NCL or CCL...which would you do?

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

I've been debating what I want to do for my 40th Birthday. Originally, I thought Aruba would be nice (we've been there about a dozen times as we have multiple timeshare weeks there) but now I'm thinking that's not a great idea. It would involve nearly 20 hours of travel to/from as we would be flying from our Las Vegas house. Too much flying for 1 week IMO.

 

I believe that there will be only 3 traveling. I will be asking for this for my Birthday present so I don't want to ask for too much. And it doesn't matter that much to us what the itinerary is as we usually do not get off the ship, but if we did, NCL's is more attractive.

 

So...here's my next two finds that I'm contemplating:

 

1. NCL Pearl, CY Villa for all 3 (the small one), is $5,600 for three.

 

2. CCL Splendor, Category 9C for 2 (aft wraparound balcony) and Category 8M for 1(adjacent aft balcony), add in spa fee's (to try and substitute a private area as the CY) $375, add in daily dinner for 3 at the only pay restaurant (to guarantee proper timing and table size for dinner) $525, and the cost is $4,000

 

So the Carnival cruise is less expensive, but doesn't have a butler or dining area in the cabin. We love eating in our cabin, but food is not the main reason we cruise, relaxation is. Carnival also gives us 2 bathrooms/bedrooms vs. the 1 with the small CY Villa. After our last Disney Cruise which was nice, not great, but nice, would we be disappointed in not having the suite luxuries?

 

Which would you choose?

[slotaddict]

Ok it would seem to be a no brainer for me. My last cruise on Carnival I had a suite and was disappointed there were no perks included other than VIP check in which was wonderful.

 

I like both lines, I have sailed on Norwegian more than Carnival. I like to try other lines but the freestyle and casual dress, plus the bookings through CAS keep me cruising NCL. That said - the difference in price would send me to Carnival - since it is a significant difference. The Splendor is a new ship so it should be in great shape. (albeit a little gaudy from what I have been told)

 

The extra bathroom, the large balcony would do it for me. Of course only you can make the decision - but I would look at the difference in price and see the extra money that I could spend in the casino (but thats just me):eek:

[mpk218]

NCL if you are doing a suite , hands down...;)

[sparks1093]

I've never sailed in a suite but the price alone would be the deciding factor with that large of a disparity. Of course I may decide once I've sailed in a suite that it's worth the extra $1600. I do have to wait until it is just DW and I going, because I'm not about to hook 5 kids on the suite life (at least while it's my dime that's paying for it:rolleyes:).

[mpk218]

I've never sailed in a suite but the price alone would be the deciding factor with that large of a disparity. Of course I may decide once I've sailed in a suite that it's worth the extra $1600. I do have to wait until it is just DW and I going, because I'm not about to hook 5 kids on the suite life (at least while it's my dime that's paying for it:rolleyes:).

 

 

LOL , thats so funny about the kids. :p

We sail almost exclusively in suites and the last time we were on the Pearl we booked a mini-suite . You should have heard the comments the kids made , it was hilarious . " Dad , call the front desk and ask for a better cabin , wheres Amanda going to sleep ".

You are right , dont get the kids "comfortable" with suites. They get spoiled ;)

[2Cruise4Ever]

We sailed Carnival for my 40th birthday a couple of years ago. We, too, were disappointed in the perks (or should I say lack thereof??). After that we decided it wasn't worth the money to get a suite, in our opinion. Not that we wouldn't sail CCL again (and have since). But, we look at NCL first. I'd definitely choose the Pearl in a heartbeat!

[westonsteve]

One thing to keep in mind is that there are other suites on the Pearl less expensive than the Coutyard Villa that would give you the "suite perks" if you were concerned with price. I think one of NCL's non-Courtyard suites would be a better comparable to the Carnival suite. But if you are looking for the suite experience - NCL Courtyard is probably your better option.

[newmexicoNita]

I've been debating what I want to do for my 40th Birthday. Originally, I thought Aruba would be nice (we've been there about a dozen times as we have multiple timeshare weeks there) but now I'm thinking that's not a great idea. It would involve nearly 20 hours of travel to/from as we would be flying from our Las Vegas house. Too much flying for 1 week IMO.

