bigsky

Have sailed on Princess a dozen times and we are booking our first NCL cruise. To those of you that have sailed both, what are the subtle or not so subtle differences between the two experiences?

Completely depends on which ships you're comparing. Been on a few Princess. Found them to have a much older crowd than we're used to. But just went on the Dawn, and many older ones on that one as well. The Dawn didn't compare at all to Princess.

I will agree, the Dawn is pretty boring. It's the convenience for us as to why we've been on her more than once.

We found most people were from Boston. Much different feel than our normal cruises.

Thank you for your post. This is my fear, that I will try another line, pay just as much, and not enjoy it.

We actually paid twice as much!!

Just returned from a cruise on NCL the Dawn. We went to see the America's Cup which gave us 3 full days there, which Royal doesn't. Won't compare since I did a short review on NCL. Can't really compare the Dawn to what we're used to on Royal. We love the Oasis class.

Though other services you can compare, food, staff, entertainment. Everything was much better on Royal for us. I tried to not keep comparing the two, but I couldn't help myself. We love Royal and know why. So much to do, wonderful staff, beautiful ships. We found ourselves bored : ( I know the larger ships are probably much better. Just made us appreciate Royal that much more after going.

Now to figure out our next one!

Just a short review on our experience on the Dawn. This was our 14th cruise. Never cruised NCL. Royal is our favorite. Cruised Carnival, Royal, Princess and Disney prior.

Wasn't looking forward to this ship as I knew it was much different what we're used to and not much to do. You know what you want out of a cruise, and knew this ship wasn't what I wanted. We chose it because it gave us 3 full days to watch the America's Cup in Bermuda. For that reason, it was a success!! I really tried to keep an open mind about everything.

Embark process was easy. Got there at 10:00 am. The table to book specialty restaurants was set up, so that was nice to get that done prior to getting on board. Sat and waited to board for about an hr. We always cruise out of Florida. So the place wasn't as nice as we're used to. Very industrial. Though we really enjoyed Boston a few days prior to the cruise. Even though the weather was horrible!! The machine broke down to put our cards in. Had to manually do it which took forever. They closed our line and opened another after a while.

Used to the wow factor of other ships when you board. You walk into an area where the elevators are. Nothing special.

Had lunch and walked around a bit.

O" Sheeans- This was our favorite part of the ship. It's the atrium, which I'm used to much larger and nicer areas. We enjoyed though eating here for quicker service. Nice staff. Also enjoyed the music at night.

Our cabin on was deck 10. Picked this specific area because we always like to get near the elevators and quick access to everything. We've never had any issue with noise with cabins next to us until this cruise. Was horrible! One cabin was loud and vulgar. Had to call on them a few times. Other nights I covered my head with a pillow to sleep :mad:

Other side the guy had an issue with coughing up something all the time...and snoring. Not his fault, but walls are so thin!

Very noisy by the elevators. I guess just depends on the ship.

We had a few days of smelly bathroom issues. Smelled like sewage in the sink. Went away after a day, but happened a few days. Did like the layout of the bathroom though. Comfy beds as well.

Pool- Only one small pool. Enjoyed the live music in the afternoon. Had nice comfy chair and couches around which was nice. Lots of chairs on different levels. I miss the adult areas only on Royal...their solariums.

My dh said there were a lot of quiet areas he found on the ship. We kindof split to do as we wanted during the day. I liked the lounge chairs on the sides (deck 7) to read and just watch the seas. We also played shuffelboard here and enjoyed a game of ping pong. That day the fog was like pea soup, windy and chilly. Challenging to play : )

We ate at Los Lobos, Cagney's and Teppanyaki. I have a very restrictive diet. They were very accommodating to that fact. I had to know exactly what spices were on my meat. I would go back to any of these restaurants! Ate one night at the Aqua. It was dark and dreary when we went. Didn't have the lights on yet. Dh's meat was dry (common we found) and my potatoe was black when I opened it. Waiter didn't seem to interested in my food issues. We didn't return there. Liked O'Sheeans better (however you spell that : ) )

Entertainment was so so. Usually they would have the marriage show during the afternoons on cruises. They put that at 8 as main entertainment and a good comedian on at 2:45 in the afternoon! One show we really enjoyed! A couple from the Ukraine. Not sure of their act name. Used to much better entertainment.

Wood railing could really use some upkeep all over the ship. They did something while we were gone one day and left over spray of something all over our deck.

Disembarking wasn't fun. We walked off as soon as we were able to. More like a very long winding line all over the ship to get off. Once off finally, we caught a cab right away which was nice.

First time on a cruise that I didn't mind getting off and going home. We had a wonderful time because of the America's Cup. Bermuda is absolutely beautiful and wouldn't mind going back. Just wouldn't be on the Dawn. I'm sure it's fine for some. We're just used to much larger ships with lots to do. This ship lacked that IMO. I like the staff and food better on Royal. Did enjoy the specialty restaurants tho. But you shouldn't have to pay to get good food.

