Unfortunately there may be some merit to the lawsuit-The new f2 concept allows balcony passengers different shipcards to allow them priority reservations (up to 48 hours in advance vs. 24 hours standard). Bedding will be different(better?) and several other benefits. When sailing the Gem in January 08 we noted the new bedding in our balcony cabin and we did encounter some reservation problems. They were very annoying! At that time we were informed that the new F2 program was being implemented.
We are cruising the Dawn in Oct 08 in an oceanview- and the Gem in Feb. 09 in a balcony. We are concerned about the possible changes. It is possible that a sort of a first class/second class passenger program may be going into effect. More information on the pending changes can be viewed at the NCL Press Release web site.
The changes going into effect may well put NCL into a false and misleading advertising position. Not knowing the full nature of the content of the lawsuit-I suggest we learn more about its details!
If this instituted as a class action all past passengers can become participants. I do not see this as a frivolous action nor shall I treat it as such.

BillyBuzzy

So Billy, you're saying that all perks, access and services should be the same for all passengers? Cunard puts the vast majority of dining guests in the Britania Dining room, the big, main dining room. For those in suites, they have a small more personalized dining room with more menu choices. Some lines have a Concierge for clients in suites. Some suites on some line even come with a butler! Advanced reservation access to a specialty resteraunt that is not even included in the base cruise fare for those who purchase a suite hardly seems like merrit for a class action law suit. If it is, prepare for the rules to change with all lines (and hotels and resorts) and perks for suites or even past passengers to become a thing of the past. After all if everyone has to be treated equally regardless of what they spend with a private company, a lot of things in this world are going to change. Of course they already have due to class action lawsuits, I hope this fails miserably in the courts or is thrown out before getting that far. You can indeed pay for perks in life. Does that make life fair to everyone? No, but life isn't meant to be fair. I'll never be able to afford a Garden Villa on NCL but don't begrudge those who travel in them getting some things I'm not entitled to. I'll still have a great cruise vacation and could not care any less if they have a better one, they paid more to get it.

Cheers, Neil

Anyone can file a lawsuit.

Just like in the movie Ratatouille,
"Anyone can cook."

But that doesn't mean everyone should.

I couldn't use the Delta crown room in Atlanta one time last year because an "important" politician was in there. They offered me drinks at another location but the atmosphere wasn't the same. I didn't want to drink amongst commoners. My rights as a valued Delta customer were absolutely trampled. So what kind of settlement do you think that I should ask for? Don't forget pain and suffering. (the place where they sent me didn't even have top-shelf Vodka. Do you think that I have flown with Delta all of these years to be satisfied with Aristocrat?!?!)

I couldn't find a seat in the Delta Crown Room this morning in concourse B at ATL. Standing room only.

Sounds to me like grounds for a class action suit. Possibly a drinking passengers bill of rights legislation in Congress. If you can find this ladys atty I'm certain he'll file the suit.

I tried to get play-off tickets for the Rockets but was denied because I'm not a season ticket holder, they get them first and then if any are left the public gets them. The problem is the season ticket holders can get as many as they want, so I got zilch. I should sue the Rockets and NBA!?!? Should the convict that sues over his religious right being violated because they wouldn't let him smoke weed in prison be compensated and allowed the privelege?

Where does all this lawsuit madness stop? Are we really entitled to anything we want because someone else got dinner reservation and we didn't? I still say these suits are frivolous and should be not only dismissed before going to court, anyone filing such a silly thing should be hit with punitive damages to re-imburse the targets of such litigation.

Cheers, Neil

Gee, will they be serving beans and wieners to us lower class now?...That's ok because I like beans and wieners...I don't cruise because of the food....The places, people, sea breeze, starry nights and sunsets are what I go for....now if they start taking my starry nights away...then I will Sue....

If you pay top buck, I think you should get some special treatment...I choose not to...

Happy Sailing

Bob E

If anyone here ever becomes the target of a lawsuit used as a weapon rather than to correct an injustice, you'll know how devistating it can be. I have been so unfortunate and lost my livelyhood and nearly everything I'd spent my life to achieve. A lawsuit can be used for righting wrongs or creating them. If you can't afford to defend yourself aginst such actions for years and the person suing has the resources, it doesn't matter who's right, you lose. If you can afford the cost, like many corporations, it still doesn't make filing them without merit right.

Cheers, Neil

quote:

Originally posted by TrvlPro:
So Billy, you're saying that all perks, access and services should be the same for all passengers?

This is how it was, for the most part, when I started cruising. I'm certain that those in the highest categories received perks attached to their cabins, such as concierge service, but nothing that would prevent other pax from using the shared facilities. Remember, too, that back then there were few suites on ships. Now, they're loaded with them.

I still don't think the situation in the above-referenced article merits a lawsuit. I do hope that NCL will continue to give perks to its longtime Latitudes members, its loyal customers.

TrvlPro-I did not say that things need be the same for all passengers, what I am saying is simply that there appear to be changes in the way NCL will be accomodating passengers and that these changes may not be what we are expecting,enjoying or led to believe by the Freestyle advertising campaign. Past passengers may not like these changes.
We really need to view the full content of the lawsuit to see whether or not the claim is frivolous. What I have read on the NCL Press Release page - can be a little discomfitting to prior NCL cruisers.

BillyBuzzy

Then DON'T cruise with NCL! If you don't like their policies, YOU have the choice NOT to cruise with them. If enough past guests feel the same way, and stop cruising with NCL, they will feel it where all big corps feel pain.. in their balance sheet.

Don't go running to your lawyer everytime someone throw's off your groove.

Jim C.-You make an excellent point and that is exactly what can happen to NCL's balance sheet if some of the F2 changes prove unsatisfying. I, for one, continue to enjoy cruising with NCL, but I will still be observant of the changes.

BillyBuzzy

BillyBuzzy, I've noted this as something to check out when I'm on N. Dream next weekend. (I'm not in a suite, but I am Latitudes Gold.)

LisaP-I envy your cruise,I wish I were outbound but I must wait till Sept. for a 1 niter on the Spirit. The changes coming down the pike for NCL F2 appear to also include a reduction in some of the shows from 2 per nite to only 1-this is scheduled to first occur aboard the Jade in Europe. I am sure we will be reading much more about all these changes, both good and bad in the very near future!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

Let's not forget that the speciality dining is a "choice". Now if that lady was denied dining in the main restaurant, then that would be a different story. Should we all sue the airlines for giving first class free drinks and charging $5 in coach?

quote:

Should we all sue the airlines for giving first class free drinks

In fact, I just walked in the door after flying first class and I had one of those drinks (well, two actually)!

Why does that not surprise me?

quote:

Why does that not surprise me?

I guess I better not mention my visit to the Delta Crown Room then....oops!

I hope the visit to the Low Country didn't bring this on.

CCL will probably be next because they give preference to cruise loyalty for Supper Club reservations.

Dwayne

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:

quote:

Why does that not surprise me?

I guess I better not mention my visit to the Delta Crown Room then....oops!

And then you drove home after all this?