Hows NCL compared to lines like Celebrity or Princess?

[Niche79]

So me and the GF have been on 4 cruises together now, were wanting to do an Alaskan cruise this sept and NCL has some great deals, by far cheaper than Celebrity or Princess. We have heard mixed reviews about NCL, some say its good but others slam it. So its like do we save money and give them a fair try, or do we stick with what we know? I want this to be a good cruise as it will be special, I wana give her the engagement ring this cruise and a bad cruise would really really throw off the vibe! Thank you for your help!

[DMH15]

The thing that is just a little different about NCL is freestyle. I love it. But there are some folks who prefer traditional cruising. If you want to have the same waiter and tablemates, dress up, etc. Then stick to the others. Also, people complain about Nicole and dining. Me? I like the ala carte style of cruising. I pay for what I want.

 

I especially prefer NCL if I am in a suite. Love the perks. Otherwise, Celebrity is tempting. I don't smoke and I enjoy the smoke-free atmosphere, especially in the casino. I have not cruised Princess but it is my friend's # 1 choice.

 

Congrats on your upcoming proposal. All of the ships have the ocean and the romantic stars in the sky. I am sure you will make a memory to last a lifetime.

[4774Papa]

We have done two NCL cruises and love freestyle. However, we wanted to go to South America, and now have a celebrity Infinity cruise through the Panama Canal down the West coast of SA. Also, considering cruising in Australia/NZ or Southeast Asia.

Celebrity seems more formal. In a 15 day cruise we will have three formal nights where you have to wear a tux or suit to dinner. From what I have heard Celebrity has pretty good food.

As for Princess, most of their cruises are far more expensive than either NCL or Celebrity. I read a lot of good things about Princess, but I will go with NCL first, unless they don't have an itinerary that I want.

[cpdad]

I agree with DMH15's response. We've done 4 NCL cruises and within the last six months we've completed 2 on Celebrity. Our situation is the reverse of yours: we were a little hesitant to deviate from NCL, since that was the only cruise line we knew first hand.

 

But we tried, and very much enjoyed, Celebrity. So, to echo the previous poster, try NCL and see if it's a good fit for you. We would select either NCL or Celebrity again for the right itinerary/price. Each cruise line has its own strong and weak points. Our job as customers is to find the right fit for us.

[terrymtex01]

OP... I have never been on X or PCL, so my opinion on NCL really would not help you. I do want to say that it isn't an apple to apple comparison when you compare NCL with X. I just do not believe they are in the same "class" of cruise lines. PCL is more in line with NCL.

[cynbar]

We sail all three lines and try to appreciate the strengths of each --- no cruise line is perfect, or at least we haven't found it yet. NCL is very different from the other two. Atmosphere is much more casual, dress code is pretty much non-existent, it's freestyle in attitude as much as dining choices. There is an optional dress up night, our experience has been that few dressed up but you certainly can if you want to. But be prepared to see people dressed VERY casually in the DRs, which you would never see on Celebrity or Princess. You may love it or you may hate it, but it does take a little getting used to! We have also found the food in the MDRs to be a cut below the other two lines. Some people write in that they are happy with the food but I always suspect they haven't sailed Princess or Celebrity ( please don't flame me for that, I do always have enough to eat but I think the other lines do a better job.) With all that said, we enjoy our NCL cruises. NCL does suites better than anyone, staff is always very friendly, ships are attractive and well maintained. We also like the greater availability of specialty restaurants, and we don't mind the surcharges. Anyway, we vary our cruise lines because it gets boring to us to always cruise the same line, you seem to get the same menus, same entertainment, etc. If the casual aspect doesn't bother you, I say give NCL a try.

[Sauer-kraut]

What could be better than proposing in a specialty restaurant, just the two of you, attentive service and the option of whether you want to dress up or not after a long port day. (Cagney's of Le Bistro)

 

I am sorry I can't address your specific question as I have only sailed on Cunard and Carnival other than NCL, however, the any time dining is great, no rushing around to make an assigned dinner seating. The food is fine, in fact some of the buffets are mentioned to be rated higher than on Princess.

 

Just another plus, IMO, is because you don't have to pack fancy duds and its Alaska you will have room for your layering clothes. The weather up there is so changeable that you'll have to have fleece, hiking boots/shoes, nylon windjacket or waterproof outer shell, and sweatshirts, and stuff. I know you didn't mention when you are looking to go, however, you never know what weather you'll run into up there.

