WORST CHRISTMAS EVER

My my point about the declining service since the auto grats was not solely about the Sky or Norwegian.  It has become a problem on all the lines.  People on many ships have been complaining in recent years about the poor service.   Fewer stewards with more cabins to clean.  Bartenders that no longer engage customers.  Waiters that don't remember to bring double chilled soups.  It's becoming the norm.   We've been lucky I guess.    

Wow, I'm booked on Sky and I'm looking out for differences between this cruise and the same one I was on three years ago. If the rumors of declining quality of food, drink and service since the auto-gratuity and open bar changes went into effect--GULP! Curious how your experience compares with mine. Please watch my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sym9OrPORho 

Hope your dad is well now and no one else was sick. I have heard that if someone is ill, they may be confined to their room in order to prevent a norovirus from spreading. It seems they were being cautious so others wouldn't get sick, and a stomach ache could have led to him throwing up in public areas. 

Buffets and other eateries on a ship are only open for specific times. The hours are listed for each in the daily FunTimes on Carnival ships, other cruiselines likely do the same. 

Food and beverages can be ordered from room service 24/7 for free or a nominal price. 

The medical staff are available 24/7 for emergencies but the infirmary is open specific hours for non emergencies. Similar to walk in clinics or doctors offices on land, no one can be there 24/7.

I hope you try cruising again because for most of us, it's the best way to spend vacation time.

Hopefully your Dad is better now.

Again, I have to differ. NCL has always been great for us. We are going on our 10th cruise with them in a couple of weeks.    Opinions vary on this subject.   IMHO, ever since the introduction of auto gratuities, service has suffered in general.   Also contributing to the poor service are the mega ships.   Cruise hiring agents  can't afford to be as discerning as they once were. They have to fill jobs.  From what I have read, thefts are also up on cruise ships.

gotta run,

Re look at cruising, I don't believe that what you experienced is the norm.

Sorry to hear of your father being ill and confined to his cabin.  If you ever cruise again,  they could have called for room service for food and drinks.

IMHO NCL is bottom of the bucket for cruise lines.   If you ever try cruising again I'd suggest a premium line like Celebrity or HAL.  HAL has the older clients cruising with them and will be more set up for them.

Thank you for your review.

Hope your Dad is well , hate to hear this , especially your first , Give it another go one day.