We have been NCL Latitudes Platinum level members for years. The benefits offered for this level contribute greatly to our reason for booking with NCL instead of with competing lines. On this cruise, we were amazed to see that our benefits had been downgraded from the time when we had purchased our cruise. There had been no previous indication that our benefits would be changing. Previously, Platinum members were each offered a dinner in Le Bistro with an accompanying bottle of wine . Now, only one meal and one bottle one wine, although my husband and I have BOTH spent thousands of dollars to attain Platinum status. The replacement for the previously offerred Le Bistro meal is a meal at Moderno or La Cucina, with no wine - hardly a comparable replacement! Also, there is no longer a welcoming box of Godiva chocolates. NCL claims that the changes are an upgrade because they now offer larger discounts on photos, etc., and they now give you two bottles of water! Perhaps this is a laughable attempt to appease those who are no longer allowed to bring their own water or soda aboard. I am sure that I am not alone in finding this restriction abhorrent! On this cruise, no invitations were issued for the Latitudes Cocktail Party and most members were unaware until later in the week, that it had been held at all. It is unfortunate that NCL chooses to downgrade the benefits of their most loyal clientele. Speaking for myself, they may no longer be so loyal! There is an old saying about, "for want of a nail, - - -".

Now for the particulars of this cruise. First the Pros:

1. quick and easy embarkation (luggage came quickly) and debarkation ( fast walk off) Read more