 

Just because NCL is less expensive doesn't mean that you're getting a cut rate experience. The 'vibe' is more relaxed, but isn't that great when you have got some of the best scenery on earth just outside. If the price and the itinerary are what is drawing you to NCL I'd say go and book it. If you go in with a open mind and willing to experience something different you'll have a wonderful time.

[Educators2]

Hi,

We've been on all three lines. Princess and Celebrity attract an older crowd and are more formal. After about 18 cruises, we prefer casual but that's a personal preference. Contrary to many, we didn't care for the food on Princess; Celebrity is very good but the specialty dining on Norwegian is terrific. Le Bistro is very romantic. You'll enjoy any cruise-what's not to like. And most important, good luck and have fun!

Susan

[funtom]

So me and the GF have been on 4 cruises together now, were wanting to do an Alaskan cruise this sept and NCL has some great deals, by far cheaper than Celebrity or Princess. We have heard mixed reviews about NCL, some say its good but others slam it. So its like do we save money and give them a fair try, or do we stick with what we know? I want this to be a good cruise as it will be special, I wana give her the engagement ring this cruise and a bad cruise would really really throw off the vibe! Thank you for your help!

 

Princess and Celebrity offer overall better product than NCL.

That's the difference.

All major ships have specialty restaurants and any time dining.

 

 

I wana give her the engagement ring this cruise and a bad cruise would really really throw off the vibe!

 

In this case take something more reliable.

NCL will be next time.

[halos]

I haven't cruised Princess yet...will hopefully give them a try soon.

Our experience on Celebrity back in 2006 was on the infinity for a Panama Canal crossing.

Celebrity was not a good fit for us. We were in our early 40's when we sailed and we found (on that particular sailing) the people were much older than us...most celebrating 50 years of marriage and the passengers and crew were just a little too stuffy for us. We much prefer the more casual, fun laid-back experience that NCL gives us.

In all fairness I would try Celebrity again...maybe a shorter itinerary. But I must admit I am in no hurry. NCL makes me happy. It is very different than Celebrity but different isn't always good or bad...sometimes it's just different. Unlike the poster above me here, I don't feel that more formal/stuffy equates to better...the exact opposite is true for us. You may actually enjoy that difference. :)

It's worth a try. I think I would much prefer to become engaged on NCL...you're young for goodness sake. Celebrity ....well....not so much.

[josumello]

Been on all three lines. As far as "freestyle" goes they all offer it. Actually it didn't work at all on our last NCL cruise on The Gem. In fact it was a disaster. Much better on Celebrity. Food was not good on NCL including the specialiy restaurants. Frankly they were terrible. Princess and Celebrity were just fine in the MDR. we felt no need to spend additional $$ on specialty restaurants. WE did enjoy the entertainment on NCL because od very good pianobar players.

We too chose NCL because of pricing. It was very economical but I must admit we got what we paid for!!

#1, Celebrity(exceptional for non smokers0

#2. Princess

#3. NCL a distant third

Whatever you decide it will be great. Congratulations

[tiyana4]

I have to admit that I truly enjoying sailing on NCL ships. It doesn't have the stuffiness of some of the other lines, and I don't have to constantly hear about the differences between RCL vs. CCL. NCL does Freestyle very well and was innovative in being the first to offer this.

 

However, given that this is an Alaskan cruise as well as an engagement cruise, I don't think you can go wrong with Princess. One area where Princess excels is in Alaska. They have outstanding itineraries with many going to the highly desirable Glacier Bay. Another thing is that the pricing starts out pretty high but in most cases drops significantly as final payment nears. So it may appear higher initially, but the price often comes down.

 

Most importantly, Princess offers on board naturalists that explain in great detail when and where to look for wildlife (whales, dolphins, bald eagles, etc.) I don't know that any other cruise line offers this. I was on the Diamond Princess in 2009 and the naturalist pointed out many things we would have missed. It was a wonderful addition. We are planning a 2nd trip to Alaska in the future. Second only to our Med cruise, Alaska was the highlight of our cruising history.

 

I say pay the extra money and sail with Princess.