 

I believe that there will be only 3 traveling. I will be asking for this for my Birthday present so I don't want to ask for too much. And it doesn't matter that much to us what the itinerary is as we usually do not get off the ship, but if we did, NCL's is more attractive.

 

So...here's my next two finds that I'm contemplating:

 

1. NCL Pearl, CY Villa for all 3 (the small one), is $5,600 for three.

 

2. CCL Splendor, Category 9C for 2 (aft wraparound balcony) and Category 8M for 1(adjacent aft balcony), add in spa fee's (to try and substitute a private area as the CY) $375, add in daily dinner for 3 at the only pay restaurant (to guarantee proper timing and table size for dinner) $525, and the cost is $4,000

 

So the Carnival cruise is less expensive, but doesn't have a butler or dining area in the cabin. We love eating in our cabin, but food is not the main reason we cruise, relaxation is. Carnival also gives us 2 bathrooms/bedrooms vs. the 1 with the small CY Villa. After our last Disney Cruise which was nice, not great, but nice, would we be disappointed in not having the suite luxuries?

 

Which would you choose?

 

It sounds to me like you might be happier with NCL this time around. Yes, the suite amenities are a plus. Of course Carnival has awesome cabins for the money.

 

NIta

[Vyhanek]

I don't know. Aruba sounds really hard to beat! Have you thought about flying to Miami, spending the night and then doing the next leg the following day to break it up?

 

As far as the cruise goes, I agree. If the choice involves NCL Courtyard Villa go NCL. Anything less I would probably choose CCL. Until NCL can overhaul the food situation and extremely slow dining room service.

 

BTW, Carnival's Specialty Restaurant David's is really, really high end quality. Much, much nicer than anything on NCL. So nice I wouldn't even want to eat dinner there 3 times.

[DMH15]

Rick, happy upcoming 40th birthday... congrats!!! I can remember mine. My family got me with a surprise party... ugh. So on my 50th, I went to the beach! You've got the right idea!!!

 

In the CV you will have a nice dining table and the nice cappacino macine (if that matters to you) for ensuite dining, which you like. Not as big as the GV you have experienced, but nice. Although you only have one bathroom, I believe there is another one in the courtyard. Is that correct? So one bathroom would only matter when someone is showering or needs to. The old CV's couches were not conducive to someone sleeping on it, but I understand the new ones (sofa beds) are much better. Of course, you know how small the balcony is in the CV, but the courtyard and sundeck make up for it.

 

For me, the CY with the CV takes it up a notch from any other suite on the ship. But I like to get away from crowds and the courtyard seems to be a lot more peaceful. But do you care?

 

I have only sailed Carnival once and it was an older ship and it was a weekend cruise, but I am slanted to NCL. So for me it would be NCL. Not that NCL would win hands down against anyone, I like X and RC was okay and I am still wanting to try other lines like Azamara.

 

Since this is a "special occasion", which line do you think will give you more of a "special feeling"? I think it would be NCL.

 

I sure would like to be going somewhere warm right now. I hate the cold.

[zqvol]

I've been debating what I want to do for my 40th Birthday. Originally, I thought Aruba would be nice (we've been there about a dozen times as we have multiple timeshare weeks there) but now I'm thinking that's not a great idea. It would involve nearly 20 hours of travel to/from as we would be flying from our Las Vegas house. Too much flying for 1 week IMO.

 

I believe that there will be only 3 traveling. I will be asking for this for my Birthday present so I don't want to ask for too much. And it doesn't matter that much to us what the itinerary is as we usually do not get off the ship, but if we did, NCL's is more attractive.

 

So...here's my next two finds that I'm contemplating:

 

1. NCL Pearl, CY Villa for all 3 (the small one), is $5,600 for three.

 

2. CCL Splendor, Category 9C for 2 (aft wraparound balcony) and Category 8M for 1(adjacent aft balcony), add in spa fee's (to try and substitute a private area as the CY) $375, add in daily dinner for 3 at the only pay restaurant (to guarantee proper timing and table size for dinner) $525, and the cost is $4,000

 

So the Carnival cruise is less expensive, but doesn't have a butler or dining area in the cabin. We love eating in our cabin, but food is not the main reason we cruise, relaxation is. Carnival also gives us 2 bathrooms/bedrooms vs. the 1 with the small CY Villa. After our last Disney Cruise which was nice, not great, but nice, would we be disappointed in not having the suite luxuries?

