know you’re paying that for a premium brand cruise line and premium prices too.

I think NCL will give themselves the reputation of being cheap and cheerful at sea with drinks included. Just like a typical All Inclusive hotel. Personally I don’t like the drinks package on any cruise. Maybe the luxury lines I can understand as you think you’re paying a premium price for a premium cruise and then expect to get it all included. These cruise lines like NCL I just think are aiming at a different market now. I couldn’t see P&O or Cunard following but we shall see. NCL are excellent for families and who knows this could prove to be really popular. Virgin holidays went to a direct sale only and they’ve increased in sales. NCL may just do the same. It could give them the edge over their rivals for the summer holidays with families. I shall monitor my NCL bookings and see if we take a increase in NCL enquiries.
I suppose in this day and age there will always be change. Not always for the good so watch this space. What do you think? Are you a fan of NCL cruises and are you pleased they’ve gone completely all inclusive? Do you think it will help them as they’re a less formal type of cruise, does that help with the market they’re aiming for? Let me know your views.