[edrosado1]

So me and the GF have been on 4 cruises together now, were wanting to do an Alaskan cruise this sept and NCL has some great deals, by far cheaper than Celebrity or Princess. We have heard mixed reviews about NCL, some say its good but others slam it. So its like do we save money and give them a fair try, or do we stick with what we know? I want this to be a good cruise as it will be special, I wana give her the engagement ring this cruise and a bad cruise would really really throw off the vibe! Thank you for your help!

 

Stick with what you know. NCL is a cheaper fare line compare to the other two. All cruise lines now offer anytime dining, and most have specialty restaturants. Always remember you get what you paid for.

IMO a cruise to Alaska is out of this world even on a raft.:)

[Niche79]

Thanks a ton, you guys really helped alot. You guys are right, I should stick with what I know. I feel Celebrity was much better in certain areas *ie food and ppl* than Princess, but Princess was still a very nice ship to be on. I have been thinking of proposing while out on one of them Glacier excursions. Your out on the ice in nature and you and her are walking together etc in that amazing scenery! :eek: As you can see, I am in Florida and...we dont get ice here, well on my windows in the winter but thats all. I never cared if ppl were all older than me either, as you can see from our pic were young but we love the older style as were not getting little kids going nuts around us or loud parties like Carnival. As a matter of fact, we have always had great table mates and met some super cool ppl on X and Princess. You guys deff have made up my mind for the BIG cruise, i wana make sure its perfect so the whole mood is just as I expect for something special. I will deff try it maybe next spring then for our following cruise!

[jp2001]

I have not cruised Celebrity nor Princess but I have cruised on Cunard. IMHO, NCL offers a very good product but in a more casual atmosphere AND the food is far from Cunard standards but if you budget a few specialty restaurants (10 to 25$pp). then the food will also be excellent and you should enjoy NCL.

 

After the proposal, I HIGHLY recommend Le Bistro, it is the most romantic restaurant onboard, with French cuisine, and all the meals I had there were fantastic. You can't go wrong with Le Bistro (and when you reserve, tell them its for the big question night and ask for their best table for two, I am sure they will accomodate you, especially if you book in advance).

 

Congratulations!

 

P.S. Sorry, just read your reply and of course you might prefer to stick to what you know so you are not disapointed, no matter what you choose, enjoy your cruise and a week of fabulous love (and ...) with your wife-to-be. Congrats again!

[searoses]

just so you know-my husband did the glacier walk. you have to stay in a small area together-won't be a private moment for you!

[Cruisegirl6]

1- they all offer your own dining time, they each call it something different

2- they all offer you specialty restaurants

3- I have not been on celebrity yet, (this year most likely) but from what others told me and I seen the copies of the menu's Celebrity ranks first for great food, then comes RC and Princess then lastly NCL.

 

 

For an Alaskan cruise I probably choose Celebrity, Princess, NCL that order.

From what others told me Celebrity gets more quieter after pm and less to offer after that, it depends on your wants.

Princess is the next quiet probably happy medium....then NCL probably has most late night entertainment.

 

You want a great remberence cruise since you will be proposing, I would knock out NCL and go either Celebrity or Princess, or whichever is less costly as you will get both very good food, service, entertainment on either of them. You have not mentioned Royal Caribbean is there a reason or you just didn't think of checking into them? Now RC offers you more choices as far as entertainment and for an Alaska cruise if you not have a balcony cabin you have the viking crown lounge where you get a complete 180 degree view of Alaska. :)

[mnmfischel]

Thanks a ton, you guys really helped alot. You guys are right, I should stick with what I know. I feel Celebrity was much better in certain areas *ie food and ppl* than Princess, but Princess was still a very nice ship to be on. I have been thinking of proposing while out on one of them Glacier excursions. Your out on the ice in nature and you and her are walking together etc in that amazing scenery! :eek: As you can see, I am in Florida and...we dont get ice here, well on my windows in the winter but thats all. I never cared if ppl were all older than me either, as you can see from our pic were young but we love the older style as were not getting little kids going nuts around us or loud parties like Carnival. As a matter of fact, we have always had great table mates and met some super cool ppl on X and Princess. You guys deff have made up my mind for the BIG cruise, i wana make sure its perfect so the whole mood is just as I expect for something special. I will deff try it maybe next spring then for our following cruise!

 

http://www.emeraldairservice.com/ Unreal.