 

Which would you choose?

 

A couple of thoughts that might influence your decision. Carnival is going to an anytime dining option that works just like the main dining rooms on NCL. Show up and you are seated with your party or at a shared table if that is your desire. Sometimes you have to wait, sometimes not. So unless you want to splurge no reason to spend that $575.

 

Not sure that the spa will accomplish what you want though there is a pool aft, that will be much less noisy than the mid ships pool.

 

Two bathrooms and dressing areas are worth their weight in gold.

[CanadianTwosome]

Rick, I've read many of your prior posts, and we're very different cruisers. You love having a nice, spacious cabin where you can relax and dine, and I prefer to be nowhere near mine, regardless of how big it is. So, because of that clear difference, your posts often stand out for me because your perspective is so different from mine. Based on how I perceive your point of view, I think NCL is the best choice. It's your birthday, and it's a milestone birthday; live it up!! :)

 

By the way, Happy Birthday!! :p

[halos]

I'm not about to hook 5 kids on the suite life (at least while it's my dime that's paying for it:rolleyes:).

 

You are VERY smart!! :D

 

OP:

I believe either cruise experience will be wonderful. I guess you have to decide which is more important, the suite perks or two bathrooms?

 

I wonder if dining in the specialty restaurant every night on CCL would be wise though...wouldn't you get bored?? The menu is pretty limited. :confused:

[newmexicoNita]

I don't know. Aruba sounds really hard to beat! Have you thought about flying to Miami, spending the night and then doing the next leg the following day to break it up?

 

As far as the cruise goes, I agree. If the choice involves NCL Courtyard Villa go NCL. Anything less I would probably choose CCL. Until NCL can overhaul the food situation and extremely slow dining room service.

 

BTW, Carnival's Specialty Restaurant David's is really, really high end quality. Much, much nicer than anything on NCL. So nice I wouldn't even want to eat dinner there 3 times.

 

Isn't that a matter of opinion. Yes, I have heard it is very good, but it is also pricey compared to some other lines.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

A couple of thoughts that might influence your decision. Carnival is going to an anytime dining option that works just like the main dining rooms on NCL. Show up and you are seated with your party or at a shared table if that is your desire. Sometimes you have to wait, sometimes not. So unless you want to splurge no reason to spend that $575.

 

Not sure that the spa will accomplish what you want though there is a pool aft, that will be much less noisy than the mid ships pool.

 

Two bathrooms and dressing areas are worth their weight in gold.

 

I will throw this in, the "anytime" dining on other ships don't run quite as smoothly as on NCL because the other lines are new at it. Well, at least on HAL and Princess it doesn't work as well, I don't know about Carnvial...

 

I still think either line would be fun for a birthday celebration. It depends on how much the suite perks mean to the OP...

 

Nita

[InTheCruisingYearsOfLife]

I've been debating what I want to do for my 40th Birthday. Originally, I thought Aruba would be nice (we've been there about a dozen times as we have multiple timeshare weeks there) but now I'm thinking that's not a great idea. It would involve nearly 20 hours of travel to/from as we would be flying from our Las Vegas house. Too much flying for 1 week IMO.

 

...

 

Which would you choose?

 

 

 

You could go to Las Vegas instead.:rolleyes:

InThe

[ihopecruise2]

We just got back from the Norwegian Pearl. After going on 4 CCL cruises, the only thing I liked better about NCL was the entertainment. The food in the main dining rooms was ok, and the specialty restaurants can get expensive if you like lobster tail.

[halos]

Isn't that a matter of opinion. Yes, I have heard it is very good, but it is also pricey compared to some other lines.

 

Nita

 

Just an fyi...it is worth the extra....it's that good.

But I couldn't eat there every night. Once during a one week cruise would be enough. It's a 3 hour meal :eek:

 

I will throw this in, the "anytime" dining on other ships don't run quite as smoothly as on NCL because the other lines are new at it. Well, at least on HAL and Princess it doesn't work as well, I don't know about Carnvial...