Wish they had and all ships had areas of sugar free, gluten free, dairy free foods. Many have food issues and would be nice if we could have yummy foods and desserts as well.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Happy Cruising!

No comparison to the Breakaway from what I've seen and the Dawn. Just got off the Dawn this past weekend. First time on NCL. Wouldn't cruise the Dawn again. We're used to larger ships and lots to do. Rather bored on the Dawn. Need to write a review.

Just got off the Dawn this past Friday. We went to Los Lobos, Cagney's and Teppanyaki. Loved all three! Tried to get Cagney's twice because we loved it so much. Sold out. Glad we didn't cuz we were able to experience Teppanyaki. Fun place! Only experienced those.

You can book on embarkation day. Prime time dining will sell out. The most popular is Teppanyaki followed by Cagneys.

 

On most ships, you can use the touch screen kiosks in public areas to book your dinners.

 

Reservations open 90 days prior to departure. 100 days for Suites guests. Prime time advance bookings sell out quickly.

Yep, the two we're having problems with is Teppanyaki and Cagneys. I'll quickly book as soon as we board. Now I know. : (

Assumed OP's question might be for the *Away ships and not knowing the sailing date ... here's what I suggest: re-check availability within 5 days to 2 weeks of sailing, depending on sales - slots might open up, the size of your party might also make a difference ... easily for 2 or 4 than bigger group. If still nothing, then as noted - pre-install the free iConcierge App (iOS, Android & Windows) on smartphone before arriving at the pier, while waiting to board and once checked in - connect to ship's WiFi, register your device & activate.

 

Once done, check for specialty dining availability - and, book it, be flexible. The venue might be 75% full (or less) but availability of wait staff, including rotation, do and can affect the system's ability to fully populate all the tables.

 

Lastly, if OP is Platinum or otherwise have access to ship's concierge, make a request and they've been known to be able to pull a few strings & do magic ... don't forget the "symbolic" token of appreciation for excellence in services rendered.

 

When we're sailing the Gem 3 weeks ago, maybe it was because ship was late - the reservation desk/kiosk was "mobile" and inside the cruise terminal, beyond the check-in area - laptop & menus on display and they're doing on the spot booking, don't even need to waiting until onboard.

We're cruising Friday. Yes, last minute. I've cruised 13 times and never did this before. First time with NCL. I know with Royal, they have places set up right when you board that you can book your specialty restaurants there. So no platinum here.

Will book as soon as we board.

Thanks!

Thanks so much! I know on Royal they do that, but wasn't sure about NCL. I'll just wait to book while on board. Now I get to eat with dh and not have to eat at 9:30 : )

Does the specialty restaurants hold a number aside? Trying to book and can't get in when we want or at all. Was wondering if they set some aside so once I board, I could try and get reservations booked then?

Thanks!

Yes, waited too late to book : (

Seasoned cruiser, but never with NCL. Trying to book last minute reservations with some specialty restaurants. Just forgot to book prior to this. I'm finding I can't even book with Cagney's unless I want to eat at 9:00. Too late. Teppanyaki I can if I book for a reservation of 1. Since I would like to eat with my dh, do you know if I book 2 reservations for 1 each that likely they would just have us together? Didn't know if they had special sections for single seating. Then if we both book at say 6:00, we can just be in that section together. Frustrated, but my own fault. I should know better. :mad: ....thanks!

Best of luck with the diet and enjoy your cruise.

Thank you!

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Laura

This would be our third time on the Dawn and it was refurbished in 2016.....you will love it ! And Boston too!:cool: What are the dates for the Cup? May and June?

End of May, when we'll be there, thru end of June. Forget when it ends. I'm hoping to love it as much as our other cruises. We're mega ship people. This will be very different, but keeping an open mind. I know we probably won't go back on it. Not enough to do for John. But with the Cup, he's excited!

From NCL.com:

 

In order to make your cruise experience as enjoyable as possible and so that we can try to meet your specific needs, call 1-866-584-9756 (voice), fax (305) 468-2171, send an email to accessdesk@ncl.com or have your travel agent contact us.

Will contact them. Thank you. Used to Royal and we can just add special requests when we ck in online.

I also suffer from Hashimotos but have never been advised to change my diet. I'm interested to know how that helps. I am on thyroid replacement of course, so guess you must be too.

 

Hope you have a great cruise, and that your health issues improve.

Diet is everything! I'm trying to get it into remission with diet and supplements only. Just diagnosed and basically trying to fix the gut right now. I can talk with you privately if you want to message me! Need to find out what your triggers are. Gluten is a big no no for anyone that has Hashi's. Maybe others....At this time, no meds for me.