 

We did Princess to alaska...loved it. But I love the freestyle of NCL. Honestly, depending on attitude, don't think you can go wrong on either!

[4774Papa]

LYNDA, Did you factor in $$$$? Princess always seems quite a bit higher than X or NCL.

[4774Papa]

LYNDA,

Did you factor in $$$? Princess always seems a good bit higher than X or NCL.

[4774Papa]

LYNDA,

Did you factor in $$$? Princess always seems a good bit higher than X or NCL.

[NewPennCruiser]

A similar question was asked on the Princess threads recently and they just slammed NCL. I've gone on 7 cruises, all on Princess except for one this past March on NCL and we loved the cruise on NCL. We are not "traditional" cruisers and tend to do anytime dining on Princess and I suspect most of the folks slamming NCL are really and tried and true traditional cruisers.

 

We found NCL to be more comfortable and relaxed then Princess and honestly seemed to hear less complaining on board from fellow passengers. As others have mentioned, Princess is more formal and really anymore, I just don't want to be formal on vacation. We came away from our NCL cruise with the general thought that NCL and Princess are more similar then Princess would care to admit. We thought food was equally excellent and while each line did things better then the other, both provided a fantastic vacation.

 

Regarding Alaska, Princess really almost created the Alaska cruising experience and they do it extremely well. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money that they may charge and only you can probably decide that, but what they offer at sea and on land is second to none. They take a lot of pride in what they offer on their Alaska routes and it shows in the local cultural offerings they offer on ship and with the Naturalist lectures that occur on this route. The days we spent in Glacier Bay and College Fjord on the Sapphire Princess were priceless.

 

I don't think you can go wrong cruising with anyone in Alaska. Enjoy!!

 

Dave

[DMH15]

So, you decided on X, right? Which ship?

 

I'm asking cuz I went to Alaska on the X Summit.

 

We took the helicopter to Mendenhall glacier. We got to get out and walk around on it. Truly an awesome experience. You could get someone to take pics of you proposing there maybe? Just be careful, dropping the ring would not be good!

 

Then, I'd celebrate your engagement, (she is going to say YES), that evening in the Normandie. (You have to make reservations.). It is the finest meal I've ever had at sea. The room, the service, are just exquisite. The food blew me away.

 

Here's hoping whatever you do, you'll come back and write a review and post a link on the NCL area, even if you go with another line.

 

Congrats and hope the cruise is everything you want it to be and more!

[Crusin6]

The thing that is just a little different about NCL is freestyle. I love it. But there are some folks who prefer traditional cruising. If you want to have the same waiter and tablemates, dress up, etc. Then stick to the others. Also, people complain about Nicole and dining. Me? I like the ala carte style of cruising. I pay for what I want.

 

I especially prefer NCL if I am in a suite. Love the perks. Otherwise, Celebrity is tempting. I don't smoke and I enjoy the smoke-free atmosphere, especially in the casino. I have not cruised Princess but it is my friend's # 1 choice.

 

Congrats on your upcoming proposal. All of the ships have the ocean and the romantic stars in the sky. I am sure you will make a memory to last a lifetime.

Nicole?

[eroller]

Out of the three lines you mention I prefer Celebrity first, Princess second, then NCL. Mind you I'm happy to sail on any of them and in fact I sail on NORWEGIAN PEARL tomorrow.

 

What I find is simply a higher level of quality, professionalism, finesse, and attention to detail on Celebrity. Sometimes NCL seems a bit amerteurish in the way they do things. Often times they have great concepts but lose points with the execution. They sometimes lack that attention to detail other cruise lines have.

 

When it comes to Princess I find them the most consistent of any major cruise line. They have a great product and the delivery is down to a science. Unfortunately I also find them the least interesting. Once you have been on one Princess ship you have pretty much been on them all. The decor is usually the same right down to the light fixtures and carpet patterns. Many Princess diehards love this about the line because they always know exactly what to expect but I prefer a little variety.

 

On NCL I have found just the opposite to be true of Princess. Consistency is not a strong point and my experiences on NCL have run from excellent to poor. There is just no telling from cruise to cruise but I think they are getting much better in this regard under the new leadership. I've been sailing NCL since 1980 so I've seen a massive amount of changes and leadership at the line. They are probably more stable now then they ever have been which is a good thing.

 

I would give NCL a chance. Variety is the spice of life after all.

 

Ernie