 

 

 

Nita

 

Not only are they new at it, they aren't set up for it like NCL is.

 

Although I personally think the food in the main dining rooms on CCL is better than NCL's, (as well as the supper club which is better than Cagney's by a mile) NOTHING can beat the variety on NCL.

I don't care if I had to pay extra every night...I love Salsa...LeBistro and Teppenyaki.

[hamrag]

I've been debating what I want to do for my 40th Birthday. Originally, I thought Aruba would be nice (we've been there about a dozen times as we have multiple timeshare weeks there) but now I'm thinking that's not a great idea. It would involve nearly 20 hours of travel to/from as we would be flying from our Las Vegas house. Too much flying for 1 week IMO.

 

I believe that there will be only 3 traveling. I will be asking for this for my Birthday present so I don't want to ask for too much. And it doesn't matter that much to us what the itinerary is as we usually do not get off the ship, but if we did, NCL's is more attractive.

 

So...here's my next two finds that I'm contemplating:

 

1. NCL Pearl, CY Villa for all 3 (the small one), is $5,600 for three.

 

2. CCL Splendor, Category 9C for 2 (aft wraparound balcony) and Category 8M for 1(adjacent aft balcony), add in spa fee's (to try and substitute a private area as the CY) $375, add in daily dinner for 3 at the only pay restaurant (to guarantee proper timing and table size for dinner) $525, and the cost is $4,000

 

So the Carnival cruise is less expensive, but doesn't have a butler or dining area in the cabin. We love eating in our cabin, but food is not the main reason we cruise, relaxation is. Carnival also gives us 2 bathrooms/bedrooms vs. the 1 with the small CY Villa. After our last Disney Cruise which was nice, not great, but nice, would we be disappointed in not having the suite luxuries?

 

Which would you choose?

 

Cannot comment, we always do insides which means we can cruise 2 or 3 times per annum.

 

How about a third alternative suggestion....you come stay at our place in Scotland for a week and we go to your place in Las Vegas? Sounds a good deal to us!

[halos]

Cannot comment, we always do insides which means we can cruise 2 or 3 times per annum.

 

How about a third alternative suggestion....you come stay at our place in Scotland for a week and we go to your place in Las Vegas? Sounds a good deal to us!

Are you offereing house swaps??? How do you feel about Maine????? ;):p

 

I'd LOVE to visit Scotland...if just to listen to everyone talk and no other reason :)

[chachi]

I would pick 2 rooms for privacy. Carnivals anytime dining is great. Never had to wait in line and always got a two top.

[zqvol]

I will throw this in, the "anytime" dining on other ships don't run quite as smoothly as on NCL because the other lines are new at it. Well, at least on HAL and Princess it doesn't work as well, I don't know about Carnvial...

 

I still think either line would be fun for a birthday celebration. It depends on how much the suite perks mean to the OP...

 

Nita

 

All I can tell you is that we have been on Carnival Legend twice since it was implemented and it was much smoother than anything was when I sailed on NCL Dawn. To a large degree I think the efficiency has to do with how willing both the staff and the passengers are to accept that experience.

[newmexicoNita]

All I can tell you is that we have been on Carnival Legend twice since it was implemented and it was much smoother than anything was when I sailed on NCL Dawn. To a large degree I think the efficiency has to do with how willing both the staff and the passengers are to accept that experience.

 

I am glad to hear that. Our biggest problem was with Princess. No matter what we wanted we always ended up with a table for 8. Now, with traditional dining that is fine, but "anytime dinint" you never get to know anyone, we had iffy service most of the time, some was good and we always felt rushed. HAL was a little better..

 

Nita

[WinnieinWA]

That's a no brainer for me! I love the suite life that NCL offers. :) Especially the butler and dining in the suite.

[hamrag]

Are you offereing house swaps??? How do you feel about Maine????? ;):p

 

I'd LOVE to visit Scotland...if just to listen to everyone talk and no other reason :)

 

Doesn't hold the same attraction as LV....we once sat on the (snowy) tarmac on a refuelling stop somewhere in Maine. Thanks for the kind offer though!