A seasoned cruiser. Love looking forward to the wonderful food onboard! Just diagnosed with Hashimoto's and have to adhere

to a VERY strict way of eating to heal my gut. Wondering if anyone here, if not with this disease, have to have very strict guidelines to eating. Since I've never cruised with NCL, I'm not sure how they are about this. No dairy, wheat, grains, soy, eggs, nuts to name a few. Spices as well limited. Can't have cross contamination either. Going on a cruise in one month and not looking forward to the eating part of it. Won't be at the introduce some foods in my diet yet.

I will go online and see if there's a place I can put diet restrictions on there. But just wondering about others experience with this.

Thanks!

I think it's pretty subjective as far as favorite ship. Everyone wants different things out of their cruise. Also depends on age. For us, our favorite is Royal. I love their ships! We prefer the larger ones with more to do. I actually find the larger, the less it feels crowded. So many more places to spread out. Their entertainment is a notch above the others in that fleet. They're all beautiful and like the layouts of them. We've been on Disney. Not for us. Very expensive as well. They are very nice ships though. Princess...An older crowd, but nice ships. Didn't like the cabins. Layout was horrible too me. Too small. Carnival....I enjoyed their food, but I wouldn't go back unless it was on a newer ship, good itinerary and a really good price. Everyone wants something different. Royal had a nice balance of what we want out of a cruise (larger ones)

We went on the Oasis Nov of 2014. It was the first sailing in FL after it arriving of long dry dock. They had just switched to Cats. I had read that they keep it like 5 yrs (til next dry dock). Could be wrong. We personally were bored and left half way through along with many others. Many left before that. It was the first night and we were tired. Don't think it would have made a difference for us though. We saw Mamma Mia on Allure recently and LOVED that show! So guessing it will be there at least til 2019

Your review on the bus ride in Nassau made me laugh. We road it a few times back going to the zoo as well. I think the ride was the most entertaining part of Nassau. We did enjoy the zoo though! Sketchy is one way to describe it. I think it was bus 10? The driver picked up friends along the way. I think we took the long way around! One of his friends drank a beer in a paper bag. They were all funny to listen to. Yes, a cheap way to go! We went on the Allure, and it does have a short stop. If you go again, your family could try Blue Lagoon. We had a beautiful beach to ourselves! Took some cheap blow up mattresses and did some snorkeling. BBQ included was good. We've also gone to Atlantis which was fun! Not our fav stop, but just a few suggestions if you guys go back.

Enjoying your review!

If you don't have any luck with a larger cabin, I'd just take my sister. Better than losing money! You'll have a great time!

very helpful & friendly thread so hope you don't mind an add. question, pls : can anyone tell me please which car rental cos. have shuttle service from port to airport? OR, is there a rental car location at the port? if so, which co./cos.?

 

 

 

looks like we'll be on same cruise as you bigsky, May 26 sailing of DAWN-? although I haven't even looked at roll call yet. we're currently booked w/NCL on different cruise late May, but will be changing today to Dawn sailing, 26 May (also interested in America's Cup!, among other reasons for making change)

 

 

 

we will spend some time in Boston post-cruise (vs. pre-cruise, we'll likely arrive day-of..), but want car after we disembark on 2 June. prefer to get car from airport location, as that's where we would return it, but if there is a rental location at port, that would work, too, i.e. pickup car at port, return to airport. I'm familiar w/which car rental cos. run shuttles between ports & airports in FL, but have never sailed out of Boston (been to Boston a few times - wonderful city! A LOT to do there, as has been suggested, all sounds good!

 

 

 

thanks in advance for any help w/car rental info & shuttles.

 

Lynn

Hi Lynn!

Roll call is non existent. It's there, but no one is chatting. Glad to hear you're on the same cruise. Air is pricey! More so if we hung out a few days after than before. We've cruised a lot, but never Ncl. My dh loves to sail and usually has a boat to play with. What age group are you in? [emoji16] You enjoy sailing as well? Maybe you should join roll call so

We can chat there!

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Only reason we're going! Can't wait!!

The tenants at 9 Beaches were evicted only a few weeks ago. According to the article I linked to there was also a fire. Some recent pictures of the current state the property. I doubt that the 55 million dollar redevelopment of 9 Beaches pictured in your link is going to be completed this year.

 

As far as SurfSup, it could be worth requesting info from their email link. Perhaps they will be operating somewhere. If that is their equipment being hauled away in one of the the pictures during the eviction perhaps they were able to recover it.

 

 

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I'll check that. Thanks!

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Lots of taxi's.

 

Even water taxi's. ( no traffic jam's )

 

:) http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/water-taxi/?gclid=CN_0tr2Ag9ICFdmCswodg9AJ0Q :)

 

.

Thanks!

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